• Blogs: Make Your Health a Priority with Preventive Care

    You owe it to yourself to take care of your health. One good place to start is by scheduling your yearly preventive health care exam. Preventive care is very important for people of all ages. Scheduling an annual preventive care visit will give you a...
  • Blogs: End Your Energy Slump

    Do you sometimes feel like the energy has just drained from your body? You’re not the only one feeling more tired, more often. Many people have lifestyles that lead to frequently feeling tired. There are simple steps you can take to have more e...
  • Blogs: Winterize Your Exercise, Indoors and Out

    Has old man winter blown away some of your exercise motivation? Even though it’s cold outside, your muscles still need to feel the burn. You can beat midwinter workout blahs by switching things up. Just 30 minutes of moderate activity most days...
  • Blogs: Managing Diabetes? You Have a Partner Who Can Help

    If you’re living with diabetes, think of your primary care provider (PCP) as your partner in taking charge of your health. You can work together to successfully manage your diabetes so you can stay healthier. It’s important to get the reg...
  • Blogs: Keep Your Member ID Card Close

    It might be a thin piece of plastic tucked in your wallet until you need it. Or it might be something you find in an app on your phone. Either way, your member ID card packs a wallop. What else holds everything you need to take care of your health? W...
  • Blogs: Who Makes Decisions About My Health Care?

    This article is intended for HMO members enrolled in an employer health insurance plan. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois provides coverage for your health care. But you and your doctor are in the best position to make decisions about treatment....
  • Blogs: What Is Diabetes?

    Diabetes is taking a serious toll on our nation. About 38 million Americans suffer from the life-threatening disease — and the numbers keep growing. With diabetes, the body can no longer make enough insulin or use the insulin it does make to c...
  • Blogs: 5 Ways to Beat Holiday Stress

    While `tis the season to be jolly, for many of us the holiday season can also be a stressful time. With all the pressure to cook, gather and shop, it’s no wonder we feel overwhelmed during the holidays. The weight of stress can affect our heal...
  • Blogs: Why Is It Important To Donate Platelets?

    Blood platelet transfusions can save the lives of people with low platelet counts or malfunctioning platelets, says the American Red Cross. What Are Platelets? Platelets are tiny cells that flow through your blood. Their main job is to prevent and st...
  • Blogs: Donating Blood: Common Myths Debunked

    Blood donations save lives, and the need for blood has never been greater. Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood or platelets, says the American Red Cross. More people, more illness, even more natural disasters around the world mean we n...
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    Get to Know Blue Bear

    How well do you know Blue Bear? Here’s a not-so-secret secret: Blue Bear likes being a healthy, happy bear. That’s why he eats his vegetables — even the green ones. He wears his helmet to protect his big brain. He brushes his teeth ...
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    Asthma Symptoms, Causes and Risk Factors

    The number of children with asthma has risen dramatically in the past few decades. With the wheezing comes worrying. Could your child be the one who is touched by this common chronic disease? Here’s what parents need to k...
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    Know Your Numbers for Healthier Living

    If you have high cholesterol, there are ways you can lower it. When you do, you help reduce your risks for heart problems. You also boost your chances for living a longer, healthier life. What’s the first step? Work closely with your doctor. T.....
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    Supporting a Loved One with Cancer

    “I have cancer.” They are three words you never want to hear from a friend, family member or significant other. Learning that a loved one has cancer can be very overwhelming and scary. You probably have a ton of questions you want to ask...
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    Cuatro objetivos para que la familia esté en forma

    A veces usamos el invierno como excusa para dejar de lado los hábitos saludables. Comemos más alimentos no saludables, nos movemos menos y pasamos más tiempo frente a las pantallas. Y, esos malos hábitos pueden continuar incluso después de que el...
    • 4659 Views
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    Three Ways to Support Your Teen’s Mental Health

    Teens are facing more challenges than ever. There’s pressure from school, friends and social media. No wonder their mental health can suffer. You don’t have to wait until your teen is in crisis to talk about it. Talk to your teen early an...
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    Control de la diabetes en el hogar: elije buenos alimentos

    Controlar la diabetes puede parecer un trabajo de tiempo completo. Hay tantas cosas que pueden hacer que tus niveles de azúcar en la sangre suban y bajen. Mantenerte al día con todo, requiere tu atención a todas horas del d&iacut...
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    Get Big Benefits From a Small Weight Loss

    Some small changes can have a big payoff. That’s true when it comes to losing weight. If you're carrying extra weight, dropping even 5 percent of your weight can be good for your health. That level of weight loss can help lower your risk of chr....
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    How Fiber Keeps Your Brain and Heart in Shape

    Just about everyone knows eating fiber is the key to keeping you, um…regular. That's just one benefit of the food voted “Most Likely to Make a Middle Schooler Snicker.” It’s true. High fiber foods make you poop. They also mak...
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    How to Protect Yourself From Health Insurance Scams

    You might be sleeping or taking your dog for a walk. You could be at work, at your kid’s soccer game, or meeting friends for dinner. Life is good, right? You have no idea that scammers down the street, one state over or half a world away are do....
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    Spotting the Early Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease

    Forgetfulness is a normal part of aging. Whether it’s misplacing the house keys or not remembering the name of your next door neighbor, memory loss is not uncommon for older adults. Still, there are differences between typical memory loss and e....
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    In-Home Diabetes Care: Make the Most of Your Medication

    Medication, diet and exercise play a big role in managing of your diabetes. So does working closely with your doctor and diabetes team. In fact, the number one thing you can do to manage your disease is talk openly and honestly with your care provide...
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    Lifestyle Changes and Diabetes

    There’s a safe way to get a handle on your diabetes: Create an exercise and diet plan. With exercise, you can help your blood sugar stay in your target range. By making better food choices, you help manage your blood sugar levels and lower your....
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    How to Make New Year’s Resolutions You Can Keep

    The start of a new year seems like the right time to set resolutions. We may even make lists of things we’d like to change. Our lists often include “eat healthy” and “exercise more.” Sometimes it's hard to follow t...
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  • https://connect.bcbsil.com/cfs-file/__key/communityserver-blogs-components-weblogfiles/00-00-00-00-02/4341.2051091_5F00_holiday-carousel-3_5F00_dec-6.jpg

    Mocktails Make for Safe Merriment

    ‘Tis the season to spread holiday cheer. That often means getting together with friends and family. Good food, refreshing drinks and time with your favorite people are all ingredients for a wonderful time, right? Just make sure you don’t ...
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