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  • What’s In Your Benefit Book?

    Blogs: What’s In Your Benefit Book?

    BCBSIL Connect Team
    BCBSIL Connect Team
    This article is intended for members enrolled in an individual health insurance plan. In some of the emails, letters and other communications you get from us, you may notice the phrase, “See your Benefit Book for details.” That’s be...
    • October 26, 2023
  • Mind Your Food for Better Brain Health

    Blogs: Mind Your Food for Better Brain Health

    BCBSIL Connect Team
    BCBSIL Connect Team
    You’ve probably heard about foods that are good for your brain. But can you also harm your brain with what you eat? Our brains work better when we eat nutrient-rich food. So yes, there are foods that are bad for your brain. The best foods for ...
    • October 25, 2023
  • Do You Know the Early Warning Signs of a Stroke?

    Blogs: Do You Know the Early Warning Signs of a Stroke?

    BCBSIL Connect Team
    BCBSIL Connect Team
    Stroke is a leading cause of death and long-term disability in the U.S. Knowing the earliest signs of a stroke can be a lifesaver. Every minute that a stroke continues, thousands of brain cells are dying. The faster you get the right medical care, th...
    • October 25, 2023
  • Clear the Air: The Truth About E-Cigarettes, Vaping and Smoking

    Blogs: Clear the Air: The Truth About E-Cigarettes, Vaping and Smoking

    BCBSIL Connect Team
    BCBSIL Connect Team
    Many people, mostly teens and young adults, think e-cigs are cool or a healthier choice than smoking cigarettes. Whether they look like cigarettes, pipes, pens or lipstick holders, they all use a vapor to deliver nicotine without tobacco. This vapor ...
    • October 20, 2023
  • You've Got Mail: Pharmacy Mail Order Service

    Blogs: You've Got Mail: Pharmacy Mail Order Service

    BCBSIL Connect Team
    BCBSIL Connect Team
    Using a mail order pharmacy service can save you time, and maybe even money. It's convenient because your prescriptions are mailed right to you. That saves you a trip to the pharmacy. You can enjoy home delivery from Express Scripts® Ph...
    • October 17, 2023
  • Be an Advocate for Your Own Care

    Blogs: Be an Advocate for Your Own Care

    BCBSIL Connect Team
    BCBSIL Connect Team
    Prevention is an important part of being healthy. That can mean having a yearly exam. It can mean having routine screening tests. When an illness can’t be avoided, stepping up to help direct your own health care is critical. Get Involved in You...
    • October 16, 2023
  • Find Healthy Deals with Blue365

    Blogs: Find Healthy Deals with Blue365

    BCBSIL Connect Team
    BCBSIL Connect Team
    Do your shopping lists never end? Are you a champion bargain hunter? Then Blue365® is perfect for you. Blue365 is a discount service that saves you money on a variety of everyday needs and healthy lifestyle aids. How Does It Work? Any member of a...
    • October 8, 2023
  • 5 Reasons a Claim May Be Denied

    Blogs: 5 Reasons a Claim May Be Denied

    BCBSIL Connect Team
    BCBSIL Connect Team
    Believe it or not, there are only a handful of reasons that may lead to a health care service not getting approved or a claim not being paid. They fall into these five buckets. The claim has errors. Minor data errors are the most common culprit...
    • October 8, 2023
  • The Link Between Diabetes and Depression

    Blogs: The Link Between Diabetes and Depression

    BCBSIL Connect Team
    BCBSIL Connect Team
    Your mental health touches so many parts of your daily life. It affects how you think and feel, handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Your thoughts and feelings affect how healthy you are. It isn’t surprising that having a mental ...
    • October 7, 2023
  • Eat Whole Grains for a Healthier You

    Blogs: Eat Whole Grains for a Healthier You

    BCBSIL Connect Team
    BCBSIL Connect Team
    Adding more whole grains to your diet is an easy way to get more health benefits from the foods you eat. If you picture a slice of dry wheat bread when you hear “whole grains,” don't worry. There are a lot of tasty whole grains waiti...
    • October 6, 2023
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    How Does a Drug Become a Generic: Facts vs. Myths

    BCBSIL Connect Team
    BCBSIL Connect Team October 28, 2024
    Taking a generic drug is not like buying a store-brand soap. With soap, you might notice a difference. It may smell different. You may need to use more than the brand-name product. That is not true with generic drugs. When companies make a bran...
    • 18043 Views
  • https://connect.bcbsil.com/cfs-file/__key/communityserver-blogs-components-weblogfiles/00-00-00-00-02/4-goals-family-fitness.jpg

    Follow 4 Simple Steps to Put Your Family on a Healthy Path

    BCBSIL Connect Team
    BCBSIL Connect Team October 24, 2024
    It’s never too early to teach kids about healthy habits. Setting good habits when they’re young puts them on the path toward a healthier life. Many children are not off to a good start. About 1 in 5 American children are obese, says the C...
    • 11738 Views
  • https://connect.bcbsil.com/cfs-file/__key/communityserver-blogs-components-weblogfiles/00-00-00-00-02/men_2D00_exercise.jpg

    More than Muscle: How Men Can Exercise Their Way to Better Health

    BCBSIL Connect Team
    BCBSIL Connect Team October 24, 2024
    Men face some serious health risks. Heart disease and cancer account for nearly 40 percent of deaths among American men. Unintentional injuries like falls are also a common cause of death for men. Lung disease and stroke account for another 10 percen...
    • 27451 Views
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    Consejos tenebrosamente buenos para tener un Halloween saludable y seguro

    EquipoConnect
    EquipoConnect October 23, 2024
    Por lo general, las palabras “saludable” y “Halloween” no van juntas, por razones obvias. Halloween es la única época del año en que los niños se sienten libres de comer tantas golosinas como puedan...
    • 379 Views
  • https://connect.bcbsil.com/cfs-file/__key/communityserver-blogs-components-weblogfiles/00-00-00-00-08/8422.social.jpg

    Bienestar social: ¿el ajetreo conduce a la soledad?

    EquipoConnect
    EquipoConnect October 23, 2024
    A los estadounidenses les encanta estar ocupados. Por desgracia, hacer malabares para mantener el trabajo, la familia y las tareas domésticas implica que la persona promedio “trabaja” 60 horas o más por semana. No es de...
    • 3584 Views
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    Social Well-Being: Is Your Busyness Leading to Loneliness?

    BCBSIL Connect Team
    BCBSIL Connect Team October 23, 2024
    Americans love to be busy. Unfortunately, juggling our jobs, families and home chores means the average person “works” 60 or more hours each week. No wonder people just want to plop down on the sofa and binge watch their favorite TV show ...
    • 5019 Views
  • https://connect.bcbsil.com/cfs-file/__key/communityserver-blogs-components-weblogfiles/00-00-00-00-02/heart-rate.jpg

    What Can Your Heart Rate Tell You About Your Health?

    BCBSIL Connect Team
    BCBSIL Connect Team October 21, 2024
    Your heart rate is always changing. It’s up when you’re walking. Down when you’re sitting still. But what can it tell you about your overall health? Your heart rate is the number of times your heart beats per minute. Your heart rate...
    • 6418 Views
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    How Do I Buy an Individual Health Insurance Plan?

    BCBSIL Connect Team
    BCBSIL Connect Team October 21, 2024
    There are two times when you can buy health insurance — during open enrollment and special enrollment. Open enrollment starts on Nov. 1 each year. Any other sign-up time falls under special enrollment . To buy health insurance during speci...
    • 18140 Views
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    Living With Diabetes? Find Big Eats on a Small Grocery Budget

    BCBSIL Connect Team
    BCBSIL Connect Team October 21, 2024
    Food choices are so important when diabetes is part of your day-to-day life. Here’s something to keep in mind: The best healthy meal plan for those living with diabetes isn’t very different from one for people without diabetes. Our bodies...
    • 7194 Views
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    Postpartum Health

    BCBSIL Connect Team
    BCBSIL Connect Team October 19, 2024
    The days and weeks after giving birth are often a happy time. They're also a period of adjustment and healing for mothers. While you bond with your baby, make time for a post-delivery checkup with your provider. Your doctor plays an important role...
    • 2895 Views
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    How to Get the Most Out of Your Medicare Advantage Plan

    BCBSIL Connect Team
    BCBSIL Connect Team October 18, 2024
    Welcome to Medicare Advantage . We’re glad you’re a Blue Cross Medicare Advantage member. Ready to make the most of your health care plan? Start with these steps: Plan your Annual Wellness Visit. With no copay and no cost to you...
    • 11684 Views
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    Diabetes and the Risk for Kidney Disease

    BCBSIL Connect Team
    BCBSIL Connect Team October 18, 2024
    If you have diabetes , you may not know about an important measure to protect your kidneys. What do your kidneys have to do with diabetes? It turns out, people living with diabetes have a higher risk of kidney disease. More than 35 million adults...
    • 3362 Views
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    Don't Let the Seasonal Flu Get You

    BCBSIL Connect Team
    BCBSIL Connect Team October 16, 2024
    Getting a flu shot can help you stay healthy. Flu season usually starts in October and peaks between December and February. As many have learned, it can linger through the spring. If you didn't get a flu shot before the start of the season, ask your...
    • 3532 Views
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    Behavioral Health: Peeling Back the Onion

    BCBSIL Connect Team
    BCBSIL Connect Team October 15, 2024
    It is an understatement to say humans are complex creatures. So many factors affect who we are. Genetics, upbringing, our environment, family dynamics, friendships, love and work relationships — and, yes, even our behaviors. They’re all t...
    • 20047 Views
  • https://connect.bcbsil.com/cfs-file/__key/communityserver-blogs-components-weblogfiles/00-00-00-00-08/plan-manage-asthma.jpg

    Ten un plan para controlar el asma

    EquipoConnect
    EquipoConnect October 8, 2024
    Si tienes asma, puedes ayudar a controlarla. Colabora con el médico para crear un plan para combatir el asma . Asegúrate de estar haciendo todo lo posible para controlar este padecimiento. Si tienes medicamentos, tómalos co...
    • 2597 Views
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