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Blogs: Demystifying Bipolar Disorder

BCBSIL Connect Team

Some of television’s most popular characters have struggled with bipolar disorder. In the throes of a manic episode, a CIA agent pins a spiderweb of red string across photos on a wall. It looks like a frenzied mess to anyone on the outside look...
- June 21, 2023
Blogs: Prevent Gum Disease for a Healthy Heart

BCBSIL Connect Team

What do your gums and your heart have in common? Studies show people with gum disease are almost twice as likely to have heart disease. With gum disease, inflammation not only puts the mouth at risk, but can be a danger to the heart. Links have also ...
- June 21, 2023
Blogs: How to Stay in Shape on Vacation

BCBSIL Connect Team

Vacations are all about fun and getting away from our everyday routines. So, your normal exercise routine may not be a high priority when you want to chill. It’s understandable. Still, even when you’re away from home, it’s easy to r...
- June 21, 2023
Blogs: Syndrome X: Are You at Risk for Metabolic Syndrome?

BCBSIL Connect Team

Metabolic syndrome, also called syndrome X, may sound like a super-secret plan in a spy movie. It’s actually more dangerous. The syndrome is a set of risk factors that can trigger a trio of life-threatening diseases. “Metabolic" refers to...
- June 16, 2023
Blogs: The Battle of BMI

BCBSIL Connect Team

Is body mass index (BMI) the best way to tell if you are an ideal weight or even healthy? BMI measures your body fat. It uses your weight and height to come up with a BMI number. Using this number, you and your doctor can tell if you might have a we...
- June 16, 2023
Blogs: Your Child’s Asthma Care: Build a Team

BCBSIL Connect Team

They say it takes a village to raise a child. When the child has asthma, it takes a “village” of health experts. This health team will help your child manage their symptoms and live a normal, active life. Good communication with your chil...
- June 15, 2023
Blogs: Only You Can Prevent Gum Disease

BCBSIL Connect Team

The world may see your friendly smile, but what’s going on behind it? The inside of your mouth is home to millions of bacteria. Along with tooth decay, gum disease can boost your risk for tooth loss and serious illnesses if not kept in check. G...
- June 13, 2023
Blogs: Seven Facts About Hepatitis C

BCBSIL Connect Team

You’ve probably heard about hepatitis C in the news. It’s the most common bloodborne infection in the United States. Because it can be easily spread, it's importance to understand the virus and ways you can protect yourself. What Is...
- June 12, 2023
Blogs: Tips for a Safe July 4th

BCBSIL Connect Team

Celebrating the Fourth of July and the birth of our nation’s independence is the most anticipated holiday of summer. Millions of Americans will head to the beach, lounge by the pool, take in a parade, and of course, celebrate with fireworks. Wh...
- June 9, 2023
Blogs: Food Poisoning: Meaty Madness

BCBSIL Connect Team

Summer fun often includes outdoor cookouts. Who doesn’t like good food grilled to perfection? Sadly, food poisoning can make things less appetizing — fast. When temps and spirits are high, so is the risk for food contamination at your wee...
- June 9, 2023

What Does My Health Insurance Plan Cover?

BCBSIL Connect Team September 6, 2024

Your health insurance plan covers a number of items and services to help keep you and your family healthy. Most medical plans cover: Emergency care Outpatient services Hospitalization Maternity and newborn care Mental health and substance use treatm...
- 39278 Views
What Is Schizophrenia and How Is It Treated?

BCBSIL Connect Team September 5, 2024

You may have heard about schizophrenia, but do you really know what it means? Schizophrenia is a long-term and serious mental health issue. It affects a person’s thoughts, feelings and actions. Warning signs often occur between the ages of 16 .....
- 4632 Views
Wellness “U”: Tips to Stop Binge Drinking

BCBSIL Connect Team September 4, 2024

College is all about studying until your brain hurts, figuring out your future, making life-long friends — and drinking? Alcohol has become one of the most popular ways college students unwind. In fact, almost 54% of college students ages 18 to....
- 6671 Views
Make Your Home Asthma Safe

BCBSIL Connect Team September 4, 2024

Home is where the heart is, but it’s also loaded with asthma triggers. Many asthma triggers are hiding in plain sight in the bedroom, common living spaces, kitchen and bathrooms. There are two main types of asthma triggers: all...
- 20238 Views
Diabetes Risk Factors

BCBSIL Connect Team September 3, 2024

If you could spare yourself from a life-changing disease, you’d do it, right? For millions of Americans, paying attention to diabetes risk factors and doing something to control them can make all the difference. With diabetes, the body can no l....
- 9362 Views
Let’s Clear the Air About Lung Cancer Screening

BCBSIL Connect Team September 2, 2024

Every cigarette shaves 11 minutes off your lifespan. When you quit smoking, you give yourself more time to do the things you enjoy with the people you love. The minute you stop smoking is the minute you lower your risk for lung cancer — the lea....
- 729 Views
Make a Plan to Manage Your Asthma

BCBSIL Connect Team August 30, 2024

If you have asthma, you can help yourself by actively managing your condition. Work with your doctor to create a care plan called an asthma action plan . And make sure you’re doing all you can to manage your condition. If you have medicin...
- 60207 Views
Your Doctors Need to Talk to Each Other About Your Care

BCBSIL Connect Team August 30, 2024

You and your primary care physician (PCP) work together to make sure you are in the best health possible for you. It’s a two-way street. Your doctor uses training and know-how to guide you. But to provide the best guidance, your doctor needs yo....
- 10546 Views
Is It Cold, Flu, Allergies or COVID-19?

BCBSIL Connect Team August 30, 2024

If you have sniffles, sneezes, coughing or sore throat, it can be hard to tell if your symptoms are from allergies, a cold, the flu, COVID-19 or RSV. Until you know for sure what’s causing your symptoms, it’s always good to err on the sid...
- 53609 Views
How to Prevent a Heart Attack

BCBSIL Connect Team August 30, 2024

The best way to survive a heart attack is to never have one. How can you prevent becoming one of the millions of Americans who suffer a heart attack? There is actually a lot you can do to protect your heart. Knowing the risks and symptoms of heart...
- 6876 Views
The Link Between Nutrition and Mental Health

BCBSIL Connect Team August 30, 2024

You’ve likely heard the cliché a million times — “You are what you eat.” So you might nosh on foods reported to lower your blood pressure, strengthen your bones or burn belly fat. You might even load up on brain food t...
- 68189 Views
¿Tu hijo está teniendo problemas de salud mental?

EquipoConnect August 30, 2024

Los niños tienen mucho en la mente. Siempre están aprendiendo cosas nuevas y enfrentándose a retos que nunca han manejado. Y la pandemia ha hecho las cosas aún más difíciles para muchos niños. Han teni...
- 5947 Views
Tus médicos necesitan hablar entre ellos sobre tu atención médica

EquipoConnect August 30, 2024

Tú y tu doctor de cabecera (PCP por sus siglas en inglés) trabajan juntos para asegurar de que estes en la mejor salud posible. Es una calle de doble sentido. Tu doctor utiliza su capacitación y sus conocimientos para guiarte. Pe...
- 2110 Views
Is Your Child Struggling with Mental Health Issues?

BCBSIL Connect Team August 30, 2024

Children have a lot on their minds. They’re always learning new things and facing challenges they’ve never handled before. You know your child best. You can support them now and in the future by showing them ways to build good menta...
- 76481 Views
Ease Your Joint Pain

BCBSIL Connect Team August 30, 2024

Aches and pains happen. You sit too much and your back hurts. You get up and down a lot and your knees hurt. Or your neck or hips ache regularly. These aches and pains in your joints or back are common. A joint is the connection between two bones...
- 71504 Views

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