Connect Community

What Role Does Food Play in Your Life?

BCBSIL Connect Team August 20, 2023

It’s human nature. Once or twice a year we take stock and think, “You know, I really should take better care of myself.” It might be inspired by a recent health scare. It could be a wedding, reunion or other special event that spurs...
- 11619 Views
Should I Use an Insurance Agent to Buy a Health Plan?

BCBSIL Connect Team August 20, 2023

Buying a health plan can be complicated. There are so many plans. So many decisions. So many choices. That’s why it helps to have an expert on your side. That expert, called an insurance agent, broker or producer, plays a key role in helping pe....
- 9043 Views
Meet your Endocrinologist: Going to the "Diabetes Doctor"

BCBSIL Connect Team August 19, 2023

You just learned you have diabetes. Your primary care physician (PCP) wants you to track your blood sugar, start a workout program and come back for a follow-up visit. It’s a lot to take in. As part of your treatment plan, your PCP may refer y.....
- 8915 Views
Understanding Sickle Cell Disease and Living Well

BCBSIL Connect Team August 18, 2023

Our family history and DNA play a large role in our health and well-being. Genetic changes and traits carried by parents often appear in their children —even when the parents don’t have any symptoms of a genetic condit...
- 4707 Views
Fulfilling the Wishes of Loved Ones at the End of Life

BCBSIL Connect Team August 17, 2023

Talking about the end of a life with friends and family members is often a hard conversation. Many of us don’t think we need to think over important final decisions when health is good. For a young, healthy person, these talks a...
- 3947 Views
Eat, Move, Sleep: Physical Well-being

BCBSIL Connect Team August 16, 2023

For more than 30 years, physical activity was the main focus of worksite health promotion. Step challenges and on-site yoga went hand-in-hand with weight-loss initiatives. Together, they made up “wellness at work.” With the move...
- 15766 Views
How to $ave Money

BCBSIL Connect Team August 15, 2023

There are many ways you can help keep your health care costs down. Try these tips to find $avings on doctor visits, prescription medications, fitness trackers and more. We have resources to help you make the best decision for you. Our Provider F...
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Wash the Rind to Leave Bacteria Behind

BCBSIL Connect Team August 15, 2023

The peak of summer brings ripe, tasty melons, like cantaloupe and watermelon, from the farm to your table. Watermelons are not only refreshing, they’re also a great source of the antioxidant lycopene. What’s so special about lycopene? Lyc...
- 7908 Views
How to Make the Most of a Date with Your Doctor

BCBSIL Connect Team August 14, 2023

Wouldn’t it be great to call your doctor and get in to see them when you need to? Waiting to see a care provider can be hard. Left to our own devices, we’re often tempted to self-diagnose. We call mom to get her advice about what to put ...
- 32094 Views
Back Pain Is Such a Pain

BCBSIL Connect Team August 13, 2023

Its happens to many of us. We move or lift something the wrong way and our back protests. Sometimes it’s just a brief twinge of pain — a reminder to move more carefully. Other times, the pain may be intense and last a long time. The ...
- 4067 Views
From Headache to Heartache: NSAIDs Pose Heart Dangers

BCBSIL Connect Team August 12, 2023

Read the fine print the next time you pick up a bottle of ibuprofen or naproxen. You’ll see a warning about the risk for potentially deadly heart attacks and strokes. These drugs are known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs. The U.S.....
- 4105 Views
Mindful Eating with Diabetes

BCBSIL Connect Team August 11, 2023

Learning to be more mindful can help us calmly think through situations. For people with diabetes , the values of mindfulness may even help them practice better self-care. What is mindfulness? It is being tuned in to your thoughts, feelings and body...
- 39650 Views
Career Wellness: It's Important to Your Health and Well-Being

BCBSIL Connect Team August 10, 2023

It doesn’t seem like a crazy aspiration. We spend so much time of our time working, wouldn’t it be nice to actually enjoy what we do? Who doesn’t want to spend their time doing something interesting, rewarding and personally fulfill...
- 3786 Views
Buying Health Insurance: It’s a Good Idea

BCBSIL Connect Team August 9, 2023

You may think, "I never go to the doctor, so I don’t need health insurance." Think again. Health Insurance protects your physical and financial wellbeing. Let’s see what might happen if you have to take your kid to the ER, but don’t...
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Good Gum Care May Help Manage Diabetes

BCBSIL Connect Team August 8, 2023

If you have diabetes, it affects your whole body — even your mouth. Don’t skip regular dental checkups. Along with managing your blood sugar levels, dental care helps you keep both your body and mouth healthy. Gum Disease and Blood Sugar ...
- 12209 Views