<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" ?>
<?xml-stylesheet type="text/xsl" href="https://connect.bcbsil.com/cfs-file/__key/system/syndication/rss.xsl" media="screen"?><rss version="2.0" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/" xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/"><channel><title /><link>https://connect.bcbsil.com/</link><description>Connect With Us! Log in to our community to ask questions, rate articles, comment and more. Search articles and watch videos; ask questions and get answers. Topics include everything from improving your well-being to explaining health coverage.</description><dc:language>en-US</dc:language><generator>Telligent Community 12</generator><item><title>Forum Post: RE: By far the worst BCBS. No Live representatives at all????</title><link>https://connect.bcbsil.com/ask-bcbsil/f/questions-and-answers/1576/by-far-the-worst-bcbs-no-live-representatives-at-all/3461</link><pubDate>Wed, 13 May 2026 19:30:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:aa647fcf-6a1e-4963-87c5-72c5e11798b7</guid><dc:creator>jsilbert</dc:creator><description>Same</description></item><item><title>Forum Post: RE: By far the worst BCBS. No Live representatives at all????</title><link>https://connect.bcbsil.com/ask-bcbsil/f/questions-and-answers/1576/by-far-the-worst-bcbs-no-live-representatives-at-all/3460</link><pubDate>Wed, 13 May 2026 18:12:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:e2fc4b5b-8608-496b-b1ab-1cb643d1c254</guid><dc:creator>LNope</dc:creator><description>with like no help lol</description></item><item><title>Forum Post: RE: By far the worst BCBS. No Live representatives at all????</title><link>https://connect.bcbsil.com/ask-bcbsil/f/questions-and-answers/1576/by-far-the-worst-bcbs-no-live-representatives-at-all/3459</link><pubDate>Wed, 13 May 2026 16:56:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:0d29a544-1a3d-4e55-977b-8be7321ce24b</guid><dc:creator>BCBSIL Connect Team</dc:creator><description>Hello, We have responded to your private message. ~ KW</description></item><item><title>Forum Post: RE: By far the worst BCBS. No Live representatives at all????</title><link>https://connect.bcbsil.com/ask-bcbsil/f/questions-and-answers/1576/by-far-the-worst-bcbs-no-live-representatives-at-all/3458</link><pubDate>Wed, 13 May 2026 16:50:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:2c0cf771-ba41-44f5-b01c-6b6550d1067c</guid><dc:creator>LNope</dc:creator><description>And I&amp;#39;m not giving personal information over this website???? This is a setup lol</description></item><item><title>Forum Post: By far the worst BCBS. No Live representatives at all????</title><link>https://connect.bcbsil.com/ask-bcbsil/f/questions-and-answers/1576/by-far-the-worst-bcbs-no-live-representatives-at-all</link><pubDate>Wed, 13 May 2026 16:46:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:0d8f8488-df8b-496d-85c5-372494133ca5</guid><dc:creator>LNope</dc:creator><description>This is by far the worst home plan i have ever had the displeasure of having to work with. No matter what prompt you go to you cannot speak to a live agent. They even patched up the workaround where you enter the birthday wrong 3 times. How in the world are we supposed to confirm benefits for patients in detail like this? It feels like a scam to avoid paying for anything... but of course insurance wouldnt do that!</description><category domain="https://connect.bcbsil.com/tags/worst%2bbcbs">worst bcbs</category><category domain="https://connect.bcbsil.com/tags/get%2bit%2btogether">get it together</category></item><item><title>Forum Post: RE: Need to speak to live representative to obtain PAR</title><link>https://connect.bcbsil.com/ask-bcbsil/f/questions-and-answers/1575/need-to-speak-to-live-representative-to-obtain-par/3457</link><pubDate>Wed, 13 May 2026 15:40:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:985ff9b3-6c94-4bc3-90a2-bdd4773f6e1c</guid><dc:creator>BCBSIL Connect Team</dc:creator><description>Hello, We have responded to your private message. ~ KW</description></item><item><title>Forum Post: Need to speak to live representative to obtain PAR</title><link>https://connect.bcbsil.com/ask-bcbsil/f/questions-and-answers/1575/need-to-speak-to-live-representative-to-obtain-par</link><pubDate>Wed, 13 May 2026 15:24:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:d57480fc-9902-4012-88bd-dea89e00ee79</guid><dc:creator>jsilbert</dc:creator><description>I need to speak to a live representative to obtain prior authorization for a client for MH IOP services. I have gone through the system repeatedly and have been told I need to talk to a representative, but when the automated system transfers me, there is a message that says &amp;quot;due to unforeseen circumstances, we cannot answer your call right now&amp;quot;.</description></item><item><title>Blog Post: Recordatorios de seguridad para el calor del verano</title><link>https://connect.bcbsil.com/espanol/b/tusalud/posts/medidas-de-seguridad-para-el-verano</link><pubDate>Wed, 13 May 2026 13:00:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:d667eb84-9bc1-4721-9dd3-9835eeb9cebf</guid><dc:creator>EquipoConnect</dc:creator><description>Protegerse durante los calurosos meses de verano es importante. Beber mucha agua y usar protector solar no es suficiente. A continuaci&amp;#243;n te mencionamos tres cosas que debes saber para seguir disfrutando del verano. La radiaci&amp;#243;n ultravioleta te puede causar da&amp;#241;o La radiaci&amp;#243;n ultravioleta (UV) del sol puede da&amp;#241;ar tu piel. Las quemaduras solares frecuentes y la exposici&amp;#243;n excesiva a los rayos UV aumentan el riesgo de padecer c&amp;#225;ncer de piel. El c&amp;#225;ncer de piel es el tipo de c&amp;#225;ncer m&amp;#225;s com&amp;#250;n en los Estados Unidos. Las personas de todas las edades deben protegerse de la exposici&amp;#243;n excesiva al sol. Es particularmente crucial proteger a los ni&amp;#241;os. La mayor parte de la exposici&amp;#243;n a los rayos UV que recibe una persona promedio ocurre antes de los 18 a&amp;#241;os. Otra preocupaci&amp;#243;n es que la exposici&amp;#243;n temprana a los rayos UV puede provocar envejecimiento prematuro, el cual se hace visible mediante finas l&amp;#237;neas de expresi&amp;#243;n, arrugas y decoloraci&amp;#243;n cut&amp;#225;nea, haci&amp;#233;ndonos ver m&amp;#225;s viejos de lo que en realidad somos. La Agencia de Protecci&amp;#243;n Ambiental de Estados Unidos (United States Environmental Protection Agency, en ingl&amp;#233;s), recomienda usar vestimenta protectora, aplicar protector con factor de protecci&amp;#243;n solar (SPF, en ingl&amp;#233;s) de m&amp;#237;nimo 15 y evitar la exposici&amp;#243;n al sol entre las diez de la ma&amp;#241;ana y las cuatro de la tarde. Los rayos ultravioletas no solo da&amp;#241;an la piel, tambi&amp;#233;n da&amp;#241;an la vista y causan cataratas. Usa lentes de sol con protecci&amp;#243;n UV para cuidar tus ojos de los rayos ultravioleta. Un ni&amp;#241;o nunca est&amp;#225; seguro qued&amp;#225;ndose solo en un autom&amp;#243;vil Dejar a un ni&amp;#241;o en el carro, aunque sea por unos minutos, puede tener consecuencias devastadoras. Abrir una ventana para enfriar el carro no lo hace m&amp;#225;s seguro. Tampoco dejar el aire acondicionado encendido. Seg&amp;#250;n la Administraci&amp;#243;n Nacional de Seguridad del Tr&amp;#225;fico en las Carreteras , (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, en ingl&amp;#233;s), la temperatura corporal de un ni&amp;#241;o puede aumentar de tres a cinco veces m&amp;#225;s r&amp;#225;pido que la de un adulto. Muchos ni&amp;#241;os se lastiman o mueren despu&amp;#233;s de quedarse en un autom&amp;#243;vil por accidente. Recuerda estacionar, mirar y cerrar con llave tu autom&amp;#243;vil, para asegurarte de no olvidar a un beb&amp;#233; o a un ni&amp;#241;o dentro. Mant&amp;#233;n siempre el auto cerrado con llave. De esa manera, un ni&amp;#241;o no puede entrar al carro sin que te des cuenta. Las enfermedades relacionadas con el calor requieren una acci&amp;#243;n r&amp;#225;pida El clima c&amp;#225;lido puede ser un peligro para cualquiera. Especialmente los ni&amp;#241;os, los adultos mayores, los trabajadores al aire libre y los atletas, corren un riesgo de padecer enfermedades relacionadas con el calor. Ten cuidado con el agotamiento a causa del calor y la insolaci&amp;#243;n. El Instituto Nacional para la Seguridad y Salud Ocupacional (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, en ingl&amp;#233;s) se&amp;#241;ala que el golpe de calor puede causar una discapacidad o la muerte si la persona no recibe atenci&amp;#243;n m&amp;#233;dica de emergencia. Los s&amp;#237;ntomas de la insolaci&amp;#243;n pueden incluir: confusi&amp;#243;n y dificultad para hablar; p&amp;#233;rdida de consciencia; piel caliente y seca; sudoraci&amp;#243;n excesiva; convulsiones; temperatura corporal muy alta. Alguien con agotamiento a causa del calor tambi&amp;#233;n necesita ayuda urgente. Hay que prestar atenci&amp;#243;n a estos signos de advertencia: dolor de cabeza; nausea; mareo; debilidad; enojo; Presta atenci&amp;#243;n al calor y prot&amp;#233;gete este verano. El verano puede ser un buen momento para dejar de lado algunas actividades al aire libre y pasar el rato en lugares frescos. Fuentes: Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation and Sun Exposure , Environmental Protection Agency, 2026; You Can Prevent Hot Car Deaths , National Highway Traffic Safety Administration; Heat Stress – Heat Related Illnesses , National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 2026</description><category domain="https://connect.bcbsil.com/tags/caliente">caliente</category><category domain="https://connect.bcbsil.com/tags/Tu%2bSalud">Tu Salud</category><category domain="https://connect.bcbsil.com/tags/calor">calor</category><category domain="https://connect.bcbsil.com/tags/temperatura">temperatura</category><category domain="https://connect.bcbsil.com/tags/hipertermia">hipertermia</category><category domain="https://connect.bcbsil.com/tags/verano">verano</category><category domain="https://connect.bcbsil.com/tags/Espa_26002300_241_3B00_ol">Espa&amp;#241;ol</category><category domain="https://connect.bcbsil.com/tags/temperaturas%2baltas">temperaturas altas</category></item><item><title>Blog Post: When the Heart’s Aflutter, AFib May Be the Reason</title><link>https://connect.bcbsil.com/health-and-wellness/b/weblog/posts/when-the-hearts-aflutter-make-healthy-choices-to-help-prevent-stroke</link><pubDate>Wed, 13 May 2026 10:57:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:d3848ed8-2ef7-4081-a27d-3a9a7b264fa4</guid><dc:creator>BCBSIL Connect Team</dc:creator><description>Singers may croon that their love-struck hearts are all aflutter , but in real life, a fluttering heart can be a scary problem — atrial fibrillation, better known as AFib. In a healthy heart, electrical signals travel through the muscle and make it beat regularly. With an irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia), the heart doesn’t beat regularly. Instead, it can feel like your heart is flip-flopping, beating too fast, too slow or skipping beats. There are several different kinds of irregular heart rhythms, some can be normal variations in heartbeat, while other need medical attention. AFib Makes the Heart Beat Too Fast AFib is one of the most common types of irregular heart rhythms. It speeds the heart rate up to 300 beats per minute or more. Some people may have chest pain or feel like their heart is racing or pounding inside their chest. On the other hand, some people with AFib may not feel any symptoms at all. AFib may come on quickly between cycles of a normal heart rhythm, or it can become an ongoing or long-term heart problem that harms the heart’s ability to pump blood. What Causes AFib? Although it can happen by itself, AFib is most often linked to other health issues. For example, high blood pressure can damage the heart and upset its electrical signals. Valvular heart disease, coronary artery disease, sleep apnea and excessive alcohol use also boost the risk for AFib. AFib and Stroke Risk One of the reasons AFib is so dangerous is because it raises the risk for stroke . When the heart doesn’t beat normally, blood stays inside the heart’s chambers for too long. This can make a blood clot. The clot can travel and get lodged in the brain — causing a stroke. People with AFib have five times the risk of stroke than people without AFib. Managing AFib Here’s some good news: Guidelines in the Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine state that controlling risk factors is the best strategy for treating and preventing AFib. Many AFib cases are linked to lifestyle factors that can be managed or corrected. Doctors often use a two-step plan for managing AFib. First, they find and fix changeable AFib and stroke risk factors. Second, they order blood thinners to keep blood clots from forming. The Cleveland Clinic recommends these healthy lifestyle activities for managing AFib. Get regular physical activity. Eat a heart-healthy diet. Limit saturated and trans fats and cholesterol. Nosh on plenty of veggies, fruits, and whole grains. Don’t smoke . Keep a healthy weight. Limit or avoid caffeine and alcohol. All of the above promote healthy blood pressure — and that’s important. High blood pressure is the biggest risk factor for AFib. You can also cut your risk for stroke by managing your cholesterol and keeping your arteries healthy. Control your blood glucose if you have diabetes. Also, be sure to take all your medicines as prescribed, and let your doctor know if you have any AFib symptoms or concerns about your medicines. If you take a blood thinner, you may need to have your blood checked regularly. If you’re worried that you may have AFib or other type of irregular heart rhythm, see your health care provider. Sources: Atrial Fibrillation: Overview , Mayo Clinic, 2026; What Is Atrial Fibrillation , American Heart Association, 2025; Atrial Fibrillation , Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2024; Atrial Fibrillation , Cleveland Clinic, 2025; New Atrial Fibrillation Guideline: Modify Risk, Control Rhythm, Prevent Progression , Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine, 2025</description><category domain="https://connect.bcbsil.com/tags/Nutrition">Nutrition</category><category domain="https://connect.bcbsil.com/tags/Heart%2bHealth">Heart Health</category><category domain="https://connect.bcbsil.com/tags/Health%2band%2bWellness">Health and Wellness</category><category domain="https://connect.bcbsil.com/tags/Understanding%2bHeart%2bHealth">Understanding Heart Health</category><category domain="https://connect.bcbsil.com/tags/Understanding%2bHeart%2bDisease">Understanding Heart Disease</category><category domain="https://connect.bcbsil.com/tags/Women_1920_s%2bHealth">Women’s Health</category><category domain="https://connect.bcbsil.com/tags/Stroke">Stroke</category></item><item><title>Forum Post: RE: Are equipment rental or purchase covered</title><link>https://connect.bcbsil.com/ask-bcbsil/f/questions-and-answers/1574/are-equipment-rental-or-purchase-covered/3456</link><pubDate>Tue, 12 May 2026 17:07:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:ecd84288-a865-4a5b-a21e-6a1a9982244f</guid><dc:creator>BCBSIL Connect Team</dc:creator><description>Hello, Our team can check on this for you if you&amp;#39;d like to send us a private message. ~ KW</description></item><item><title>Forum Post: Are equipment rental or purchase covered</title><link>https://connect.bcbsil.com/ask-bcbsil/f/questions-and-answers/1574/are-equipment-rental-or-purchase-covered</link><pubDate>Tue, 12 May 2026 16:24:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:c58420e8-9ff8-497b-a9db-9a34dde74767</guid><dc:creator>Savjac1970</dc:creator><description>Are equipment rental or purchase covered. we need a Invacare lift to move me due to a stroke.</description></item><item><title>Wiki Page: Lebanese Beef Pie</title><link>https://connect.bcbsil.com/nutrition/w/recipe-book/342/lebanese-beef-pie</link><pubDate>Fri, 08 May 2026 19:58:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:caa28d30-57f0-4241-b1cc-4dd925e86818</guid><dc:creator>BCBSIL Connect Team</dc:creator><description>Ingredients: Makes 9 servings Pizza Dough 1/2 TBSP Granulated Sugar 1 tsp Kosher Salt 1 tsp Active Bakers Yeast, dry 2 cups, 2 TBSP Water 3/4 tsp Canola Oil 7 1/2 cups High Gluten Flour Beef Pie 1/2 lb Ground Beef 1 TBSP Olive Oil 2/3 cup Onions, diced 2/3 cup Tomatoes, finely chopped 1/2 tsp Lemon Juice 1/2 tsp Salt 1/4 tsp Black Pepper 1 tsp Pomegranate Molasses 2 TBSP All Purpose Flour 1 Egg Directions Pizza Dough: Combine sugar, salt, yeast, water, and oil in the bowl of a stand mixer. Gradually add flour and mix on speed 1 for 3 minutes. Increase speed to 3 and mix for 6 minutes more. Divide dough ball in half. Cover and let rise in a warm place (75-85&amp;#176;F is best) for minimum 24 hours. Directions Beef Pie: Brown ground beef. Drain excess fat. Remove beef from pan, set aside. Heat oil in same pan. Saut&amp;#233; onions and tomatoes until softened. Add ground beef, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and pomegranate molasses. Mix well. On a floured surface, portion pizza dough into 3 oz pieces and roll out. 3 oz = ~1/2 cup or a little smaller than a tennis ball. Take 1/4 cup of the meat filling and place in the center of the dough, spread it out and leave about 1 inch on the sides. Fold dough over edge of meat and pinch the sides all around, like a pie crust. Whisk the egg well and using a pastry brush, brush the top of the dough. Bake at 425&amp;#176;F for 10-12 minutes until dough is golden brown. Serving Size: Service size: 1 pie Nutritional Information: Per serving: 290 calories, 7 g fat, 2 g saturated fat, 290 mg sodium, 44 g carbohydrate, 0 g sugar, 2 g fiber, 14 g protein Recipe Source: Recipe provided by FLIK Hospitality Group</description><category domain="https://connect.bcbsil.com/tags/Entree">Entree</category><category domain="https://connect.bcbsil.com/tags/Recipe%2bbook">Recipe book</category><category domain="https://connect.bcbsil.com/tags/Diabetes_2F00_prediabetes%2b_2D00_%2bCarb%2bConscious">Diabetes/prediabetes - Carb Conscious</category><category domain="https://connect.bcbsil.com/tags/General%2bHealthy%2b_2D00_%2bHealth%2bConscious">General Healthy - Health Conscious</category><category domain="https://connect.bcbsil.com/tags/High%2bblood%2bpressure%2b_2D00_%2bSodium%2bConscious">High blood pressure - Sodium Conscious</category><category domain="https://connect.bcbsil.com/tags/Middle%2bEast">Middle East</category></item><item><title>Wiki Page: Lebanese Breakfast Scramble</title><link>https://connect.bcbsil.com/nutrition/w/recipe-book/341/lebanese-breakfast-scramble</link><pubDate>Fri, 08 May 2026 19:43:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:512482cf-b42d-41cc-bfdd-1f7892611f6b</guid><dc:creator>BCBSIL Connect Team</dc:creator><description>Ingredients: Makes 8 servings 1/2 cup Red Bliss Potatoes, diced 1 1/2 TBSP Olive Oil 1 tsp Harissa Paste 1/4 tsp Cumin, ground 8 Eggs, beaten 1/2 tsp Salt 1/8 tsp Black Pepper 1/4 cup Cherry Tomatoes, halved 1 TBSP Green Onions, chopped 1 TBSP Mint, chopped 1 TBSP Parsley, chopped Directions: Steam potatoes just until par cooked, about 5 minutes. Heat oil in a non-stick pan. Add steamed potatoes, harissa, and cumin. Cook until potatoes begin to brown and are coated with harissa and cumin. Add eggs, salt and pepper to pan. Stir to scramble. Just before eggs are set, stir in tomatoes, scallions, mint, and parsley. Continue cooking just until heated through. Serving Size: 1/2 cup Nutritional Information: Per serving: 130 Calories, 9g total fat, 2gm sat fat, 8 gm protein, 4 gm carbohydrate, 210 mg sodium, 1gm fiber Recipe Source: Recipe provided by FLIK Hospitality Group</description><category domain="https://connect.bcbsil.com/tags/Entree">Entree</category><category domain="https://connect.bcbsil.com/tags/Vegetarian">Vegetarian</category><category domain="https://connect.bcbsil.com/tags/Recipe%2bbook">Recipe book</category><category domain="https://connect.bcbsil.com/tags/Diabetes_2F00_prediabetes%2b_2D00_%2bCarb%2bConscious">Diabetes/prediabetes - Carb Conscious</category><category domain="https://connect.bcbsil.com/tags/General%2bHealthy%2b_2D00_%2bHealth%2bConscious">General Healthy - Health Conscious</category><category domain="https://connect.bcbsil.com/tags/Breakfast">Breakfast</category><category domain="https://connect.bcbsil.com/tags/High%2bblood%2bpressure%2b_2D00_%2bSodium%2bConscious">High blood pressure - Sodium Conscious</category><category domain="https://connect.bcbsil.com/tags/Middle%2bEast">Middle East</category><category domain="https://connect.bcbsil.com/tags/Heart%2bDisease%2b_2D00_%2bHeart%2bConscious">Heart Disease - Heart Conscious</category></item><item><title>Wiki Page: Lebanese Flatbread Cucumber Tomato Salad</title><link>https://connect.bcbsil.com/nutrition/w/recipe-book/340/lebanese-flatbread-cucumber-tomato-salad</link><pubDate>Fri, 08 May 2026 19:24:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:c66b5dd4-a1e7-4f2f-b119-0fe877d43de6</guid><dc:creator>BCBSIL Connect Team</dc:creator><description>Ingredients: Makes 12 Servings 5 oz Whole Wheat Pita 1 TBSP Olive Oil 3/4 cup Grape Tomatoes, halved 1 1/2 cups English Cucumbers, diced 1/4 cup Red Onions, finely chopped 2 TBSP Parsley, chopped 2 TBSP Mint, chopped 1/2 cup Olive Oil 1 1/2 TBSP Lemon Juice 3/4 tsp Sumac, ground 3/4 tsp Garlic Cloves, minced 1/4 cup Feta, crumbled 1/2 tsp Salt 1/4 tsp Black Pepper Directions: Cut pita into 1-inch-wide wedges. Toss pita with oil. Bake on a sheet tray lined with parchment paper in a 350&amp;#176;F oven until golden brown and crispy, about 8 minutes. Allow pita to cool and break pieces up a bit with your hands. Set aside. In a bowl, toss together pita chips, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, parsley, mint, olive oil, lemon juice, sumac, garlic, feta, salt, and pepper. Serving size: 1/2 cup Nutritional Information: Per serving: Cal: 80, Total Fat: 4g, Sat Fat: 1g, Sodium: 150mg, Carbs: 9g, Protein: 3g, Sugar: 0g, Fiber: 1g Recipe Source: Recipe provided by FLIK Hospitality Group</description><category domain="https://connect.bcbsil.com/tags/Vegetarian">Vegetarian</category><category domain="https://connect.bcbsil.com/tags/Recipe%2bbook">Recipe book</category><category domain="https://connect.bcbsil.com/tags/Diabetes_2F00_prediabetes%2b_2D00_%2bCarb%2bConscious">Diabetes/prediabetes - Carb Conscious</category><category domain="https://connect.bcbsil.com/tags/General%2bHealthy%2b_2D00_%2bHealth%2bConscious">General Healthy - Health Conscious</category><category domain="https://connect.bcbsil.com/tags/High%2bblood%2bpressure%2b_2D00_%2bSodium%2bConscious">High blood pressure - Sodium Conscious</category><category domain="https://connect.bcbsil.com/tags/Middle%2bEast">Middle East</category><category domain="https://connect.bcbsil.com/tags/Salad%2band%2bSalad%2bDressings">Salad and Salad Dressings</category><category domain="https://connect.bcbsil.com/tags/Appetizer">Appetizer</category><category domain="https://connect.bcbsil.com/tags/Side%2bDishes">Side Dishes</category><category domain="https://connect.bcbsil.com/tags/Heart%2bDisease%2b_2D00_%2bHeart%2bConscious">Heart Disease - Heart Conscious</category></item><item><title>Forum Post: RE: How do I find my member ID # without the welcome letter or ID card?</title><link>https://connect.bcbsil.com/ask-bcbsil/f/questions-and-answers/1573/how-do-i-find-my-member-id-without-the-welcome-letter-or-id-card/3455</link><pubDate>Fri, 08 May 2026 14:16:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:c6ac039b-9be1-4961-8cf0-60afeab9c287</guid><dc:creator>BCBSIL Connect Team</dc:creator><description>Hello, We can help you with this if you&amp;#39;d like to send us a private message. ~ KW</description></item><item><title>Forum Post: How do I find my member ID # without the welcome letter or ID card?</title><link>https://connect.bcbsil.com/ask-bcbsil/f/questions-and-answers/1573/how-do-i-find-my-member-id-without-the-welcome-letter-or-id-card</link><pubDate>Fri, 08 May 2026 14:06:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:a2936b83-f558-44bd-8bf6-25177c177bdc</guid><dc:creator>MILL5669</dc:creator><description>How do I find my member ID # without the welcome letter or ID card?</description></item><item><title>Blog Post: Do You Think Your Child Has Asthma?</title><link>https://connect.bcbsil.com/health-and-wellness/b/weblog/posts/do-you-think-your-child-has-asthma</link><pubDate>Fri, 08 May 2026 11:37:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:bfe713b1-b92e-4d89-915e-ae1f31de1ff8</guid><dc:creator>BCBSIL Connect Team</dc:creator><description>It can be upsetting when your child is struggling with a health issue. It&amp;#39;s especially unnerving if your child seems to be struggling to breathe. Could your child have asthma, a known common chronic disease? Here’s what parents need to know about asthma . Ask Yourself a Couple Questions Is there a family history of asthma or allergies? Asthma is a health problem that tends to run in families. Sufferers have overly sensitive airways that swell, tighten and make too much mucus. Who’s at highest risk of getting asthma? Children who are born premature, live with smokers, or have parents or close family members who have allergies or asthma. Health experts are still trying to figure out what causes asthma, but it seems to be a combination of family history and exposure to environmental causes. Do you hear a high-pitched whistle or wheeze when your child has trouble breathing? Does your child cough often? Does your child become short of breath? Does he or she complain about troubled breathing or chest tightness? These can all be symptoms of asthma. About half of children with asthma develop symptoms by age two. Nearly 80% will have symptoms by age five. Still, detecting asthma in babies and toddlers can be hard. When very young, children can get certain lung infections that cause their tiny airways to easily fill with mucus. This can lead to wheezing that may sound like asthma but isn’t. Don&amp;#39;t Wait If you think your child may have asthma, don’t wait. Take them to see a doctor. A medical history, certain breathing tests, and allergy screenings can help decide if treatment is needed. Children should be screened for asthma if they have: Breathing difficulties or coughing especially at night or early in the morning Respiratory infections Regular exposure to smoke Regular exposure to pet dander Coughing after exercise, running or crying Let your child’s doctor know if anyone in your family has  asthma or  allergies . Mention any food allergies, hay fever, hives and eczema. When kids are five and older, doctors can diagnose and monitor asthma with the same breathing tests they use for adults. The tests measure how much air your child can quickly exhale. It’s an important sign of how well the lungs are working. Younger children may not be able to do these tests. Instead, asthma is more commonly diagnosed based on a repeat history of breathing problems from common triggers. Asthma is a chronic condition. Symptoms can flare up at any time. Monitoring triggers and symptoms can lead to fewer asthma problems. Find Your Child’s Asthma Triggers Triggers cause the lungs to overreact, but they aren’t the same for everyone. Work with a doctor to find your child’s allergic triggers. Then talk through ways you can avoid or control them. Often, triggers are allergens such as dust mites or pollen. They can also be cold or flu viruses. Exercise can trigger asthma. So can cigarette smoke and strong fragrances. Some common triggers like pets are year-round problems. Dry air and cold weather can be seasonal, or location based. Knowing your child’s triggers and reducing exposure to them helps prevent asthma flare-ups. Follow a Treatment Plan Proper treatment can make a big difference in your child’s life. At home, your child may sleep better when symptoms are under control. They may miss fewer school days. On the playground and sports field, they may have more energy and be able to join in the fun. Since allergies are a common trigger for asthma symptoms, talk to your child’s doctor about allergy treatments. There are many options like nasal sprays, prescription drugs and allergy shots that can help keep allergies in control. Keep in mind that regular follow-up visits are needed to make sure your child doesn’t outgrow their treatment. Have a Plan to Keep Asthma in Check Make sure you have an Asthma Action Plan . The plan should outline steps to help your child during an asthma flare up. Share the plan with your child’s school and any caregivers, including grandparents and babysitters. Sources: Childhood Asthma , American Academy of Allergy, Asthma &amp;amp; Immunology, 2026; Childhood Asthma , Mayo Clinic, 2025; What is Asthma? , American College of Allergy, Asthma &amp;amp; Immunology, 2023; Asthma Facts and Figures , Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, 2026; Types of Allergies, American College of Allergy, Asthma &amp;amp; Immunology; Asthma , National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, 2024</description><category domain="https://connect.bcbsil.com/tags/Understanding%2bAsthma">Understanding Asthma</category><category domain="https://connect.bcbsil.com/tags/Health%2bConditions%2band%2bPrevention">Health Conditions and Prevention</category><category domain="https://connect.bcbsil.com/tags/Asthma">Asthma</category><category domain="https://connect.bcbsil.com/tags/Children_1920_s%2bHealth">Children’s Health</category><category domain="https://connect.bcbsil.com/tags/Lung%2bHealth">Lung Health</category><category domain="https://connect.bcbsil.com/tags/Teen%2bHealth">Teen Health</category></item><item><title>Blog Post: Los extractores de leche pueden facilitar la lactancia materna</title><link>https://connect.bcbsil.com/espanol/b/tucobertura/posts/los-extractores-de-leche</link><pubDate>Thu, 07 May 2026 21:29:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:64c0ae31-ffb4-4e96-8522-1ff0131cfab8</guid><dc:creator>EquipoConnect</dc:creator><description>Alimentar a tu beb&amp;#233; reci&amp;#233;n nacido es una parte importante de tu rol como madre o padre. La lactancia materna es una opci&amp;#243;n popular para muchas familias, y con raz&amp;#243;n. La leche materna brinda la nutrici&amp;#243;n ideal para apoyar el crecimiento y desarrollo del beb&amp;#233;. Los Centros para el Control y la Prevenci&amp;#243;n de Enfermedades (CDC, en ingl&amp;#233;s) informan que la lactancia materna reduce el riesgo de infecciones del o&amp;#237;do, asma, diabetes tipo 1, obesidad y s&amp;#237;ndrome de muerte s&amp;#250;bita (SIDS, en ingl&amp;#233;s) del lactante. Comodidad en cualquier momento y lugar Adem&amp;#225;s de sus importantes beneficios para la salud, la lactancia materna elimina la necesidad de mezclar f&amp;#243;rmula o preparar biberones. Tambi&amp;#233;n facilita alimentar a tu beb&amp;#233; cuando est&amp;#225;s fuera de casa. Y al viajar, puede ayudarte a consolar a tu beb&amp;#233; cuando su rutina habitual se altera. Los extractores de leche son esenciales para lograr esta flexibilidad. Extraer y guardar la leche materna permite que los padres y otras personas que cuidan al beb&amp;#233; ayuden en su alimentaci&amp;#243;n, y tambi&amp;#233;n puede ayudar a aumentar la producci&amp;#243;n de leche. Cuando necesites estar lejos del beb&amp;#233;, habr&amp;#225; leche lista para alimentarlo. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) ofrece varios tipos de extractores de leche para quienes tienen este beneficio en su cobertura m&amp;#233;dica. Si tienes una Cuenta de gastos flexibles (FSA, en ingl&amp;#233;s), puedes usarla para cubrir cualquier gasto de bolsillo relacionado con un extractor de leche. Qu&amp;#233; extractor de leche es adecuado para ti Todos los extractores est&amp;#225;n dise&amp;#241;ados con un embudo que cubre el seno y un recipiente que recoge la leche. Sin embargo, hay algunas diferencias b&amp;#225;sicas. Antes de elegir uno, te conviene investigar un poco para conocer tus opciones. Los extractores manuales no requieren bater&amp;#237;as ni electricidad. En su lugar, se accionan con la mano, por lo que pueden usarse en cualquier lugar. Un extractor manual es mejor para quienes no necesitan extraer una gran cantidad de leche de una sola vez. Los extractores el&amp;#233;ctricos tienen un motor que funciona con electricidad o bater&amp;#237;as. Existen modelos sencillos y dobles. Los modelos sencillos recogen leche de un seno a la vez. Los dobles pueden recoger leche de ambos senos al mismo tiempo. Muchas personas que estudian o trabajan fuera de casa eligen los extractores dobles porque funcionan m&amp;#225;s r&amp;#225;pido y son m&amp;#225;s pr&amp;#225;cticos. Los extractores de leche de grado hospitalario ( o m&amp;#233;dico) tienen un motor m&amp;#225;s potente para una mejor succi&amp;#243;n. Por lo general, se usan en entornos hospitalarios. La compra de estos extractores no siempre est&amp;#225; cubierta por la cobertura m&amp;#233;dica. Sin embargo, se pueden alquilar mensualmente para usarlos en casa. Por lo general, los extractores de leche de grado hospitalario (o m&amp;#233;dico) solo se recomiendan para: madres que tienen dificultades para establecer su producci&amp;#243;n de leche; madres con beb&amp;#233;s prematuros, beb&amp;#233;s con problemas m&amp;#233;dicos que podr&amp;#237;an afectar la alimentaci&amp;#243;n o beb&amp;#233;s en la unidad de cuidados intensivos neonatales (NICU, en ingl&amp;#233;s); madres de beb&amp;#233;s m&amp;#250;ltiples. Aspectos que debes tener en cuenta Tal vez no sepas con qu&amp;#233; frecuencia necesitar&amp;#225;s extraer leche hasta que nazca tu beb&amp;#233;. El tercer trimestre es un buen momento para considerar pedir tu extractor de leche y asegurarte de tenerlo antes del parto. Si no est&amp;#225;s segura de qu&amp;#233; tipo de extractor es mejor para ti, habla con un consejero de lactancia capacitado. La Oficina de Salud de la Mujer (Office on Women’s Health) del Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de EE. UU. tambi&amp;#233;n ofrece informaci&amp;#243;n &amp;#250;til sobre la lactancia materna, incluida la gu&amp;#237;a sobre la lactancia “ Your Guide to Breastfeeding ”, que puedes descargar para consultarla cuando tengas preguntas. Estamos aqu&amp;#237; para apoyar a los padres Los beneficios de las coberturas de BCBSIL ayudan a apoyar a las familias mientras se preparan para la llegada de su nuevo beb&amp;#233; . Ofrecemos apoyo, orientaci&amp;#243;n y art&amp;#237;culos para la lactancia a trav&amp;#233;s de nuestros servicios de maternidad. Descubrir&amp;#225;s que tu cobertura m&amp;#233;dica cubre mucho m&amp;#225;s si recibes atenci&amp;#243;n de un prestador de servicios m&amp;#233;dicos de la red , incluso los extractores manuales y el&amp;#233;ctricos . Perm&amp;#237;tenos ayudarte a encontrar un extractor de leche Para comenzar el proceso de obtener un extractor de leche, llama al n&amp;#250;mero que aparece en tu tarjeta de asegurado o env&amp;#237;a un mensaje seguro a trav&amp;#233;s de tu cuenta de asegurado en l&amp;#237;nea. Nuestros especialistas en Servicio al Cliente pueden decirte lo siguiente: Si tu cobertura incluye un extractor de leche. Si es as&amp;#237;, pregunta si tienen cobertura tanto los modelos el&amp;#233;ctricos como los de grado hospitalario (o m&amp;#233;dico). Algunas coberturas incluyen tanto un extractor el&amp;#233;ctrico como el alquiler de un extractor de grado m&amp;#233;dico hasta cierta cantidad en d&amp;#243;lares. Otras coberturas tal vez solo incluyan un tipo de extractor. Aseg&amp;#250;rate de preguntar si habr&amp;#225; alg&amp;#250;n gasto de bolsillo y cu&amp;#225;l podr&amp;#237;a ser ese costo. La cobertura total podr&amp;#237;a aplicarse solo a ciertos modelos de extractores de leche. Si tu cobertura m&amp;#233;dica requiere una receta para obtener un extractor de leche. Qu&amp;#233; prestadores de servicios m&amp;#233;dicos de la red o proveedores de equipo m&amp;#233;dico duradero (DME, en ingl&amp;#233;s) en tu red y en tu estado ofrecen extractores de leche, y c&amp;#243;mo comunicarte con ellos. Dependiendo de tu cobertura m&amp;#233;dica, el programa para salud de la mujer y la familia “Women and Family Health” podr&amp;#237;a estar incluido. Este te da acceso a un enfermero asignado que puede ayudarte a encontrar extractores de leche y ponerte en contacto con otros recursos para la lactancia materna. Fuentes: Breastfeeding Benefits Both Baby and Mom , Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2025; How to Use a Breast Pump , WebMD, 2025; What to Know When Buying or Using a Breast Pump , U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2023; Breastfeeding , American Academy of Pediatrics, 2024</description><category domain="https://connect.bcbsil.com/tags/Atenci_26002300_243_3B00_n%2bm_26002300_233_3B00_dica%2binfantil">Atenci&amp;#243;n m&amp;#233;dica infantil</category><category domain="https://connect.bcbsil.com/tags/Tu%2bCobertura">Tu Cobertura</category><category domain="https://connect.bcbsil.com/tags/Espa_26002300_241_3B00_ol">Espa&amp;#241;ol</category><category domain="https://connect.bcbsil.com/tags/Embarazo">Embarazo</category></item><item><title>Forum Post: RE: Seeking member ID information without having card</title><link>https://connect.bcbsil.com/ask-bcbsil/f/questions-and-answers/1312/seeking-member-id-information-without-having-card/3454</link><pubDate>Thu, 07 May 2026 19:19:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:6608a0c4-5cd0-494b-84ca-25bfb539a8f9</guid><dc:creator>BCBSIL Connect Team</dc:creator><description>Hello, We have responded to your private message. ~ KW</description></item><item><title>Forum Post: RE: Seeking member ID information without having card</title><link>https://connect.bcbsil.com/ask-bcbsil/f/questions-and-answers/1312/seeking-member-id-information-without-having-card/3453</link><pubDate>Thu, 07 May 2026 18:38:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:c1ef3e56-34b6-4411-af70-a2b0fbf7a9ed</guid><dc:creator>Mama06</dc:creator><description>I also need my member id to create an online account and don&amp;#39;t have my card</description></item></channel></rss>