https://connect.bcbsil.com/health-and-wellness/b/weblog/posts/healthy-brain-agingThu, 27 Aug 2026 17:48:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:2deb4132-c967-4668-a7c6-c0b350a12718BCBSIL Connect TeamIt’s common to think that forgetfulness and other changes in our brain function are a part of getting older that we just have to accept. But studies show that there are simple steps you can take to help prevent cognitive decline and lower your risk of dementia. It’s never too soon to start taking steps to keep your brain healthy. But even if you’re already experiencing some changes, you can help prevent or slow the progress of cognitive decline. Keep Your Brain Healthy “The brain is malleable and changeable, and can improve throughout our lives,” neurosurgeon and health correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta told the American Academy of Neurology’s Brain & Life magazine . Dr. Gupta, who has written books about healthy aging and improving brain health, found that there are five main contributors to brain health that you can control: be more active, keep the brain stimulated, get enough quality sleep, eat a healthy diet, and build a strong social life. Some of the steps you can take for your brain health are the same as the ones you take to keep your whole body healthy: Be more active . Studies show that exercise is one of the most important things you can do for your brain health. Routine activity helps the brain by raising blood flow. That can slow a drop in mental function and lower the risk of getting Alzheimer’s disease and other neurological problems. Get plenty of sleep . It boosts your total recall and brain health. It’s also critical if you’re feeling less alert than usual. Eat a healthy diet . What you eat plays a large role in your brain health. A Mediterranean diet, heavy on plant-based foods, whole grains, fish and healthy fats like olive oil is a good pick. Eating a diet low in red meat and salt appears to raise mental focus and slow mental decline in older adults. And staying mentally active is also an important way to protect your brain health. Make a game plan to help improve your cognitive fitness: Keep your mind active . Your brain is like a muscle that you need to use. There are lots of things that you can do to keep it in shape, like reading, word games, playing cards or putting together a jigsaw puzzle. Consider it cross-training for your brain. Doing different activities is the key. Connect with others . Find ways to connect with friends and family. Dr. Gupta says that enjoying life through socializing seems to help brain health. Communities that have the best brain health in the world are ones where people are socially active and have rich social ties. Keep learning new things. A job may help keep you mentally active. Taking up a new hobby, taking classes, learning a new skill or volunteering can also keep your mind sharp. And try things that need manual skill, like building something, drawing or other crafty pursuits. Use all your senses. The more senses you use in learning something, the stronger your memory of it will be. Believe in yourself. The negative things we believe about aging can contribute to a decline in memory and mental ability. People who feel they can’t do anything about it are less likely to work at maintaining or improving their memory skills and more likely to decline. Try believing you can improve and acting to make it happen. Prioritize your brain use. Save your mental energy for learning and remembering new and important things. Use smart phone reminders, calendars and shopping lists to keep routine information easy to find and remember. Always keep your keys, glasses and other frequently needed things in the same place to avoid having to try to remember where you put them every time. Reinforce what you want to know. Say it out loud or write it down. This can build up the memory or link. Repeat it. Repeat words as a learning tool. Try once an hour, then in a few hours, then each day. That can help improve memory and make it simpler to master complicated information. Talk to Your Doctor Having some mild forgetfulness or noticing a difference in your thinking doesn’t mean you have a serious problem. But if you’re experiencing changes in your memory or brain function that concern you, be sure to talk to your doctor. Signs that may be concerning include having trouble with simple math or paying bills, frequently getting lost, repeating things over and over, or losing things more often. Sources: 6 tips to keep your brain healthy , Mayo Clinic, 2022; 6 simple steps to keep your mind sharp at any age , Harvard Medical School, 2020; Dr. Sanjay Gupta Gives Advice on How to Improve Brain Health , American Academy of Neurology’s Brain & Health , 2021NutritionHealthy AgingExerciseSleepHealth and WellnessHealthy Mindhttps://connect.bcbsil.com/espanol/b/tusalud/posts/puedes-mantener-tu-cerebro-saludable-a-cualquier-edadThu, 27 Aug 2026 16:44:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:c296500a-bf55-42a0-bdce-8e923c96de0dEquipoConnectEs común pensar que los olvidos y otros cambios en nuestro funcionamiento cerebral son parte del envejecimiento y simplemente tenemos que aceptarlos. Pero los estudios muestran que hay pasos simples que podemos seguir para ayudar a prevenir el deterioro cognitivo y reducir el riesgo de demencia. Nunca es demasiado pronto para comenzar a tomar medidas para mantener tu cerebro saludable. Pero si ya estás notando algunos cambios, puedes ayudar a prevenir o retrasar el progreso del deterioro cognitivo. Mantén tu cerebro saludable “El cerebro es maleable y cambiante, y puede mejorar a lo largo de nuestras vidas”, dijo el neurocirujano y corresponsal de salud Dr. Sanjay Gupta a la revista Brain & Life de la Academia Americana de Neurología. El Dr. Gupta, que ha escrito libros sobre el envejecimiento saludable y como mejorar la salud del cerebro, descubrió que hay cinco contribuyentes principales a la salud del cerebro que puedes controlar: ser más activo, mantener el cerebro estimulado, dormir lo suficiente, comer una dieta saludable, y construir una buena vida social. Algunas de las medidas que puedes tomar para la salud de tu cerebro son las mismas que tomas para mantener saludable todo tu cuerpo: Sér más activo. Los estudios demuestran que el ejercicio es una de las cosas más importantes que puedes hacer por la salud de tu cerebro. La actividad rutinaria ayuda al cerebro al aumentar el flujo sanguíneo. Eso puede retrasar una caída en la función mental y reducir el riesgo de contraer la enfermedad de Alzheimer y otros problemas neurológicos. Dormir lo suficiente. Esto aumenta tu memoria total y la salud del cerebro. También es fundamental si te sientes menos alerta de lo normal. Comer una dieta saludable. Lo que comes juega un papel importante en la salud de tu cerebro. Una dieta mediterránea, rica en alimentos de origen vegetal, cereales integrales, pescado y grasas saludables como el aceite de oliva, es una buena elección. Comer bajo en carne roja y sal, parece aumentar el enfoque mental y retrasar el deterioro mental en los adultos mayores. Y mantenerte mentalmente activo también es una forma importante de proteger la salud de su cerebro. Haz un plan para ayudar a mejorar tu condición cognitiva: Mantén tu mente activa. Tu cerebro es como un músculo que necesitas ejercitar. Hay muchas cosas que puedes hacer para mantenerlo en forma, como leer, jugar juegos de palabras, jugar a las cartas o armar un rompecabezas. Considéralo un entrenamiento para tu cerebro. Hacer diferentes actividades es clave. Conéctate con otros. Encuentra maneras de conectarte con amigos y familiares. El Dr. Gupta dice que disfrutar de la vida socializando parece ayudar la salud del cerebro. Las comunidades que tienen la mejor salud cerebral del mundo son aquellas en las que las personas son socialmente activas y tienen fuertes conexiones sociales. Sigue aprendiendo cosas nuevas. Un trabajo puede ayudarte a mantenerte mentalmente activo. Explorar un nuevo pasatiempo, tomar clases, aprender una nueva habilidad o ser voluntario también puede mantener tu mente alerta. Intenta cosas que requieran habilidad manual, como construir algo, dibujar u otras manualidades. Usa todos tus sentidos. Entre más sentidos uses para aprender algo, más fuerte será tu memoria. Cree en ti mismo. Las cosas negativas que creemos sobre el envejecimiento pueden contribuir a una disminución de la memoria y la capacidad mental. Las personas que sienten que no pueden hacer nada al respecto, tienen menos probabilidades de esforzarse por mantener o mejorar sus habilidades de memoria y es más probable que disminuyan. Intenta creer que puedes mejorar y toma acción para que esto suceda. Prioriza el uso de tu cerebro. Guarda tu energía mental para aprender y recordar cosas nuevas e importantes. Usa los recordatorios que ofrece tu teléfono celular, calendarios y listas de compras para mantener la información de rutina fácil de encontrar y recordar. Mantén siempre tus llaves, lentes y otras cosas que necesitas con frecuencia en el mismo lugar para evitar tener que tratar de recordar dónde las dejas cada vez. Refuerza lo que quieres saber. Dilo en voz alta o escríbelo. Esto puede mejorar la memoria. Repitelo. Repite palabras y úsalo como herramienta de aprendizaje. Inténtalo una vez cada hora, luego cada dos horas, luego cada día. Eso puede ayudar a mejorar la memoria y simplificar el dominio de información complicada. Habla con tu médico Tener algunos olvidos leves o notar una diferencia en tu forma de pensar no significa que tengas un problema grave. Pero si estás notando cambios en tu memoria o función cerebral que te preocupan, asegúrate de hablar con tu médico. Los signos que pueden ser preocupantes incluyen tener problemas con las matemáticas simples o pagar las cuentas, perderte con frecuencia, repetir cosas una y otra vez o perder cosas con más frecuencia. Fuentes: 6 tips to keep your brain healthy , Mayo Clinic, 2022; 6 simple steps to keep your mind sharp at any age , Harvard Medical School, 2020; Dr. Sanjay Gupta Gives Advice on How to Improve Brain Health , American Academy of Neurology’s Brain & Health , 2021NutriciónTu SaludEnvejecimiento SaludableEspañolMente SaludableDormirEjerciciohttps://connect.bcbsil.com/health-and-wellness/b/weblog/posts/low-intensity-workoutThu, 27 Aug 2026 16:04:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:38ffbf5f-abbb-442a-be35-e910a821a7d7BCBSIL Connect TeamThere are benefits to stepping away from the “no pain, no gain” approach to exercise. Pushing hard isn’t always safe, and it isn’t necessary for health benefits. Low-intensity motion offers a good workout for most people, helping your heart and burning calories while being easier on the body. The chances of you keeping up a low-intensity routine are higher, since you won’t feel as tired as if you did high-intensity training, says the Cleveland Clinic . And less strain on your body means you can do it more often, even every day. What Is Low-Intensity Movement? Low intensity movement is low-impact exercise done at a more comfortable pace. Many people favor walking, but other low intensity activities include: Swimming Biking Dancing Rowing Resistance training Using elliptical machines Pilates Yoga Tai Chi Some kinds of low-intensity exercise, like tai chi and yoga, have also been shown to help improve mood and lower stress. That kind of movement helps the heart and may also lessen pain and tiredness. Low-intensity exercise is also low-impact. So it avoids stress on the joints while still having the benefits that come from deeper breathing and matching movements, says Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center . It may take longer to see results with low-intensity exercise compared to high-intensity. But it is also easier on your body and reduces the chances of getting hurt. Not all low-impact exercise is low-intensity, though. Low impact, high-intensity cardio exercise works the heart at a higher rate while still avoiding joint stress. Exercise that is both low-intensity and low impact further protects from injury. Sometimes athletes use low impact, low intensity activity to prepare for times of more intense movement in a way that reduces their risk for injury. What Does Low-Intensity Activity Do for You? Try low-intensity movement for: Better mood Better sleep Better balance and flexibility More energy Lower levels of fear and worry Lower fall risk Lower heart disease risk Healthier weight Lower cancer risk Less pain and swelling Make a Plan First look at your current fitness level and see if you need to add to your activity. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says adults need routine aerobic activity and muscle strengthening. Aim for at least 150 minutes of exercise a week (more is better). You can break that up into smaller periods of activity throughout the week. Then find some low intensity activities that sound good to you. Most low intensity activities are safe for most people. If you have health issues or are new to exercising, talk to your doctor before starting a new workout. Sources: Ease It Up: Why You Should Consider LIIT Workouts , Cleveland Clinic, 2025; Low-intensity exercise , Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 2022; What Counts as Physical Activity for Adults , Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023Healthy AgingExerciseHealth and WellnessWeight ManagementHealthy Livinghttps://connect.bcbsil.com/ask-bcbsil/f/questions-and-answers/1610/i-have-been-a-new-employee-for-1-week-i-have-benefits-i-have-a-doctor-appt-in-october-and-they-want-card-information-i-tried-to-register-with-blue-cross-blue-shield-of-il-but-they-are-asking-me-for-my-member-id-to-register-i-/3543Thu, 27 Aug 2026 15:53:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:e4eea97c-efde-4a22-a699-e096b55295f7BCBSIL Connect TeamHello, It will take up to two weeks to receive your ID card after your policy has been set up. You will need to allow additional time. ~ HChttps://connect.bcbsil.com/ask-bcbsil/f/questions-and-answers/1610/i-have-been-a-new-employee-for-1-week-i-have-benefits-i-have-a-doctor-appt-in-october-and-they-want-card-information-i-tried-to-register-with-blue-cross-blue-shield-of-il-but-they-are-asking-me-for-my-member-id-to-register-i-Thu, 27 Aug 2026 15:41:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:3b3c58c3-ec21-4a49-95a9-c099615e00a2DoogySee abovehttps://connect.bcbsil.com/health-and-wellness/b/weblog/posts/prevent-virusesThu, 27 Aug 2026 15:14:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:2c2a7694-3c1d-4f59-bb1e-3a8e4f39a58eBCBSIL Connect TeamYour chances of catching a viral illness are higher at certain times of year: Back to school. When temperatures drop and people spend more time indoors. Before the fall and winter holidays. At the start of the new year. Now’s the time to find the best ways to protect you and your family from viruses like colds, flu, COVID-19 and RSV ( respiratory syncytial virus ). Viruses can cause varying degrees of illness, from minor to very severe. While many people’s bodies can fight off most viral illness, some are more vulnerable. Children and older adults can get very sick or even die from some viruses. That’s why it’s important for you and your family to have a plan. A virus spreads quickly if it is an airborne virus like COVID-19, RSV, cold or flu. That means it spreads when people who are sick with the virus don’t cover their face when they’re around others. The virus can be suspended in the air long enough to reach others, even if they aren’t standing close. Sometimes it can also be spread when the virus is on an infected person’s hands or something they have touched. There are steps you can take to protect yourself and your family. Get Vaccinated Get your flu shot. Like colds, flu is contagious and is caused by a virus. Unlike colds, you can get a shot to help protect yourself and others from flu. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says most people who are six months or older should get a yearly flu shot . The flu can be spread before any symptoms appear. This is why others can give you the flu even before they know they have it. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for the shot to protect against flu virus infection. So get it as soon as possible. And it’s important to stay up to date on your COVID-19 vaccines and boosters . The CDC says the shots are a safe, effective way to protect yourself from COVID-19. The vaccine is recommended for most people who are six months old or older. Avoid Germs Taking a few common steps can help ward off illness. Remember to: Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. When you don’t have soap and water handy, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. When you cough, cover both your mouth and nose with a tissue or your shirt. Show kids how to bend their arm in front of their face and cough into the crook of their elbow. After you use a tissue, throw it in the trash. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands when you're out in public. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Stay home when you are sick. Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces that are touched a lot. That includes toys, door handles, faucets and TV remotes. Don’t share drinks or eating utensils when you're away from home. Each of these steps help reduce your risk of getting and spreading infectious diseases. But there’s no one way to prevent disease. That’s why it’s important to have many good habits for reducing your risk, says the Cleveland Clinic . It’s especially important for people at higher risk of infectious disease. They include: Those with compromised immune systems, like those receiving cancer treatments, living with HIV or taking certain medicines Young children Women who are pregnant Adults over 60 People who are not vaccinated against common infectious diseases Health care workers Getting sick isn’t fun for anyone, and it can be dangerous. But you can lower your risk significantly by actively protecting yourself and your family. Not Sure What You Have? If you have sniffles, sneezes, coughing or sore throat, it can be hard to tell if your symptoms are from allergies, a cold, flu or COVID-19. Get tips on how to tell the difference . Sources: Infectious Diseases , Cleveland Clinic, 2025; Similarities and Differences between Flu and COVID-19 , Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2024; About Influenza , CDC, 2026; COVID-19 Vaccines , CDC, 2025; Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection (RSV) , CDCFlu VaccineGermsCOVID19Flu PreventionHealth and WellnessFluhttps://connect.bcbsil.com/health-and-wellness/b/weblog/posts/memory-loss-signs-that-signal-alzheimer-s-diseaseThu, 27 Aug 2026 14:48:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:94d9a8bc-6749-440a-b779-ad61ea89356bBCBSIL Connect TeamYou forget a new friend’s name. Forget a haircut date. Forget where you left your car keys. It happens. And it probably isn’t a sign of a serious health issue. But some types of memory loss may be a wake-up call to find out what’s going on with your health. Most adults have some form of memory loss as they age. Forgetfulness and brain fog are changes to discuss with your doctor. What’s Behind Your Memory Problem? Many things can cause memory problems that mimic dementia, but aren’t dementia and can be treated, says AARP . They include: Medication side effects or interactions Untreated infections, such as UTIs Sleep problems Dehydration Heart, lung, liver or kidney issues Hormone changes and thyroid problems Vitamin deficiencies Alcohol use disorders Some cancers Pain Stress/anxiety/depression Alzheimer’s and Dementia Normal aging changes are different than serious conditions like dementia or Alzheimer's disease. Dementia is a decline in thinking skills and memory. It can interfere with normal daily living. Some people with dementia may have trouble using language or recognizing people. There are different types of dementia. Alzheimer’s is just one form, but it makes up 60 to 80 percent of dementia cases. It’s caused by plaque in the brain. Vascular dementia, caused by brain damage from small strokes, is another type. Other forms of dementia can be caused by vitamin deficiencies and other health problems. Early-onset Alzheimer’s Most people develop Alzheimer’s in their later years — at age 65 or older. But some people can get it in their 30s, 40s or 50s. This is called early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. About 10 percent of Alzheimer’s cases are early-onset. It isn’t always clear what causes early-onset Alzheimer’s, but some cases are caused by genetic factors. In the remaining majority of cases, the cause is often a mix of genetics, environmental and lifestyle factors. For example, head injuries can contribute to Alzheimer’s. And there is a link between people with diabetes and memory loss. Symptoms and Diagnosis Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) can develop into Alzheimer’s. Some signs of MCI include: Unexplained loss of sense of smell Inability to complete familiar tasks Difficulty with problem solving and with following instructions Changes in personality or mood Some of the early signs of Alzheimer's include: Memory loss that disrupts your daily life Having trouble with simple math problems, paying bills or other familiar tasks at home or at work Getting lost in familiar areas Frequently losing items or putting them in odd places Confusion with time or place Trouble understanding images and spatial relations New problems with words when speaking or writing Poor judgment with decision making Withdrawal from work or social activities If you or those close to you have noticed these changes in you, talk to your doctor. Sometimes the people who know you best will see changes in your behavior first, says the Mayo Clinic . Talk to Your Doctor Whatever the cause of your memory issues, talk to your doctor. It may be something easily treatable. And if it is something more serious, it’s important to catch it early. Early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia can mean more treatment options are available. A checkup for memory issues covers several areas. Your doctor may: Take a complete medical history and ask about the use of prescription and over-the-counter drugs Ask you and your family questions about how you’re doing with everyday things like paying bills, shopping or driving Test your memory, problem-solving, language and counting skills Collect blood and urine and request other medical tests Order brain scans to rule out other possible causes Keep Your Brain Healthy at Any Age There are ways to keep your brain healthy and prevent or delay cognitive decline. And it’s never too soon to start. Learn the steps you can take to keep your brain healthy. Sources: Alzheimer’s and Dementia , Alzheimer’s Association; Alzheimer’s Disease , Mayo Clinic, 2026; When to seek help for memory loss , Mayo Clinic, 2022; 6 Medical Problems That Can Mimic Dementia — But Aren’t , AARP, 2025; Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer’s , Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2024; How Is Alzheimer’s Disease Diagnosed? , National Institute on Aging, 2022; Diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease , Mayo Clinic, 2026DementiaMemory LossHealth and WellnessAlzheimer's Diseasehttps://connect.bcbsil.com/health-and-wellness/b/weblog/posts/cold-flu-allergies-covidThu, 27 Aug 2026 14:45:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:5c06aa1e-94b6-44dd-a626-fedd1e9687dfBCBSIL Connect TeamIf 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 side of safety and stay home and away from others. So how can you tell what you have? Stay Alert for COVID-19 The symptoms for COVID-19 and the flu are similar. You likely won't be able to tell the difference from symptoms alone. The signs of COVID-19 include fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. You may also have other symptoms that you can get when you have a cold or the flu, such as feeling tired, muscle or body aches, or headaches. If you suspect you have COVID-19, take a test to be sure. Learn about your options for testing . If you test positive, follow CDC guidelines for what to do when you get a respiratory virus. If your symptoms are mild, you may get better on your own. But it is still important that you don't go around others until you're well. If you have more serious symptoms, like a high fever or trouble breathing, call your doctor right away. The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months old and older should get an updated COVID-19 vaccine . RSV RSV is a common respiratory virus that infects the lungs, but it can also affect the nose and throat. The CDC says RSV spreads in the fall and winter along with other respiratory viruses, like flu and COVID-19. It usually peaks in December and January. RSV usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. But it can be more serious for infants and older adults. For them, it can be dangerous and may require a hospital stay. The CDC recommends vaccinations for infants, some young children and older adults. Colds and Allergies When you don’t feel well, you might wonder whether it’s a cold or allergies. They share some similar symptoms like coughing, sneezing, and runny or stuffy nose. So how can you tell the difference? How long your problems last is one of the big clues. Colds don’t often stick around more than two weeks. Allergy symptoms can linger much longer. Colds are caused when a virus gets into your body and makes you sick. Your immune system launches a defense against germs. Your body fighting off the cold is what causes symptoms like a stuffy nose or cough. Unlike allergies, colds can also make your body ache. Allergies are caused by an overactive immune system. Your body overreacts to harmless things like pollen or dust and works to protect you from them. That can cause coughing, sneezing and stuffy nose, like colds. Unlike colds, allergies often cause watery, itchy eyes. Also keep in mind that colds are contagious, while allergies are not. WebMD offers a full list of similarities and differences. Flu While flu shares some symptoms with colds or allergies, it is more severe and causes more serious symptoms. It also tends to come on much quicker and more severely. The American Lung Association says to watch for these signs of flu: Sudden, high fever Headache, muscle and joint aches and pain Dry cough Sore throat Chills Nasal congestion Runny nose Fatigue Stomach symptoms like nausea, vomiting or diarrhea (more common in children) Get Your Flu Shot Like colds, flu is contagious and is caused by a virus. Unlike colds, you can get a vaccination to help protect yourself and others from flu. The CDC says most people who are six months or older should get a yearly flu shot. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for the shot to protect against flu virus infection. So don’t wait until peak flu season to get your shot. G et it as soon as it is available. Your health plan may cover a flu shot at no cost* to you when you go to your primary care doctor or use an in-network provider. Avoid Germs To stay healthy, protect yourself from germs of all kinds: Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use hand sanitizer often throughout the day. Try not to touch surfaces used by a lot of people, like door handles, light switches, phones, keyboards and flat surfaces. Disinfect those surfaces around your home or office often. Keep your hands away from your eyes, nose, and mouth, especially when you’re away from home. When you’re out in public, try to stay 6 to 10 feet away from other people. Nose Relief How can you help your poor nose when you’re sick? Consider these simple steps for runny nose woes from the Cleveland Clinic : Drink lots of fluids, especially water. Use an OTC saline nasal spray. Only use decongestant nasal sprays for a few days (read the label). Try a cool-mist humidifier in your bedroom. Drink hot tea. Try facial steam or a hot shower. Use a Neti pot (with distilled water). *Preventive services at no cost applies only to members enrolled in non-grandfathered health plans. You may have to pay all or part of the cost of preventive care if your health plan is grandfathered. To find out if your plan is grandfathered or non-grandfathered, call the customer service number on your member ID card. Sources: Symptoms of COVID-19 , Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2025; Who Needs a Flu Vaccine , CDC, 2025; Is it a Common Cold or Allergies , WebMD, 2025; Flu Symptoms and Risk Factors , American Lung Association, 2026; Rhinorrhea (Runny Nose) , Cleveland Clinic, 2023; About RSV , CDC, 2025; Preventing Spread of Respiratory Viruses When You're Sick , CDC, 2025; Testing for COVID-19 , CDC, 2025; COVID-19 Vaccines , CDC, 2025GermsCOVID19Health and WellnessIs It the FluAllergiesFluhttps://connect.bcbsil.com/health-and-wellness/b/weblog/posts/stretchThu, 27 Aug 2026 10:17:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:558ddbd7-601c-45f9-9385-5ec13b2852acBCBSIL Connect TeamAches 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. It lets you move. But it can also be a pain point. There are things that can help you take care of your back and joints to help prevent pain: Watch your weight and eat healthy foods. Keep stretching and exercising, and always wear protective gear as needed. Build your muscles for better joint support. Don’t do too much. Perfect your posture. Back and joint pain can stem from many different causes. Some pain might come from simply not moving enough, or from moving in the wrong way. Other pain comes from arthritis, injuries and other conditions that can cause serious joint damage at any age. If the damage is bad enough, the pain can interfere with your daily activities. If you’re experiencing joint or back pain that’s new to you, talk to your doctor. They can help you decide what you can safely do to help your problem. For many people, stretching or exercise are good options. But you need to do it the right way. Stretch It Out Wherever your pain is coming from, there is one thing that helps most people: Stretching. Simple stretches done correctly can help ease joint and back pain and stiffness, while boosting flexibility and balance. That can help you move better. It can also ease muscle tension and improve your posture. “Stretching keeps the muscles flexible, strong and healthy. We need that flexibility to maintain a range of motion in the joints. Otherwise, muscles shorten and become tight. That can make the muscles weak, which puts you at risk for joint pain, strains and muscle damage,” says Harvard Health . Stretching is also helpful, especially for people with arthritis, because it lubricates your joints. And it helps you maintain the full movement of your joints. Stretching also helps your body before and after exercise. Because it increases your flexibility and improves your ability to move easily, it can help reduce the risk of injury. Tips for Stretching How often should you stretch? A few stretches every day is best. Aim for at least three stretches four times a week. Not sure where to start? Harvard Health says you don’t need to stretch every muscle every time to benefit. Some areas provide more benefit than others for easing pain. Stretching your lower body — calves, thighs, hip flexors and lower back — can help your whole body. Shoulder and neck stretches are also good ways to ease tension, pain and stiffness. And of course, carefully stretch any other areas where you have pain or stiffness. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons offers these tips for stretching: Don’t forget to warm up your muscles before you stretch. Stretching cold can hurt your muscles. Start very slowly or try a few minutes of light aerobic exercise to get warmed up. Always start slowly and move gently. Then relax and hold your stretch — 10 to 30 seconds is good. Do not bounce. That can cause injuries. Remember, stretching should not hurt. If you feel pain, stop and relax. Talk to Your Doctor Before You Start If you have long-lasting pain or have had an injury, you might need to change the way you stretch or avoid stretching that area for a while. For example, if you already have a strained muscle, stretching it may cause further harm. Talk to your doctor about the best way for you to stretch. And your doctor can help you decide which activities are safe for you. And if you have back or joint pain that lingers, don’t ignore it. Talk to your doctor. Your doctor may suggest ways to safely ease the symptoms yourself at home. Or your doctor may recommend treatment like physical therapy. Sources: The importance of stretching , Harvard Health Publishing, 2024; Get in the Habit of Stretching , Arthritis Foundation; Warm Up, Cool Down and Be Flexible , American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons; Caring for Your Joints , WebMD, 2024; Muscle Pain , Cleveland Clinic, 2024ArthritisHealth and WellnessBack PainJoint and Bone Healthhttps://connect.bcbsil.com/health-and-wellness/b/weblog/posts/early-detection-breast-cancerThu, 27 Aug 2026 07:48:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:264a8ffe-0689-4f40-b08c-3779cbd06535BCBSIL Connect TeamFinding breast cancer early is the best way to prevent deaths from breast cancer. Getting regular screening tests is the best way to find breast cancer early. About 1 in 8 American women will get breast cancer at some point in their lives. Each year more than 300,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer are diagnosed in the U.S. Breast cancer death rates for women are higher than any cancer besides lung cancer. Get Screened More than 42,000 women in the U.S. die each year from breast cancer. Don’t take any chances. Talk to your health care provider about breast cancer, your risk factors and your family medical history.  Recommendation s for women at average breast cancer risk: If you are between the ages of 40 and 74, get a mammogram at least every two years. Screening mammograms are covered at no cost* when performed by a provider in your health plan’s network. Other types of breast cancer screening tests may also be covered at no cost, depending on your plan. If you have questions about your benefits or costs, call the customer service number on your member ID card. Your health care provider may do additional tests if you have family members with a history of breast, ovarian, tubal or peritoneal cancer. These additional tests can show if this family history will put you at higher risk for breast cancer. You may have out-of-pocket costs for non-screening tests. Talk to your doctor about what screening plan is best for you. Visit our breast cancer section for more information about breast cancer prevention and treatment, living with breast cancer, and helpful tips. *Preventive services at no cost applies only to members enrolled in non-grandfathered health plans. You may have to pay all or part of the cost of preventive care if your health plan is grandfathered. To find out if your plan is grandfathered or non-grandfathered, call the customer service number on your member ID card. Sources: Breast Cancer , National Cancer Institute; Early Detection and Diagnosis of Breast Cancer , American Cancer Society, 2026; Breast Cancer: Screening , U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, 2024; Breast Cancer Basics , Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2026; Cancer Stat Facts: Female Breast Cancer , National Cancer Institute, 2025; Key Statistics for Breast Cancer , American Cancer Society, 2026Preventive CareHealth and WellnessWomen’s HealthCancerBreast CancerBreast Cancer Preventionhttps://connect.bcbsil.com/ask-bcbsil/f/questions-and-answers/1421/how-to-request-more-pt-visits-for-a-patient-who-has-a-soft-max/3542Wed, 26 Aug 2026 16:15:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:a2fdddf9-0a17-4f91-9dd5-f1ad9fc566e8Elite PT LLCI need information on this as well, and I already have a case number.https://connect.bcbsil.com/ask-bcbsil/f/questions-and-answers/1609/register-screen-blank/3541Tue, 25 Aug 2026 15:45:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:378ea690-b445-4d15-93ba-8498fd0a2c6eBCBSIL Connect TeamHello, I'm responding to you on your private message. ~ HChttps://connect.bcbsil.com/ask-bcbsil/f/questions-and-answers/1609/register-screen-blankTue, 25 Aug 2026 14:44:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:93e0778a-4faf-493f-b0ce-debf4b33fdf0boryanakosevaUnable to register my account even when trying multiple browsers and the app all that shows up is a blank screen that never loads. And need an account so I can schedule an appointment.https://connect.bcbsil.com/ask-bcbsil/f/questions-and-answers/1608/id-number/3540Tue, 25 Aug 2026 14:17:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:5b883140-8bb2-4213-b2f8-d0d1ebd2575aBCBSIL Connect TeamHello, If you could send us a private message, we can help you with this. ~ HChttps://connect.bcbsil.com/ask-bcbsil/f/questions-and-answers/1608/id-numberTue, 25 Aug 2026 14:15:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:cca0ae91-3756-4217-aa63-4dbec32d1194pcurry71I either never received my membership ID or have lost it, how do I get another one?https://connect.bcbsil.com/ask-bcbsil/f/questions-and-answers/1607/when-will-i-receive-my-card-in-the-mail/3539Mon, 24 Aug 2026 13:07:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:0cbe5764-6e18-4a90-9fb8-bcbea6676ea2BCBSIL Connect TeamHello, I'm responding to you on your private message. ~ HChttps://connect.bcbsil.com/ask-bcbsil/f/questions-and-answers/1607/when-will-i-receive-my-card-in-the-mailSat, 22 Aug 2026 03:30:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:dd7b01ed-e6a7-455b-b1cf-47dd31d990b3SarahrosemarshI signed up for BCBS insurance at the end of July. Insurance was active on August 1st. I have been given no information about the card, ID number, and prescription plans. When will I get this? I have prescriptions I need.https://connect.bcbsil.com/ask-bcbsil/f/questions-and-answers/1606/how-can-i-as-a-provider-from-an-out-of-state-plan-actually-talk-to-someone-about-a-benefits-issue-it-is-insane-to-me-that-all-you-have-is-an-ivr-transfer-to-a-customer-care-advocate-is-not-a-valid-option/3538Fri, 21 Aug 2026 17:35:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:d0d7ce2f-da80-454e-8c64-96635d0b3b5brevansstill don't understand why you just don't have a number for people to call with claims issues. All you have is an IVR. I have never worked with an insurance company where i could not talk to a real human!https://connect.bcbsil.com/ask-bcbsil/f/questions-and-answers/1606/how-can-i-as-a-provider-from-an-out-of-state-plan-actually-talk-to-someone-about-a-benefits-issue-it-is-insane-to-me-that-all-you-have-is-an-ivr-transfer-to-a-customer-care-advocate-is-not-a-valid-option/3537Fri, 21 Aug 2026 17:34:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:19a25e1f-ae16-430d-98ef-b19a2062a0caBCBSIL Connect TeamHello, We have assisted you with this on your Facebook posts. Provider services will be in touch. ~ HChttps://connect.bcbsil.com/ask-bcbsil/f/questions-and-answers/1606/how-can-i-as-a-provider-from-an-out-of-state-plan-actually-talk-to-someone-about-a-benefits-issue-it-is-insane-to-me-that-all-you-have-is-an-ivr-transfer-to-a-customer-care-advocate-is-not-a-valid-optionFri, 21 Aug 2026 16:32:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:786faffd-f15b-49cb-ae4e-0861441b991erevanshow can i as a PROVIDER from an out of state plan, actually talk to someone about a benefits issue? It is insane to me that all you have is an IVR! "Transfer to a customer care advocate is not a valid option."provider services