https://uat-bcbsil.telligenthosting.net/in-the-community/en-USTelligent Community 12https://uat-bcbsil.telligenthosting.net/in-the-community/b/weblog/posts/get-to-know-blue-bearWed, 17 Jan 2024 14:38:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:331b9dea-70ae-47d8-b35a-2eb51c0e3e7aBCBSIL Connect TeamHow well do you know Blue Bear? Here’s a not-so-secret secret: Blue Bear likes being a healthy, happy bear. That’s why he eats his vegetables — even the green ones. He wears his helmet to protect his big brain. He brushes his teeth twice a day! Doing all these things help keep Blue Bear strong so he has the energy to do all the things he loves like running, jumping and playing. Just as important, Blue Bear wants all his friends — especially his human friends — to be strong and healthy so they can have lots of fun, too. Blue Bear Cares About You It’s true. That’s why he encourages friends like you to: Eat your fruits and vegetables Brush your teeth twice a day Wear your helmet when you ride a bike Buckle your seat belt when you get in the car He may not talk much, but Blue Bear is quick to give his friends a big hug. With lots of love, he fur sure shares the importance of healthy living, staying safe and helping others. You might see him doing one of his favorite things: riding in the Care Van. The van takes him to lots of neighborhoods so he can encourage kids to get vaccines that protect them. Blue Bear thinks sharing health and wellness info with kids is the most important thing he can do. Find out more about the Care Van ® Program and learn why he loves it so much. Blue Bear Fun Facts From: Land of Blue Favorite Color: Green. Just kidding. It's blue! Favorite Food: Blueberry Muffins (but not too many!) Favorite Phrase: Nothing is im- paws -ible. Shoe Size: 14 Favorite Exercise: Playing football, baseball, basketball and soccer. He’s an active bear! Blue Bear’s Big Tip Visit your doctor every year and get all your vaccines . Originally published 9/3/2015; Revised 2022, 2024In the IL communityBlue BearHealth and Wellnesshttps://uat-bcbsil.telligenthosting.net/in-the-community/b/weblog/posts/tips-for-a-safe-july-4thFri, 09 Jun 2023 11:36:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:50ec840a-6f6c-4597-8e23-0adc3e9a3efdBCBSIL Connect TeamCelebrating 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. While Fourth of July festivities are fun, make sure they’re safe, too. Take a look at these safety tips ahead of the holiday weekend. Be careful with fireworks. The Consumer Product Safety Commission says that about 180 people seek care every day for fireworks-related injuries from mid-June to mid-July. More than 11,000 people were treated for fireworks injuries in U.S. hospital ERs. If you are using fireworks, read the warning labels and directions before lighting them. Keep a bucket of water or water hose handy for emergencies. Also buy your fireworks from a reputable fireworks stand or company. See if fireworks are legal in your city. Know the laws and obey them. While fireworks may be legal in your county, they may not be permitted within city limits. Instead, find out if your city is sponsoring a fireworks show for everyone’s fun. Use sun protection. The heat can be very dangerous to children and older adults. Wear a hat to protect your ears, eyes, forehead and scalp from the rays. Slather sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and re-apply throughout the day. Apply sunscreen before applying insect repellent. Keep a watchful eye on the water. Whether you’re at the pool, lake or beach, always make sure at least one adult is watching when children are around water. The highest number of drowning deaths happen in June, July and August. Drink more fluids. During hot summers, it’s vital you and your children drink plenty of water. Your body needs more water when it is physically active and in a hot climate. Watch for signs of dehydration. Excessive sweating, thirst, headache, fatigue, dizziness, cramping and less urine output are all signs. Keep the bugs away. Summer parties and vacations often have uninvited guests — bugs. When outside, apply insect repellent with one of these active ingredients: DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or para-menthane-diol. Always follow the spray's instructions, reapply as directed, and do not apply repellent on the skin under clothing. What plans do you have for celebrating Independence Day? Source: 2021 Fireworks Annual Report , Consumer Product Safety Commission, 2022; The Big Number: 180 People a Day Land in ER for Injuries from Fireworks , Washington Post, 2019; Prevent Mosquito Bites , Drowning Prevention , Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2022; Sunscreen FAQs , American Academy of Dermatology Association, 2023 Originally published 7/3/2017; Revised 2021, 2023In the IL communityHealth and WellnessHolidaySafetyhttps://uat-bcbsil.telligenthosting.net/in-the-community/b/weblog/posts/cancer-pregnant-mom-fought-twoWed, 26 Oct 2022 14:00:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:50fa9b29-19ef-44e2-bb6b-8431faa14d15BCBSIL Connect TeamLearning you have breast cancer is likely one of the worst moments of any woman’s life. Finding out you are pregnant a few days later must seem surreal. It’s an improbable scenario sure to stir a mix of conflicting emotions—joy, fear, amazement and a fierce protectiveness. How can these two life-altering events happen simultaneously? That was a question Sarah D. found herself facing at the age of 34. “I had no family history of breast cancer and absolutely no reason to think I would be at risk for developing it,” she says. “Yet, it happened anyway. Ten days after receiving the terrible news, I had something that encouraged me to fight even more. I found out I was pregnant.” Facing the Storm Terrified and not knowing what to expect – or what her options as a pregnant woman with breast cancer might be – Sarah saw her obstetrician the day after she learned she was pregnant. “She put my worries at ease right away,” Sarah recalls. “My doctor assured me that I would be able to receive treatment and my baby would be fine. My oncologist confirmed her assessment. We just waited until after the second trimester to start my chemotherapy.” Over the course of 12 weeks, Sarah underwent four rounds of chemo. “As my belly grew, my hair fell out. I was certainly a sight to behold,” she admits. “I was always exhausted, which is a common side effect of both chemo and pregnancy. Luckily, that was the worst part of it for me. I didn’t get sick. I didn’t have pain. Of course, I was concerned for my child. We all were.” “The biggest concern about chemotherapy during pregnancy is that it may affect the baby’s development. As a result, my son was constantly monitored. Thankfully, he grew right on schedule and looked healthy throughout my entire treatment.” A Welcome Miracle At 8:44 p.m. on Nov. 3, 2015, Sarah’s beautiful baby boy finally made his long-awaited appearance. His mother, who had been through so much to bring him safely into the world, was ecstatic. “He was perfect!” Sarah boasts. “Today, I’m not only a breast cancer survivor, but my son is an incredibly smart, funny and loving child. He is truly our family’s miracle.” Originally published 3/16/2018; Revised 2022In the IL communityLiving with Breast CancerPregnancyCancerBreast Cancerhttps://uat-bcbsil.telligenthosting.net/in-the-community/m/mediagallery/178Fri, 17 Dec 2021 22:32:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:2a9b72b0-8410-474e-b585-67583496bb22BCBSIL Connect TeamMany people are feeling more stressed and anxious than usual. Some may have trouble with appetite, sleep, concentration or other aspects of their lives. Some may drink, use drugs or turn to other unhealthy coping strategies. Please know that help is available. In this video, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois Chief Medical Director Dr. Derek Robinson shares some resources that can support mental health. Learn more about how your mental health is important .AnxietyIn the IL communityUnderstanding Behavioral HealthMental HealthVideosDepressionMediaOur ViewPointHealth and WellnessHealthy Mindhttps://uat-bcbsil.telligenthosting.net/in-the-community/m/mediagallery/177Fri, 17 Dec 2021 22:24:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:15bdd4e5-34a0-4e83-bb05-7c4dab8572efBCBSIL Connect TeamHigh blood pressure usually has no warning signs or symptoms. That’s why it is so important to have your blood pressure checked at each visit with your health care provider or specialist. If untreated, high blood pressure can damage your kidneys or cause a heart attack or stroke. In this video, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois Chief Medical Officer Dr. Derek Robinson shares a message for every adult about blood pressure. Learn more about heart health and high blood pressure .Living with Heart Disease and High Blood PressureIn the IL communityVideosBlood PressureMediaOur ViewPointHealth and WellnessHypertensionLiving with HypertensionLiving with Heart Diseasehttps://uat-bcbsil.telligenthosting.net/in-the-community/m/mediagallery/176Fri, 17 Dec 2021 22:17:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:ac9442e5-cee2-4134-8778-5f20b9f0ede1BCBSIL Connect TeamIf you have been diagnosed with diabetes, you know how diabetes management can be complex and challenging. In this video, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois Chief Medical Officer Dr. Derek Robinson encourages people with diabetes to work with their health care provider to make a care plan. Learn more about diabetes , and importance of your blood pressure .In the IL communityVideosManaging Your DiabetesMediaOur ViewPointHealth and WellnessDiabetesLiving with Diabeteshttps://uat-bcbsil.telligenthosting.net/in-the-community/m/mediagallery/175Fri, 17 Dec 2021 22:06:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:ccd33720-621a-4297-8621-3cee8a07894dBCBSIL Connect TeamWomen’s health screenings are important to discuss with your health care provider or women’s specialist. In this video, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois Chief Medical Director Dr. Derek Robinson reminds women to talk with their health care provider about cervical and breast cancer screenings. Learn more about Breast Cancer or Cervical Cancer.In the IL communityVideosPreventive CareMediaOur ViewPointWomen's HealthHealth and WellnessBreast CancerCervical CancerBreast Cancer Preventionhttps://uat-bcbsil.telligenthosting.net/in-the-community/m/mediagallery/174Fri, 17 Dec 2021 21:50:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:669c7997-2e9b-4efd-b4ad-e71876ffdebbBCBSIL Connect TeamColon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in men and women combined in the United States, and it’s also one of the most preventable cancers. Living a healthy lifestyle can reduce your risk of colon and rectal cancer, but regular screening is also important. In this video, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois Chief Medical Officer Dr. Derek Robinson recommends talking with your health care provider about which type of screening is right for you and when you should be screened. Learn more about Colon Health.Colorectal Cancer Screening OptionsIn the IL communityColon HealthVideosColon Cancer PreventionMediaOur ViewPointHealth and WellnessCancerhttps://uat-bcbsil.telligenthosting.net/in-the-community/m/mediagallery/173Thu, 16 Dec 2021 23:54:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:f640a35f-5f71-4665-ab54-e548fa903430BCBSIL Connect TeamStarting at birth your child needs regular health checkups and vaccinations. In this video, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois' Chief Medical Officer Dr. Derek Robinson advises parents to schedule their child’s next well visit and stay up to date on childhood immunizations.In the IL communityVideosMediaChildren’s HealthOur ViewPointHealth and WellnessImmunizationshttps://uat-bcbsil.telligenthosting.net/in-the-community/a-year-in-review/Thu, 28 Dec 2017 11:53:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:4b24745e-1964-4ecf-b593-f51619a06340https://uat-bcbsil.telligenthosting.net/in-the-community/b/weblogMon, 28 Jul 2014 15:07:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:0ae05396-ed6c-4f7a-ae60-44ddb5368293Check out what we are doing in the your Illinois communityhttps://uat-bcbsil.telligenthosting.net/in-the-community/m/mediagalleryMon, 28 Jul 2014 15:07:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:e45eaa16-9d53-4d72-b4a3-796e0caa6750Browse our Illinois community gallery and discover what's going on in your health community – and what BCBSIL is doing to improve that community.https://uat-bcbsil.telligenthosting.net/in-the-community/Mon, 28 Jul 2014 15:05:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:3f6bc682-f86b-4710-8cff-160608eaa1f3