Blogs

Digital Smarts: Basic Smartphone Terms Explained

BCBSIL Connect Team — Fri, 06 Dec 2024 17:32:00 GMT

Smartphones are more than just phones. These modern-day marvels can carry out a whole range of functions besides phone calls. With a smartphone, you can surf the web, send and receive emails and texts, record video, take photos, watch movies and much...(read more)

Smartphone Basics for Older Adults: Unlocking the Digital World

BCBSIL Connect Team — Fri, 06 Dec 2024 17:08:00 GMT

If you’re new to smartphones, they can seem scary and confusing. But they don’t have to be. Read on for a simple guide to the basics of using a smartphone. What are smartphone apps? A smartphone is a mobile phone with many of the same fun...(read more)

Stay on Top of Your Prescriptions

BCBSIL Connect Team — Wed, 10 Apr 2024 13:32:00 GMT

It’s not always easy to take medications on time. Life sometimes gets in the way of best-laid plans. One day you look at your pillbox and realize you’re a few doses behind. Taking your medicine as prescribed&nbsp...(read more)

Staying In-Network Is Important

BCBSIL Connect Team — Mon, 08 Apr 2024 18:51:00 GMT

You want to take care of yourself. So, it's good that when you need health care services, you have a whole network you can tap. Your health plan gives you access to many kinds of care providers. Doctors, therapists, clinics, ...(read more)

Six Ways to Start Small and Make Big Changes

BCBSIL Connect Team — Fri, 05 Apr 2024 13:00:00 GMT

Want an easy, effective and safe way to get healthy? Think small. Small changes can actually lead to greater well-being over time. "Thinking small" works because it eases you into healthy new habits. Old habits don't simply go away. As someone ...(read more)

Skip a Trip to the Doctor’s Office With an In-Home Assessment

BCBSIL Connect Team — Fri, 05 Apr 2024 09:45:00 GMT

A trip to the doctor’s office takes time away from your everyday life. You may have to find a ride or cancel other plans. For Medicare Advantage members, an in-home health assessment can let you get the health check you need. Plus, it saves you...(read more)

Perks and Pit'falls' of Owning a Dog

BCBSIL Connect Team — Thu, 04 Apr 2024 12:53:00 GMT

How do you turn back the hands of time? One study suggests that dog owners over the age of 65 can turn back the clock as much as 10 years. A furry friend can help: Fend off depression Fight loneliness Lower blood pressure Reduce heart rate The simp...(read more)

In-Home Diabetes Care: Make Good Food Choices

BCBSIL Connect Team — Thu, 04 Apr 2024 07:00:00 GMT

Managing your diabetes can seem like a full-time job. There are so many things that affect your blood sugar level. What you eat, the number of hours you sleep, how active you are — even stress — all have an impact. You can’t always ...(read more)

In-Home Diabetes Care: The Importance of Moving

BCBSIL Connect Team — Thu, 08 Feb 2024 20:00:00 GMT

Diabetes management is about more than food and medication. It's important to stay physically active, too. When you exercise, your muscles use sugar for energy. This helps reduce glucose levels without added insulin. A study by Mayo Clinic found that...(read more)

Nurseline: Get Your Questions Answered

BCBSIL Connect Team — Thu, 08 Feb 2024 09:19:00 GMT

Health issues don’t always follow a 9-to-5 schedule. Sometimes, problems and questions come up at the worst possible times (like 8 o’clock on a Friday night, or when you’re on your way to a family reunion). It's tempting to hop on t...(read more)

Tips for Using Your HMO

BCBSIL Connect Team — Wed, 07 Feb 2024 16:33:00 GMT

There’s a better way to use your health maintenance organization (HMO) plan. Start with your primary care provider (PCP). Your PCP knows how to help you get the health care you need. It’s an important relationshi...(read more)

Fending Off the Flu Bug

BCBSIL Connect Team — Wed, 07 Feb 2024 12:58:00 GMT

It’s flu season. No one wants to suffer through the aches, pains and general misery of being down and out with the flu virus. So what’s your plan to avoid it? You could stay home and avoid contact with all other humans. You could tr...(read more)

Spotting the Early Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease

BCBSIL Connect Team — Fri, 17 Nov 2023 09:27:00 GMT

Forgetfulness is a normal part of aging. Whether it’s misplacing the house keys or not remembering the name of your next door neighbor, memory loss is not uncommon for older adults. Still, there are differences between typical memory loss and e...(read more)

In-Home Diabetes Care: Make the Most of Your Medication

BCBSIL Connect Team — Tue, 14 Nov 2023 08:00:00 GMT

Medication, diet and exercise play a big role in managing of your diabetes. So does working closely with your doctor and diabetes team. In fact, the number one thing you can do to manage your disease is talk openly and honestly with your care provide...(read more)

Lifestyle Changes and Diabetes

BCBSIL Connect Team — Mon, 13 Nov 2023 14:20:00 GMT

There’s a safe way to get a handle on your diabetes: Create an exercise and diet plan. With exercise, you can help your blood sugar stay in your target range. By making better food choices, you help manage your blood sugar levels and lower your...(read more)