Blue Care Network

UVA, UVB, UVC: What do these all mean? Here’s how to the know difference and protect yourself from their damage.

Damaged hair can say a lot about your health – keep your hair healthy in the hot summer with these diet tips and scalp treatments.

It’s important to love yourself for who you are today. These self-care tips can help you love yourself a little more than you did yesterday.

Practice speaking clearly with these 5 easy speech techniques to help you feel more confident.

Cases of the measles have been down in the United States since 2019, but the infectious viral disease should still be taken seriously.

This centering yoga routine is a great alternative or supplement to the traditional Sun Salutation sequence.

The flu vaccine is effective, does not cause the flu, and affects children and adults differently. Here are some other facts to know in order to stay protected.

Learn why and where to dispose of unused or expired prescription drugs this Drug Take Back Day.

Life can get busy, but it’s important to keep up with your fitness routine. Here are five quick workouts you can do anywhere.

Childhood Obesity Awareness Month falls within back-to-school season. Here’s how Michigan parents can keep their kids healthy and active all year long.

Prepare for the start of school by checking in on your child’s eye health. Here are signs their vision isn’t 20/20 and what to do about it.

Vaccines protect not only those receiving, but also everyone around them. Learn what you need to know about recommended vaccines at every stage of life.

Make summer schooling fun with these tips to help your child continue their education on vacation.

Spending time in a garden is good for your physical and mental health–you just have to be careful you don’t overdo it.

Oral health and diet go hand-in-hand, so it’s important to look for foods that can benefit your teeth and overall health – here are our favorites.

Exercising at home could save you time and money. Here’s how to create one without spending a ton of money or needing a huge empty room.

When caught early, colon cancer has a high survival rate. Here’s what to know about colon cancer screenings.

Running is hard, it doesn’t matter if you’re new at it or a pro. Here are a few tips to help you prepare for your next race.

Feel a lot less stressed over the holidays with these meditation apps aimed to help you relax, sleep, and calm anxiety

Coming up with a goal is one thing, sticking to it is something else. Here are the top mistakes people make with their resolutions so you know to avoid them.

Traveling near or far to join holiday celebrations? Here’s how to make sure you aren’t spreading the flu along the way.

The flu can become dangerous or even deadly for those who are already dealing with health complications, like diabetes and asthma. Here’s how:

While the flu vaccine receives the most attention, it isn’t the only immunization you need to know about to keep your family healthy.

Michigan is full of amazing parks and trails. Get outside and get active with these ways to enjoy the parks:

Yoga has no mold. Find out how you can add it you your existing plan no matter your size, shape, or age:

Cervical Health Awareness Month is in January – learn how to prevent cervical cancer in yourself in your children.

The Good Health magazine provides members with everything from plan information to health articles, check it out here:

Even though it’s the third most commonly diagnosed cancer for both men and women in the United States, colorectal cancer’s symptoms remain a mystery to many.

Make your Valentine’s Day celebrations heart-healthy this year!

You don’t have to go to a wild party to ring in the new year. Here are fun ways to spend the evening with your family and friends.

As we enter the cold winter months, check out these tips on how to keep your kids safe and warm

Prepare yourself for flu season! Find out how flu shots can reduce prescription use and save you money…

The flu shot saved one woman from increased risks of pneumonia as an asthma sufferer. Here’s what happened.

Keep your lungs strong and disease-free all year round with these easy ways:

Candy might be the most traditional treat to give out on Halloween, but it’s not the only option. Here are some non-sweet hand-outs that all kids will love.

Make this Halloween a spooky yet safe experience for your children and their costumes

Don’t be fooled by the myths associated with the flu vaccine. The flu vaccine can be vital to protect you and your family.

Finding a new primary care doctor and staying healthy while moving are made simple with Blue Cross members’ smart choices for care.

When you need Vitamin D tests and when you don’t, plus tips on how to get more vitamin D.

With spring and summer approaching, it’s a great time to liven up your fitness activity and get outdoors more – here’s how to get active with your family

Refresh your morning routine with these tips that will set you up to seize the day!

Looking for ways to reduce inflammation? Try adding these healthy and delicious foods to your diet.

March is National Kidney Month, a time to recognize the health of important organs in your body – the kidneys. Here’s how to protect them.

Because the risk factors of kidney disease include high blood pressure and diabetes, one in three Americans have an increased risk. Here’s how to lower it.

Cleaning the air you breathe is a top wellness trend of 2018. Here’s how to start keeping your air clean today.

Exercising in the cold weather has unique benefits – here’s how to fall in love with it

If you aren’t able to see your primary care physician right away, there are other options for warding off the flu and cold.

Staying healthy all season long is easier with qualified healthcare professionals available around the clock.

According to registered dietitians, meal prepping is key for being healthy. Learn how to do it the kid-friendly way this week

See how the stories of struggle and loss frame the necessity of this collection day.

How to get the most out of your stretching, no matter if you work out or not

Are you making diet mistakes? Find out how t o make more lasting changes

Understand what to do in different bullying situations with your child with this guide

1 in 3 antibiotics that are prescribed aren’t needed. Here’s what you need to know about them.

Here comes the Sun! As Summer approaches make sure you’re protecting yourself from the sun’s harmful rays.

Research shows that stroke rates have sharply increased in those 55 years old and younger. Here's what you need to know.

Watch out quinoa! These new superfoods will help you eat healthy for every meal.

13 Reasons Why brings teen suicide to forefront, but fails to bring awareness to reality of depression and suicide, and options for help

Diabetes affects 29 million Americans – find out how much you know about the diease and how to prevent it

Spring is here. Get moving with these fun races across Michigan sponsored by Blue Care Network

When you spring forward, your body can get confused and cause you to feel exhausted. Here’s how to adjust to the time change easily.

Blackberries, blueberries, tomatoes, water, and more – these foods aren’t just tasty, they’ll also help you avoid dry skin this winter.

There are unique health risks facing African Americans–here’s what they are and how to reduce them.

January is the perfect time to get organized. Here are a few tips to help you tidy up so you can focus on being healthy this year.

Haven’t determined what your New Year’s resolution will be? Here are five easy goals you can set and maintain throughout 2017.

Life can get stressful, luckily these easy yoga poses can help you feel more relaxed and calm in no time.

Looking for ways to get off the couch over the holidays? We have ideas for you (And your kids) to keep moving.

Prepare a Thanksgiving dinner that will please the crowd and is still low in fat and calories. Here are 10 recipes to add to your feast.

Making the decision to finally quit smoking is no easy feat – but neither is sticking to it forever. Here are some resources available to you.

You can set a good example for kids by not smoking yourself, but you can also start to give them some facts and statistics that may keep them far away.

Here’s what you can do to support a friend or family member who’s in the process of quitting smoking.

While smoking alternatives such as e-cigarettes, hookah or chewing tobacco may help you quit – they still pose the same serious health risks as smoking.

More than two-thirds of smokers want to quit completely, they just think they can’t. You have options though, like medications that can help you quit.

If you or a friend have been thinking about quitting smoking – the time is now. The long-term effects include risk of heart attacks, cancer, and more.

If you or a loved one is struggling with finding ways to quit smoking, check out the multiple resources we have to guide and support you on your journey,

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide and yet there is still a lot that’s unknown about the disease.

Eggplant, kale, squash and pumpkins are all in season right now. We have vegetarian meals you can easily make for the fall season.

Obesity is often thought of as a problem affecting adults, but it’s also a serious issue for children. Take these steps to create a healthier lifestyle for kids

One out of every three Michiganders has high cholesterol, which can lead to clogged arteries, raising your risk for heart attacks or stroke. Lower it now.

Most people know that to be on the safe side, you should slather on sunscreen whenever you spend time outside. But are you doing it right?

Buzz off bugs! These simple tips will keep you and your family free from bites while having fun outside.

These five simple safety tips will keep your family safe all summer long.

Being out in the heat can cause a number of health issues. Here’s how to enjoy the outdoors safely all summer long.

Men’s Health Month is in June, which is the perfect time to focus on the importance of preventive care. Here are a few ways to stay on top of your health.

Do you suffer from back pain? You’re not alone. Here’s how to speed up your recovery and get back to feeling good.

Diabetes impacts 29 million people in America, and around 95 percent of people with diabetes have type 2. Here’s how to tell if you’re at risk.

There are new rules about how much added sugar is safe to eat. Here’s what you need to know about the updated numbers.

Keep these items in your home and you’ll be a lot less tempted to reach for chips or candy when hunger strikes.

You might have a jam-packed schedule, but you can still fit in exercise. Here’s how to work out when you have no time.

Not everyone is happy during the holiday season. Here’s what to do if you feel not-so-joyous this time of year.

Your favorite holiday dishes don’t have to be full of fat and high in calories to taste delicious. These three recipes prove that point beyond a doubt.

It’s always nice to give your gently worn clothing to those in need. Here are a few tips to keep in mind before you pack up your winter clothing donation.

Teen athletes are likelier to use smokeless tobacco products. Here’s how to help your child stop the bad habit before it starts.

Don’t let the cooler weather stop your healthy habits in their tracks. These tips will keep you fit through the end of the year.

Working out isn’t just for 20 year olds. Tackle the top myths that might be holding you back from staying fit as you get older.

It can be hard to always walk on the sunny side of the street, but trying to think optimistically as much as possible can have huge health benefits.

There are two important things to do regarding blood pressure: Find out your numbers and do what you can to keep them in a healthy range.

The School Nurse 5K Run/Walk will raise money for Holland Hospital’s school nursing program, which serves over 11,000 students in the greater Holland area.

Tackling your first Iceman Slush Cup in November? Make the most of your fall training with these tips!

Four lucky and active Lansing campers got a big surprise last week: new bikes, courtesy of Blue Care Network.

Having strong arms, back and shoulders can make everyday tasks a lot easier. Here’s how to get there.

Step aside Brussels sprouts and kale, there’s a new vitamin-packed veggie stealing the spotlight. Find out why celery is so much more than a low-cal snack.

Leave the burgers and fried chicken at home–these healthy dishes are a lighter way to dine al fresco.

What better way to spend a summer Friday than this annual bike race in Traverse City? Grab your two-wheeler and join in the Tour de TART.

Kids aren’t the only ones who need vaccinations. Check this list to see which shots you might be due for.

Many drinks that have health claims on their labels are actually as sweet as soda.

Almost everything in the grocery store and in chain restaurants has calorie counts, but just how accurate are those numbers?

You can absolutely eat pizza when you’re trying to be healthy–just swap out the normal crust for one of these more wholesome options.

Fruit is super healthy, but it also can be full of sugar. Here’s what diabetics need to know.

Everyone has busy lives balancing things like work, school, home maintenance, children, exercise, extracurricular activities and more. The last thing anyone

Warm up those muscles! Race season is right around the corner. Check out these can’t-miss events around Michigan.

There are steps you can take to reduce your risk of diabetes, but you first have to learn what they are.

Radio personality Kelly Iris has lost almost 40 pounds over the last four years just by focusing on getting in her 10,000 steps.

Want to know how your bills would be paid if you ever found yourself with a giant medical bill, say if you were hit by a truck? Read on.

You might already feel pretty happy about your two-mug-a-day coffee habit — the well-known benefits of regularly drinking a cup of Joe include protection

What does it all mean? Here’s your health insurance lingo cheat sheet.

There’s no doubt that trans fats are bad for you. They raise LDL, or “bad” cholesterol, lower HDL, a.k.a. “good” cholesterol, and put you at higher risk for

It was one of the more common causes of cancer deaths in women, but cervical cancer rates are now on the decline. According to the American Cancer Society,…

Everyone knows what hunger feels like, but what causes it? It turns out hunger has less to do with your stomach and more to do with your brain.

You won’t even need to leave the couch to do these exercises during commercial breaks.

It may be cold out there, but instead of fighting it, embrace it! Here’s what’s waiting for you at the Plymouth Ice Festival.

Even though diabetes is a scary condition that can lead to serious consequences, a lot of people think it’s no big deal. Here’s why it is.

Don’t let the holidays send you into a stress-filled frenzy. Here are some ways to keep things simple, so you actually enjoy the season.

When the weather outside is frightful, comfort food—rich, filling and like mom used to make—can be especially delightful. Here are some slimmed-down versions.

During the cold months of winter we all catch ourselves scrolling through Facebook photos of hot summer days, reminiscing about warm weather and outdoor…

Supporting a cause like breast cancer research isn’t a hard decision, but actually signing up to walk roughly 60 miles in three days is much more daunting.

After skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common cancer among American men. Roughly one in seven will be diagnosed in their lifetime. But there is good…

While there have been opponents in the past claiming a connection between life-saving vaccines and autism, the scientific community is now supporting…

Pencils, erasers, glue sticks and a new backpack have probably made this year’s school shopping list. But what about a visit to the pediatrician?

Michigan has one of the best summers in the United States, but sometimes it can feel impossible to take a family out without spending a fortune on tickets…

Childhood obesity has more than doubled in children and quadrupled in adolescents in the past 30 years, according to the Centers for Disease Control and…

If you asked most women about what they do to protect their skin, most would say they have some sort of skin care routine, especially during the summer.

Do you think you could cut out all sugar for a week? A month? How about a full year? As impossible as that sounds, Eve Schaub challenged her husband and two…

It used to be that if you didn’t have high blood pressure, you didn’t have to worry too much. But new research suggests that people in the gray area…

Could regular consumption of diet soda lead to heart problems for postmenopausal women? According to a recent study by Ankur Vyas, M.D., a cardiologist at the…

Excessive sodium can have many negative impacts on our health. Here's how to cut back.

Participating in the 10K Steps Challenge leading up to the Fifth Third Bank River run is a structured way for beginners and experienced participants alike to…

We all know the famous question that’s asked before consuming red meat: Medium rare, medium, or well done? But instead, maybe the question should be: “To have…

It was summer and he was washing my car in the driveway. A relatively healthy guy, my husband has no chronic health problems, exercises regularly…

LaughFest 2014 is here. The 10-day festival kicks off this Thursday, March 6th in Grand Rapids. This year, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is sponsoring the…

It can be hard to really see where your blood donations will go and who they will impact, yet that notion helps individuals understand the necessity and…

In its fourth year, LaughFest promises even more belly laughs at the 10-day festival, spanning March 6th to March 16th. As laughter provides positive benefits…

Hard to believe how fast the Fifth Third River Bank Run is approaching us, but the kick off is merely days away. Though the race itself takes place in May…

“It is one of the most beautiful compensations of this life that no man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself… Serve and thou shall be…

‘Tis the season to be jolly – or so the song goes. However, many people feel gloomy during the winter months despite the upbeat holiday festivities.

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month, which means it’s time to get proactive about learning how to prevent diabetes and what prediabetes could mean for…

This blog post is part of #HealthyMe, a personalized web experience based on your health and wellness goals. To sign up today, visit http://www.

August is National Immunization Awareness Month and we’re asking you to make a pledge to learn more about the immunizations kids need to stay healthy for a…

Spring is here. You can FINALLY get out and enjoy the weather. But what do you do when the rain washes out your plans? Here are some ideas to have some fun…

In honor of American Diabetes Alert Day on March 26th, we’re giving away diabetic-friendly cookbooks all week courtesy of Blue Care Network, as well as a chance…

It’s not an easy subject to talk about, but it's one that deserves attention. An article recently appeared indicating that in 2010, as many as 40 percent of…

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness month, and like with many other cancers, what you eat can minimize your risk of contracting the disease.

Since my son was born he has been called a string bean. He has always been in the 90th percentile for height and the 10-15th percentile for weight.

Oscar Wilde once wrote, “The only way to get rid of temptation is to yield to it.” While I’m quite fond of Oscar’s witticisms, when it comes to losing weight…

I just quit smoking. Again. Nearly three weeks ago. While I’ve definitely cut down over the years, going from over a pack a day to less than a half…

March 1st has been declared National Dress in Blue Day to raise awareness for colorectal cancer, but raising awareness shouldn’t end there.

Self-esteem is critical to the development of a child’s sense of worth. As a parent for over 17 years, I’ve tried to nurture a healthy sense of self-esteem in…

Many of us know someone who has, or is currently battling cancer and we feel helpless. We find ourselves wishing there was something we could do to support them.

In honor of Heart Health Month, we’re giving away heart-healthy cookbooks courtesy of Blue Care Network, as well as a chance to have your heart-healthy recipes…

It really resonated with me, the article I read a few months back, about another teen suicide. Michael Camilleri was a 17-year-old high school senior…

A mother gives her account on her decision to not breastfeed her son.

Winter. The time of year when we feel like we are continually trying to fight off the latest virus making its way around schools, daycare centers and the…

Every year, approximately 12,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is almost always preventable and when diagnosed early…

After getting up before the sun comes up, getting my son to daycare, putting in a full day at work, and getting home after the sun goes down, the last thing I…

Aside from the sedentary side effects of couch nesting, the chemicals found your couch could actually make you and your children sick.

It’s a new year and for many a new year means New Year’s resolutions. Unfortunately many of those resolutions are forgotten about by February, but what if you…

The New Year brings with it many things. For parents, that may include thinking about all the doctor’s appointments you may need to make for your kids this year.

I have made a couple New Year’s goals for myself this year. Resolution seems like such a strong word; but goal seems a little less scary, and if met…

Let me just say this, right out of the gate: The majority of health experts label this a myth. However, I did find something interesting in my research that you…

There’s nothing like the quaint feel of a downtown shopping area during the holiday season. There’s something old-timey and comforting about cozy storefronts…

Regardless of background, all chefs have one thing in common – basic gear that’s essential to a good run in the kitchen. Their lists vary slightly, of course…

Winter’s wrath is fast approaching as evidenced by the waning autumnal light. If you’re like me, the dark drive into work and on the way home from work ushers…

Right now, you may have containers of mashed potatoes and green bean casserole cascading out of your fridge. Or tubs of sliced turkey and platters of sweet…

A lot of us – myself included – muddle through November and December, fighting the holiday blues because we can’t afford to get all of the stuff that we see on…

You know the story. It’s the start of another family movie night, and the aroma of Mom’s irresistible chocolate chip brownies permeate the entire house…

Seems like more and more people are being diagnosed as ‘diabetic.’ My teenage son has a friend who is diabetic; my father in law is diabetic.

What do you think of when you hear the term ‘comfort food’? Your mind may conjure foods that hold a certain personal and sentimental meaning. My mom’s English…

My two kids were, during recent phases of their teenage lives, skateboarders. I was proud of this as I've always supported skateboarding. I can remember driving…

It has no signs. It wields no symptoms. You can have it without even knowing it. It can wreak havoc on your heart, corrode your kidneys and batter your blood…

While Dr. Phil certainly isn’t the first person to espouse such simple yet profound platitudes about the importance of awareness, the essence of the message is…

Throughout the month of October, I’ve been researching and learning a lot about breast cancer, about risks, prevention tips, and detection tools.

Halloween is quickly approaching and there are a number of events available to supplement that traditional trick or treating. In Grand Rapids, the John Ball Zoo…

When first meeting Miki Della-Moretta, a Blue Care Network Health Educator, I was surprised to learn that Miki, on average, conducts over 800 on-site visits a…

Being educated about breast cancer can literally save your life or the life of someone you love. Awareness of breast cancer, how it develops…

Celebrate the life of one of the great American baseball sportscasters of all time, Ernie Harwell. You can have the chance to win one of two books embracing the…

Middle school can be characterized by many (even as adults) as particularly nightmarish. It was especially difficult for my son as he was overweight. Not obese…

I recently wrote about six salads that are loaded with calories, fat and sodium. Now I’d like to provide you with a recipe for healthy salad. It’s a spin on the…

We all know that burgers are loaded with calories, sodium and fat. And, when eating out, the health-minded amongst us often opt for a salad. Of course you’d…

I used to scoff at people who got up early to exercise. I couldn’t understand how people could get out of bed and jump into sweaty sweat pants before the sun…

Hiking gives people a chance to venture into the wilderness and explore everything that nature has to offer. Not only is it a great way to exercise…

I can painfully recall what it was like to see my son laid across the doctors table, on his stomach, with a block containing what looked like 40 pins pressed…