How your mental health affects your physical health
The perceived disconnect between “mind” and “body” creates the misconception that mental illness is not a physical disease. In reality, mental health has a direct impact on your physical health.
Stress vs. depression: Know these five red flags and steps to get help
How do you know when it’s “just the blues” caused by recent events, or when it’s something more serious, like depression? Know these five key symptoms of depression.
Healthy Lifestyle, Mental Health

Take advantage of these 10 no-cost health care services
Preventive care is covered at 100% by your health care plan. This means you shouldn't get a bill for preventive services. Here are 10 of those services, from cancer screenings to nutrition counseling.
Insurance Education, Preventive Care

Blue Cross NC nurse saves a life over the phone
Cheryl Propst is one of about 350 Blue Cross NC nurses. When a member called in with signs of a stroke, Cheryl took action to save his life.
How to find a therapist if you’ve never had one before
Eighteen months into the pandemic, mental health support is in high demand. If you're thinking about reaching out for support, here are some ideas on how to get started finding a therapist.
An unlikely prescription for good health: Read to your kids every day.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that caregivers read out loud to children at least 15 minutes a day. Learn more about the wide-ranging health benefits of reading to our kids.
How to stay motivated to exercise (10 tips for long-term success)
Certified personal trainer Michelle Rogers shares expert tips to help you stick with your exercise plan.

Why dental health matters
Simply taking care of your teeth and gums can have a big impact on your quality of life – and that’s certainly something to smile about.
8 surprising ways a walk can help you de-stress
Did you know walking is one of the best things you can do for your whole-person health? The research proves it! Walk this many minutes a day for less stress, more creativity, better sleep and more.
Essential care to keep your pre-teen safe and healthy this holiday season
Pre-teen vaccines - those recommended for 11- and 12-year-olds - can be life-saving. These five vaccines are recommended for this age group to keep your kids safe and healthy.

Thinking about breastfeeding? Benefits for the new baby
You may not know that many insurance plans cover breastfeeding support and supplies. Learn more about using your benefits for the new baby.
Caring beyond the chat window
Health insurance can be confusing, but our customer service team is here to help. Cindy Evers is bringing empathy and a human touch to customer support—one call, one chat at a time.
The three words every patient in the U.S. healthcare system should know
We all know the saying, “You get what you pay for.” It applies to almost everything we buy. But with health care, that saying doesn’t always ring true. Here's how we're helping to change that.

Serving all North Carolinians with intentionality
We’ve stuck by all 100 counties of our great state since 1933. But supporting each county with a one-size-fits-all approach will not help us achieve affordable and accessible health care. We're working to support the unique needs of each individual community.
Could we end mental health stigma in our children’s generation?
Providing youth with access to mental health services is critical at this historical moment, when more than 4 in 10 teens report feeling “persistently sad or hopeless.” Working more carefully with children and adolescents could dismantle the nearly universal stigma associated with mental health care.
Industry Perspectives, Behavioral Health, Thought Leadership

Growing health for North Carolina’s migrant farmworkers
Migrant farmworkers play a huge role in the state’s economy, but they also face incredible physical and mental health challenges. Vecinos is changing that through education and full immersion in farmworker communities in western NC.
Life after lockdown: How formerly incarcerated people are helping each other heal
Formerly incarcerated people face tremendous odds to leading healthy lives after their release from prison. A coalition of mentors with lived experience are providing support where newly released North Carolinians need it most.
Community Health, Changemakers, Community Partners, Investments
Here’s why we’re helping children and youth get their kicks in the grass
It may seem like an unlikely investment in community health, but giving all kids the chance to play soccer offers a host of mental, physical and social benefits.

Blue Cross NC nurse saves a life over the phone
Cheryl Propst is one of about 350 Blue Cross NC nurses. When a member called in with signs of a stroke, Cheryl took action to save his life.
It’s like wearing a neon sign announcing “I’m a cancer survivor”
Robin Winters felt like she had a neon sign over her head announcing to the world that she had breast cancer. She tried to hide it, until one day she learned to embrace what it meant to be a survivor. Now she helps others find that strength in themselves.
How to be an ally to Indigenous people this American Indian Heritage Month
November is Indian American Heritage Month. Here are three ways to be an ally to indigenous people, from Blue Cross NC's tribal liaison.