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.
How to have more energy: The one secret you need to know
When we’re feeling tired or run down, most of us reach for an extra cup of coffee. But science shows that exercise is one of the best energy boosters around.
Are these surprising fitness myths holding you back?
There's a lot of misinformation online about exercise and nutrition, and it can be hard to know what's true. Let’s take a look at five of the most common fitness misconceptions and how those misconceptions can get in the way of your goals.
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.
ADHD medication shortage: 6 ways to cope
If you or someone you love has ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), you may be dealing with the frustration of not being able to get medication during the several months-long national shortages – caused by manufacturing delays and increased demand of Adderall. We explain what you can do in the meantime and six ways to cope with the ADHD medication shortage.
4 min read | Health Conditions, Public Health Challenges, Simplifying Care
Infertility coverage 101: understanding your fertility benefits
Infertility treatment can be overwhelming. If you have questions about your fertility coverage and family-building benefits, we can help you find the answers you need.
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.
Adolescent Girls Say They Feel Hopeless. We Need to Listen to What They’re Telling Us.
In 2021, more than half of teen girls felt persistently sad or hopeless. A new report by the CDC makes it clear that boys also face increasing mental health challenges, but girls are nearly twice as likely to experience feelings of unrelenting despair.
6 min read | Community Health, Behavioral Health, Industry Perspectives, Thought Leadership
What it takes to put mental health resources within reach
Lack of mental health care providers is one piece of the puzzle when it comes to access. But at Blue Cross NC, we're guided by an expansive understanding of what “access” really means: Making every step of the member journey easier to understand and more manageable.
Industry Perspectives, Behavioral Health, Transforming Healthcare
ADHD medication shortage: 6 ways to cope
If you or someone you love has ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), you may be dealing with the frustration of not being able to get medication during the several months-long national shortages – caused by manufacturing delays and increased demand of Adderall. We explain what you can do in the meantime and six ways to cope with the ADHD medication shortage.
4 min read | Health Conditions, Public Health Challenges, Simplifying Care
Adolescent Girls Say They Feel Hopeless. We Need to Listen to What They’re Telling Us.
In 2021, more than half of teen girls felt persistently sad or hopeless. A new report by the CDC makes it clear that boys also face increasing mental health challenges, but girls are nearly twice as likely to experience feelings of unrelenting despair.
6 min read | Community Health, Behavioral Health, Industry Perspectives, Thought Leadership
From homeless and pregnant to helping others: A woman’s inspiring journey
For a woman, double lines on a pregnancy test can spark a flood of emotions, ranging from immediate and immense joy to shock and fear. Becoming pregnant is life changing. It impacts your priorities, your health, your finances and your lifestyle. But, for pregnant girls in their teens, the impact can be life-threatening, too. Cassie […]
5 min min read | Changemakers, Community Health, Community Partners
What growing up on a farm taught me about food security
Growing up, I woke up every day and watched my community work long, hard hours to put food on people’s tables. Yet people are still going hungry. Here's how we're partnering with farmers to get healthier, fresher and more affordable food into the hands of North Carolinians.
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.