It’s that time of year again- back to school and Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina encourages preventive care for your school-aged children!  Every year when school starts, exposure to all kinds of viruses and bacteria increases.  It’s simply unavoidable.  Our kids are back together in one place sharing space, air, restrooms and possibly even pencils and all it takes is one sick child in the group to create a ripple effect.  (more…)

It’s back to school time again and I don’t know about you, but one of the toughest parts is making sure my kids eat a healthy, high-protein breakfast before rushing out the door just after 7 am.  Studies show that children need a good, preferably protein-based breakfast in order to achieve optimum success in school, but as a working mother of four, this can be a challenge.  I need something quick, tasty and easy to prepare as well as something I can make ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze.  This recipe for Egg Muffins from Recipe Girl is my all time favorite for busy school mornings when kids are dragging and may wind up having to eat in the car. (more…)

August means back to school, but did you know it is also recognized as National Immunization Awareness month?  Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina is proud to serve the residents of NC by providing health coverage for children and adults alike.  BCBSNC has made preventive care a top priority by covering preventive services at 100% so that you never have to worry whether or not your kids are receiving the health care they need. (more…)

Bullying is when one child picks on another child repeatedly. Bullying can be physical, verbal, or social. It can happen at school, on the playground, on the school bus, in the neighborhood, or over the Internet.

When Your Child Is Bullied

Help your child learn how to respond by teaching your child how to:
      1. Look the bully in the eye.
      2. Stand tall and stay calm in a difficult situation.
      3. Walk away.

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Create an environment that is conducive to doing homework. Youngsters need a permanent work space in their bedroom or another part of the home that offers privacy.

— Schedule ample time for homework.
— Establish a household rule that the TV set stays off during homework time.
— Supervise computer and internet use.
— Be available to answer questions and offer assistance, but never do a child’s homework for her.

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MAKING THE FIRST DAY EASIER
Remind your child that she is not the only student who is a bit uneasy about the first day of school. Teachers know that students are anxious and will make an extra effort to make sure everyone feels as comfortable as possible.
Point out the positive aspects of starting school: It will be fun. She’ll see old friends and meet new ones. Refresh her positive memories about previous years, when she may have returned home after the first day with high spirits because she had a good time.  Find another child in the neighborhood with whom your youngster can walk to school or ride with on the bus.  If you feel it is appropriate, drive your child (or walk with her) to school and pick her up on the first day.

The information in this article : Back to School Tips is from the American Academy of Pediatrics Web site ( http://www.aap.org ).

Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC offers child only health insurance policies.  As you prepare for the 1st Day of School, don’t forget about insurance especially if sports are a part of your child’s school experience.

For more information on health insurance coverage in North Carolina, please visit our website at www.nchealthplans.com or call our toll free number 888-765-5400 and speak with one of our professional agents. Our agency provides coverage for health insurance in North Carolina through Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC). You may qualify for a 15% healthy lifestyle discount if you are in excellent health. Call us for details.