Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina appreciates the dedication and sacrifice of all military personnel and for good reason.  Did you know that North Carolina is one of the leading states when it comes to enlistment rates in the Armed Forces?  In fact, the entire South Atlantic region of the United States, of which North Carolina is a part, enlists between 6.0 and 6.5 individuals per every 1000 people ages 18-24.  That amounts to a lot of soldiers, airmen, corpsmen and marines from our great state alone. (more…)

Happy 4th of July from NC Health Plans!  I wanted to find the very best recipe to share in celebration of our Independence Day, but the truth is I couldn’t decide on one.  I was thinking about everything from cupcakes to BBQ to macaroni salad.  I guess the 4th of July just makes me think about food – and all kinds of it!  (more…)

NC Health Plans wishes you a Happy Independence Day!  Believe it or not, the 4th of July is just around the corner and one of the most enjoyable and exciting ways to celebrate our nation’s independence is to set off some fireworks.  As a child, I remember sitting on the hood of my mom’s car in the parking lot of Arlington Stadium (now The Ballpark at Arlington), watching a brilliant fireworks display following a Texas Ranger’s baseball game.  (more…)

It has now been 5 years since President Barack Obama signed into law what is officially called The Affordable Care Act (ACA), but often referred to as Obamacare.  All of us have heard of it and most of us have felt its effects in one way or another, but because of the complexity of the law, many Americans still have questions.  (more…)

Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina supports preventive care maintenance, including routine physical examinations, but why is that such a big deal?  Have you ever asked yourself why an annual physical exam is so important?  Does it really matter if you visit your primary care physician once a year?  Physician Assistant Heidi Doyle, PA-C with North Hills Internal Medicine, a Duke Primary Care clinic thinks it is.  According to Doyle, “Regular check-ups are important to maintain a relationship with your doctor and to receive individualized counseling based on your family health history and your lifestyle.”

How often you need a check-up can vary and is based on age and other risk factors.  The general rule of thumb is that if you are under 30 and healthy, don’t smoke, aren’t overweight, have no disease risk factors and don’t take prescription medications, a check-up every two years may suffice.  If you are female and sexually active, however, doctors recommend an annual Pap smear screen for cervical cancer starting at age 21.  If you are age 30-40 and healthy, you may still be able to visit your doctor every other year, provided you have no specific health risks.  However, for women 40 and over, a mammogram is recommended for baseline and should be repeated every 1 to 2 years.  Once you hit age 50, an annual physical is highly recommended.  Both men and women at that age should get a colonoscopy to screen for colon cancer.

Keep in mind that any risk factor, including smoking or being overweight, escalates the importance of an annual physical, no matter how old you are.  According to Doyle, “A person with diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol, or one who is simply more susceptible to those conditions, can make lifestyle changes that are much more impactful that any pill….”  Knowing the condition of your own body is imperative in making those changes and practicing preventive care maintenance.

Every human being is different, with a different family history and health concerns.  Because of that fact, there is no pat answer for every person.  Still, a regular check-up is important for the following reasons:

1.  Even healthy people get sick:  Despite the fact that you may be in great physical condition, you could have underlying health issues that need routine care.  You can’t know your cholesterol level until you have it checked and knowing you have a problem gives you the opportunity to make lifestyle changes that could reduce your risk for things like heart attack and stroke.  Cancer screenings, mammograms and colonoscopy tests also become increasingly important as we age.  Hormone levels and thyroid function also need to be evaluated.  There is truth in the old adage, “Knowledge is Power,” and when it comes to your health you want all the knowledge you can get.  Even if you feel great, it’s important for your peace of mind to make sure there are no health issues lurking beneath the surface.

2.  You smoke, drink or don’t exercise:  If you happen to have an unhealthy habit, it becomes increasingly important for you to visit your primary care physician.  Let’s face it, very few of us are never guilty of an unhealthy choice, but we can still be wise about our health.  Being in the best possible physical condition according to your lifestyle is important and seeing your doctor annually can be a big part of preventive care maintenance.

3.  Everyone in your family died young or contracted a specific disease:   The main thing to keep in mind is that family history plays a big role in your personal health.  The key is to be proactive.  If a number of your immediate family members died of heart attacks, stroke, cancer or any other illness, make sure you let your doctor know.  Being honest about family history and other habits can maximize your physician’s ability to make sure you have the information and tools you need to stay healthy.  Having a doctor you trust and maintaining that relationship through regular check-ups may become important down the road if you are a higher risk for certain illnesses.

4.  Your health is your greatest asset:  It may seem like an annual physical exam is nothing more than a nuisance, but it should be a top priority.  If you are willing to spend time, money and energy on car maintenance or cat food, you should be willing to take a little time for yourself.  Without preventive care maintenance, everything would fall apart – our cars, our homes, and our bodies.  Whether you are a man, woman or child, a regular check-up is an important part of doing what you can to take care of yourself.

There is always an excuse why we can’t visit the doctor’s office for a physical.  A busy schedule, unusual work hours, fear of needles or budget issues are among the most common.  Many Americans, however, are routinely paying for health insurance, but never use it.  If you have access to quality medical care, take advantage of it.  Your Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC health plan, includes 100% coverage for preventive care.  If you are still uninsured, look into the possibility of obtaining health coverage.  With the provisions of the Affordable Care Act, you may likely qualify for a federal subsidy to help aid in paying your monthly premium.  The bottom line is do what it takes to take care of your health.  After all, your health is your greatest asset!

For more information on Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina health insurance coverage, the Marketplace and healthcare gov  to apply for your subsidy, please visit our website at www.nchealthplans.com or call our toll free number 888-765-5400 and speak with one of our experienced and professional agents.  Let us help you navigate through the Health Care Reform changes in accordance with the new regulations of The Affordable Care Act, also known as Obama care.

I once read that Mother’s Day is the biggest day of the year for the restaurant business.  Everyone loves to celebrate Mom, and rightfully so.  But that statistic always leaves me wondering what about Dad?  Doesn’t Dad deserve a delicious meal?  Maybe restaurants aren’t packed on Father’s Day because ultimately Dad winds up paying the check, which isn’t really much of a gift.  I don’t know, but whatever the case Father’s Day deserves a little a attention, don’t you think?

The good news about Dads is typically they aren’t all that picky about food.  Most Dads just love to eat, especially if they don’t have to cook… or pay.  Most Dads also love to relax, which is why I thought this recipe was a great idea.  Although often associated with Mother’s Day, I think this year would be a great time to give Dad a little taste of breakfast in bed.

This Taste of Home recipe for Cinnamon Pancakes is not only delicious, it’s also easy, even for kids who want to help out in the kitchen.  Taking only 15 minutes to prep and 5 minutes to cook, Dad won’t have a long wait and little helpers won’t burn out too quickly.  Using a regular pancake mix of your choice, the recipe calls for a few little tweaks to make this breakfast extra special.  Using cookie cutters to spell out something sweet for Dad or making other shapes such as hearts or stars is another great way to tell Dad just how much you love and appreciate all he does.  Even if you want to go for a simpler, more traditional round shape, these cinnamon pancakes with a brown sugar, butter and vanilla syrup are sure to be a big hit.

This Father’s Day, let Dad sleep in… and then wake him with a big surprise!  Fry up some bacon, brew some coffee and give Dad a delicious breakfast that lets him know how much you love him.  This may not be the healthiest recipe we’ve ever recommended, but I personally think it’s one of the happiest!  Give Dad a Father’s Day to remember!

For more information on Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina health insurance coverage, the Marketplace and healthcare gov  to apply for your subsidy, please visit our website at www.nchealthplans.com or call our toll free number 888-765-5400 and speak with one of our experienced and professional agents.  Let us help you navigate through the Health Care Reform changes in accordance with the new regulations of The Affordable Care Act, also known as Obama care.

There’s been a lot of talk lately about “core strength, but what exactly does that mean?  Contrary to popular belief, there is more to core training than simply trying to get a six pack of abs, though a nice toned tummy might be one of the benefits.  Still, core strength isn’t just a buzz word in the exercise world.  Its’ one of the most important things you can do to keep your body strong and healthy, and a strong, healthy body is something Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina wants all its members to maintain.

Your “core” is actually made up of three groups of muscles:  the upper abs, the obliques (your side muscles), and a very deep layer of muscle.  It’s really those deep muscles that help the most because those are the ones that support the spine and hold your tummy muscles tight, making your stomach look flatter.  Core training not only helps you look thinner, but it helps promote balance and overall body strength.

In fact, the big difference between “core” training and traditional sit ups is that core training doesn’t just target the front side of your body, but your back side as well.  An exercise that trains your core will work more than one muscle group and produce much faster results.  Although looking great in a swimsuit is nice, it’s not the most important part of core training, especially as we age.  The real benefit is that the spine is strengthened to support the weight of our bodies and keep us from having chronic back pain.

One nice part of core training is that there are many different ways to help increase core strength.  More traditional exercises such as sit ups and crunches are crucial for developing surface muscles that will help as you continue to strengthen the deeper layer of muscle tissue.  Yoga and Pilates are also excellent ways to develop core strength.  Water sports such as paddle boarding and surfing are also great ways to build a strong, solid core.  Basically, any kind of exercise you do can strengthen your core if you introduce some element of instability.  What that means is that you make the exercise tougher by creating an unstable surface of some sort.  Instability then forces your body to work to create stability, which ultimately results in strong core muscles.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina is a strong advocate for preventive care and one of the best things you can do to prevent health problems tomorrow is to invest in your physical well-being today.  Make core training a part of your preventive care program.  A healthy diet, adequate rest and a good exercise regimen can do wonders for your both your body and mind.

As always, before starting any exercise regimen, consult your doctor first and get his/her clearance for physical activity.  Find out if there are any issues that would affect you participating in a new nutrition and fitness program.  For more information on Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina health insurance coverage, the Marketplace and healthcare gov  to apply for your subsidy, please visit our website at www.nchealthplans.com or call our toll free number 888-765-5400 and speak with one of our experienced and professional agents.  Let us help you navigate through the Health Care Reform changes in accordance with the new regulations of The Affordable Care Act, also known as Obama care.

By now, most Americans are aware of the changes instituted by the Affordable Care Act and the impact this law has had on health insurance.  Terms like “premium tax credit,” “federal subsidy,” “Health Insurance Marketplace,” and “individual mandate,” however, are still often unfamiliar to consumers now navigating a system reorganized under completely different criteria and governed by federal law.  Understanding the new terminology is paramount in understanding much of what constitutes the Affordable Care Act and is a key part of being able to successfully choose, enroll and manage a health insurance policy.

That being said, perhaps one of the most confusing aspects of the Affordable Care Act is the Special Enrollment Period and why you must have a Qualifying Life Event in order to enroll in health coverage.  Prior to the Affordable Care Act, consumers had the benefit of enrolling in individual health insurance or making changes to their existing policies at any time during the year.  On the flip side, insurers had the right to practice medical underwriting and charge more for, or deny coverage to, consumers who had serious or preexisting health conditions.  Under the new law, these conditions have changed.  Insurers may no longer ask consumers any health questions (with the exception of whether or not you are a smoker) and no consumer can be denied health insurance based on a preexisting condition; however, consumers may not enroll or make changes to their health policies whenever they choose, but are now subject to the rules of Open Enrollment, Special Enrollment and Qualifying Life Events (QLE’s).

For 2015, Open Enrollment will begin November 1st and end January 31st.  During Open Enrollment, you may purchase health insurance or make changes to your current policy for any reason.  Currently, however, we are in the Special Enrollment period, which means consumers are required by law to have a Qualifying Life Event in order to purchase insurance.  A Qualifying Life Event is some special circumstance, such as a recent move or the loss of access to minimum essential coverage, that allows the consumer to purchase insurance outside of Open Enrollment.  Although this does limit your ability to enroll in health coverage, the good news for 2015 is that the list of Qualifying Life Events has been expanded and the Healthcare Marketplace is offering more opportunities for consumers to get insured during Special Enrollment.

In order to determine whether or not you may have a Qualifying Life Event, it is important for you to take a look at the list provided on your Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina health quote.  Reading the list of QLE’s will help you to determine if one of these special circumstances applies to you.  Although the process of obtaining health insurance has changed under the ACA, the expansion of these QLE’s allows you greater freedom outside of Open Enrollment to manage your current health plan or enroll a new health plan according to your life circumstances.

For more information on Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina health insurance coverage, the Marketplace and healthcare gov  to apply for your subsidy, please visit our website at www.nchealthplans.com or call our toll free number 888-765-5400 and speak with one of our experienced and professional agents.  Let us help you navigate through the Health Care Reform changes in accordance with the new regulations of The Affordable Care Act, also known as Obama care.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina is committed to the physical and mental well-being of all residents of NC, including the younger ones and a big part of preventive care maintenance is managing stress.  It’s easy for adults to assume that the lives of children are virtually stress-free.  After all, kids don’t have to hold down a job, pay a mortgage, or provide for a family.  The world of children is mostly playing, resting and eating, right?  Not so fast.  There is an increasing awareness among both physicians and educators that suggests that children often experience as much, and sometimes even more, stress than the average adult.  Why is this?

We all know that stress is ultimately a result of the pressure we feel regarding our ability – physically, emotionally, financially, etc. – to meet the demands of our lives.  We feel this pressure externally from our employers, spouses, children, extended family members and friends alike.  Everyone in our lives seems to need something from us and oftentimes they all need it at the same time – right now!  This creates added pressure, which leads to stress.  But pressure also arises from internal sources and this is where the world of children is simply not immune.  Children, just like adults, have a desire to please and kids experience the same kinds of emotions we do when it comes to guilt or shame over what we believe we ought to be able to accomplish and the reality of what we are actually capable of accomplishing.  The gap between how we are and how we think we should be can be a tough place to navigate.

Ultimately, this gap can create a feeling of overwhelming pressure and even children experience it.  The pressures of trying to fit in, succeed academically, please parents and maintain a sometimes unrealistic expectation of beauty or performance all create stress in our kids.  In addition, kids these days are incredibly busy.  They are always on the go and have less and less time to play a game or read a book or talk to parents.  The constant interruption of cell phones, text messaging and Facebook chatter doesn’t help.  Simply put, the noise of our modern-day lives has increased exponentially and this affects both children and adults alike.

In addition, stress can be magnified by family problems, such as divorce or death.  Even if they aren’t speaking up, children often internalize the stress experienced by their parents.  If children overhear their parents talking about money problems, family issues, or trouble at the office, they may experience the same stress their parents are feeling related to these issues, even if they don’t completely understand the problem.  Things like world news and scrolling headlines can also add internalized stress to children’s lives, which oftentimes they don’t know how to discuss.  If your kids catch headlines about war, natural disasters, terrorism, and the like, it’s important to talk with them about what’s happening and where, as well as how it affects, or doesn’t affect, them personally.

The other thing to keep in mind is that what may seem like no big deal to your average grown-up can be grossly magnified in the eyes of a child.  Talking with kids about the things that are worrying them is an important part of helping them manage their stress.   Also remember that all children are different and have different personalities.  Some may handle stress better than others.  Some children are easygoing and may adjust to changing events and new situations very easily.  Other children are completely unsettled.  A child’s age can also affect how well they are able to manage stressful circumstances and perceived failures.  For instance, carrying a few extra pounds may be a minor issue for a six-year old girl, but a source of daily grief for a female in adolescence.

Whatever its form, if stress is too intense or lasts too long, it will eventually take its toll.  Just like in adults, stress can lead to a loss of sleep, loss of appetite, anger, depression, a drop in school grades and even behavioral issues.  When stress becomes particularly intense, it can accelerate your child’s breathing and heartbeat, constrict blood vessels, increase blood pressure and muscle tension and lead to upset stomach or headaches.  Other symptoms of stress can be illness, fatigue, nightmares, insomnia, temper tantrums, and teeth grinding.  If you think your child might be experiencing stress related symptoms, it is probably a good idea to visit your primary care physician.

The main thing to keep in mind is that children do experience stress and it warrants our attention.  Also, keep in mind that children improve in their ability to handle stress the more times they are successful in managing life challenges that come their way.  If they feel they have the ability and the emotional support of family and friends, children are also more likely to cope successfully with stress.  Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina understands that life can be stressful no matter how old… or young you may be.  Along with being insured, visiting your doctor regularly, eating healthy and exercising, a big part of practicing preventive care maintenance is learning to manage stress in a successful and productive way.

For more information on Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina health insurance coverage, the Marketplace and healthcare gov  to apply for your subsidy, please visit our website at www.nchealthplans.com or call our toll free number 888-765-5400 and speak with one of our experienced and professional agents.  Let us help you navigate through the Health Care Reform changes in accordance with the new regulations of The Affordable Care Act, also known as Obama care.

Well, today is Friday and the first official day of summer for my kids.  Last night I attended my eldest son’s 8th grade graduation ceremony after a full week of class parties, awards assemblies and teacher appreciation celebrations.  I put away the lunch boxes with a silent shout of thanks for the two and a half month respite from having to figure out how to pack an affordable, healthy lunch for four children, while being sensitive to the allergy concerns of every other child in the school.  I threw 27 folders full of worksheets straight into the garbage can, along with four pencil boxes full of nubby pencils, broken crayons and pen caps that look like my kids have been using them to cut teeth.  When I leave work today, I am embarking on a one-week vacation to one of my favorite places in all the world – Ocracoke, North Carolina where I intend to do absolutely nothing for 7 days.

And of course… like all good mothers, spouses and employees, I feel a little guilty.  The thought of leaving the responsibilities of my home, pets and work in the hands of others for a week is borderline painful for my all too Type A, perfectionist personality.  Let’s face it, rest doesn’t always come easily.  In a world where performance matters and achievement is mandatory, I think most of us struggle to admit, let alone embrace, the fact that our bodies and our minds quite simply need a little vacation.  But they do!

In fact, the New York Times reported that taking a vacation can actually improve your physical health and that both men and women who take a vacation every two years compared to every six will lessen the risk of coronary heart disease or heart attacks.  According to Elaine Eaker, author of a study by the Framingham Heart Study, “This is real evidence that vacations are important to your physical health.”

And that’s really no surprise.  With exercise, for example, your body needs both periods of strenuous activity combined with periods of rest in order to maximize training effects.  In much the same way, periods of work combined with periods of relaxation maximize productivity.  According to about.com, taking time off to rejuvenate will help insulate you from the symptoms of burnout that arise from accumulated pressure and discouragement, making you “more creative and productive than [your] overworked, under-rested counterparts.”

But that’s not all.  “When you’re stressed out and tired, you are more likely to become ill, your arteries take a beating and you’re more likely to have an accident.  Your sleep will suffer, you won’t digest your food as well, and even the genetic material in the cells of your body may start to become altered in a bad way,” says Dr. Susan Krauss Whitbourne, a professor of psychology at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.  She asserts that mentally “you become more irritable, depressed and anxious and your memory will become worse and you’ll make poorer decisions.  You’ll also be less fun to be with, causing you to become more isolated, lonely and depressed.”  Similarly, Dr. Ellen Langer, a psychology professor at Harvard University, told CNN that mindless, uninterrupted routines tend to result in boredom, which hinders creativity and mindfulness and is, therefore, counterproductive.

So what’s the bottom line?  You need a vacation!!  From your computer and your commute.  From your laundry and your laptop.  From your yard work and your yoga class  From your shopping list and your smart phone.  You need to get away! As the New York Times reported, “Human beings aren’t designed to expend energy continuously. Rather, we’re meant to pulse between spending and recovering energy.”  In other words, we need to work hard and play hard in order to maintain a healthy balance in our lives.

So maybe I’m self-justifying or simply looking for research to back me up and ease the uncomfortable guilt I’m feeling at the thought of a responsibility-free week at the beach, but I don’t think so!  There’s a reason the research is there.  Vacations are as important to our mental and physical health as maintaining a regular exercise regime and healthy diet.  Vacations provide extended periods of rest as well as offering us a new perspective.

Luckily for me, I work for people who understand this completely and make vacation time an easy request.  Even if you don’t, however, maintaining your physical and mental health is one of the most important things you can do, not only for yourself, but also your employer.  Don’t let guilt or the thought that your company can’t manage without you for a few days keep you from taking the time off your body and mind need to function properly.  I am a part of an industry where health and health maintenance really matter so preventive care is always on my mind.  Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina makes this a top priority.  But whatever industry you are a part of, the facts remain the same – you need vacation time.

This summer, take the people you love to a place you love and discover the health benefits of a good old fashioned summer vacation!

For more information on Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina health insurance coverage, the Marketplace and healthcare gov  to apply for your subsidy, please visit our website at www.nchealthplans.com or call our toll free number 888-765-5400 and speak with one of our experienced and professional agents.  Let us help you navigate through the Health Care Reform changes in accordance with the new regulations of The Affordable Care Act, also known as Obama care.

“Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.”  – Thich Nhat Hanh

There’s almost nothing sweeter than a beautiful smile, but almost nothing worse than teeth or gums that are causing you pain or discomfort.  That is where Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC and Dental Blue can help.  Having a dental plan that provides for routine oral exams, teeth cleanings, fluoride treatments, and X-rays is an important part of oral maintenance and preventive care.  With a large network of dental providers, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina is a trusted name when it comes to both health and dental insurance.

Although without a Qualifying Life Event you may not be able to obtain health insurance outside of Open Enrollment, under the laws of the ACA you can get dental coverage.  Because dental insurance is not subject to the guidelines of Special Enrollment and Qualifying Life Events, you can enroll in a Dental Blue plan at any time during the year.

Dental Blue for Individuals allows you to visit any licensed dentist you choose within the network, provides for two annual cleanings at no additional cost, has no waiting period for preventive care and includes coverage for fillings, gum treatments, extractions, crowns, bridges and more.  With preventive services covered at 100%, there is no reason to let your smile slide.

Although routine oral care may not seem imperative to your health, medical experts have linked periodontal (gum) disease to stroke, heart disease, diabetes, pre-term or low-birth weight babies and other health issues.  Furthermore, nearly 75 percent of American adults have some form of periodontal disease.  With proper daily dental care, however, having regular dental checkups can help detect, prevent and treat gum disease and related disorders.

This summer, give yourself something to smile about!  Get Dental Blue for individuals and make oral health a part of your regular preventive care maintenance.

For more information on Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina health insurance coverage, the Marketplace and healthcare gov  to apply for your subsidy, please visit our website at www.nchealthplans.com or call our toll free number 888-765-5400 and speak with one of our experienced and professional agents.  Let us help you navigate through the Health Care Reform changes in accordance with the new regulations of The Affordable Care Act, also known as Obama care.

As a mother of four, I can tell you that nothing is more exciting, or daunting, as the end of yet another school year.  The fact that I can lay aside daily tasks such as homework, packing lunches, and making a protein breakfast before 7:00 am offers a well-earned respite for both myself and my children.  On the other hand, facing three long months of unfilled eight hour days is also an overwhelming prospect.  I am literally haunted by the question, “what should we do today?”  Although staying in our pajamas and lazing in front of the television or computer is the easiest, and perhaps most tempting idea, I am cognizant of the fact that what’s easiest isn’t always what’s best.  In fact, studies show that sedentary kids (and moms) are very likely to experience unhealthy summer weight gain, leading to increased health problems, negative attitudes and even depression.

Summer is supposed to be full of fun activity, but if you have children you know all too well how difficult it can be to get your kids moving.  With all the allure of Facebook, YouTube, video games, cell phones and good old fashioned cable TV, it can be a serious challenge to get your children out of the house and into physical activity.  Pediatricians, physical educators, and health experts, however, all agree that too many kids are choosing to fill up their summer vacation with sedentary activities rather than with activities that require exercise and physical exertion.  Honestly, what’s a mom to do?  How can we possibly compete with the images and interactions our kids can experience without ever having to move a muscle?

If we know that the experts recommend at least 60 minutes of exercise every day, then how can we help our kids stay fit without subjecting them to the tedium of the treadmill or making them feel as if their summer is nothing more than another task filled time of life?  From one parent to another, I admit I don’t have all the answers, but here are some ideas I have collected from various sources to help us keep our kids from falling into the trap of a sedentary summer.

1.  Media-free Monday:   We all know our kids should be watching less television, less YouTube and playing less video games, but it’s tough.  One thing I’ve discovered is that if kids don’t expect to get it, they won’t be quite as disappointed.  Instituting one day a week where media is simply off limits not only manages expectations, it also gets kids thinking about other things they can do to make summer enjoyable.  Starting the week off with a day that requires kids to think outside the box can actually set you up for success for the rest of the week.  Make it fun, make it challenging and let your kids know that there are six other days of the week when media can be a part of their day.  I once read that it’s not what we are doing while watching TV that’s dangerous, it’s what we’re NOT doing.  It’s surprising what you can accomplish or create or learn in an eight hour day when media is simply off the table.

2.  Set Physical Fitness Goals:  One summer, I offered my children $25 a piece if they completed a physical fitness challenge.  That summer, one of my children learned to ride her bike and another worked his way up to doing 25 push-ups in a row.  Goals are important and as a mother, I am happy to invest a little money in my children’s physical health.  Perhaps set the goal of being able to swim 10 laps without stopping, or find a 5K and offer a small reward to the child who completes it.  Teaching our children now that exercise is important will be worth it’s weight in gold further down the road when we’ve raised healthy, physically active adults.

3.  Exercise Together:  Let’s face it, kids aren’t the only ones who struggle with laziness, especially after an eight hour day at the office.  The nice part about summer is that the days are longer.  Take advantage of those summer evenings, when it’s still light outside, but not quite as hot, by making after dinner a time when your family gets outside.  Take a bike ride or a walk or play a game of basketball or freeze tag.  You’ll be surprised at how much more willing your kids are to exercise when you are doing it with them and who knows?  It could be you all discover you would rather be outside playing together than inside watching another rerun of Family Feud.

4.  Make a Schedule:  Although you don’t want summer to become too rigid, too much down time can also become a burden, especially for children who tend to be high achievers.  Perhaps create a modified summer schedule that factors in specific times to read, create, exercise and relax.  A variety of activities will keep your children from becoming bored and will also keep the juices flowing.  Maybe you have an artist or a chef or a musician in your home.  Summer is one of the best times to explore some of the more creative aspects of your child’s personality.  If you don’t know what to do, ask your children.  They know what they enjoy better than anyone and if you make it fun and interesting, they won’t resent having scheduled time to do things other than simply sit on the couch or stare at a screen.

5.  Keep it Simple:  Sometimes as parents we fall into the trap of believing bigger is always better, but it’s simply not true.  Although my kids love to go to specialized camps for basketball or gymnastics, they don’t want to go to camp all summer and they don’t need day after day of elaborate outings in order to be active and find enjoyment.  A simple game of soccer in the yard, throwing a Frisbee at the beach or walking to the local library can be equally, if not more, gratifying.  Make a list of 50 things you would like to do with your kids this summer that don’t cost a lot of money, but provide a lot of activity and interaction.  Not only will your kids be thrilled, I’d be willing to bet you will find that summer is a big success for the whole family.

The dangers of a sedentary summer are obvious and the experts agree.  Both adults and children need more exercise and practicing preventive care maintenance is always easier than combating health care issues.  Don’t let the prospect of long summer days with no activity defeat you.  Make a plan and make it fun.  As always, before starting any weight loss program, consult your doctor first and get his/her clearance for physical activity.  Find out if there are any issues that would affect you or your children participating in a new nutrition and fitness program.

For more information on Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina health insurance coverage, the Marketplace and healthcare gov  to apply for your subsidy, please visit our website at www.nchealthplans.com or call our toll free number 888-765-5400 and speak with one of our experienced and professional agents.  Let us help you navigate through the Health Care Reform changes in accordance with the new regulations of The Affordable Care Act, also known as Obama care.