Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina

In addition to protecting yourself, the flu vaccine can help protect the people around you, some of whom may be more vulnerable.  The elderly, as well as infants  and those with chronic illnesses, can suffer serious, even life-threatening flu symptoms.  According to the CDC, a recent study showed that the flu vaccination reduced children’s risk of flu-related hospitalization by 74% during flu seasons from 2010-2012.

Getting a flu shot is just plain smart, which is why Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina encourages its members to get vaccinated.  With winter just around the corner, taking this critical step can help ensure that you and your family have the healthiest flu season possible. For more information on North Carolina insurance coverage, 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.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina

Here are 5 easy things you can do to improve the condition of your heart:

1. RELAX:  This may sound simple, but in today’s fast-paced, media-driven society, finding time to relax can be tough.  It’s important for your heart, however, that you make relaxation a priority in your day.  The kind of relaxation that relieves stress calms tension in your body and mind and can relax blood vessels in the heart, which results in lower blood pressure.  Deliberate relaxation involves purposefully sitting quietly twice daily for 10-15 minutes.  You should find a distraction-free zone where you can close your eyes and breathe deeply, focusing on the intake and output of oxygen.  Relaxing with purpose can be a life-saving activity.
2. EAT SMART:  Heart-healthy foods include salmon, oatmeal, blueberries, dark chocolate, red wine, tomatoes, nuts, avocado and green leafy vegetables.  Choosing a few times a week to swap a less healthy protein such as beef or pork for a leaner protein such as fish can decrease your risk of heart disease substantially.  Good fish options include sardines, anchovies, salmon, herring, trout, and canned white tuna.
3. STOP SMOKING:  Smoking is just bad for your heart.  It increases heart rate and blood pressure and can lead to blood clots in the blood vessels.  Health insurance plans are typically 20% more expensive for people who smoke and this is the only health question you will be asked on an insurance application under the Affordable Care Act.  The savings alone is reason enough to quit, but your heart will thank you also!  Apply with BCBSNC today for your lower rate.
4. LIMIT CAFFEINE INTAKE:  Caffeine is present in coffee, tea, soft drinks and chocolate.  Be moderate in your consumption and try limiting your intake to no more than a cup or two a day of caffeinated beverages.  If you like soda, sparkling water is an excellent substitute and will give you all of the fizz without any of the negative health effects.
5. GET SOME SLEEP:  When it comes to being heart healthy, getting a good night of sleep is paramount.  Poor sleep quality adds stress to your heart and can increase your risk of developing high blood pressure.  When it comes to your heart, getting sufficient sleep is just as important as maintaining diet and exercise.

It’s nothing new.  In fact, it’s just what Mom always told you.  Eat right, get some rest, and avoid bad habits that take a toll on your heart.  It’s a new year and making these few simple changes could give your heart a whole new chance at life!  BCBSNC supports heart health by offering preventive care services covered at 100%.  Contact one of our licensed and professional agents to discuss your Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina options.

For more information, 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.

Did you know that more women die from strokes every year than men?  It’s true and it’s just one of the reasons Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina is a huge advocate of women’s preventive health care.  In fact, every BCBSNC health plan offers preventive care covered at 100%, including a variety of services especially aimed at keeping women healthy.

When it comes to the risk of stroke, although some factors such as smoking, diabetes or obesity do not discriminate against age or gender, others do and there are some risks that are unique to women.  The following is a list of some of those special risks:

Hypertension:  Almost 75% of people who have a stroke also suffer from hypertension and more than half of the adults with hypertension are women.  As women get older, their risk becomes higher than men and unfortunately, high blood pressure has no signs or symptoms.  It’s important to make sure you get regular check-ups, including a check of your blood pressure, on an annual basis.

Birth Control Pills:  Women who take birth control pills could be twice as likely to suffer a stroke than those who do not.  Typically, birth control pills can cause a stroke by triggering a blood clot in the vessel system.  It’s important to get screened for hypertension before choosing a birth control pill, as hypertension can be a secondary cause of stroke.

Pregnancy:  Preeclampsia is a form of high blood pressure that occurs during pregnancy and it can double your risk for stroke later in life. Women who suffer hypertension before or during pregnancy may need to take medications to lower blood pressure to lower their risk of stroke.

Soda Pop:  Soda has been documented as a major cause of weight gain, diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol and heart disease, but a 2012 study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition cited the link between sodas and stroke.  They study discovered that people who drink one or more soda a day have a 16% higher chance of suffering a stroke than those who don’t.  A good alternative to soda can be sparkling water or decaf coffee.

Atrial Fibrillation:  Although women are tend to develop this condition later in life than men, they are more likely to have a stroke and die because of it.  Atrial Fibrillation is a condition in which the top chambers of the heart beat irregularly, causing blood to thicken and form a clot which resides in the atrium.  However, if the clot breaks free, it can enter other organs and cause a stroke.

Whether or not you are at risk for stroke, it’s important to maintain your health through preventive care maintenance.  Regular check-ups are a vital part of your overall well-being and Blue Cross Blue Shield has you covered!  If you are currently uninsured, consider enrolling in a BCBSNC health plan and begin a preventive care regimen.  If you are already a member, take advantage of the preventive care benefits built into your Blue Cross Blue Shield NC health coverage.

For more information on Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina insurance coverage, 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. CLICK HERE to apply online in 8 minutes or less.

At 6:30 this morning when I took my dog outside for her morning ritual and it was still dark and I could see my breath in the frosty air, I realized that once again, winter is coming… and with winter comes flu season.  Every year, people suffer from flu symptoms that cause children to miss school, parents to miss work and everyone in the house to feel miserable.  More importantly, not only is the flu inconvenient, it can also be dangerous.  In fact, according to Dr. Larry Wu, Regional Medical Director for Blue Cross Blue Shield NC, “Last year, thousands were hospitalized and more than 100 North Carolinians died from complications with the flu, with the most severe issues affecting people who have not had the flu shot.”

Because Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina is actively committed to promoting preventive care maintenance, they have in place a 2015 flu shot program to help members take advantage of the vaccine and stay healthy during this year’s flu season.

The 2015 program works like this:

You can get your vaccination at the Doctor’s office, a walk-in clinic, or at a pharmacy.  If participating urgent care and convenience care centers submit member flu shot claims to BCBSNC and that member has 100% immunization/preventive care benefits, BCBSNC will pay for the shots administered by these providers.  Depending on specific benefits and the location of the provider administering the shot, however, some members may pay a co-payment or deductible.  It’s important to check your plan’s summary of benefits to manage out of pocket expenses.

Keep in mind that because the 2015 flu shot has been updated to include new strains of the flu virus, having the 2014 flu shot won’t necessarily prevent you from getting the flu this year.  It’s important to make sure you keep up-to-date on your flu vaccination on an annual basis.

The bottom line is there’s nothing fun about getting the flu and getting your flu shot can help keep you well!  If you are already a member of Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina, you can register with Blue Connect for more information on member benefits.  If you are not currently a BCBSNC member, consider the importance of having quality health coverage when you need it most.  Offering a wide variety of plans both on the federal Marketplace and off, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina can help you and your family stay healthy all year long.

For more information on Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina insurance coverage, 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. CLICK HERE to apply online in 8 minutes or less.

• Maintain a healthy weight
• Stay physically active
• Eat fruits and vegetables
• Do not smoke
• Limit alcohol consumption

These daily habits as well as a good medical prevention plan are the key to success when it comes to maintaining health.  Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina supports members in the fight against breast cancer and encourages you to get involved.  You don’t have to buy a pair of pink shoes, but find a way this October to support women’s health and be a part of breast cancer awareness.

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.

Did you know that smoking is not only bad for your health, but also hard on your wallet?  If your Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC health insurance premium is higher than you like, consider quitting.  Although under the ACA, health insurance companies are no longer allowed to ask any health questions, you still have to answer as to whether or not you are a tobacco user.  And if you are, your rate can increase by 20%!  Reducing the cost of your health insurance premium is another good reason to make this year the year you quit tobacco for good.

We’ve all heard the statistics.  Smoking is the #1 cause of preventable death in the United States and responsible for a number of chronic health problems.  Because Blue Cross Blue Shield NC is committed to helping reduce chronic health issues through supporting preventive care, they have recently launched a campaign to encourage members to quit smoking.  To help inform members of QuitlineNC and their telephonic counseling tobacco cessation services, BCBSNC sent thousands of emails to participating members.  Recipients of the email included tobacco and non-tobacco users and encouraged members to take advantage of the services provided by QuitlineNC.

Even further, BCBSNC customers enrolled in an ACA plan get 100% coverage for FDA-approved tobacco cessation prescription medications and OTC nicotine replacement therapy (NRT).  This is just another way Blue Cross Blue Shield supports members in maintaining their health through preventive care measures.

If you’ve been putting off quitting, now is the time!  Not only is it the right choice for your health, it can also reduce the cost of your health insurance premium.  BCBSNC offers an appeal process to rerate for non-smoking once you have been tobacco free for 12 months.  That’s like putting money right back into your bank account!

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.

Since we know drinking water is important, how can we incorporate more water into our diets without sacrificing the pleasure of drinking other things?  One way is to add a little sparkle to your H2O.  Sparkling water is a surprisingly smart substitute for still water and provides all of the same health benefits without adding a lot of other unhealthy things, like sugar or dye.  Not to be mistaken for tonic water, which may have added sugar or sodium, sparkling water is much healthier than you might think.  It’s sugar-free and calorie-free and it hydrates as much as regular water.

In the past, there have been questions as to whether or not sparkling water is really good for you and there have been accusations that it erodes tooth enamel, saps calcium from bones and can cause stomach problems.  According to nutritionist Keri Gans, RDN, CND, however, “Sparkling water is just as hydrating [as still water].  All it is is added carbonation.”  Furthermore, although there are things, such as caffeine, in regular soda that deplete calcium, carbonation is not one of them.  In fact, senior clinical dietitian  at Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston, Kristi King, notes the following:  “There’s a myth out there about carbonation leaching calcium from the bones… but the research is just not there.”  You may be also be surprised to learn that a recent study done by The Journal of Nutrition found that women who drank sparkling water instead of still water had lower percentages of heart disease than other women.

Bottom line:  Sparkling water is a good substitute for still water and can be a great way to make sure you are getting in your eight glasses a day.  Watch out, however, for imposters as not all sparkling water beverages are simply water.  Some have added sugar, sodium and calories so read the label carefully!  Also, if you experience adverse side effects, such as bloating or stomach discomfort, you may want to stick with still water instead.  As always, before making any major changes to your health or fitness routine, consult your doctor to determine if you are on the right path.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina is committed to the health and well-being of North Carolina residents and drinking enough water is a vital part of preventive care.  Our bodies need water to survive and sparkling water is simply another way to make sure your body is getting all the water it needs.

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.

In fact, school nurses encourage parents not only to emphasize the importance of hand washing, but also to teach your children how and when to wash their hands.  It is also important to stress the importance of keeping their fingers away from their eyes, nose and mouth and how to cover any coughs and sneezes using elbows instead of hands.

Other things parents can do to help give their kids a great chance at staying healthy this school year include providing a nutritious diet, making sure kids get enough sleep and staying up to date on immunizations.  Also, make sure you keep your kids home from school when they do fall sick so that they have an opportunity to rest and recover and other children are not affected.  This will minimize the spread of illnesses.  Most schools require that students stay home for at least 24 hours after a fever subsides, but some children may require more time to ensure a full recovery.

Teachers can also help keep kids healthy in the classroom by keeping desks and classrooms clean.  Providing your child with a pack of disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizer to keep in their desk is always a good idea and sure to be appreciated by their teacher.

There’s an old proverb that says, “it takes a village to raise a child,” and nothing is more true when it comes to maintaining health during a long school year.  Parents, teachers, administrators and children alike must all work together to make sure the school and home environments are clean, safe, and conducive to the health and well-being of our students.  Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina supports healthy living, which is why preventive services are covered at 100%.  Before they start school, make sure your child has a preventive care checkup.  If your child is not currently insured, consider obtaining a health insurance policy that allows you to keep them up to date on wellness visits and vaccinations.  This school year, let’s work together to keep our kids healthy both in the classroom and out.

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.

With back to school comes back to youth sports and if your children are participating, it’s important to make sure they are covered in case of accident or injury.  The soccer fields, football stadiums, volleyball courts, and swimming pools are full once again with school-aged children gearing up for a full season of team training and competitive sports.  Accidents and injuries are bound to occur and when they do, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina has you covered!

The facts are somewhat staggering.  A Safe Kids Worldwide survey of emergency room visits showed that more than a million times a year, a young athlete visits a hospital emergency room for a sports-related injury.  Among the top reasons for ER visits were sprains, strains, fractures, concussions, and abrasions.  Because more than 46 million kids participate in some form of youth sports, accidents can happen in almost any arena from cheerleading to baseball and the effects can be devastating.  Research shows that younger athletes take a longer time to heal than older athletes because their bodies are still growing and without the proper treatment, the injury sustained can be serious to life-long health.

Although typically schools require that children receive a sports physical before participating in youth sports, having children properly insured is not a requirement for participation in most cases.  Although children are required to have insurance under federal law, there are still many children participating in youth sports who are not properly covered in case of an unexpected injury or accident.  Whereas most colleges and universities now require a proof of insurance in order to attend classes, younger athletes may remain uncovered.  Not only is a lack of coverage unsafe for the child, it’s hard on the wallet.  If your child sustains and injury and has to visit an Emergency Room, the average cost of an ER visit is roughly $1500!  Having the right amount of coverage can save you an enormous amount of money.

In addition, it is important for student athletes to make sure their bodies are rested.  Adding preventive and strengthening exercises as well as following proper techniques will also make a huge difference in helping them to avoid injury.  BCBSNC believes strongly in preventive care as part of every health plan offered, which is why preventive care services are covered at 100%.  In addition, for people under the age of 30 BCBSNC offers Catastrophic plans that are typically more affordable and will provide coverage in case of an emergency.  As a member of Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina, not only will your child get the preventive care he or she needs, your child will also be covered in case of accident or injury.  If your child plays sports, it makes sense to play it safe!

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.

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.

I usually make these muffins the night before and refrigerate them overnight.  My kids heat them up in the microwave and usually eat while trying to find their soccer cleats or the permission slip that needs to be signed.  The good news is these protein filled egg muffins are simple and also delicious.  My children absolutely love them and will often even ask me to put a second (or third) one in their lunch for that day as well.  And with this snack, I never have to worry about receiving a nasty gram from the school chiding me about the nutritional content of my child’s lunchbox.  For me, that’s a serious win.

This recipe calls for sausage, but I often substitute ham or bacon and I sometimes even put bread crumbs on the bottom just to add another layer.  You can add any vegetables your kids like or sneak in the ones they don’t, and if you add enough cheese, they will hardly notice.

Eating well is such an important part of maintaining health and a nutritious breakfast can give your kids the energy they need to start their day off right.  NC Health Plans wishes you a successful back to school and encourages you to teach your kids the importance of preventive care!

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.