At NC Health Plans, summer is our favorite time of year; however, summer can be stressful!  Although summer may seem like the time of year that should have the least amount of stress, oftentimes the fast-paced, vacation-packed, activity-driven summer months can be demanding and exhausting.  Stress is a normal psychological and physiological response to the ever-increasing demands of daily life, but it can wreak havoc on the human body. In fact, surveys show that many Americans suffer from stress at some point during the year and is it any wonder?  Managing the pressures of work, home, and family can be taxing to say the least and the stress created can take a toll on both body and mind.  For that reason, stress management is an increasingly important part of preventive care, even during the summer months.

One way to manage stress effectively is to practice relaxation.  In fact, developing relaxation techniques is an essential part of stress management.  If you are an overachiever, you may put relaxation low on your priority list, but don’t shortchange yourself.  Purposeful relaxation intended to recharge your mind and body is widely recognized as an important habit of highly effective individuals. (more…)

North Carolina offers some of the most diverse and beautiful landscapes in the continental United States and this spring, Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC encourages you to get outdoors!  BCBSNC understands the importance of preventive health care, which is why preventive care benefits covered at 100% are a part of every Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC health plan.  The benefits of regular outdoor activity are indisputable.  Not only are there physical benefits, such as aerobic, cardiovascular and muscular fitness, improved functioning of the immune system, lower blood pressure, weight loss and reduced arthritis pain, there are also a number of psychological and environmental benefits as well.  Being outdoors is good for the mind in that it can reduce stress, improve self-esteem and aid in fighting depression.  Even further, the Vitamin D our bodies absorb from moderate exposure to sunlight is also vital for an overall sense of mental health and physical well-being.  In addition, regular outdoor activity can also increase environmental awareness, keeping us more in touch with our world and more inclined to care for our planet.

Personally, I grew up in Texas and one of the things I most appreciate about North Carolina is the geography.  Texas is such a huge state that it literally takes days to get from the Gulf of Mexico to the greener landscapes of the Panhandle or the drier, desert climate of El Paso.  Residents of NC, however, don’t have the same problem.  We can enjoy the cool beauty of the Blue Ridge Parkway, and then drive but a few short hours to enjoy the warm waters of the Crystal Coast.

In fact, this spring you don’t even need a gym to get moving and improve your health.  North Carolina has some of the best hiking trails in the United States so take advantage of those mountains.  When the summer heat becomes too much to handle, plan a day or two in the mountains where you can walk and hike with ease, while enjoying breathtaking views.  Walking and hiking are an excellent source of cardiovascular exercise and will help keep your heart healthy all year long.

Or if you prefer, head down to the ocean.  For more strenuous exercise, go surfing or paddle boarding.  Both of these water sports engage all of your muscle groups and will help build both strength and agility.  For a more relaxed approach, go jogging or take a walk on the beach.  Walking or running in the sand is a moderately strenuous exercise that can build muscle strength and endurance.  Beach exercise is not only fun and relaxing, it is a great way to enjoy the outdoors while taking in the sun and surf.

The main thing to remember this spring is don’t get stuck indoors!  There are so many benefits to outdoor exercise and so many ways to enjoy the great outdoors and the beauty of North Carolina.  Of course, before starting any weight loss or exercise program, always 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.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina understands the benefits of preventive care and taking care of your physical health and mental well-being.  Discover why it pays to be a Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC member.  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.

“Food, if chosen well, can reshape our medical destinies for the better.”

– David Katz, MD, Director of the Yale Prevention Research Center

Time to shake off the snowflakes and start gearing up for spring!  If you are looking for easy and delicious ways to improve your mood, energy level, skin tone and brain power, these super foods may be just what the doctor ordered.  Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina knows that a little prevention goes a long way and the following list of spring foods can add a punch of flavor to your favorite meals while working to give your body the nutrients it needs to feel great and function well.

Mood:  Looking to bring balance and serenity to your springtime?  Try these two tasty options to help improve your mood.

Walnuts:  Walnuts are one of nature’s secret stress relievers.  Full of tryptophan, an amino acid that creates seratonin, walnuts will improve not only your mood, but can also help cultivate emotional balance.  Because they are digested slowly, walnuts can help your body stabilize and give it what it needs to tolerate stress.  Try adding these to the top of your salad for a little extra crunch or eat them dipped in peanut butter for a satisfying snack.

Asparagus:  Asparagus is one of the best vegetables for adding folate to your diet.  Folate is very important for pregnant women, but also for everyone because it helps synthesize dopamine, seratonin and nerepinephrine, all of which are important chemicals our bodies release to help us “feel good.”  If you find yourself in need of a mood swing this spring, try drizzling a mixture of butter, soy sauce and balsamic vinegar over the top of some fresh asparagus spears and bake them for 12 minutes at 400 degrees.  We think you will love this delicious way to improve your mood!

Energy Level:  Looking to put some spring back into your step?  Below are two great foods to give you the boost you need.

Spinach:  Spinach is a great source of iron, which is a key component in the red blood cells that fuel our muscles with oxygen and energy.  The compounds found in spinach leaves actually increase the energy producing factories inside our blood cells, making our bodies feel awake and alive.  This green-leafy vegetable is delicious in salads and also sauteed in olive olive oil.  Adding fresh spinach to quiche or scrambled eggs will not only add color and texture to your plate, but will also help you start your day off right.

Artichokes:  Artichokes are an often overlooked vegetable, but they are literally loaded with magnesium, which helps to generate energy in the body.  If you don’t get enough magnesium, your muscles have to work harder to react and you tire more quickly.  Women especially need 320 mg. of magnesium a day and one artichoke gives you 77 mg. for only 60 calories.    Try boiling them until tender and dipping the leaves in your favorite salad dressing.  However you cook artichokes, they are a delicious and low-calorie way to help energize your day.

Skin Care:  Are the effects of cold-weather and harsh winds taking their toll on your skin?  Try these two delicious foods and see your skin tone improve!

Salmon:  Salmon is a healthy and natural way to help prevent wrinkling.  It is rich in fatty acids and omega 3’s that naturally help reduce the appearance of fine lines and sagging skin.  Omega 3’s also help regulate oil production in the skin and boost hydration, which help give your skin a natural glow and keep you free of acne and blemishes.  Whether cooking at home or eating out this spring, try choosing the salmon instead of the steak and eat your way to healthier looking skin.

Strawberries:   Strawberries are loaded with antioxidants that help your skin repair from damage caused by weather, pollution  and UV rays.  Packed with vitamin C, a vitamin associated with fewer wrinkles and less dryness, you can actually use strawberries as a natural exfoliant.  Great as a snack or used as part of a light and delicious dessert, strawberries are a girl’s (or boy’s)  best friend when it comes to spring skin care.

Memory:  Find yourself being more forgetful these days?  Here are two tasty brain foods sure to please.

Eggs:  Not only are eggs delicious, they are good for you!  And by all means, eat the yolk!  Egg yolks are full of choline, a key nutrient for recall and memory storage in the brain.  Your body needs 425 mg. of choline daily and there are 147 mg. in one large egg.  With just a couple of eggs for breakfast, you are well on your way to a healthier brain and a better memory.

Blueberries:  Blueberries may be small, but they are full of an important type of antioxidant called anthocyanis, which has been shown to increase signals among brain cells.  Blueberries can improve the brain’s resilience and enhance both learning capabilities and memory.  If you don’t like to munch on these tiny fruits, try drinking a glass of blueberry juice for breakfast.  Good in muffins, desserts, or eaten by the handful, blueberries are a springtime treat that will help you make the most of your memories.

In many ways, food is the very best medicine if used correctly and BCBSNC believes in preventive care maintenance. This spring, try eating your way to a healthier, happier, more whole you!

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.

Do you drink at least 8 glasses of water a day?  If not, you should!  Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina endorses healthy living and one of the healthiest things you can do for your body is to keep it hydrated.

Drink more water. Most of us actually don’t drink enough water every day. Water is essential for our body to function.  Do you know that over 60% of our body is made up of water? Water is needed to carry out our bodily functions, remove waste and carry nutrients and oxygen around our body. Since we lose water every day through urine, bowel movements, perspiration and breathing, we need to replenish our water intake.

Bring a water bottle when you go out. That way, you can replenish your fluids whenever you want to. It saves you money as well and you don’t need to subject yourself to poor alternatives like soda, which increases your fluid outtake instead.

Furthermore, drinking more water alone actually aids in losing weight. A study done by healthcom carried out among overweight/obese people showed that water drinkers lose 4.5 more pounds than a control group. The researchers believe it’s because drinking more water helps fill your stomach, making you less hungry and less likely to overeat. I agree with that, and I have an added take that your body tries to retain whatever water it gets when you don’t take in enough water, leading to an increase in weight. On the other hand, when you regularly drink water, your body knows it’s going to get the supply of fluids it needs, so it doesn’t try to retain more water.

There is no real downside to drinking more water and the benefits to your body are clear.  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 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.

Adults (19-64 years)

Adults ages 19 to 64 should visit their doctor for a routine check-up every one to three years.

Routine screening and testing

Height and weight (body mass index-screening for healthy weight)
Blood pressure
Vision
Chlamydia for women (up to age 24)
Cholesterol every 5 years, if normal
Colon cancer (1) starting at age 50
Mammogram every year for women ages 40 and over
Pap smear every year for women (testing less often may be recommended by your physician)
(more…)

Tips for R and R on the Waterway!

Nothing could be more pleasing than having a nice and a peaceful journey in the cool waters down the intracoastal waterway on a boat.  Many homeowners all over the world like to spend their weekends relaxing on their boats with family and friends. Boating is one of the most favorite  pastimes for many Americans. “Getaway” could be defined as: “we’re outta here”,  or perhaps “we gotta find ourselves all over again”.  When life gets hectic, you need time away to “Relax” which is defined as: “a slower pace”, “a starry night”, “looking out over the water”, sit back and enjoy the tranquility of being on the water.   This can be very relaxing, especially since health scientists feel that simply looking at the water can help lower your blood pressure and relieve stress. This can make for a healthier life and a happier person. (more…)

We all seem to be trying to live a more healthy lifestyle.  Eating healthy begins with planning.  Plan meals ahead, make your list, and order that list around the perimeter of the store.  Add a snack menu to your list that includes healthy items such as baby carrots, apples, oranges, pears, whole grain snacks, blueberries, grapes, salsa, pretzels, cottage cheese, and broccoli florets.  Meal planning and available healthy snacks will make healthy eating more successful and enjoyable.  One last tip…. don’t forget to only grocery shop after a good meal. 

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 qualified 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.