Did you know that walking will not only trim your waistline, but also improve your health?  It’s true.  You can actually walk your way to wellness.  Physical activity doesn’t need to be complicated and something as simple as a daily brisk walk can help you live a healthier life.  Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC promotes physical fitness and an active lifestyle, resulting in less health problems and a healthier you.

BCBSNC is committed to making sure you are as healthy as you can be and preventive care and wellness maintenance are a big part of every BCBSNC health plan.  Simple, low impact, and highly effective, walking is a wonderful way to stay well!

Keep in mind that the faster and farther and more frequently you walk, the greater the benefits.  It is also important to consider your technique when walking your way to health and fitness.  Turning your normal, everyday stride into a fitness walk requires good posture and purposeful movements.  Also, don’t forget that walking with a friend or even your pet is not only a good safety measure, but also good to help keep you motivated to maintain a fitness routine.

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Stress is a normal psychological and physiological response to the ever-increasing demands of daily life.  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, and BCBSNC is committed to making preventive care a top priority.

In looking at the causes of stress, remember that your brain comes hard-wired with an alarm system for your protection.  When your brain perceives a threat, it signals your body to release a burst of hormones to fuel your capacity for a quick response, often called the “fight-or-flight” response.  Once the threat is gone, however, your body is meant to return to a normal, relaxed state.  Unfortunately, the nonstop stress of modern life means that your alarm system rarely shuts off.   Without stress management, your body oftentimes remains on high alert and over time, high levels of stress can negatively affect your health, quality of life or relationships.  Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina understands the importance of stress management in maintaining good health.

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.  Common relaxation techniques include meditation, tai chi and yoga, but there are more active ways of achieving relaxation as well.  For example, walking outdoors or participating in sports activities can also help reduce stress and create a more relaxed mind and body.  No matter which relaxation technique you choose, it is important that you select a technique that works for you and one that you can practice regularly to help reduce stress.

Taking a positive step toward stress free living will get you one step closer to a healthy lifestyle and that makes BCBSNC smile.  Get your free rate quote now and enjoy all the benefits of becoming a member of BCBSNC.

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). It would be our pleasure to help you navigate through the Health Care Reform changes in accordance with the new regulations of Obamacare. Call us for details.

Wake Forest University has received a $3 million gift from Blue Cross Blue Shield to help the school promote well-being at the university, Wake Forest officials said.

The money will go to develop projects designed to promote what is being called a holistic approach to health that spans eight dimensions of well-being: physical, emotional, spiritual, social, intellectual, financial, occupational and environmental.

 “Our approach to well-being is intentional and a natural extension of our mission to educate the whole person,” said Wake Forest University President Nathan O. Hatch, in a statement. “Well-being is not the absence of illness and stress, but the presence of healthy habits, purpose and joyful relationships. We are grateful to Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina for its transformative gift to enhance well-being on our campus and across the state.”

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CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – In North Carolina, almost 30 percent of adults and more than 18 percent of children are obese.  Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) launched Get Outside North Carolina (GO NC) to help reverse this trend. This four-year initiative will start by supporting biking and greenway projects to increase outdoor physical activity.  Future efforts will include support for other outdoor initiatives across the state that encourage people to get moving.

GO NC will provide new ways to help increase outdoor physical activity in North Carolina, according to Brad Wilson, BCBSNC president and CEO.  Every $1 spent building biking trails and walking paths can save about $3 in medical expenses. Through GO NC, BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD OF NORTH CAROLINA hopes to improve health and reduce obesity-related medical costs in North Carolina.

GO NC will kick off with three flagship programs: B-cycle in Charlotte, the Blue LoopSM in Raleigh and completion of the Gary Shell Cross-City Trail in Wilmington:

Charlotte B-Cycle:

BCBSNC and Charlotte Center City Partners have teamed up to make 200 bikes available for rent at 20 stations in Uptown Charlotte and surrounding neighborhoods.

BCBSNC customers are eligible for a 20-percent discount on year-long bike share memberships.

The program will become the first bike share program in North Carolina and the largest urban system in the southeast.

North Carolina Museum of Art’s Blue Loop:

The Blue Loop will complete a network of recreational trails in the Museum Park and connect the Museum to the regional greenway system. It will provide additional options for commuters, bikers, runners, walkers and art-lovers in the Triangle.

Construction of the Blue Loop will start September 2012 with an estimated completion date of spring 2013.

Gary Shell Cross-City Trail:

BCBSNC funding through GO NC will complete the final phase of the 15-mile trail that crosses Wilmington from Wade Park to the drawbridge at Wrightsville Beach.

Other additions to the trail include:

Mile markers along the entire 15-mile trail

Five bicycle fix-it stations along the trail

Annual Run, Ride and Roll 5k event that takes place on the trail

The information in this article was taken from a Press Release from Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina July 2012.

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.

As if we needed another reason to get out onto the water, the fact remains that whether you are looking for it or not, kayaking is a form of exercise, not to mention the beautiful settings that surround you.  Kayaking gives us a balanced approach to our cardiovascular system and our upper body strength.

These health benefits are often a side effect of simply doing what you love most.  During kayaking the low impact movements may improve joint health in some people.  The extra calories burned through kayaking may also lead to natural weight loss, which in turn can help aching joints.  Kayaking also is a great way to relax and reduce stress.  It is a great sport to help with physical and emotional healing.

Kayaking is a great way to promote a healthy lifestyle for your family too!  Kids of all ages love can enjoy kayaking.  Safety is the main goal when involving children in this sport.  Life preservers are a non-negotiable.  Children should ride with an adult several times before venturing on their own and must be supervised by an adult at all times.  Keep in mind when children are learning to kayak it is best to start in calm shallow water until they get the hang of the movement.   Half an hour to an hour is just right for all first trips regardless of age. You may also want to make certain that children are familiar with the water, experienced in swimming, physical strength, and coordination level.  So enjoy kayaking !  Get your family on the water and begin a healthy life!

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 to 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.

You may have seen the sport out on the beach.  While many people find paddle boarding fun, many also see the health benefits with this popular sport.   If you are an avid water lover, and ready for a good challenge, then stand up paddle boarding might be the perfect combination for your summer activity.  Also, more activity promotes good health so having fun with your summer activities can improve overall health and fitness. 

According to exercise experts, this sport is a full body workout.  Paddle boarding strengthens your core, improves balance, and best of all burns calories.   When you paddle you rotate using your abs.  You may also develop muscles on the core areas (hips, trunk and buttocks). You can contact most local surf shops to find paddle board lessons which are being taught up and down the East Coast.   Our agency owner worked closely with AB Surf Shop on Atlantic Beach to purchase an awesome board for a Christmas gift and we were very happy with our purchase.

Paddle boarding does take a little practice.  The hands-on experience is challenging.  Although regular practice will guarantee success, most people usually are able to stand within 10 minutes.  Paddle boarding is an active sport for any athletic ability and any size person. 

Paddle boarding is a fast growing water sport.  Remember it is important to stay active and healthy.  Not only do you get health benefits from your healthy lifestyle, but you can save money when purchasing private health insurance and get discounts in your premium due to excellent health. 

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 to 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.

 A favorite summer pastime for many of us is relaxing by a pool or swimming in the ocean while unwinding from the day or — better yet — even spending the whole day poolside blissfully relaxed. If your dog is included, here are some tips. 

Not all dogs enjoy swimming or can swim particularly well. If it seems like your dog does not want to swim, it is important not to force him/her.  A safety vest such the canine flotation device, is designed to keep your pet afloat in the water. These vests are adjustable and designed to fit around your pet’s chest. Having a ramp installed in the pool or around the dock may also help your pet exit the water without struggling. 

If your furry family member is an avid swimmer who enjoys a refreshing dip, it is important for you and your children to swim at a safe distance to avoid getting scratched or pulled under while swimming.  It is also helpful to teach your dog the “turn” command so he/she can swim around you to avoid those unwanted scratches.  When your kids are swimming beside or with your pet, make sure they have on their life vest. 

Watch for water-related problems such as ear infections, a dull, dry coat and signs of dehydration. Dehydration can occur quickly — an easy way to check that your dog is not dehydrated is to lift your dog’s lips and look for bright pink and moist gums. 

Outdoor exposure to water can change your dog’s vaccination needs. Know your dog’s travel history, disease exposure, age, breed and health status to tailor a vaccination protocol. Pets can contract several contagious water-borne illnesses and intestinal parasites such as Giardia from exposure to outdoor untreated water. 

Also, excessive ingestion of heavily chlorinated pool water, saltwater or stagnant lake water can result in vomiting and diarrhea. You might consider bringing plenty of fresh filtered or bottled water to the pool, ocean or lake to avoid intentional ingestion of these and other potentially harmful agents.

 Be sure always to have plenty of fresh water available at all times to all pets in the home, year-round. Provide plenty of shade and a cool, dry shelter from the heat and the elements. To avoid burned footpads and heat exhaustion, exercise your pets during the early morning and at dusk when the pavement is cooler and heatstroke is less likely.

What does the Surgeon General have to say about regular physical activity? A lot. The list of ways it improves health is too long to list here, but it’s hard to name a health risk that exercise doesn’t mitigate in some way.

According to the nation’s chief medical officer, men and women of all ages can derive great benefits from 30 minutes a day of “moderate activity.” Walking falls squarely in that category. Even people who have been completely sedentary can start with 10-minute walks and build up gradually to the recommended 30 minutes a day.

Of course, anyone with a chronic health problem or an identified risk for one should talk with a doctor before starting any program of exercise. So should men over age 40 and women over age 50.

Walking might not seem like “real” exercise alongside intense activities like biking, running or swimming. But researchers have found that if people stick with it and make walking part of a regular routine, it leads to aerobic fitness and body fat reduction, whether it’s in long periods or multiple short ones. And reducing body fat means reducing your risk of heart disease, hypertension (high blood pressure) and anxiety.

One study found that when given a choice, sedentary adults were comfortable walking about 11 miles a week. They were able to vary the intensity and length of their walking sessions to suit their daily schedules. So your workforce doesn’t have to be burdened by the “not enough time” excuse any longer. But be aware that in another study, walks of less than 10 continuous minutes didn’t provide the same health benefits. The necessary participation has a low minimum, but it does have one.

Even people who improve health for a living have something to learn. An eight-year study of thousands of female nurses found that brisk walking three or more hours per week lowered women’s risk for coronary heart disease.

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 to 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.

With our fast paced lives, it is hard to find the time to enjoy the outdoors with your family. Have you ever thought about setting aside one evening each week as family time? We are all faced with finding a good balance between work and family.  Setting aside one night per week as “family time” is the beginning to a healthy lifestyle for your family. Experts recommend that children get at least 60 minutes of outdoor play each day.  Below are some activities for families of all ages to enjoy.
 

DISCOVER THE WILDERNESS: Take your family on a walk through your neighborhood or backyard and look at nature’s beauty. Try to keep a nature journal and post pictures of different creatures you encounter. (more…)

Walking: A plan of action

Bringing the benefits of moderate walking exercise to your workforce is a realistic, effective goal. But like many other things that are good for you, it takes the right approach to make sure you trigger a long-term change instead of a temporary fad. The key to success is planning.

Step 1: Map it out

Begin by making sure your company’s management supports what you’re doing. You don’t need a detailed plan or a budget yet—just make sure you’re not (more…)

Blue Points

Earn prizes for taking an active role in your health.
Physical activity can help reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease, diabetes and other health conditions. That’s why we created Blue PointsSM, our physical activity and wellness incentive program available exclusively for BCBSNC members.

Just 30 minutes a day of physical activity or participation in wellness activities earns points toward prizes like electronics, sports equipment, clothing and more!* Collect points and select prizes from our four Blue Points prize levels (B, L, U, and E). Special prizes are available for children ages 6 – 12 through Blue Points for KidsSM.

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Daily activity and exercise is essential for your pet, lack of exercise leads to poor muscle tone, obesity, heart ailments, bone disorders and often results in  dog behavior and emotional problems. Dogs with no exercise subjected to overcrowding and being confined in cages for prolonged periods of time,  can develop a great variety of physical and emotional disorders.

An exercised dog will rest better at home and be less nervous when left alone.  Exercise can improve dogs bone and joint health, heart, and lung function. Exercise can make show dogs look and feel better to a judge’s exploring hands.  A happy dog looks more gorgeous.  When its cold outside and you can’t get your dog out for their walks, teach them to walk on a treadmill, believe it or not, its really easy and they love it.

The best exercise channels the activity of both mind and body. Some people believe that dogs need a big yard so they can get plenty of exercise. The truth is that most dogs do not exercise when they are outdoors by themselves; they spend most of their time laying in the shadow and waiting for “their human family” to play with them.  You do not need to take up running to adequately exercise your dog.

Make your walks interesting and fun. Let your dog carry a favorite toy while walking, running, or hide his toys, play hide and seek with him, and most important – let him play with other dogs!  Socialization for dogs is very important, it teaches them good social manners as well as providing hours of fun, these social skills will help your dog interact with other animals for the rest of his life.  Teach your dog to retrieve, another great source of exercise.  But throw the toy far vs. high.  Jumping high in the air to chase it and landing awkwardly may lead to serious knee or hip injuries.