I grew up in the generation of Jaws, when a great white shark became the subject of most children’s nightmares.  As a kid, I didn’t spend much time at the ocean, but I can remember having moments when I even felt afraid to be in the deep end of a swimming pool, my imagination run wild with images of young girls being pulled under and gobbled up by vicious man-eating sharks.  As an adult, I have watched my children spend endless hours bobbing up and down in the waves of both the Pacific and the Atlantic and although I know there is nothing they would rather do than boogie board, I still catch myself feeling moments of panic at the thought of what might be lurking out in the water just inches from my offspring.  For years, I have told myself that this is foolish thinking and forced myself to give my children the freedom they need to enjoy one of the greatest things on earth – a day at the beach.

But this year, I’m having second thoughts.  (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…)

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.

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.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC knows the importance of staying healthy and with every change in season, new health issues arise.  Spring is in full bloom and on the bright side, the air is warming, trees are budding and the grass is turning green again.  Flu season has passed and the lethargy we can sometimes feel during the long winter months is lifting.  On the down side, temperatures are inconsistent, there is pollen in the air and people are sniffing and sneezing more than any other time of year.  The question is:  Are you suffering from seasonal allergies or do you have a common cold?  Believe it or not, the answer is not as simple as you might think and even doctors sometimes find it difficult to tell the difference.

Simply put, a cold is caused by hundreds of different viruses.  When any one of these viruses gets into your body, your immune system attacks it in an attempt to protect you.  Some of the effects of your immune system’s response are the classic symptoms of a cold.  For instance, congestion, coughing and sneezing are your body’s attempts to get rid of the invading virus.  Also, the germs that cause colds are contagious, meaning they are transferred from one person to another through sneezing, coughing or shaking hands.  At most, however, in a couple of weeks your immune system should fight off the virus and your cold symptoms should cease.

Allergies, on the other hand, are caused by an overactive immune system because your body is mistaking harmless substances, such as pollen or dust, for germs.  Once the mistake has been made, your immune system will begin attacking the pollen or dust as if it were a more harmful virus.  Your body then releases chemicals such as histamine, which in turn causes swollen nasal passages, runny nose, coughing, sneezing and watery eyes.  Unlike the viruses that cause colds, allergies are not contagious, though there could exist some genetic predisposition to developing them.

Although similar in symptoms, there are some basic differences between seasonal allergies and the common cold which may help you determine from which you are suffering.  Knowing the difference is important, especially when it comes to contagion and treatment.  Keep in mind these basic differences:

Duration:  A cold will last 3-14 days, whereas an allergy could last for days or months, as long as you are exposed to the allergen (pollen, dust, etc.).

Time of year:  A cold most often occurs in the winter months, but is possible any time of year.  Allergies can happen any time of year, but are most common during changes of season.

Onset of symptoms:  With a cold, symptoms take a few days to appear following infection with the virus.  Allergy symptoms can begin immediately after exposure to the allergen.

REVIEW THE FOLLOWING CHART FOR COMMON SYMPTOMS:

Symptom                                Cold                            Allergy

Cough:                                     Often                           Sometimes

Aches:                                     Sometimes                   Never

Fatigue:                                   Sometimes                   Sometimes

Fever:                                      Rarely                          Never

Itchy or watery eyes:               Rarely                          Often

Sore throat:                             Often                            Sometimes

Runny or stuffy nose:              Often                           Often

As is clear from the above list of symptoms, although there are differences between a cold and allergies, there are also some similarities.  One of the most important differences is the fact that one is contagious and one is not.  If you have a symptom that is not typical of an allergy, it is likely you have a cold and you may want to consult your physician, stay home from work or school and take medications aimed at relieving cold symptoms.  For seasonal allergies, there are a number of medications that offer relief, as well as some more natural home remedies.  Unfortunately, for those who suffer from allergies, full relief from symptoms may take as long as it takes the season to change.  Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC wishes you a happy, healthy spring and if seasonal allergies are taking their toll, take heart!  Summer is just around the corner!

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.

Spring is here and nothing makes for a tastier, healthier lunch than a light and delicious salad.  If the word salad scares you, conjuring up images of raw, plain, tasteless vegetables, think again!  We found this recipe for Perfect Spinach Salad from Ree Drummond, Food Network’s Barefoot Contessa, and we think it is sure to please even the pickiest palate.

Spinach is known to be a super food and for good reason.  It is an excellent source of antioxidants and also contains an ample supply of important vitamins and nutrients such as Vitamin C, Vitamin E, beta-carotene, calcium, magnesium, iron and more.  It is also packed with Vitamin K, a vitamin necessary for blood clotting and one that may improve bone health, reducing fracture rates in people with osteoporosis.  One cup of raw spinach has only 7 calories and 5 grams of protein!  In fact, spinach is sometimes considered a “free” food on low-carb diets because it has so little impact on blood sugar levels.

But enough about spinach. The key to making this salad delicious is in the bacon… and eggs, mushrooms and onions, all of which have healthy components about which to boast.  Eggs are full of protein and mushrooms are an excellent source of potassium, a mineral that helps lower elevated blood pressure and reduces the risk of stroke.

This recipe only requires 15 minutes of prep time and another 25 minutes cook time, making it as easy as it is delicious.  With a rich peppered bacon-infused, Dijon mustard dressing, we think this recipe is aptly named – Perfect Spinach Salad.  Try the recipe here and we think you will agree.

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.

The use of specialty medications has increased significantly over the last few years.  In order to ensure that these specialty medications continue to be affordable to its members, Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC contracted with a network of pharmacies dedicated to offering lower pricing on specialty drugs.  By implementing a specialty pharmacy network, BCBSNC is working to see that the cost of prescription drugs remain affordable.

Specialty medications are those medications that are used for chronic diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis and Rheumatoid Arthritis.  What qualifies a specific medication or therapy to be classified as a specialty drug is not clearly defined, but there are some parameters.  The following factors help determine if a pharmaceutical is considered a specialty medication:  the medication requires special handling; the medication has limited distribution and can only be filled at certain pharmacies; the medication treats a rare disease; the medication requires ongoing clinical assessment and monitoring of side effects.  See a list of some specialty medications.

Because these drugs are in the “specialty” category, they are typically high-cost medications, ranging anywhere from $6000 to $350,000 per patient, per year.  Most of these drugs are made to be injected and many of them require special handling and shipping.  Still, these drugs are of utmost importance to the patients in need of them, and that is why Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina established the specialty pharmacy network.  With this network, there may be a limited number of pharmacies dispensing these medications and some pharmacies may choose not to participate in the specialty drug network.  If you require one of these specialty drugs, you will need to transfer your prescription to a participating local pharmacy or mail order pharmacy.

By limiting the network, the cost of the specialty medications remain more affordable; however, if you fill your specialty medications at a retail pharmacy, you must use one of the pharmacies participating in this network in order for your prescriptions to be covered.  All specialty pharmacies within this network offer next day delivery with a valid prescription or prescription transfer and refills can take place after 75% of the prescription is used, except in the instance of controlled substances.    Members can contact their specialty pharmacy directly to set up a new prescription and that process usually takes between 2 and 4 business days.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina is committed to making sure you have the prescription drug coverage you need at a cost you can afford.  To determine whether any of the medications you are currently taking are considered “specialty drugs,” visit the Find a Drug link or get a quote for your Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC health plan.

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 bringing in the New Year with a whole new look, but it isn’t simply cosmetic.  Blue Connect will replace My Member Services starting January 1st, 2015 and although the changes are big, they were made with you and your family in mind.  We live in a fast paced, media-driven world and BCBSNC is setting the standard for keeping you and your health care needs connected in an innovative and user friendly way.  In fact, when you become a member of Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina, you don’t just get an insurance policy.  You get a partner in healthy living.  Blue Cross Blue Shield’s Blue Connect allows you the opportunity to see not only your policy and premium, but how your money is being spent, where you can save an extra dollar and how much of your deductible has been exhausted.  With a personalized webpage that graphs how your family is using your health care dollars, you can make sure you are getting the most out of your insurance policy.

In addition, Blue Connect wants to partner with you in preventive care maintenance by allowing you to track your daily fitness, weight loss goals and nutrition plans as well as helping you link the fitness apps you already use as part of your daily wellness regimen.  Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina knows that preventive care is the most important part of living a healthy lifestyle and Blue Link provides you with a place to integrate and manage all of your wellness goals and data.  If a healthier lifestyle is part of your New Year’s resolution, then this is the place to start.

In fact, finding a doctor or hospital in your area has never been easier with Blue Connect’s updated and improved Health Navigator.  Find Primary Care Physicians, Specialists and Mental Health Care Providers in your area, plus read reviews on these health care providers from other Blue Cross Blue Shield members.  You can research which plans certain providers accept and Blue NAV will tell you which tier those doctors and hospitals fall into.  With Blue Connect, there is never a reason you can’t stay in network with a doctor or hospital you have researched and reviewed.

Allowing you to manage everything from mail order prescriptions to finding the best pediatrician in your local area, Blue Connect is a friendly personal assistant for all your family’s health care needs.  It’s a new year and with all the changes in insurance due to the Affordable Care Act and subsidy eligibility, you may have more questions than ever.  With pertinent news and information on both your insurance policy as well as steps you can take toward preventive care, Blue Connect is your family’s new healthcare hub for 2015.

For more information on Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina health insurance coverage, the Marketplace and healthcare gov if you qualify for a 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.

Eating healthy around the holidays is never easy, but don’t forget that a healthy diet is one of the most important parts of preventive care, which is something Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina believes in wholeheartedly.  In combination with physical activity, having a good diet can help you maintain a healthy weight and reduce your risk of chronic diseases, like heart attack and cancer.  Furthermore, eating healthy promotes wellness and an overall feeling of well-being.  With the stress and busyness of the holidays in full swing, it’s easy to forget the importance of taking care of yourself; however, the link between good nutrition and a healthy body is too important to ignore.

Not only is a good diet important in maximizing your physical health, it is also important in maintaining mental health.  According to the American Psychological Association, stress can cause your body to seek sugar as quick fuel for a surge of energy.  For this reason, many people eat sweets when they are under an unusual amount of stress.  Instead of stress eating, a good exercise regime is a positive alternative for helping to reduce stress.  Also, look for healthy alternatives to holiday desserts high in sugar content.  Before starting any weight loss program, always consult your doctor first and get his/her clearance for physical activity and find out if there are any issues that would affect you participating in a new nutrition and fitness program.

Even during the holidays, you can maximize your  health through maintenance and prevention.   BCBSNC covers preventive care services at 100%, but you can do your part as well.  Maintaining a healthy diet is a huge part of becoming and staying healthy, even during the holidays.  Although this may not be the time to embark on a new diet plan, even small changes can go a long way.  Eating more fruits and vegetables, limiting your amount of sugar intake and staying hydrated are all simple, but effective ways to improve your daily diet.

This season, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina encourages you to make healthy eating a top priority and Jerrry Ballard and Associates wishes both you and yours happy, healthy holidays!

For more information on Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina health insurance coverage, the Marketplace and healthcare gov if you qualify for a 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.

A parent has incredible power.  When both parents agree, that power is more than doubled.  If they disagree, their combined power drops to less than that of a single parent.  Ex.  When things get tough or hard, help your child learn perseverance by saying, “Press on- I know you are going to get it or make it” or “we are proud of you for hanging in there with your soccer even though you haven’t won any games yet.”  If the job they are doing seems overwhelming, divide it into 2 or 3 sections and encourage a break in between.

Persuade your children to do the rotten jobs and chores first.  When you look at the list of things to do, do the thing you didn’t even want to do on your own list …. and do it first.  Otherwise, it will spoil the rest of your day.  Help your child learn tasks!  Start young, do them together and celebrate.  Set a hurdle low and let them clear it before you raise it.  Set time limits and teach them about time management.  With all tasks: Let them watch you, let them help you, you help them and then you watch them! (more…)

Fall is my absolute favorite time of the year!  I love the cooler mornings and evenings.  It seems to help me focus on my family more, especially with the upcoming holiday seasons.  Looking for something fun to do this fall weekend that won’t break the bank? Make some family memories, begin fall traditions and enjoy life. Let’s start your Friday evening at a local High School football game or other fall sport.  It not only brings back memories of your high school days but also begins to spark the interest of your little ones.  There is something to be said about the game, the band, the cheerleaders, and the halftime shows.  Local high school sports are a great fall tradition!  Check your local high school website for game dates and times or call the school secretary.  Wake-up on Saturday and visit your local pumpkin patch.  Create a “pumpkin family” with your purchases!  Once you return home, have a decorating “party” with your family.  You will be amazed on items you can find in your pantry to use as decorations.  On Sunday, enjoy a family breakfast.  Don’t forget to bake pumpkin bread for a great treat.  Fill your home with the sweet aroma of pumpkin and it is sure to have your family “Falling for Fall!”

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