Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina is a big supporter of preventive care maintenance, offering preventive benefits covered at 100%. This flu season BCBSNC encourages its members to get a flu shot to help maintain optimal health.  A yearly flu vaccination is the best way to protect yourself against the influenza virus and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends you get a flu shot once a year.  The flu vaccine can help reduce your risk of contracting the illness, which in turn will help reduce absences from work or school, doctor’s visits or even potential hospitalizations.  While the vaccine is not a guarantee against getting the flu, it can be a big deterrent and can also reduce your symptoms should you become ill.

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 is a strong advocate of preventive care and according to the American Heart Association, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in America.  In fact, taking care of your heart may be one of the most important things you can do to improve your health and increase longevity, but how can you improve heart health?  Truthfully, it’s nothing we don’t already know, but a few small, deliberate changes this year could make all the difference.

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

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: (more…)

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. (more…)

If you are a football fan like I am, you may have noticed that October is breast cancer awareness month and nothing says solidarity quite like an NFL linebacker wearing pink shoes.  The fact is, in the last few years there’s been a huge push to make the public aware that in the fight against breast cancer, we all need to be involved and Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina takes that fight very seriously.  Offering preventive care services, including mammograms, covered at 100%, BCBSNC is a proud supporter of women’s health.  (more…)

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. (more…)

At Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina, preventive care is a top priority.  In fact, every Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC health plan offers preventive care covered at 100%.  Of course, one of the most important parts of your preventive care regimen is maintaining a healthy diet.  As studies have shown over the last few years, drinking water is one of the simplest and healthiest things you can do to ensure you are giving your body what it needs for optimal functionality.  If you’re like me, however, drinking enough water on a daily basis can be tough.  Sure, while I’m at the gym or outside on a scorching hot day, I drink plenty of water without complaint.  When I’m sitting at my desk or enjoying a nice dinner, however, I tend to have more difficulty choosing a glass of water over some other tastier beverage. (more…)

It’s that time of year again- back to school and Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina encourages preventive care for your school-aged children!  Every year when school starts, exposure to all kinds of viruses and bacteria increases.  It’s simply unavoidable.  Our kids are back together in one place sharing space, air, restrooms and possibly even pencils and all it takes is one sick child in the group to create a ripple effect.  (more…)

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! (more…)

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. (more…)

August means back to school, but did you know it is also recognized as National Immunization Awareness month?  Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina is proud to serve the residents of NC by providing health coverage for children and adults alike.  BCBSNC has made preventive care a top priority by covering preventive services at 100% so that you never have to worry whether or not your kids are receiving the health care they need. (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.