No magic potion can solve all your health problems. But if you have diabetes, there is a beverage that may boost your ability to manage your condition. What’s more, it comes in many colors and flavors, and it’s simple to find on your grocery store shelf. It’s tea – and whether you prefer green, black or oolong, research suggests sipping a cup, or a few, … Continue reading Spill the tea: can this drink help diabetes?
When Kim Sachse was diagnosed with chronic heart failure and prediabetes, she thought it was nerve-wracking and had a lot of questions. She knew that she needed to add low-sodium and lower carb options to her diet, and she knew she needed to exercise, but didn’t really know how to start making changes. Then, Kim received a letter inviting her to enroll in the Blue … Continue reading Disease management program helps member take control of prediabetes diagnosis
Caregivers need to focus on their own well-being to properly succeed at caregiving and avoid compassion fatigue. There are five crucial aspects of self-care, including getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods, exercising, having relaxation time and having social support. Caregivers can improve their quality of life and increase their levels of happiness by directing their attention inward and taking more time to care for themselves. … Continue reading Caregivers Need Self-Care Too
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas partners with New Directions to provide behavioral health screenings, resources and support to our members and employees. Nobody plans to become addicted to drugs or alcohol, yet it happens often. Plenty of people can enjoy the occasional alcoholic drink or take prescribed pain medications and still lead a healthy life. But addiction develops slowly over time, which is … Continue reading Mental health and substance abuse disorders
Mobility is how well a person can move and get around. It’s not just walking or driving. It also affects things like whether you can do chores and take care of yourself at home. You may not be able to change or control all the factors that impact your mobility. But you can take steps to protect your independence as you age. And there are … Continue reading Take Steps Now to Stay Mobile Longer
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas partners with New Directions to provide behavioral health screenings, resources and support to our members and employees. Eating healthy foods and exercising can make you feel good and live longer. Another key part to this is your mental health. Good mental health is just as important as good physical health. But we all face changes in life that … Continue reading {Guest blog} Maintaining your mental health
While Jana knew smoking was bad for her; and she knew she should stop, she was just going through the “quitting” motions until some of her friends were diagnosed with cancer and other friends suddenly died. When Jana enrolled in the tobacco cessation program, she was assigned to Jennifer, lead disease management nurse. “Jennifer kept nudging me with encouragement and facts,” recalls Jana. “We came … Continue reading Quitting smoking is possible through HealthyOptions program
Scrambling to make dinner last minute? Ordering takeout because you didn’t plan ahead? It’s time to introduce you to a new teammate: meal prepping. Meal prepping puts your game plan for the week (or month) into action ahead of time. And that’s a win on hectic days. Preparing ingredients, some dishes, or entire meals in advance doesn’t just lower stress. It may also help you: … Continue reading Meal Prep 101: How to Take Charge in the Kitchen
