Category: Health & Wellness

Health & Wellness

Warning: Kids are falling behind on critical vaccines

Vaccination rates fell behind during the COVID-19 pandemic, and we’re still catching up. The CDC reported that during the 2020–2021 school year, only about 94% of kindergartners nationwide were fully vaccinated against: • Diphtheria, tetanus and acellular pertussis (DTaP) • Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) • Varicella (chickenpox) Why it matters Even a slight drop in vaccination coverage means communities are less protected against diseases. … Continue reading Warning: Kids are falling behind on critical vaccines

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Mental Health

Early treatment, team approach help psychosis

We all need an escape from reality now and then, whether that’s a relaxing vacation or a great book. Psychosis, however, refers to a loss of contact with reality. It may mean seeing or hearing things that aren’t there. A person may have trouble knowing what is real and what isn’t. Certain mental disorders and drug abuse could cause psychosis. The good news: effective treatments … Continue reading Early treatment, team approach help psychosis

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Health & Wellness

Spill the tea: can this drink help diabetes?

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?

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Health & Wellness

Disease management program helps member take control of prediabetes diagnosis

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

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General, Mental Health

Caregivers Need Self-Care Too

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

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Mental Health

Mental health and substance abuse disorders

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

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Health & Wellness, Medicare

Take Steps Now to Stay Mobile Longer

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

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Mental Health

{Guest blog} Maintaining your mental health

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

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