Category: Health & Wellness

Mental Health

Protect your mental health on hot days

Dehydration, heatstroke and cramps aren’t the only health risks that rise along with temperatures. A recent study found emergency room visits for mental health illnesses also increase on extremely hot days. The mental conditions prone to heat-related spikes in emergency medical visits included: How overheating affects your mind Health experts cite several possible reasons for the link between hot weather and more intense mental health … Continue reading Protect your mental health on hot days

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas
Health & Wellness

Some natural remedies may not be as safe as you think

People use herbal supplements because they want to feel better, stay healthier or improve their quality of life. Some get the hoped-for benefit. But for others, a supplement that they expected to be helpful turns out to be harmful instead. In fact, there is scant science on the safety of a number of herbal products. Unlike medications, supplements do not need FDA approval to be … Continue reading Some natural remedies may not be as safe as you think

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas
Health & Wellness

Sending a child off to college?

There’s a lot to consider when you send your child off to college. How to access health care may get lost in the shuffle. At some point, though, it’s likely your young adult will need to see a doctor or have a prescription filled while they are away. By taking a little time to prep your student, you could save time and confusion, plus save … Continue reading Sending a child off to college?

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas
Health & Wellness

Sick to your stomach? Here’s help

Whether it’s a rumble, a burn or an ache, nearly everyone has tummy troubles at some point. Some stomach problems are linked to digestive conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease or ulcers. But in other cases, the pangs are caused by something simple — for instance, overeating or reactions to certain foods. Ways to ease mild symptoms If your gut issues aren’t severe, lifestyle changes … Continue reading Sick to your stomach? Here’s help

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas
Health & Wellness

Traveling abroad? Yes, you need travel insurance

Every year, peak international travel season begins in May and continues through October. This marks a time when the weather is warm, and academic calendars free up time, making travel more convenient. Whether you’re a spring breaker, a fall traveler, a student studying abroad or part of a group embarking on a missionary trip, travel insurance is a must for trips abroad. That’s because it … Continue reading Traveling abroad? Yes, you need travel insurance

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas1 Comment
Health & Wellness, Industry Perspective

Significance of February: The Connection between Black History and Heart Awareness Months

by Jennifer Herman, RN, BSN, CCP As we honor and recognize the rich heritage of the Black community, it’s important to look at what inequities still exist and what work still needs to be done. February is Heart Awareness month, and as a nurse who spends time assisting people through the Disease Management and Wellness Programs at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas (BCBSKS), … Continue reading Significance of February: The Connection between Black History and Heart Awareness Months

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas
For Employers, Health & Wellness

A bold partnership to lower the cost of generic prescription medications

While many generic medicines cost less than brand name drugs, some high-cost generics are more expensive than they need to be due to lack of competition in the market. With generic medicines accounting for nearly 90 percent of all prescriptions, numerous studies confirm that medication costs can dictate whether patients fill or ration their generic prescriptions.                                                                        That’s why, in 2020, Civica Rx, along with … Continue reading A bold partnership to lower the cost of generic prescription medications

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas1 Comment
Health & Wellness

Carrying more weight longer increases colorectal cancer risk

If you’ve ever carried a package down a hallway, you know the feeling. At first, the load might seem relatively light. But haul it for too long, and it may eventually feel too heavy. There’s a similar effect of extra body weight on the risk for colorectal cancer, a new study finds. The results show the more years you spend with a higher body mass … Continue reading Carrying more weight longer increases colorectal cancer risk

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas