Did you know that every blood donation could help save as many as three lives?  It’s a fact we all should know and share because the need for blood is every day. Recently the world recognized June 14, 2017 as World Blood Donor Day.  It is a day we acknowledge the role of blood donors and the impact their donations have had in their local communities, their nations and the worl [...]

Follow these tips to manage your diabetes and live healthy Last fall, one of Charlotte Atkinson’s friends invited her to go to a Diabetes Prevention Program meeting at a Florida Blue Center near where they live. Charlotte said yes, hoping she could lose a little weight. [...]

Most of us are not always certain of what constitutes a dental emergency. A dental emergency could require a visit to the emergency room, a routine visit to your dentist, or potentially after hours care or consultation. You ultimately must determine the severity of the emergency. Dental emergencies can range from a dental abscess that could potentially threat [...]

Whether you’re planning a day at the beach or a day in your garden, use these tips to help steer clear of heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses in the sizzling summer heat. 1. Drink up: Going for a walk? Bring a bottle (or two) of water with you. According to the American Heart Association, you should drink a cup o [...]

Do you know your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood glucose numbers? Ask your doctor to check them at your next visit. Here’s what you should aim for with blood pressure and cholesterol. Blood Pressure If you’re over 60, your blood pressure should be no higher than 150/90. However, if you have diabetes, your blood pressure should stay under 140/90. People und [...]

Avoid a return trip to the hospital by following these tips. If you have been in the hospital recently, chances are you probably don’t want to go back anytime soon. But unfortunately, this happens all too often. According to a report from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, about one in eight Medicare patients [...]

Florida Blue’s Dr. Cynthia Griffin answers some common questions about prescription drug coverage, mail order and how to manage your medications more effectively. What should I do if my medication is not covered or is too expensive? Each year, your health plan provides a formulary, which is a list of drugs covered under your pharmacy ben [...]

Nothing says summer quite like a backyard barbecue. You can cook tons of delicious, healthy meals—everything from chicken breast to roasted veggies—right on your grill! But have you ever tried grilled fruit? Put your peaches and watermelon to good use, and try this sweet grilled dish at your next barbecue. [...]

Yelling for help. Splashing violently. Gasping loudly. These are all signs of drowning we’ve seen played out in movies and on TV. But we all know that real life isn’t always how it appears on the big screen. And in reality, drowning looks very different from this. When someone thinks they might be in danger, they might call out for help. But if they actually begin to drown, their body b [...]

It was at about this time last year that I decided to dust off my running shoes and give it a try to become an actual “runner” again. When I had kids, I officially moved from athlete to athletic supporter by cheering for them on the sidelines. It was during one of those (apparently) physically exerting cheers that I felt my heart racing and was winded. I decided it was time to focus on getting [...]