Enjoying the sunshine and being one with nature provides countless mental and physical health benefits. Our beautiful state features dozens of State, National and local parks with options to enjoy the great outdoors no matter your physical ability or fitness level. From handicap accessible beaches and marinas to adventures for those seeking more intrepid experiences, Florida has it all. [...]

American writer, Henry Miller once wrote, “one’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.“ I firmly believe there is joy in experiencing a new way of seeing and doing things.  It helps broaden our minds, our attitudes and our well-being. Many would say I am an avid traveler, always seeking new adventures with my family.  Whether we are driving up a mountai [...]

Lowering your holiday stress level should include lowering your expectations.   Many of us find that it is a difficult task as we compare our decorating skills, or lack there of to those fabulous images on Pinterest, YouTube or our friends’ Facebook pages. But what are you to do, when you are hosting a holiday get together; people are dropping in and your in-laws d [...]

Rowing not only helps you build cardiovascular endurance but also helps you build muscles in your calves, quads and glutes.  An added benefit is enjoying the outdoors! Health experts recommend 10 minutes of moderate sun exposure a day to receive a healthy, natural and beneficial dose of Vitamin D. Exercise wise, y [...]

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 [...]

Cindi Goodeaux has a joy that overflows so much, she created an alter ego by the name of Giggle Blossom—a loveable and yes, giggly clown, to help her bring that joy to others. In 2010, she went to clown school, developed her character, and then set out to spread happiness among others. Giggle Blossom was a tour de force, but in 2016, Cindi, a Communications Analyst [...]

April showers bring May flowers...and tax deadlines. While filing your taxes probably isn’t your favorite springtime activity, it doesn’t have to be a total bust. Florida Blue doesn’t give tax advice, but we can give you a few tips for reducing your stress when you’ve got a big task ahead. Reduce Stress by Being Prepared Whether you’re filing your own t [...]

“I had a black dog. His name was depression.” To look at me, you’d never know. I have a full-time job, a wonderful husband and lots of friends. I genuinely enjoy life, but I also have a secret: I struggle with depression. When I confide this part of me to others, I get surprised looks and raised eyebrows. Most days, I’m OK. I was diagnosed with depress [...]

Stephanie Westerman, Program Manager, Enterprise Learning & Delivery, has a passion. Her true desire is to be more engaged in Down syndrome advocacy and make a difference for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. And that passion came to her in the most unexpected way – with the birth of her daughter. Here’s how her story, her passion, began. Step [...]

“When it rains, it pours” is a proverb meaning that sometimes, misfortunes tend to follow in quick succession or arrive all at the same time. We’ve all been there – looking for an umbrella to get us out of the storm. Deanna Stewart, a Referral Specialist at University of Florida’s UF Health Women’s Specialists in Jacksonville, recently had her own personal downpour, but through a lot of hard wo [...]