Your Annual Wellness Visit should be the first visit you have with your doctor each year. This visit gives you a great opportunity to discuss your overall health with your doctor and set health goals for the coming year. The Annual Wellness Visit is not a routine physical or a "sick" visit. It's a special kind of office visit, included at no additional cost to you when you see a doctor [...]

Getting a flu shot every year is the best way to protect yourself, your community and those you love from the flu. You won't get the flu from the flu shot. But it does spur your body to produce antibodies that will protect you from the illness. It takes about two weeks from the time you get your flu shot for it to work. That’s why it’s so important to get your flu shot early in the flu season. [...]

This year, the Florida Blue Centers are committed to providing classes to our communities that can help everyone live a more centered and fulfilling life. Tune in each month to find out what’s happening in your neighborhood! Conversation with Care- Summer Safety on Saturday, July 14th at 12 p.m. Join your Neighborhood Nurse to learn more about how to stay safe during [...]

A mammogram is a safe, low-dose X-ray of the breast tissue. It’s used to find small tumors that you or your doctor may not feel in a clinical or self-breast exam. Mammograms are the best way for doctors to detect early signs of breast cancer. Why You Need It [...]

A diabetic retinal eye exam is when a doctor looks at changes in the blood vessels of your retina. Your retina is the part of your eye that senses light and works with your brain to let you see. By getting a diabetic retinal eye exam, it allows doctors to detect early signs of vision loss linked to diabetes. Why You Need One If you have diabetes, you are at risk [...]

There’s a reason why Florida’s called the sunshine state, especially in the summer.  Even though the temps are soaring, you can still enjoy the great outdoors. Whether you want to take a dip in the pool or a walk in the park, here are some ideas we think you might enjoy for a little fun in the sun. However, if you’re looking to take a break from the outdoors and head inside we also [...]

Take charge of your health and be a role model by making your health a priority. Here are simple tips to be your best self.   GET A YEARLY CHECKUP: Having a yearly wellness checkup can help you keep track of important numbers like blood pressure, blood glucose and cholesterol. That way, if any of your numbers are above normal, you can work with your doctor to make healthy life [...]

You eat right. You stay active. You get enough sleep. Your health is on track, right? Still, it’s good to be on the lookout for some common health conditions that can affect women. Read on, and call your doctor if you have concerns. Heart Disease You may think of men when you hear “heart disease,” but this condition is the leading killer of women over 25. The g [...]

I guess you can call it a lifelong “love of learning,” though I am sure some might characterize it a little differently. I am fortunate enough to have finished 23 years of formal education with all the accompanying joys, scars, all-nighters and degrees to prove it. I’m careful to call it formal education because I really haven’t stopped learning, studying, mentoring or teaching. And the [...]

It’s no secret that Florida is known for its sunshine, warm temperatures and outdoor living. But when the sun becomes too much, sometimes you have to head indoors. As you age, it gets harder for your body to produce sweat and can cause you to overheat. Whether you’re looking for places to go with friends or fun ways to entertain visiting grandchildren, look no further. Museums a [...]