In residency, as I was studying to become a doctor, I clearly remember one of my instructors referring to diabetes as a “metabolic cancer.” She said that the disease ravaged the body like a cancer, destroying the eyes, limbs, kidneys and in fact, every organ in the body. She said that she had to choose  between Hodgkin’s disease (a cancer of the immune system) or diabetes, she would choose Hodgkin [...]

From the Legacy Walk, to lacing up my cleats, my Florida Blue Florida Classic experience was definitely a unique one. Most historically black college and university (HBCU) football games have no more than 10,000 fans in attendance. [...]

Some of us respond to a calling to teach, others to minister to needs, and still more to serve their country. Here in our Jacksonville headquarters, we are honored to work and live among military veterans, active duty personnel and the countless families and friends who support them. So much of our culture is influenced by their courage and sacrifice. That is why we are proud to be the presenting [...]

Editor's note: This article was contributed by guest author, Stella the Whale, an Atlantic right whale mural that is the centerpiece of a Wyland Foundation project. This program will teach children about the importance of their own health and the health of the environment. For a whale like me, migration is a way of life. It's [...]

Whether you’re a mechanic,  a teacher or a mom, you probably find yourself using all kinds of tools to get through your day. A tool can be as simple as a screwdriver or as complex as a car. Simply put, a tool is something that helps us get the job done and if you’ve ever found yourself in need of a tool to help with your Florida Blue plan, then you’ll relate to my story. A few weeks ago, I found [...]

  Question: How do you help someone to appreciate their own value?   To make the words “You can be anything you want [...]

I was always aware of breast cancer but I never thought I would have to think about it at such a young age. I was 18, very active in school sports and took my health very seriously, including doing monthly breast self-exams. One morning I woke up and honestly put my hand right on the lump. I knew something wasn’t right, so I told my mom and we set up an appointment with my doctor. At first he tho [...]

Editor’s Note: The following article was written by the Angel Alvarez, the food and nutrition program coordinator of Centro Mater Childcare Services, at our request. This organization received funding from the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida Foundation’s Embrace a Healthy Florida initiative addressing the causes and prevention of childhood obesity. [...]

PART 1 I love my sleep. I cherish it. I crave it. But most of all, I miss it. I am good at sleeping and I used to look forward to going to sleep. That all changed with the birth of my son. Evenings are now a time of uncertainty. Every night I wonder, “What will tonight bring?” Of all the changes that come with having a baby, not being in control of my sleep has been the hardest. [...]

I love spices.  There, I said it! Spices and I have had a long-standing love affair.  Exaggeration?  Perhaps. But it is really quite simple to understand why.  You see, when I was about 10 years old, my mother, who is old-school when it comes to cooking, began to teach me how to cook.  She makes everything from scratch, and it is rare when she makes something that doesn’t taste good. [...]