Lindsay Knake

• Glaucoma, a leading cause of blindness, often shows no symptoms; up to half of the 4 million Americans affected may be unaware they have the disease.
• A family history of glaucoma raises a person’s risk by four to nine times, making genetics one of the strongest risk factors, especially for primary open-angle glaucoma.
• The American Academy of Ophthalmology advises a comprehensive eye exam with glaucoma screening at age 40 or as early as 35 for those with a family history to catch the condition early and preserve vision.

• The CDC revised its child vaccine schedule effective Jan. 5, 2026, reducing recommendations for routine shots for kids 11 and younger.
• Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan’s vaccine coverage has not changed; members should talk to their primary care provider about vaccines.
• Vaccines have been proven for decades to reduce the risks of contracting serious illnesses.

• Get the HPV vaccine, which the American Cancer Society recommends for people ages 9 to 26, to protect against the virus that causes nearly all cervical cancers.
• Follow screening guidelines: a Pap test every three years or an HPV test every five years for women 25 to 65, and act promptly on any abnormal results.
• Lower your risk by practicing safe sex, quitting smoking and supporting your immune system with a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, regular aerobic exercise, adequate sleep and stress management.

• Since 2005, Blue Cross has contributed more than $17 million in Strengthening the Safety Net grants, making it the largest private donor to Michigan’s free and charitable clinics.
• The grants have helped clinics serve more than 250,000 uninsured or underinsured patients, delivering more than two million visits, averting about 400,000 unnecessary ER trips and saving the state an estimated $200 million.
• Safety net clinics help to improve health outcomes for vulnerable populations and reduce emergency room visits and uncompensated care costs, which affect insurance premiums for everyone.

• Eczema is a group of skin conditions that can cause inflamed, cracked skin, especially on the head, neck, hands and feet.
• Applying a non-scented moisturizer can help protect or restore the skin barrier and reduce symptoms.
• Keeping showers short, using a humidifier, wearing sunscreen daily and wearing breathable clothing are also ways to manage eczema in the winter.

• Compression socks are tight, typically knee-high socks that apply pressure to your legs and help with circulation.
• These socks are common to help with stroke prevention, but have become more common with travelers and athletes.
• You can wear compression socks for several hours at a time, although the benefits of them for travel and recovery are limited.

• Wastewater testing shows norovirus levels are up sharply in Michigan, with most sites reporting high concentrations as the holiday season approaches.
• Symptoms of the contagious illness appear 12 to 48 hours after exposure and can last up to three days.
• The CDC recommends thorough handwashing with soap and water, cleaning surfaces with bleach and staying home while sick.

• The Northern Care Center reopened in downtown Cheboygan in August, offering free primary care services three evenings a week and planning to expand hours and add dermatology, women’s health and sports physical exams.
• The clinic relies on more than 20 volunteers and recent grants, including $15,000 from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, to serve uninsured and underinsured residents and help keep them out of costly emergency rooms.
• In addition to medical care, the center provides personal care items, Goodwill vouchers and referral assistance, reinforcing its role as a vital safety net resource in the rural community.

• Stress can affect our appetites, either suppressing it or increasing cravings for comfort food.
• For decreased appetites, create a list of a few foods you can eat, such as oatmeal, cereal with fruit or chicken and rice.
• If you crave comfort or junk food, practice mindful eating, limit distractions while you eat and portion out healthy snacks.

• Happiness guilt refers to a complex emotion involving knowing people are struggling during the holidays while you are feeling joyful.
• Feeling guilty about your own happiness may make you feel isolated from other people.
• Acknowledging your circumstances and emotions, practicing gratitude and engaging in acts of kindness can help you take the feeling and turn it into good.

• Painful urination, pelvic discomfort or blood in the urine can signal infections, stones or potentially serious conditions, and should prompt immediate medical attention.
• Sudden changes in urinary habits — including frequent urination, nocturia or urgency — may indicate underlying issues such as menopause, sleep disorders, diabetes or bladder dysfunction.
• Incontinence, difficulty emptying the bladder or a weak urine stream can result from factors such as aging, UTIs or an enlarged prostate, and should be discussed with a primary care provider for evaluation and treatment.

• Three to five days before a colonoscopy, you may want to eat low fiber foods to make the preparation easier,
• Try eating eggs and chicken, cooked vegetables like carrots and potatoes and fruit like bananas and applesauce.
• Avoid beans, nuts, whole grains and cruciferous vegetables, as well as red or purple liquids.

• Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States, but symptoms may not show until advanced stages.
• Common symptoms include a new or worsening cough, chest pain, recurring respiratory infections, wheezing and shortness of breath, among others.
• Talk to your primary care provider if you have symptoms, are or have been a smoker or have a family history of lung cancer.

• We are committed to using AI responsibly and for the benefit of our members and employees.
• Machine learning models help flag health risks, forecast member claim costs and proactively assist Medicare Advantage members, aiming to improve outcomes and lower long term care costs.
• Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is deploying AI tools such as ContractsGPT and SecureGPT to help reduce administrative expenses, targeting $600 million in savings over three years.

Medically Reviewed by: Dr. William Beecroft, M.D.

• People who sleep fewer than six hours a night more likely to develop dementia compared to those who sleep at least seven hours a night.
• Sleep apnea also significantly raises the odds of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
• Getting at least seven hours of sleep and following sleep hygiene habits can help lower the risk of Alzheimer’s.

• Scammers posing as Medicare officials may request personal data such as your Medicare number, Social Security number or bank details by phone, text or email.
• Beware of high-pressure tactics that urge you to buy extra coverage, pay an alleged balance or act immediately to avoid losing benefits.
• Protect yourself by hanging up on unsolicited calls, avoiding unknown links, using only official sites and reporting suspicious activity.

• The St. Ignace Food Pantry serves about 800 residents of Mackinac County each year, distributing groceries and hygiene products to those in need.
• A grant from the Food Pantry Grant Program provided a refrigeration unit that lets the pantry stock fresh produce, dairy and meat.
• Volunteers and donations from community members and organizations are essential for the St. Ignace Food Pantry to provide support local residents.

• Breast cancer is rising in women under 50, increasing at a higher rate than that in older women.
• Risk factors include excess body weight, alcohol consumption, sedentary lifestyle, dense breast tissue and family history.
• Experts recommend prevention through regular screenings, exercise, a healthy diet, avoiding alcohol and tobacco and maintaining a healthy weight.

• About three-quarters of women experience menopause symptoms, which can include hot flashes and sleep problems.
• Menopause can also affect your skin, eyes and hair in surprising ways.
• To manage symptoms that interfere with your daily life, talk to your primary care provider.

• PMDD has similar symptoms to PMS, but is more severe and affects about 10% compared to half who experience PMS.
• PMDD is more common in women who have anxiety, depression, a lot of stress or traumatic experiences
• Treatment for PMDD includes living a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a nutritious diet, and in some cases, your PCP may prescribe antidepressants.

• Extensor tendons run along the top of your hands and feet, allowing you to move and flex these appendages.
• Tendonitis is inflammation or irritation of the tissue that can cause pain or discomfort. 
• Rest and over-the-counter pain medications are the most common treatments; surgery is rare.

• Menopause is a hormonal change women experience in their 40s and 50s when their reproductive years end.
• About half of women may experience anxiety and depression during menopause, especially if they've already deal with these issues previously.
• Talk to your primary care provider if you experience severe menopause symptoms, including mood swings, depression or anxiety.

• Online depression tests can offer insight into symptoms but are not a substitute for a professional diagnosis.
• Online depression tests can offer insight into symptoms but are not a substitute for a professional diagnosis. Reputable screenings, such as those from Mental Health America and the Child Mind Institute, are more reliable than unverified sources.
• Online depression tests can offer insight into symptoms but are not a substitute for a professional diagnosis. Reputable screenings, such as those from Mental Health America and the Child Mind Institute, are more reliable than unverified sources. Only trained health care providers can diagnose and treat depression, and immediate help is available through crisis lines and behavioral health access numbers.

• Up to 90% of women experience premenstrual symptoms, including mood changes.
• Hormonal shifts during the menstrual cycle, especially post-ovulation drops in estrogen, progesterone and serotonin, can contribute to mental health symptoms such as depression and anxiety.
• Lifestyle changes, medications and mental health support can help manage PMS and PMDD, but it may require time to find the right treatment.

• Addiction is a complex, chronic disease characterized by compulsive behaviors or substance use despite negative consequences.
• Certain traits, such as poor self-esteem, thrill-seeking and difficulty with emotional self-regulation, can increase a person's risk of developing an addiction when combined with genetic and environmental factors.
• If substance use or behaviors are interfering with daily life, relationships, work or finances, individuals can seek help from a primary care provider or mental health professional.

• Ovarian cancer is one of the deadliest cancers in women, making early detection crucial.
• Common symptoms of ovarian cancer include bloating, pelvic pain and frequent urination, but these symptoms can be difficult to diagnose.
• Women can discuss preventive measures such as birth control and genetic testing with their primary care provider, especially if they have a high risk of developing the disease.

• A new study found that lifestyle changes, including regular exercise and a healthy diet, can slow cognitive decline and reduce the risk of dementia in older adults.
• Engaging in moderate to high-intensity exercise, such as walking or tai chi, for at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week, can help improve cognitive function and reduce dementia risk.
• Adopting a brain-healthy lifestyle, including socializing, cognitive training and good sleep hygiene, can also help delay the onset of dementia and promote overall health as people age.

• Adults can help maintain strong bones by consuming 1,000 to 1,200 mg of calcium and 600 to 800 IU of vitamin D daily, depending on age and health.
• Regular exercise, including strength training and body-weight exercises like walking and running, can help stimulate bone growth and improve bone density.
• Maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol consumption and quitting smoking can also help reduce the risk of bone loss and fractures.

• Women in their 40s may experience perimenopause, a transition to menopause, marked by symptoms such as night sweats, irritability and irregular periods.
• Perimenopause typically lasts three to four years and can cause a range of symptoms, including hot flashes and mood changes, which can be managed with medication or lifestyle changes.
• Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise and adequate sleep, can help ease perimenopause symptoms, and women should consult their primary care provider if symptoms are severe or interfere with daily life.

• A new study published in Nature Medicine found a potential link between the gut microbiome and Type 2 diabetes, with certain microbial species associated with an increased risk of the disease.
• Researchers say a diet rich in prebiotics and probiotics, found in foods like fruits, vegetables and fermented items, can support a healthy gut microbiome and lower the risk of Type 2 diabetes.
• To promote a healthy gut microbiome, experts recommend eating at least five servings of fruits and vegetables daily, limiting added sugars and getting regular exercise and health screenings to reduce the risk of chronic health conditions.

• Developing a positive self-relationship can improve mental health resilience by fostering self-confidence and self-worth, while a negative self-relationship can lead to increased stress, anxiety and depression.
• Practicing self-awareness and self-compassion can help you overcome self-sabotaging behaviors, such as procrastination and perfectionism, by acknowledging and reframing negative self-talk and emotions.
• Embracing your natural habits and providing yourself with a routine you'll follow can reduce stress and increase productivity.

• The Southeast Michigan Perinatal Quality Improvement Coalition is working to improve maternal mental health by training healthcare providers to recognize and treat postpartum depression and anxiety disorders.
• Up to one in seven mothers experience serious mood disorders, such as postpartum depression, which can have severe symptoms including anxiety and thoughts of self-harm.
• The coalition has provided scholarships for specialized training in perinatal mental health and plans to offer more scholarships this year to continue supporting maternal mental health care in the region.

• Lyme disease cases in Michigan have surged 168% since 2020, with 1,215 recorded cases in 2024.
• Blacklegged ticks, which carry the bacteria that cause Lyme disease and anaplasmosis, are found in all 83 Michigan counties.
• To prevent tick bites, individuals can take precautions such as wearing permethrin-treated clothing, using EPA-approved insect repellents and performing regular tick checks.

• Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are serious conditions that can occur when the body loses too much water and sodium during intense physical activity in the heat.
• If left untreated, heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke, a life-threatening condition characterized by an inability to sweat, fainting and seizures.
• To prevent heat illnesses, individuals should drink plenty of water, take regular breaks and avoid intense outdoor work or exercise during the hottest part of the day.

• High-functioning depression is a colloquial term referring to depression in which individuals manage daily life and responsibilities despite feeling underlying fatigue, loss of interest or irritability.
• Signs of high-functioning depression can include masking emotions and hidden dysfunction, such as taking more energy to complete tasks or sleeping in late on weekends.
• Depression is treatable with counseling, lifestyle changes and medication.

• Heart disease deaths have decreased by 66% in the past 50 years, with heart attack deaths dropping by 89%, according to a new American Heart Association study.
• Despite this decline, deaths from chronic heart conditions such as heart failure, arrhythmias and hypertensive heart disease have increased significantly since 1970, with arrhythmias rising by 450%.
• To reduce the risk of heart disease, eat a nutritious diet, get regular exercise, maintain a healthy weight and get annual physicals.

• Choosing the right care location can significantly reduce health care expenses as an emergency room visit is five times more expensive than a visit to a primary care provider.
• Staying in-network with providers and using generic drugs can help lower medical costs.
• Maintaining a healthy lifestyle through diet exercise and preventive care can help reduce the risk of chronic conditions and lower health care expenses in the long run.

• Small amounts of heavy metals like arsenic and cadmium can be found in foods such as rice, fruit juice and seafood, posing health risks, especially to children.
• The FDA advises eating a varied diet of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean meat to limit exposure to heavy metals.
• Heavy metal detoxes are not backed by research, and individuals concerned about exposure should talk to their primary care provider.

Medically Reviewed by: Shanthi Appelö

• A new study found mental health among American mothers has declined during the past several years.
• Declining mental health is linked to physical health problems such as heart disease and diabetes.
• Blue Cross is working to improve access to mental health care through crisis services, virtual visits and embedded behavioral health professionals in primary care offices.

• On average, women in the United States live about five years longer than men.
• Men are more likely to die from certain health conditions, including heart disease and diabetes, and are less likely to seek preventive care.
• To improve their health and reduce the risk of chronic conditions, men can take steps such as seeking preventive care, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly and building relationships.

• The Thumb Area Community Health Partnership has received a grant to improve website accessibility for people with disabilities.
• The grant provide workshops to help health agencies make their websites more accessible.
• The project aims to empower individuals with disabilities by providing equal access to critical health information and services, improving overall health outcomes in the Thumb.

Medically Reviewed by: Jennifer Wulff, M.D.

Medically Reviewed by: Michael Kobernick, M.D.

Medically Reviewed by: Gregory Scherle, M.D.

Medically Reviewed by: Dr. Kristyn Gregory, D.O.

Medically Reviewed by: Dr. Patricia Ferguson, M.D.

Medically Reviewed by: Michael Kobernick, M.D.

Medically Reviewed by: Dr. Kristyn Gregory, D.O.

Medically Reviewed by: Dr. Kristyn Gregory, D.O.

Medically Reviewed by: Jessica Huhn, M.D.

Medically Reviewed by: Shanthi Appelö