Minority Health Month is a time to educate, spread awareness, hear from those making a difference and start conversations with loved ones. Here are some meaningful ways to observe.

April is an Opportunity to Become More Educated and Aware of Minority Health Month

Cardiovascular disease, kidney disease and diabetes are just a few of the chronic conditions that disproportionately impact minority groups in the United States. Here's more information on how to address these six health disparities.

Common Chronic Conditions That Disproportionately Affect Minority Groups

We rely on active and passive immunity to contribute to a well-equipped and strong immune system. Here's what to know about active vs passive immunity and some examples of each type. 

When we contract relatively mild illnesses like chickenpox and the measles – typically as children – we usually develop natural, lifelong immunity against them after infection activates our immune systems.  

Active vs. Passive Immunity: What’s the Difference? 

Fraud can be committed by medical providers, patients and during the prescription purchasing process. Here's how to safeguard against fraud. 

A concerned Black woman reads a document.

What is Health Care Fraud?

REM is the sleep stage most associated with dreaming, and your health could suffer if you fail to consistently reach this stage of sleep.

How to Get More REM Sleep

Avoid being wrongfully billed at the doctor's office by reading up on some of the most common forms of health care fraud. 

How to Avoid Common Forms of Health Care Fraud

Drew Clayborn fractured his C1-C2 vertebrae in 2010, but he hasn't let his paralysis stop him from achieving his goals and living a happy life. The Commerce resident and BCBSM member is determined to walk again.

‘Character is Forged in the Fire:’ Michigan’s Drew Clayborn Reflects on 15-Year Journey Since Becoming Paralyzed, Sets Sights on Walking Again

Over-the-counter sleep aids should not be the first thing you turn to if you struggle to sleep. Here's what to know about OTC sleep aids, including their ingredients and considerations before taking them.

Do Over-the-Counter Sleep Aids Work?

Between fever-induced sweating, coughing, vomiting and diarrhea, we lose a lot of fluids when we're sick. Staying properly hydrated replenishes all the water our body loses.

How Hydration Plays a Role in Getting Over Sickness

The term "functional freeze" has gained a lot of momentum on social media in recent months. It's similar to task paralysis. Here's what you can do to stop your next functional freeze before it starts.

What is a Functional Freeze?

Screening for colon cancer saves lives. There are multiple ways to screen for colon cancer, but the colonoscopy is still the gold standard for many reasons.

When and Why You Should Get a Colonoscopy 

It's becoming trendy to sleep without a pillow. This may benefit people who sleep in certain positions, but may be detrimental to others. Here's what you need to know.

Is It Better to Sleep Without a Pillow?

Fenton's Hannah Cislo was born with bicuspid aortic stenosis, a rare congenital heart defect. She knew she would need a heart valve replacement one day, but she couldn't anticipate the traumatizing medical journey she would face in her 20s. 

Michigan Mom Born with Rare Congenital Heart Defect ‘Soaks Up Every Moment’ After Multiple Open-Heart Surgeries

The intent of happy lights – also known as light therapy lights or light therapy boxes – is to mimic sunlight. Happy lights are designed to reset your internal clock and trick your body into thinking it is absorbing the kind of intense light that a household light can’t provide.

Do Happy Lights Impact Mental Health?

Not everyone can afford to wait until their one or two yearly checkups to have their blood pressure monitored. Checking blood pressure at home can lead to better overall management of your heart health.

How to Check Your Blood Pressure at Home 

The 2025 Health Economic Forecast revealed positive findings in overall well-being and care delivery in West Michigan. Topics like mental health, hospital admissions and the future of health care employment were discussed at length.

West Michigan Sees Rising Levels of Health Care Employment, More Citizens Covered by Insurance and Fewer Hospital Admissions, According to New Data

Have you heard of the term "default parent?" It's a term for the parent who most often takes care of the kids, the chores and the errands, and it can sometimes lead to dissension in a relationship.

Are You the Default Parent? How to Recognize Signs and Ease the Burden

Slow digesting protein before bed can be a great way to optimize protein consumption and maximize athletic performance. But there may be some drawbacks to this approach for certain individuals. Here's what to know.

Are There Benefits to Eating Protein Before Bed?

There's a name for that anxiety and dread you start to feel on Sunday afternoons as you anticipate the week ahead. If you've ever wondered why you are getting the "Sunday scaries," here is what they are and how they develop.

The Science Behind Sunday Scaries 

The Grand Rapids African American Health Institute is working to reduce Black maternal morbidity in 2025 with its MY PACE program, which aims to train 15 new doulas in Kent County by the summer.

GRAAHI Diversifies Kent County’s Doula Workforce by Training Black, Hispanic Doulas with Help from BCBSM Foundation

Do you deal with irregular sleep? A new study links irregular sleep with an increased risk of heart disease. Learn more about how the two are related and tweaks you can make to improve your sleep habits as soon as tonight.

The Link Between Irregular Sleep Patterns and Stroke and Heart Attack Risk

The vagus nerve helps regulate many involuntary sensory and motor functions. Read about signs and symptoms of vagus nerve problems, and what you can do to keep it healthy.

What is the Vagus Nerve?

Previously, Johnson and Johnson's SPRAVATO® brand of esketamine-based nasal spray was only cleared for use along with other antidepressants. Now it can be prescribed as standalone treatment. Here's what to know.

Patients with Difficult-to-Treat-Depression Cleared to Use Esketamine-Based Nasal Spray as Standalone Treatment Method

It's not always easy to pick up on your child's mental health struggles, but factors like fitting in at school, academics and romantic relationships can weigh heavy on their minds. Here are signs to look for as well as conversation starters.

Signs of Mental Health Struggles in Children and Teens

Myopia is increasingly affecting young populations, as the number of 17-year-olds diagnosed with the eye disease has doubled in the past decade. Here are causes of myopia and what you can do to lower your risk.

Why are Levels of Near-Sightedness Rising? What to Know About Myopia

Dr. Diane Harper is an internationally recognized physician-scientist who has made incredible strides in cervical cancer research. The BCBSM Foundation helped fund her latest groundbreaking endeavor with the University of Michigan. 

University of Michigan Professor Examines Why Black Women Are Not Returning for Follow-up Cervical Cancer Screenings and Identifies Self-Screening as a Solution 

Sinus Tarsi Syndrome can feel like a constant ache that becomes more pronounced the more you use your foot or ankle. Here are causes and risk factors for sinus tarsi syndrome, as well as treatment options. 

What is Sinus Tarsi Syndrome?

Now is the time for employers to think about employee HSA contributions during open enrollment, as the IRS has released the 2024 HSA contribution limits. 

An HSA is like a personal savings account for qualified medical expenses. It’s a great way for your employees to set aside money for health care expenses so it’s there when they need it. HSAs are owned by your employee and can be funded by them and by you.

The Value of Employer Contributions to Employee HSAs

Here’s what to know about the temporomandibular joint and what you can do to manage jaw pain you are experiencing, including tips to try at home.

How to Manage Jaw Pain

Health conditions like hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can occur when the thyroid produces too much or too few of the hormones. While a healthy diet won’t cure thyroid disorders, it can help ease symptoms.

What is the Best Diet to Promote a Healthy Thyroid?

Not every child with a congenital heart defect (CHD) requires treatment. But more severe CHDs may require a surgical procedure to repair the defect.

A newborn baby has his heart listened to by a doctor with a stethoscope in a bright, clean hospital room.

What to Know About Congenital Heart Defects in Infants

When Jazmyne Guy turned 30, she was blindsided with a double diagnosis of chronic conditions. She quickly turned attention toward neutralizing their effects.

‘I Was in Shock:’ How a Lansing Woman with Hyperthyroidism, Graves’ Disease Coped with her Conditions

Recent studies have illustrated the bi-directional relationship that exists between sleep deprivation and overeating, which can lead to weight gain. 

What is the Relationship Between Sleep and Weight?

Jake Newby

Blue Daily

MI Blue Daily is sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, a nonprofit, independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association

Jake Newby

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