The body mass index (BMI) is a standardized way to quickly evaluate a person’s health status and risk for chronic conditions. Nearly one in three adults (30.7%) are considered overweight and more than two in five adults (42.4%) are considered obese by BMI standards. However, these statistics do not take into account the other factors that affect how healthy a person truly is.

Beyond BMI: The Role of Weight in Health Outcomes

Caffeine can adversely affect digestion and have varying impacts on people of certain ages. Comparing how much you consume to the daily recommended amount is important.

How Much Caffeine is Too Much Caffeine? 

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cancer killer in the U.S., and your diet and nutrition can play an important role in prevention.

Senior couple makes nutritious lunch to prevent colon cancer

How Nutrition Can Help Prevent Colon Cancer

By: Shanthi Appelö, health and wellness spokesperson for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Flu season is here and while seasonal strains of the virus are detected year-round in Michigan, infection is most common during the fall and winter months, usually peaking in February....

Building the Body’s Flu Immunity

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, more than 37 million people in the U. S. , including more than 11 million children, were considered food insecure according to Feeding America....

Woman with a mask pulling up to food distribution event

Food Insecurity Increasing Due to COVID-19 

One in three U.S. adults have prediabetes. Developing healthy and sustainable habits is critical to prevention.

Older woman speaking and consulting with the doctor about her concerns

Lowering the Risk of Diabetes

Shanthi Appelö is a registered dietitian and health and wellness spokesperson for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan based in Detroit. Passionate about the science of nutrition and behavior, Shanthi has experience working in clinical nutrition, public health and teaching in the university setting. In her free time, she enjoys experimenting in the kitchen, exploring the outdoors, working on art and spending time with family.

Shanthi Appelö

Blues Perspectives

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

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