When our schedules get busy, we have to be able to stick to our routines. On this episode, Chuck Gaidica is joined by Senior Medical Director of Provider Engagement, Dr. Heather Stamat. Together they discuss how important it is to have healthy goals and how to prioritize yourself when your schedule is limited.  In this episode of A Healthier Michigan Podcast, we explore:  * How to eat healthier on the go * How planning can prevent stress * How to keep a routine * Why it’s important to put yourself first 

Red Light Therapy: is it a scam or does it have any real health benefits? On this episode, Chuck Gaidica is joined by Clinical Director of Blue Care Network, Dr. Peter Graham. Together they discuss Red Light Therapy, its effects and the differences between professional care and at-home devices. In this episode of A Healthier Michigan Podcast, we explore: * What are the benefits, if any, of Red Light Therapy?* Do smaller devices have a positive effect?* Are there any negatives?* Should you see a professional?

More than just the latest TikTok trend, fibermaxxing has real benefits. On this episode, Chuck Gaidica is joined by Registered Dietitian Shanthi Appelö, together they discuss what the trend is, why you need fiber and how much you should have.In this episode of A Healthier Michigan Podcast, we explore:* What are the benefits of fiber?* What are some easy ways to increase fiber intake?* How much does the average adult need?* What does the “maxxing” trend really mean?

On this episode, Chuck Gaidica is joined by the Director of Behavioral Health & Planning for BCBSM, Dr. Julia Isaacs. Together, they talk ways to enjoy exercising, what is temptation bundling?, and what other strategies are there to change your mindset?In this episode of A Healthier Michigan Podcast, we explore:* How much exercise you need?* What tools are there to help you workout more?* How can you avoid the gym and still workout?* What does it mean to gamify?

On this episode, Chuck Gaidica is joined by the Clinical Director of Blue Care Network, Dr. Peter Graham. Together, they talk about the AQI, what is it?, and how it can help prepare you for the day.In this episode of A Healthier Michigan Podcast, we explore:* How to read the AQI?* Who is most effected by air quality?* What changes air quality?* What you can do to help yourself

On this episode, Chuck Gaidica is joined by Care Management Physician for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Dr. Angela Seabright. Together, they talk about the good and bad of energy drinks, what's in them, and some other ways you could get the energy you need to go about your day.In this episode of A Healthier Michigan Podcast, we explore:* What's in energy drinks* How they effect the body* Are they a danger to us* what are some alternatives

On this episode, Chuck Gaidica is joined by Registered Dietitian for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Shanthi Appelö. Together, they explore ways to combat inflammation, why its bad long term and how small changes in your lifestyle can help fight it.In this episode of A Healthier Michigan Podcast, we explore:* What causes inflammation* What some of the long term effects can be* Diets that can reduce inflammation* Other ways to fight inflammation

Affordability isn't just about medical bills—it's about addressing what drives health in the first place. When people have stable housing, access to healthy food and support for mental health, they use the health care system less and live healthier lives.In this episode we explore how health care affordability starts far upstream—from food security and housing stability to behavioral health and chronic disease prevention. This episode will spotlight community-based partnerships that Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan has invested in to address these social determinants of health and ultimately reduce unnecessary costs across the system.Key Takeaways:·       Community health is affordability.·       Blue Cross is investing in upstream solutions that work toward health care affordability, access to health care and a healthier Michigan·       Partnerships are scalable and sustainable.·       Data backs this approach. ·       The future of affordability depends on partnership. 

Uninsured individuals often rely on hospitals for emergency care, the most expensive part of the health system. That cost doesn’t disappear—it shows up in everyone’s insurance premiums. This episode helps reframe affordability by examining how charity care, Medicaid, and federal subsidies work together to manage that cost upstream.In this episode, we explore the hidden costs of uncompensated care, how hospitals and insurers work together to support vulnerable populations, and the impact of federal and state policy decisions on health insurance coverage rates in Michigan.Key Takeaways:·       Uncompensated care impacts everyone. ·       Safety net programs are essential to affordability.·       Policy decisions carry affordability consequences .·       We need upstream solutions.

Health care affordability isn't just a consumer problem—it's a system accountability issue. Consolidated health systems promised lower costs. Insurers and employers are demanding more value. This episode brings together health systems, insurers and business leaders to explore how each player in the health care system can do more—collectively—to lower the cost of coverage. From legacy partnerships to forward-looking value-based models, what does meaningful collaboration look like?Guests:•Tricia Keith•Brian Peters•Brian Calley

From aging to genetics, we’re exploring the balance between nutrition and metabolism in this four-part series.On this episode, Chuck Gaidica is joined by Registered Dietitian for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Shanthi Appelö. Together, they explore the science behind nutrient timing.In this episode of A Healthier Michigan Podcast, we explore:* What is nutrient timing?* How intermittent fasting can have benefits like reducing calorie intake and stabilizing insulin levels, but prolonged fasting may slow metabolism.* How timing certain nutrients, like having protein at breakfast or lighter meals in the evening, can help manage energy levels and digestion throughout the day.* How developing a regular eating pattern and being mindful of hunger cues can support healthy weight maintenance over time.

From aging to genetics, we’re exploring the balance between nutrition and metabolism in this four-part series.On this episode, Chuck Gaidica is joined by Registered Dietitian for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Shanthi Appelö. Together, they explore how the nutritional value of food plays a bigger role than just calorie count.In this episode of A Healthier Michigan Podcast, we explore:* How nutrient-dense foods such as vegetables, whole grains, and legumes are high in vitamins, minerals, fiber, and other beneficial nutrients, beyond just calories.* How consuming nutrient-dense foods can support overall health, immune function, and disease prevention, beyond just weight management.* How it's still possible to overeat even nutrient-dense foods, so calorie awareness is still important.* Examples of high-calorie, low-nutrient foods.Calories aren’t the full story, but timing our nutrients could be the next big piece of the puzzle. Tune in for our final episode, where we’ll break down nutrient timing and if it can optimize our long-term health.

From aging to genetics, we’re exploring the balance between nutrition and metabolism in this four part series.On this episode, Chuck Gaidica is joined by Registered Dietitian for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Shanthi Appelö. Together, they explore how to optimize food choices to fuel our body.In this episode of A Healthier Michigan Podcast, we explore:* How different types of food affect energy levels and metabolism* Nutrient-rich foods that can help boost energy throughout the day* If there's specific foods that can improve metabolic efficiency * The connection between blood sugar regulation and sustained energy levelsIn the next episode, we’ll go beyond calorie counts to uncover the truth about nutrient quality and whether it matters for your metabolism.

From aging to genetics, we’re exploring the balance between nutrition and metabolism in this four part series.On this episode, Chuck Gaidica is joined by Registered Dietitian for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Shanthi Appelö. Together, they explore the truth about metabolism.In this episode of A Healthier Michigan Podcast, we explore:* What exactly is metabolism?* How much of our metabolism is determined by genetics.* Common myths about speeding up our metabolism.* Ways to optimize our metabolic healthJoin us in our next episode as we explore the power of nutrition and how our food choices can energize us and support our metabolic health.

In this series, we’re exploring the balance between what you can and can’t control when it comes to your health.On this episode, Chuck Gaidica is joined by Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Dr. James Grant. Together, they explore how small changes to our lifestyle can positively impact longevity.In this episode of A Healthier Michigan Podcast, we explore:* The most impactful healthy habits people can adopt to reduce the risk of chronic disease.* Small achievable steps to build a healthy lifestyle.* Maintaining healthy habits over the long term.

In this series, we’re exploring the balance between what you can and can’t control when it comes to your health.On this episode, Chuck Gaidica is joined by Senior Medical Director for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Dr. Raymond Hobbs. Together, they explore how to embrace the natural aging process while focusing on the areas of our health we can actively maintain.In this episode of A Healthier Michigan Podcast, we explore:* How lifestyle habits like diet, exercise, and avoiding tobacco can significantly impact aging and health through epigenetic changes.* How activities that stimulate the mind, like learning new skills, are important for maintaining cognitive function.* How building physical and mental resilience through things like social connections, purpose, and managing stress are crucial for healthy aging.* How regular checkups with a doctor to monitor and address health risks are recommended, even if you feel healthy.Heading into our final episode of this series, we’ll look at the role of lifestyle in disease prevention – especially when faced with risk factors beyond our control. Join us to learn how small changes we make today can help protect our health in the long run

In this series, we’re exploring the balance between what you can and can’t control when it comes to your health.On this episode, Chuck Gaidica is joined by Care Management Physician of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Dr. Angela Seabright. Together, they explore the role of genetics and family history in our health.In this episode of A Healthier Michigan Podcast, we explore:* How genes provide a blueprint for how the body functions, and genetic mutations can increase the risk of certain diseases.* How genetic testing can help identify inherited disease risks, but should be done with guidance from a doctor.* How advances in genetics and gene therapy offer hope for future treatments that can target the root causes of diseases.* How even though individuals can't change their genetic makeup, they can take control of their health through positive lifestyle choices.While we can’t change our genetics, aging brings its own set of challenges. In our next episode, we’ll talk about how to embrace the changes that come with age while focusing on what you can control to thrive at any stage of life.

in this series, we’re exploring the balance between what you can and can’t control when it comes to your health.On this episode, Chuck Gaidica is joined by Care Management Physician of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Dr. Angela Seabright. Together, they explore how small changes to our lifestyle now can make a big difference for our health long-term.In this episode of A Healthier Michigan Podcast, we explore:* How there are many factors that impact health, including lifestyle choices, aging, genetics, and family history.* How nutrition, exercise, sleep, emotional wellness, and limiting exposure to toxins like smoking and excessive alcohol can have a big impact on our health.* How overcoming barriers to health changes, such as lack of time, medical conditions, or social determinants, requires a flexible and strategic approach.* The importance of getting regular preventive care.Next up, we’ll take a closer look at the impact our genetics and family history have on our health. Ever wonder how much your health story is written in your DNA? Join us as we explore what you inherit, what you can’t change, and how understanding these factors can empower you.

On this episode, Chuck Gaidica is joined by Senior Health Care Analyst for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Josh McCullough. Together, they explore how we can better manage stress and set boundaries this holiday season.In this episode of A Healthier Michigan Podcast, we explore:* How the holidays can be a source of stress for many due to factors like social obligations, gift-giving, family dynamics, and personal expectations.* Practical tips including setting boundaries and expectations early, considering alternative gift-giving options, and focusing on quality time rather than quantity.* Self-care, open communication, and managing expectations during the holiday season in a healthy way.

On this episode, Chuck Gaidica is joined by VP of Clinical Partnerships & Associate CMO for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Dr. Amy Milewski. Together, they explore how practicing gratitude can bring us better health and positive relationships.In this episode of A Healthier Michigan Podcast, we explore:* How practicing gratitude for 15 minutes a day, 5 days a week for 6 weeks can improve mental wellbeing.* How gratitude can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and lessen anxiety and depression.* How expressing gratitude can deepen connections with loved ones by strengthening social bonds.* Incorporating gratitude into family routines