https://connect.bcbsok.com/health-and-wellness/en-USTelligent Community 12https://connect.bcbsok.com/health-and-wellness/b/weblog/posts/copd-lungs-heart-stop-smokingTue, 01 Sep 2026 15:04:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:fb5aeeae-f274-45ed-bb79-2cc0068fb04eBCBSOK Connect TeamIf you suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) , every breath can be a struggle. COPD is a serious health condition. It is the result of damage to the lungs that narrows airways and makes it very hard to breathe. Over time, it can get worse. Once there is damage to the lungs, it can’t be corrected. Congestive heart failure is another very serious condition that is tied to COPD. The lungs and heart are very closely connected. When healthy, the lungs and heart work together to make sure every part of your body gets the oxygen it needs. When they don’t work together, your health can worsen quickly. Low oxygen in the blood caused by COPD puts too much strain on the heart and makes heart failure worse. Excess fluid in the lungs caused by heart failure can make breathing even more difficult for someone with COPD. Even more challenging, many people with COPD struggle with other health conditions too. Depression, sleep apnea, lung cancer, asthma and diabetes can be complications for COPD sufferers. Sometimes, a sudden illness, such as pneumonia or the flu, can quickly become critical for people with COPD. Your doctor will have to monitor all the medicines you take to make sure they don’t make your COPD or other health problems worse. What Causes COPD? Long-term smoking or exposure to smoke are the main causes of COPD. If you quit smoking, it can help prevent complications and slow its progress. If you’re a smoker and have a hard time breathing, talk with your doctor about testing for COPD. Your care provider can also recommend programs and products to help you quit smoking. Other causes of COPD include: Indoor air pollution from cleaning products, burning wood in fireplaces and scented candles Exposure to dust and chemical fumes in the workplace Asthma Frequent respiratory infections, especially during childhood Heavy or long-term exposure to secondhand smoke and other air pollutants Try to avoid these irritants. For example, if your home is being painted or sprayed for insects, have it done while you are away. Keep your windows closed and stay indoors when pollen counts or ozone rates are high. Follow your treatments for COPD exactly as your doctor directs. It can help you breathe easier, stay more active and avoid severe symptoms. Ask your doctor about getting COVID-19, flu, RSV and pneumonia shots. Call your doctor if your symptoms grow worse, or if you have any signs of an infection, such as a fever. Seek emergency help if: You have difficulty walking or talking Your heart is beating very fast or irregularly Your lips or fingernails become gray or blue Your breathing is fast and hard, even when you use your medicine If you have COPD, two of the most important things you can do are to quit smoking and get ongoing medical care. Being under the care of a doctor who can track your illness will set you up for success in managing your COPD. Quit smoking and work with a provider who can help to monitor your health. Sources: COPD , Mayo Clinic, 2026; Heart Failure , Mayo Clinic, 2025Health and WellnessHeart DiseaseHeart HealthCOPDLung DiseaseEmphysemaStop Smokinghttps://connect.bcbsok.com/health-and-wellness/b/weblog/posts/secret-to-a-better-life-at-any-ageMon, 31 Aug 2026 19:27:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:f4b522d2-4faf-45db-8775-e1f858df0ee0BCBSOK Connect TeamThere’s a not-so-secret way to live better and longer: take care of yourself. But is being physically healthy the only path to living your best life? What about happiness? It turns out happiness improves health and vice versa. The two work together. The secret to truly living the good life? Make both a priority Health Benefits of Happiness Research has connected being happy with a number of physical health benefits. It is known to lower stress, blood pressure and the risk of heart disease and stroke. It can also boost one’s immune system and ability to recover from injuries. Having a positive outlook can even improve digestion and sleep. How it Works Feelings of happiness or joy cause your brain to release the so-called “happy hormones,” endorphins and serotonin. These help balance another important hormone, cortisol, often known as the stress hormone. Cortisol is useful in short bursts to help regulate certain body functions. But, if it stays high for too long it can raise your risk for many health problems or make them worse. Purposely working to create the sense of well-being and calm from being happy helps put cortisol and stress in check. Keep Up With Health Checks Finding your balance of health and happiness begins with knowing the status of your physical health. Getting a yearly physical exam and regular health screenings can help catch any problems early, when they can be more successfully treated. There are helpful lists online that tell you about the screenings you may need at different ages . Also check out the healthy living by age checklists from the U.S. Office on Women’s Health. See what you need to do in each decade of life, starting in your 20s, up through your 90s. Be Active to Keep Your Body and Mind Fit Research shows that sticking with certain healthy habits can add years to your life and help you avoid serious illnesses, like cancer, heart disease and diabetes. Exercise is one of those critical habits. Getting at least 30 minutes of moderate-effort physical activity a day, like brisk walking, can have a big impact. Regular activity helps you: Maintain a healthy weight Keep muscles and bones stronger and lower your risk of injury as you get older Boost your energy so you can do more of the things you want to do over time Sleep better The National Institute on Aging says physical activity also supports emotional and mental health. Being active helps with happiness. It can improve your mood and reduce feelings of depression and stress. Find out how to work more movement into your day . Make Happiness Happen Living a fulfilling life can bring with it a positive outlook. This feeling of optimism in turn helps you have more desire to eat well, exercise and keep self-care on your to-do list says Northwestern Medicine ® . Being happy and healthy work hand-in-hand to make your life better. So how do you achieve happiness? Prevention offers a list of habits for building happiness into your life. A few examples include: Be social – Feeling connected to family and friends or through events in your community helps stave off loneliness and depression, and keeps you mentally engaged. Take time for gratitude – Focusing on the good in your life helps boost resilience and positivity. Take a few minutes every day to think of or write down five or more things you’re grateful for. Make a “joy list” of activities that make you smile inside.– Do at least one each day. Relax with a book, get coffee at your favorite shop, play with pets or care for plants. The options are endless. Spend time in nature – Being outdoors just 30 minutes or more a week can help relieve stress and increase feelings of well-being. Focus on personal growth – Take on a fun or interesting project, set a challenging goal and work toward it, explore new places either far away or in your own community, or start a hobby. Be kind to yourself – Try saying daily positive affirmations, take time to do deep breathing or meditation exercises and allow yourself to think and be playful. Experiencing everyday things, like watching a butterfly with childlike wonder can be just the glimmer of joy you need. Be kind to others – Give compliments, practice random acts of kindness regularly, send notes of thanks or encouragement often, talk to strangers with an open heart or volunteer. Think about what you can do to make your life journey all it can be. Taking better care of your health includes working on being happy. Your best life can be found when you choose your whole self – body, mind and soul. Sources: How Happiness Impacts Your Health: The Science Behind Positive Emotions and Stress Relief , Northwestern Medicine, 2026; You Can Find Joy Every Day. Experts Swear By These 28 Habits for a Happier Life , Prevention, 2024; How to Be Happy: 12 Habits to Add to Your Routine , Healthline, 2025; What Do We Know About Healthy Aging? , National Institute on Aging, 2022; Healthy Living by Age , U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women’s Health, 2025; Health Benefits of Exercise and Physical Activity , National Institute on Aging, 2025; Healthy Living - Get Your Well-Woman Visit Every Year , U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, 2026; Longevity: Lifestyle Strategies for Living a Healthy, Long Life , Harvard Medical School, 2024; Happiness and Health , Psychology Today; What is Happiness? , Psychology Today, 2026Health and WellnessExerciseWomen’s HealthHealthy AgingPreventive CareHealthy Livinghttps://connect.bcbsok.com/health-and-wellness/b/weblog/posts/ghoulishly-good-tips-for-a-healthy-and-safe-halloweenMon, 31 Aug 2026 11:00:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:0e38a4f2-29a8-45dd-b339-6a3e1e5f7790BCBSOK Connect TeamThe words healthy and Halloween don’t usually go together — for obvious reasons. Halloween is the one time of year when kids let loose and eat as much candy as they can get their hands on. Still, it's possible to give your kids a fun and healthy Halloween. Here are some ideas to help you rein in the sugar rush: Feed your little monsters before they go trick-or-treating. If your kids eat a healthy, well-balanced meal before they head out the door, they’ll be full and likely to eat fewer sweets. Small bags are just right for small hands. Give your kids a smaller bag or bucket to take trick-or-treating. It will limit the amount of candy they collect and eat. If they protest, tell them it’s easier for their small hands to carry. Portion out their candy. When your kids get home from trick-or-treating, go through their candy with them. While tampering is rare it can happen. Always throw away unwrapped or suspicious items. Once that’s done, talk to your kids about how much candy they can have per day or per week. Divide their treats into agreed-upon serving sizes. If you hear some moaning, share the bright side: their candy will last longer. Keep the candy stash out of sight. In the days and weeks after Halloween, store leftover candy in a hard-to-reach spot that's out of sight. Your children will be less likely to ask for more treats than you agreed upon if they can’t see them. When you prevent your kids from overindulging on Halloween, you take a big step toward teaching them healthy habits. Keep Safety in Mind Too Don’t let your kids trick-or-treat alone. Make sure an adult stays with young kids as they make their neighborhood rounds. Encourage your older kids to trick-or-treat in a group. Set rules about where they can go and what time they need to be home. Check that costumes, head coverings and shoes fit well. Costumes can be hazardous when they're too big or too long. Make sure they're short enough to not get caught on objects or cause tripping. Hats, wigs and masks should also fit well so they don’t cover your child’s eyes. Put reflective tape on your kids' costumes. Decorate costumes with reflective tape or stickers so they stay visible when it gets dark outside. Give them flashlights or glow sticks to carry or have them wear glow necklaces or bracelets to help them stay safe. Go over walking safety reminders. Child pedestrian accidents are more likely on Halloween than any other time of the year. It’s important to remind kids about the dangers of distracted walking. This includes looking at cell phones, goofing around with friends or listening to loud music. It’s also good to remind them about staying in well-lit areas, only going to houses with porch lights on, using cross walks and not crossing streets between parked cars. Kids should never enter a home or lean into a vehicle to collect treats. Have a happy, safe and healthy Halloween! What BOO-tiful costumes are your children wearing this year? Source: Halloween Fun & Safety Tips for Kids of All Ages , American Academy of Pediatrics, 2025; Pedestrian Safety Tips for Families , American Academy of Pediatrics, 2026Health and WellnessChildren’s HealthSafetyNutritionhttps://connect.bcbsok.com/health-and-wellness/b/weblog/posts/healthy-brain-agingThu, 27 Aug 2026 17:46:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:3071aaf9-3bbd-45c8-936d-8c3bd98cfa25BCBSOK Connect TeamIt’s common to think that forgetfulness and other changes in our brain function are a part of getting older that we just have to accept. But studies show that there are simple steps you can take to help prevent cognitive decline and lower your risk of dementia. It’s never too soon to start taking steps to keep your brain healthy. But even if you’re already experiencing some changes, you can help prevent or slow the progress of cognitive decline. Keep Your Brain Healthy “The brain is malleable and changeable, and can improve throughout our lives,” neurosurgeon and health correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta told the American Academy of Neurology’s Brain & Life magazine . Dr. Gupta, who has written books about healthy aging and improving brain health, found that there are five main contributors to brain health that you can control: be more active, keep the brain stimulated, get enough quality sleep, eat a healthy diet, and build a strong social life. Some of the steps you can take for your brain health are the same as the ones you take to keep your whole body healthy: Be more active . Studies show that exercise is one of the most important things you can do for your brain health. Routine activity helps the brain by raising blood flow. That can slow a drop in mental function and lower the risk of getting Alzheimer’s disease and other neurological problems. Get plenty of sleep . It boosts your total recall and brain health. It’s also critical if you’re feeling less alert than usual. Eat a healthy diet . What you eat plays a large role in your brain health. A Mediterranean diet, heavy on plant-based foods, whole grains, fish and healthy fats like olive oil is a good pick. Eating a diet low in red meat and salt appears to raise mental focus and slow mental decline in older adults. And staying mentally active is also an important way to protect your brain health. Make a game plan to help improve your cognitive fitness: Keep your mind active . Your brain is like a muscle that you need to use. There are lots of things that you can do to keep it in shape, like reading, word games, playing cards or putting together a jigsaw puzzle. Consider it cross-training for your brain. Doing different activities is the key. Connect with others . Find ways to connect with friends and family. Dr. Gupta says that enjoying life through socializing seems to help brain health. Communities that have the best brain health in the world are ones where people are socially active and have rich social ties. Keep learning new things. A job may help keep you mentally active. Taking up a new hobby, taking classes, learning a new skill or volunteering can also keep your mind sharp. And try things that need manual skill, like building something, drawing or other crafty pursuits. Use all your senses. The more senses you use in learning something, the stronger your memory of it will be. Believe in yourself. The negative things we believe about aging can contribute to a decline in memory and mental ability. People who feel they can’t do anything about it are less likely to work at maintaining or improving their memory skills and more likely to decline. Try believing you can improve and acting to make it happen. Prioritize your brain use. Save your mental energy for learning and remembering new and important things. Use smart phone reminders, calendars and shopping lists to keep routine information easy to find and remember. Always keep your keys, glasses and other frequently needed things in the same place to avoid having to try to remember where you put them every time. Reinforce what you want to know. Say it out loud or write it down. This can build up the memory or link. Repeat it. Repeat words as a learning tool. Try once an hour, then in a few hours, then each day. That can help improve memory and make it simpler to master complicated information. Talk to Your Doctor Having some mild forgetfulness or noticing a difference in your thinking doesn’t mean you have a serious problem. But if you’re experiencing changes in your memory or brain function that concern you, be sure to talk to your doctor. Signs that may be concerning include having trouble with simple math or paying bills, frequently getting lost, repeating things over and over, or losing things more often. Sources: 6 tips to keep your brain healthy , Mayo Clinic, 2022; 6 simple steps to keep your mind sharp at any age , Harvard Medical School, 2020; Dr. Sanjay Gupta Gives Advice on How to Improve Brain Health , American Academy of Neurology’s Brain & Health , 2021Health and WellnessHealthy MindExerciseHealthy AgingSleepNutritionhttps://connect.bcbsok.com/health-and-wellness/b/weblog/posts/low-intensity-workoutThu, 27 Aug 2026 16:06:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:20c92d46-980f-4c0e-8dce-17092925b42fBCBSOK Connect TeamThere are benefits to stepping away from the “no pain, no gain” approach to exercise. Pushing hard isn’t always safe, and it isn’t necessary for health benefits. Low-intensity motion offers a good workout for most people, helping your heart and burning calories while being easier on the body. The chances of you keeping up a low-intensity routine are higher, since you won’t feel as tired as if you did high-intensity training, says the Cleveland Clinic . And less strain on your body means you can do it more often, even every day. What Is Low-Intensity Movement? Low intensity movement is low-impact exercise done at a more comfortable pace. Many people favor walking, but other low intensity activities include: Swimming Biking Dancing Rowing Resistance training Using elliptical machines Pilates Yoga Tai Chi Some kinds of low-intensity exercise, like tai chi and yoga, have also been shown to help improve mood and lower stress. That kind of movement helps the heart and may also lessen pain and tiredness. Low-intensity exercise is also low-impact. So it avoids stress on the joints while still having the benefits that come from deeper breathing and matching movements, says Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center . It may take longer to see results with low-intensity exercise compared to high-intensity. But it is also easier on your body and reduces the chances of getting hurt. Not all low-impact exercise is low-intensity, though. Low impact, high-intensity cardio exercise works the heart at a higher rate while still avoiding joint stress. Exercise that is both low-intensity and low impact further protects from injury. Sometimes athletes use low impact, low intensity activity to prepare for times of more intense movement in a way that reduces their risk for injury. What Does Low-Intensity Activity Do for You? Try low-intensity movement for: Better mood Better sleep Better balance and flexibility More energy Lower levels of fear and worry Lower fall risk Lower heart disease risk Healthier weight Lower cancer risk Less pain and swelling Make a Plan First look at your current fitness level and see if you need to add to your activity. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says adults need routine aerobic activity and muscle strengthening. Aim for at least 150 minutes of exercise a week (more is better). You can break that up into smaller periods of activity throughout the week. Then find some low intensity activities that sound good to you. Most low intensity activities are safe for most people. If you have health issues or are new to exercising, talk to your doctor before starting a new workout. Sources: Ease It Up: Why You Should Consider LIIT Workouts , Cleveland Clinic, 2025; Low-intensity exercise , Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 2022; What Counts as Physical Activity for Adults , Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023Health and WellnessWeight ManagementExerciseHealthy AgingHealthy Livinghttps://connect.bcbsok.com/health-and-wellness/b/weblog/posts/prevent-virusesThu, 27 Aug 2026 15:28:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:6cf63ed5-1cb2-444e-a631-aaded515de7aBCBSOK Connect TeamYour chances of catching a viral illness are higher at certain times of year: Back to school. When temperatures drop and people spend more time indoors. Before the fall and winter holidays. At the start of the new year. Now’s the time to find the best ways to protect you and your family from viruses like colds, flu, COVID-19 and RSV ( respiratory syncytial virus ). Viruses can cause varying degrees of illness, from minor to very severe. While many people’s bodies can fight off most viral illness, some are more vulnerable. Children and older adults can get very sick or even die from some viruses. That’s why it’s important for you and your family to have a plan. A virus spreads quickly if it is an airborne virus like COVID-19, RSV, cold or flu. That means it spreads when people who are sick with the virus don’t cover their face when they’re around others. The virus can be suspended in the air long enough to reach others, even if they aren’t standing close. Sometimes it can also be spread when the virus is on an infected person’s hands or something they have touched. There are steps you can take to protect yourself and your family. Get Vaccinated Get your flu shot. Like colds, flu is contagious and is caused by a virus. Unlike colds, you can get a shot to help protect yourself and others from flu. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says most people who are six months or older should get a yearly flu shot . The flu can be spread before any symptoms appear. This is why others can give you the flu even before they know they have it. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for the shot to protect against flu virus infection. So get it as soon as possible. And it’s important to stay up to date on your COVID-19 vaccines and boosters . The CDC says the shots are a safe, effective way to protect yourself from COVID-19. The vaccine is recommended for most people who are six months old or older. Avoid Germs Taking a few common steps can help ward off illness. Remember to: Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. When you don’t have soap and water handy, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. When you cough, cover both your mouth and nose with a tissue or your shirt. Show kids how to bend their arm in front of their face and cough into the crook of their elbow. After you use a tissue, throw it in the trash. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands when you're out in public. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Stay home when you are sick. Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces that are touched a lot. That includes toys, door handles, faucets and TV remotes. Don’t share drinks or eating utensils when you're away from home. Each of these steps help reduce your risk of getting and spreading infectious diseases. But there’s no one way to prevent disease. That’s why it’s important to have many good habits for reducing your risk, says the Cleveland Clinic . It’s especially important for people at higher risk of infectious disease. They include: Those with compromised immune systems, like those receiving cancer treatments, living with HIV or taking certain medicines Young children Women who are pregnant Adults over 60 People who are not vaccinated against common infectious diseases Health care workers Getting sick isn’t fun for anyone, and it can be dangerous. But you can lower your risk significantly by actively protecting yourself and your family. Not Sure What You Have? If you have sniffles, sneezes, coughing or sore throat, it can be hard to tell if your symptoms are from allergies, a cold, flu or COVID-19. Get tips on how to tell the difference . Sources: Infectious Diseases , Cleveland Clinic, 2025; Similarities and Differences between Flu and COVID-19 , Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2024; About Influenza , CDC, 2026; COVID-19 Vaccines , CDC, 2025; Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection (RSV) , CDCHealth and WellnessFluCOVID19Flu VaccineFlu PreventionGermshttps://connect.bcbsok.com/health-and-wellness/b/weblog/posts/memory-loss-when-to-seek-helpThu, 27 Aug 2026 14:51:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:7d2d388b-7789-4088-b707-52565c5d22f5BCBSOK Connect TeamYou forget a new friend’s name. Forget a haircut date. Forget where you left your car keys. It happens. And it probably isn’t a sign of a serious health issue. But some types of memory loss may be a wake-up call to find out what’s going on with your health. Most adults have some form of memory loss as they age. Forgetfulness and brain fog are changes to discuss with your doctor. What’s Behind Your Memory Problem? Many things can cause memory problems that mimic dementia, but aren’t dementia and can be treated, says AARP . They include: Medication side effects or interactions Untreated infections, such as UTIs Sleep problems Dehydration Heart, lung, liver or kidney issues Hormone changes and thyroid problems Vitamin deficiencies Alcohol use disorders Some cancers Pain Stress/anxiety/depression Alzheimer’s and Dementia Normal aging changes are different than serious conditions like dementia or Alzheimer's disease. Dementia is a decline in thinking skills and memory. It can interfere with normal daily living. Some people with dementia may have trouble using language or recognizing people. There are different types of dementia. Alzheimer’s is just one form, but it makes up 60 to 80 percent of dementia cases. It’s caused by plaque in the brain. Vascular dementia, caused by brain damage from small strokes, is another type. Other forms of dementia can be caused by vitamin deficiencies and other health problems. Early-onset Alzheimer’s Most people develop Alzheimer’s in their later years — at age 65 or older. But some people can get it in their 30s, 40s or 50s. This is called early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. About 10 percent of Alzheimer’s cases are early-onset. It isn’t always clear what causes early-onset Alzheimer’s, but some cases are caused by genetic factors. In the remaining majority of cases, the cause is often a mix of genetics, environmental and lifestyle factors. For example, head injuries can contribute to Alzheimer’s. And there is a link between people with diabetes and memory loss. Symptoms and Diagnosis Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) can develop into Alzheimer’s. Some signs of MCI include: Unexplained loss of sense of smell Inability to complete familiar tasks Difficulty with problem solving and with following instructions Changes in personality or mood Some of the early signs of Alzheimer's include: Memory loss that disrupts your daily life Having trouble with simple math problems, paying bills or other familiar tasks at home or at work Getting lost in familiar areas Frequently losing items or putting them in odd places Confusion with time or place Trouble understanding images and spatial relations New problems with words when speaking or writing Poor judgment with decision making Withdrawal from work or social activities If you or those close to you have noticed these changes in you, talk to your doctor. Sometimes the people who know you best will see changes in your behavior first, says the Mayo Clinic . Talk to Your Doctor Whatever the cause of your memory issues, talk to your doctor. It may be something easily treatable. And if it is something more serious, it’s important to catch it early. Early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia can mean more treatment options are available. A checkup for memory issues covers several areas. Your doctor may: Take a complete medical history and ask about the use of prescription and over-the-counter drugs Ask you and your family questions about how you’re doing with everyday things like paying bills, shopping or driving Test your memory, problem-solving, language and counting skills Collect blood and urine and request other medical tests Order brain scans to rule out other possible causes Keep Your Brain Healthy at Any Age There are ways to keep your brain healthy and prevent or delay cognitive decline. And it’s never too soon to start. Learn the steps you can take to keep your brain healthy. Sources: Alzheimer’s and Dementia , Alzheimer’s Association; Alzheimer’s Disease , Mayo Clinic, 2026; When to seek help for memory loss , Mayo Clinic, 2022; 6 Medical Problems That Can Mimic Dementia — But Aren’t , AARP, 2025; Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer’s , Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2024; How Is Alzheimer’s Disease Diagnosed? , National Institute on Aging, 2022; Diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease , Mayo Clinic, 2026Health and WellnessDementiaAlzheimerMemory Losshttps://connect.bcbsok.com/health-and-wellness/b/weblog/posts/cold-flu-allergies-covidThu, 27 Aug 2026 14:44:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:a43b5aa9-cbd0-4591-954a-53f7df6cf040BCBSOK Connect TeamIf you have sniffles, sneezes, coughing or sore throat, it can be hard to tell if your symptoms are from allergies, a cold, the flu, COVID-19 or RSV. Until you know for sure what’s causing your symptoms, it’s always good to err on the side of safety and stay home and away from others. So how can you tell what you have? Stay Alert for COVID-19 The symptoms for COVID-19 and the flu are similar. You likely won't be able to tell the difference from symptoms alone. The signs of COVID-19 include fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. You may also have other symptoms that you can get when you have a cold or the flu, such as feeling tired, muscle or body aches, or headaches. If you suspect you have COVID-19, take a test to be sure. Learn about your options for testing . If you test positive, follow CDC guidelines for what to do when you get a respiratory virus. If your symptoms are mild, you may get better on your own. But it is still important that you don't go around others until you're well. If you have more serious symptoms, like a high fever or trouble breathing, call your doctor right away. The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months old and older should get an updated COVID-19 vaccine . RSV RSV is a common respiratory virus that infects the lungs, but it can also affect the nose and throat. The CDC says RSV spreads in the fall and winter along with other respiratory viruses, like flu and COVID-19. It usually peaks in December and January. RSV usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. But it can be more serious for infants and older adults. For them, it can be dangerous and may require a hospital stay. The CDC recommends vaccinations for infants, some young children and older adults. Colds and Allergies When you don’t feel well, you might wonder whether it’s a cold or allergies. They share some similar symptoms like coughing, sneezing, and runny or stuffy nose. So how can you tell the difference? How long your problems last is one of the big clues. Colds don’t often stick around more than two weeks. Allergy symptoms can linger much longer. Colds are caused when a virus gets into your body and makes you sick. Your immune system launches a defense against germs. Your body fighting off the cold is what causes symptoms like a stuffy nose or cough. Unlike allergies, colds can also make your body ache. Allergies are caused by an overactive immune system. Your body overreacts to harmless things like pollen or dust and works to protect you from them. That can cause coughing, sneezing and stuffy nose, like colds. Unlike colds, allergies often cause watery, itchy eyes. Also keep in mind that colds are contagious, while allergies are not. WebMD offers a full list of similarities and differences. Flu While flu shares some symptoms with colds or allergies, it is more severe and causes more serious symptoms. It also tends to come on much quicker and more severely. The American Lung Association says to watch for these signs of flu: Sudden, high fever Headache, muscle and joint aches and pain Dry cough Sore throat Chills Nasal congestion Runny nose Fatigue Stomach symptoms like nausea, vomiting or diarrhea (more common in children) Get Your Flu Shot Like colds, flu is contagious and is caused by a virus. Unlike colds, you can get a vaccination to help protect yourself and others from flu. The CDC says most people who are six months or older should get a yearly flu shot. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for the shot to protect against flu virus infection. So don’t wait until peak flu season to get your shot. G et it as soon as it is available. Your health plan may cover a flu shot at no cost* to you when you go to your primary care doctor or use an in-network provider. Avoid Germs To stay healthy, protect yourself from germs of all kinds: Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use hand sanitizer often throughout the day. Try not to touch surfaces used by a lot of people, like door handles, light switches, phones, keyboards and flat surfaces. Disinfect those surfaces around your home or office often. Keep your hands away from your eyes, nose, and mouth, especially when you’re away from home. When you’re out in public, try to stay 6 to 10 feet away from other people. Nose Relief How can you help your poor nose when you’re sick? Consider these simple steps for runny nose woes from the Cleveland Clinic : Drink lots of fluids, especially water. Use an OTC saline nasal spray. Only use decongestant nasal sprays for a few days (read the label). Try a cool-mist humidifier in your bedroom. Drink hot tea. Try facial steam or a hot shower. Use a Neti pot (with distilled water). *Preventive services at no cost applies only to members enrolled in non-grandfathered health plans. You may have to pay all or part of the cost of preventive care if your health plan is grandfathered. To find out if your plan is grandfathered or non-grandfathered, call the customer service number on your member ID card. Sources: Symptoms of COVID-19 , Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2025; Who Needs a Flu Vaccine , CDC, 2025; Is it a Common Cold or Allergies , WebMD, 2025; Flu Symptoms and Risk Factors , American Lung Association, 2026; Rhinorrhea (Runny Nose) , Cleveland Clinic, 2023; About RSV , CDC, 2025; Preventing Spread of Respiratory Viruses When You're Sick , CDC, 2025; Testing for COVID-19 , CDC, 2025; COVID-19 Vaccines , CDC, 2025Health and WellnessFluAllergiesCOVID19Is It the FluGermshttps://connect.bcbsok.com/health-and-wellness/b/weblog/posts/early-detection-breast-cancerThu, 27 Aug 2026 13:40:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:00dd8edc-0ed1-4268-ab21-9b3820d6f8d8BCBSOK Connect TeamFinding breast cancer early is the best way to prevent deaths from breast cancer. Getting regular screening tests is the best way to find breast cancer early. About 1 in 8 American women will get breast cancer at some point in their lives. Each year more than 300,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer are diagnosed in the U.S. Breast cancer death rates for women are higher than any cancer besides lung cancer. Get Screened More than 42,000 women in the U.S. die each year from breast cancer. Don’t take any chances. Talk to your health care provider about breast cancer, your risk factors and your family medical history.  Recommendation s for women at average breast cancer risk: If you are between the ages of 40 and 74, get a mammogram at least every two years. Screening mammograms are covered at no cost* when performed by a provider in your health plan’s network. Other types of breast cancer screening tests may also be covered at no cost, depending on your plan. If you have questions about your benefits or costs, call the customer service number on your member ID card. Your health care provider may do additional tests if you have family members with a history of breast, ovarian, tubal or peritoneal cancer. These additional tests can show if this family history will put you at higher risk for breast cancer. You may have out-of-pocket costs for non-screening tests. Talk to your doctor about what screening plan is best for you. Visit our breast cancer section for more information about breast cancer prevention and treatment, living with breast cancer, and helpful tips. *Preventive services at no cost applies only to members enrolled in non-grandfathered health plans. You may have to pay all or part of the cost of preventive care if your health plan is grandfathered. To find out if your plan is grandfathered or non-grandfathered, call the customer service number on your member ID card. Sources: Breast Cancer , National Cancer Institute; Early Detection and Diagnosis of Breast Cancer , American Cancer Society, 2026; Breast Cancer: Screening , U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, 2024; Breast Cancer Basics , Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2026; Cancer Stat Facts: Female Breast Cancer , National Cancer Institute, 2025; Key Statistics for Breast Cancer , American Cancer Society, 2026Health and WellnessPreventive Care ServicesWomen’s HealthCancerBreast CancerBreast Cancer Preventionhttps://connect.bcbsok.com/health-and-wellness/b/weblog/posts/stretchThu, 27 Aug 2026 10:17:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:68f1c945-7673-43c0-8dc2-497b2c341e22BCBSOK Connect TeamAches and pains happen. You sit too much and your back hurts. You get up and down a lot and your knees hurt. Or your neck or hips ache regularly. These aches and pains in your joints or back are common. A joint is the connection between two bones. It lets you move. But it can also be a pain point. There are things that can help you take care of your back and joints to help prevent pain: Watch your weight and eat healthy foods. Keep stretching and exercising, and always wear protective gear as needed. Build your muscles for better joint support. Don’t do too much. Perfect your posture. Back and joint pain can stem from many different causes. Some pain might come from simply not moving enough, or from moving in the wrong way. Other pain comes from arthritis, injuries and other conditions that can cause serious joint damage at any age. If the damage is bad enough, the pain can interfere with your daily activities. If you’re experiencing joint or back pain that’s new to you, talk to your doctor. They can help you decide what you can safely do to help your problem. For many people, stretching or exercise are good options. But you need to do it the right way. Stretch It Out Wherever your pain is coming from, there is one thing that helps most people: Stretching. Simple stretches done correctly can help ease joint and back pain and stiffness, while boosting flexibility and balance. That can help you move better. It can also ease muscle tension and improve your posture. “Stretching keeps the muscles flexible, strong and healthy. We need that flexibility to maintain a range of motion in the joints. Otherwise, muscles shorten and become tight. That can make the muscles weak, which puts you at risk for joint pain, strains and muscle damage,” says Harvard Health . Stretching is also helpful, especially for people with arthritis, because it lubricates your joints. And it helps you maintain the full movement of your joints. Stretching also helps your body before and after exercise. Because it increases your flexibility and improves your ability to move easily, it can help reduce the risk of injury. Tips for Stretching How often should you stretch? A few stretches every day is best. Aim for at least three stretches four times a week. Not sure where to start? Harvard Health says you don’t need to stretch every muscle every time to benefit. Some areas provide more benefit than others for easing pain. Stretching your lower body — calves, thighs, hip flexors and lower back — can help your whole body. Shoulder and neck stretches are also good ways to ease tension, pain and stiffness. And of course, carefully stretch any other areas where you have pain or stiffness. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons offers these tips for stretching: Don’t forget to warm up your muscles before you stretch. Stretching cold can hurt your muscles. Start very slowly or try a few minutes of light aerobic exercise to get warmed up. Always start slowly and move gently. Then relax and hold your stretch — 10 to 30 seconds is good. Do not bounce. That can cause injuries. Remember, stretching should not hurt. If you feel pain, stop and relax. Talk to Your Doctor Before You Start If you have long-lasting pain or have had an injury, you might need to change the way you stretch or avoid stretching that area for a while. For example, if you already have a strained muscle, stretching it may cause further harm. Talk to your doctor about the best way for you to stretch. And your doctor can help you decide which activities are safe for you. And if you have back or joint pain that lingers, don’t ignore it. Talk to your doctor. Your doctor may suggest ways to safely ease the symptoms yourself at home. Or your doctor may recommend treatment like physical therapy. Sources: The importance of stretching , Harvard Health Publishing, 2024; Get in the Habit of Stretching , Arthritis Foundation; Warm Up, Cool Down and Be Flexible , American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons; Caring for Your Joints , WebMD, 2024; Muscle Pain , Cleveland Clinic, 2024Health and WellnessBack PainArthritisJoint and Bone Healthhttps://connect.bcbsok.com/health-and-wellness/b/weblog/posts/yearly-health-screeningsThu, 27 Aug 2026 08:12:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:c73ac0be-694b-4cba-b4d0-b61e20def362BCBSOK Connect TeamYour annual wellness visit and health screenings play an important role in catching small health problems before they become big ones. Add your annual exam and health screenings to your to-do list to make sure they get done. If you still need some of them before the end of the year, schedule a visit with your doctor now. Available appointments fill up as the end of the year approaches. Have You Had Your Annual Exam? An annual checkup includes a complete physical exam. It’s also time to talk with your doctor about your health history and any changes in health you’re noticing. You can ask about what screenings are right for you. You can also work with your doctor to set specific health goals. These yearly exams may include: Services, like vaccines, that improve your health by preventing diseases and other health problems. Screenings to check for things like heart disease, diabetes and cancer. Tests for blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Education and counseling about your lifestyle, like how you handle stress, your diet and your level of activity. What Health Screenings or Tests Do Adults Need? Health screenings help prevent illness and catch problems early when they’re easier to treat. Depending on your age and health history, some screenings you may need include: Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) test: The HbA1c blood test is used to diagnose diabetes or prediabetes. And for those who have diabetes, it shows how well your diabetes is being managed. If it shows you have prediabetes, you can make lifestyle changes to prevent diabetes. Blood pressure: You should have your blood pressure checked at every health care visit (at least once a year). High blood pressure increases your risk for serious health problems like diabetes, heart disease and stroke. Cholesterol: A high cholesterol level puts you at higher risk for heart disease and stroke . There are no symptoms, so a blood test is the only way to know your levels. Talk to your doctor about how often you should have your cholesterol checked. Colorectal cancer screening : Men and women age 45 to 75 should be screened for colon cancer . Talk to your doctor about what type of test is best for you and how often you should be screened. Mammogram : Finding and treating breast cancer early is the best way to improve the chances of recovery. Since breast cancer may have no symptoms in early stages, getting regular mammograms is the best way to find it early. Talk to your doctor about when you should start getting mammograms and how often you need one. Cervical cancer screening: Women age 21 to 65 should be regularly screened for cervical cancer. Screening, including a pelvic exam, a Pap test and an HPV test , can catch problems before they become cancer or find cancer early enough to treat it. How often this screening is needed depends on your age and other risk factors. Vaccinations: People of all ages need vaccines to stay healthy . Make sure you and your family are up to date on your vaccinations. Comprehensive eye exam : A comprehensive eye exam , including dilation , can find diseases like cataracts, glaucoma, or macular degeneration in their early stages. They can also check for early signs of other health issues like high cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes. Talk with your doctor about how often you need to have an eye exam. There may be additional screenings or tests that you need. Talk to your doctor about what health screenings you need and when you need them. What Do Kids Need? Kids of all ages need an annual wellness exam just like adults do. It is sometimes called a well-child visit. Regular exams help the doctor track your child’s growth and development. They can also catch problems early. It's also a chance to make sure your child is caught up on immunizations. During a well-child visit, your child’s doctor may check: Height and weight Blood pressure Heart and lungs Abdomen, glands and lymph nodes Ears Vision Spine alignment Older kids need checkups, too. Some diseases and conditions first show up after puberty. Scoliosis, diabetes, obesity and depression are just some of the health issues teens can have. So be sure they get their health screenings, too. Having an annual exam and recommended screenings are important steps toward better health at any age. If you haven’t had all of the screenings you need yet this year, schedule them today. Sources: Here's What Happens at a Yearly Check-Up , Cleveland Clinic, 2023; Understanding A1C: What It Measures and Why It Matters , American Diabetes Association; High Blood Pressure Facts , Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2026; Measuring Your Blood Pressure , CDC, 2026; Cholesterol , CDC; Screening for Colorectal Cancer , CDC, 2026; Early Detection and Diagnosis of Breast Cancer , American Cancer Society, 2026; Cervical Cancer , CDC, Vaccine-Preventable Adult Diseases , CDC, 2024; Comprehensive eye exams , American Optometric Association; Get a Dilated Eye Exam , National Eye Institute, 2025; 20 Surprising Health Problems an Eye Exam Can Catch , American Academy of Ophthalmology, 2025; AAP Schedule of Well-Child Care Visits , American Academy of Pediatrics, 2026; Recommended Child and Adolescent Immunization, Schedule for Ages 18 Years or Younger , American Academy of Pediatrics, 2026Health and WellnessScreeningsPreventive CareAnnual Examhttps://connect.bcbsok.com/health-and-wellness/b/weblog/posts/dont-be-sidelined-by-exercise-induced-asthmaFri, 07 Aug 2026 11:52:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:54392848-bebe-4d1d-99ed-fea9e4ddca52BCBSOK Connect TeamDavid Beckham is one of the best-known soccer players of all time. Roy Hibbert is a two-time NBA All-Star. Swimmer Amy Van Dyken is a six-time Olympic gold medalist. What do these athletes have in common? They all live with asthma. Beckham has been managing his asthma since he was a young boy. Hibbert wasn’t diagnosed until he was well into his NBA career. Van Dyken joined a swim team to live a more active life with asthma. With the help of a doctor, you can be active even though you’ve been diagnosed with asthma. Exercise can help you stay healthy and control your symptoms. What’s the link between asthma and exercise? Physical activity can bring on an asthma attack called exercise-induced asthma (EIA). Experts say 40 to 90 percent of people dealing with chronic asthma also go through EIA. Symptoms include chest tightness, shortness of breath, coughing and wheezing. These symptoms may happen within the first few minutes of exercise or right after stopping a workout. They can last for an hour or longer and may lead to an asthma attack. Are some exercises more likely to cause an attack? Some high-intensity activities are more likely to trigger EIA. Basketball, soccer, running and field hockey are a few examples. Activities in cold, dry air, such as cross-country skiing, snowboarding and ice-skating, can cause a bout of EIA, too. How should an athlete manage asthma? The Cleveland Clinic notes a proper warm-up can make a big difference in whether you run into breathing trouble during exercise. How can you reduce your risk? Exercise-induced asthma is a life-long health problem that you can manage. Your doctor may give you a pre-exercise medicine to help prevent symptoms. It’s also important to follow these tips: Warm up for several minutes by stretching and running in place. Check your asthma with your peak-flow meter before you exercise. Exercise indoors during cold weather or when air pollution and airborne allergens like pollen are at high levels. If you do exercise outdoors during these conditions, then breathe through your nose and cover your face with a mask. Use quick-acting medicine from your doctor if your asthma gets worse. Your doctor may also recommend a quick-acting medication before exercise as part of your Asthma Action Plan. Avoid working out when your symptoms aren’t under control, or when you have a cold or other infection. Engage in activities like leisure walking, biking or swimming that are less triggering. Cool down slowly after your workout. Don’t stop suddenly; wind down slowly for several minutes. Having asthma doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the fun or healthy benefits of an active lifestyle. Talk with your doctor about activities that are best for you and your asthma management. Sources: Asthma and Exercise , American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, 2026; Exercise-Induced Asthma , Cleveland Clinic, 2024; Breathing Easy: How to Safely Exercise Outdoors With Asthma , Cleveland Clinic, 2025Health and WellnessExerciseAsthmaAsthma Diet and HealthHealth Conditions and Preventionhttps://connect.bcbsok.com/health-and-wellness/b/weblog/posts/what-exactly-is-asthmaFri, 07 Aug 2026 08:30:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:d2e01111-f4a9-4e52-88ab-b237334161d0BCBSOK Connect TeamIn the United States, more than 28 million people have asthma. Nearly 5 million of them are children under the age of 18. Why are children so vulnerable? Asthma is a disease of the lungs that causes airways to swell and narrow. Since children have smaller airways than adults, it’s even harder for air to pass through them during an asthma attack. As a result, asthma is especially serious for children. When children are exposed to certain triggers, they can quickly develop a cough and trouble breathing. Triggers can include anything they can breathe in. Pollen floating in the air and cigarette smoke are two examples. Respiratory colds and infections can trigger asthma attacks, too. Symptoms can make it difficult — sometimes impossible — to play sports, focus at school or even sleep. Are Adult and Child Asthma the Same? Asthma is the same in adults and children. Due to their developing lungs and smaller airways, children can face more severe challenges with the disease. In fact, childhood asthma is a leading cause of emergency room visits, hospitalizations and missed school days . Parents often have to leave work to care for their child. As a chronic disease, childhood asthma can't be cured, but it can be managed. For many, asthma symptoms often continue into adulthood. How Do I Know What Asthma Triggers to Avoid? Children with asthma may experience wheezing, coughing, tightness in the chest, and trouble breathing. Many things can bring on an asthma attack, including: Weather - cold air, changes in climate Exercise - high-intensity movement Infections - flu, common cold Allergens - mold, pollen, dust, dander from animals Irritants - cigarette smoke, air pollution Emotions – strong crying or laughing How Is Asthma Treated? With the right treatment, you and your child can keep symptoms under control and prevent damage to growing lungs. Asthma is generally treated with two medicines: Daily meds for long-term control (‘controller’ medicines) to prevent symptoms Quick-relief meds to help with asthma attacks and flare-ups When your child has asthma, the condition is always there — even when things are going fine. Symptoms can flare up at any time. Medicine might not work as well as it once did in preventing an asthma attack. Your child may need to use a quick-relief medicine every day to stop asthma attacks. If this happens, talk with your child’s doctor. It could be a sign that your child’s asthma is getting worse. A change in medication may be needed to keep symptoms under control. Take other steps to help fend off asthma attacks. Avoiding asthma triggers. Monitor symptoms. Create and follow an Asthma Action Plan . Most kids with asthma can do all the fun things they want to do. Your child will feel better — and have more fun — when their asthma is controlled.& Sources: Asthma Facts, Figures and Stats , Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, 2026; Childhood Asthma , American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, 2026; Asthma in Children , MedlinePlus 2025; Back to School with Healthy Lungs , American Lung Association, 2026; Create an Asthma Action Plan , American Lung Association, 2026Health and WellnessLung HealthUnderstanding AsthmaChildren’s HealthAsthmaHealth Conditions and Preventionhttps://connect.bcbsok.com/health-and-wellness/b/weblog/posts/what-to-do-with-a-breast-cancer-diagnosisThu, 06 Aug 2026 15:14:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:74284de0-86eb-4e8c-b462-31844d6e0a04BCBSOK Connect TeamAbout one in eight American women will develop breast cancer during her lifetime. What happens when you or a loved one is among them? Breast cancer treatment is a journey. At times, it may seem overwhelming. Take comfort knowing we're here for you. Here are some guideposts and resources to help you along the way. Share News About Your Diagnosis Learning you have cancer can be an emotional rollercoaster. Although “cancer” is easy to pronounce, it can be the hardest word to say when you’ve just been diagnosed. Remember, it’s healthy to talk about it with your friends and family. Sharing the news can help you cope. It can relieve feelings of isolation and frustration. When you're ready, tell your loved ones about your diagnosis. Use words that are comfortable for you. There’s no one right or wrong way to discuss your disease. Get help. Make a list of people you want to tell personally. Then ask a family member or trusted friend to talk with others. Plan ahead. Most people will have questions about your prognosis or next steps. Think about how much you want to share — it’s up to you. There may be topics you aren’t ready to talk about. Think about ways to change the subject if something you don’t want to talk about comes up. Be gentle, but honest when talking with children. They may sense something is wrong and should hear about your cancer from you. Stay calm and assure them they’ll be cared for. Take Good Care of Yourself Steps you take to nurture your physical, emotional and spiritual well-being are vital during this time. Here are some tips to help you cope better: Get enough rest, eat healthy foods and stay physically active. Stay involved with the activities and things you enjoy. Not all parts of your life need to be put on hold. Find quiet time for reflection and relaxation. Get help from your doctor if you feel anxious, hopeless or depressed for more than two weeks. Prepare for Treatment Making decisions about your treatment may seem overwhelming. There are many choices when it comes to cancer treatments, so decisions may not always be straightforward. Learn as much as you can about your cancer and the treatment options available to you. When you’re actively involved in the decision-making, it will help you better understand your treatment. Understanding can help you feel more in control and less worried about the road ahead. We’re Here to Help Along with understanding your diagnosis, knowing what to do next isn’t always clear. As a member, feel free to reach out to us here at Blue Cross and Blue Shield. You can log in to your account online and speak to one of our Customer advocates through Secure Message or a live webchat. You can also call the customer service number on your member ID card. To find out what resources and help are available to you, just tell the Customer Advocate you’ve learned you have breast cancer. Ask to talk with a care manager. We have a team of registered nurses and social workers ready to help you through your treatment and recovery journey. Together, they’ll make sure you get the best possible care. These care managers can be a lifeline to support services. They will: Explain your treatment options Provide referrals to doctors if you need a second opinion Help plan your treatment and recovery Offer resources to assist you and your family with childcare, transportation and finding affordable medicine Listen and help you cope with feelings and emotions Find resources for a wig Connect you with a dietitian to address your new nutrition needs Case managers also work with our teams of doctors and pharmacists to review your treatments and medicines. These reviews help prevent harmful interactions with any of the drugs you take. They let you know about any foods you need to avoid while taking certain medicines. Case managers also work behind the scenes to coordinate care among your doctors. Along with coordinating your medical care, a case manager helps you understand what’s ahead, provides answers to your medical questions, and guides you through the journey with compassion. Are you facing breast cancer? Sources: Cancer Diagnosis: 11 Tips for Coping , Mayo Clinic, 2026; Breast Cancer Facts & Stats , National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc., 2026Health and WellnessWomen’s HealthCancerBreast CancerLiving with Breast Cancerhttps://connect.bcbsok.com/health-and-wellness/b/weblog/posts/get-fit-quickFri, 31 Jul 2026 21:36:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:2b9f7835-f033-445c-ae61-dd9a7857cb70BCBSOK Connect TeamIf you’re looking to shake up your fitness routine, you have a lot of choices. If you want to raise your fitness level but don’t have a lot of time, a shorter, more efficient workout may be the answer. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says a dults should regularly get aerobic activity and muscle strengthening. Aim for 150 minutes of exercise a week. You can break up those 150 minutes however works best for you. What Works for You Start by looking at your current fitness level. If you’re not already active, talk to your doctor before launching into a new workout plan. Some ways to move more, like adding more walking steps to your day or devoting time to stretch, are safe for many people. But exercise plans are not one-size-fits-all. If you’re already active and shopping for something new, try micro-workouts. Shortened work out sessions can be very effective. And they’re a plus for those who don’t have a lot time to exercise. Interval Training One micro-workout is interval training. Aerobic interval training , sometimes called high-intensity interval training (HIIT), started with elite athletes. But you don’t have to be an athlete to do it. Interval training is alternating short bursts of intense activity with longer intervals of less intense activity. To start with, the higher intensity bursts should be about 30 seconds each, followed by regular intensity activity for about a minute or two. What types of activity you use for interval training depends on your fitness level and what you like to do. It’s a way to burn more calories in a shorter time. It can also keep you from getting bored. Another plus: no new equipment needed. The idea can be incorporated into things you’re already doing. Try adding a bit of jogging to your normal walk or stepping up your pace regularly during a walk. You can start adding intervals into your workout program a bit at a time, just one or two higher intensity intervals during each workout. As your fitness improves, you can challenge yourself with more intervals. Work up to about 30 minutes total for your interval training workout. Be sure to warm up for about five minutes before you start adding interval bursts, and cool down for five minutes. A total of 10 to 15 minutes of your workout should be done at the higher intensity. For the rest of the time, including the warmup and cooldown, activity should be done at a regular intensity level. In addition to fitting a better workout into a shorter period of time, interval training can break you out of an exercise slump by adding something new. If you have health issues or aren’t already exercising regularly, talk to your doctor before starting any kind of interval training. Other Fitness Options If you’re looking for more ideas to help change things up, try some of these. Online Training: Easy to do at home, online training can be done by yourself or with a group. It can include one-on-one training with a teacher. Wearables: Stay motivated and on track with a smart watch or fitness tracker. They can help you watch your heart rate and track your time spent being active, sedentary or sleeping. Body Weight Training: Weight training using your body weight is a back-to-basics plan that can be cheap because it uses little equipment. Organized Outdoor Activities: Group walks, bike rides, hikes — the sky’s the limit with outdoor activity. And working out as part of a group can help you stay motivated and have more fun. Strength Training with Free Weights: Training with free weights can be done solo or with a buddy or group at a gym, at home or even outside. It’s a good idea to get started with a trainer to show you proper form. Fitness Programs for Older Adults: More fitness programs are available for Baby Boomers and others eager to stay active. Sources: Adult Activity: An Overview , Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023; Interval training for heart health , Mayo Clinic, 2023; Interval training: A shorter, more enjoyable workout? , Harvard Medical School, 2024Health and WellnessWeight ManagementExerciseNutritionhttps://connect.bcbsok.com/health-and-wellness/b/weblog/posts/help-body-and-mindFri, 31 Jul 2026 14:31:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:5401225a-0ca5-4214-9941-0269e85615ccBCBSOK Connect TeamCan you get more exercise by doing what you already do, without spending extra money or time? Exercise without calling it that? Physical activity without the intimidation factor? Yes. Exercise doesn’t have to be hard, take a long time or cost a lot. And it’s worth the effort. Moving your body can help your physical and mental health. First Steps With the popularity of fitness trackers and apps, many people aim to get more steps each day. Parking farther from the store entrance when you go shopping. Getting up from your desk each hour for a lap around the office. Slapping on the wireless headsets and moving around when you’re on a work call. These are all great ways to move more. To get the most benefit, be sure to walk at a moderate pace or faster for at least part of the time. If you need to get more activity but haven't made it part of your routine yet, remember that some physical activity is better than none. Just trying to do more is a good start. Focus on moving more and sitting less throughout the day. People who sit less and do any amount of moderate to vigorous physical activity gain some health benefits, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services . Adults should aim for moderate aerobic movement for at least 150 minutes each week and strengthening activity twice a week. It’s best to spread your aerobic activity out over the week. Move at Home If you must do chores at home, you might as well be getting some physical benefits for your time and effort. And if you work at it, you can step up the pace and get a little more exercise than you normally would. Activities like vacuuming and scrubbing count as a workout if you raise your heart rate. And get the outdoor chores done and workout at the same time by: Mowing the lawn Weeding the garden Raking grass or leaves Other no-cost exercise you can do close to home includes joining the kids in a game of tag or kickball, taking a family hike or bike ride, or taking a dip in the pool. Finding a walking buddy or joining a walking club can help you stick with your plan to move more. If you like running, there are clubs for that. You can use public courts for basketball or tennis. For a small investment, you can buy some weights to build up your strength. Get an exercise DVD or app to start a fitness routine. Or get a fitness ball to work your core muscles. If you want to save more money, see if you can borrow equipment from a friend. Back to Basics You can tone your muscles with nothing more than your own body weight. Old-school exercises like lunges, squats, crunches and jumping jacks always work. Check out the online exercise library at the American Council on Exercise for exercise ideas and tips for doing things safely. If you do have a gym membership, you can still work out at home when you can’t get there. Try these 25 at-home exercises to keep from losing ground. Get Going Check with your doctor before you start a new fitness routine. But once you get the OK, what are you waiting for? Moving more can help your body and your mind. Remember, when it comes to movement, something is better than nothing. Try these tips to get started. Be prepared to move. Get your shoes and clothes ready. Find a friend to join you. An exercise buddy will keep you motivated. Set small goals. Need More Help? Move Your Way SM is a resource from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to promote physical activity. To help Americans get motivated and make exercise more fun, Move Your Way offers information, videos, an interactive tool and fact sheets for adults and kids. Need some inspiration? Check out these videos: Move Your Way: Tips for Getting Motivated Move Your Way: Tips for Busy Days Ready to get started? Use the interactive tool to build your activity plan. Sources: Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans , U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Move Your Way , DHHS; Exercising on a budget , National Institutes of Health, 2024; Depression and anxiety: Exercise eases symptoms , Mayo Clinic, 2023; Role of Physical Activity on Mental Health and Well-Being: A Review , National Library of Medicine, 2023Health and WellnessHealthy MindExerciseHealthy Livinghttps://connect.bcbsok.com/health-and-wellness/b/weblog/posts/women-cancer-preventionThu, 30 Jul 2026 22:31:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:7b2aeb37-2bc8-4cc4-86da-6eed385d5da2BCBSOK Connect TeamTaking care of yourself to cut your chances of getting cancer is a great health goal. But how exactly can you do that? Preventive care, including health screenings, is the place to start. The aim is to prevent cancer or find it at an earlier stage, when it is easier to treat. If you catch cancer early, it significantly improves your chances of survival. The cancers that most affect women are breast, colorectal, lung, cervical, endometrial, ovarian and skin. Breast Cancer Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the U.S., not counting skin cancer. It's also the second-leading cause of cancer death, after lung cancer. It can happen at any age, but the risk goes up as you get older. Things like family history can make the risk higher for some women. But every woman should know what they can do to help lower their risk, says the American Cancer Society . What to Do: Having routine screening tests is the best way to find breast cancer early. Talk to your health care provider about breast cancer , your risk factors and your family medical history.  The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that women between the ages of 40 and 74 and at average breast cancer risk get a mammogram at least every two years. Lung Cancer Lung cancer is the second most common type of cancer and the leading cause of cancer death in American women. What to Do: If you smoke now, or used to and are over 50, talk to your doctor about screening. Screening for lung cancer can help catch cancer earlier, but it isn’t recommended for everyone. It’s recommended for adults at high risk for getting the disease because of their smoking history and age. Find out more from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . To cut your risk: Skip all types of tobacco. Avoid secondhand smoke. Be aware of cancer-causing chemicals at work and home and avoid them or limit your exposure. Colorectal Cancer Colorectal cancer starts in the colon or the rectum. It usually starts with a polyp, a small growth. Some factors that raise your risk of colon cancer include not being active, eating a lot of processed foods and red meats, and being overweight. Smoking and alcohol use can also raise your risks. People with a personal or family history of colorectal cancer or polyps are also at higher risk. What to Do: Talk to your doctor about what type of screening is best for you. Like many other forms of cancer, colon cancer often has no symptoms in its early stage. But when it is caught early, there’s a 90 percent survival rate. Unfortunately, about 1 in 3 Americans who should get tested for colorectal cancer have never been screened. Cervical Cancer Cervical cancer starts in the cells lining the cervix, the lower end of the uterus. Routine screenings and HPV vaccines can prevent it. Human papillomavirus (HPV) causes almost all cervical cancers. It’s a common infection, but most people don't know they have it. Some types of HPV don't go away and can cause cancer. What to Do: Have routine screenings to find pre-cancers and abnormal cells before they become cancerous. And the American Cancer Society recommends that all children between ages 9 and 12 get the HPV vaccination. That’s when the vaccine works best. But the vaccine is still recommended for children and young adults up to age 26. Endometrial Cancer Endometrial cancer occurs in the inner lining of the uterus. The risk increases with age. The American Cancer Society says women should be especially alert to any signs at menopause. What to Do: Know the signs . For women with average risk and no symptoms, there are no recommended screening tests or exams to find endometrial cancer. So it’s important to report any unusual vaginal bleeding or pelvic pain to your doctor. Ovarian Cancer Other than age, the key risk factor for ovarian cancer is a family history of breast or ovarian cancer. Inherited gene changes like BRCA1 and BRCA2 also increase your risk. What to Do: Learn about the risk factors and symptoms of ovarian cancer . And talk to your doctor about any signs you notice. There are no recommended screening tests for women who are not at increased risk of ovarian cancer. If you have an increased risk because of family history, talk to your doctor about tests that might be right for you. Skin Cancer Radiation from the sun causes most skin cancers. It is the most common type of cancer in the U.S. Those with lighter skin are more likely to get skin cancer, but everyone is at risk. Fortunately, it’s easy to prevent and find early. What to Do: Protect your skin from UV exposure and look for changes. Keep track of how all of the moles and spots on your skin normally look. Report any changes to your doctor right away. And ask about having a skin exam done during your regular health checkups. Practice Prevention Thinking about cancer can be stressful. But you can take steps to stay well. Listen to your body. Be sure you have your preventive health care visits . And get your health screenings on time. Sources: Cancer Facts for Women , American Cancer Society, 2026; Screening for Lung Cancer , Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2026; Endometrial Cancer , Mayo Clinic, 2025; Signs and Symptoms of Endometrial Cancer , American Cancer Society, 2025; Breast Cancer: Screening , U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, 2024; Screening for Colorectal Cancer , CDC, 2026; Can Colorectal Polyps and Cancer Be Found Early? , American Cancer Society, 2024; Causes, Risk Factors, and Prevention of Ovarian Cancer , American Cancer Society, 2025Health and WellnessWomen’s HealthCancerPreventive CareCancer preventionhttps://connect.bcbsok.com/health-and-wellness/b/weblog/posts/benefits-of-strength-trainingThu, 30 Jul 2026 22:30:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:105e02c5-0c76-445f-b028-8092ac3f45a3BCBSOK Connect TeamNew research says strength training may help people live longer. While that likelihood requires more study, there is solid proof that building your muscles can help your body and overall health. We already know that muscle-strengthening effort is good for our health in more ways than just making us strong. It can help improve some health issues, like high blood pressure and blood sugar levels, and it can help lower our risk for other health problems. A large-scale study that pooled together and analyzed findings from several previous studies found that muscle-strengthening exercise may also lower our risk for death overall. The study looked at how exercise affects health, including the effects of different types and amounts of exercise. Overall, the study found that 30 to 60 minutes of muscle-strengthening activity each week cuts the risk of death from diseases like cardiovascular disease and cancer. The reason for this effect is not yet well understood, and more research is needed. But there is clear evidence that all physical activity boosts health and wellbeing, says the World Health Organization . It helps prevent and manage disease, decrease symptoms of depression and anxiety, and supports thinking and learning. Benefits of Building Muscles Doing muscle-building workouts, also called strength training, resistance training or weight training, brings many benefits. It makes muscles stronger, but it’s not just done to build big muscles. The goal is to maintain or improve your quality of life. Strength training: Helps keep your bones healthy. Boosts your body’s ability to process food. Increases your body’s resistance to diabetes and related diseases. As part of a broader fitness program, strength training may also help you: Manage your weight. Increased lean muscle mass can help you lose weight by raising your metabolism so you burn more calories. Better control chronic health problems. Strength training can lessen the symptoms of health issues like arthritis, back pain, obesity, heart disease, depression and diabetes. Sharpen your thinking skills. Some research suggests that routine strength training and aerobic exercise may help improve thinking and learning skills for older adults. Continuing to build strong muscles is especially important as we age. Body fat percentage will grow if you don't do anything to replace the lean muscle you lose over time. And that loss of lean muscle mass can also increase your risk for falls, says the National Institutes of Health . Strength training can help you keep and add to your muscle mass at any age. Getting Started It’s recommended that adults do strength training for all major muscle groups twice a week . What fits the bill? Weightlifting Push-ups, sit-ups and other exercises using your body weight for resistance Some types of yoga Resistance training like Pilates Starting strength training isn’t as easy as just adding exercise by walking farther each day. It’s vital to learn how to do it the right way. That might mean signing up for a few lessons with a personal trainer or taking a class for guidance. Some options for where to learn how to safely build muscle include gyms or a recreation, senior or community center. Finding a setting you find comfortable can help you stick with it. Once you know how to safely do strength training exercises, you can even work out at home. Talk to your doctor before starting any new training, especially if you haven’t lifted weights before. Listen to their advice. Start slow, but get started. Sources: Physical Activity Basics and Your Health , Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2025; Relationship Between Muscle-Strengthening Activity and Cause-Specific Mortality in a Large US Cohort , National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, 2020; Physical Activity , World Health Organization, 2024; Evidence mounts on the benefits of strength training , Harvard School of Public Health, 2022; Strength training: Get stronger, leaner, healthier , Mayo Clinic, 2026Health and WellnessWeight ManagementExerciseHealthy AgingHealthy Livinghttps://connect.bcbsok.com/health-and-wellness/b/weblog/posts/talk-about-suicideThu, 30 Jul 2026 18:29:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:1b6bf748-542b-4fb5-a8ee-bd97b9b1311cBCBSOK Connect TeamTalking about suicide can play an important role in helping prevent it. But it’s vital to know what to say. We can all help prevent suicide, says 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline . This national network of local crisis centers wants everyone to know that suicide is not inevitable for anyone. Many more people attempt suicide than die from it. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) says that supports the idea that many who try suicide want their pain to end, not their life. To help someone who is thinking about suicide, the key message has three parts: hope, healing and help . So how can you help? Recognizing Who’s at Risk Most people thinking about suicide give some sign of their intentions. Learning the warning signs is essential to recognizing people who may be at risk. Some of the major warning signs are: Talking about suicide or death Looking for ways to kill oneself Feelings of anger and despair Big shifts in mood, eating or sleep patterns Other risk factors include: Earlier suicide attempts or self-harm, such as cutting (but not everyone who self-harms is suicidal) History of suicide in family Substance misuse Mood problems like depression and bipolar disorder Facing bullying, trauma or abuse Long-term sickness or pain Loneliness Access to unsecured prescription medicines or guns Helping in Times of Crisis Speak Up Many people think that mentioning suicide to someone who may be at risk may be planting the idea of suicide. But that isn’t true. Openly expressing your concerns is an important way to help. It shows you care and want to understand. Don’t be afraid to ask, “Are you having thoughts of suicide?” If the answer is yes, stay with them. Text or call 988, the three-digit dialing code connecting people to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline . Care for veterans is also available at 988. Learn What to Say to Help To help someone who is struggling, learn ways you can talk to them openly and with empathy, says the National Child Traumatic Stress Network . Ask if they’d like to talk, and really listen without judging. Ask what would help them right then, without giving possible solutions. The key is to be there and then follow up, which often means helping them reach out to mental health care providers. Encourage them to keep visits with those doctors and to continue with medicines or other treatments. Friends and family can also take steps to make a safe place for someone who is at risk and learn how they might step in during a crisis , says the American Psychological Association. Long-Term Support Build Social Ties Being closely linked to family and community support may decrease someone’s suicidal thoughts and actions, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . Everyone can help support others. Build family resiliency by: Helping children learn coping and problem-solving skills Supporting programs that teach social skills Boosting ties to friends, family and community Working on communication skills to improve relationships Encourage Mental Health Care Getting mental health care saves lives. If you know someone who is struggling, encourage them to reach out to their doctor for care. You could even show support by helping them schedule and get to that visit. Talk About It Talking about suicide is also a step toward decreasing the stigma tied to it. Stigma leads to silence, which does not help those touched by the loss. It can leave people feeling alone when facing the tragedy. When someone dies by suicide, there is a chance to talk about suicide as a health issue that affects everyone , says NAMI. Take Action Remember, if you or a loved one is having thoughts of harming themselves now, get help right away . You can call or text 988 or visit 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline . Sources: Promote Hope, Healing and Help to Prevent Suicide , National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 2016; Suicide and PTSD , U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 2026; Suicide Data and Statistics , Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2026; Suicide and suicide prevention , American Psychological Association; Words to Use When Talking about Suicide , National Child Traumatic Stress Network, 2021; The Ripple Effect of Suicide , NAMI, 2018; 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline , U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA); Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors among Adults , SAMHSA, 2022; Talking to teens: Suicide prevention , American Psychological Association, 2024Health and WellnessUnderstanding Behavioral HealthMental HealthDepressionBehavioral Healthhttps://connect.bcbsok.com/health-and-wellness/b/weblog/posts/what-do-we-know-now-about-autismThu, 30 Jul 2026 15:27:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:89d7c385-9963-4fff-b058-f145e6cdfd4aBCBSOK Connect TeamParenting means helping your children grow, develop and navigate the world. It’s no different for parents of children with autism spectrum disorder. Yet they face a unique set of challenges. Taking action early can make a real difference in navigating those challenges. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that about 3 percent of 8-year-olds in the U.S. have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder . ASD is over three times more common among boys than girls. What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder? ASD is a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain. People with ASD may act, talk, socialize and learn in ways that are different from most other people. The abilities of people with ASD can vary a lot. For example, someone with ASD might have strong communication skills, while someone else might be nonverbal. One person might need help with everyday activities. Another might live, work and go to school with little to no support. Signs and Symptoms of ASD Trouble connecting with others is one of the hallmarks of ASD. This includes social interaction and communication. Even those who do speak often struggle to understand others and make themselves understood. Children with ASD may: Engage in repetitive behaviors or interests. Fail to make eye contact. Not respond to their names. Play with toys in unusual or repetitive ways. Be extra sensitive to loud noises, bright lights or strong smells. Have uncommon eating or sleeping habits. Although ASD appears to be tied to very early brain development, most signs and symptoms tend to appear between the ages of 2 and 3. Other symptoms can appear earlier. The CDC provides examples of communication and interaction traits related to ASD at different stages of a child’s early development. Importance of Early Screening, Diagnosis and Intervention Research shows that early diagnosis and intervention for children with ASD can make a big difference in their development. It can lead to major long-term positive effects on symptoms and skills later in life. Early interventions can occur at 2 or 3 years old, says the CDC. A young child's brain is still forming, meaning it is more "plastic" or changeable than at older ages. Because of this plasticity, treatments have a better chance of being effective in the longer term. Parents are often the first to notice their child showing unusual behaviors. You should monitor your child’s development and see if they are meeting important milestones in playing, learning, speaking, behaving and moving. Check the CDC's Developmental Milestones to see what signs may appear at specific ages. If you notice your child is not meeting milestones or have other concerns, talk with your pediatrician and ask about developmental screening. Developmental screening takes a closer look at how your child is developing. Your child will get a brief test, or you will fill out a questionnaire about your child. These are formal tools based on research. The screening can be done by a doctor or other health care professional, an early childhood educator, or in a school or community setting. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends screening every child for ASD during regular well-child visits at 18 and 24 months. If your pediatrician doesn’t screen your child, you can ask for screening. ASD and Mental Health Disorders When a child or adolescent shows signs of conditions such as anxiety, depression or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), it may alert a health care provider to screen for ASD. That’s because these conditions occur more often in people with ASD than in people without, says the CDC. ASD can also share similar symptoms or signs with mental and medical health conditions. It can be hard to distinguish between them. That’s why it is so important to have open communication with your child’s doctor if your child is having social, behavioral or learning challenges. That will help make sure your child gets the right screening and support. What Causes Autism Spectrum Disorder? There is no one cause of ASD. Several different factors have been identified that may make a person more likely to have ASD, including environmental, biological and genetic factors, says the CDC. There is still a lot to learn about specific causes, but current evidence suggests the following things may put a person at greater risk for ASD: Having a sibling with ASD Having certain genetic or chromosomal conditions, such as fragile X syndrome or tuberous sclerosis Experiencing complications at birth Being born to older parents While there have been concerns that some vaccines may contribute to autism, numerous studies around the globe have concluded that there is no relationship between the two. Treatment and Intervention Options for ASD Current treatments aim to lessen symptoms that can hinder daily functioning and quality of life. ASD affects each person differently, so each person has unique strengths, challenges and treatment needs. Treatments fall into the following categories , though some treatment plans involve more than one approach: Behavioral treatment uses tools based on the science of learning and behavior. It produces noticeable changes in skills and behavior. Developmental treatment includes physical, speech and occupational therapies. Educational approaches include school-based services, such as a 504 Plan, through a local school system when age-appropriate. Social-relational treatment focuses on improving social skills and building emotional bonds. Medicine may be helpful, especially in cases where a child also has a mental health diagnosis such as ADHD, anxiety and/or depression. Psychological approaches can help people with ASD deal with anxiety, depression and other mental health issues. This may include cognitive behavioral therapy. Finding Support and Resources for ASD Early intervention can make school and life easier for most kids with autism. Contact your child’s doctor to discuss the screening options available. You may also ask your doctor for a referral to a specialist who can do a more in-depth evaluation of your child. These specialists may include a developmental pediatrician, child neurologist, child psychologist or psychiatrist to guide your child’s treatment. There are also many resources available to parents. Free Evaluations You can request a free evaluation from your state’s public early childhood system . If your child is under 3 years old: Contact your local early intervention system. You can find the contact information for your state through the Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center (ECTA). Visit the ECTA website . If your child is 3 years old or older: Contact your local public school system. Even if your child is not yet enrolled in kindergarten, you can ask to have your child evaluated. If you’re not sure who to contact, call ECTA. Additional support resources for families may include: Autism Speaks Resource Guide Medicaid waiver programs State-specific resources, such as state departments for early intervention and developmental disabilities Other local resources such as Autism Resource Centers, Easter Seals and Special Olympics If you have a Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma health plan, you may also have resources available as part of your benefits. To find providers and check for additional resources, log in to your member account, go to Find Care , then select Behavioral Health. Then look for Additional Programs and select Autism Spectrum . Early diagnosis and intervention are key to helping your child reach full potential. If you think your child might be on the autism spectrum, work with your doctor, state and/or school and community to find the right resources. Sources: Autism Spectrum Disorder , Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Autism Spectrum Disorder , National Institutes of Health, 2024; Signs and Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder , CDC, 2024; CDC’s Developmental Milestones, CDC, 2026; Do vaccines cause autism? , Autism Speaks; Treatment and Intervention for Autism Spectrum Disorder , CDC, 2024; Early Intervention , CDC, 2026; Accessing Services for Autism Spectrum Disorder , CDC, 2025; Resource Guide , Autism Speaks; Data and Statistics on Autism Spectrum Disorder , CDC, 2025; Developmental Monitoring and Screening , CDC, 2026; About Fragile X Syndrome , CDC, 2026; Tuberous Sclerosis Complex , National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, 2026; Early intervention for Autism , National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, 2021Health and WellnessAutismChildren’s Health