https://connect.bcbsok.com/health-and-wellness/b/weblog/posts/a-hug-only-takes-10-seconds-but-the-benefits-last-foreverMon, 13 Apr 2026 11:54:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:b9064a52-36a3-46cb-b6af-ae454555c53bBCBSOK Connect TeamFun fact about hugs: They don’t just give you a warm, fuzzy sense of well-being — they can also be good for your health. It’s true. Hugging for just 10 seconds can boost feel-good hormones like oxytocin. Often called the “love hormone,” it fights stress chemicals and helps lower blood pressure. Looking for a good reason to hug someone? There are many. Hugs calm chaos. A good hug can help you feel calmer and less anxious, says Psychology Today . Are you stressed about work deadlines? Money woes? Family drama? Don’t carry that stress around. Hug it out. Hugs reduce inflammation. Inflammation is the body’s natural response to illness. It fights infection. Sometimes, it lasts when it isn’t needed. Chronic inflammation has even been linked to cancer, heart disease, diabetes and arthritis. Hugs protect your heart. Walking, eating a heart-healthy diet and cutting back on salt can all help your blood pressure levels stay in the healthy range. So can regular hugs. A good squeeze can even help lower your heart rate. Hugs boost your immune system. One study shows hugs shorten the common cold infection. Over a 14-day period, participants with colds each received a different number of hugs. People who got more hugs had less severe symptoms and shorter colds. Well-hugged babies lead to well-adjusted adults. Can’t stop hugging your baby? Don’t worry. Research shows that babies who receive a lot of physical affection have a better chance of thriving. Hugs also help them develop better coping mechanisms as they grow up. Touch in general soothes fears. A study on how touch can help alleviate fear , shows touching greatly lower fears. The study noted that even if our eyes perceive something to be afraid of like falling off a ledge, touch from someone else helps calm the fear. Be mindful before you hug. It’s important to note that not everyone enjoys being hugged or wants that level of touch. Other ways to show you care for a friend or family member is by holding their hand or lightly rubbing their back. Cleveland Clinic says a good rule to follow is to always ask the person, even a child, if they need a hug or are okay to receive one before doing it. Sources: Science Confirms Hugs Can Ease Pain, Anxiety, And Depression , Science Alert, 2024; 4 Significant Physical Benefits of Hugging , Psychology Today, 2022; Can Touch Help Us Overcome Fear? , Psychology Today, 2022; Foods That Fight Inflammation , Harvard Health Publishing, 2026; Benefits of Hugging for Mental Health , Cleveland Clinic, 2023Health and WellnessHealthy MindStress ReliefHeart Health TipsHelpful Tips about Heart DiseaseMental Healthhttps://connect.bcbsok.com/nutrition/w/recipe-book/336/yogurt-marinated-lambFri, 10 Apr 2026 19:45:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:7ccddebc-b0b3-4f8c-9974-a4d5efcd3d3aBCBSOK Connect TeamIngredients: Makes 12 servings 2 1/2 lbs. Lamb Leg, boneless 1 1/2 cup Greek Yogurt, plain 1 TBSP Garam Masala (Cumin, Coriander Seeds, Peppercorn, Cardamom, Cloves, Cinnamon, Nutmeg) 2 TBSP Ginger, fresh, minced 2 TBSP Garlic cloves, minced 1 tsp Turmeric 1 TBSP Chili Powder 1 TBSP Salt 1/2 tsp Nutmeg 1/2 tsp Cloves, ground 1/2 tsp Cardamon 6-8 Bay Leaves 1/4 tsp Black Pepper, ground Directions: Trim visible fat from lamb, cut into 1.5” pieces. Combine all ingredients into a large bowl, mix well. Add lamb, set in fridge and let marinate for 6-7 hours, or overnight. Remove lamb, discard excess marinade. Preheat the oven to 325°F. Place the marinated lamb in a covered baking dish or wrap it tightly in foil to help retain moisture. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the lamb is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Registered Dietitian Tip: Yogurt-marinated lamb is rich and flavorful, so pair it with a whole grain like farro or brown rice and plenty of colorful vegetables to add fiber and balance. Including a fresh or lightly pickled vegetable and herbs helps brighten the dish and support digestion. A yogurt-based sauce or drizzle of olive oil adds healthy fats while keeping the meal satisfying and well-rounded. Serving Size: Service size: 1/2 cup Nutritional Information: Per serving: 140 calories, 5 g fat, 2 g saturated fat, 480 mg sodium, 4 g carbohydrate, 0 g sugar, 1 g fiber, 20 g protein Recipe Source: Recipe provided by FLIK Hospitality GroupAsianEntreeGeneral Healthy - Health ConsciousDiabetes/prediabetes - Carb ConsciousRecipe Bookhttps://connect.bcbsok.com/nutrition/w/recipe-book/335/chickpea-vegetable-biryaniFri, 10 Apr 2026 19:40:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:9016ceab-e560-4e51-a4bc-48c5d85f5f86BCBSOK Connect TeamIngredients: Makes 8 servings 1 3/4 cup Chickpeas, dry (3 15 oz cans drained and rinsed) 4 TBSP Canola Oil 3/4 cup Onion, sliced 1 1/2 cup Red Bell Pepper, thinly sliced 1 cup Carrot, chopped 3 Garlic cloves, minced (3 tsp) 1 TBSP Ginger, fresh, minced 2 tsp Cumin, ground 2 tsp Coriander, ground 1 tsp Chili Powder 1 tsp Cinnamon, ground 1/2 tsp Cardamon 1/2 tsp Turmeric 1 tsp Salt 1 1/2 cup Basmati Rice 10 cups Vegetable Broth, low sodium 4 TBSP Cilantro, fresh, chopped 4 TBSP Mint, fresh, chopped Directions: Rinse the dry chickpeas under cold water. Skip 1-3 if using canned chickpeas. Place them in a large bowl and cover with several inches of water. Let soak overnight (8–12 hours). Drain. Cover chickpeas with 2” of fresh water then cook on stovetop until tender, roughly 1 hour. Heat canola oil in a separate large pot or Dutch oven, then add onions, bell peppers, and carrots. Cook until tender. Add garlic, ginger, cumin, coriander, chili powder, cinnamon, cardamon, turmeric, and salt. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Rinse Basmati rice in cold water until water runs clear. Stir in the rice and toast, until slightly golden. Add broth and cooked, drained chickpeas to rice mixture, cover pot and simmer until rice is cooked all the way through and chickpeas are fully tender. Garnish with cilantro and mint. Chefs Tip: You can use a pre-made Garam Masala mix in place of the cumin, coriander, chili powder, cinnamon, cardamom, and turmeric. If doing so, use 2 tsp and add after rice it’s toasted. Serving Size: Service size: 1 cup Nutritional Information: Per serving: 320 calories, 8 g fat, 1 g saturated fat, 470 mg sodium, 53 g carbohydrate, <1 g sugar, 6 g fiber, 9 g protein Recipe Source: Recipe provided by FLIK Hospitality GroupAsianEntreeHigh FiberVegetarianGeneral Healthy - Health ConsciousDiabetes/prediabetes - Carb ConsciousRecipe Bookhttps://connect.bcbsok.com/nutrition/w/recipe-book/334/indian-spice-chickpea-potato-soupFri, 10 Apr 2026 19:30:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:35db9d82-a31b-40d6-90d0-68261611008bBCBSOK Connect TeamIngredients: Makes 8 servings 1 1/2 cup Chickpeas, dry (2, 15 oz cans drained and rinsed) 1 tsp Canola Oil 1 cup Celery, chopped 1 1/4 cup Onion, diced 3 tsp Garlic, minced 1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper, ground 1/2 tsp Turmeric, ground 1/2 tsp Cumin, ground 5 cups Low Sodium Vegetable Soup Base 2 cups Potatoes, peeled, diced 1 TBSP Cilantro, fresh, chopped 1 tsp Salt 1/2 TBSP Lemon Juice Directions: Soak the chickpeas (skip step 1 & 2 if using canned chickpeas). Rinse the dry chickpeas under cold water. Place them in a large bowl and cover with several inches of water. Let soak overnight (8–12 hours). Drain and set aside. Heat canola oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add diced celery, onions, and garlic. Cook, stirring often, for 5–7 minutes or until softened and fragrant. Stir in cayenne, turmeric, and cumin and cook 1 minute more to toast the spices. Add 5 cups water, vegetable base, soaked chickpeas, and diced potatoes to the pot. Stir well and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to low, cover loosely, and simmer for 30–45 minutes, or until the chickpeas are tender and the potatoes are soft. Carefully scoop out about ⅓ of the soup and puree it in a blender or with an immersion blender until smooth. Return the blended portion to the pot and stir to combine. Stir in cilantro, salt, and lemon juice. Simmer a few minutes more before serving. Chefs Tip: If the soup becomes too thick after blending, thin with a little warm water until the desired texture is reached. Serving Size: One serving: 8 ounces Nutritional Information: Nutrition Info (per serving): 200 calories, 3 g fat, 0 g saturated fat, 380 mg sodium, 36 g carbs, 6 g fiber, 0 g sugar, 9 g protein Recipe Source: Recipe provided by FLIK Hospitality GroupAsianHigh FiberVegetarianGeneral Healthy - Health ConsciousDiabetes/prediabetes - Carb ConsciousSouphttps://connect.bcbsok.com/my-coverage-explained/b/weblog/posts/work-together-with-doctorFri, 10 Apr 2026 18:54:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:6f6c9627-5833-4715-af72-71bd2ea90e6bBCBSOK Connect TeamWhen you need medical care, do you have a doctor you can call? If not, find a doctor you can call your own. Don’t wait until you’re sick to become a patient. If you have an HMO*, you’ll need to find a primary care provider, or PCP, to be your “personal” doctor. A PCP most often focuses on general internal medicine, family medicine or obstetrics/gynecology (OB/GYN). Older adults can choose a geriatric doctor. Children can have a pediatrician. If you have a PPO** plan, you don’t need a PCP, but it’s a good idea to have a primary care provider who knows your health history and can coordinate your care. The Power of Teaming Up with Your Doctor Here are five ways having a PCP can benefit your health and well-being. Someone to quarterback your care : Having your own personal doctor means you’ll have someone in your corner making sure you get the care you need. They’ll know your health history, any health conditions you have and what medicines you take. More focus on staying healthy: Your doctor will provide your routine medical care such as annual exams and treatment for colds and the flu. They will also make sure you get vaccinations and screenings and talk with you about how your lifestyle might impact your health. That way you can focus on staying healthy, instead of seeking help only when you are already sick or hurt. A trusted guide to your follow-up care: Your doctor can guide you to the best place to go when you need more care. If you need to be seen by a specialist, they can coordinate the care, especially if you need to be seen by more than one. This keeps your care on track and can help you avoid unneeded visits. Detect and treat illness earlier: Early diagnosis and treatment can keep many common health problems from getting worse. Having your doctor manage your care means problems can be caught early before they become serious or lead to other major illnesses. For example, catching high blood pressure early and getting it under control could prevent you from having a stroke later. Manage your conditions and care better: If you have a chronic health issue such as asthma, diabetes or a heart problem, your doctor can make sure you have access to specialized care to help keep your condition from getting worse. Personal Care. Simplified. To make the most of your relationship with your PCP and get the most out of your health plan, follow this advice: Schedule that first visit now: If you’re choosing a new doctor as your PCP, schedule your first visit as soon as possible. The sooner you create a relationship with your doctor, the sooner you’ll have someone in your corner overseeing your care. And going to your new patient appointment right away will help avoid delays in getting an appointment when you’re sick or need a referral. To each, their own PCP: Each person on your plan can pick their own PCP. Your PCP’s name and contact information will be listed on your member ID card. If you decide later your PCP isn’t right for you, you can choose a different one. See your PCP first: It’s best to call or go to your PCP first when you need care unless it’s an emergency. Your PCP will be able to make informed choices and direct you where you need to go for further treatment. That may mean going in to see your PCP or a specialist, going to an urgent care center, or heading to an emergency room. If you need to be seen by a specialist such as a cardiologist, make sure to start with your PCP. It’s important to get your care from providers in your network. This will help ensure you have fewer out-of-pocket expenses. Depending on your type of plan, if you get care from a provider who is not in your plan’s network, you may have to pay the full cost of your care. To make sure a provider or facility is in your plan’s network, log in to your account and go to Find Care . You can search for the provider and location that is right for you. Depending on your plan, you may also be able to estimate the out-of-pocket costs for your tests or treatments. *HMO is the commonly recognized term that refers to a Health Maintenance Organization. **PPO is the commonly recognized term for a Participating Provider Organization.Doctor Patient RelationshipFind a DoctorBenefits and CoveragePrimary Care Providerhttps://connect.bcbsok.com/espanol/b/tucobertura/posts/ocho-aspectos-deduciblesFri, 10 Apr 2026 14:14:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:d924c1d6-a0ef-4dcb-af9a-ab68de9386c3EquipoConnectLas coberturas médicas pueden parecer complicadas. Es útil saber qué preguntar y dónde encontrar la información que necesitas. Por ejemplo, piensa en los deducibles. Son importantes para tu bolsillo, pero ¿sabes cómo funcionan? Para comenzar, te presentamos a continuación las respuestas para algunas preguntas comunes de nuestros asegurados. P: ¿Qué es un deducible? R: Un deducible es la cantidad que pagas cada año por los servicios médicos antes de que la aseguradora comience a pagarlos. Por ejemplo, si tienes un deducible de $1,500, debes pagar los primeros $1,500 de cubierta los servicios que necesitas. Dependiendo de tu plan, es posible que también necesites cumplir con este deducible dentro de la red antes de pagar por los medicamentos recetados cubiertos. Esto significa que tu pagarás el costo total de la receta por adelantado hasta que se alcance el deducible. Luego pagarás el monto de tu copago o coaseguro hasta que alcances tu máximo anual de desembolso personal. Pero algunos planes no tienen un deducible. Y algunos tipos de medicamentos pueden estar disponibles a un costo más bajo (tan poco como $0), incluso si el deducible no se ha alcanzado primero.. P: ¿Qué sucede después de cumplir con el deducible? R: Una vez que hayas cumplido con el deducible, por lo general, solo pagas un copago o coaseguro por los servicios con cobertura. Se conoce como “coaseguro” cuando la aseguradora paga un porcentaje alto del costo de la atención médica y tú pagas el resto. Por ejemplo, si tu coaseguro es de 80/20, solo pagarás el 20 por ciento del monto permitido cuando acudes a un prestador de servicios médicos de la red. Tu cobertura médica paga el 80 por ciento restante de ese monto P: Has dicho que un deducible es la cantidad que pagas cada año. ¿El deducible empieza desde cero cada año? R: Sí. Como el deducible reinicia cada año, es recomendable estar pendientes de las cifras. Si has cumplido con el deducible para el año o estás próximo a cumplirlo, sería una buena idea hacerte otras pruebas o procedimientos antes de que el año de la cobertura termine para que los gastos de bolsillo sean más bajos. P: ¿Cuál es la diferencia entre el deducible de un seguro médico y otros tipos de deducibles? R: A diferencia de los seguros para automóviles, inquilinos o de propiedad donde no recibes servicios hasta pagar el deducible, muchas coberturas médicas cubren el costo de algunos servicios con cobertura antes de cumplir con el deducible. Por ejemplo, tu cobertura podría cubrir el costo de las pruebas anuales y la mayoría de las pruebas preventivas antes de cumplir con el deducible. P: La información de mi cobertura indica que también tengo un deducible familiar. ¿Qué significa esto? R: Si tu familia está incluida en la cobertura, probablemente habrá un deducible para cada persona y un deducible familiar por separado. Tan pronto se cumpla con el deducible familiar, la aseguradora comienza a pagar la cantidad de coaseguro para la atención médica de todos. Ese es el caso, incluso, si algunos miembros de la familia no han cumplido con el deducible individual. A continuación, presentamos un buen ejemplo de cómo funciona esto: Tu familia sufre un accidente automovilístico. Todos tienen que ser atendidos en el hospital para detectar lesiones. Si cada persona tuviera que cumplir con un deducible individual, tendrías que pagar todo el deducible antes de que el coaseguro comience a pagar. Con un deducible familiar, una vez que cumplas con el mismo, no se requiere ningún otro deducible individual. Después de cumplir con el deducible familiar, solo pagarás el copago o la cantidad de coaseguro por los servicios para cada derechohabiente. Algunas coberturas, como una cobertura médica con un deducible alto que incluye una Cuenta de gastos médicos (HSA, en inglés), pueden tener solo un deducible familiar. Si no estás seguro, consulta la información de la cobertura. P: ¿Todos los servicios médicos son aplicables a mi deducible hasta que se cumpla? R: No siempre. Algunas coberturas incluyen los servicios preventivos, por lo que no pagas nada al momento de recibirlos. Debido a que no tienes un cargo en gasto de bolsillo, estos servicios no serán contados para cumplir con el deducible. Si recibes atención que no esté incluida en tu cobertura médica, por lo general, no se contará para cumplir con el deducible. Esto podría incluir procedimientos cosméticos o consultas a prestadores de servicios médicos que no participen en la red de tu cobertura. P: ¿Cuáles son las ventajas y desventajas de un deducible alto o bajo? R: En la mayoría de los casos, mientras más alto sea el deducible de una cobertura, más baja será la prima mensual. Si estás dispuesto a pagar más cuando necesites atención médica, puedes elegir un deducible más alto para reducir la cantidad que pagas cada mes. Mientras más bajo sea el deducible de una cobertura, más alta será la prima. Pagarás más cada mes, pero la cobertura empezará a compartir los gastos antes porque cumplirás con el deducible más rápido. Algunas personas que, por lo general, no necesitan atención médica puede que prefieran tener una prima más baja y pagar el resto al recibir atención. Pero esto puede significar la posibilidad de tener que pagar una factura médica considerable si tienes una enfermedad o lesión inesperada. Otras personas prefieren la seguridad de que cuando necesiten de su seguro médico, no tendrán que pagar sumas considerables de dinero antes de que la aseguradora comience a ayudar con el costo. Estas personas prefieren tener una prima más alta, pero un deducible más bajo. Esto hace que los costos sean más predecibles. P: Si tengo que pagar mucho dinero de mi bolsillo antes de que la aseguradora comience a pagar, ¿por qué debería contar con una cobertura médica?, R : La cobertura médica puede reducir tus costos, incluso cuando debes pagar de tu bolsillo para cumplir con el deducible. Las compañías de seguros negocian sus tarifas con los prestadores de servicios médicos; por lo tanto, pagarás esa tarifa con descuento cuando acudas a prestadores de servicios médicos de la red. Sin ese descuento, las personas por lo general pagan el doble o mucho más por recibir atención médica. Para obtener detalles sobre el deducible, inicia sesión en cuenta de asegurado en línea . Para ver el monto del deducible, busca la opción Cobertura y beneficios (Coverage and Benefits) en la sección de Cobertura (Coverage). Puedes ver la cantidad del deducible que has cumplido hasta la fecha en la sección de Gastos (Spending). Para obtener más información sobre los términos de los seguros médicos , consulta nuestro glosario en línea. Tu cobertura médica podría incluir muchos servicios sin costo adicional Tu cobertura médica incluye muchos servicios de prevención, como las vacunas para niños y adultos y los exámenes anuales de bienestar, que podrás obtener sin costo cuando acudes a un prestador de servicios médicos que participa en la red.* También están incluidas, sin costo adicional, pruebas como la del Papanicolau y las mamografías, entre otras. Obtenga más información sobre los servicios de prevención incluidos en tu cobertura . * Los servicios preventivos sin costo son aplicables únicamente a los asegurados con coberturas médicas sin derechos adquiridos. Es posible que tengas que pagar el costo total o parcial de la atención médica preventiva si tu cobertura médica tiene derechos adquiridos. Comunícate con Servicio al Cliente al número en tu tarjeta de asegurado para confirmar si tienes o no una cobertura médica con derechos adquiridos.Los deduciblesEspañolPrevenciónTu Coberturahttps://connect.bcbsok.com/my-coverage-explained/b/weblog/posts/breast-pumpsThu, 09 Apr 2026 18:21:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:c7d73959-a941-4fef-b354-194b9de344e7BCBSOK Connect TeamNourishing your newborn baby is an important part of your role as a parent. Breastfeeding is a popular option for many parents — and for good reasons. Breast milk provides ideal nutrition that supports a baby’s growth and development. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports it lowers an infant’s risk for ear infections, asthma, Type 1 diabetes, obesity and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Anytime, Anywhere Convenience Along with important health benefits, breastfeeding does away with the need to mix formula or prepare bottles. It makes on-the-go feeding easy. Also, when traveling it can give comfort to babies when their normal routine has been disrupted. Breast pumps play a vital role in this flexibility. Pumping and storing breast milk allows both parents and others to share in feeding duties and increases your supply of breast milk. When you need to be away from your baby, there is a supply of milk ready to go. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma covers a variety of breast pumps for members whose health care plan includes this benefit. If you have a Flexible Spending Account, you can use your FSA dollars toward any out-of-pocket costs for a breast pump. Which Breast Pump Is Right for You? Every pump is designed with a shield that covers the breast and a container that collects milk. There are some basic variations, though. Before choosing, you’ll want to do a little research to learn about your options. Manual breast pumps don’t require batteries or electricity. Instead, the pump is worked by hand so it can be used anywhere. A manual pump is best for parents who don’t need to pump a lot of milk at one time. Electric pumps have a motor that uses electricity or batteries. They come in single- and double-pump models. Single-pump models collect milk from one breast at a time. Double-pump models can collect milk from both breasts at the same time. Many parents who attend school or work away from home choose double pumps because they work faster and are more convenient. Hospital (or Medical)-grade breast pumps have a more powerful motor for better suction. They are typically used in a hospital setting. The purchase cost of these pumps isn’t usually covered by a health plan. However, they can be rented by the month for home use. Hospital-grade breast pumps are usually only recommended for: Moms who have trouble establishing their milk supply Parents with premature babies, babies with health issues that may impact feeding, or those infants in the NICU Parents of multiple babies Things to Keep in Mind You may not know how often you’ll need to pump until your baby arrives. Your third trimester is a good time to consider ordering your breast pump to ensure you have it before the delivery of your baby. If you’re not sure what kind of pump is best for you, talk with a trained breastfeeding counselor. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office on Women’s Health also offers helpful information about breastfeeding , including Your Guide to Breastfeeding , which you can download to refer to when you have questions. We’re Here to Support Parents BCBSOK benefits help support families as they prepare for their new baby . We offer breastfeeding support, counseling and supplies through our maternity benefits. You’ll find a lot is covered by your health insurance plan when you use an in-network provider — even manual and electric breast pumps . Let Us Help You Find a Breast Pump To get started on getting a breast pump, call the number on your member ID card or send a secure message through your member account online . Our Customer Advocates can tell you: If your plan covers a breast pump. If it does, ask if both electric and hospital-grade models are covered. Some plans cover both an electric pump and the rental of a hospital-grade pump up to a certain dollar amount. Other plans may only cover one type of pump. Be sure to ask if there will be an out-of-pocket cost and what that cost may be. Full coverage may only apply to certain models of breast pumps. If your health plan requires a prescription for a breast pump. Which in-network providers or durable medical equipment (DME) suppliers in your network and state offer breast pumps and how to contact them. Depending on your health plan, your benefits may include Women and Family Health. The program offers access to a nurse case manager who can help you find breast pumps and connect you with other breast-feeding resources. Sources: Breastfeeding Benefits Both Baby and Mom , Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2025; How to Use a Breast Pump , WebMD, 2025; What to Know When Buying or Using a Breast Pump , U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2023; Breastfeeding , American Academy of Pediatrics, 2024Women’s HealthInfant CareBenefits and CoveragePregnancyhttps://connect.bcbsok.com/espanol/b/tusalud/posts/aprende-sobre-los-diferentes-niveles-de-cuidadoWed, 08 Apr 2026 14:31:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:4ea501b7-d719-4537-8513-a661a059c681EquipoConnect¿Sabría qué hacer si un amigo o un familiar necesita ayuda con un problema de salud mental o de consumo de sustancias? ¿Qué tipo de ayuda necesitaría? ¿Quién podría ayudarle? No saber qué hacer puede ser atemorizante y confuso. Pero existen varias cosas que puede hacer para brindarle apoyo a su ser querido. ¿Por dónde comenzar? Primero, tome medidas para entender las señales que observa. Hágase las siguientes preguntas: ¿Está pensando en hacerse daño a sí mismo o a alguien más? ¿Puede mantenerse seguro? ¿Tiene dificultades en el trabajo o en la escuela? ¿Se siente menos conectado con la familia y los amigos? Próximos pasos Si ha notado que su ser querido necesita ayuda, infórmese sobre los niveles de atención médica para tratar problemas de salud mental o de consumo de sustancias. Los niveles de atención médica son los tipos de atención médica que se ofrecen en función de los síntomas del paciente. Por lo general, un prestador de servicios médicos recomienda un nivel particular de atención médica según las necesidades específicas de la persona. La atención en un hospital para pacientes internados con enfermedades agudas se les recomienda a pacientes con las siguientes señales: tienen pensamientos de hacerse daño a sí mismos o a alguien más; tienen problemas con el consumo de drogas o alcohol y/o dificultad para dejar de consumirlos por su cuenta; no pueden funcionar debido a un trastorno preexistente de salud mental o de consumo de sustancias; necesitan ayuda urgente. Los hospitales cuentan con niveles de atención médica intensivos y restringidos, brindan atención de tratamiento las 24 horas del día y ofrecen manejo de medicamentos, psicoterapia (terapia de conversación) y manejo de la abstinencia. ¿Qué se puede hacer si el paciente no está experimentando una crisis, pero necesita supervisión y estructura las 24 horas del día? En este caso, pueden recibir atención médica en un Centro residencial de tratamientos (RTC, en inglés). Los centros residenciales de tratamiento ofrecen tratamientos para la salud mental y el consumo de sustancias en un entorno residencial. Estos centros cuentan con asistencia de enfermeros y médicos de guardia las 24 horas del día. También ayudan a personas con problemas mentales graves o crónicos y con problemas de alcoholismo o de consumo de sustancias. Cuentan con un alto nivel de seguridad, supervisión y estructura, y fomentan tanto los hábitos saludables como la estabilización, desintoxicación y rehabilitación con buenos resultados. Algunas personas pueden optar por un Programa de hospitalización parcial (Partial Hospitalization Program, PHP). Este no es un programa residencial con supervisión las 24 horas del día. El PHP brinda tratamiento intensivo para la salud mental y para el consumo de sustancias en un entorno para pacientes ambulatorios. Por lo general, estos programas se llevan a cabo al menos cinco horas al día por más de cinco días a la semana. Las personas generalmente regresan a su casa por las noches. Estos programas están altamente estructurados y ofrecen ayuda en un entorno seguro. Este nivel de atención médica también proporciona apoyo en el hogar o acceso por teléfono para obtener ayuda después del horario de trabajo. ¿Qué puede hacer si la persona trabaja o estudia a tiempo completo? Los Programas intensivos para pacientes ambulatorios (Intensive Outpatient Programs, IOP) son menos restringidos que los programas de PHP. Tienen una duración de al menos dos horas diarias, tres días a la semana, que les permite a las personas recibir atención sin descuidar sus responsabilidades cotidianas. Ofrecen terapia individual y grupal para enseñar a las personas habilidades sobre cómo manejar sus necesidades de salud mental y consumo de sustancias. ¿Puede ser útil una atención médica menos frecuente? La atención médica para pacientes externos (OP, en inglés) puede llevarse a cabo en un consultorio y ofrecerse de manera individual, familiar o grupal. También puede incluir psicoterapia y manejo de medicamentos. La frecuencia y la duración del tratamiento varía según las necesidades de cada persona. ¿Qué prestadores de servicios médicos pueden ayudar? Su ser querido puede atenderse con diferentes tipos de profesionales en cualquier nivel de atención. Psiquiatras Los psiquiatras tienen un título de medicina y pueden manejar medicamentos en todos los niveles de atención. Pueden proporcionar psicoterapia. También pueden admitir y atender pacientes en hospitales. Psicólogos Tienen un doctorado en psicología. Pueden proporcionar psicoterapia. Pueden realizar e interpretar exámenes psicológicos. Pueden recetar medicamentos si están acreditados en los estados de Nuevo México, Illinois, Iowa e Idaho. Enfermeros profesionales en psiquiatría (APRN, en inglés) o practicantes de enfermería (ANP, en inglés) Los APRN y los ANP proporcionan evaluación, diagnóstico y terapia para problemas de salud mental o consumo de sustancias. En algunos estados, también recetan medicamentos y controlan su uso. Asistentes médicos (PA, en inglés) Los asistentes médicos ejercen su profesión en equipo, bajo la supervisión de médicos o psiquiatras. Examinan a pacientes y les proporcionan atención médica. Profesionales médicos con maestría en salud mental Tienen un título de posgrado y acreditación en psicoterapia. No están autorizados para recetar medicamentos. Títulos comunes: Terapeuta profesional para parejas y familias (LMFT, en inglés) Consejero profesional con licencia (LPC, en inglés) Consejero clínico con licencia (LCPC, en inglés) Trabajador social con licencia (LSW, en inglés) Trabajador social clínico con licencia (LCSW, en inglés) Analistas certificados en salud mental (BCBA, en inglés). Proporcionan exámenes de evaluación conductual aplicada (ABA, en inglés) para personas con diagnóstico de autismo. Fuente: Tipos de profesionales de salud mental , National Alliance on Mental Illness (alianza nacional sobre enfermedades mentales), 2020. Originalmente publicado: 28 diciembre 2018, 2024Qué es la salud mentalTu SaludPsiquiatrasEspañolSalud mentalPsicólogoshttps://connect.bcbsok.com/espanol/b/tusalud/posts/salud-mental-del-adolescenteMon, 06 Apr 2026 16:53:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:7435527d-7f6a-456e-a717-1989d5432eadEquipoConnectLos adolescentes enfrentan más desafíos que nunca. Sufren presión en la escuela, con los amigos y en las redes sociales. No es de extrañar que su salud mental pueda verse afectada. No tienes que esperar hasta que tu hijo adolescente esté en crisis para hablar sobre el tema. Habla con tu hijo adolescente temprano y con frecuencia. La necesidad es crítica. Según la Alianza Nacional sobre Enfermedades Mentales (NAMI , (en inglés), casi la mitad de los casos de enfermedades mentales comienzan a los 14 años. En Estados Unidos, 1 de cada 6 jóvenes de entre 6 y 17 años experimenta un problema de salud mental cada año. Las enfermedades mentales son un problema de salud común que puede afectar el pensamiento, los sentimientos, las acciones o el estado de ánimo de una persona. Estos problemas de salud afectan profundamente la vida diaria y la relación con los demás. Sin embargo, muchas personas tienen miedo de hablar sobre ellos. Los padres y otras personas pueden apoyar a los jóvenes. La clave es ser intencional sobre cómo interactuar con ellos. Bríndales espacios seguros para que puedan mostrar su verdadera identidad. Dales la oportunidad de hablar sobre cómo se sienten realmente, dice NAMI . Los Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades señalan que los niños y los adolescentes mentalmente saludables tienen una calidad de vida positiva y pueden desempeñ*** bien en el hogar, en la escuela y en las comunidades donde participan. Alcanzan los hitos del desarrollo y emocionales, y aprenden habilidades sociales saludables y cómo sobrellevar los problemas. La ansiedad y la depresión son problemas comunes para los niños y los adolescentes. Pero a menudo no comparten sus preocupaciones. Por eso, los padres deben estar atentos a los problemas. Presta atención a las señales Mantente alerta para saber cómo se sienten. Conoce las señales de advertencia de los posibles problemas: cambios en el estado de ánimo o la personalidad; evasión de las interacciones sociales; ausencia escolar o cambios en las calificaciones; cambios en los hábitos de alimentación o sueño; alta irritabilidad o estallidos de enojo; mayor número de molestias físicas, como dolores de cabeza o dolores de estómago; conversaciones sobre la autolesión o el intento de suicidio. Ofréceles apoyo Busca la manera de ofrecerles el apoyo que puedan necesitar. Comienza haciendo algunas preguntas abiertas como las siguientes: ¿Cómo te sientes hoy? ¿Qué está pasando que te hace sentir de esta manera? ¿Cuál fue la mejor parte de tu día? ¿Qué fue la peor parte de tu día? ¿Qué es algo que estás esperando? ¿Qué es algo que te preocupa esta semana? Está bien si las respuestas parecen cortas. El objetivo es continuar la conversión. Habla con ellos con frecuencia. Sigue haciéndolo Escucha a tu hijo. Trata de comprender sus sentimientos y mostrarle que le importas. Ten en cuenta lo siguiente: No intentes resolver el problema de tu hijo. Solo muéstrale que lo escuchas activamente. Sé paciente y no juzgues. Evita desestimar los sentimientos de tu hijo. No uses expresiones como "estás loco", "qué dramático" o "quieres llamar la atención". Sé cuidadoso cuando respondas. Las respuestas empáticas pueden ayudar a tu hijo a sentirse comprendido y más cómodo para hablar sobre sentimientos difíciles contigo. También genera confianza. Trata de decirle cosas como las siguientes: Es una sensación difícil de sobrellevar pero estoy aquí para apoyarte. Podemos encontrar la manera de superar esto juntos. Haz todo lo posible para ayudarles a desarrollar la resiliencia y los métodos para sobrellevar la adversidad. Ser capaz de lidiar con los cambios y los desafíos es una señal de buena salud mental. Si los pasos que tomas por tu cuenta no son suficientes, habla con el médico de tu hijo. Tal vez pueda ayudarles o sugerirles un terapeuta, consejero o psicólogo calificado. Pide ayuda Si un niño o un adolescente muestran signos de autolesión o de conductas suicidas, la Línea 988 de Prevención del Suicidio y Crisis puede ayudarles. Puedes llamar, enviar mensajes de texto o chatear al 988 desde cualquier lugar en los EE. UU. La ayuda está disponible las 24 horas del día, los 7 días de la semana. Otros recursos: Línea directa de prevención del suicidio y casos de crisis: Envía la palabra AYUDA por mensaje de texto al 741741 o visita crisistextline.org National Alliance on Mental Illness: Visita nami.org Fuentes: Mental Health Conditions (problemas de salud mental) , How to Show Up For Teenagers With Record Levels of Sadness (cómo estar presente ante adolescentes con niveles récord de tristeza) , National Alliance on Mental Illness (alianza nacional sobre enfermedades mentales); About Children's Mental Health , Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades, 2025DepresiónTu SaludQué son la depresión y la ansiedadEspañolSalud mentalMente Saludablehttps://connect.bcbsok.com/health-and-wellness/b/weblog/posts/teen-mental-healthMon, 06 Apr 2026 16:31:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:1c2f55aa-3e15-4bc7-865b-47cc05e2c1e1BCBSOK Connect TeamTeens are facing more challenges than ever. There’s pressure from school, friends and social media. No wonder their mental health can suffer. You don’t have to wait until your teen is in crisis to talk about it. Talk to your teen early and often. The need is critical. Research shows nearly half of all lifetime cases of mental illness start by age 14, says the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) . And in the U.S., 1 in 6 young people ages 6-17 experience a mental health issue each year. Mental illness is a common health problem. It can affect a person's thinking, feeling, actions or mood. These health problems deeply impact day-to-day living and relating to others. But many people are scared to talk about them. Parents and others can help support young people. The key is to be intentional about engaging with them. Give them safe spaces to show their true selves. Give them a chance to talk about how they’re really doing, says NAMI . The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says mentally healthy children and teens have a positive quality of life and can function well at home, in school and in their communities. They reach developmental and emotional milestones and learn healthy social skills and how to cope when there are problems. Anxiety and depression are common issues for children and teens. But they often won’t share their worries. So parents need to be on the lookout for issues. Watch For Signs Keep an eye out for how they’re feeling. Learn the warning signs of possible problems: Changes in mood or personality Avoiding social interactions Missing school and/or changes in grades Changes in eating or sleeping habits High irritability and/or outbursts Increased physical complaints, like headaches or stomach aches Talking about self-harm or attempting suicide Offer Support Look for ways to offer the support they may need. Start by asking open-ended questions. Some questions you might try are: How are you feeling today? What’s going on that is causing you to feel this way? What was the best part of your day? What was the worst part of your day? What is something you are looking forward to? What is something you are worried about this week? It’s OK if their answers seem short. The goal is to keep talking. Check in with them often. Keep It Going Listen to your teen. Try hard to grasp their feelings and show you care. Remember: Don’t try to solve your teen’s issue. Just show them you’re actively listening. Be patient and don’t judge. Avoid dismissing your teen’s feelings in any way. Be sure not to use terms like “crazy” or “dramatic” or “attention-seeking.” Be caring when you respond. Empathetic responses can help your teen feel understood and more comfortable talking about difficult feelings with you. It also builds trust. Try to say things like: That’s a hard feeling to cope with, but I’m here to support you through this. We can find a way through this together. Work to help them build resilience and coping methods. Being able to deal with changes and challenges is a sign of good mental health. If the steps you take on your own aren’t enough, talk with your child’s doctor. They may be able to help or suggest a qualified therapist, counselor or psychologist. Get Help If a child or teen is showing signs of self-harm or suicidal behaviors, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline can help. You can call, text or chat 988 from anywhere in the U.S. Help is available 24/7. Other resources: Crisis Text Line: Text HELLO to 741741 or visit crisistextline.org National Alliance on Mental Illness: Visit nami.org Sources: Mental Health Conditions , National Alliance on Mental Illness; How to Show Up For Teenagers With Record Levels of Sadness , National Alliance on Mental Illness; About Children's Mental Health , Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2025Health and WellnessHealthy MindUnderstanding Depression and AnxietyChildren’s HealthMental HealthDepressionhttps://connect.bcbsok.com/espanol/b/tucobertura/posts/una-explicacion-de-tus-beneficios-eobMon, 06 Apr 2026 13:00:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:5e1c86f2-0454-4014-84a7-467eaa71bd70EquipoConnectFuiste al médico y pagaste tu copago. ¿Cómo puedes saber si tu reclamación fue presentada y está finalizada? Sencillo. Vas a recibir una Explicación de beneficios (EOB, en inglés). La Explicación de beneficios desglosa los servicios que recibiste, el costo de los servicios y lo que tendrías que pagar. La Explicación de beneficios no es una factura. ¿Qué es una Explicación de beneficios? Una Explicación de beneficios es la notificación que recibes cuando tu compañía aseguradora procesa una reclamación de tu cobertura médica. La Explicación de beneficios indica los gastos presentados por el prestador de servicios médicos y cómo fue procesada la reclamación. Si recibes Explicaciones de beneficios en formato de papel, se te enviará por correo postal una Explicación de beneficios luego de que la reclamación haya finalizado. Si recibes los estados de cuenta en formato digital , recibirás un correo electrónico cuando la Explicación de beneficios esté disponible en tu cuenta. . A continuación, te presentamos como ejemplo una Explicación de beneficios que describe todas las secciones. Ten en cuenta que cada cobertura es diferente. Los cargos en la Explicación de beneficios corresponden a tu cobertura y a los servicios que hayas recibido. Conceptos básicos de la Explicación de beneficios, 1. ra página A. Número de asegurado y de grupo B. Cómo acceder en línea a las reclamaciones C. Información útil de contactos y glosario Conceptos básicos de la Explicación de beneficios, 2. da página Arriba: D. Información del paciente E. Información del prestador de servicios médicos F. Información de la póliza Detalles: G. Cantidad facturada por el prestador de servicios médicos H . Descuentos y reducciones de conformidad con su póliza I. Cantidad incluida en la cobertura es la cantidad facturada (G) menos los descuentos y las reducciones (H) J. La compañía aseguradora es responsable por la porción que le paga al prestador de servicios médicos K. Deducible L. Copago M . Coaseguro N. Cantidad sin cobertura O. La cantidad por la que usted es responsable. Esta columna proporciona información detallada de la cantidad que podría deber según se muestra en el resumen de reclamaciones (O 2 ) O 2 . Resumen de reclamaciones J 2 . La totalidad de los servicios con cobertura aprobados es la cantidad pagada al prestador de servicios médicos. P. Las apuntes numerados ofrecen detalles adicionales Q. Cantidad máxima que la compañía aseguradora paga Siempre consulta la Explicación de beneficios La Explicación de beneficios es un documento importante que incluye información de las reclamaciones de su cobertura por los servicios pagados. Debes leer cuidadosamente la Explicación de beneficios . Querrás estar seguro de que los servicios que recibes coinciden con los servicios que te facturaron. Si algo parece incorrecto, llámanos al número en tu tarjeta de asegurado o comunícate con el consultorio de tu prestador de servicios médicos para preguntarles sobre esto. Guarda la Explicación de beneficios en caso de que surjan más adelante preguntas de tu reclamación o factura. Si tienes una cuenta de BAM, guardamos las Explicaciones de beneficios durante 18 meses. Si tienes preguntas sobre esta información de tu Explicación de beneficios, inicia sesión y déjanos un comentario abajo informándonos. Puedes obtener más información en cuenta en línea. . Echa un vistazo a estos videos sobre cobertura médica para obtener más información sobre las Explicaciones de beneficios e información adicional sobre cobertura y los términos del seguro médico.EspañolEOBTu Coberturahttps://connect.bcbsok.com/health-and-wellness/b/weblog/posts/impact-stress-diabetesFri, 03 Apr 2026 16:41:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:0c0c21cf-318c-4ab8-919c-3030ca947443BCBSOK Connect TeamTraffic was a beast. You lost your phone. A few zeros seem to be missing from your bank balance. When you feel stressed, your body produces two hormones that raise your blood sugar — adrenaline and cortisol. Both are linked to the body’s natural “fight or flight” response, and give your body the energy it needs to flee danger. When their levels remain high for long periods of time, they can take a toll on your health. Weight gain, changes in menstrual cycles and libido, and high blood pressure can all be triggered by high levels of stress hormones. If you have diabetes, they can affect you in another big way. Stress hormones can increase blood sugar (blood glucose) in the body. For people with diabetes types I or on certain medications, the sugar stays until it is moved into cells for energy, converted to fat or flushed out through the urine. This extra sugar can damage the kidneys. Insulin or oral medications may be needed to lower blood glucose levels . Keep Stress in Check Stress is an unavoidable part of life. There are lots of triggers. Work, school, issues at home, relationships, illness, money worries — the list is endless when it comes to things that can ratchet up our stress levels. Too much stress can take a serious toll on even the healthiest person. If you have diabetes, stress can make it more difficult to keep your blood sugar levels in the sweet spot. Knowing your blood sugar levels is vital to living well with diabetes. Although monitoring it can be a literal pain, it’s better to know your glucose numbers than be left in the dark. So, how can you manage and reduce the stress in your life? Here are a few ideas: Know your triggers. Be aware of the situations, worries, even people who bring stress into your life. Find proactive ways to minimize them, manage them or avoid them altogether. Recognize the symptoms. Everyone reacts to stress differently. Pay attention to your body’s signals, then act. It will help you fend off illness, anxiety and other physical effects of stress. Make time to relax and decompress each day. Count to 10 when you feel stress rear its ugly head. Read or listen to your favorite music. Get moving. Go for a walk. Take a yoga class. Do some exercise. Exercise will also help lower your blood sugar. Practice self-care. If work is getting to you, take a personal day. Don’t skimp on sleep. Limit alcohol and caffeine. Resist the urge to keep everything bottled up inside. Talk to a trusted friend or family member about your worries. Consider changes to your insulin therapy or medications. Talk to your diabetes support team (doctors, nurses, educators) first for helpful advice. They are there to help you stay healthy and live well with diabetes. Stress may be a part of our daily lives, but when we learn to manage it and understand its effects, we can take better care of ourselves. Sources: Easing Diabetes Care Stress , American Diabetes Association; How Stress Affects Diabetes and What You Can Do About It , Healthline, 2025; Diabetes and Mental Health , U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2024Health and WellnessStressDiabetes Diet and HealthDiabeteshttps://connect.bcbsok.com/ask-bcbsok/w/frequently-asked-questions/18/view-claimsThu, 02 Apr 2026 21:13:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:03ff2882-9897-497c-9228-2e11b8a63b30BridgettIf you're looking for a way to manage your medical claims, your online member account is the way to go. To get started, log in to your account online or through our free BCBSOK App and click on Claims. You can view claims from the past 18 months. You can also search and filter claims to help find the information you need. Filter by member, claim type, claim status and health service provider. You can also download or print claims information. When you download your claims information, you can select one or more claims and download the information to one spreadsheet. The file will show the type of claim and itemized cost information. Each claim comes with an Explanation of Benefits , a quick guide to help you better understand your claims information. Your EOB will break down the services you received, the cost of the services and what you might have to pay. Want updates about your claims status? Log in to your member account. Go to My Account, Profile and Preferences and open Notification Preferences . Choose alerts by email, text or both.Medical ClaimsBlue Access for MembersBAMOpen Enrollmenthttps://connect.bcbsok.com/health-and-wellness/b/weblog/posts/healthy-gut-healthy-lifeThu, 02 Apr 2026 20:50:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:5bb81a04-f502-44b0-abf5-37c1cfa998c7BCBSOK Connect TeamYou may have heard that your gut is your second brain. The saying gives a sense of how vital your digestive system is to the rest of your body. But what does it mean? A network of hundreds of millions of nerve cells called neurons line the gut, or your gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The gut has the same kinds of neurons as the brain. And there’s also crosstalk between the gut and the brain. The gut doesn’t just control things like our hunger and digestion. It’s a huge part of our immune system. It even contributes to mental well-being, says Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute at Stanford University . GI issues are also often linked to neurological health problems such as Parkinson’s. And 60 percent of people with generalized anxiety also have irritable bowel syndrome. How your gut is working has a big impact on your daily life. And millions of Americans have at least one digestive problem. So how can you keep your gut healthy? Immune Health and What You Eat If you want to boost your immunity, look to the gut, says UCLA Health . That’s because 70 percent of the immune system is found in the gut. Immune cells in the gut interact with all kinds of bacteria and fungi that live there. What you eat and how you take care of your body change the mix. Those gut bugs are healthiest and support strong immunity when you eat plant foods that are high in fiber. A diet high in animal proteins, sugar, processed foods and saturated fat creates gut bacteria that cause inflammation and life-long health problems. A fiber-rich diet, on the other hand, lowers the inflammation response. Think fiber-filled plant foods like apples, broccoli, yams and zucchini. Having extra weight also alters immune function. Fat tissues send out hormones and chemicals that fire up inflammation. There are ways to help your gut help you. The main drivers of gut health change are shifts in stomach acid, gut immunity and the mix of bacteria in your digestive system. When gut health is good, you’re less likely to have harmful inflammation and breaks in immunity, says Johns Hopkins Medicine . To improve your gut health through diet, try to: Pump up the plants. Aim for five to seven servings of fruits and vegetables a day. Eat good fats. They support immune function. Use olive oil to cook and add avocado slices to your salads. Eat wild-caught fish; it’s healthier than farmed varieties. Have protein at each meal, instead of only at dinner. Spread it out. The immune system runs better on more regular servings of protein. Your protein can come from animal products. But don’t forget that plant sources like beans and lentils can be healthier choices. Add spices and herbs to your foods. They add flavor and also support gut-bug diversity. Try fermented and pickled foods, like kefir, kimchi and sauerkraut. More Ways to Boost Your Gut Health Taking care of yourself will help your immune system take care of you, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Since everything in your body ties together, what you eat is important, but it’s just one part of gut health. There are other important ways to keep your gut, and the rest of you, healthier: Get more sleep. Get more exercise. Get a handle on your stress. Get help for anxiety and depression. Making some changes to your life can charge up your immune system for overall better mental and physical health. Sources: If you want to boost immunity, look to the gut , UCLA Health, 2021; Your gut - the second brain? Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute at Stanford University, 2023; Your Digestive System: 5 Ways to Support Gut Health , Johns Hopkins Medicine; Healthy Habits: Enhancing Immunity , Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2025Health and WellnessColon HealthHealthy EatingInflammationNutritionhttps://connect.bcbsok.com/espanol/b/tusalud/posts/seguridad-de-los-medicamentosThu, 02 Apr 2026 20:06:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:ac4776fe-aeaf-4840-ab0a-0ba167f3c84aEquipoConnectLos medicamentos pueden ayudar a tu salud de muchas maneras. Desde medicamentos de venta libre hasta medicamentos con receta que tratan enfermedades que ponen en riesgo la vida, la medicina puede tener un impacto positivo importante. Pero solo si se usa y toma de la manera correcta. Más de un millón de estadounidenses acude a la sala de emergencias cada año debido a eventos adversos a medicamentos: daños que resultan del uso o uso incorrecto de medicamentos. Las investigaciones muestran que los medicamentos no se toman como se les recetó la mitad del tiempo y que cada año, millones de recetas ni siquiera se surten. Algunas de las razones incluyen preocupaciones sobre el costo y los efectos secundarios, e incluso simplemente porque se olvidan. Pero a menudo se debe a que las personas no entienden cómo tomar los medicamentos correctamente o el motivo por el que es importante tomarlos. Puede ser difícil tomar medicamentos de la manera correcta, especialmente si tomas más de uno. Pero es importante tomarse el tiempo para entender para qué te recetaron cada medicamento y la forma correcta de usarlo o tomarlo. Vale la pena estar seguro y obtener los resultados positivos que necesitas. A continuación, presentamos algunas cosas que debes tener en cuenta sobre los medicamentos y consejos para tomarlos de la manera correcta. Tómalo o úsalo según las indicaciones. Es importante que continúes tomando los medicamentos según las indicaciones. Por ejemplo, toma todos los antibióticos que necesitas. Si no lo haces, es posible que el medicamento no elimine las bacterias que causan la infección. Hora del día La hora en que tomas o usas un medicamento puede marcar la diferencia. Algunos medicamentos pueden causarte sueño o mantenerte despierto. Algunos medicamentos se toman más de una vez al día con un cierto período de tiempo entre las dosis, por lo que es importante tomar cada dosis en el momento adecuado. Hacerlo a la misma hora todos los días también puede ayudarte a recordar tomarlo. Cada cuándo se deben tomar Los medicamentos duran diferentes períodos de tiempo en el cuerpo. Algunos se rompen y se desgastan rápidamente. Otros pueden durar un día completo o más. Tomarlo según las indicaciones asegura que te beneficiarás por completo del medicamento. También ayuda a prevenir una sobredosis accidental. Si olvidas tomar una dosis, pregúntale al médico o farmacéutico si debes tomarla inmediatamente o esperar a la siguiente dosis. Con o sin alimentos (o ciertos alimentos) Si el médico te indica que tomes un medicamento con alimentos, puede ser para evitar el malestar estomacal. Si se debe tomar con el estómago vacío, puede ser que le sea más difícil al medicamento de tener efecto si tiene que competir con los últimos alimentos que hayas ingerido. Además, algunos medicamentos no deben tomarse con ciertos alimentos debido a sus ingredientes. Con o sin líquidos La mayoría de las personas toman píldoras con una bebida para poder ingerirlas. El agua es la opción más segura. Algunos medicamentos deben tomarse con mucha agua para ayudarles a funcionar mejor. Otros medicamentos no deben tomarse con ciertos tipos de bebidas, como jugos o productos lácteos. Con o sin otros medicamentos (incluidos los medicamentos de venta libre) Presta atención a las interacciones. Algunos medicamentos pueden anularse entre sí o causar problemas si se toman uno tras otro o al mismo tiempo. Algunos medicamentos son menos efectivos si se toman con otros medicamentos que afectan la digestión (antiácidos). Cuánto hay que tomar Es importante tomar la dosis correcta. Eso puede ser más fácil si tomas un medicamento en forma de píldoras en comparación con un medicamento líquido que tiene que medirse. La cantidad exacta que tomas importa. Es posible que tomar muy poco no funcione y que tomar demasiado sea tóxico. Los farmacéuticos suelen proporcionar una taza o cuchara como medidores para un medicamento líquido. Puedes tomar demasiado accidentalmente si tomas medicamentos combinados. Pero a veces es difícil saber exactamente qué medicamento estás tomando solo con ver el nombre de la marca. Por ejemplo, tomar demasiado acetaminofeno puede causar daño hepático. Tylenol es acetaminofeno. Además, muchos otros productos de venta libre también contienen acetaminofeno, incluidos medicamentos para la tos, el resfriado y la gripe. Asegúrate de verificar los ingredientes de los medicamentos de venta libre para asegurarte de que no estás tomando demasiado de un medicamento. El alcohol y los medicamentos no se deben mezclar El alcohol y los medicamentos recetados pueden ser una combinación peligrosa. Además, muchos medicamentos de venta libre también pueden ser peligrosos cuando se toman con alcohol. La forma en que el alcohol interactúa con los medicamentos depende del medicamento. Algunas combinaciones pueden no ser seguras; otras pueden ser mortales. El alcohol suele aumentar los efectos secundarios de los medicamentos. Es posible que te sientas somnoliento o mareado. También puede hacer que los medicamentos sean menos efectivos. En algunos casos, puedes evitar problemas si esperas consumir alcohol después de tomar tus píldoras. Pero las personas que toman algunos medicamentos deben evitar el consumo de alcohol por completo. Lee atentamente las etiquetas. Habla con el médico sobre cualquier riesgo. Si estás tomando cualquier tipo de medicamento, no bebas alcohol a menos que el médico te diga que es seguro. Mantén una lista de medicamentos Una lista de medicamentos puede ayudarte a llevar un registro de todos los medicamentos con receta y de venta libre, vitaminas y suplementos que tomas. Mantener una lista ayuda a los prestadores de servicios médicos y puede reducir las probabilidades de errores e interacciones adversas con medicamentos. La Administración de Alimentos y Medicamentos (FDA, en inglés) expresa que puede ser una herramienta para salvar vidas, especialmente durante una emergencia. Es fácil hacer una lista y mantenerla actualizada: Enumera cada medicamento con receta que tomas. Incluye vitaminas y medicamentos de venta libre como la aspirina y los medicamentos para el resfriado. Mantén la lista contigo todo el tiempo. Muéstrasela al médico, enfermero, farmacéutico u otros prestadores de servicios médicos. Mantenla actualizada con cualquier cambio. La FDA ofrece el registro gratuito My Medicines que puedes descargar para ayudarte a comenzar. Considera estas herramientas de seguridad Hay herramientas nuevas disponibles para ayudarte a administrar, de manera segura, medicamentos con receta como los opioides. Estas herramientas pueden reducir el riesgo de exposición accidental, el uso indebido o la dependencia a largo ‑plazo. Tapas de seguridad Estas tapas especiales se unen a las botellas de medicamentos con receta y solo se pueden abrir usando un código de cuatro dígitos‑. Pueden ayudarte a ti y a tu familia a estar seguros si estás tomando opioides para el dolor continuo. Pueden ser especialmente útiles para evitar que otras personas, como niños o invitados, abran la botella de medicamentos. Bolsas para desactivar medicamentos Las personas a las que se les receta opioides para necesidades a corto plazo, como después de una cirugía, pueden usar estas bolsas para deshacerse, de manera segura, de las píldoras que ya no tomarán. También se pueden usar para ayudar a deshacerse de los medicamentos que han caducado o que ya no se necesitan. Cuando se agrega agua, los productos químicos dentro de la bolsa hacen que el medicamento no pueda usarse. Una vez sellada, la bolsa se puede tirar de manera segura sin el riesgo de que alguien la encuentre y use cualquier medicamento sobrante. Es posible que desees considerar una o ambas de estas herramientas si estás tomando opioides u otro medicamento adictivo. Pueden ayudar a reducir la probabilidad de que las píldoras no se usen o se usen a largo plazo al limitar el acceso y al proporcionar una manera segura de deshacerse de las píldoras sin usar. Muchos de estos productos de seguridad se pueden comprar en línea y, algunas farmacias, hospitales y prestadores de servicios médicos ofrecen artículos similares sin costo. Pide ayuda Si tienes dificultades para tomar los medicamentos según las indicaciones por cualquier motivo, pide ayuda. Si te preocupa el costo, es posible que el médico o farmacéutico sepa las maneras de ayudarte a pagar los medicamentos con receta. Si el problema son los efectos secundarios, es posible que haya un medicamento diferente disponible. También pueden ofrecerte consejos para administrar mejor la forma en que tomas los medicamentos. Desecha los medicamentos de la manera correcta Mantener medicamentos que no necesitas o que han caducado puede ser peligroso. Lo mejor es deshacerse de ellos. Pero hazlo de la manera correcta. Para muchos medicamentos, tirarlos a la basura no es una buena opción. Hay diferentes opciones para deshacerse de los medicamentos de manera segura. Además, la mayoría de las zonas tienen lugares donde se pueden dejar. La FDA puede ayudarte a encontrar la mejor opción. Fuentes: Medication Safety and Your Health , Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2024; Create and Keep a Medication List for Your Health , U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2025; 5 Medication Safety Tips for Older Adults , U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2024; Use Medicines Wisely , U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2019; Drug Disposal: Take Back Locations , U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2024; Drug and Alcohol Interactions - What to Avoid , Drugs.com, 2025; Buying & Using Medicine Safely , U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2024; Non-dispensed prescriptions – A nationwide descriptive study , National Library of Medicine, 2024; 8 reasons patients don't take their medications , American Medical Association, 2023; Over-the-Counter Medicine , Cleveland Clinic, 2025Tu SaludViviendo con cardiopatía y presión arterial altaReceta MédicaUna vida con enfermedades cardiovascularesEspañolMedicamentoSalud y BienestarAdherencia a la medicaciónhttps://connect.bcbsok.com/my-coverage-explained/b/weblog/posts/how-to-save-moneyThu, 02 Apr 2026 19:18:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:18ef4af7-0e15-4263-aa37-71650a7681e8BCBSOK Connect TeamNo one likes to pay for health care. But we need health care to help us stay healthy, manage health conditions and get care when we need it most. Health insurance protects us from the financial burden of unexpected medical costs. There are a few ways to help lower your out-of-pocket costs. Read on to learn how you can save on doctor visits, prescription medications, fitness equipment and more. Stay Healthy with Preventive Care The best way to save money on health care costs is to stay on top of your health with preventive care. We can’t always avoid illness, but we can do our part to protect our health with annual exams, health screenings and staying up to date on immunizations. It all begins with scheduling an annual visit with your primary care provider . At the visit, you will talk with your doctor about your health history and any changes you may be noticing. You can also find out what screenings are right for you and if you’re due for any vaccines. Visit an In-Network Provider to Save Money Your health plan gives you access to many kinds of health care providers like doctors, therapists, clinics, pharmacies and hospitals. Before you go for care, make sure a provider is in your health plan network. Those who are contracted to provide care for you and other family members in your health plan are called network providers . They may also be called in-network providers or participating providers . Providers who do not have a contract with your health plan are out of your network . To find providers in your network, log in to your account online or through the BCBSOK App and go to Find Care . Then follow these tips to help keep your costs down. Save on Prescription Medicine There are a few easy ways to save on your prescription medicines: By filling your Rx at an in-network pharmacy for your health insurance plan, by checking your plan’s drug list, and by discussing your options with your provider or pharmacists. Preferred Pharmacy Savings If a preferred pharmacy network is part of your benefits, you’ll save the most money when you fill your prescriptions at one. When you use a preferred pharmacy, you pay the lowest out-of-pocket cost on covered prescription drugs. Some medicines have copays as low as $0 at preferred pharmacies. If you need a 90-day supply, you can git it at preferred pharmacies or by home delivery. Learn how to find an in-network pharmacy. Prescription Drug List A drug list is a list of drugs that are covered under your prescription drug benefit. How much you pay out of pocket is determined by whether your drug is on the list and at what coverage level, or tier. A generic drug is often at the lower tier. See if your drug is covered . Some prescription drug plans may require you to pay more if you fill a prescription for a brand name drug when a generic equivalent is available. Members are encouraged to use drugs that are safe, work well and are cost effective. Learn more about pharmacy and prescription plan coverage here. Ask your provider or pharmacist if there are any lower-cost alternatives for your prescription. A generic or lower-tier brand drug may be right for you. Treatment decisions are always between you and your provider. Get Member Perks Blue365 ®* Any member of a participating Blue Cross and Blue Shield plan is eligible for Blue365, a free health and wellness discount program offered to members. You and your covered family members can save with top retailers on products and services that may not be covered by insurance. There are no claims to file and no referrals or prior authorizations needed. Discounts fall into six categories: Apparel and footwear, fitness, hearing and vision, home and family, nutrition, and personal care. Learn how to create an account and save with Blue365. *Blue365 is a discount program only for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma members. This is NOT insurance. Some of the services offered through this program may be covered under your health plan. You should check your benefit booklet or call the Customer Service number on your member ID card for specific benefit facts. Use of Blue365 does not change monthly payments, nor do costs of the services or products count toward any maximums and/or plan deductibles. Discounts are only given through vendors that take part in this program. BCBSOK does not guarantee or make any claims or recommendations about the program’s services or products. You should consult your doctor before using these services and products. BCBSOK reserves the right to stop or change this program at any time without notice.PrescriptionsMember RewardsProvider FinderBlue365Health Care CostsBenefits and CoverageSave Moneyhttps://connect.bcbsok.com/health-and-wellness/b/weblog/posts/minutes-of-movementThu, 02 Apr 2026 19:13:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:6bd7f72a-61b0-436f-b40c-1d22b671cff7BCBSOK Connect TeamNot being active can be dangerous for your health. Inactivity raises the chance of getting serious health problems like heart disease and diabetes. Yet 1 in 2 adults — and 77 percent of high school students — don’t get enough physical activity. The good news: getting more exercise doesn’t have to take a lot of time. You can find ways to add physical activity to your day, no matter how busy you are. The payoff can be a healthier body and mind. Move More for a Better Life People of all ages can benefit from more physical activity. Any amount of physical activity has some benefits, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . People who sit less and do any amount of moderate to vigorous physical activity gain some health benefits. The health benefits are many : It helps reduce your risk for many chronic diseases, like heart disease, stroke and diabetes. It helps you maintain a healthy weight. That helps avoid many serious health issues. Along with healthy eating, routine workouts can prevent or delay type 2 diabetes in adults with prediabetes. People with arthritis who do “joint-friendly” workouts like walking, biking and swimming can reduce their pain and boost their range of movement and mood. Adding activity helps lower the risk of high blood pressure, which also lowers your chances of having a heart attack or stroke. Being active can even help lower the risk of some types of cancer. It can help reduce pain and inflammation. Regular activity can help keep muscles and bones strong. That helps maintain better function and can help you avoid falls and other injuries. Exercise can improve brain health. In addition to helping prevent illness and injury, being active can make your life better each day. More activity can: Improve your mood Sharpen your focus Lower your stress Help your sleep Increase your energy levels Start Small The key is to just get started. Everyone needs both aerobic and muscle-strengthening movement. You can start by looking for ways to stand a bit more, take a few more steps, add some stretching into your chores. You can find ways to move more throughout your day. Then when you have a few minutes, you can start doing more. Try walking five minutes each hour. You can walk around your home or office. You can even multitask by walking during a phone call or online meeting. You can even get a mini workout when you do your household chores. It all adds up. If you’re planning to start new fitness efforts, talk to your doctor about what is best for you, especially if you have health issues. But basics like walking and stretching are safe for most people. But if you have symptoms like chest pain, unexplained fatigue or shortness of breath during or after activity, call your doctor right away. Try Something Different Doing different types of exercises can keep you from getting bored. More importantly, it can expand the range of benefits you’ll experience . Try to include activities in your routine from these four categories: Aerobic/Cardiovascular activity : Aerobic activity helps improve heart and lung fitness. It includes walking, jogging, swimming and dancing. Muscle-strengthening activity : Helps maintain or increase strength, endurance and power. In addition to training with weights or resistance bands, it includes everyday activities like lifting children, carrying groceries or climbing stairs. You can also do squats, lunges and other exercises that use your body weight for resistance. Flexibility training : Stretching helps joints and muscles, providing a greater range of movement and better posture. It can also help you avoid injury. It’s beneficial to stretch before and after aerobic or strengthening exercise. But you can stretch any time to improve your overall flexibility. Be sure to stretch the right way to get the best benefit and avoid injury. Balance training : Improving balance boosts body control and stability to help avoid injuries. Try standing with your weight on one foot and lifting the other foot. Or walk a straight line, heel-to-toe. Most adults should aim for moderate aerobic movement for at least 150 minutes each week. Activity can be spread out so you can fit it into your schedule. Aim for at least twice a week for strengthening activities. For balance and flexibility training, spend a few minutes several times a week or daily. Get more ideas, including tips for children, seniors and people with physical challenges or medical conditions, from Move Your Way. Get Going Whatever activity you choose to do, just get started now. Even short periods of physical activity done regularly can have a positive impact on your health and your quality of life. Sources: Move Your Way , Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2025; Adding Activity as an Adult , CDC, 2025; Adult Activity: An Overview , CDC, 2023; Benefits of Physical Activity , CDC, 2025; Staying Active , Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 2022; Workout Results: 12 Ways Exercise Benefits Your Body , Cleveland Clinic, 2025; Aerobic Exercise , Cleveland Clinic, 2023; What Is Muscular Strength, and What Are Some Exercises You Can Do? , Healthline, 2019; How to improve your flexibility, according to physiotherapists , Live Science, 2022; Six tips for safe stretches , Harvard Health Publishing, Harvard Medical School, 2019; Balance Training , WebMD, 2023Health and WellnessHealthy MindWeight ManagementExerciseHealthy Livinghttps://connect.bcbsok.com/health-and-wellness/b/weblog/posts/healthy-pregnancyThu, 02 Apr 2026 18:41:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:93baa2e9-8cbe-49da-b8b6-551018c7baa0BCBSOK Connect TeamTaking care of your health is always important. But it takes on a new level of importance when a baby enters the picture. It’s important to step up your self-care while you’re trying to get pregnant, during your pregnancy and after you give birth. Make a before, during and after pregnancy wellness plan. There are a lot of steps you can take, and there are ways your family and friends can help. Preventive care services are available for you and your baby at no added cost to you when you use in-network providers.* Find out more about your maternity care services . And get a list of preventive care services for your baby and the rest of your family . Before Pregnancy Some things are important from preconception until after the baby is born: Good eating habits Regular activity Taking care of your mental health By focusing on good health, you can prepare for a healthy pregnancy. These steps can help while you’re trying to get pregnant : Make sure your health screenings and vaccines are up to date. Avoid being around chemicals like pesticides or heavy metals. Don’t smoke or drink alcohol. Don't take any drugs without talking to your doctor first. Talk to your doctor about supplements you may need during pregnancy. And if you are already taking and supplements or OTC or prescription medicines, ask your doctor if they’ll be safe to take during pregnancy. Download our Perinatal Wellness Guidelines for more information about staying healthy during pregnancy. During Pregnancy Your Health Living a healthy life and visiting the doctor regularly are key before and during pregnancy. You’re more likely to have a healthy birth if you have a healthy pregnancy. Some things to talk to your doctor about: Healthy weight gain What you eat, and what to avoid How much and what types of exercise you can do What drugs and vitamins you take The impact of stress on your health Pay Close Attention to Your Blood Pressure High blood pressure and its complications are among the leading causes of maternal death. If you have high blood pressure, it is critical to get treatment for it. It can put both you and your baby at risk. It can also cause problems during birth. High blood pressure can cause serious problems during pregnancy, including preeclampsia and stroke. Preeclampsia happens when a woman suddenly develops high blood pressure and signs of liver or kidney damage after the 20th week of pregnancy. Signs of preeclampsia include: A headache that doesn’t go away Changes in eyesight, like blurry vision or seeing spots Pain in your upper stomach area Nausea or vomiting Swelling in your hands or face Sudden weight gain Trouble breathing High blood pressure also puts the baby at risk for early delivery (before 37 weeks) and low birth weight. Baby’s Health Your doctor will track your baby at all stages during your pregnancy. This may include: Ultrasound exams to track your baby's growth and organs with images made from sound waves. Nonstress test to electronically track the baby’s heart rate and movements. Other tests may be needed based on your own health and family health history. That can include checking for high blood sugar levels, which could be a sign of gestational diabetes . After the Baby Comes: Mom’s Mental and Physical Health The postpartum period is the first eight to 12 weeks after your baby is born. It’s important to make an appointment with your doctor for a health check during this time. It’s your chance to make sure you’re healing well and to talk your doctor about your physical and mental health. It’s a good idea to bring a list of any questions you have. New moms worry about many things. Being responsible for a baby can be stressful and overwhelming. One of the keys to success during this time is a strong postpartum support network , says the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. It’s important to have a group of family, friends, and health care professionals you can depend on, and who you can and should ask for help. Some can be there for you in person when you need it. Others may be a phone or video call away. Other important ways to feel better mentally and physically: Get plenty of rest. Allow others to help so that you can rest. Be reasonable about your weight management expectations. It takes time to get your body back to where it was before pregnancy. Ease back into working out, focusing on your core. And try Kegel exercises to help strengthen your pelvic floor muscles. Continue your prenatal vitamins. It’s important to restore the nutrients you may have lost during pregnancy, especially if you’re breastfeeding. Your doctor may also suggest an iron supplement and vitamin D. You may have heard of the “baby blues.” If you feel very sad and anxious, and it doesn’t go away, you might have post-partum depression . If you think you may have post-partum depression, it’s important to get help. Talk to your doctor about how you’re feeling and what kind of help you may need. Start off Right: Get Your Baby’s Vaccinations From babyhood to preschool and beyond, keeping your child healthy means following a vaccine schedule. Vaccines protect against serious diseases, like polio, measles, whooping cough, flu and mumps. Those diseases can result in a hospital stay, or even death. It’s important to make sure your child is fully vaccinated against these vaccine-preventable diseases. That means finishing the whole series of recommended shots at the right time. Studies have shown they are safe. For quick reference on the vaccine schedule for children and more, download our Children’s Wellness Guidelines. *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: Pregnancy , American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; Postpartum Depression , ACOG, 2024; After Pregnancy , ACOG; 5 Reasons Why You Need a Postpartum Support Network , ACOG, 2025; Prenatal Care , U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women’s Health, 2025; Recovering from birth , DHHS, Office on Women’s Health, 2025; Recovering from Delivery (Postpartum Recovery) , American Academy of Family Physicians, 2025; High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy , Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2024; Gestational Diabetes , CDC, 2024; Your Body After Baby: The First Six Weeks , March of Dimes, 2023; Routine Tests During Pregnancy , American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 2026; Preeclampsia , National Institutes of Health, 2024; Vaccine Safety , Medline Plus, 2021; Have a Healthy Pregnancy , DHHS, Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, 2025Health and WellnessPregnancy BasicsWomen’s HealthMental HealthPreventive CarePregnancyhttps://connect.bcbsok.com/health-and-wellness/b/weblog/posts/measure-blood-pressureThu, 02 Apr 2026 17:12:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:fe65bb50-452c-457d-8277-53f6e3dcd9d1BCBSOK Connect TeamHigh blood pressure, also called hypertension, is a serious health problem that often has no symptoms. Often called "the silent killer" it doesn't always have symptoms. You can have high blood pressure for years and not even know it. It’s important to know if you do. Left untreated, it can cause serious harm to your heart, kidneys and eyes. People with high blood pressure also have a greater risk of heart disease, heart attack and stroke. Since high blood pressure usually doesn't cause noticeable symptoms, checking your blood pressure regularly is vital — even when you feel fine. Whether you have your blood pressure checked at the doctor’s office or take it at home, it’s important to make sure it’s done right. Your care is based on the results. Measuring your blood pressure with care helps ensure accurate result. Try these tips to get a good reading: Don't exercise, drink caffeine or smoke within 30 minutes of checking your blood pressure. Rest for five minutes before you take your reading. Be still, sit up straight and keep your feet on the ground. Support your arm on a desk or table. Keep it level with your heart. Pull your shirt sleeve up. You may not get an accurate reading over clothes. Make sure the cuff is in the right place. The bottom should be just above the bend of your elbow. Try two or three readings, especially if the first reading is high or low. Wait one to three minutes between readings. If you’re keeping track at home, track your numbers and share them with your doctor. Even if you’re at the doctor’s office, don’t be afraid to speak up if you see your blood pressure isn’t being taken correctly. Ask to have it taken again if the reading is higher or lower than the normal range. Take charge of your health by making sure you get accurate results. If you want to track of your blood pressure at home, get a home device with an arm cuff. Devices that go on the finger or wrist may not be as accurate as an arm cuff. Get one that automatically pumps up the cuff. Make sure the cuff fits right. Make sure the cuff fits right. And take it with you to a doctor’s visit at least once a year to make sure the readings are right. Have the doctor watch you use your device to make sure you’re using it correctly. If you have high blood pressure, talk to your doctor about what changes you can make to keep it under control. Your Blood Pressure and Your Health Read Checking Your Blood Pressure Could Save Your Life to learn more about blood pressure and why it’s so important to know your numbers and keep them in a safe range. Sources: What is High Blood Pressure? , American Heart Association, 2025; Home Blood Pressure Monitoring , American Heart Association, 2025; Track you blood pressure at home the right way , Harvard Medical School, 2026Health and WellnessHypertensionLiving with Heart Disease and High Blood PressureLiving with HypertensionBlood PressureHealth Conditions and Preventionhttps://connect.bcbsok.com/my-coverage-explained/b/weblog/posts/an-explanation-of-your-explanation-of-benefitsThu, 02 Apr 2026 14:56:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:bec14f8d-e8d5-45e9-9530-ba3c0ee32597BCBSOK Connect TeamYou’ve been to the doctor and paid your copay. How are you going to know when your claim is filed and finalized? Simple — you'll get your Explanation of Benefits (EOB). Your EOB will break down the services you received, the cost of the services and what you might have to pay. Your EOB is not a bill. What Is an EOB? An EOB is a notice you get when a health care benefits claim is processed by your health plan. The EOB shows the expenses submitted by the provider and how the claim was processed. If you get paper EOBs, an EOB will be mailed to you after a claim has been finalized. If you are signed up for paperless statements , you'll get an email when your EOB is ready to view in your online account . Below is a sample EOB that explains all of the sections. Keep in mind that every plan is different. The charges on your EOB are according to your plan's coverage and the services you received. Basics of Your EOB Page One A. Your member ID and group numbers B. How to access your claims online C. Helpful contacts and glossary Basics of Your EOB Page Two Top: D. Patient information E. Provider information F. Policy information Details: G. Amount billed by the provider H . Discounts and reductions in compliance with your plan I. Amount covered is the amount billed (G) minus the discounts and reductions (H) J. Health plan responsibility is the portion your health plan pays to the provider K. Deductible amount L. Copay amount M . Coinsurance amount N. Amount not covered O. The amount you’re responsible for. This column provides details about the amount you may owe shown in the claim summary (O 2 ) O 2 . Claim summary J 2 . Total covered benefits approved is the amount that was paid to the provider P. Numbered notes provide additional details Q. Health care plan maximums Always Check Your EOBs Your EOB is an important record of claims for services paid from your benefits. You need to carefully check your EOB . You want to be sure that the services you received match the services you were billed for. If something looks wrong, call us at the number on your member ID card. Or call your provider's office to ask about it. Keep your EOBs in case questions come up later about your claim or your bill. If you’ve registered for BAM, we store your EOBs there for 18 months. You can get more information in your online account . And check out these Health Care Coverage 1-on-1 videos to learn more about EOBs and other coverage information and insurance terms.Understanding InsuranceMember ClaimsExplanation of BenefitsHealth Care CostsBenefits and CoverageHow Health Insurance WorksInsurance Basics