Month: April 2018

2017-12-27T10:03:00

(BPT) – Winter may be frigid for many, but it’s an ideal time to plan for warmer days ahead and make dreams of owning a boat a reality. Boat shows across the country offer some of the hottest deals around, with special pricing and incentives on new boat models and marine accessories — a major draw for the 142 million Americans who take to the water each year, according to the National Marine Manufacturers Association. For those ready to plan their summer adventures on the water, boat shows are the best place to start.

Whether you fish or sail, enjoy cruising, riding personal watercraft or wakesurfing, boat shows provide the opportunity to browse and board hundreds, sometimes thousands, of boats while taking advantage of boat show specials. Boat shows also provide an avenue to enjoy a taste of the boating lifestyle during the off-season, plus they offer educational opportunities and alternative ways to get on the water for novices looking to get their feet wet.

Whether you want to fulfill that New Year’s resolution of spending more time on the water with family and friends, or are simply in the mood to escape the winter doldrums, Discover Boating, the national awareness program to help get people on the water, offers three tips to get started in boating at a 2018 boat show:

* Escape cabin fever for the year’s best deals. Unlike auto shows, boat shows are the place to buy. Hundreds of new models are available to buy right on the show floor at some of the best prices of the year, with many exhibitors offering special show pricing and other incentives. Boat shows make it easy for you to shop all the region’s dealers in one location. Plus, it’s the perfect time to order a new boat to ensure it arrives ready to launch in the spring.

* Test the waters. You can learn the ropes of boating and take advantage of onsite training, which is usually offered at little to no cost. Educational opportunities at boat shows include everything from knot-tying and DIY boat maintenance seminars, to sailing simulators and boating lessons. You can often find fun activities to entertain the family and get everyone into the outdoors, from practicing how to reel in a fish to learning to dock and more.

* Look for the seal of approval. When shopping for a boat at a show, online or at a dealership, always check to make sure it is certified by the National Marine Manufacturers Association. An “NMMA Certified” seal means a boat has met strict industry standards for safety, construction and federal regulations, enhancing an improved and safer boater experience. Look for the NMMA Certified sticker near the helm of a boat.

Visit DiscoverBoating.com to find a boat show near you, a list of certified dealers and manufacturers, and tips to get started in boating.

2017-12-27T14:31:00

(BPT) – Looking and feeling your best go hand in hand. When you take charge of your well-being, you’ll feel healthier inside and out. Small efforts every day add up to a big impact.

“By taking specific steps each day, you can optimize your beauty hormones,” says Dr. Shelena Lalji, founder of Dr. Shel Wellness & Aesthetic Center and medical advisor to Douglas Laboratories. “These hormones help boost your overall appearance. Features like your skin, hair and nails suddenly look stronger, younger and more radiant than ever.”

Dr. Shel says the following five steps can help jump-start your beauty hormones so you can look your best whether you’re in your 20s or 60s:

Step 1: Follow a plant-based paleo eating plan.

Your diet directly affects how you feel on the inside and how you look on the outside. Cut out dairy, sugar, gluten and alcohol to reduce inflammation internally and externally. Boost your intake of fresh organic produce, striving for at least five servings of fruits and vegetables daily. A simple rule is, the more variety of colors you eat, the more nutrients your body receives.

Step 2: Balance your hormones through supplementation.*

Talk with your health care practitioner about adding nutritional supplements that can help support beauty hormones and skin health.* Some of Dr. Shel’s favorites include:

Ultra HNS, a blend of high dose biotin, methylfolate, vitamin C, zinc and Cynatine(R) HNS, a patented, solubilized keratin for the health of hair, nails and skin. Cynatine(R) HNS has demonstrated that it can improve the strength, brightness and appearance of hair, nails and skin, as well as reduce hair loss associated with washing.*

Skin Nourish, a special skin nutrient blend containing polyphenolic compounds from grape seed, superoxide dismutase (SOD) from melon, vitamin C and zinc which are primary and secondary antioxidants that support the appearance of radiant skin color, contrast and integrity.*

Skin Protect, a clinically studied combination of the antioxidants carnosic acid, lycopene, phytoene and phytofluene to promote smooth, healthy skin from the inside out, while helping to protect from damage caused by UV sunlight exposure and environmental stresses.*

Hydrolyzed Collagen Plus, a unique formulation for skin and joint health. Collagen peptides with hyaluronic acid and co-factors support the appearance of healthy skin by promoting collagen production, skin elasticity and hydration, while lessening the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.*

Finally, daily probiotics and vitamin C support overall well-being while supporting a healthy immune system.* Learn more at www.douglaslabs.com/HealthyAging.

Step 3: Identify and avoid food sensitivities.

You’re likely sensitive to some foods and don’t even know it. Pay attention to how you feel after eating certain foods. Does cheese make you feel sluggish? Does processed food make you feel bloated? To learn more, ask your doctor about running an allergy and food-sensitivity test. Then make adjustments to your nutrition as needed. If a test is not readily available, begin by cutting out processed foods including sugar, gluten and dairy.

Step 4: Focus on daily detoxification activities.

Start each day with a cup of room-temperature water with lemon to eliminate toxins from the liver and balance the body’s PH levels and get alkalinized. Exercising each day also supports detoxification, getting the heart pumping and organs working to flush pollutants that come from daily exposure.

Step 5: Keep calm.

Stress impacts cortisol levels, suppresses the immune system and causes hormonal imbalance. Plus, it affects your overall happiness. Fortunately, managing stress is in your control. Simple deep breathing techniques and daily meditation can help you feel centered and in control. In addition, make adequate time for rest and sleep each night (at least 7 to 8 hours per night) so your body can heal and recharge. Your cortisol will start balancing out.

“Transforming your health both inside and out will boost your self-confidence so you feel your best,” says Dr. Shel. “From smart supplements to daily detox, you’ll look amazing no matter your age.”

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

2018-01-04T12:01:01

(BPT) – We wait all year for activities that come along with winter, like sipping hot cocoa by the fire or staying in to snuggle up under cozy blankets while re-watching our favorite movies.

The winter season also brings some less-than-desirable side effects, though. An all-too-common winter woe is dry, flaky skin that can feel itchy, tight or painful.

In fact, a recent survey conducted online by Harris Poll on behalf of CeraVe among more than 2,000 U.S. adults revealed that 55 percent of Americans feel having dry skin in the winter and having chapped lips are among the things they dislike most. Moreover, 57 percent of Americans said having healthy skin is more important than staying up-to-date on social media, 23 percent would move to another climate if it promised healthier skin and 18 percent would give up their favorite food for the duration of winter if it meant not having dry skin for the season.

The good news is that none of those trade-offs are necessary, because treating and preventing this wintertime discomfort can be helped with a simple change, says Dr. Michelle Henry, a board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon based in New York City.

“In the winter, the conditions are much harsher on the skin, which means your skin has different needs,” Henry says. “So when the seasons change, that just means it’s time to switch up your skincare routine, just like you change the way you dress and how you spend time outdoors.”

Henry shares some of the common causes of dry winter skin, along with her expert tips for cold-weather skincare so you can start feeling better all over.

1. Dry air is everywhere

You may think that the outside air is to blame for your dry skin. While this may hold some truth, heated indoor air also has very little humidity. When you spend your life basking in this dry environment, your skin eventually pays the price.

“During the winter months, the skin contains more moisture than the air,” Henry says. “What happens is the dry environment leeches the moisture from the skin, leaving it looking and feeling dry and dull.”

Moisture loss, dryness and cracking comes as a result of damage to the skin barrier. To replenish your taxed skin, slather on a rich emollient that contains ceramides daily. Ceramides are like the mortar that holds the bricks of your skin together and are essential to healthy skin. For on-the-go relief, tote along small containers of moisturizer wherever you go.

2. Too much (or not enough) exfoliation

Make no mistake, exfoliation is important to year-round skincare, but adding it in the winter is essential. This process clears away dead skin cells and product residue, letting your winter moisturizers penetrate the skin and work more effectively, Henry says. Steer clear of products with beads and grains that strip and irritate the skin, especially in the winter. Instead, choose formulas designed to be gentle on sensitive complexions.

3. Too many long, hot showers

On a cold winter morning, a long shower that really steams up the mirror is relaxing and feels great. However, Dr. Henry says these long sessions are drying for the skin (and don’t get you any cleaner).

“I recommend that my patients keep showers under 10 minutes in lukewarm water,” Henry says.

Afterwards, she says, pat yourself with a towel so some moisture is left behind on the skin, and then seal it in by applying lotion all over.

4. Excessive hand washing

Hands can take a beating during the winter months. With germs running rampant all season, hand -washing is important to stay healthy, but those who wash their hands frequently tend to suffer more from dry skin, she says. Give hands some extra TLC this time of year. After washing, always apply a thick lotion to protect against and heal dry, cracked hands. Henry recommends CeraVe Healing Ointment, a gentle formula that contains three essential ceramides to provide intense, long-lasting moisturization, while soothing dry, chapped skin.

5. Your products are too harsh

Your winter skin care regimen should be different from your summer routine. Many summertime products are designed to remove dirt, oil and sweat, but when it gets colder and dryer, these products may become drying and irritating. Henry recommends switching your facial cleanser or body wash from a foam or gel to a cream-based moisturizing formula.

For more ideas on how to get soothing relief and protection for your sensitive winter skin, visit cerave.com.

2018-01-04T16:01:00

(BPT) – There is a serious epidemic of opioid-related drug addiction in the United States, accompanied by an alarming increase in opioid-related drug overdose deaths. In addition to the non-prescription use of opioids, administration of prescribed opioids in hospital settings, especially in combination with anesthesia and other sedating medications, may cause respiratory depression, which can lead to respiratory compromise — a potentially life threatening state of unstable respiratory health. If respiratory compromise goes unrecognized and is left untreated, it can result in respiratory failure, and even death.

People with certain risk factors — obstructive sleep apnea, older age, obesity and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease — have a greater chance of developing progressive respiratory compromise. These risk factors, when present in patients receiving opioids for pain relief or sedation, can potentially increase the possibility of respiratory compromise and should be identified by screening patients prior to opioid administration to enable better, safer care.

“It is crucial that patients understand their risk of respiratory compromise when given opioids while undergoing or recovering from a surgical procedure,” said Carla R. Jungquist, PhD, ANP-BC, FAAN, Associate Professor, University at Buffalo, The State of New York, School of Nursing, Buffalo, N.Y. “In addition, healthcare professionals should use responsible opioid prescribing and administration practices, along with appropriate monitoring practices tailored to individual patient needs, to promote safer and improved pain control while also decreasing the risk of respiratory compromise.”

Life-threatening respiratory compromise (for example, respiratory arrest) can be avoided by using appropriate monitoring technologies to evaluate a patient’s respiratory status. Healthcare professionals, using electronic monitoring technologies, can detect and manage respiratory compromise earlier and more effectively. One such technology, capnography, which measures the level of carbon dioxide in a person’s exhaled breath, may help identify respiratory compromise in its earliest stage.

Visit http://www.respiratorycompromise.org/ to learn more about respiratory compromise.

2018-01-05T11:09:00

(BPT) – A new year and a new you — that’s the theme of this season, right? So how are you going to improve yourself in 2018? If you’re like many people, weight loss is at the top of your list, and maybe you’ve already picked out your diet and your exercise plan.

Now you need a strategy to help you stick to your resolutions. And that can be easier said than done.

Sticking with any wellness plan can be tough, particularly if you aren’t seeing immediate results. But you have to trust the process. Rome wasn’t built in a day and neither will the new you. Creating your best self takes perseverance and guidance, but it can be difficult to sort through all the information available. To get started, here are some research-backed tips that can help you meet your goals so that you’ll be on the right path to your best self yet.

Cut the sugar

Beyond weight loss, changes to our diet can have profound impacts on our overall health. For example, avoiding fructose, found in most processed foods, will leave you fundamentally healthier in just nine days, according to research found in the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association (JAOA).

Low-carb beats low-fat diets

Chances are you’ve debated these diets yourself, so consider this fact: A scientific review published in the JAOA finds that low-carb dieters shed anywhere from 2.5 to 9 pounds more than those on low-fat diets. Give it a try and see how you do.

Work out with friends

Need that little extra push to tackle your daily workout? Make it a team effort. People who work out with friends reported a 26.2 percent reduction in their stress levels and they also experienced a boost to their mental, physical and emotional quality of life, according to recent research. So grab a friend — it’s good for your workout and for you.

If you get hurt, don’t walk it off

Accidents happen and when they do, you should err on the side of caution and seek a professional opinion. Avoiding proper diagnosis and treatment may cause you to end up suffering from larger problems later. This may include arthritis, chronic pain and even disability, according to a clinical review. If you get hurt, the best way to get back on your feet quickly is to first get off them and seek help right away.

Soak up the sun … safely

Exercising outside is great. Just don’t forget to slather on a good layer of sunscreen to protect your skin against the sun’s damaging rays. However, keep in mind that sunscreen decreases vitamin D3 production by 99 percent, according to a study published in the JAOA. This can lead to problems like muscle weakness and bone fractures. To counteract that deficiency, let your skin be exposed to the midday sun for a short time — no more than 30 minutes, depending on your skin’s pigmentation — before applying your sunscreen for the rest of your workout.

Find the right doctor for you

No matter your fitness goals, finding a doctor you trust will help. Doctors of osteopathic medicine (DOs) consider the health of the whole person and focus on wellness and injury/illness prevention as part of their standard care. A DO believes the mind, body and emotional state all contribute to the health of the patient, and they can be an effective partner in realizing the new you.

To learn more, visit doctorsthatdo.org.

2018-01-05T13:27:00

(BPT) – Now that the holidays are over, many health-conscious Americans do their best to make healthier choices in the new year. But according to new research, even those who do their best to eat a balanced diet aren’t getting enough omega-3s — essential nutrients that the body requires to function.

Among their numerous benefits, omega-3 fatty acids, such as eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA), have been associated with overall heart health, improving eye, brain and joint performance as we age. But when it comes to health, knowledge is just the first step. People should consider if they are consuming enough omega-3s and take action. A study recently published in Nutrients compared consumers’ knowledge and perception about omega-3s in their diet with the actual levels in their blood. Interestingly, participants were familiar with omega-3s, their health benefits and appropriate food sources, yet they simply weren’t getting enough. In fact, 98 percent of adults who were not using dietary supplements had low omega-3 levels.

Many experts recommend 1,000mg of EPA and DHA per day. Since omega-3s are not produced naturally within the body, you can increase your intake by eating two fatty fish meals per week, such as salmon, mackerel, herring or tuna, or by taking a supplement. But if you are like many others who do not consume significant amounts of fish on a regular basis due to dietary preferences, or if you simply don’t have access to fresh fish, consider adding a supplement to your self-care routine. Look for omega-3 supplements high in EPA and DHA, such as MegaRed 4-in-1 900mg, which contains a special combination of high-concentration fish oil and high-absorption krill oil and delivers one of the highest amounts of omega-3s per dose.

Omega-3 supplements are a great start to supporting heart, brain, eye and joint health in the new year.

2018-01-08T08:01:01

(BPT) – A new year brings new opportunities to focus on health and fitness. The following are four easy ways to boost your health in less than five minutes per day.

Drink water before each meal.

Drinking enough water each day helps to boost hydration, improve energy and aid digestion. But drinking before meals may offer another benefit — it can help you to eat less and lose more weight. One study found drinking 16 ounces of water in the half hour before meals led to nearly three pounds of weight loss on average over a 12-week period when compared to those who did not drink before a meal.

Make it a habit to take your multivitamin every morning.

No matter how healthy your diet, you may fall short on essential nutrients day to day. “Taking a multivitamin is one of the best ways to ensure you are meeting all of your nutritional needs consistently,” states Erin Palinski-Wade, RD, CDE, and spokesperson for Swisse Wellness. When choosing a multivitamin, not just any option will do. “Look for brands that have been clinically tested to ensure they can be utilized and absorbed by the body,” points out Palinski-Wade. “I recommend Swisse Ultivite (R) multivitamins as these products have been analyzed in over 13 clinical studies and been shown to improve energy and mood, reduce stress and increase mental alertness in both men and women.”

Practice belly breathing.

High stress levels can increase blood pressure, affect your immune system and cause you to pack on the pounds. To instantly fight stress, remember to breathe. Practicing deep breathing exercises, such as belly breathing, can reduce heart rate and lower stress hormones quickly, helping to prevent stress from having a negative impact on health. To practice, place one hand on your chest and the other on your belly. Breathe in slowly through your nose into your belly. You should feel the hand on your stomach being pushed outward while the hand on your chest remains still. Hold the breath for a few seconds, and then push it out through pursed lips, like you were whistling. Repeat for three slow, deep breaths to instantly feel less stressed.

Pick up the intensity of your workout — for one minute.

Finding time to exercise can be a challenge, but there is good news for those with maxed-out schedules. A recent study found that just one minute of high-intensity exercise may be equivalent to 45 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise. Although you shouldn’t ditch your workout routine completely, when you are short on time, aim to fit in small bursts of exercise throughout the day. Just make sure your doctor clears you for intense exercise before getting started.

2018-01-08T11:59:00

(BPT) – Though many women are reluctant to discuss ’embarrassing’ health issues — especially those pertaining to gynecologic health — many don’t understand the impact these same issues can have on a woman’s overall health and quality of life. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most prevalent gynecologic infection, affecting 21 million women in the U.S. ages 14 to 49 each year. Despite its prevalence, women may not understand that the total impact of BV can go beyond its serious physical health implications. The condition can greatly impact women’s emotional health as well, causing feelings of anxiety and embarrassment that can influence health, sex lives, dating and personal relationships.

A new national survey* of 304 U.S. women ages 18 to 49 who have been diagnosed with BV within the past two years highlights the lack of knowledge of BV and its associated risks as well as the serious impact of the condition on women.

What are the risks?

Common signs and symptoms associated with BV include unusual vaginal discharge that may be white or gray, watery, and may also have a strong fish-like odor. It can be difficult to tell common gynecologic infections from one another because the symptoms can be similar. However, if ignored or mistreated, BV increases the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, trichomoniasis and HIV. BV also increases the risk of pre-term birth and low birth weight, which can negatively impact the overall health of the baby; and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).

Many women don’t understand the risk of these serious health concerns if BV is left untreated. In fact, according to the national survey, 76 percent of women with BV state they would have gone to see a healthcare professional sooner if they were aware of the risks associated with BV if left untreated. Additionally, not only did 62 percent of women mistake BV for a yeast infection prior to diagnosis, but 20 percent still believe that BV is a yeast infection.

How does BV impact a women’s overall health and quality of life?

The total impact of BV goes beyond the physical symptoms. BV can greatly impact women’s emotional health as well, influencing healthy sex lives, dating and personal relationships. Results from the national survey found that most women with BV feel self-conscious (68 percent) and embarrassed (66 percent) due to their condition. Furthermore, women with BV admit they have avoided certain everyday activities that may often be taken for granted, including being intimate with their spouse/partner (79 percent); working out (27 percent); going on a first date (17 percent); performing everyday activities (e.g., running errands, doing chores) (16 percent); and spending time with family/friends (15 percent).

A new online resource

A new online resource, www.KeepHerAwesome.com, features additional results from the Harris Poll national survey that was sponsored by Symbiomix Therapeutics, LLC, a Lupin Company, and the American Sexual Health Association (ASHA). The website also provides women and healthcare professionals with information on BV including downloadable resources, such as a BV fact sheet, discussion guides on how to talk with your partner and healthcare provider about BV, and Do’s and Don’ts for healthcare professionals to share with their patients.

*The survey was conducted online by Harris Poll on behalf of Symbiomix Therapeutics, LLC, a Lupin Company, and the American Sexual Health Association (ASHA) within the United States between September 14 and 29, 2017 among 304 U.S. women aged 18 to 49 who have been diagnosed by a healthcare professional with bacterial vaginosis (BV) within the past 2 years (“women with bacterial vaginosis”). Figures for age, income, race/ethnicity, region, education, and size of household were weighted where necessary to bring them into line with their actual proportions in the population.

2018-01-09T11:51:00

(BPT) – They say you can tell a lot about a person from their smile. From braces to whitening treatments, regular dental visits and good brushing habits, Americans do a lot to make sure their teeth look great when they flash a smile.

However, one of the most important parts of a great smile, and indeed an essential part of healthy teeth, often gets overlooked: your enamel.

The enamel is the hard, protective coating that covers your teeth and is the first and most important line of defense against tooth decay. Even though maintaining a strong, healthy layer of enamel is essential to preserving your smile, it often isn’t the focus of someone’s oral care routine.

“I like to share valuable information like enamel erosion with my patients and friends because most people don’t understand it or know how to prevent it and, most importantly, that once enamel is gone, you can never get it back,” says Ann Ross, RDH. “Because of this, prevention, through avoiding certain foods and practicing good oral hygiene, is essential.”

Proactive approach

To preserve your enamel and prevent further erosion, dental professionals recommend a proactive and defensive approach.

The first step is to take proactive measures. This includes proper brushing and using the right toothpaste.

In October of this year, the American Dental Association (ADA) Council on Scientific Affairs announced that Crest Pro-Health Advanced, Deep Clean Mint toothpaste earned the first ADA Seal of Acceptance in the enamel erosion category, based on the finding that the product is safe and has shown efficacy in helping to prevent or reduce enamel erosion from dietary acids, when used as directed.

A good defense

You may be causing enamel erosion without knowing it. On a daily basis, people ingest acidic drinks and foods that are especially harmful to teeth. The biggest culprits are:

• Lemon (including lemonade)
• Cola drinks
• Sport drinks
• Orange juice
• Energy drinks

If you drink these daily, make sure you are taking steps to protect your enamel, like using the right toothpaste, and drinking plenty of water.

Ross adds, “If you want to maintain a healthy, beautiful smile, make sure you protect your enamel by brushing twice a day with toothpaste that has been scientifically shown to prevent the erosion of enamel, like Crest Pro-Health Advanced, Deep Clean Mint.”

For more information, visit www.crest.com.

2018-01-10T06:01:01

(BPT) – Whether you want to lose weight, get in shape, read more or start playing guitar, there are thousands of New Year’s resolutions to pick from. For most people, though, their resolutions have to do with losing weight, exercising more or getting healthier. In fact, 69 percent of resolutions are about losing weight or staying healthy.

After all those cookies and belt-loosening meals of the holidays, it’s no wonder people want to get healthier.

Unfortunately, deciding on a resolution is the easy part; maintaining it is the challenge. But it’s not impossible. With the right resources and habits, there’s no reason you can’t realize your goal.

These five tips will help you do just that.

1. Set up a lot of smaller, incremental goals. In making our New Year’s resolutions, we can sometimes get a little ambitious. While it’s great to dream big, on a practical level, you need to figure out how to reach your target. Rather than have an enormous goal looming in front of you, think in terms of days or weeks. For instance, if you want to lose 25 pounds this year (which would be a significant and awesome accomplishment!) focus on losing two pounds a month. Breaking your goal into smaller increments can help you succeed in achieving that ambitious resolution.

2. Take advantage of perks. Did you know that your health insurance may have extra perks that give you an incentive to get healthier? Through the Blue365 health and wellness discount program, members of participating Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies have access to discounts on gym memberships, athletic gear, nutrition products, and vision and hearing products. To see if your BCBS company participates in this program, visit www.Blue365deals.com.

3. Make it a team effort. Instead of making your resolution an individual goal, team up with a friend or family member, and together, work toward a shared goal. Having someone to hold you accountable, who you are responsible to and who can motivate you, is huge. It creates a great dynamic and source of inspiration that can get you through those mental slouches. If you can’t find a resolution partner, be sure to tell people about what you’re doing and talk about your progress.

4. Enlist the aid of technology. You may have noticed there are a lot of people wearing thin bands around their wrists these days. These fitness trackers track your movements, monitor your heart rate, provide a record of your movements and more. They help you to hone in on your fitness goals and remind you when you need to move. If you’re ready for a fitness tracker, or need to upgrade your old one, the Blue365 health and wellness discount program offers discounts on these essential workout tools.

5. Be meticulous. Don’t be casual about your goals! Treat them like you would a project for work. Set up a schedule that you can follow and create specific, measurable goals. This might sound a bit rigid, but it will give you concrete steps to follow, and once you start seeing your progress, you’ll feel a new boost of energy.

You should be excited about your New Year’s resolution, and you should be excited about challenging yourself to see it through and to realize your goals. For tools and motivation to keep your efforts on track, visit www.Blue365deals.com and get ready to welcome 2018 with gusto!

About Blue Cross Blue Shield Association

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association is a national federation of 36 independent, community-based and locally operated Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies that collectively provide health care coverage for one in three Americans. BCBSA provides health care insights through The Health of America Report series and the national BCBS Health Index^SM. For more information on BCBSA and its member companies, please visit BCBS.com. We also encourage you to connect with us on Facebook, check out our videos on YouTube, follow us on Twitter and check out our blog.

Blue365 offers access to savings on health and wellness products and services and other items that may be purchased from Blue365 Vendors, which are different from covered benefits under your policy(ies) with your local Blue Company, its contracts with Medicare, or any other federally-funded healthcare program. To find out what is covered under your policy(ies), contact your Blue Company. The products and services described on Blue365’s website are neither offered nor guaranteed under your Blue Company’s contract with the Medicare program. In addition, these products and services are not subject to the Medicare appeals process. Any disputes regarding your insurance products and services may be subject to your Blue Company’s grievance process. BCBSA may receive payments from Blue365 Vendors. Neither BCBSA nor any Blue Company recommends, endorses, warrants, or guarantees any specific Blue365 Vendor’s product or service available through the Site.

*Note to Editors: Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies participating in Blue365 are in the following states: AZ, AR, DC, DE, FL, IL,IA, KS, LA, MA,MD, MI, MO, MT, NC, NE, NJ, NM, NY,OK, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, VA, WV, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Federal Employee Program® also participates in Blue365.