A Healthier Michigan Podcast

Whether it’s a trendy workout like hot yoga, relaxing in a sauna or soaking in a hot tub, heat can have some surprising benefits for your health. But is heat really helpful for your body, and how can you use it safely? On this episode, Chuck Gaidica is joined by Medical Director for Provider Engagement, Dr. Jessica Huhn, to explain the science behind heat therapy, its potential health benefits, wh...

Vitamins are essential nutrients our bodies need to function, supporting immune health, energy production and even brain function. But with entire aisles dedicated to multivitamins, immune boosters, gummies and supplements, it’s easy to wonder: what should you really be taking, if anything? On this episode, Chuck Gaidica is joined by Dr. Angela Seabright, Care Management Physician at Blue Cross Bl...

Artificial sweeteners are everywhere; they promise the sweetness we crave without the calories or sugar. But are they better for you or just marketed that way? On this episode, Chuck Gaidica is joined by Registered Dietitian Shanthi Appelö. Together, they discuss artificial sweeteners, different kinds of sugars and what’s really the best option for you. In this episode of A Healthier Michigan Podc...

In this episode, we capture authentic perspectives from conference attendees on the challenges of health care affordability and its wide-reaching impact across Michigan. Business leaders, policymakers, and small business owners share how affordability issues affect their daily lives and decision-making. Stakeholders agree that collaborative solutions are needed to address these challenges, with ma...

On this episode, we highlight Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan’s nonprofit mission and its investments aimed at improving community health, reducing disparities, and addressing the long-term drivers of health care costs. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan’s social mission is central to advancing both health and affordability across Michigan. Through investments made by the Michigan Health Endowm...

In this episode, we feature an honest conversation with small business owners about the rising costs of health insurance and the difficult trade-offs they face to offer coverage to their employees. Employers share their firsthand experiences with affordability challenges, highlighting the real-world impact of escalating health care expenses on their businesses and lives. The discussion explores ho...

In this episode, we explore how Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is partnering with major health systems and providers to transform the way health care is delivered and paid for in Michigan. By working collaboratively with Corewell Health, Henry Ford Health, and a broad network of providers, Blue Cross is shifting away from the traditional fee-for-service model—which pays for the volume of care...

Forty years of experience in medicine brings a lot of knowledge, wisdom and health information. On this episode, Chuck Gaidica is joined by Dr. Jim Grant, Chief Medical Officer at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, who is retiring after more than 30 years in medicine. Together, they discuss his career, how medicine has evolved and what he wants you to know about your health and prevention as he r...

Mental health struggles are not only difficult to deal with, but they can also be challenging to talk about. On this episode, Chuck Gaidica is joined by Dr. Amy Milewski, Vice President of Clinical Partnerships and Associate Chief Medical Officer. Together, they discuss tools to talk to your family about mental health and why it’s so important. In this episode of A Healthier Michigan Podcast, we e...

Welcome to the A Healthier Michigan Podcast. We hope to give you a tip or two to improve your health and stay healthier longer.

It’s that time of the year again: coughing, sneezing and watery eyes. Spring not only brings lovely gardens, but also allergies. For some, these can be seasonal. For others, it’s a year-round struggle. On this episode, Chuck Gaidica is joined by Senior Medical Director of Commercial Markets Dr. Michael Kobernick. Together, they discuss allergies, which ones are common, what they are and how they h...

Protein is added to everything, including waffles, chips and even your Starbucks drink. On this episode, Chuck Gaidica is joined by Registered Dietitian Shanthi Appelö to discuss protein and whether you are eating the right amount or too much. In this episode of the A Healthier Michigan Podcast, we explore: What is the right amount of protein? What is the best way to get protein? Why is protein in...

The average person spends 4.5 hours a day on their smartphone. And starting your day with a burst of information, comparison culture and breaking news? That can spike stress. On this episode, Chuck Gaidica is joined by Dr. Amy Milewski, Vice President of Clinical Partnerships and Associate Chief Medical Officer. Together, they discuss doomscrolling, your smartphone and whether you should be checki...

We all know we should be getting seven to eight hours of sleep. After all, we spend nearly one-third of our lives doing it. But here’s something most people don’t realize: not all sleep is created equal. On this episode, Chuck Gaidica is joined by Dr. Peter Graham, Chief Medical Officer of Blue Care Network. Together, they discuss what deep sleep is, how to get more of it and what happens during d...

We've all felt it: you’re cruising through your day and suddenly—bam—it’s 3 p.m. and your eyelids get heavy, your focus dips and a nap sounds like the best idea anyone has ever had. Why does this happen? On this episode, Chuck Gaidica is joined by Dr. Crystal Lee, Medical Director in Clinical Decision Support. Together, they discuss the midday crash, what it is and ways to minimize it. In this epi...

Olive oil, avocado oil, canola oil, coconut oil and even the classic vegetable oil. With so many options available, which oils should we be cooking with? On this episode, Chuck Gaidica is joined by Registered Dietitian Shanthi Appelö. Together, they discuss the different types of cooking oils, which you should be using and why. In this episode of A Healthier Michigan Podcast, we explore: Healthy w...

Rising drug prices impact premiums and people alike. Hear how Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is putting pharmacy innovations to work to reduce costs and expand access for our members and customers.

Sleep aids are everywhere, and new sleep trends are emerging as sleep becomes a major wellness priority. On this episode, Chuck Gaidica is joined by Laura Hatton, Manager of Behavioral Health Parity at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. Together, they discuss color noise, how they can help you sleep and the differences between them. In this episode of A Healthier Michigan Podcast, we explore: Dif...

It seems like everyone is walking around with a water bottle and that’s a good thing. However, water bottles can pose a sneaky health risk.   On this episode, Chuck Gaidica is joined by Dr. Jessica Huhn, Medical Director for Provider Engagement at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. Together, they discuss the benefits of water bottles and how they can become a health hazard. In this episode of A H...

With the start of every year, health trends begin to emerge. On this episode, Chuck Gaidica is joined by Registered Dietitian Shanthi Appelö. Together, they discuss some of the health trends you should be paying attention to and some you could even try yourself. In this episode of A Healthier Michigan Podcast, we explore: Fibermaxxing Protein Vinegar Gut health and more

Binge drinking is more common than you think—discover its hidden risks to your body and mind in this must-listen episode. Dr. William Beecroft, Medical Director of Behavioral Health at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, explores the surprising ways binge drinking affects your physical health, mental well-being and overall lifestyle. From short-term consequences to long-term risks, you’ll learn th...

When the daylight hours get shorter, it can really affect our mood. On this episode, Chuck Gaidica is joined by Senior Health Care Analyst Josh McCullough. Together, they discuss the winter blues, happy lights and other ways to improve your mood. In this episode of A Healthier Michigan Podcast, we explore: Why we need sunlight Do “Happy Lights” really work? How Vitamin D can help us in winter mont...

Both short term and long-term stress can have a negative impact on our health. On this episode, Chuck Gaidica is joined by Care Management Physician Dr. Angela Seabright. Together, they discuss the effects of stress on us both mentally and physically. In this episode of A Healthier Michigan Podcast, we explore: How stress affects us How does stress increase risk of disease? Who does stress effect...

Anxiety vs Stress: What’s the difference? It’s important to know and understand the difference. On this episode, Chuck Gaidica is joined by Medical Director of Behavioral Health, Dr. William Beecroft. Together they discuss how stress and anxiety are caused, symptoms of each and how to deal with them. In this episode of A Healthier Michigan Podcast, we explore: How are anxiety and stress different?...

When our schedules get busy, we have to be able to stick to our routines. On this episode, Chuck Gaidica is joined by Senior Medical Director of Provider Engagement, Dr. Heather Stamat. Together they discuss how important it is to have healthy goals and how to prioritize yourself when your schedule is limited.    In this episode of A Healthier Michigan Podcast, we explore:    How to eat healthier...