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 the warning signs of excessive alcohol use and practical strategies to reduce harm. Hosted by Chuck Gaidica, this episode explores:

• What is binge drinking?
• What does alcohol do to the body?
• How to know if you’re drinking too often?
• Ways to drink less

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 months
• What other factors can improve our mood

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 the most?
• How to manage stress

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?
• What can cause them?
• Can there be one without the other?
• What are some strategies to help with them?

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

In this episode of A Healthier Michigan Podcast, we explore:

• How to eat healthier on the go
• How planning can prevent stress
• How to keep a routine
• Why it’s important to put yourself first

Red Light Therapy: is it a scam or does it have any real health benefits? On this episode, Chuck Gaidica is joined by Clinical Director of Blue Care Network, Dr. Peter Graham. Together they discuss Red Light Therapy, its effects and the differences between professional care and at-home devices.

In this episode of A Healthier Michigan Podcast, we explore:

• What are the benefits, if any, of Red Light Therapy?
• Do smaller devices have a positive effect?
• Are there any negatives?
• Should you see a professional?

More than just the latest TikTok trend, fibermaxxing has real benefits. On this episode, Chuck Gaidica is joined by Registered Dietitian Shanthi Appelö, together they discuss what the trend is, why you need fiber and how much you should have.

In this episode of A Healthier Michigan Podcast, we explore:

• What are the benefits of fiber?
• What are some easy ways to increase fiber intake?
• How much does the average adult need?
• What does the “maxxing” trend really mean?

On this episode, Chuck Gaidica is joined by the Director of Behavioral Health & Planning for BCBSM, Dr. Julia Isaacs. Together, they talk ways to enjoy exercising, what is temptation bundling?, and what other strategies are there to change your mindset?

In this episode of A Healthier Michigan Podcast, we explore:

• How much exercise you need?
• What tools are there to help you workout more?
• How can you avoid the gym and still workout?
• What does it mean to gamify?