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 happen.

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

• What are allergies?
• How do allergies affect our bodies?
• How do people develop allergies?
• How can we relieve symptoms?

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 everything now?
• Do our protein needs change?

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 checking it in the morning.

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

• What happens when you check your phone?
• What are better ways to start the day?
• What’s happening in your brain when you wake up?
• Tips to limit screen time

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 deep sleep.

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

• What is deep sleep?
• How to sleep better
• What happens during deep sleep?
• How much of our sleep is deep sleep?

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 episode of A Healthier Michigan Podcast, we explore:

• The midday crash
• Why it happens
• How to prevent it

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 ways to cook with oil
• Calories and fat in oils
• Smoke point
• What oils should you have?

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.