The warm weather is here and it’s a great time to get out and get active. Being active lowers your blood pressure and helps your heart pump stronger and slower. Exercise can keep your heart healthy by raising your good cholesterol and lowering bad cholesterol. You’ll also reduce your risk of a heart attack or stroke, some cancers, and bone loss. Less stress and anxiety too. You’ll have more energy and sleep better.

Sound good? Let’s get started!

Complimentary health and wellness programs
Walking is an easy, inexpensive way to stay active. Park a little farther when you go to the store, or start walking with a friend. You can also participate in our Route 66 Walking Challenge. In this six-week competition, teams compete by trying to walk the length of historic Route 66. For every one mile you walk, you get credit for 100 miles. The program will be at the Dale Association in Lockport starting on July 17 and the Orchard Park Senior Center starting on August 1.
We also hold various health and wellness education seminars throughout the community. The classes are open to everyone and make it easy and fun to learn about health, nutrition, and fitness. Join us at these upcoming seminars:

Walk this Way
A regular walking routine can improve your health, help you lose weight, and it doesn’t cost much. Join us as we talk about the benefits of walking for exercise.
Tuesday, July 10 at 12:30 p.m.
Dale Association, 33 Ontario Street, Lockport
– and –
Wednesday, July 18 at 10 a.m.
Orchard Park Senior Center, 70 Linwood Avenue, Orchard Park

Whole Grains - The Whole Truth
Health experts recommend making at least half the grains we consume whole grains. But what is a whole grain and why does it matter? We’ll give you the scoop on whole grains and share some tasty recipes.
Wednesday, July 11 at 10:15 a.m.
Schiller Park Senior Center, 2057 Genesee Street, Buffalo

Skin Cancer - An Overview
Anyone can develop skin cancer, but there are steps you can take to reduce your risk. Join us as we discuss the ways you can protect your skin.
Wednesday, July 18 at 12:45 p.m.
Aurora Senior Center, 101 King Street, East Aurora
We have additional health and wellness seminars available throughout the year, including Stress Fundamentals, Take Care of Yourself, Get the Most From Your ZZZZZs, Understanding MyPlate, Beat the Pack, Fitness 101, and Healthy Eating on a Budget.

Fun and healthy discounts
Having fun is healthy and a great way to have fun on a summer afternoon is at a Bisons game. Show your BlueCross BlueShield member ID card and receive a $1 discount on all reserved and special reserved seats for any game. You also receive a 10 percent discount on anything you buy at the Bisons Store. We have Bills and Sabres fans covered too – members receive a 10 percent discount at the Bills and Sabres stores.
One of the best things you can do for your health is engage in regular physical activity. Try to find something that you enjoy, such as biking, hiking, walking, or swimming. If it’s too hot, take your workout inside with discounted fitness classes, such as yoga, tai chi, Pilates, and aquatic classes. Just show your BlueCross BlueShield ID card. Members can also save on fitness equipment so you can workout at home.

Come out and meet some new friends
Have some healthy fun at our Healthy Zone Cruiser, and enjoy the walks as part of our Healthy Walking Challenge. Several walks in the community are part of the challenge. You can meet new people and take in all the health benefits of walking. You can even register to win an Apple® iPad®. We’re giving away one at each walk. To learn more visit www.bcbswny.com/hwc.
Gardening is a great way to do something physical and take in some fresh air. Plant some vegetables and benefit from the nutrients. Check out others gardening skills at the Buffalo Garden Walk on July 28 and 29. Our Healthy Zone Cruiser will be there too if you want to stop by for some healthy fun.

When it’s time to choose a Medicare plan
Part of getting and staying healthy is making sure you have the right health plan. And we’re here to help you find the health coverage that’s right for you. Whether you’re new to Medicare or shopping for a new plan, we make it easy.
To help you choose your plan, we hold community meetings where we explain the plans we offer and how Medicare works. We can even come out and meet with you in the comfort of your home.

The information you’re looking for 24/7
Our online tools are easy to use and include helpful information about plans and services. Compare our plans with an online tool. You can also enter your prescriptions to estimate costs. Search for a participating doctor, health facility, or pharmacy. You can also gather information from our health and wellness library, chat online with a representative, and sign up for an upcoming seminar.
To learn more, visit www.bcbswny.com or call us at 1-800-248-9296 (TTY 1-877-286-5710). We’re available:
October 1-February 14 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., 7 days a week
February 15-September 30 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday-Friday
During non-business hours, your call will be answered by our automated phone system. A representative will return your call the next business day.

Have a happy and healthy summer! And remember, healthy indeed changes everything.