About Erika Gruszewski

Erika Gruszewski

Erika is a Syracuse native who lives in Rochester with her husband and daughter. She is a research insights consultant with Excellus BlueCross BlueShield.

Posts by Erika Gruszewski

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Maintain, Don’t Gain: Take Charge of Your Weight this Holiday Season

Did you know that the average American gains 1-2 pounds between Thanksgiving and New Year’s? “While this may not sound like a lot, most people never lose it, so that weight accumulates over the years,” said Amanda Shanahan, RD, Employee Wellbeing Manager, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield. “By controlling holiday weight gain and adopting a healthier lifestyle,…Read More »

Picture of Karen Goossen

Good Health Begins with Good Food

When the pandemic forced Karen Goossen to close the doors of her business this spring, she knew her income was at risk. She didn’t realize the economic fallout would also put her health at risk. Goossen, of Monroe County, had been following her doctor’s advice to add more fresh fruits and vegetables to her diet…Read More »

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After Dinner Snacking: How To Be Smart About It

Many of us have after dinner cravings, especially at this time of year. The good news is with some caution you don’t have to eliminate evening eating altogether. Keep in mind though that calories still count, especially with foods consumed closer to bed time.  Also, indigestion and poor sleep are concerns.  Enjoy a small snack…Read More »

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Get Moving With Your Family

Engaging your kids in a health-promoting lifestyle can be a fun way to enjoy time with your family! The more you move, the better off you are! It doesn’t matter how wacky your antics, if you are moving and having fun, you’re getting in shape. It’s that simple. Go on a treasure hunt Here’s a great…Read More »

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Try Some Incredible, Edible Seeds

Edible seeds are nutrition powerhouses. Add them to your meals to put the fun in food instead of fixating on what to avoid. Here are my favorite seeds and suggestions for how to use them: Chia seeds If you’re a baby boomer, you may remember the “Ch-ch-ch chia” theme song for the popular “as seen…Read More »

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Celebrating National Gratitude Month with a New Habit

According to Greater Good Science Center at University of California, Berkeley, gratitude’s amazing powers can shift us from focusing on the negative to appreciating what is positive in our lives. People who practice gratitude daily tend to have: Fewer feelings of isolation and loneliness A stronger immune system Better sleep Lowered blood pressure Reduced anxiety…Read More »

Woman standing in a forest

Maintain Your Summer Weight into The Fall And Beyond

With lawns to cut, golf to play, decks to stain, and sweat to… be sweated, summertime is when many people are at their most fit and trim. “Now that we’re into the fall season, commit to building on that momentum,” encourages Nicholas Massa, M.D., senior medical director for clinical services at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield. “Come…Read More »

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Veterans: Stories of Bravery, Freedom, and Service

This Veterans Day – and every day – it’s important to reflect upon and celebrate the true meaning of this national holiday by honoring those who have served our country. Excellus BlueCross Blue Shield is one of many companies in our community that are honored to have veterans in their workforce who have played important…Read More »

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Expert Q&A: Physical Therapists – Who They Are and How They Help

In honor of National Physical Therapy Month, we sat down with Carly Costanza, physical therapist with Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, to learn more about the benefits of physical therapy. What can you tell us about the history of physical therapy? (Costanza) Physical therapy has been around since ancient times! Many cultures used exercise, water, movement and…Read More »

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Expert Q&A: How to Support Your Child’s Mental Health During the Pandemic

We sat down (virtually) with Dr. Saba Abaci, medical director for Safety Net Behavioral Health Children Services at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield to learn some tips for how to best support a child’s mental health during the pandemic. What are some signs parents want to look for to indicate their child may be struggling to cope…Read More »