Tag: Featured

Picture of an older man and a younger man on a couch looking at a tablet screen laughing.

Social Apps Are Keeping Us Connected

For many of us who are now working from home, it can feel kind of crowded. The kids are remote-learning at home, and spouses or partners are set up to conduct their business from whatever quiet corner of the house they can find. At the same time, it can feel a bit isolating with friends and loved ones all practicing social distancing.

But don’t fear, you’re not living in an episode of the Twilight Zone! With the internet, free social media apps and video chat software, there is a way to replicate some social interactions and keep in touch with family and friends. Most people are familiar with Skype and FaceTime, but there are several other apps available that can allow you to socialize with large groups of people, safely and effectively.

Marco Polo Connecting Big Families

Marco Polo is an app used by Aida Byrne from Madison County. Believe it or not, she heard about it from Pink (yes, the recording artist!).

“While scrolling through what seems like an endless stream of Instagram posts on the coronavirus, I stopped to watch Pink and listen to her message – she is always so upbeat,” said Aida. “Pink mentioned the Marco Polo social app as a great tool to keep in touch with people. Because I come from a big Italian family that includes my parents, six siblings, and 20 grandchildren across the state, I thought it would be a great way to share videos and short posts about our day to stay connected.”

Marco Polo likens itself to a “video walkie talkie.” It’s a video chat app that lets you send quick messages back and forth with your friends.

“By Saturday night, 21 of us were connected and sharing funny stories and updates to keep us positive and motivated,’” said Aida.

Cheers and Yahtzee! with Google Duo

Over the past few weeks, everyone seems to have caught on to using virtual communication apps. Teachers are using it for instruction while adults are hosting happy hours to socialize and participate in virtual exercise classes.

Kevin Kane, from Monroe County, recently used Google Duo for a “virtual happy hour” with friends who had both Android and iPhones (vs. Facetime, which only works on iPhones). He and his wife later used Google Duo to play a “virtual game of Yahtzee” with his son and son’s girlfriend on the West Coast.

Kevin let us in on a few tricks to set up an event using Google Duo. “The organizer signs up for an account, after which you grant access to your contact list, then you send a text to ‘invite’ the new group to a video chat call,” he explained.

Use this unprecedented time as an opportunity to explore news ways of interacting, learning and socializing.

Other options to stay connected include:

  • Facebook Messenger Video: Aligns with your Facebook friends and uses the FB Messenger app to select people into a group video chat. (https://www.facebook.com/pg/messenger/videos/ )
  • Snapchat: Offers a way to send fun messages and short videos. The app includes filters that augment images by adding silly hats, eyes, noses, voices, and stickers. (www.snapchat.com)
  • WhatsApp: Works on Android and iOS platforms, making it a good choice for people with friends who own various types of devices. The free app accommodates up to four users per session. (https://www.whatsapp.com)
  • Instagram:  Gives  up to six people an opportunity to video chat together. (https://www.instagram.com)
  • Houseparty: Allows people to play video games or test trivia skills. It is available through Android, iOS, MacOs and Chrome.  (https://app.houseparty.com)

How are you staying connected?

Share your story in the comments below.

Disclaimer: Excellus BlueCross BlueShield does not endorse or have any business relationship with the apps featured in this article. 

Picture of a get well soon card in a hospital room.

Give Back by Giving Blood

“You can still go out and give blood. We’re worried about potential blood shortages in the future. Social distancing does not have to mean social disengagement.”  – U.S. Surgeon General, Jerome Adams

Donate blood to save a life!

Looking to find a way to give back to your community during these unprecedented times?

Both American Red Cross and ConnectLife (in Western New York only) are in need of blood donors. The Gift of Life can come from a critical blood transfusion just like it can take the form of a life-saving organ.

“I come from a family of doctors and medical professionals and I have seen the ever-present need of such donations firsthand. They do indeed save lives,” said Divakar Singh, Business Process Intelligence Analyst with Excellus BlueCross BlueShield.

“I have been donating blood, whole blood, double red cells and platelets since 2013. Medicine and medical technologies have had tremendous advancements over the past years. Receiving first aid and immediate care could be hampered by the shortage of the blood supply.”

Please note that blood drives are essential and in direct support to other emergency services remaining open at this time.

Note that precautions are being taken to keep everyone healthy.

For more information, visit:

Visit the links below to find a donation site near you.

https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/find-drive

https://www.connectlife.org/services/community-blood-donation

Photo of a person sitting barefoot in a park reading

Spring is Here: Get Outside to Do Your Mind and Body Some Good

The New York State Department of Health suggests getting outdoors to walk, jog, hike, garden, ride a bicycle or visit a park as healthy ways to stay active and reduce stress and anxiety while engaging in social distancing strategies.

“Research supports what many of us already feel,” said Bruce Naughton, M.D., Excellus BlueCross BlueShield’s vice president and chief medical officer for Medicare. “Spending time in nature does our mind and body good.”

Naughton highlights the potential benefits of getting outside:

Protect your bones

Sunlight hitting the skin eventually leads to the creation of vitamin D in your body. It’s good protection against osteoporosis and other diseases. Just 10 to 15 minutes of sunlight on your bare arms and legs a few times a week is all you need. However, if you’re going to be out longer, be sure to apply a sunscreen with UV-A and UV-B protection, and an SPF of 15 or higher.

Recharges the brain

The demands of everyday life can overtax the mind and body. Time with nature is like connecting to a recharging station, allowing us to better cope with the stresses of life. Our brains don’t have to work the same way to pay attention to nature as they do to focus on a computer screen. The possible benefits of spending time outdoors include a more upbeat mood, increased creativity, improved concentration and reduced stress.

Helps us age gracefully

Older people who get outside regularly stay healthier and function better, longer (source: ElderCareAlliance.org). Studies have shown that those who have contact with nature have fewer complaints of aches and pains, sleep issues, or other health-related problems.

Makes us move more

Americans spend 90 percent of their time indoors, so there’s no question that most of us have a sedentary lifestyle. Making an effort to be outside means there is less chance of wiling away hours plopped down in a chair inside. Instead, there’s a greater chance of moving more by puttering in the yard, or walking your dog in the neighborhood.

“I encourage you to make the most of spring by getting outdoors as soon as you can,” said Naughton. “Bring your cellphone for safety but leave the earbuds at home so you can fully enjoy the sights and sounds as the world around you blossoms and blooms. Connecting with nature will do your brain and body good.”

New York state is currently waiving all park fees in state, local and county parks. Click here to FIND A PARK.

For more information on how to practice social distancing while enjoying the outdoors, visit the New York State Department of Health website.

A child playing with cookie dough

14 Ways to Spend Your Leisure Time

Even though going out to movies, concerts, large social gatherings, restaurants are on hold while we practice social distancing, there are many ways to continue to enjoy leisure time activities – albeit on a smaller scale.

Looking for some fun, creative thing to do? Here are a few recommendations:

1. Cook!

“Shop” your pantry for ingredients and create! Grab a cookbook off the shelf or search the internet and try something new. Explore your inner-gourmet, or if quick and easy is more your style, you’re bound to find something to please your palate.

2. Dine out at home!

Many local restaurants remain open for take-out or delivery orders. Support local restaurant businesses by ordering out or purchase gift cards for future use. Visit your favorite local restaurants online or call ahead to see if they’re offering take-out or delivery service and check out the menu! Many local newspapers and Chambers of Commerce post lists of take-out/delivery restaurants on their websites. Or check out the website Local for Later for restaurants in Upstate, NY.

3. Catch a Flick

If ever there was a time for guilt-free binge watching, it’s now! Watch a show or series, check out a movie, concert or documentary. Cable and streaming services offer entertainment 24/7.

4. Read!

Many libraries offer E-books. Sign in with your library card and download or get a membership. Here’s a link to the Onondaga County Library System, Monroe County Library System, the New York Public Library and the Library of Congress for information about how to check out their E-books and audiobooks. Whatever your favorite genre, biography, fiction or non-fiction you’ll find a library of choices online.

5. Take a virtual tour

Visit a museum or zoo – online. A quick online search will identify options – many offer live streams.

6. DIY

Are you a home improvement or DIY fan? Since you’re home – now may be a good time to catch up on a project or two.

7. Brighten your space

Crafty? Try your hand at a new craft project. You’ll find lots of ideas online. Craft projects can brighten your space – and your spirits.

8. Roll the Dice

Board games aren’t boring! Dust off a game and have some classic fun.

9. One piece at a time

Complete a puzzle – maybe one of those 1000+ piece ones!

10. Get moving!

Take a walk around the yard, check out an online exercise class or download an app.

11. Harness your green thumb

Plant a garden – in the yard or a container. An herb garden can add color to your space and your recipes!

12. Connect Virtually

Schedule a virtual visit with friends and family via Facetime, Skype, WhatsApp or another platform.

13. Share ideas!

Share ideas! Ask others what they’re doing to keep busy. You may pick up a new hobby – or be inspired to tackle the “to-do” list!

  • Colleen Garofalo of Syracuse tackled something she’d been wanting to do. “I cleaned out some cabinets and drawers in the master bath over the weekend. Got rid of two bags full of stuff and organized what was kept,” she said. “It looks amazing! Going to move on to the next room this weekend!”
  • “We got a head start on fall/winter clean up,” said Sara Rink of Rochester. “We have other weekend warrior jobs planned since we are not as mobile to escape. Power washing concrete, digging moss out of the walkway and re-sanding, what to do with the deck – ugh!” The time at home has given her time to plan. “It helps when the sun is out! We do hope this will pass very soon but making plans to better our surroundings is a good fresh start.”

14. Laugh

And lastly, don’t forget to laugh! As they say, laughter is the best medicine. It helps reduce stress and improves the mood.

For more ideas, check out this recent USA Today article 100 Things to Do When Stuck Inside