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(VIDEO) Why We Need Resilience and How to Build It

“Resilience is knowing that you are the only one that has the power and responsibility to pick yourself up.” – Mary Holloway

2020 has been unlike any other year.

Carlette Bradley, from Erie County, knows that all too well. Earlier this year, her life was turned upside down. Back in June, Carlette suddenly lost her husband, Antwain, to a heart attack. Her birthday was a few days later.

While grieving, Carlette, an ordained minister at Edison Street Community Church in Buffalo, N.Y., manages to continue to encourage, uplift and inspire others through her social media pages.

Recently, Kandis Fuller, communications manager at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, interviewed Carlette on how to overcome adversity during tough times. Watch the video to learn more.

Carlette’s Tips for Building Resilience

Connect between being productive and your well-being
Live a life of gratitude
Emotional intelligence – develop a high sense of self-awareness
Know your triggers
Practice your new behaviors

Resilience Resources

To learn more about resiliency, check out a few of Carlette’s book suggestions:

“The Purpose Driven Life” by Rick Warren
“Mindset: Changing the Way You Think To Fulfil Your Potential” by Dr. Carol S. Dweck
“Until Today!: Daily Devotions for Spiritual Growth and Peace of Mind” by Iyanla Vanzant
Any book by John Maxwell

Surviving The Annual Holiday Food Fest

Holidays and food go hand in hand, or more accurately, hand to mouth. This time of year can present a challenge to even the most disciplined among us to stick to a healthy diet and enjoy the treats of the season in moderation.

On average, Americans gain one to two pounds during the holidays, and research shows these pounds tend to stick, accumulating year after year. This year, our new normal of COVID-19, shutdowns, and social distancing, add stress eating to the mix to make keeping to a healthy diet an even greater challenge. Here are some tips to make it through the holiday season with your waistline intact, and to jump start resolutions to eat better in the new year.

Tips for the holiday food fest

Focus on portion size and be aware of what you are eating. Stick to healthy eating habits such as filling half your plate with fruits and veggies and making half of the grains you consume whole grains.
Keep to a consistent sleep schedule, and avoid large meals, caffeine and alcohol before bed.
Make it a habit to go for an after-dinner walk, whatever the weather. It’ll get you away from the table and the temptation to keep picking at the food.
With social distancing, there’ll likely be fewer mouths to feed, so cook what you need, and nothing more. Sending doggy bags home with guests is not an option this year.
And, when it comes to holiday gift giving, Salzer suggests subscriptions to healthy eating or healthy cooking magazines. They serve as a fun monthly reminder to stay focused on healthy eating and portion control. It’s a gift that’ll be enjoyed throughout the year.

Find information on nutrition, healthy cooking, and more, online at the Health & Wellness page at ExcellusBCBS.com.

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, risk for cardiovascular disease, stroke and lifestyle-related illnesses can be decreased. This holiday season, make a pledge to Maintain, Don’t Gain!”

Amanda suggests these tips to avoid those extra holiday pounds:

Keep Moving

Exercise can help you beat stress, boost energy and burn off all those homemade cookies. Aim for at least 30 minutes a day of exercise. If you currently aren’t active, start with 5-10 minutes and build up to 30. Any exercise is better than none. One way to make sure you are getting the exercise you need is to track it. You can use the American Heart Association’s free Activity Tracker to track your activity. Pick an activity that you enjoy, make a plan and stick to it.

Add Lots of Color

Eating lots of colorful fruits and vegetables can help with weight management. They are low in calories and loaded with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, which helps you feel full. Try to make half of each meal vegetables and fruits.

Go Low

Swap low- or nonfat Greek yogurt for sour cream in dips, appetizers and casseroles. Instead of full-fat cheese, choose low-fat cheese. For dishes that call for lots of butter, like stuffing or sweet potatoes, use half or two-thirds the butter called for – you will cut calories without affecting the taste.

Know When to Stop

Still hungry? Remember, it takes 20 minutes for your stomach to signal your brain that you’re full. So if you think you want second helpings, take a break for 20 minutes, then ask yourself if you’re still hungry.

Set a Goal and Celebrate Your Successes

Making exercise and healthy eating a regular habit takes commitment and planning. Set an achievable goal and then celebrate your success. Then set a new goal, and soon you will have lots of new healthy habits!

For more information on weight management, check out the CDC’s Healthy Weight website.

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 to help manage her heart health. However, with her income limited, those healthier choices became luxuries.

“I had to find a way to stretch my dollars,” she said, “so sometimes I had to do without fresh fruits and vegetables.”

Food Insecurity

The ability to earn a paycheck and feed a family are at risk for many people because of the pandemic and this is leading to a growing number of people experiencing food insecurity.

A recent study by Feeding America, the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization, showed food insecurity in the 10-county area including Monroe County is expected to rise 45 percent this year due to the pandemic.

Loss of income, poverty, a person’s environment, education levels, and discrimination can all contribute to health risks. Known as social determinants of health, these factors can have significant impact on a person’s quality of life and well-being.

“I had been working hard, trying to eat healthier to improve my health and when I had to close the doors of my business, I had to limit the types of food I could buy,” she said. “I never thought I would be in this position at this point in my life. It’s an unusual and challenging time.”

Healthier Diet = Health Care Goals

This summer, Goossen’s nurse care manager contacted her about a new pilot program designed to help her and others who have health care needs and are at risk of food insecurity. The “Fresh Account at Curbside Market” program provides monthly vouchers to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables.

The program was developed in partnership with her health insurer, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield and local food bank, Foodlink. The Curbside Market is Foodlink’s mobile farmers market, which provides affordable and convenient access to healthy foods in underserved communities.

Foodlink Curbside Market Truck

“You need a healthy diet to improve and maintain good health,” said Dr. Brian Steele, vice president medical affairs, clinical services at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield. This seemed to be an area where we could intervene.”

“The Fresh Account program helps people access healthier foods and celebrates making the healthy choice the easy choice,” said Julia Tedesco, President & CEO of Foodlink.

Farmers Market on Wheels

Participation in the program helps Goossen extend her food budget and meet her health care goals. “My first visit to Curbside Market I purchased peaches, nectarines, corn, celery, cherry tomatoes, grapes, onions, white and sweet potatoes – they had more than I anticipated!”

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The wide variety gave her the opportunity to try some new foods. “I love to cook, so I’m finding new recipes and making creative meals. It’s been helpful to me. I’m learning more about the nutritional value of fruits and vegetables I normally wouldn’t purchase.”

The best part?

“I’ve already lost 20 pounds!” She gained 50 pounds during the pandemic and credits her healthier diet for her weight loss. “Now I’m grabbing more fresh fruits and vegetables for a snack instead of something that will put weight back on and negatively affect my health.”

Staying Positive

Goossen says she’s concentrating on staying positive.

Karen Goossen

“In the early ‘90’s, when my children were little, I benefitted from the WIC program and food pantries. I know what it’s like to have family go without,” she said. “When I was able, I gave back, volunteering to help others and providing Thanksgiving dinners for those in need – it’s nice to give back.”

Although she didn’t expect to be on the receiving end again, she’s grateful to have this resource. “It’s a great idea. There’s a need and people are benefitting and appreciative.”

She calls the program “a blessing. The timing was perfect. I really needed it. And when I’m able, I’ll give back again.”

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 way to keep the family fit and teach your kids about trust, teamwork, and problem solving at the same time. Take them to a local park and set an expedition course on a map, circling various “checkpoints.” Take turns navigating to each point on the map and leading the team to each destination. Sound too complicated? Then merely go hunting for bugs, animals, or flowers. You can’t entertain a young kid much better than finding a colorful salamander under a log or rock.

Plan 10-minute spurts of activity

Follow spurts of activity with 5-minute rest periods. Don’t force your adult exercise program on your children. That’s a recipe for disaster. Instead, take advantage of their natural tendency to participate in intermittent and sporadic play and exercise bouts. A game of tag is a perfect example. Children’s bodies are designed to sprint and rest, sprint and rest. Because they are easily distracted and incapable of long periods of focused activity, they will resist long exercise sessions that don’t include rest periods.

Train for school fitness tests as a family

Learn which fitness tests or activities your child is doing in physical education class and train for them as a family. Set goals, such as running a quarter-mile and then a half and then a full mile in a certain amount of time — and reward each family member for meeting each goal.

Play follow the leader with one or more children

Line up single file and weave your way through the house or backyard. Every few steps, hop, skip, do the grapevine or some other movement that your followers must imitate. Once the kids get the hang of the game, let them take turns as leader. Their naturally creative minds will come up with all sorts of fun movements for the followers to imitate. You’ll be out of breath before you know it.

Give your child a head start — and race around the house

You can do the same with calisthenics. You do 10 crunches, and your child does 5. See who can complete them first.

Spend an hour doing yard work together

Raking leaves, pulling weeds, shoveling snow, and spreading out mulch all help to build strength and endurance. Plus, when your kids help, it doesn’t take as long or seem as much of a chore (depending on the age of the child, of course). There are numerous ways to make yard work more fun for kids. For instance, when you finish raking a pile of leaves, you get to jump in them.

Wash the car together

The scrubbing is good exercise, but everyone getting wet and soapy is just plain fun for kids.

Give your kids a list of indoor chores — then join them

Younger children often like to feel helpful and will enjoy helping you with household chores. Ask them to help you make the beds, fold the laundry and put it away, set the table, and put dishes in the dishwasher — all physical activities that can help get your heart rate up, stretch your body, and build your muscles.

Take a hike

Grab a backpack, plenty of water, and a light lunch and head to a local trail for a hiking expedition. Wear hiking boots for rocky terrain or sneakers for smoother trails, and pack sunscreen and insect repellent. To make this more fun for kids, make it about something else, such as looking for a particular animal or bird, climbing to see a lake or pond, or seeing how many rocks you can scamper over without touching the ground. Kids like hiking much better when they don’t realize it’s about hiking! Bring a picnic; of course, this is a great opportunity to share a delicious but healthful meal and cultivate good family eating habits.

Dance during commercial breaks

Make it a family rule that whenever you watch television, you have to stand up and dance around during the commercials. This goes for everyone! Whoever gets caught sitting on the couch during a commercial break must perform his or her least-liked household chore for one week.

How do you get moving with your family? Share your ideas in the comments.

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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 and depression
Reduction in body aches and pains
More forgiveness
Increased satisfaction at work

My New Gratitude Habit

To develop a daily habit of gratitude and fulfill a personal goal to improve my Procreate app skills, I designed this playful graphic and shared to social media (LinkedIn and Facebook) on Nov. 1, which marked the first day of National Gratitude month.

Picture of a list of things to be grateful for.

Roxy’s gratitude graphic. What are you grateful for today?

So far, my experiment has been a success; after the first three days of practice, I was bursting with gratitude! I thanked my husband for the renovations he’s made to our home which we’re now spending most of our time together in and for preparing healthy and delicious meals each night.

Gratitude is Meant to Be Shared

To further hold myself accountable to my daily commitment, I sent the graphic to peers in my workgroup and invited them to participate with me. Using the prompts on corresponding days, I kicked off meetings by asking participants to share what they were grateful for, sharing first what I was grateful for to model the behavior.

What I’ve enjoyed most about this activity was the opportunity to grow relationships and say thank you by sharing stories that might not have come up through our day-to-day discussions.

I’ve seen my graphic shared on social media along with the posters’ personal gratitude reflections. As Thanksgiving approaches, I hope it may inspire creative ways for some to celebrate the holiday virtually as needed.

Comment below what you are grateful for. I promise it will make you feel good.

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 up with a plan to keep feeling the burn throughout the fall and winter months when you might easily lapse.”

Physical Activity: More than A Seasonal Activity

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 60 percent of adults do not achieve the recommended amount of regular physical activity. The CDC defines a moderate amount of physical activity as using about 150 calories of energy per day, or 1,000 calories per week.

“Being active shouldn’t be a seasonal thing, and activity doesn’t need to be strenuous to achieve health benefits,” says Massa.

Among the CDC’s suggestions for moderate fall fitness activities are raking leaves for 30 minutes, washing windows for 45 minutes, gardening for 30 minutes, and shoveling snow for 15 minutes.

Health Benefits of Physical Activity

According to the CDC.gov, regular physical activity improves health in the following ways:

Reduces the risk of dying from heart disease.
Reduces the risk of developing diabetes.
Reduces the risk of developing high blood pressure.
Helps reduce blood pressure in people who already have high blood pressure.
Reduces the risk of developing colon cancer.
Helps control weight.
Helps build and maintain healthy bones, muscles, and joints.
Helps older adults become stronger and improves balance.
Promotes psychological well-being.

As we head into the indoor months, Massa recommends adopting a more structured personal fitness plan that utilizes equipment in your home and virtual classes. “You won’t be cutting the lawn every week, so use that time to take a weekly fitness class,” he said.

Most health insurers have a section on their websites with information about rewards and incentives to join a gym or purchase equipment. Massa advises Excellus BlueCross BlueShield members to visit ExcellusBCBS.com and click on the Health and Wellness tab.

“Whatever the season, always keep your fitness goals S.M.A.R.T – specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely,” adds Massa. “And remember to have fun!”

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Change the Channel, Change Your Mood

When I first started working from home full-time in March, I developed a new routine for watching the news. I watched the news in the morning while I ate breakfast, at noon while I ate lunch, and then at and after dinner time, usually two different news broadcasts.

Watching the news at lunch time was the biggest change for me. While working in the office, I preferred to spend lunch out of the office, exploring downtown Rochester. Now, instead of enjoying the daily special and a coffee at a restaurant, I was watching the news alone, feeling stressed out. I was getting myself worked up over the same news stories I heard just hours earlier.

The Importance of Taking a Break

“Taking a break during the workday is imperative for good emotional health,” said Amanda Shanahan, RD, Employee Wellbeing Manager, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield. “But it’s important to break and do something you enjoy and look forward to. This will increase your focus, creativity, and productivity while also reducing stress. This leaves you refreshed to start working again.”

Calming Power of Cooking Shows

After about a month or two of what I’ll call “binge doom viewing” during lunch, I knew I needed to try something different. Still at home by myself for lunch, I looked for something less stressful to enjoy during the lunch hour. That’s when I discovered the calming power of cooking shows. I’ve found that the WXXI Create channel has some great programs on at lunch time, mostly cooking and food shows. I find myself looking forward to watching each day. For me, there’s something calming about watching someone slice vegetables and prepare food.

More Than Just Cooking

One program that really took me by surprise was To Dine For with Kate Sullivan. Not knowing what the show was about, I was expecting to learn a new recipe for potato pancakes, or perhaps a better technique for making a pie crust. To my surprise, Kate’s guest was Deepak Chopra, offering to “solve the mystery of our existence.” I learned that the show is actually about interviewing notable guests while enjoying a meal together at their favorite restaurants. So, here was a gem of enlightenment only a click away.

I still miss my lunches out exploring the city. But I have settled into this new routine and now look forward to taking a break at lunch to step away from work and check in with my new WXXI Create friends.

Has your lunchtime routine changed? Share how you relax and unwind during your break in the comments below.

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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 roles in our country.

This year, as parades and in-person celebrations are paused, look for new ways to celebrate their courage and sacrifice. Talk to a veteran in your life and have a conversation with them to learn more about their lives, hear their moving and compelling stories, and understand their experiences while serving our nation.

As Chad Tooke in our Utica office said, “Ask a veteran about their experiences. Talking may enlighten you as to why they are the way they are, and you may appreciate them a little more. They may have seen things and experienced things that they will not talk about, but have affected them greatly… Most veterans are humble and don’t want to be thanked and don’t need the accolades.”

We would like to share some of the stories of the brave men and women who wore our country’s uniform and come to work for us each day continuing to serve our communities.

Bob Berie, Director, Claims Cost Containment

Bob joined the Air Force in May of 1981 and retired in 2018.

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“I spent 12 years on active duty. While on active duty, I was assigned to bases in Florida and Texas. Most of my active time was spent in logistics and as an instructor. Then, in 2009, I went back into the Air Force Reserve in Medical Administration at Westover Air Reserve Base in Chicopee, MA. In 2012, I transferred to the 174th Attack Wing in Syracuse and joined the 174th Medical Group. I retired in 2018 as the First Sergeant of the Medical Group after 23 years of service. “

Chad Tooke, Provider Network and Strategy Manager

Chad joined the Army on in 1992 earning his badge from Air Assault school. He retired in June 2015.

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“I started at Excellus BCBS Sept. 23, 2002 and, on my first day, I let Excellus BCBS know that I was deploying for Afghanistan on Sept. 26, 2002 and it did not feel proper to accept the position I was hired for. I was told to fill out the orientation paperwork and to take the remainder of the week off… My job would be waiting when I returned. I think that is a great testament to our organization and how they support their employees.

In Afghanistan, I led a Civil Affairs Team Alpha (CAT-A). We conducted many missions and coordinated the building of wells, schools, and medical facilities to assist the local populace. We also provided food and clothing when we could. In November of 2007, I was mobilized to Fort Dix, NJ for a one-year tour that turned into nearly five years. I was sent there to train soldiers going overseas to Iraq, Afghanistan, and Africa.”

Lisa Sexton, Human Capital Management Talent Acquisition Consultant

Lisa joined the Air Force in 1993 and was honorably discharged in April of 2001 as a Staff Sergeant.

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“I was an Air Force brat – my father is a graduate of West Point and is a retired Air Force Major, and my sister is also retired from the Air Force. When I joined in 1993 at 21-years-old, my career field was Hospital Administration. I was stationed at Eglin Air Force Base, Fort Walton Beach, FL for five years where I worked in a hospital and then attended Airmen Leadership School and graduated top of my class and was awarded the John Levitow Award (highest honor).

I have been trained in Medical Readiness (able to work in a battle field hospital and provide first aide to injured soldiers), chemical warfare, etc. It wasn’t all work and no play, though! I played volleyball for the base team and traveled all over the country to play against other bases.

Then I was stationed at Kirtland Air Force Base, Albuquerque, NM where I worked at the Medical Clinic for the remainder of my Air Force career where I coordinated Life Flights to move our injured soldiers to different Major Hospitals across the Country and World.

I absolutely loved my time in the Air Force and I believe it helped shape who I am today. I have made forever friendships and connections!”

Please share your own stories in the comments below.

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Domestic Violence: The Silent Epidemic

Lisa Haskins, of Monroe County, wished she spoken up sooner about how domestic violence impacted her family. She wished more people talked about it so that domestic violence victims don’t feel ashamed or are afraid to speak up.

Growing up, Lisa said domestic violence occurred in her family. Lisa said the cycle of abuse continued over generations. Her sister found herself in an abusive relationship as an adult, she added. After years of verbal and emotional abuse, nearly five years ago Lisa’s sister committed suicide.

Last year, Lisa broke her silence and shared a Facebook post in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October.

Helping Those Who “Don’t Have a Voice”

“Today I take a stand, as I should every day…for those women who have lost their voice, their self-worth, their self-love, their self-compassion, their confidence, their hope, and for some their lives” she wrote in the post.

“Domestic violence doesn’t always have visible bruises. Sometimes there are signs, and sometimes we may see nothing. For any woman suffering from domestic violence, dig deeper than you ever have in your life and know that you are worth loving. You deserve joy and kindness and freedom to live. There is help. There is safety, even though it may not seem like it.

Every day I miss my sister. She may have committed suicide, but domestic violence is what killed her. I stand for those who no longer have a voice…like her. We have to speak up because it might just save a life. And one life can mean the world to someone. I know. I live every day without my sister.”

After speaking up, Lisa said she felt as if a weight was lifted from her shoulders.

“I feel as if we sit here and live in silence and worry that the abuser will come back and threaten us, but all that does is give him control,” she said. “That’s why domestic violence is so persistent. Many people fear taking the risk and speaking up.”

A Perfect Storm for A Domestic Violence Crisis

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men in the United States have experienced violence from a partner in their lifetime — and the risks to victims can be severe. During the COVID-19 pandemic, news outlets across the country have reported a rise in domestic violence. Victims of domestic violence face more social isolation in general, even when there isn’t a widespread pandemic. Abusers have more tactics at their disposal when victims can’t easily get away from home.

“With the numbers of people that continue to get sick, the growing unemployment rate, and an increase in anxiety and financial stress, this pandemic has created the perfect storm for an exacerbated domestic violence crisis,” said Dr. Sudha Bakshi, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield medical director.

Lisa: What Gives Her Hope

Lisa said knowing more about local groups that help domestic violence victims gives her hope. It is important for those in high risk situations to know that courts and many domestic violence organizations, phone hotlines, and shelters are available to help. Domestic violence organizations are also working to develop new strategies to support victims during the pandemic, by offering hotline services through online chats or texting, in case victims cannot call with an abuser at home.

Excellus BCBS is proud to provide support to these domestic violence organizations across upstate New York as part of its response to the COVID-19 pandemic:

Family Justice Center, Buffalo, NY
Pinnacle Community Services, Niagara Falls, NY
RISE, Endicott, NY
Vera House, Syracuse, NY
YWCA Mohawk Valley, Utica, NY
Resolve, Rochester, NY
Willow, Rochester, NY

Let Victims Know They’re Not Alone

Lisa said it can be challenging to convince domestic violence victims to speak up and get help.

The victim may fear the abuser, they may have a skewed sense of normal if they grew up in this environment, or after years of abuse start to believe that they’re just not worth it.

One option? Offer to accompany your friend or loved one to check out an organization that supports domestic violence victims. “That may help them consider getting help,” she said.

In the end, Lisa wishes that more people talked about domestic violence.

“Not talking about it adds to the stigma,” she said. “And, how else will victims know they’re not alone?”

If you or anyone else needs help, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. The lifeline is open all day, every day.