Posted April 24, 2025 by Anupreet Kaur, M.D., Medical Director, Care Management and Population Health
Water is essential for healthy bodies. The human body is made up mostly of water — nearly 60 percent — and every part of the body needs it to function correctly.
Getting enough water enables our bodies to regulate body temperature, improve digestion, keep joints lubricated, prevent infection, deliver nutrients to cells and keep organ systems working properly.
But surprisingly, dehydration is common — especially as we age, when thirst levels naturally...
Posted February 20, 2025 by H. Kelley Riley, M.D., MBA, Chief Medical Officer
Exercise doesn’t have to be boring. If you’re looking for a fun way to boost your health in the new year—try adding dance to your fitness routine!
From ballet and tap to ballroom, hip-hop or disco, dancing is not only enjoyable but also a great form of exercise to help keep your health in rhythm.
Some styles of dance offer a more intense workout than others, but moving your body, in general (with a few caveats), can be beneficial for both your physical...
Posted December 19, 2024 by H. Kelley Riley, M.D., MBA, Chief Medical Officer
The holidays are a time for family, celebration and great food. But if you’re not careful, unwanted pounds can quickly sneak up on you. Just 500 additional calories a day — the equivalent of about three cookies or a tumbler of your favorite holiday latte — can lead to a pound of weight gain each week.
The good news is healthy eating around the holidays doesn’t have to mean eating boring foods or depriving yourself of your favorite holiday treats....
Posted September 26, 2024 by H. Kelley Riley M.D., MBA, Chief Medical Officer
In today’s fast-paced digital age, technology is an integral part of our lives. We use it for work, connecting with loved ones, entertainment, purchasing goods, scheduling activities and so much more. Most of us would agree, we can’t live without it!
But in a world of constant connectivity that continuously bombards us with news, notifications, emails, text messages, social media updates and more, it’s vital to take breaks and unplug. ...
Posted August 22, 2024 by Bassey Ijoma MSN, RN, BSN, Manager, Clinical Quality Improvement
Social relationships are central to your well-being. Everyone needs social connections to survive and thrive. But as we age, factors such as mobility challenges, hearing loss, chronic illness and death of a partner can leave older adults spending more time alone and disconnected from the outside world.
Unfortunately, social isolation and loneliness can lead to a decrease in physical and mental health, and an increased risk for early death. In fact, the World Health...
Posted July 11, 2024 by Jen Yates, MS, Manager, Health & Wellness
Summertime is here and that means many families are gearing up for their annual summer getaways including beachside fun, cross-country adventures – even international voyages.
Whether you’re an occasional road-tripper or a frequent flier, SummaCare offers six essential tips to ensure smoother travels and avoid unnecessary headaches while spending time away from home.
After all, the more research and prep you put in before you hit the road (or board the plane...
Posted May 23, 2024 by H. Kelley Riley, M.D., MBA, Chief Medical Officer
Who said resolutions have to fail? With flowers in full bloom, sunnier days and warmer temps, summer is a great season to refocus, refresh and renew your health goals for a healthier, happier you.
Life can feel a little easier in the summer. Research shows bright sunshine can lighten your mood and longer days with more time outside can reduce stress. You feel energized to eat better, be more active and focus on your well-being.
So, to help you feel your best this...
Posted April 11, 2024 by Kerri Towsley, Director, Product Development & Market Intelligence
Do you frequently misplace your car keys or phone? Do you have trouble coming up with the right words during conversation or forget why you went upstairs?
Many people think that becoming forgetful and slowing down mentally is a fact of growing older. But, it doesn’t have to be!
Just as our bodies require care and exercise over the course of our life, so do our brains — especially as we age. Lifting weights strengthens our muscles, while strengthening our brain...
Posted March 14, 2024 by Bassey Ijoma, MSN, RN, BSN, Manager, Quality & Clinical Improvement
Not only can art add beauty and meaning to your life, but research shows it may be essential for your health and well-being. Think of art as creative fitness for your mind and body! Studies show that expression through art and creativity can boost your mood, reduce stress, relieve pain and improve memory.
In fact, many hospitals and clinics use art therapy as an effective tool to support healing from depression, anxiety, traumatic events, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder...
Posted February 29, 2024 by H. Kelley Riley, M.D., MBA, Chief Medical Officer
It’s estimated more than 65 percent of U.S. households own a pet, according to the American Pet Products Association. Dogs are the most popular pet, followed closely by cats and freshwater fish.
Owning a pet is a good choice to make — and not just because they’re cute and cuddly. While owning a pet comes with great responsibility, research suggests it can bring a wealth of physical and emotional benefits, too.
“Man’s best friend”...
Posted February 15, 2024 by H. Kelley Riley, M.D., MBA, Chief Medical Officer
While it is sometimes easier to focus on our physical health, good mental health is just as essential for your overall well-being.
Mental health incorporates your emotional, psychological and social welfare. It affects how you think, act and feel. But, that doesn’t mean that you’re always happy or you’re unaffected by your experiences.
Instead, having a healthy mental state means you’re better able to cope with life’s stressors,...
Posted February 01, 2024 by H. Kelley Riley, M.D., MBA, Chief Medical Officer
Vitamin D deficiency is a common concern among people who live in northern climates. Shorter days with less sunlight during the cloudy months, paired with more time indoors to escape the cold, can make it difficult to get adequate levels of vitamin D.
Some vitamins can only be obtained through dietary adjustments. However, vitamin D is often called the sunshine vitamin because the body is able to produce it when exposed to the sun’s rays.
Vitamin D is essential...
Posted January 18, 2024 by Jen Yates, MS, Manager, Health & Wellness
Changes in nature, cooler temperatures, pumpkin spice and the anticipation of the holidays make the fall and winter seasons favorites for many. But for those suffering from seasonal affective disorder (SAD), shorter days with intermittent sunshine can make this time of year long and dreary — both physically and mentally.
The American Psychiatric Association estimates about five percent of adults in this country suffer from SAD, a reoccurring type of mild-to-...
Posted August 31, 2023 by Hugh Kelley Riley, M.D., MBA
Busy family schedules can often force relaxation to take a back seat. Who has time to relax when many households have working parents, family obligations, kids’ extracurricular activities, homework, meals to prepare, a house to clean (… the list goes on and on)?
But carving out some much-needed downtime isn’t just about finding peace of mind or enjoying a fun hobby, it’s a matter of your health! Relaxation is important for decreasing daily stress and...
Posted August 03, 2023 by Bassey Ijoma, MSN, RN, BSN, Manager, Quality & Clinical Improvement
Are you looking to acquire a new skill to advance your career or learn to play an instrument to bond with your child? Maybe you’re just curious about a topic?
Whatever your interest may be, we encourage you to try it. Research tells us to keep our minds active, especially as we age. Upskilling, the process of acquiring new knowledge and skills, is a great way to exercise your brain because the benefits reach far beyond the actual skill learned.
Learning something new can...
Posted March 09, 2023 by Julie Sich, MS ATC, Director of Quality Improvement and Provider Engagement
By the time they reach their senior year, nearly 70 percent of high schoolers will have tried alcohol, 50 percent will have taken an illegal drug and more than 20 percent will have used a prescription drug inappropriately, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
These statistics are especially alarming because a child’s brain continues to develop and grow until about age 25. Substance use can affect brain growth and development. Kids who begin substance...
Posted February 09, 2023 by Michael J. Tan, MD, FACP, FIDSA, Assistant Medical Director
The United States is experiencing a national blood supply shortage due to significant disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic. So, roll up your sleeves to help those in need. We need you!
Donating blood is a life-saving gift. Your blood donation can save the lives of up to three people, according to the American Red Cross. Healthcare providers use blood donations daily for surgery and cancer patients, organ transplant recipients and trauma patients — both young and old....
Posted January 13, 2023 by Jen Yates, MS, Manager, Health & Wellness and Provider Engagement
With winter in full swing, it’s a great time to focus your energy indoors to declutter your home. Getting rid of excess possessions and organizing your space can improve your mental health, add value to your home and give you the room you need to do the things you love.
A messy, unorganized house can feel overwhelming. In fact, clutter has been shown to have a negative impact on stress levels, productivity and health by making it difficult to focus and relax.
If you&...
Posted December 29, 2022 by Julie Sich, MS ATC, Director of Quality Improvement and Provider Engagement
When it comes to catching your zzzs, quality is just as important as quantity.
The average adult should get between seven to nine hours of sleep every night, according to the National Sleep Foundation. But even if you’re sleeping an adequate amount of time each night, if you don’t reach a deep enough stage of sleep, you won’t feel well-rested and refreshed in the morning.
Getting a quality night’s sleep means falling asleep after 10 to 15 minutes and...
Posted December 15, 2022 by Christine Elerick, Director, Member Experience
With today’s busy family schedules, fitting in time to volunteer can be challenging. But, finding the time to give back isn’t just a matter of kindness, it’s a matter of your health!
Volunteering makes a huge difference in the lives of others. Acts of service such as dishing out meals in a soup kitchen, fostering animals or making blankets for kids in hospitals give tremendous help to people in need, worthy causes and your community.
What you may not know is...
Posted July 08, 2021 by Charles A. Zonfa, MD, FACOG | Chief Medical Office
Think walking isn’t good exercise? Think again. Brisk walking boosts your physical and mental health in so many ways.
Walking increases your cardiovascular fitness, strengthens bones, muscles and joints, and reduces excess body fat, while decreasing your risk of developing conditions, such as Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis and some cancers.
Posted June 03, 2021 by Charles A. Zonfa, MD, FACOG | Chief Medical Office
Posted November 05, 2020 by Charles A. Zonfa, MD, FACOG | Chief Medical Officer
You know the feeling: your hands sweat, your heart pounds and your muscles tense. Yes, that’s stress, commonly known as our “flight or fight” response. It can motivate you to nail that big presentation at work or quickly react if your kid takes a tumble. But unless you’re being chased by wolves or slamming on the brakes to avoid a pile-up, your stress could be doing you more harm than good.
That’s...