Episodes

Forty years of experience in medicine brings a lot of knowledge, wisdom and health information. On this episode, Chuck Gaidica is joined by Dr. Jim Grant, Chief Medical Officer at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, who is retiring after more than 30 years in medicine. Together, they discuss his career, how medicine has evolved and what he wants you to know about your health and prevention as he reflects on his experiences. In this episode of A Healthier Michigan Podcast, we explore: A 40-year...

Mental health struggles are not only difficult to deal with, but they can also be challenging to talk about. On this episode, Chuck Gaidica is joined by Dr. Amy Milewski, Vice President of Clinical Partnerships and Associate Chief Medical Officer. Together, they discuss tools to talk to your family about mental health and why it’s so important. In this episode of A Healthier Michigan Podcast, we explore: The stigma around mental health How to start talking about mental health Why your family...

Welcome to the A Healthier Michigan Podcast. We hope to give you a tip or two to improve your health and stay healthier longer.

It’s that time of the year again: coughing, sneezing and watery eyes. Spring not only brings lovely gardens, but also allergies. For some, these can be seasonal. For others, it’s a year-round struggle. On this episode, Chuck Gaidica is joined by Senior Medical Director of Commercial Markets Dr. Michael Kobernick. Together, they discuss allergies, which ones are common, what they are and how they happen. In this episode of A Healthier Michigan Podcast, we explore: What are allergies? How do al...

Protein is added to everything, including waffles, chips and even your Starbucks drink. On this episode, Chuck Gaidica is joined by Registered Dietitian Shanthi Appelö to discuss protein and whether you are eating the right amount or too much. In this episode of the A Healthier Michigan Podcast, we explore: What is the right amount of protein? What is the best way to get protein? Why is protein in everything now? Do our protein needs change?

The average person spends 4.5 hours a day on their smartphone. And starting your day with a burst of information, comparison culture and breaking news? That can spike stress. On this episode, Chuck Gaidica is joined by Dr. Amy Milewski, Vice President of Clinical Partnerships and Associate Chief Medical Officer. Together, they discuss doomscrolling, your smartphone and whether you should be checking it in the morning. In this episode of A Healthier Michigan Podcast, we explore: What happens wh...

We all know we should be getting seven to eight hours of sleep. After all, we spend nearly one-third of our lives doing it. But here’s something most people don’t realize: not all sleep is created equal. On this episode, Chuck Gaidica is joined by Dr. Peter Graham, Chief Medical Officer of Blue Care Network. Together, they discuss what deep sleep is, how to get more of it and what happens during deep sleep. In this episode of A Healthier Michigan Podcast, we explore: What is deep sleep? How t...

We've all felt it: you’re cruising through your day and suddenly—bam—it’s 3 p.m. and your eyelids get heavy, your focus dips and a nap sounds like the best idea anyone has ever had. Why does this happen? On this episode, Chuck Gaidica is joined by Dr. Crystal Lee, Medical Director in Clinical Decision Support. Together, they discuss the midday crash, what it is and ways to minimize it. In this episode of A Healthier Michigan Podcast, we explore: The midday crash Why it happens How to prevent...

Olive oil, avocado oil, canola oil, coconut oil and even the classic vegetable oil. With so many options available, which oils should we be cooking with? On this episode, Chuck Gaidica is joined by Registered Dietitian Shanthi Appelö. Together, they discuss the different types of cooking oils, which you should be using and why. In this episode of A Healthier Michigan Podcast, we explore: Healthy ways to cook with oil Calories and fat in oils Smoke point What oils should you have?

Rising drug prices impact premiums and people alike. Hear how Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is putting pharmacy innovations to work to reduce costs and expand access for our members and customers.

Sleep aids are everywhere, and new sleep trends are emerging as sleep becomes a major wellness priority. On this episode, Chuck Gaidica is joined by Laura Hatton, Manager of Behavioral Health Parity at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. Together, they discuss color noise, how they can help you sleep and the differences between them. In this episode of A Healthier Michigan Podcast, we explore: Different color noises How noise can help you sleep Why different sounds appeal to different people

It seems like everyone is walking around with a water bottle and that’s a good thing. However, water bottles can pose a sneaky health risk. On this episode, Chuck Gaidica is joined by Dr. Jessica Huhn, Medical Director for Provider Engagement at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. Together, they discuss the benefits of water bottles and how they can become a health hazard. In this episode of A Healthier Michigan Podcast, we explore: The importance of hydration Why you need to clean your wate...

With the start of every year, health trends begin to emerge. On this episode, Chuck Gaidica is joined by Registered Dietitian Shanthi Appelö. Together, they discuss some of the health trends you should be paying attention to and some you could even try yourself. In this episode of A Healthier Michigan Podcast, we explore: Fibermaxxing Protein Vinegar Gut health and more

Binge drinking is more common than you think—discover its hidden risks to your body and mind in this must-listen episode. Dr. William Beecroft, Medical Director of Behavioral Health at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, explores the surprising ways binge drinking affects your physical health, mental well-being and overall lifestyle. From short-term consequences to long-term risks, you’ll learn the warning signs of excessive alcohol use and practical strategies to reduce harm. Hosted by Chuck G...

When the daylight hours get shorter, it can really affect our mood. On this episode, Chuck Gaidica is joined by Senior Health Care Analyst Josh McCullough. Together, they discuss the winter blues, happy lights and other ways to improve your mood. In this episode of A Healthier Michigan Podcast, we explore: Why we need sunlight Do “Happy Lights” really work? How Vitamin D can help us in winter months What other factors can improve our mood

Both short term and long-term stress can have a negative impact on our health. On this episode, Chuck Gaidica is joined by Care Management Physician Dr. Angela Seabright. Together, they discuss the effects of stress on us both mentally and physically. In this episode of A Healthier Michigan Podcast, we explore: How stress affects us How does stress increase risk of disease? Who does stress effect the most? How to manage stress

Anxiety vs Stress: What’s the difference? It’s important to know and understand the difference. On this episode, Chuck Gaidica is joined by Medical Director of Behavioral Health, Dr. William Beecroft. Together they discuss how stress and anxiety are caused, symptoms of each and how to deal with them. In this episode of A Healthier Michigan Podcast, we explore: How are anxiety and stress different? What can cause them? Can there be one without the other? What are some strategies to help with...

When our schedules get busy, we have to be able to stick to our routines. On this episode, Chuck Gaidica is joined by Senior Medical Director of Provider Engagement, Dr. Heather Stamat. Together they discuss how important it is to have healthy goals and how to prioritize yourself when your schedule is limited. In this episode of A Healthier Michigan Podcast, we explore: How to eat healthier on the go How planning can prevent stress How to keep a routine Why it’s important to put yourself fi...

Red Light Therapy: is it a scam or does it have any real health benefits? On this episode, Chuck Gaidica is joined by Clinical Director of Blue Care Network, Dr. Peter Graham. Together they discuss Red Light Therapy, its effects and the differences between professional care and at-home devices. In this episode of A Healthier Michigan Podcast, we explore: What are the benefits, if any, of Red Light Therapy? Do smaller devices have a positive effect? Are there any negatives? Should you see a ...

More than just the latest TikTok trend, fibermaxxing has real benefits. On this episode, Chuck Gaidica is joined by Registered Dietitian Shanthi Appelö, together they discuss what the trend is, why you need fiber and how much you should have. In this episode of A Healthier Michigan Podcast, we explore: What are the benefits of fiber? What are some easy ways to increase fiber intake? How much does the average adult need? What does the “maxxing” trend really mean?

On this episode, Chuck Gaidica is joined by the Director of Behavioral Health & Planning for BCBSM, Dr. Julia Isaacs. Together, they talk ways to enjoy exercising, what is temptation bundling?, and what other strategies are there to change your mindset? In this episode of A Healthier Michigan Podcast, we explore: How much exercise you need? What tools are there to help you workout more? How can you avoid the gym and still workout? What does it mean to gamify?

On this episode, Chuck Gaidica is joined by the Clinical Director of Blue Care Network, Dr. Peter Graham. Together, they talk about the AQI, what is it?, and how it can help prepare you for the day. In this episode of A Healthier Michigan Podcast, we explore: How to read the AQI? Who is most effected by air quality? What changes air quality? What you can do to help yourself

On this episode, Chuck Gaidica is joined by Care Management Physician for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Dr. Angela Seabright. Together, they talk about the good and bad of energy drinks, what's in them, and some other ways you could get the energy you need to go about your day. In this episode of A Healthier Michigan Podcast, we explore: What's in energy drinks How they effect the body Are they a danger to us what are some alternatives

On this episode, Chuck Gaidica is joined by Registered Dietitian for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Shanthi Appelö. Together, they explore ways to combat inflammation, why its bad long term and how small changes in your lifestyle can help fight it. In this episode of A Healthier Michigan Podcast, we explore: What causes inflammation What some of the long term effects can be Diets that can reduce inflammation Other ways to fight inflammation