Happy New Year!

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Thank you for another great year! We are excited to see what 2019 holds!

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Mountain Days Are Back!

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  Did you know that throughout the year, Blue Cross hosts in-person events around the state?  Mountain Days In-Person Event (Saturday, May 9) Join Blue Cross for a moderate uphill hike to a great vista and an easy riverside walk at  Wantastiquet Monadnock Trail  -  Trailhead, Mountain Rd, Hinsdale, NH 03451  (Off Route 119) from  10 AM - 2 PM .  Participants will receive a Mountain Days t-shirt, healthy snacks, and water. This event is open to all, no RSVP required. Mark your calendar and invite a friend! Spring Virtual Challenge (Saturday, May 9 - Saturday, May 31) Share photos of your outdoor adventures via email ( events@bcbsvt.com ) or tag  Blue Cross VT   on  Facebook  or  Instagram . For every photo seen, Blue Cross will donate $5 to  Vermont Parks Forever Access Fund , which grants free park passes to hundreds of Vermonters every year. A Reminder to Check Trail Conditions Spring is a time of weather transitions...
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Green Up Day

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  Green Up Day , is observed each year on the first Saturday of May, is a statewide effort in of  Vermont  to clean up  roadside trash . You can also get points on Personify Health, just list it as a LiveWell Event. I'm new to this... how does Green Up Day work? This year, Green Up Day takes place on May 2nd officially, but you may see volunteers on the roads all weekend in some areas. On dirt roads or roads with limited space for pedestrians, please be a little extra cautious.  Green trash bags are distributed throughout the state which are then used by volunteers to clean up the roads in their area. Citizens can pick up bags at the local  town hall  or other community location. T owns have a coordinator who can be contacted with questions, find information specific to you below. Town Details – Green Up Vermont Green Up Day Safety Download the app: Google Store or Apple Store
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Practicing Everyday Optimism (Without Toxic Positivity)

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  As we move into the heart of spring, many of us are looking for ways to boost our energy and outlook. One powerful tool for wellbeing is optimism - but not the "everything is perfect" kind.  Psychologist Martin Seligman, a pioneer in the field of positive psychology , describes optimism as a learned pattern of thinking rather than a fixed personality trait. His research shows that how we interpret everyday setbacks can influence our motivation, coping skills, and overall wellness. In optimistic thinking, challenges are more likely to be viewed as temporary and specific rather than permanent or overwhelming. For example, instead of thinking "Nothing is going right," an optimistic perspective might be "Today was tough, but tomorrow is another chance to try again." This shift may seem small, but research suggests it can have meaningful effects. Studies have linked optimistic thinking with greater resilience , lower stress , and improved health outcomes ....
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Featured Recipe: Stuffed Acorn Squash

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Roasted acorn squash can do double duty when filled with a hearty mixture of brown rice, apples, and walnuts. It can stand in as a substantial side, or star at the center of the plate when adding your favorite protein (vegetarian or meat-based). The brown rice can be made up to 2 days ahead; keep it refrigerated in an airtight container. And you can assemble the filling up to 6 hours ahead; just keep it covered in the fridge till you’re ready to stuff. (Serves 2) Ingredients 1 medium acorn squash, halved with the seeds taken out 1 medium apple (McIntosh or Honey Crisp work well), chopped 1 cup brown rice 1/2 medium onion, diced  Olive Oil Maple Syrup  Walnuts (optional) sausage or meat-free/soy product, cooked and cut  (optional) shredded cheddar cheese Directions Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly brush acorn squash halves with olive oil.  Cook 1 cup of brown rice (combine with 2 cups of water, bring to...
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National Walk @ Lunch Day

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We are celebrating National Walk@Lunch Day with BlueCrossBlueShield of Vermont. Learn more below about the initiative and get some tips for walking in your community. Walking just 30 minutes a day can improve both your physical and mental health. Taking a brisk daily walk can lower your blood pressure, reduce risk of heart disease, help control stress, and improve your mood. You can celebrate National Walk@Lunch Day by getting outside to walk wherever you are. During your lunchtime walk you’ll enjoy fresh air, the sights and sounds of spring, and hopefully some sunshine. You’ll also be giving your health a boost. A great way to begin a daily walking habit is to participate in National Walk@Lunch Day, held on the last Wednesday of April. This year,  National Walk@Lunch Day  falls on  April 29.  Finding Places to Walk In Vermont, we’re fortunate to have thousands of miles of scenic dirt roads to walk on. Remember to walk on the left side of the road so that you...
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3-4-50: Prevent Chronic Disease (From the Vermont Department of Health)

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  Vermonters know that health isn't just personal - it's something we build together.  The Department of Health's 3-4-50 initiative  focuses on three behaviors (tobacco use, poor diet, and physical inactivity) that are linked to four chronic diseases (cancer, heart disease, lung disease, and diabetes. Together, they account for over half of all deaths in Vermont. That's the data. But the real story is how much of this shows up in our everyday lives and our communities. Where It Shows Up You can see 3-4-50 in places we already know: A community garden getting people closer to fresh food A well-used trail or sidewalk that makes it easier to move a little more A workplace that encourages people to step away, take a walk, or eat lunch together Local decisions that make the healthy choice the easy choice These things don't feel like "health initiatives," but they add up to something real. A Shared Effort In a small state like ours, these changes ripple. One gar...
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Simple Strategies For Better Time Management

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  Time management is essential to balance our professional and personal lives effectively. Developing strong time management skills can lead to increased productivity, reduced stress, more time for ourselves, and a better work-life balance. One key strategy is to prioritize tasks. Start by making a to-do list and ranking tasks by importance and deadlines. For example, if you have a project due at the end of the week, focus on completing the most critical parts first. This ensures that high-priority tasks are completed on time. Another effective technique is the Pomodoro Technique. This involves working for 25 minutes, then taking a 5-minute break. After four cycles, take a longer break of 15-30 minutes. This method helps maintain focus and prevents burnout. Using a calendar or planner is also crucial. Scheduling specific times for work tasks, meetings, and personal activities can help you stay organized. For example, block off time for answering emails, attending meetings, an...
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