A Healthier Michigan Podcast

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 professional?

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 drinksHow they effect the bodyAre they a danger to uswhat 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 inflammationWhat some of the long term effects can beDiets that can reduce inflammationOther ways to fight inflammation

Affordability isn't just about medical bills—it's about addressing what drives health in the first place. When people have stable housing, access to healthy food and support for mental health, they use the health care system less and live healthier lives. In this episode we explore how health care affordability starts far upstream—from food security and housing stability to behavioral health and chronic disease prevention. This episode will spotlight community-based partnerships that Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan has invested in to address these social determinants of health and ultimately reduce unnecessary costs across the system. Key Takeaways: · Community health is affordability. · Blue Cross is investing in upstream solutions that work toward health care affordability, access to health care and a healthier Michigan · Partnerships are scalable and sustainable. · Data backs this approach. · The future of affordability depends on partnership.

Uninsured individuals often rely on hospitals for emergency care, the most expensive part of the health system. That cost doesn’t disappear—it shows up in everyone’s insurance premiums. This episode helps reframe affordability by examining how charity care, Medicaid, and federal subsidies work together to manage that cost upstream. In this episode, we explore the hidden costs of uncompensated care, how hospitals and insurers work together to support vulnerable populations, and the impact of federal and state policy decisions on health insurance coverage rates in Michigan. Key Takeaways: · Uncompensated care impacts everyone. · Safety net programs are essential to affordability. · Policy decisions carry affordability consequences . · We need upstream solutions.

Health care affordability isn't just a consumer problem—it's a system accountability issue. Consolidated health systems promised lower costs. Insurers and employers are demanding more value. This episode brings together health systems, insurers and business leaders to explore how each player in the health care system can do more—collectively—to lower the cost of coverage. From legacy partnerships to forward-looking value-based models, what does meaningful collaboration look like?Guests:•Tricia Keith•Brian Peters•Brian Calley

From aging to genetics, we’re exploring the balance between nutrition and metabolism in this four-part series.On this episode, Chuck Gaidica is joined by Registered Dietitian for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Shanthi Appelö. Together, they explore the science behind nutrient timing.In this episode of A Healthier Michigan Podcast, we explore:What is nutrient timing?How intermittent fasting can have benefits like reducing calorie intake and stabilizing insulin levels, but prolonged fasting may slow metabolism.How timing certain nutrients, like having protein at breakfast or lighter meals in the evening, can help manage energy levels and digestion throughout the day.How developing a regular eating pattern and being mindful of hunger cues can support healthy weight maintenance over time.

From aging to genetics, we’re exploring the balance between nutrition and metabolism in this four-part series.On this episode, Chuck Gaidica is joined by Registered Dietitian for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Shanthi Appelö. Together, they explore how the nutritional value of food plays a bigger role than just calorie count.In this episode of A Healthier Michigan Podcast, we explore:How nutrient-dense foods such as vegetables, whole grains, and legumes are high in vitamins, minerals, fiber, and other beneficial nutrients, beyond just calories.How consuming nutrient-dense foods can support overall health, immune function, and disease prevention, beyond just weight management.How it's still possible to overeat even nutrient-dense foods, so calorie awareness is still important.Examples of high-calorie, low-nutrient foods.Calories aren’t the full story, but timing our nutrients could be the next big piece of the puzzle. Tune in for our final episode, where we’ll break down nutrient timing and if it can optimize our long-term health.

From aging to genetics, we’re exploring the balance between nutrition and metabolism in this four part series.On this episode, Chuck Gaidica is joined by Registered Dietitian for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Shanthi Appelö. Together, they explore how to optimize food choices to fuel our body.In this episode of A Healthier Michigan Podcast, we explore:How different types of food affect energy levels and metabolismNutrient-rich foods that can help boost energy throughout the dayIf there's specific foods that can improve metabolic efficiency The connection between blood sugar regulation and sustained energy levelsIn the next episode, we’ll go beyond calorie counts to uncover the truth about nutrient quality and whether it matters for your metabolism.

From aging to genetics, we’re exploring the balance between nutrition and metabolism in this four part series.On this episode, Chuck Gaidica is joined by Registered Dietitian for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Shanthi Appelö. Together, they explore the truth about metabolism.In this episode of A Healthier Michigan Podcast, we explore:What exactly is metabolism?How much of our metabolism is determined by genetics.Common myths about speeding up our metabolism.Ways to optimize our metabolic healthJoin us in our next episode as we explore the power of nutrition and how our food choices can energize us and support our metabolic health.

In this series, we’re exploring the balance between what you can and can’t control when it comes to your health.On this episode, Chuck Gaidica is joined by Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Dr. James Grant. Together, they explore how small changes to our lifestyle can positively impact longevity.In this episode of A Healthier Michigan Podcast, we explore:The most impactful healthy habits people can adopt to reduce the risk of chronic disease.Small achievable steps to build a healthy lifestyle.Maintaining healthy habits over the long term.

In this series, we’re exploring the balance between what you can and can’t control when it comes to your health.On this episode, Chuck Gaidica is joined by Senior Medical Director for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Dr. Raymond Hobbs. Together, they explore how to embrace the natural aging process while focusing on the areas of our health we can actively maintain.In this episode of A Healthier Michigan Podcast, we explore:How lifestyle habits like diet, exercise, and avoiding tobacco can significantly impact aging and health through epigenetic changes.How activities that stimulate the mind, like learning new skills, are important for maintaining cognitive function.How building physical and mental resilience through things like social connections, purpose, and managing stress are crucial for healthy aging.How regular checkups with a doctor to monitor and address health risks are recommended, even if you feel healthy.Heading into our final episode of this series, we’ll look at the role of lifestyle in disease prevention – especially when faced with risk factors beyond our control. Join us to learn how small changes we make today can help protect our health in the long run