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

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

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 metabolism
• Nutrient-rich foods that can help boost energy throughout the day
• If there's specific foods that can improve metabolic efficiency
• The connection between blood sugar regulation and sustained energy levels

In the next episode, we’ll go beyond calorie counts to uncover the truth about nutrient quality and whether it matters for your metabolism.