January 20, 2025 ~ Lucy Ann Lance talks with Andy Hetzel, VP of Corporate Communications at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan for this week's A Healthier Michigan. While stress can be beneficial in short bursts, aiding in task completion and fighting off illness, prolonged stress weakens the immune system, increases inflammation, and raises the risk of heart disease, anxiety, and depression. This stress can exacerbate skin conditions and lower white blood cell effectiveness, making individuals more susceptible to colds and viruses.