Samah Hamam shares her story of dealing with postpartum depression: "Despite the stigma surrounding mental health, especially in mothers, I want to emphasize that there's no shame in seeking help."

Blue Cross Employee Shares Journey with Postpartum Depression: ‘It’s OK to Ask for Help’

How we talk about physical selves – our internal voice and monologue – is our body image. Body image can be positive or negative. For many individuals, negative body image is a struggle – and it can bring mental and physical health risks.

How Body Image Impacts Mental Health

It’s important for health care providers, mental health professionals and others working to support new mothers, many of whom suffer in silence.

Isolation and Loneliness Among New Mothers Can Lead to Postpartum Anxiety and Depression

Two years after being deemed cancer-free, Robin Schroeder ran the New York City Marathon. A lifetime of running physically and mentally prepared her to fight cancer. 

Michigan Woman Credits Running for Helping her Beat Pancreatic Cancer 

From pain to heart disease, studies show doctors have often written off women’s physical health issues as psychological problems – as being “all in their heads.” For women seeking care, it’s important to know how to be an advocate for their health – and to understand the ways the health care system is working to change for the better.

Women’s Health Concerns are Too Often Dismissed

Many women are putting their health second to other demands in their lives – which can lead to chronic stress and worsen any mental health issues. Being healthy isn’t just about eating a balanced diet, getting 10,000 steps a day and seeing your doctor once a year. It’s about your whole health, including your mind. 

5 Ways Women Can Take Care of Their Whole Health

Innovations in digital health care are emerging to support women through menopause – a new approach to what has previously been an isolating, frustrating and costly experience.

A New App for Menopause

More than 11% of women in the U.S. between the ages of 15 and 44 are affected by endometriosis – a painful condition that occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows in other places in your body. While endometriosis – or “endo” – is not cancerous, the growths are very painful and over time, can cause complications and health issues for women.

Signs of Endometriosis: How to Talk to Your Doctor

Kayla Campbell’s arduous bout with cancer – which has included 60 chemotherapy sessions – began in 2019. More than four years later, she's as upbeat and optimistic as ever. 

Union, Michigan Woman Details Her Stage IV Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis at Age 28

Carrie Hamilton's alcohol and tobacco-free lifestyle didn't stop two heart attacks from threatening her life. She's still here, though, and she's found plenty of perspective. 

Kalamazoo Woman Perseveres Through Two Heart Attacks Caused by Uncommon Heart Condition

Screening for osteoporosis is an important part of regular health visits for women and men, especially once they reach a certain age. Often, the signs and symptoms of osteoporosis occur when the disease has progressed to the point that someone fractures or breaks a bone. 

Osteoporosis Screening: What You Need to Know

Women of all ages and ethnicities should be aware of HPV's symptoms, complications, and prevention methods, which is primarily through vaccination. 

What to Know About HPV’s Link to Cervical Cancer 

Women face unique health issues throughout their lifetime, issues that can change from one year to the next based on things like age, lifestyle and genetic history....

Women’s Health: The Doctors and Specialists Who Keep You Healthy

For Beth Fisher-Smith, disability insurance lets her put her health first without worrying about finances as she fights breast cancer.

Breast Cancer Survivor: Disability Insurance Helped Me Heal  

Maintaining a healthy weight, eating a healthy diet and staying physically active may help lower your risk of getting breast cancer.

Breast Cancer — What You Can Control

Girls are diagnosed with ADHD at less than half the rate of boys in the U.S. Here’s why their symptoms might be overlooked until adulthood.

Diagnosis of ADHD Often Delayed Until Adulthood for Women

It’s invaluable for women of every age to learn what they can do to lead a healthier lifestyle. Staying on top of these crucial preventive screenings is a great start. 

Woman with pink ribbon for breast cancer awareness charity studio portrait

4 Life-Saving Health Appointments All Women Should Schedule

Mammograms are one of our best tools to help women avoid breast cancer. Here's what you need to know to talk with your doctor about when to start screening.

Mammograms: What Doctors Want You to Know

“Fight against cancer” is a phrase that signifies strength and bravery. Rochester Hills’ Amanda Crowell Itliong – who was diagnosed with a terminal case of ovarian cancer in 2015 – likes to say that she doesn’t fight against cancer, she “lives with cancer,” as in coexists with it....

Amanda Crowell Itliong has lived with ovarian cancer for close to 14 years, but you wouldn't know it judging by her remarkable attitude.

‘I Feel So Lucky:’ Rochester Hills Woman With Terminal Ovarian Cancer Dedicates Life to Advocacy

When it comes to breast cancer, early detection saves lives. The best way to detect breast cancer early is through mammograms. Find out when and how often you should be getting a mammography exam.

Breast Cancer Awareness: Screenings Could Save a Life

After months of unknowingly tussling with celiac disease, Flint resident Margaret Clegg was diagnosed with a serious autoimmune disease in 2001. It was around that time that Clegg caught wind of the disease’s lengthy list of roughly 200 associated symptoms....

Years of learning, adjusting, and coping with celiac disease – as well as witnessing it hit home, firsthand with her father – guided Margaret Clegg toward a daily mission of helping others with the relatively unknown but debilitating disease.  

Michigan Woman with Celiac Disease Helps Others Adjust with Dietary Tips and Advice 

A grant from the BCBSM Foundation addresses health disparities experienced by immigrant and refugee women and women that are racial and ethnic minorities.

A health screening at Zaman International for marginalized women and their families

Opening the Door to Health Programs for Marginalized Women

Lower your risk for breast cancer or catch it early by following these recommended screening steps. Here's what you need to know.

Breast Cancer Prevention: Steps to Take Today

At the age of 26, Georgia Leventis-Molina could not believe she had a stroke and would need open heart surgery. Now, she's an advocate for heart health.

Woman sits for a TV interview about the importance of heart health at every age after surviving a stroke at age 26

After Surviving a Stroke at Age 26, Woman Emphasizes Heart Health at Every Age 

One in every eight women will develop a thyroid disorder during their lifetime. Undiagnosed thyroid disease may put patients at risk for serious conditions.

Women with thyroid gland test . Endocrinology, hormones and treatment. Inflammation of the sore throat

Why Women are More Susceptible to Thyroid Disease 

Tucking your cell phone in your bra, wearing deodorant, or eating too much sugar: Does any of this really cause breast cancer?

Debunking Myths About Breast Cancer  

This Howell nonprofit helps women recovering from substance use disorder adjust to sober living and gain independence with around-the-clock support.

How Recovery Advocates in Livingston Help Women Take Back their Lives 

Cancers of the colon and rectum are the third most common cancer for men and women – but for women, recognizing the signs may be more difficult.

Indian mother and daughter cook in the kitchen

Colon Cancer: What Women Need to Know  

What should you to be prepared with when your doctor asks if you have any questions.

Woman in mask talking with a doctor holding a clipboard in a mask.

4 Things Women Should Ask Their Doctor

Nearly 80% of cardiovascular diseases, including heart disease and stroke, are preventable. Yet heart disease continues to be the leading cause of death for women in the U. S. It’s a message the American Heart Association spreads every February, recognized as American Heart Month, and throughout the year....

Women and Heart Disease: 4 Ways to Lower Your Risk

African American women face disproportionate rates of many health conditions, including lupus, cervical cancer and Human Papilloma virus, or HPV. Dr. Patricia Dhar, program director, Rheumatology Fellowship Program, Ascension St....

Study Will Test Innovative Cervical Health Monitoring Method, Increase Access to Care for African American Women with Lupus 

Breast cancer is the most common cancer found in women. In 2019, more than 58,000 cases have been diagnosed in Michigan alone. That’s why each October, known as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, highlights education and support services targeting those affected by the disease....

What to Expect at Your First Mammogram

Going to the doctor because you’re healthy may sound strange, but annual doctor visits are crucial to your overall health and well-being. Women and men differ in their routine health service needs. One yearly appointment women should take part in is a well-woman visit....

A female doctor talking to a female patient about her health

The Importance of Well-Woman Visits

Women's Health

Blues Perspectives

MI Blues Perspectives is sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, a nonprofit, independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association

Women's Health

Stories