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  <title><![CDATA[Blue Cross Blue Shield News]]></title>

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  <description><![CDATA[A feed of Blue Cross Blue Shield News]]></description>
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<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/blue-cross-blue-shield-of-11.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Blue Cross & Blue Shield Of Rhode Island Unveils New Health Plan For Small Employer Market With Choice Of Three Benefit Designs]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/blue-cross-blue-shield-of-11.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[In support of developing innovative products that engage members to take charge of their health, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island (BCBSRI) today announced a new health plan, called LifeStyleBlue, for the small employer market.  LifeStyleBlue offers one plan and one price, with the flexibility of three benefit designs to fit the lifestyles of a diverse employee population and provides an opportunity for employees to earn incentives and rewards to help them become and/or stay healthy and active. ]]></description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 21 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/wellpoint-announces-strategic.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[WellPoint Announces Strategic Relationship With FitOrbit To Enhance Efforts To Improve The Health And Wellness Of Consumers Through Virtual Solutions]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/wellpoint-announces-strategic.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Recent studies predict that obesity could affect 42 percent of Americans by 2030 -- with 11 percent severely obese. As a company committed to helping people live healthier and addressing critical health issues, such as obesity, affecting our nation, WellPoint, Inc. /quotes/zigman/362231/quotes/nls/wlp WLP -1.65% , has selected FitOrbit, Inc., as a strategic part of its suite of health and wellness solutions. FitOrbit, Inc. is a ground-breaking fitness and weight loss solution that leverages technology to provide the irreplaceable human touch of personal training with the efficiency and affordability of the internet. ]]></description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 21 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/bcbsa/global-network-and-mobile-app.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Global Network And Mobile App Help Blue Cross And Blue Shield Members Find Doctors And Hospitals All Around The World]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/bcbsa/global-network-and-mobile-app.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) companies are committed to ensuring members have the tools and information they need to make more informed healthcare decisions.  Now through innovative product offerings from GeoBlue, and its new mobile application, members who are living or working abroad can find carefully selected doctors and hospitals in more than 180 countries.  GeoBlue is the trade name of Worldwide Insurance Services, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association (BCBSA).]]></description>
    <pubDate>Fri, 18 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/girls-on-the-run-announces.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Girls On The Run Announces Blue Cross And Blue Shield Of Kansas City As Presenting Sponsor]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/girls-on-the-run-announces.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Girls on the Run announced today that Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City has partnered with the organization as a presenting sponsor of The Girls on the Run 5k powered by Blue KC and the “How Does Girls on the Run Make You Fearless?” Essay Contest at a new Summer Celebration Luncheon in July. ]]></description>
    <pubDate>Thu, 17 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/sc-bluecross-vice-president.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[S.C. BlueCross Vice President To Present Keynote On Patient-Centered Medical Homes ]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/sc-bluecross-vice-president.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina’s Dr. Laura Long will deliver the keynote presentation on a promising model in health care, the patient-centered medical home (PCMH), at the 2012 Prevention Partners Health at Work Conference Thursday at the T. Ashton Phillips Market Center in West Columbia, S.C. ]]></description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 16 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/blue-cross-announces-new-1.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Blue Cross Announces New Leaders In Network Management And Law Departments]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/blue-cross-announces-new-1.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota (Blue Cross) today announced two new appointments to its leadership team, naming Scott Johnston to vice president, associate general counsel, and assistant secretary, and Lori Nelson as vice president of network management. ]]></description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 16 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/retirement-savings-664809.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Retirement Savings]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/retirement-savings-664809.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Staying fit may help keep your body and your budget healthy after the age of 65.]]></description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 16 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/paralyzed-patients-use-mind-to-move-robotic-arm-664829.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Paralyzed Patients Use Mind to Move Robotic Arm]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/paralyzed-patients-use-mind-to-move-robotic-arm-664829.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[But there's a long way to go to make this approach practical, experts say]]></description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 16 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/cdc-lowers-lead-poisoning-threshold-for-kids-664796.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[CDC Lowers Lead-Poisoning Threshold for Kids]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/cdc-lowers-lead-poisoning-threshold-for-kids-664796.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Cutting the safe blood level of the metal in children is long overdue, advocates say]]></description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 16 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/saying-ttfn-before-driving-664766.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Saying TTFN Before Driving]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/saying-ttfn-before-driving-664766.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Evidence shows more dangers of texting and driving for young people.]]></description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/blacks-hispanics-have-higher-colon-polyp-risk-than-previously-thought-664528.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Blacks, Hispanics Have Higher Colon Polyp Risk Than Previously Thought]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/blacks-hispanics-have-higher-colon-polyp-risk-than-previously-thought-664528.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Their rate of the precancerous colon growths was higher than that of whites, study finds]]></description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/doctors-restore-some-hand-function-to-quadriplegic-patient-664773.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Doctors Restore Some Hand Function to Quadriplegic Patient]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/doctors-restore-some-hand-function-to-quadriplegic-patient-664773.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Location of spinal cord damage allowed surgeons to bypass damaged nerve in arm]]></description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/plavix-s-new-generic-status-could-be-boon-for-patients-664779.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Plavix's New Generic Status Could Be Boon for Patients]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/plavix-s-new-generic-status-could-be-boon-for-patients-664779.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Price of widely used blood thinner should drop once patent ends Thursday]]></description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/independence-blue-cross-gears.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Independence Blue Cross Gears Up To Step Out]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/independence-blue-cross-gears.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[In April, Independence Blue Cross (IBC) marked the company’s fifth-year presenting sponsorship of Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes, the American Diabetes Association’s community fundraising event, by hosting a corporate kick off breakfast for the region’s business leaders. American Diabetes Association (ADA) representatives and other guest speakers urged local executives to take action against this growing health crisis where one in nine residents in the Philadelphia region and 26 million people nationally are afflicted by diabetes. ]]></description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/arkansas-blue-cross-and-blue-2.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Arkansas Blue Cross And Blue Shield Invites Members To Dance And Discover Party On June 9; Enjoy Free Admission To The Museum Of Discovery]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/arkansas-blue-cross-and-blue-2.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield invites members to Dance and Discover at the Museum of Discovery. If you carry an Arkansas Blue Cross, Health Advantage or BlueAdvantage Administrators of Arkansas health plan ID card, you can show it at the door of the Museum on Saturday, June 9, and enjoy free admission to the Museum and a family-friendly Dance and Discover party featuring Radio Disney from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.]]></description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/back-pain-therapy-often-yields-early-benefits-study-664611.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Back Pain Therapy Often Yields Early Benefits: Study]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/back-pain-therapy-often-yields-early-benefits-study-664611.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Improvements seen at 6 weeks, but then taper off over year, researchers find]]></description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 14 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/clearing-mammogram-confusion-664723.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Clearing Mammogram Confusion]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/clearing-mammogram-confusion-664723.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Study offers insight on which women in their 40s may get more benefit.]]></description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 14 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/blue-cross-blue-shield-of-10.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Blue Cross & Blue Shield Of Rhode Island Challenges Seniors To Participate In The “Never Too Old To Play” Challenge ]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/blue-cross-blue-shield-of-10.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[To support community initiatives that assist seniors in achieving a healthier lifestyle, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island (BCBSRI) today announced the “Never Too Old to Play” Senior Challenge.  Open to all Rhode Islanders aged 60 and older, participants will compete for the highest number of exercise minutes completed during June.  At the end of the 30-day competition, one male and one female with the most logged exercise minutes at each participating location will receive a medal of honor and statewide bragging rights. ]]></description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 14 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/self-managing-copd-might-pose-risks-study-suggests-664719.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA['Self-Managing' COPD Might Pose Risks, Study Suggests]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/self-managing-copd-might-pose-risks-study-suggests-664719.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[People getting comprehensive education had higher death risk, researchers found]]></description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 14 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/fda-issues-multiple-sclerosis-drug-alert-664742.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[FDA Issues Multiple Sclerosis Drug Alert]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/fda-issues-multiple-sclerosis-drug-alert-664742.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Heart risks spur warning about Gilenya]]></description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 14 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/does-your-child-have-seasonal-allergies-or-a-cold-663442.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Does Your Child Have Seasonal Allergies or a Cold?]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/does-your-child-have-seasonal-allergies-or-a-cold-663442.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Expert describes how parents can tell the difference]]></description>
    <pubDate>Sat, 12 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/rethinking-zinc-664678.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Rethinking Zinc]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/rethinking-zinc-664678.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Does zinc really help zap colds?  Could side effects outweigh the benefit?]]></description>
    <pubDate>Fri, 11 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/older-people-with-dementia-cared-for-mostly-at-home-664441.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Older People With Dementia Cared for Mostly at Home]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/older-people-with-dementia-cared-for-mostly-at-home-664441.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Study challenges assumption that most patients die in nursing homes]]></description>
    <pubDate>Fri, 11 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/statins-may-help-prevent-irregular-heartbeat-in-elderly-664497.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Statins May Help Prevent Irregular Heartbeat in Elderly]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/statins-may-help-prevent-irregular-heartbeat-in-elderly-664497.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Cholesterol-lowering drugs cut risk of atrial fibrillation in people with high blood pressure, early study found]]></description>
    <pubDate>Thu, 10 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/induced-labor-late-in-pregnancy-has-pros-cons-664594.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Induced Labor Late in Pregnancy Has Pros, Cons]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/induced-labor-late-in-pregnancy-has-pros-cons-664594.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Study found strategy could cut infant deaths, but raise number of babies requiring intensive care]]></description>
    <pubDate>Thu, 10 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/blood-clot-risk-linked-to-some-non-pill-contraceptives-664673.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Blood Clot Risk Linked to Some Non-Pill Contraceptives]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/blood-clot-risk-linked-to-some-non-pill-contraceptives-664673.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Women using hormone-releasing skin patches, implants, vaginal rings were more likely to develop clots, study finds]]></description>
    <pubDate>Thu, 10 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/arkansas-blue-cross-and-blue-1.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Arkansas Blue Cross And Blue Shield “Likes” Helping Arkansas Children’s Hospital]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/arkansas-blue-cross-and-blue-1.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[For every new “Like” on the Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield Mother Hood Facebook(R) page, Arkansas Blue Cross will donate $1 — up to $10,000 — to Arkansas Children’s Hospital (ACH).]]></description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 08 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/irregular-heartbeat-poses-greater-stroke-risk-for-women-than-men-664556.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Irregular Heartbeat Poses Greater Stroke Risk for Women Than Men]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/irregular-heartbeat-poses-greater-stroke-risk-for-women-than-men-664556.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Study found that the higher odds remained even when women took blood thinner]]></description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 08 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/blue-cross-blue-shield-of-8.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Blue Cross & Blue Shield Of Rhode Island To Offer Free Blood Pressure Screening In Honor Of National High Blood Pressure Education Month]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/blue-cross-blue-shield-of-8.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island (BCBSRI) is holding a free blood pressure screening during the month of May, which is National High Blood Pressure Education Month.  All members of the public are invited to attend. ]]></description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 08 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/become-stroke-aware-664529.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Become Stroke Aware]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/become-stroke-aware-664529.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Find out why now's a good time to start practicing habits to protect your brain.]]></description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 08 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/pedal-power-may-9-is.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Pedal Power: May 9 Is International Bike To School Day ]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/pedal-power-may-9-is.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Join BikeWalkKC and thousands of local children to celebrate International Bike to School Day on May 9. Students will form bike trains and will be joined by local celebrities, mascots, politicians and parents to celebrate the joys of biking to school as one component of a healthy, active lifestyle. ]]></description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 08 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/probiotic-products-may-prevent-antibiotic-linked-diarrhea-664465.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Probiotic Products May Prevent Antibiotic-Linked Diarrhea]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/probiotic-products-may-prevent-antibiotic-linked-diarrhea-664465.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Study suggests microbes in special yogurts, other foods may help common complaint]]></description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 08 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/highmark-blue-cross-blue-3.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield's "Healthy Weekend" Set To Kick Off On May 19]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/highmark-blue-cross-blue-3.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[There's no better way to enjoy beautiful spring weather than to participate in some fun, outdoor events. Thanks to Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, local families will have the opportunity to take advantage of a healthy weekend filled with outdoor activities. ]]></description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 07 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/working-to-treat-pain-and.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Working To Treat Pain And Prevent Problems]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/working-to-treat-pain-and.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[In an effort to limit possible prescription narcotic misuse and dependence among its members, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (BCBSMA) announced today that it is instituting enhanced safety measures on how it will cover the use of powerful pain killers. ]]></description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 07 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/blue-cross-blue-shield-of-9.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Blue Cross & Blue Shield Of Rhode Island Launches  New Health Plan And Innovative Diminishing Deductible Program For Direct Pay Market ]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/blue-cross-blue-shield-of-9.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island (BCBSRI), the only insurer in the state that provides health insurance directly to consumers, today announced a revamped product line that includes one new plan option, incentives for healthy living and an innovative new program that can help consumers reduce their annual deductible. ]]></description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 07 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/kids-most-likely-to-start-abusing-painkillers-at-16-study-664525.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Kids Most Likely to Start Abusing Painkillers at 16: Study]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/kids-most-likely-to-start-abusing-painkillers-at-16-study-664525.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Prevention efforts that begin later are 'too little, too late,' researchers say]]></description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 07 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/for-healthier-eating-keep-fruits-veggies-within-reach-664275.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[For Healthier Eating, Keep Fruits, Veggies Within Reach]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/for-healthier-eating-keep-fruits-veggies-within-reach-664275.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Study involving college students found proximity mattered]]></description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 07 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/doctors-urge-routine-skin-screenings-664227.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Doctors Urge Routine Skin Screenings]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/doctors-urge-routine-skin-screenings-664227.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[20% of Americans will develop skin cancer during their lifetime, experts warn]]></description>
    <pubDate>Sun, 06 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/highmark-launches-new-supply.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Highmark Launches New Supply Chain Services Organization To Serve Hospitals; Secures Multiple Contracts In Pennsylvania And West Virginia]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/highmark-launches-new-supply.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Highmark Inc. has launched ProtoCo(TM) Supply Chain Partners, a new supply chain services organization to help hospitals reduce costs and achieve higher standards of patient care. Part of Highmark’s new Integrated Delivery System, ProtoCo opened for business on April 9, and on April 30 it drew the interest of more than 350 vendor representatives from across the country at a vendor kickoff. The company launched with 50 employees in Pittsburgh and is expected to grow to 80 by the end of 2012. ]]></description>
    <pubDate>Fri, 04 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/psychiatric-patients-often-wait-nearly-12-hours-in-er-664411.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Psychiatric Patients Often Wait Nearly 12 Hours in ER]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/psychiatric-patients-often-wait-nearly-12-hours-in-er-664411.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Older, uninsured and intoxicated patients wait even longer, study finds]]></description>
    <pubDate>Fri, 04 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/mammograms-beat-thermography-for-breast-cancer-detection-study-664401.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Mammograms Beat Thermography for Breast Cancer Detection: Study]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/mammograms-beat-thermography-for-breast-cancer-detection-study-664401.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Newer technology missed half of tumors and yielded many false positives, researchers say]]></description>
    <pubDate>Fri, 04 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/free-body-composition.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Free Body Composition Screening From Blue Cross & Blue Shield Of Rhode Island]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/free-body-composition.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[To help individuals better determine if they are leading a healthy lifestyle, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island (BCBSRI) is offering a free body composition screening on Saturday, May 19,  from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the 7th Annual African Health Summit, 445 Elmwood Avenue, Providence. ]]></description>
    <pubDate>Fri, 04 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/germs-behind-urinary-tract-infections-becoming-more-resistant-to-drugs-664341.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Germs Behind Urinary Tract Infections Becoming More Resistant to Drugs]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/germs-behind-urinary-tract-infections-becoming-more-resistant-to-drugs-664341.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Common antibiotics are not as effective as they used to be, researchers warn]]></description>
    <pubDate>Fri, 04 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/florida-blue-baptist-health.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Florida Blue, Baptist Health South Florida and Advanced Medical Specialties Introduce Accountable Cancer Care Program]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/florida-blue-baptist-health.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Florida Blue, Florida’s Blue Cross and Blue Shield company, along with Baptist Health South Florida and Advanced Medical Specialties, an oncology practice with 17 locations in South Florida, jointly announce a new collaboration aimed at providing the utmost in quality care for oncology patients in South Florida. The three organizations are teaming up to create an Accountable Care Program specific to the treatment of cancer. ]]></description>
    <pubDate>Fri, 04 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/texas-asthma-cases-and-costs.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Texas Asthma Cases And Costs Increase As Awareness Month Approaches]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/texas-asthma-cases-and-costs.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[]]></description>
    <pubDate>Fri, 04 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/older-lung-cancer-patients-less-likely-to-be-treated-664388.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Older Lung Cancer Patients Less Likely to Be Treated]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/older-lung-cancer-patients-less-likely-to-be-treated-664388.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Researchers say doctors shouldn't be so quick to write off older people]]></description>
    <pubDate>Fri, 04 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/new-clues-to-the-evolution-of-the-human-brain-664245.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[New Clues to the Evolution of the Human Brain]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/new-clues-to-the-evolution-of-the-human-brain-664245.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Gene event 2.5 million years ago may  explain why humans are smarter than great apes, researchers say]]></description>
    <pubDate>Thu, 03 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/in-some-brain-bleeds-patients-do-better-at-high-volume-hospitals-664274.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[In Some Brain Bleeds, Patients Do Better at High-Volume Hospitals]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/in-some-brain-bleeds-patients-do-better-at-high-volume-hospitals-664274.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Guidelines for treating 'aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage' revised]]></description>
    <pubDate>Thu, 03 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/omega-3s-aim-to-please-664389.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Omega-3s Aim to Please]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/omega-3s-aim-to-please-664389.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Healthy fat linked to more signs of anti-Alzheimer's protection.]]></description>
    <pubDate>Thu, 03 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/joggers-live-longer-study-says-664404.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Joggers Live Longer, Study Says]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/joggers-live-longer-study-says-664404.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Slow pace best for longevity, researchers report]]></description>
    <pubDate>Thu, 03 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/why-you-overeat-even-when-you-re-full-664440.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Why You Overeat Even When You're Full]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/why-you-overeat-even-when-you-re-full-664440.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Small study explores how body reacts when aroused by tempting treats]]></description>
    <pubDate>Thu, 03 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/more-teen-girls-using-contraceptives-cdc-664433.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[More Teen Girls Using Contraceptives: CDC]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/more-teen-girls-using-contraceptives-cdc-664433.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Increased use may have contributed to drop in teen births, researcher says]]></description>
    <pubDate>Thu, 03 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/women-can-waive-test-before-incontinence-surgery-study-664229.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Women Can Waive Test Before Incontinence Surgery: Study]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/women-can-waive-test-before-incontinence-surgery-study-664229.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Researchers found similar success rates whether or not patients got the expensive evaluation]]></description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 02 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/bcbsa-supports-youth-employment-program.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Blue Cross And Blue Shield Association Supports Youth Employment Program]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/bcbsa-supports-youth-employment-program.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) President and CEO Scott P. Serota issued the following statement in support of the Department of Labor's new youth employment program and the launch of its new Summer Jobs+ Bank, an online tool to connect young people to jobs and other employment opportunities.]]></description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 02 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/less-invasive-heart-valve-replacement-works-for-elderly-study-664365.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Less Invasive Heart Valve Replacement Works for Elderly: Study]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/less-invasive-heart-valve-replacement-works-for-elderly-study-664365.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Real-world results promising for high-risk aortic stenosis patients, researchers say]]></description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 02 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/who-s-the-dad-first-trimester-blood-test-may-tell-664385.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Who's the Dad? First-Trimester Blood Test May Tell]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/who-s-the-dad-first-trimester-blood-test-may-tell-664385.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[New, noninvasive method safer than current ones, developer says]]></description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 02 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/more-than-2000-alabamians.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[More Than 2,000 Alabamians Take A Step Towards Better Health At National Walk @ Lunch Day ]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/more-than-2000-alabamians.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[An initial look at registration numbers show more than 2,000 people representing over 35 companies and organizations laced up their tennis shoes to participate in National Walk @ Lunch Day in Alabama.  Walks kicked off every thirty minutes at Linn Park in Birmingham, along with free Zumba classes throughout the event. Participation also reached Mobile, Alabama, where more than 300 walkers hit the pavement to take steps towards healthier lifestyles. These record-breaking numbers definitely send the message that Alabamians are taking accountability for their own health and want to lead a healthier lifestyle. ]]></description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 02 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/lower-dose-radioiodine-effective-against-thyroid-cancer-664390.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Lower-Dose Radioiodine Effective Against Thyroid Cancer]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/lower-dose-radioiodine-effective-against-thyroid-cancer-664390.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Patients may be able to skip high doses of radiation, painful thyroid hormone withdrawal, studies find]]></description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 02 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/independence-blue-cross-2.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Independence Blue Cross Announces New Strategic Relationship With AAA Mid-Atlantic]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/independence-blue-cross-2.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Independence Blue Cross (IBC) today announced a ground-breaking new strategic relationship with AAA Mid-Atlantic to offer a broad variety of health plans to individuals and families who are members of AAA Mid-Atlantic and reside in southeastern Pennsylvania. This first-of-its-kind relationship paves the way for IBC to partner with other highly regarded organizations and offer health insurance to consumers in new ways.]]></description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 01 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/arthritis-in-children-linked-to-infections-664207.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Arthritis in Children Linked to Infections]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/arthritis-in-children-linked-to-infections-664207.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Limiting steroids when possible may help to lower infection risk, researchers say]]></description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 01 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/one-year-later-capital.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[One Year Later, Capital BlueCross Accountable Care Arrangements Proving Successful ]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/one-year-later-capital.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Today marks the one-year anniversary of Capital BlueCross’ launch of two Accountable Care Arrangements (ACA). Preliminary results demonstrate that this innovative care delivery model is improving care coordination, lowering the medical cost trend, and improving the member’s management of chronic conditions and overall satisfaction with care.  This initiative builds off of the experience Capital BlueCross gained after implementing the region’s first private patient-centered medical home pilot in 2010. ]]></description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 01 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/fish-oil-doesn-t-cut-failure-rate-of-hemodialysis-grafts-664192.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Fish Oil Doesn't Cut Failure Rate of Hemodialysis Grafts]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/fish-oil-doesn-t-cut-failure-rate-of-hemodialysis-grafts-664192.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[However, kidney patients taking fish-oil supplements had fewer problems with clots, study says]]></description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 01 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/massachusetts-communities.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Massachusetts Communities Receive Municipal Blue Innovation Award For Affordability And Wellness Initiatives]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/massachusetts-communities.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (BCBSMA), the trusted health plan of cities and towns for more than 70 years, today announced the winners of its fourth annual Municipal Blue Innovation Awards. The City of Gardner, Hampshire County Group Insurance Trust, Scantic Valley Regional Health Trust, and Town of Middleborough are this year's winners. The Municipal Blue Innovation Awards -- a first-of-a-kind program in Massachusetts -- recognize cities and towns for successfully implementing plan design changes and health and wellness initiatives to make health care more affordable, while improving employee health. ]]></description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 01 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/women-more-likely-to-survive-melanoma-than-men-study-664257.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Women More Likely to Survive Melanoma Than Men: Study]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/women-more-likely-to-survive-melanoma-than-men-study-664257.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Analysis found female patients had a 30% survival advantage]]></description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 01 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/anthem-blue-cross-introduces.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Anthem Blue Cross Introduces Tool To Help Reduce Costs And Bring Administrative Efficiencies To California Physicians And Hospitals]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/anthem-blue-cross-introduces.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Anthem Blue Cross announced today it is introducing a new information network that will bring efficiencies to the state's health care providers while helping to reduce costs. Anthem is rolling out the Availity network at no charge to physicians and hospitals across the state, streamlining the administrative interactions between health care providers and health plans. ]]></description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 01 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/anxiety-depression-often-go-hand-in-hand-with-arthritis-664160.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Anxiety, Depression Often Go Hand-in-Hand With Arthritis]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/anxiety-depression-often-go-hand-in-hand-with-arthritis-664160.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Mental health screening, treatment could improve quality of life for these patients, report suggests]]></description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 30 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/having-kids-doesn-t-inspire-adults-to-eat-healthier-study-664189.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Having Kids Doesn't Inspire Adults to Eat Healthier: Study]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/having-kids-doesn-t-inspire-adults-to-eat-healthier-study-664189.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[But at least new parents' diets didn't get worse, researchers say]]></description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 30 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/sc-bluecross-patients-at.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[S.C. BlueCross Patients At Lancaster Medical Practice Improve Health Under New Model]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/sc-bluecross-patients-at.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina members of a patient-centered medical home (PCMH) at Mackey Family Practice in Lancaster and Indian Land, S.C., improved their health and had fewer hospital admissions and emergency room visits during the first year of the new health care model.]]></description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 30 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/horizon-blue-cross-blue-1.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield Of New Jersey Receives Prestigious Award For Service To Network Hospitals ]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/horizon-blue-cross-blue-1.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Behind virtually every hospital stay, there is a myriad of complex paperwork and administrative steps that insurers must handle flawlessly with the hospitals to ensure that patients can concentrate fully on their treatment and getting well. In recognition of its excellence in helping hospital administrators carry out these and other important member services every day, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey has been awarded the 2011 John F. Coffey Memorial President’s Award by The NJ Chapter of the American Association of Healthcare Administrative Management (NJAAHAM). ]]></description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 30 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/exercise-twice-a-day-vital-for-your-dog-s-health-expert-says-663933.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Exercise Twice a Day Vital for Your Dog's Health, Expert Says]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/exercise-twice-a-day-vital-for-your-dog-s-health-expert-says-663933.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Owners urged to encourage activity suitable for breed, fitness level of their pet]]></description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 30 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/insecticide-linked-to-brain-abnormalities-in-kids-664230.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Insecticide Linked to Brain Abnormalities in Kids]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/insecticide-linked-to-brain-abnormalities-in-kids-664230.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[But study doesn't prove exposure caused the differences]]></description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 30 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/cellphones-texting-put-teen-drivers-in-danger-studies-show-664206.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Cellphones, Texting Put Teen Drivers in Danger, Studies Show]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/cellphones-texting-put-teen-drivers-in-danger-studies-show-664206.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[One study -- using car simulators -- indicates phone use hazardous no matter where it's held]]></description>
    <pubDate>Sun, 29 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/two-drug-therapy-helped-kids-with-type-2-diabetes-664204.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Two-Drug Therapy Helped Kids With Type 2 Diabetes]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/two-drug-therapy-helped-kids-with-type-2-diabetes-664204.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[But best combination of meds for young patients still isn't known, experts say]]></description>
    <pubDate>Sun, 29 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/taking-away-car-keys-can-be-tough-for-older-drivers-664141.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Taking Away Car Keys Can Be Tough for Older Drivers]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/taking-away-car-keys-can-be-tough-for-older-drivers-664141.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[For some, the end of driving triggers depression, anxiety, loneliness, expert says]]></description>
    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/vitamin-d-may-affect-lung-transplant-success-664124.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Vitamin D May Affect Lung Transplant Success]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/vitamin-d-may-affect-lung-transplant-success-664124.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Vitamin deficiency associated with higher rates of rejection, infection and death, study shows]]></description>
    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/rate-of-statin-linked-muscle-woes-unclear-study-suggests-663833.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Rate of Statin-Linked Muscle Woes Unclear, Study Suggests]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/rate-of-statin-linked-muscle-woes-unclear-study-suggests-663833.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Coding used by health professionals to report problems may not show true picture]]></description>
    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/approximately-2350-walkers-1.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Approximately 2,350 Walkers Cover 2,700 Miles In S.C. BlueCross Walk @ Lunch Day Community Events]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/approximately-2350-walkers-1.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[An estimated 2,350 people took steps toward improved health Wednesday, April 25, during four community events organized by BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina to celebrate the sixth annual National Walk @ Lunch Day®.]]></description>
    <pubDate>Thu, 26 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/jennifer-b-danielson.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Jennifer B. Danielson Promoted To President Of Regence BlueCross BlueShield Of Utah]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/jennifer-b-danielson.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Regence Insurance Services President Jared Short announced today the appointment of Jennifer B. Danielson to the position of President of Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Utah. She will be responsible for guiding Regence’s market operations in Utah, securing new business and growing all of our targeted segments. Jennifer’s appointment is effective June 1, 2012. She replaces current President Bob Hatch who is retiring. ]]></description>
    <pubDate>Thu, 26 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
</item>

<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/approximately-2350-walkers.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Approximately 2,350 Walkers Cover 2,700 Miles in S.C. BlueCross Walk @ Lunch Day Community Events]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/approximately-2350-walkers.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[An estimated 2,350 people took steps toward improved health Wednesday, April 25, during four community events organized by BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina to celebrate the sixth annual National Walk @ Lunch Day®.]]></description>
    <pubDate>Thu, 26 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
</item>

<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/preventable-injuries-sideline-one-third-of-young-athletes-664078.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Preventable Injuries Sideline One-Third of Young Athletes]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/preventable-injuries-sideline-one-third-of-young-athletes-664078.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Survey of parents, kids, coaches finds knowledge gaps about sports safety]]></description>
    <pubDate>Thu, 26 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
</item>

<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/healthy-behaviors-extend-life-after-cancer-experts-say-664171.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Healthy Behaviors Extend Life After Cancer, Experts Say]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/healthy-behaviors-extend-life-after-cancer-experts-say-664171.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Eating well, exercising and maintaining normal weight boost survival, American Cancer Society finds]]></description>
    <pubDate>Thu, 26 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
</item>

<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/fatigue-not-a-factor-in-fibromyalgia-pain-study-says-664029.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Fatigue Not a Factor in Fibromyalgia Pain, Study Says]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/fatigue-not-a-factor-in-fibromyalgia-pain-study-says-664029.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Lack of sleep did not predict intensity, duration of discomfort with the disorder]]></description>
    <pubDate>Thu, 26 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
</item>

<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/capital-bluecross-hosts.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Capital BlueCross Hosts Community Health Care Forums Focused On Managing Costs While Maintaining Quality]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/capital-bluecross-hosts.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Capital BlueCross is hosting community forums in central Pennsylvania and the Lehigh Valley to help the business community better address the rising cost of health care. Nationally known author, filmmaker and reporter T.R. Reid is the keynote speaker and will discuss his latest documentary: “U.S. Health Care: The Good News," which examines how some communities around America -- from big cities to rural communities 
-- have found ways to manage health care costs while still providing high-quality care.
]]></description>
    <pubDate>Thu, 26 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/health-tip-dealing-with-stress-663702.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Health Tip: Dealing With Stress]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/health-tip-dealing-with-stress-663702.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Don't avoid challenges]]></description>
    <pubDate>Thu, 26 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/health-highlights-april-26-2012-664139.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Health Highlights: April 26, 2012]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/health-highlights-april-26-2012-664139.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[<div class="byline">
<ul>
<li><b>No Evidence Cellphones Cause Brain Tumors: Experts</b></li>
<li><b>Measures to Prevent Spread of Mad Cow Disease are Effective: FDA</b></li>
<li><b>Report Challenges VA Claims on Speed of Mental Health Care</b></li>
</ul></div>]]></description>
    <pubDate>Thu, 26 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
</item>

<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/highmark-blue-cross-blue-1.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield West Virginia Encourages Working West Virginians To Turn A Working Lunch Into A Walking Lunch During National Observance]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/highmark-blue-cross-blue-1.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[West Virginia Secretary of State Natalie Tennant, along with city of Charleston and Kanawha County officials, joined Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield West Virginia, the West Virginia Healthy Lifestyles Program, the Public Employees Insurance Agency (PEIA) and thousands of Americans across the country today by participating in the sixth annual National Walk @ Lunch Day. This national event, developed by the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, encourages people to take time during their lunch breaks to start walking toward better health.]]></description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 25 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
</item>

<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/highmark-blue-cross-blue-2.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield West Virginia Encourages Working West Virginians To Turn A Working Lunch Into A Walking Lunch During National Observance]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/highmark-blue-cross-blue-2.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[West Virginia Secretary of State Natalie Tennant, along with city of Charleston and Kanawha County officials, joined Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield West Virginia, the West Virginia Healthy Lifestyles Program, the Public Employees Insurance Agency (PEIA) and thousands of Americans across the country today by participating in the sixth annual National Walk @ Lunch Day. This national event, developed by the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, encourages people to take time during their lunch breaks to start walking toward better health.]]></description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 25 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
</item>

<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/arkansas-blue-cross-and-blue.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Arkansas Blue Cross And Blue Shield To Host Meeting For Large-Group Employers On Health Care Reform Changes]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/arkansas-blue-cross-and-blue.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Is your company ready to implement healthcare reform changes? Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield is helping companies throughout Arkansas prepare for implementation of regulations in 2014 under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) by hosting, “Health Care Reform Countdown,” Monday, April 30, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Embassy Suites in Little Rock. ]]></description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 25 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
</item>

<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/bcbs-companies-host-national-walk-at-lunch-day.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Blue Cross And Blue Shield Companies Host Sixth Annual National Walk@Lunch Day®]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/bcbs-companies-host-national-walk-at-lunch-day.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies across the country are hosting the sixth annual National Walk@Lunch Day® for their employees, local employers and communities.]]></description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 25 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/low-radiation-ct-scans-effective-at-spotting-appendicitis-study-664109.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Low-Radiation CT Scans Effective at Spotting Appendicitis: Study]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/low-radiation-ct-scans-effective-at-spotting-appendicitis-study-664109.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Approach cuts cancer risk without raising number of unnecessary surgeries]]></description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 25 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
</item>

<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/blue-cross-and-blue-shield-of-6.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City Hosts 2012 Walk @ Lunch Day ]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/blue-cross-and-blue-shield-of-6.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[For the sixth year in a row, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City hosted Walk @ Lunch Day on Wednesday, April 25. Many of Kansas City’s largest companies participated in this event by encouraging their employees to take steps to better their health during the lunch hour. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City hosts the annual event in conjunction with Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association’s National Walk @ Lunch Day initiative. ]]></description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 25 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/health-highlights-april-25-2012-664090.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Health Highlights: April 25, 2012]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/health-highlights-april-25-2012-664090.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[<div class="byline">
<ul>
<li><b>Case of Mad Cow Disease Discovered in California</b></li>
<li><b>Report Challenges VA Claims on Speed of Mental Health Care</b></li>
<li><b>Teens Getting Drunk on Hand Sanitizer</b></li>
<li><b>Meds Helping Many Overweight Americans Control Cholesterol: Study</b></li>
</ul></div>]]></description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 25 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
</item>

<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/poor-sleep-heightens-ringing-ear-disease-symptoms-study-663963.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Poor Sleep Heightens 'Ringing Ear' Disease Symptoms: Study]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/poor-sleep-heightens-ringing-ear-disease-symptoms-study-663963.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Patients with both tinnitus and insomnia have more emotional distress, researchers say]]></description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 25 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
</item>

<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/air-quality-improving-in-many-u-s-cities-report-664082.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Air Quality Improving in Many U.S. Cities: Report]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/air-quality-improving-in-many-u-s-cities-report-664082.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Even Los Angeles showed lowest smog levels in more than a decade, data found]]></description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 25 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
</item>

<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/health-tip-when-seniors-are-malnourished-663707.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Health Tip: When Seniors Are Malnourished]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/health-tip-when-seniors-are-malnourished-663707.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Symptoms may include lack of energy]]></description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 25 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
</item>

<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/blue-cross-and-blue-shield-of-7.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Blue Cross And Blue Shield Of Louisiana Appoints New Managers]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/blue-cross-and-blue-shield-of-7.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana has named Sandra Kowalski as information technology manager over the company’s Enterprise Resource Planning team. In addition, the company appointed Lydia Martin as Foundation initiatives manager and Aleria Reed as manager of quality assurance and test planning. ]]></description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 24 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
</item>

<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/send-migraines-packing-664023.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Send Migraines Packing]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/send-migraines-packing-664023.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Many aren't using all the tools available for preventing migraines.]]></description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 24 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
</item>

<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/prostate-cancer-screening-guidelines-often-not-followed-study-664071.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Prostate Cancer Screening Guidelines Often Not Followed: Study]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/prostate-cancer-screening-guidelines-often-not-followed-study-664071.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Many older men still get unnecessary PSA tests, researchers report]]></description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 24 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
</item>

<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/dark-chocolate-may-lower-risk-of-heart-disease-663887.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Dark Chocolate May Lower Risk of Heart Disease]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/dark-chocolate-may-lower-risk-of-heart-disease-663887.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Study says it reduces levels of blood sugar and bad cholesterol, raises good cholesterol levels]]></description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 24 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
</item>

<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/botox-offers-little-relief-for-migraine-study-finds-664043.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Botox Offers Little Relief for Migraine, Study Finds]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/botox-offers-little-relief-for-migraine-study-finds-664043.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Evidence review sees only modest benefit for chronic headaches]]></description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 24 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
</item>

<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/study-explores-fish-oil-s-healthy-effect-on-heart-663886.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Study Explores Fish Oil's Healthy Effect on Heart]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/study-explores-fish-oil-s-healthy-effect-on-heart-663886.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Researchers rule out one possible explanation]]></description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 24 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
</item>

<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/health-highlights-april-24-2012-664050.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Health Highlights: April 24, 2012]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/health-highlights-april-24-2012-664050.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[<div class="byline">
<ul>
<li><b>Case of Mad Cow Disease Discovered in California</b></li>
<li><b>Report Challenges VA Claims on Speed of Mental Health Care</b></li>
<li><b>Teens Getting Drunk on Hand Sanitizer</b></li>
<li><b>Meds Helping Many Overweight Americans Control Cholesterol: Study</b></li>
</ul></div>]]></description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 24 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
</item>

<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/myregencecom-recognized-for.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[myRegence.com Recognized for Transparency Innovation]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/myregencecom-recognized-for.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[If consumers could shop for health care like they shop for groceries, could they find more affordable care? If they could talk to one another and share reviews about a doctor or hospital, would they be able to connect with the provider that’s right for them? Regence believes in the power of information and Forrester Research, Inc. feels we’ve cracked “the transparency code.” ]]></description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 23 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/blue-cross-and-blue-shield-of-5.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Blue Cross And Blue Shield Of Illinois, Illinois State Council Of The Society For Human Resources Team Up To Promote Employee Wellness Contest]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/blue-cross-and-blue-shield-of-5.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Amidst a backdrop of national health care reform and a sluggish economy, Illinois businesses continue to seek ways to control health care costs without shifting premium increases onto already overburdened employees.]]></description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 23 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
</item>

<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/ice-cream-headaches-might-offer-clues-to-migraines-663976.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA['Ice Cream Headaches' Might Offer Clues to Migraines]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/ice-cream-headaches-might-offer-clues-to-migraines-663976.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Cold-induced 'brain freeze' seems linked to expansion of a key brain artery, small study finds]]></description>
    <pubDate>Sun, 22 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
</item>

<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/close-laundry-detergent-right-after-use-expert-says-662843.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Close Laundry Detergent Right After Use, Expert Says]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/close-laundry-detergent-right-after-use-expert-says-662843.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Open containers can be hazardous to children, pets]]></description>
    <pubDate>Sat, 21 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
</item>

<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/value-of-metformin-insulin-combo-for-type-2-diabetes-questioned-663888.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Value of Metformin, Insulin Combo for Type 2 Diabetes Questioned]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/value-of-metformin-insulin-combo-for-type-2-diabetes-questioned-663888.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Danish analysis suggests that long-term benefit for patients is unclear]]></description>
    <pubDate>Fri, 20 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
</item>

<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/men-more-prone-to-complications-after-brain-spine-surgery-663874.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Men More Prone to Complications After Brain, Spine Surgery]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/men-more-prone-to-complications-after-brain-spine-surgery-663874.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[They also spend longer in the hospital after neurosurgery, study finds]]></description>
    <pubDate>Fri, 20 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
</item>

<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/health-highlights-april-20-2012-663965.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Health Highlights: April 20, 2012]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/health-highlights-april-20-2012-663965.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[<div class="byline">
<ul>
<li><b>160 Now Sickened in Tuna-Linked Salmonella Outbreak</b></li>
<li><b>U.S. Women Trail Men in Life Span Gains: Study</b></li>
<li><b>Vietnam Seeks Help With Mystery Illness That's Killed 19</b></li>
<li><b>Health Care Disparities Persist for U.S. Minority Groups: Report</b></li>
<li><b>Gulf Seafood Safe to Eat: FDA</b></li>
<li><b>U.S. Team Heads to Everest to Study Effects of High Altitude</b></li>
<li><b>Starbucks Eliminating Bug-based Dye  From Products</b></li>
</ul></div>]]></description>
    <pubDate>Fri, 20 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
</item>

<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/early-use-of-ms-drug-may-cut-likelihood-of-progression-663915.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Early Use of MS Drug May Cut Likelihood of Progression]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/early-use-of-ms-drug-may-cut-likelihood-of-progression-663915.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Study found fewer people given 'interferon beta-1a' early moved on to definitive diagnosis]]></description>
    <pubDate>Thu, 19 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
</item>

<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/scoliosis-treatment-might-reduce-need-for-surgeries-663847.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Scoliosis Treatment Might Reduce Need for Surgeries]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/scoliosis-treatment-might-reduce-need-for-surgeries-663847.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[In small study, children with the spinal condition avoided repeat procedures]]></description>
    <pubDate>Thu, 19 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
</item>

<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/exercise-may-help-patients-with-high-blood-pressure-live-longer-663845.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Exercise May Help Patients With High Blood Pressure Live Longer]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/exercise-may-help-patients-with-high-blood-pressure-live-longer-663845.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Large study from Taiwan found inactive people fared worse at all blood-pressure levels]]></description>
    <pubDate>Thu, 19 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
</item>

<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/april-19-proclaimed-heart-of.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[April 19 Proclaimed Heart Of Blue Day In Minnesota]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/april-19-proclaimed-heart-of.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Governor Mark Dayton has declared April 19 as Heart of Blue Day in Minnesota in honor of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota’s Heart of Blue employee volunteer program. The Governor signed the proclamation in recognition of the 10th year of Heart of Blue, which was launched in 2003 to support and encourage employee involvement in the community. The proclamation was revealed today at an annual Blue Cross volunteer recognition event.]]></description>
    <pubDate>Thu, 19 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/health-highlights-april-19-2012-663928.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Health Highlights: April 19, 2012]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/health-highlights-april-19-2012-663928.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[<div class="byline">
<ul>
<li><b>1 in 4 U.S. Adults Lacked Health Insurance Last Year: Survey</b></li>
<li><b>Study Raises Hopes for Cerebral Palsy Breakthrough</b></li>
<li><b>Veterans Affairs Increases Mental Health Staffing</b></li>
<li><b>Entertainment Legend Dick Clark Dies at 82</b></li>
<li><b>Breast Cancer 10 Different Diseases: Study</b></li></li>
</ul></div>]]></description>
    <pubDate>Thu, 19 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
</item>

<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/diabetes-groups-issue-new-guidelines-on-blood-sugar-663893.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Diabetes Groups Issue New Guidelines on Blood Sugar]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/diabetes-groups-issue-new-guidelines-on-blood-sugar-663893.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Type 2 illness can't be treated with  one-size-fits-all approach, new recommendations advise]]></description>
    <pubDate>Thu, 19 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
</item>

<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/popular-capital-bluecross.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Popular Capital BlueCross Consumer Tool Gets Even Better With Recent Enhancements]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/popular-capital-bluecross.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Capital BlueCross has significantly enhanced its popular online suite of transparency tools to help members better understand and compare cost, quality and satisfaction among providers as well as spend their health care money wisely. In 2010, Capital BlueCross was the first health insurer to bring this type of tool to our market. ]]></description>
    <pubDate>Thu, 19 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
</item>

<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/back-to-the-fish-663854.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Back to the Fish?]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/back-to-the-fish-663854.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[In some people, omega-3 supplements not linked to heart, brain protection.]]></description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 18 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
</item>

<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/horizon-blue-cross-blue.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield Of New Jersey Launches New Website And Services For Spanish-Speaking Members]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/horizon-blue-cross-blue.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[In a state in which approximately 18 percent of residents are of Hispanic descent, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey has launched a new bilingual service initiative and website dedicated to reaching out to Spanish-speaking members.]]></description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 18 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
</item>

<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/health-highlights-april-18-2012-663871.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Health Highlights: April 18, 2012]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/health-highlights-april-18-2012-663871.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[<div class="byline">
<ul>
<li><b>Entertainment Legend Dick Clark Dies at 82</b></li>
<li><b>Breast Cancer 10 Different Diseases: Study</b></li>
<li><b>J&amp;J Says Some Popular OTC Drugs May Not be Sold Again Until 2013</b></li>
<li><b>Scientists Grow Hair on Bald Mice</b></li>
<li><b>141 Now Sickened in Tuna-Linked Salmonella Outbreak </b></li>
</ul></div>]]></description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 18 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
</item>

<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/no-proof-that-gum-disease-causes-heart-disease-experts-say-663850.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[No Proof That Gum Disease Causes Heart Disease, Experts Say]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/no-proof-that-gum-disease-causes-heart-disease-experts-say-663850.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[But conditions share common risk factors, and neither should be neglected]]></description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 18 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
</item>

<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/blue-cross-and-blue-shield-of-4.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Blue Cross And Blue Shield Of Minnesota And Employees Contribute More Than $100,000 To Local Food Shelves]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/blue-cross-and-blue-shield-of-4.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota (Blue Cross) today announced that it contributed $133,841 to local food shelves through the March Minnesota FoodShare Drive. Employees contributed $62,326 and 9,189 pounds of food, and the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Foundation contributed an additional $71,515 through a dollar for dollar match. ]]></description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 18 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
</item>

<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/experimental-gel-may-help-those-with-advanced-parkinson-s-663799.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Experimental Gel May Help Those With Advanced Parkinson's]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/experimental-gel-may-help-those-with-advanced-parkinson-s-663799.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Infused treatment of standard drugs appeared better than pills for stabilizing 'off' time, researchers report]]></description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 18 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
</item>

<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/everyday-activities-might-lower-alzheimer-s-risk-663853.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Everyday Activities Might Lower Alzheimer's Risk]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/everyday-activities-might-lower-alzheimer-s-risk-663853.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Study finds association for more active elderly, even without formal exercise]]></description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 18 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
</item>

<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/blue-cross-blue-shield-of-7.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Vermont Promotes Workplace Health With Lunchtime Walks]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/blue-cross-blue-shield-of-7.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[In what’s fast becoming a spring tradition in Vermont, more than 30,000 residents across the state will take to the pavement on April 25 for National Walk @ Lunch Day.  Currently in its sixth year, National Walk @ Lunch Day is an annual health promotion celebrated by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Vermont (BCBSVT) and other associated Blue Cross Blue Shield organizations across the United States. Last year about 25,000 residents laced up their walking shoes to take part in the walk. ]]></description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 18 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
</item>

<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/optimism-might-cut-your-risk-for-heart-attack-663832.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Optimism Might Cut Your Risk for Heart Attack]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/optimism-might-cut-your-risk-for-heart-attack-663832.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Large review also found positive people  less likely to suffer stroke]]></description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 18 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
</item>

<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/bcbsa/in-an-effort-to-raise.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[In An Effort To Raise Awareness About Healthcare Disparities, The Blue Cross And Blue Shield Association Supports National Minority Health Month]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/bcbsa/in-an-effort-to-raise.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[In recognition that April is National Minority Health Month, the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) and Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies nationwide are reinforcing their commitment to encouraging care delivery that is safe, effective, patient centered and equitable.]]></description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 17 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
</item>

<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/bcbsa/bcbsa-statement-on-2012.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[BCBSA Statement On 2012 American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) Membership]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/bcbsa/bcbsa-statement-on-2012.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[]]></description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 17 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
</item>

<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/testosterone-supplements-might-help-patients-with-heart-failure-663812.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Testosterone Supplements Might Help Patients With Heart Failure]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/testosterone-supplements-might-help-patients-with-heart-failure-663812.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Small studies found benefits for patients' fitness, ability to exercise]]></description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 17 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
</item>

<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/brain-tumor-vaccine-shows-promise-in-early-trial-663800.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Brain Tumor Vaccine Shows Promise in Early Trial]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/brain-tumor-vaccine-shows-promise-in-early-trial-663800.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Study found it added weeks of survival for patients with glioblastoma]]></description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 17 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
</item>

<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/health-tip-avoid-asthma-triggers-663497.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Health Tip: Avoid Asthma Triggers]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/health-tip-avoid-asthma-triggers-663497.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Including things that make you sneeze]]></description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 17 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
</item>

<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/what-s-the-buzz-663689.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[What's the Buzz?]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/what-s-the-buzz-663689.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Our warm winter may lead to the need for earlier mosquito and tick prevention this year.]]></description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 17 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/health-highlights-april-17-2012-663826.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Health Highlights: April 17, 2012]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/health-highlights-april-17-2012-663826.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[<div class="byline">
<ul>
<li><b>141 Now Sickened in Tuna-Linked Salmonella Outbreak </b></li>
<li><b>New Prostate Cancer Treatment Causes Fewer Side Effects: Study</b></li>
<li><b>Calming Technique Eases Infants' Vaccination Pain</b></li>
</ul></div>]]></description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 17 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
</item>

<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/experimental-pill-for-multiple-sclerosis-shows-promise-663757.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Experimental Pill for Multiple Sclerosis Shows Promise]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/experimental-pill-for-multiple-sclerosis-shows-promise-663757.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[But side effects involved heart, liver, and more long-term study is needed, experts said]]></description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 16 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
</item>

<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/surgery-rates-rising-for-non-melanoma-skin-cancer-study-663741.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Surgery Rates Rising for Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer:  Study]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/surgery-rates-rising-for-non-melanoma-skin-cancer-study-663741.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Use of a particular procedure may be driving the trend]]></description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 16 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/dissolvable-heart-artery-stents-appear-safe-in-study-663804.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Dissolvable Heart Artery Stents Appear Safe in Study]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/dissolvable-heart-artery-stents-appear-safe-in-study-663804.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Biodegradable stents might lower risk of heart attack, Japanese researchers suggest]]></description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 16 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
</item>

<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/empire-bluecross-blueshield.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Empire BlueCross BlueShield Study Works With Local Practices To Find Answers On Managing Childhood Obesity]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/empire-bluecross-blueshield.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[]]></description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 16 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/125000-anthem-blue-cross.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[$125,000 Anthem Blue Cross And Blue Shield Foundation Grant To Support Statewide Expansion Of Patient Navigation Program]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/125000-anthem-blue-cross.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield today announced that additional resources for cancer patients are in Indiana thanks to a $125,000 grant from its corporate foundation to the American Cancer Society. The funds are supporting the statewide expansion of the American Cancer Society’s Patient Navigation program, which provides personalized information and support to individuals and families coping with cancer diagnoses. ]]></description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 16 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/health-highlights-april-16-2012-663782.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Health Highlights: April 16, 2012]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/health-highlights-april-16-2012-663782.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[<div class="byline">
<ul>
<li><b>Calming Technique Eases Infants' Vaccination Pain</b></li>
<li><b>Salmonella Outbreak in 20 States Linked to Tuna</b></li>
<li><b>U.S. Nursing Homes' Disaster Plans Fall Short: Report</b></li>
</ul></div>]]></description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 16 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
</item>

<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/steroids-may-help-some-with-sciatica-663776.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Steroids May Help Some With Sciatica]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/steroids-may-help-some-with-sciatica-663776.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[But study found they were not significantly better in the long run than Enbrel or anesthetic]]></description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 16 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
</item>

<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/highmark-and-pa-department-of.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Highmark And PA Department Of Military And Veterans Affairs Partner To Host Education And Employment Symposium For Local Veterans]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/highmark-and-pa-department-of.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Highmark Blue Shield and the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) are collaborating to host a first-ever local education and employment symposium for veterans. Activities will be held at Highmark’s Center Street offices, 1800 Center Street, Camp Hill, Pa. on Friday, April 20 beginning at 2 p.m.]]></description>
    <pubDate>Fri, 13 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/coffee-reprieve-663684.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Coffee Reprieve]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/coffee-reprieve-663684.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[New study finds no link between coffee and this common skin condition.]]></description>
    <pubDate>Thu, 12 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/over-the-counter-bug-bite-remedies-don-t-work-report-663634.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Over-the-Counter Bug Bite Remedies Don't Work: Report]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/over-the-counter-bug-bite-remedies-don-t-work-report-663634.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Mild reactions might not call for tablets or creams]]></description>
    <pubDate>Thu, 12 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/health-tip-keep-the-weight-off-662745.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Health Tip: Keep the Weight Off]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/health-tip-keep-the-weight-off-662745.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Avoid sauces, gravies and fattening dressings]]></description>
    <pubDate>Thu, 12 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/health-tip-consider-these-diabetes-superfoods-662741.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Health Tip: Consider These Diabetes 'Superfoods']]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/health-tip-consider-these-diabetes-superfoods-662741.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Offerings that should meld well with a diabetic's meal plan]]></description>
    <pubDate>Thu, 12 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/obesity-s-health-costs-double-earlier-estimates-663637.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Obesity's Health Costs Double Earlier Estimates]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/obesity-s-health-costs-double-earlier-estimates-663637.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Total reaches nearly 21% of U.S. health care spending, study says]]></description>
    <pubDate>Thu, 12 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/huntington-s-disease-linked-to-reduced-cancer-risk-in-study-663642.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Huntington's Disease Linked to Reduced Cancer Risk in Study]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/huntington-s-disease-linked-to-reduced-cancer-risk-in-study-663642.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Findings suggest shared genetic mechanism, researchers say]]></description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 11 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/study-shows-new-option-for-kids-with-tough-to-treat-leukemia-663592.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Study Shows New Option for Kids With Tough-to-Treat Leukemia]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/study-shows-new-option-for-kids-with-tough-to-treat-leukemia-663592.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Some cases of acute lymphoblastic leukemia may not require bone marrow transplant, researchers say]]></description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 11 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/national-walk-lunch-day.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[National Walk @ Lunch Day® April 25 Promotes Importance Of A Walking Habit In Overall Health]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/national-walk-lunch-day.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Walking is one of the easiest and most effective forms of exercise, but it can be challenging to find even 30 minutes a day in our busy lives to walk. That is why Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas is sponsoring the sixth annual National Walk @ Lunch Day® April 25 – to encourage busy Kansans to start walking towards better health by taking a walk during their lunch breaks. ]]></description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 11 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/highmark-inc-announces-1.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Highmark Inc. Announces $1 Million Goal For 10th Annual Highmark Walk For A Healthy Community ]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/highmark-inc-announces-1.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[To celebrate its 10th annual community walk, Highmark Inc. announced today a $1 million fundraising goal for the Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community, which takes place at five locations across Pennsylvania this spring.]]></description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 11 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/disrupted-sleep-may-raise-risk-for-obesity-diabetes-study-663641.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Disrupted Sleep May Raise Risk for Obesity, Diabetes: Study]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/disrupted-sleep-may-raise-risk-for-obesity-diabetes-study-663641.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Researchers found altering amount, timing of rest raised blood sugar levels, slowed metabolism]]></description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 11 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
</item>

<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/drug-may-prevent-pancreatitis-after-digestive-procedure-663674.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Drug May Prevent Pancreatitis After Digestive Procedure]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/drug-may-prevent-pancreatitis-after-digestive-procedure-663674.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Single $2 treatment thwarts serious infection, study says]]></description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 11 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/wellpoint-joins-100000-jobs.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Wellpoint Joins 100,000 Jobs Mission Pledging To Hire Veterans]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/wellpoint-joins-100000-jobs.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[WellPoint, Inc. announced today that it has joined the 100,000 Jobs Mission, a coalition of major corporations that have jointly committed to hiring 100,000 transitioning service members and military veterans by 2020. As the first health benefits company to join the coalition, WellPoint has made a commitment to hiring veterans and to helping those returning to civilian life find employment and transition into the next phase of their lives. For the period ending March 2012, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the jobless rate for post-9/11 veterans was 10.3 percent. 834,000 veterans remain unemployed. ]]></description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 11 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/breast-cancer-treatment-side-effects-may-last-for-years-663624.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Breast Cancer Treatment Side Effects May Last for Years]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/breast-cancer-treatment-side-effects-may-last-for-years-663624.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Study finds lingering pain, swelling, fatigue, mobility problems in many women]]></description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 11 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
</item>

<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/bcbsa/special-olympics-chairman-award.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[The Blue Cross And Blue Shield Association Receives Prestigious Special Olympics Illinois Chairman’s Award]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/bcbsa/special-olympics-chairman-award.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[]]></description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 10 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/many-patients-skip-recommended-colonoscopy-study-663587.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Many Patients Skip Recommended Colonoscopy: Study]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/many-patients-skip-recommended-colonoscopy-study-663587.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Follow-through is more likely with other screening tests for colon cancer]]></description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 10 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
</item>

<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/tax-day-may-drive-up-fatal-crash-rates-663606.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Tax Day May Drive Up Fatal Crash Rates]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/tax-day-may-drive-up-fatal-crash-rates-663606.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[But expert notes study finding doesn't make it clear whether stress causes  the spike]]></description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 10 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
</item>

<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/leading-orthopedic-physician.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Leading Orthopedic Physician Group Joins Highmark’s Integrated Delivery System]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/leading-orthopedic-physician.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Highmark Inc. announced today that Orthopedic Associates of Pittsburgh (OAPGH), a leading orthopedic group in Western Pennsylvania, has chosen to affiliate with its growing Integrated Delivery System. OAPGH surgeons – Arnold S. Broudy, M.D.; Michael Levine, M.D.; David C. Neuschwander M.D.; Robert G. Liss, M.D.; and Gregory L. Hung, M.D. – began working as Highmark providers on April 1.]]></description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 10 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/bcbsa/tax-tips-and-resources-from.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Tax Tips And Resources From Your Health Insurer? BCBSA Joins Forces With H&R Block® To Help Members With Tax Prep For Healthcare Expenses]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/bcbsa/tax-tips-and-resources-from.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[With the IRS tax deadline right around the corner, one resource that Americans may not be thinking about to help them with tax preparation may come from an unlikely source -- their health insurance company. Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) has joined forces with H&amp;R Block to offer assistance with tax preparation resources to members of participating Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies.]]></description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 10 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
</item>

<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/blue-cross-announces-new.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Blue Cross Announces New Leadership Appointments]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/blue-cross-announces-new.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota (Blue Cross) today announced new appointments to its leadership team, including the naming of James (Jim) Eppel as chief operating officer (COO) and the arrival of James (Jim) Egan as chief information officer (CIO). Blue Cross President and CEO Kenneth Burdick also announced an expansion of duties for Senior Vice President Patricia (Patsy) Riley – who adds government affairs and public policy to her existing government programs responsibilities – and Senior Vice President Colleen Connors, who adds communications and community relations to her existing responsibilities in human resources and facilities. ]]></description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 10 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/diagnosing-cancer-663586.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Diagnosing Cancer]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/diagnosing-cancer-663586.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Using additional tests in conjunction with mammograms may find more breast cancers.]]></description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 10 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
</item>

<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/sexual-abuse-may-put-boys-at-risk-for-unsafe-sex-663508.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Sexual Abuse May Put Boys at Risk for Unsafe Sex]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/sexual-abuse-may-put-boys-at-risk-for-unsafe-sex-663508.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Multiple partners, teen pregnancies more likely among those who were victimized, surveys show]]></description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 10 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
</item>

<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/feeling-trapped-obligated-raises-odds-of-job-burnout-study-663459.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Feeling 'Trapped,' Obligated Raises Odds of Job Burnout: Study]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/feeling-trapped-obligated-raises-odds-of-job-burnout-study-663459.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Lack of options at work can be emotionally draining, researchers say]]></description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 09 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
</item>

<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/health-tip-new-moms-need-care-too-662743.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Health Tip: New Moms Need Care, Too]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/health-tip-new-moms-need-care-too-662743.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[For starters, try to limit the number of visitors]]></description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 09 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/pollution-problem-663300.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Pollution Problem]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/pollution-problem-663300.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Dirty air linked to mental decline in older women.]]></description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 09 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/could-menthol-cigarettes-pose-even-higher-stroke-risk-663590.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Could Menthol Cigarettes Pose Even Higher Stroke Risk?]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/could-menthol-cigarettes-pose-even-higher-stroke-risk-663590.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[For women and whites, the odds look even worse, study finds]]></description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 09 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/researchers-find-genes-linked-to-aggressive-prostate-cancer-663559.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Researchers Find Genes Linked to Aggressive Prostate Cancer]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/researchers-find-genes-linked-to-aggressive-prostate-cancer-663559.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Risk for the disease could quadruple for men with certain genetic variants, study shows]]></description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 09 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/minorities-medicare-recipients-less-likely-to-get-antidepressants-663523.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Minorities, Medicare Recipients Less Likely to Get  Antidepressants]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/minorities-medicare-recipients-less-likely-to-get-antidepressants-663523.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[When these patients did get them, physicians were more likely to prescribe older medications]]></description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 09 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/urinary-incontinence-drugs-may-be-more-trouble-than-they-re-worth-663595.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Urinary  Incontinence Drugs May Be More Trouble Than They're Worth]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/urinary-incontinence-drugs-may-be-more-trouble-than-they-re-worth-663595.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Analysis found many women stop taking the medications because of bothersome side effects]]></description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 09 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
</item>

<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/dentists-play-key-role-in-detecting-oral-cancer-663285.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Dentists Play Key Role in Detecting Oral Cancer]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/dentists-play-key-role-in-detecting-oral-cancer-663285.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Ask for screening as part of your general checkup, experts say]]></description>
    <pubDate>Sat, 07 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/heavy-backpacks-give-kids-back-trouble-662734.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Heavy Backpacks Give Kids Back Trouble]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/heavy-backpacks-give-kids-back-trouble-662734.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Extra weight puts them at risk of scoliosis and low back pain, researchers say]]></description>
    <pubDate>Sat, 07 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/rapid-asthma-treatment-in-er-may-prevent-admission-663476.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Rapid Asthma Treatment in ER May Prevent Admission]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/rapid-asthma-treatment-in-er-may-prevent-admission-663476.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Giving corticosteroids as soon as possible hastens recovery, study suggests]]></description>
    <pubDate>Fri, 06 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/pesticides-may-be-linked-to-slightly-smaller-babies-shorter-pregnancies-663471.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Pesticides May Be Linked to Slightly Smaller Babies, Shorter Pregnancies]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/pesticides-may-be-linked-to-slightly-smaller-babies-shorter-pregnancies-663471.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Babies were, on average, 1/3 pound lighter, and pregnancies were about three to four days shorter, study finds]]></description>
    <pubDate>Thu, 05 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/er-docs-can-help-curb-patient-alcohol-abuse-drunk-driving-663223.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[ER Docs Can Help Curb Patient Alcohol Abuse, Drunk Driving]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/er-docs-can-help-curb-patient-alcohol-abuse-drunk-driving-663223.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Effects of a 7-minute interview with an ER physician can last a year, study found]]></description>
    <pubDate>Thu, 05 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/false-positive-mammogram-results-may-turn-out-not-to-be-study-663431.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[False-Positive Mammogram Results May Turn Out Not to Be: Study]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/false-positive-mammogram-results-may-turn-out-not-to-be-study-663431.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Researchers urge women who have false-positive results to get regular follow-ups]]></description>
    <pubDate>Thu, 05 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/blue-cross-and-blue-shield-of-3.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Blue Cross And Blue Shield Of Kansas City Announces A Collaborative Value Program To Reimburse Hospitals]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/blue-cross-and-blue-shield-of-3.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City (Blue KC), the largest health insurer in the Kansas City area, announced today it is implementing an innovative way to pay hospitals. Blue KC’s collaborative value reimbursement program will partner with Saint Luke’s Health System and focus on collaboration between the patient, provider, hospital and insurance company, where the shared goals of increased quality of care and decreased costs are paramount. ]]></description>
    <pubDate>Thu, 05 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/depo-provera-birth-control-might-raise-breast-cancer-risk-663475.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Depo-Provera Birth Control Might Raise Breast Cancer Risk]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/depo-provera-birth-control-might-raise-breast-cancer-risk-663475.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Study finds doubled risk with recent use of the injectable contraceptive for a year]]></description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 04 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/brain-falters-near-end-of-life-but-games-puzzles-might-slow-decline-663438.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Brain Falters Near End of Life, but Games, Puzzles Might Slow Decline]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/brain-falters-near-end-of-life-but-games-puzzles-might-slow-decline-663438.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Researchers suspect several factors may be linked to deterioration, not just Alzheimer's]]></description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 04 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/no-added-cancer-risk-from-hip-replacement-materials-study-663383.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[No Added Cancer Risk From Hip Replacement Materials: Study]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/no-added-cancer-risk-from-hip-replacement-materials-study-663383.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[But British researchers said longer term studies are needed]]></description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 04 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/from-a-failed-vaccine-new-insights-into-fighting-hiv-663437.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[From a Failed Vaccine, New Insights Into Fighting HIV]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/from-a-failed-vaccine-new-insights-into-fighting-hiv-663437.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Scientists are sifting the data to see what elements of RV144 inoculation worked]]></description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 04 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/arthritis-rheumatic-disease.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Arthritis & Rheumatic Disease Associates (ARDA) Physician Group Joins Highmark Inc.’s Integrated Delivery System ]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/arthritis-rheumatic-disease.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Highmark Inc. announced today that Arthritis & Rheumatic Disease Associates (ARDA), a leading rheumatology group in western Pennsylvania, has chosen to affiliate with its growing Integrated Delivery System. ARDA physicians, Leo P. Bidula, M.D.; Paul J. Killian, M.D.; and Lindsay J. Lewich, D.O., began working as Highmark providers on March 12.]]></description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 04 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/excellus-bcbs-offers-free-1.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Excellus BCBS Offers Free Initial Copay For Expanded List Of Generic Drugs ]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/excellus-bcbs-offers-free-1.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Excellus BlueCross BlueShield members who take brand-name medicines for pain, heartburn, gout, high blood pressure, overactive bladder and migraine headaches now have an added incentive to ask their doctor if a generic drug might be right for them:  A free initial 30-day supply of a generic option to try at no cost, plus lower copays going forward if they continue with the generic.  ]]></description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 04 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/excellus-bcbs-offers-free.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Excellus BCBS Offers Free Initial Copay For Expanded List Of Generic Drugs ]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/excellus-bcbs-offers-free.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Excellus BlueCross BlueShield members who take brand-name medicines for pain, heartburn, gout, high blood pressure, overactive bladder and migraine headaches now have an added incentive to ask their doctor if a generic drug might be right for them: A free initial 30-day supply of a generic option to try at no cost, plus lower copays going forward if they continue with the generic. ]]></description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 04 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/researchers-find-gene-mutations-that-may-be-a-key-to-autism-663447.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Researchers Find Gene Mutations That May Be a Key to Autism]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/researchers-find-gene-mutations-that-may-be-a-key-to-autism-663447.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA['Spontaneous' mutations, not generational ones, could play role in up to 20 percent of cases, study says]]></description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 04 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/antibiotics-linked-to-retinal-detachment-risk-663420.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Antibiotics Linked to Retinal Detachment Risk]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/antibiotics-linked-to-retinal-detachment-risk-663420.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[The risk is very small and the reasons aren't known, researchers say]]></description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 03 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/young-women-who-drink-and-drive-at-higher-risk-of-fatal-accident-663357.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Young Women Who Drink and Drive at Higher Risk of Fatal Accident]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/young-women-who-drink-and-drive-at-higher-risk-of-fatal-accident-663357.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Risk now matches that for young male drivers who drink, researchers say]]></description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 03 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/ultrasound-mri-might-spot-cancer-in-dense-breast-tissue-663398.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Ultrasound, MRI Might Spot Cancer in Dense Breast Tissue]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/ultrasound-mri-might-spot-cancer-in-dense-breast-tissue-663398.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Study suggests screening methods beyond mammograms may be useful in high-risk patients]]></description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 03 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
</item>

<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/florida-blue-new-name-of.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Florida Blue - New Name Of Blue Cross And Blue Shield Of Florida]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/florida-blue-new-name-of.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, Inc. (BCBSF) is now Florida Blue. The new name, new logo and tagline - ‘In the pursuit of health’ - are all part of the company’s transition to a health solutions company with an overarching mission to help the people of Florida and their communities achieve better health. Consumers will soon see the new Florida Blue brand utilized in signage, sponsorships and advertising. ]]></description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 02 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/pets-at-work-keep-workers-happy-663368.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Pets at Work Keep Workers Happy]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/pets-at-work-keep-workers-happy-663368.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Research shows employees more productive, less stressed if their dogs accompany them to the job]]></description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 02 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/new-drug-might-reduce-an-alzheimer-s-marker-study-663376.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[New Drug Might Reduce an Alzheimer's Marker: Study]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/new-drug-might-reduce-an-alzheimer-s-marker-study-663376.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[But, research is preliminary and it's unclear if the compound would improve the brain disease]]></description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 02 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/osteoporosis-drugs-may-lead-to-eye-trouble-study-663230.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Osteoporosis Drugs May Lead to Eye Trouble: Study]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/osteoporosis-drugs-may-lead-to-eye-trouble-study-663230.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Researchers say they found risk for anterior uveitis and scleritis, diseases that can cause impairment]]></description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 02 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/drug-alcohol-abuse-common-among-u-s-teens-study-finds-663274.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Drug, Alcohol Abuse Common Among U.S. Teens, Study Finds]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/drug-alcohol-abuse-common-among-u-s-teens-study-finds-663274.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[15 percent qualified as substance abusers, and initiation may be start of lifelong troubles]]></description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 02 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/why-stress-might-make-you-sick-663352.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Why Stress Might Make You Sick]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/why-stress-might-make-you-sick-663352.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[New research suggests long-term anxiety is linked to inflammation]]></description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 02 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/smelly-urine-a-red-flag-for-kids-uti-663266.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Smelly Urine a Red Flag for Kids' UTI]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/smelly-urine-a-red-flag-for-kids-uti-663266.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Symptom should prompt doctors to test for urinary infection, study shows]]></description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 02 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/independence-blue-cross.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Independence Blue Cross Rewards Cost-Effective, Patient-Centered Primary Care With Enhanced Incentive Program]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/independence-blue-cross.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[An innovative incentive program introduced by Independence Blue Cross (IBC) in 2010 is leading the way nationally by rewarding high-performing primary care physicians for providing excellent, patient-centered care. The program, which allows primary care doctors to double their base reimbursement and paid out nearly $37 million in 2011, rewards physicians for improving the quality of care and providing care in a more efficient way, which helps control the cost of care -- all part of IBC’s commitment to transforming the delivery of health care in our region.]]></description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 02 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/christopher-booth-named-ceo-elect-for-excellus-bcbs.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Christopher Booth Named CEO-Elect For Excellus BlueCross BlueShield]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/plans/christopher-booth-named-ceo-elect-for-excellus-bcbs.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Christopher C. Booth, president of Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, has been named to become chief executive officer of the health plan and its parent corporation, The Lifetime Healthcare Companies, effective January 1, 2013.]]></description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 02 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
</item>

<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/melanoma-rates-on-the-rise-among-young-adults-study-663252.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Melanoma Rates On the Rise Among Young Adults: Study]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/melanoma-rates-on-the-rise-among-young-adults-study-663252.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Young women hit the hardest, tanning beds may explain trend, researchers say]]></description>
    <pubDate>Sun, 01 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
</item>

<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/new-scanning-technology-might-help-guide-prostate-cancer-care-663180.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[New Scanning Technology Might Help Guide Prostate Cancer Care]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/new-scanning-technology-might-help-guide-prostate-cancer-care-663180.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[In mouse study, PSA 'tracer' showed where cancer might spread, but research in humans needed]]></description>
    <pubDate>Sat, 31 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
</item>

<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/diabetes-drug-metformin-might-also-help-fight-cancer-663219.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Diabetes Drug Metformin Might Also Help Fight Cancer]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/diabetes-drug-metformin-might-also-help-fight-cancer-663219.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[People taking it seemed to fare better when faced with prostate, pancreatic tumors, studies found]]></description>
    <pubDate>Sat, 31 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
</item>

<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/secondhand-smoke-affects-young-girls-more-than-boys-study-663170.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Secondhand Smoke Affects Young Girls More Than Boys: Study]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/secondhand-smoke-affects-young-girls-more-than-boys-study-663170.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[By age 7, lung function was six times worse for exposed girls than boys, research shows]]></description>
    <pubDate>Fri, 30 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
</item>

<item>
    <guid>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/thyroid-surgery-riskier-for-older-patients-study-663213.html</guid>
    <title><![CDATA[Thyroid Surgery Riskier for Older Patients: Study]]></title>
    <link>http://www.bcbs.com/healthcare-news/health-and-wellness/thyroid-surgery-riskier-for-older-patients-study-663213.html</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Those between 65 and 79 had twice the risk of serious side effects]]></description>
    <pubDate>Fri, 30 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>    
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