The Spring 2024 issue of thrive. magazine, the healthy lifestyle magazine from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, is landing in mailboxes across the state. The issue features a variety of topics related to healthy aging, including:

Blue Cross member Patty Buckley who, at age 68, stays strong by participating in CrossFit

Intergenerational classes are common at CrossFit gyms due to the strong sense of community that the program is built around. This rings true at CrossFit Calypso in Farmington, Minn., where Blue Cross member Patty Buckley works out for one hour a day, five days per week. With a resounding support system of participants and gym owners, Buckley and members like her can modify the workout movements for the sake of safety and care to keep their bodies fine-tuned for everyday life activities, like putting dishes away in high cupboards, walking up and down stairs, and getting up off the floor in the event of a fall. Buckley’s story is both inspirational and informative, leaving readers encouraged to utilize their SilverSneakers® benefit and get moving.

Avoiding falls

Three million older adults end up in emergency departments each year due to falls according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The Spring 2024 issue of Thrive. offers and in-depth look at why this is, including age-related loss of muscle mass (sarcopenia) and decrease in bone density (osteoporosis), along with ways to mitigate your risk. Tips span nutrition, increasing your ability to see, fall-proofing your home and understanding which medications can increase vulnerability.

The ins-and-outs of bird watching this spring

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) lends its expertise to readers with advice on three important considerations for bird watching this season: feed, feeders, and location. Research shows that feelings of isolation and loneliness are reduced when bird watching, and that connecting to nature through the activity can actually improve brain function and memory.

A change to know: calendars are now by request

Receiving the annual Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota wall calendar is an annual event for many members. The calendar is more than just a date keeper, as Blue Cross goes the extra mile to pre-incorporate key dates, important benefit information specific to your plan and supplemental information that keeps you healthy year-round. Beginning this year, calendars will only be sent to members who request one. This can be completed at bluecrossmn.com/membercalendar.

These summaries are only some of the content waiting to be read in the Spring 2024 edition of thrive. To read these stories and more, visit thrive.bluecrossmn.com.