The Philadelphia Tribune and Independence Blue Cross (IBX) are working together to improve the health of individuals, families, and neighborhoods served by The Tribune. Through the Our Community. Our Health. campaign, we’re identifying systemic barriers to good health and addressing key issues such as health literacy and caregiver well-being.
You can build your health literacy by taking a more active role in managing your health. If you notice any changes in your health, it’s important to speak up. Advocating for yourself, asking questions, and knowing where to find trusted information can make a big difference in how you feel.
The health of family caregivers continues to be an important community health issue. Caregivers support loved ones with health challenges, but they often neglect their own well-being. We’re encouraging caregivers to make their own physical and mental health a priority.
With the support of the Our Community. Our Health. Ambassadors, we’re uplifting local voices and empowering our community to build healthier futures together. At IBX, we are committed to supporting all members in the diverse communities we serve.
Health literacy is the ability to find, understand, and use information to improve your physical and mental well-being. This is important for individuals, families, and communities. People who feel confident managing their health tend to have fewer hospital visits, shorter stays, and lower health care costs.
If you aren’t sure where to get reliable health information, you’re not alone — nearly 88% of U.S. adults struggle with this. There are easy ways to build this knowledge. Start by scheduling regular checkups. Talk with a health care provider about your concerns. Ask for websites that offer trusted, easy-to-understand medical information. Bring a friend or family member to appointments to take notes.
Small steps can make a big difference in your health. Learn how your medications work, read labels to make nutritious food choices, and get preventive screenings. Sharing details about your health can encourage loved ones to learn more about their health, too.
IBX is an important partner in your health care. We can help you choose health care providers, find in-network care, and access programs that support your well-being. IBX members can also connect with IBX Registered Nurse Health Coaches, who are available 24/7 to answer your health questions.
The Our Community. Our Health. campaign is brought to life by our incredible Ambassadors. Their passion and dedication help shine a light on important health issues and encourage conversations about good health in Philadelphia’s neighborhoods. Hear from some of our Ambassadors in the videos below.
Nearly 63 million Americans care for a child, parent, spouse, or other loved one with physical or mental health challenges. While caregiving can be rewarding, it can also affect your well-being.
Caregivers often juggle work, community, and family responsibilities. This can make it hard to maintain healthy habits like exercising, eating well, and getting enough sleep. Over time, this can lead to health issues like weight gain and high blood pressure. The stress of caregiving can increase the risk for developing anxiety and depression. According to a recent survey, only 23 percent of caregivers say their mental health is “good."
Caregiver burnout leaves many feeling isolated and exhausted. To help prevent burnout, make time to do fun activities, accept help when it’s offered, and keep your health care appointments. Respite care programs can provide short-term care for your loved one, giving you time to take care of yourself physically and mentally.
If you feel overwhelmed, you are not alone. Help is available. IBX members can call the IBX Behavioral Health Care Navigation team at 1-800-688-1911, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Our specially trained team can match you with the right in-network provider and schedule an appointment for you fast — in as quickly as 1 to 2 days. When you care for others, it’s important to remember to take care of yourself, too.
Our mission is to provide all individuals in our community with access to the services they need to improve health outcomes and better serve our community. We recognize the unique health challenges faced by different communities and strive to address these disparities through comprehensive programs and initiatives. By fostering an inclusive environment, IBX aims to empower all members to achieve their best health outcomes and improve the overall well-being of our communities.
