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Blue Cross and Blue Shield Blue365 Program + Visa $500 Gift Card Giveaway

First things first, this is a sponsored post. All opinions are entirely my own, and there is a very generous giveaway at the end. OK, so …

When it started getting cooler out and it was clear that Fall was approaching, I began stressing about my shoes. Specifically, the shoes I will wear when walking outdoors. This used to be simple for me, pre-bunion injury. But now that I’ve learned the importance of supportive shoes the hard way — for everyone, not just for people with injuries — I didn’t know what exactly to do.

It’s too cold for my beloved Birkenstocks, and I needed shoes that were supportive but also nice enough looking for the following: going for walks, my day at work, going out to a restaurant and during any weekend activities. Me being me, I stressed about this but I didn’t actually do anything about it either. I have so many shoes I’ve spent money on that I can no longer wear, and I didn’t want to throw more money away on something if it didn’t meet my needs.

When I learned about the Blue365® Program, I checked the website to see if my Blue Company was participating – and they were! Blue365 is a national program offered by the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association to members of participating Blue Cross and/or Blue Shield Companies. Blue365 offers discounts on a number of fitness, nutrition, wellness products and programs from a variety of companies, making it easy to incorporate healthy activities into your budget.

I browsed through all the deals to decide which I wanted to redeem. These offers are updated weekly in a “Groupon-like” way. They are divided into the following categories:

  • Fitness
  • Healthy Eating
  • Living
  • Personal Care
  • Wellness

While I naturally gravitated to the ‘Fitness’ section first, I looked through all the deals to get a sense of what this program offers. I was surprised to see such a variety. The discounts all promoted healthy lifestyle choices, but that really included all aspects of health.

I saw deals from BodyMedia FIT Armband (tempting), Polar Heart Rate Monitor, Lasik eye surgery, vision products, gym memberships, hearing aids, and more.

All deals are aimed to help members live healthy, happy lives. And for me, a healthy, happy life means getting myself moving. At first I wasn’t sure what to choose. While that BodyMedia FIT Armband sounds awesome, I ultimately decided it was not for me.

I saw Reebok gave 20% off to Blue365 members, so I clicked through and browsed their site. Under the ‘Women’ category I saw a subcategory called ‘Walking.’ Curious, I went there. And then I saw them. The Reebok Premier Flex GTX VI sneaker. Not only were these sneakers specifically designed for walking but also to specifically accommodate orthotics (which I have because of my bunion, but they only fit in sneakers and not in dress shoes). They are black, cute and sleek-looking.

In other words, it looked like a shoe I could not only walk in this Fall but also wear anywhere I go without feeling self-conscious. And I felt VERY self-conscious this summer when I had to wear my bulky, blue, running sneakers with my summer dresses. I needed these shoes, and thanks to my Blue365 discount the $99 price tag didn’t defer me as it might otherwise have, because the shoes became $79. And really, without that discount I never would have even been ON the Reebok site to find out these babies existed.

When they arrived, I put them on and was relieved that they looked exactly as I’d hoped. They won’t be conspicuous at work or with jeans, dress pants, yoga pants or sweats. I walked all around a large store in them, and the more I walked the more comfortable they were. I LOVED them!

While I still dread Fall because I don’t do well with colder weather, I’m happy and relieved I can keep myself active through walking. It’s such a simple thing that I never thought about before, and I look forward to covering a lot of steps in these shoes thanks to my Blue365 deal. Hopefully other members will find items they need to improve their own health as well. That’s the idea.

I’m looking forward to receiving my Blue365 weekly email with the current discounts, which also get promoted on the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association Facebook page.

Insured through a Blue Company? Sign up for Blue365 to gain access to deals at http://blue365deals.com/. If your Blue Company isn’t yet participating in the Blue365 Program, you can still sign up and will be notified when your Blue Company joins the Blue365 movement.

The Giveaway!

BlogHer is giving away two $500 VISA GIFT CARDS! All you have to do to be entered for a chance to win one of the two gift cards is leave a comment with your answer to this question: How are you planning to stay healthy through the Fall and holiday season?

All the comments from the 15 participating bloggers will be pooled. The prize is awesome, so I hope one of you wins!
Rules: No duplicate comments. You may receive two (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods: a) Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post b) Tweet (public message) about this promotion; including exactly the following unique term in your tweet message: #SweepstakesEntry; and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post c) Blog about this promotion, including a disclosure that you are receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for writing the blog post, and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post d) For those with no Twitter or blog, read the Official Rules to learn about an alternate form of entry. Entries from all participating blogs will be pooled for winner selection; only two (2) entries per household. This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. You have 72 hours to respond, otherwise a new winner will be selected. The Official Rules are available here. This Blue365® Program Sweepstakes runs from 10/16/12-11//12/12. Be sure to visit the Blue365® page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ posts!
The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association is an association of independent, locally operated Blue Cross and/or Blue Shield Companies. BlogHer is an independent and/or separate company providing marketing/promotional services and does not provide Blue Cross and/or Blue Shield products or services.

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127 comments on Blue Cross and Blue Shield Blue365 Program + Visa $500 Gift Card Giveaway

  1. Mackenzie
    October 16, 2012 at 8:18 am (12 years ago)

    This is always the time of the year I give into comfort foods a little too much, so just yesterday I started keeping a food journal!

    Reply
  2. Julie @ Sweetly Balanced
    October 16, 2012 at 8:38 am (12 years ago)

    I plan on staying healthy through the fall and holiday season by keeping active and trying my best not to over indulge in candy and holiday food!! I also signed up for a turkey trot!!!

    Reply
  4. NYC Fit Girl
    October 16, 2012 at 8:50 am (12 years ago)

    I plan on staying healthy by continuing to eat healthy and crossfitting 🙂

    Reply
  5. Beth
    October 16, 2012 at 9:05 am (12 years ago)

    I plan on staying healthy this fall and holiday season by continuing to run, rather than take the season off. I’m hoping to find a winter half-marathon to sign up for, because having something to train for makes me motivated (when I otherwise tend to be a bit lazy when it comes to cold-weather exercise!).

    Reply
  6. Nikki
    October 16, 2012 at 9:31 am (12 years ago)

    I plan on being healthy and active by keeping myself accountable for logging miles through daily mile.

    PS–>nice new kicks!

    Reply
  7. Rachel Wilkerson
    October 16, 2012 at 9:39 am (12 years ago)

    I’m letting the shorter days motivate me! I tend to lose motivation in the summer, but when it starts to get dark outside earlier, I feel like there is less to do, so I’m more likely to work out. I’ve made a plan for at-home workouts and I’m sticking with it thus far!

    Reply
  8. Nikki
    October 16, 2012 at 9:46 am (12 years ago)

    I play to be outside running as much as I can while doing strength as well. If the weather looks like it’s going to be awful this winter, I’ll join a gym for a few months again to stay on top of it. I also plan to continue being mindful of food and beverage in take. I’ve never been bad about having to get second plate fulls at holidays, so I’m not overly concerned. I’ll just pay attention to portions to make sure I’m on track while still enjoying the festivities.

    Reply
  9. Jackie
    October 16, 2012 at 9:47 am (12 years ago)

    I plan on staying healthy this fall by keeping up with Refine classes, yoga, and running a couple races with my sister!

    Reply
  10. Monica
    October 16, 2012 at 9:52 am (12 years ago)

    Ever since my gym changed management I seem to have lost some motivation. I’m going to bite the bullet and join the beautiful gym I’ve always wanted to. I really appreciate a good gym, so by doing this (and knowing I’m spending the money on it) I’m definitely going to stick to my work out schedule and eating ealthier!!

    Reply
  11. Ali
    October 16, 2012 at 10:02 am (12 years ago)

    Oh heeeeey free money! Pretty awesome. This fall, I’ll stay healthy by running, relaxing and for sanity’s sake, trying to take a vacation.

    Reply
  12. zoe kimberly
    October 16, 2012 at 10:35 am (12 years ago)

    Wow! What an unbelievable giveaway.

    I am planning on staying healthy by preparing for a trip to Tanzania to climb Mount Kilimanjaro over Christmas. It’s a crazy adventure that I have been mentally preparing for, and am so grateful that I have the opportunity to experience Africa in this unique way. I could CERTAINLY use the $500 for hiking/climbing supplies.

    Reply
  13. Jen
    October 16, 2012 at 10:41 am (12 years ago)

    Keeping up my running and trying out even more of the awesome fitness studios around NYC!

    And I have to wear inserts in my shoes so I totally know what you mean about finding the right shoe. It’s the worst when you want to wear cute shoes but can’t put an insert in them so you’d be hurting your feet!

    Reply
  14. Katherine
    October 16, 2012 at 10:43 am (12 years ago)

    I’m planning to stay healthy by starting to run again and making lots of exercise dates with friends!

    Reply
  15. Heather Fairbanks
    October 16, 2012 at 10:50 am (12 years ago)

    To be more healthy during the fall and holiday season, I plan to take advantage of indoor fitness activities: my new love-hot yoga and I’ll take longer swims.

    Reply
  16. Mari
    October 16, 2012 at 11:12 am (12 years ago)

    I’ll be staying healthy by making smart food choices and finally getting back into an active lifestyle. I’ve been struggling to stay fit since April when a pinched nerve and debilitating pain kept me from walking or standing for more than 15 minutes at a time (exercise was out of the question). A cortisone-steroid injection and months of physical therapy finally have me in a pretty good place and i just got the green light this Monday to pick yoga and bike riding back up, so that’s how I plan to stay fit this Fall! The $500 gift card would go towards my physical therapy and healthy eats! Thanks for the opportunity Blue Cross Blue Shield and Dori!

    Reply
  17. Kendra
    October 16, 2012 at 11:16 am (12 years ago)

    I’m planning on staying healthy by doing the same things I always do and enjoying the few exceptions I’ll make for parties and thing. I feel like one day of gluttony won’t undo months of good eating.

    Reply
  18. Erin
    October 16, 2012 at 11:16 am (12 years ago)

    I have two more road races this season then I will start working on at my gym again. I think fall and winter are the perfect times to get into group exercise classes that you haven’t tried before. I’m going to try Spin for the first time this winter.

    Reply
  19. Ashley
    October 16, 2012 at 12:02 pm (12 years ago)

    I definitely plan to stay fit by actually using my spin certification and becoming an instructor! I also love to make exercise dates with friends. I am 100% motivated when I have plans with others! We’re all in this together in this community!

    Reply
  20. alanna
    October 16, 2012 at 12:46 pm (12 years ago)

    I’m committed to eating clean and moving my body as much as possible! This dwindling daylight is NOT good for me, so I’ve got to get out and move and socialize. No hibernating for me!

    Reply
  21. Carrie M
    October 16, 2012 at 12:58 pm (12 years ago)

    The goal is to finish out the year running and getting to 1200 miles for the year!

    Reply
  22. Elle
    October 16, 2012 at 1:06 pm (12 years ago)

    Trail running to see fall colors add some fun to the usual running routine. The nice thing about weightlifting is that weather is never a problem because it’s done inside a temperature controlled gym. I’m working on squatting more than 120 lbs.

    Reply
  23. Karla
    October 16, 2012 at 1:19 pm (12 years ago)

    I am going to live healthy by listening to and caring for my body….finally!!!

    Reply
  24. Sara
    October 16, 2012 at 2:29 pm (12 years ago)

    2 half marathons and a lot of greens!

    Reply
  25. Ashley C
    October 16, 2012 at 3:35 pm (12 years ago)

    We try to be outside to soak up as much vitamin D as we can and drink lots of water as it gets drier. We also get the flu shot 🙂

    demureprincess7(at)gmail(dot)com

    Reply
  26. Missy Maintains
    October 16, 2012 at 4:52 pm (12 years ago)

    I am planning to stay healthy by increasing my workouts and eating way healthier. I have to skip all of the pizza and muffins at work and stick with salads and veggies!

    Reply
  27. Andy
    October 16, 2012 at 5:10 pm (12 years ago)

    I plan to stay healthy by trying Crossfit so I have a group of people to work out with and support me as going on the treadmill alone isn’t cutting it anymore.

    Reply
  28. Lisa
    October 16, 2012 at 6:40 pm (12 years ago)

    I plan to stay healthy this fall by integrating a home fitness routine into my week for those times when I can’t get to the gym to take my favorite Yoga and intenSati classes.

    Reply
  29. Macrae
    October 16, 2012 at 8:14 pm (12 years ago)

    I’m staying healthy by being smarter about bunlding up when running in cold temps!

    Reply
  30. Armistead
    October 16, 2012 at 9:45 pm (12 years ago)

    I plan to stay healthy by walking every day, doing my strength and conditioning class three times a week and doing P57 DVDs for 3-5 hours per week. I also cut out the diet soda and cut out the gluten in my diet. Feeling better already.

    Reply
  31. Katie
    October 16, 2012 at 9:49 pm (12 years ago)

    I plan on staying healthy by Strength training to recover from
    My stress fracture, eating more protein and getting sleep!

    Reply
  32. ashley
    October 16, 2012 at 10:38 pm (12 years ago)

    getting lots of sleep and eating healthy!

    Reply
  33. Janet
    October 17, 2012 at 12:27 am (12 years ago)

    I make sure to get some fresh air every day and have lots of vitamin c!!

    Reply
  34. Jamie
    October 17, 2012 at 8:33 am (12 years ago)

    I find the best way to stay healthy through the holidays is to plan ahead – put exercise sessions on the calendar and prep food for the week on Sundays!

    Reply
  35. Wehaf
    October 17, 2012 at 10:41 am (12 years ago)

    I’ve been doing tabata workouts, walking my dogs, and avoiding refined carbs!

    Reply
  36. Lea
    October 17, 2012 at 1:35 pm (12 years ago)

    Get enough sleep, vitamin d, and zumba hiphop.

    Reply
  37. Ellen
    October 17, 2012 at 1:52 pm (12 years ago)

    Keeping up exercise and trying to be less hard on myself which is so much easier said then done.

    Reply
  38. blair
    October 17, 2012 at 2:22 pm (12 years ago)

    I just signed up for indoor tennis classes – I’ve learned that classes are the key to my being consistent with exercise.

    Reply
  39. Erin
    October 17, 2012 at 4:27 pm (12 years ago)

    I’m staying healthy by making workouts a priority and NOT wearing “comfy clothes” to indulgent meals- its amazing how much more aware you are of how you’re eating when you’re not wearing a forgiving outfit!!

    Reply
  40. Addie
    October 17, 2012 at 5:04 pm (12 years ago)

    I plan on staying active by going to Kosama at least 3 times a week and running on Sundays!

    Reply
  41. bonnie
    October 18, 2012 at 12:56 am (12 years ago)

    I’m planning to have my green smoothies for breakfast and at least one healthy salad a day.

    Reply
  42. Robin M.
    October 18, 2012 at 8:41 am (12 years ago)

    I plan to get outside and walk. Plus, getting enough sleep and trying to eat right.

    Reply
  43. Mel
    October 18, 2012 at 12:40 pm (12 years ago)

    In order to keep up my healthy habits this fall I’ve enrolled in a fitness boot camp and bought a boxing membership. (stress relief too!)

    Reply
  44. Lindsay
    October 18, 2012 at 3:36 pm (12 years ago)

    I allow myself to indulge for special occasions, but really try to keep my diet as healthy as possible on a day-to-day basis. Now is also the time when I start training for some kind of race (10k, half marathon, anything to stay motivated and on track!)

    Reply
  45. Meg
    October 18, 2012 at 3:39 pm (12 years ago)

    I’m going to stay healthy by doing a marathon and half marathon, then taking some time to relax with a New Zealand trip. Once I’m back, I plan on using my treadmill for the cold winter months and finding new healthy comfort food recipes to try with my family.

    Reply
  46. Lisa Brown
    October 18, 2012 at 4:45 pm (12 years ago)

    I am planning to stay healthy this fall and holiday season by eating right, getting enough sleep, and not letting the stress of it all, get to me.
    jslbrown_03 at yahoo dot com

    Reply
  48. liz
    October 19, 2012 at 12:16 am (12 years ago)

    I’m trying to start every day with either exercise or meditation, to give myself a good and calm start to the day!

    Reply
  49. Rachel
    October 19, 2012 at 10:49 am (12 years ago)

    This was just the inspiration I needed to finally open that box I ordered that has the 10 Minute Trainer program in it and get started! Funny how money always “talks”!

    Reply
  50. Tracie Trump
    October 19, 2012 at 5:41 pm (12 years ago)

    This fall I am starting a zumba class and will focus on eating more fresh veggies and fruits, tracietrump@yahoo.com

    Reply
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