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.

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

  1. I plan on staying healthy by hitting the indoor pool at my gym more often! Trying to improve my swimming for my next triathlon.

    Reply

  2. Well, this fall ill be pushing my new baby around on long walks (4.5 mles today!) and maybe I’ll work my way up to a jog. When it gets frigid, I’m thinking yoga will dothesame trick!!

    Reply

  4. This fall and winter, I’m focusing on getting outside as much as I can and enjoying it no matter what – rain, snow, mud. I’m not training for anything so I’m just enjoying going with the flow. Today for example was a nice trail run with friends and beautiful views of the changing leaves.

    I also maintain balance by cooking yummy fall dishes and putting on cozy clothes on the weekends after a good sweat session.

    Reply

  11. Like you I don’t seem to do well in the colder weather. That wasn’t always the case but recently my body just can’t handle it! Anyway, lots of walking, biking and strength training for me. Living in Philly without a car makes this easy. And walking the pup since she loves the cool air!

    Reply

  12. Setting weekly goals with my friends, so that we can hold each other accountable, and then following up the next week to share successes and areas for improvement. Weekly goals will include diet and fitness short term and long term goals (i.e., I will workout 5 times this week.)

    Reply

  15. I plan on staying healthy this Fall and Winter by keeping up my training for the half marathons I plan on running in 2013, adding cross fit training so that I do not blow out my knees and getting enough sleep.
    I also plan on taking care of my emotional needs by reaching out more often to friends and family to make connections happen. Its very important to fulfill those goals too.

    Reply

  16. I plan on staying healthy this fall and winter by continuing to bike to work until it gets too cold for my fingers/ears, to continue lifting weights regularly, and by trying new things. I just signed up for 10 Bikram yoga classes, and hot yoga will be the perfect thing to keep me motivated as the weather cools down.

    Reply
  17. Pingback: Refine Method Changes (Sneakers + New Equipment) and 10% Discount | Dori's Shiny Blog

  19. I plan on staying healthy by keeping up with my workouts, being selective about indulgences, and running a 5K Thanksgiving morning (my first race in a year and a half!).

    Reply

  24. I plan on staying healthy this fall and holiday season by simply keeping up with running, yoga, and strength training. My eating habits might falter a bit, but in order to train like I want, I will have to eat well most of the time. It’s good motivation. Also, running outside through the winter helps with my mental health, as it’s a chance to get outside and enjoy the sunshine for a few hours each week!

    Reply

  30. I plan to stay healthy by eating what I want but only when I am actually hungry, drinking lots of water or tea and walking my dog daily.

    Reply

  31. After the Richmond Half Marathon is over with, to stay healthy this winter, I plan on continuing the gym classes that I am currently taking, continue to run, and start biking or swimming. I will probably still run at least one day a week outside, but not 3 like I am now. I’m thinking of doing a triathlon or bike race next year and would like to start by seeing if it’s something I can do, not just want to do.

    Reply

  33. When weather starts getting cold around here, I like to do exercise DVDs in my home. Some of my favorites are Jillian Michaels’ 30-day Shred, the 10-Minute Trainer, and Turbo Jam. We also make a lot of healthy crockpot meals and try to avoid eating fast food. I also use a small plate at holiday parties and load up on veggies, so I am less likely to overeat!

    nbalogh522 at gmail dot com

    Reply

  35. I plan on staying healthy by getting adequate sleep. With a busy schedule, sleep tends to be the first thing I sacrifice, as well as prepare meals in advance, ie on Sunday so during the week I’m not at the mercy of ordering less than mediocre takeout.

    Reply

  36. I am being careful about portions and making sure that I stick to my gym schedule…these are two of my downfalls when it is so cold and dark!

    wolverina401 at gmail dot com

    Reply

  37. Eating healthy. Watching the sweets. Walking. Taking vitamins. I already got a flu shot as I am near my young nieces and nephews a lot and I tend to older parents. I am trying to get enough sleep. I am trying to stay hydrated with water. I use a stepper when watching tv. I also make sure that I have time with my husband and friends

    Reply

  38. I didn’t ride my bicycle during the heat of the summer, but now that fall is here, I need to get back on it! Love being in the fresh air too!

    Reply

  48. I plan to eat healthy during the holiday season, and try new workout with exercise ball and weights. Thanks for the review and giveaway.
    songyueyu at gmail

    Reply

  50. I plan on swimming a TON and watching my junk food intake this fall as I’m in a walking cast for severe plantar fasciitis!

    Reply

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