Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan has teamed up with more than 40 Michigan companies to offer discounts to its members on everything from yoga classes to travel packages. With the new program Healthy Blue Xtras, members can save money on groceries, workout gear and gym memberships.  BCBSM hopes the program will encourage members to make healthy lifestyle choices on everyday products and services and overall, improve their well-being, while contributing to the state’s economy by doing business with Michigan companies. It’s an innovative win-win-win partnership and promises to change the way Michiganians feel about themselves and their state.

We’ve long heard, for instance, that Wednesday is Prince Spaghetti Day. Well move over pasta dishes, Tabbouli Tuesday is here! It’s fitting that Tabbouli Tuesday emerged in the great state of Michigan, with its major population of Arab Americans. Less obvious but just as fitting: Michigan’s largest health insurer started the ball rolling toward Tabbouli Tuesdays with its Healthy Blue Xtras program. Tabbouli, after all, with its fresh parsley, tomatoes, onions, borghul, olive oil and lemon juice, is a healthier nutritional choice than pasta. Ditto for fattoush, kousa, lubee, benadoora and all the rest fresh produce culinary creations of Arabic cuisine. The Tuesday connection? Every Tuesday, Blues members can save 10% on their grocery bill at Westborn Markets, fresh produce havens located in Dearborn, Livonia and Royal Oak and well known to Arab Americans. Keep preparing that healthy Middle Eastern cuisine and save money while you’re doing it!

A healthy lifestyle requires nutritional food, adequate and enjoyable exercise, and stress reduction. In addition to Westborn Markets, Dream Dinners, Edible Arrangements and Salad Creations are among food service partners with Healthy Blue Xtras. American Cycle and Fitness, American Home Fitness, Exercise Warehouse, Fitzone for Women, Powerhouse Gym, Vitamin Village, Weight Watchers, and many yoga centers are on the list of discounted services. Michigan International Speedway, the Detroit Science Center, Greater Midland Community Centers, Inc., the Holland Aquatic Center, and Paddle Away LLC are entertainment destinations discounted with the Blues. Even Costco and English Gardens are included. A complete list can be found at www.bcbsm/xtras.

Last but maybe most exciting are getaway travel destinations in Michigan with significant savings. Currently on the list are Shanty Creek Resort, where Blues members save 15 percent on greens fees at all four Shanty Creek golf courses — The Legend, Cedar River, Summit and Schuss Mountain. The Grand Hotel, on Michigan’s Mackinac Island, is perhaps our state’s most famous getaway. Many Arab Americans have not traveled much in Michigan, although tourism from outside the state is proof positive of the natural attractions we have. Blues members can stay at the historic Mackinac Island hotel for as low as $179 per person, per night. Every Michiganian should visit Mackinac at least once. At the Homestead Resort, located along Lake Michigan, members can choose from four exclusive seasonal offers at the resort. Blues members can save up to 15 percent on lodging at Tree Tops Resort. And Crystal River Outfitters give 10 percent savings on kayak, canoe and bike rentals.

Offers change, so you need to check the website often to not miss out. 

Next week we’ll visit The Grand Hotel and recount the charm and beauty of this classic Michigan getaway you may want to share with your family.

In this automotive state, we’ve always been told to “show your card and save.” That now applies to your BCBSM card too!

TABBOULI TUESDAYSEvery Tuesday, Blues members can save 10% on their grocery bill at Westborn Markets, fresh produce havens located in Dearborn, Livonia and Royal Oak and well known to Arab Americans. Keep preparing that healthy Middle Eastern cuisine and save money while you’re doing it!