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October 2012 McMahon Assurance Magazine
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ASSURANCEVOLUME 04 / DECEMBER 2012
LIFESTYLE FAMILY HEALTHINSURANCE TECHNOLOGY
AVOID SCAMSRoofers . Builders . Public Adjusters . Attorneys
after a disaster
CHOOSINGNATURAL BABYPRODUCTS
INSURANCE COVER FLOOD ?
UMBRELLA INSURANCE
40PAGE
HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR CHILDS VOCABULARY
McMahon Agency
From the EDITOR
FAMILY & THE HOLIDAYS
Family. As the holidays get closer family is on our minds more and more. It’s what the holidays are all about. Relationships, memories, good times. As we enter this holiday season I want to encourage you to think about the meaning of family. There are so many crazy things going on in our world today, many of them negative and unsettling. However, in the midst of all of the craziness is family. It brings a sense of stability in an otherwise uncertain world. For some family may have moved away or be a memory but even in those times the idea will bring strength and warm feelings.
We see our agency as an extension of your family, a part of your lives. We want to be involved as your children grow up and as you make your way through life. We see people buying new houses, new cars, putting their kids through college and moving into retirement. We are proud to be a part of that journey and having a part in making it happen.
So during this holiday season, we ask that you think of us as you dwell on family. From our family to yours Happy Holidays and looking forward to a prosperous New Year.
Ted BakerExecutive Editor
FROM THE EDITOR
I N S U R A N C E & F I N A N C I A L S E R V I C E S
Group
CONTENTSHOW CAN I AVOID SCAMS AFTER A DISASTER
HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS CHECKLIST
CULTURE OF PREPAREDNESSCULTURE OF PREPAREDNESS
PREPARING YOUR BUSINESS / COMMUNITY
DISASTER RECOVERY KIT CHECKLIST
If your home was destroyed by a hurricane, wildfire or other disaster, be cautious.
Not until a disaster strikes is the link between business and community truly realized.
A disaster, no matter how great or small, can be a hectic time in both your professional and personal life.
HOW TO CHOOSE NATURAL BABY PRODUCTS
QUOTE AND WISDOM
PIECE OF MIND
IMPROVE CHILDS VOCABULARY
GOING GREEN
Watch a video on which natural baby products to use.
For many parents, encouraging their child to become an active reader can be difficult.
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LIFESTYLE
FAMILY
HEALTH INSURANCE OPTIONS
ATTEMPT THESE FACIAL EXERCISES TO APPEAR 10 TO 15 YEARS YOUNGER WITHIN DAYS
FITNESS MYTHS
TEST YOUR INSURANCE IQ: AUTO INSURANCE
WHAT TO DO WITH YOUR OLD ELECTRONICS
CARTOONS
DOES HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE COVER FLOOD
UMBRELLA INSURANCE
SEO MARKETING
10 SIMPLE CHANGES FOR HEALTHIER LIVING
In the current economy, many families are in a state of crisis when it comes to their health insurance.
HEALTH
INSURANCE
TECHNOLOGY
HUMOR
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HOW TO AVOIDSCAM IN A DISASTER!If your home was destroyed by a hurricane, wildfire or other disaster, be cautious.
Unfortunately, there are dishonest service providers that prey on disaster victims. They know that people who have lost their homes and valuables may not be thinking clearly. If you have suffered this type of loss, don’t make any rash decisions. Talk to your insurance agent, who may recommend service providers in your area.
LIFESTYLE
Don’t be rushed into signing a contract with any company. Instead, collect business cards and get written estimates for the proposed job.
Beware of building contractors that encourage you to spend a lot of money on temporary repairs. Payments for temporary repairs are covered as part of the total settlement. If you pay a contractor a large sum for a temporary repair job, you may not have enough money for permanent repairs. In most cases, you should be able to make the temporary repairs yourself. Ask your insurance agent. And remember to keep receipts.
Investigate the track record of any roofer, builder or contractor that you consider hiring. Look for professionals that have a solid reputation in your community. You can call your Better Business Bureau for help. Also, get references and never give anyone a deposit until after you have thoroughly researched their background.
A common fraud scheme is for a so-called “contractor” to convince a homeowner that a large deposit must be provided before repair work can begin. Frequently, the job will be started, but not completed. Unfortunately, these con artists are never seen or heard from again.
Don’t make any rash decisions about hiring someone to handle your claim. Be especially wary of individuals who go door-to-door soliciting business in the aftermath of a catastrophe. Most importantly, don’t let anyone scare you into signing a contract. You don’t want to be victimized by someone who comes into town, hoping to make a fast buck. You could end up forfeiting a significant portion of your insurance dollars.
Before hiring a public adjuster or an attorney, try to settle your claim directly with your insurance company. Your insurer provides an adjuster at no charge to you. Ask your insurance agent or company representative to help you with your claim and don’t be afraid to ask questions. If you decide to work directly with your insurer, you still have the right to hire a third-party professional to help you.
If your claim is complicated and you want to hire a public adjuster or attorney, make sure that person is qualified to handle your case. Ask your friends, relatives or business associates for the names of well-regarded professionals in your community. Also, call your state insurance department regarding a public adjuster, and your state or county bar association about a prospective attorney.
Understand that you will have to pay a public adjuster 15 percent and an attorney as much as 30 percent of your total claim settlement.
Roofers and Builders
Public Adjusters and Attorneys
A disaster, no matter how great or small, can be a hectic time in both your professional and personal life.
This disaster recovery kit checklist will provide a breakdown of the items necessary to initiate recovery procedures in the wake of an
interruption. One of the primary functions of any recovery kit should be protecting the important records and emergency items of a
business in order to ensure a smooth reconstruction of vital information and operations following any disaster. Several kits should be
prepared and be easily accessible so that restoration procedures can begin immediately.
Fixed Asset Inventory
Contracts
Employee Information
Software licensing keys
Hardware serial numbers
Stamps
Writing utensils & notepads
Stapler & staples
Tape
Printer paper
Calculators
Letterhead
Cash
Water (one gallon per person per day)
Map of the area
Three day supply of non perishable food
Battery powered/crank radio
Flashlight
Extra batteries
First aid kit
Whistle to signal for help
Can opener for food (if kit contains food)
Blankets
Sanitation Dust/filter masks
Moist towelettes
Plastic garbage bags
Paper towels
Tools Duct tape
Pocket knife
Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
Screwdriver
Lighter/matches (sealed in plastic bag)
First aid kit
Cash
Emergency contact information
DISASTER RECOVERY KIT CHECKLIST
Yes No Business Continuity Plan Important Records Insurance Policies
Operating System Installation Disks/Software Licensing Keys/Office Supplies Software installation disks
Emergency Items
Grab & Go Kits for Employees Medications
LIFESTYLE
A disaster, no matter how great or small, can be a hectic time in both your professional and personal life.
HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS CHECKLISTA disaster, no matter how great or small, can be a hectic time in both your professional and personal life.
LIFESTYLE
Stay up-to-date on the storm’s progress via radio, TV or NOAA
Weather Radio All Hazards receiver.
Determine safe evacuation routes inland as well as alternative
routes. Review your Shelter-in-Place Plan, making sure your
Disaster Kit is fully stocked and fresh batteries & supplies
are included. Ensure you have an emergency communication
plan in place prior to the storm, evacuation, or threat. Backup
all data on servers and personal computers. If the backup
site is within the area that may be affected by the storm, take
backup tapes with you in the evacuation. Ensure remote access
to your company website, and establish a team to manage
updates to the site during and after the storm. Turn off all non-
critical devices such as server monitors and workstations and
other non-essential electrical equipment. Check the integrity
of the uninterruptible power supply (UPS). Move the UPS to
the highest level possible above the floor. Inspect and make
emergency repairs to drains, gutters and flashing. Strap or
anchor to the roof deck support assembly (e.g., the joists) all
roof-mounted equipment such as HVAC units and exhaust
vents. Call Agility to go on Alert. Alert a third party about your
company’s relocation plan in the event the storm makes your
location inaccessible. Protect/relocate vital records including
your insurance policy. Be sure your risks are protected. Install
windstorm shutters/plywood over windows and doors. Take
the following steps to ensure items outdoors will not blow
away or cause damage:
o Remove all loose debris o Anchor or relocate all nonessential
equipment to a safe indoor location o Secure storage of
flammable liquid drums, or move them to a sheltered area (but
never into main facility areas) o Anchor all portable buildings
(e.g., trailers) to the ground o Secure large cranes and other
heavy equipment o Make sure outdoor signs are properly
braced Ensure that the employees who volunteered to stay
on site have proper supplies and equipment (drinkable water,
nonperishable food, medical, flashlights, walkie-talkies). Have
cash on hand for post-windstorm needs, such as buying food
and supplies, or paying employees and contractors. Ensure you
know which employees are certified in CPR, EMT, etc.
Repair and fill above-ground tanks with fresh water. Fill fuel
tanks of generators, fire pumps, and all company-owned
vehicles. Remove as many goods as possible from the floor,
or ship them out of the facility. Shut off natural gas supply to
minimize fire loss. Disconnect the main electrical feeds to the
facility, if possible, to prevent a potential fire caused by short-
circuiting of damaged equipment.
Patrol the property continuously and watch for roof leaks, pipe
breakage, fire or structural damage. During the height of a
windstorm, personnel should remain in a place that has been
identified as safe from wind and flood. Constantly monitor any
equipment that must remain on line. During power failure, turn
off electrical switches to prevent reactivation before necessary
checks are completed. ✓
Keep listening to radio, TV or NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards
to make sure the storm has passed. Wait until an area is declared
safe before entering to secure the site and survey damage.
Secure 24 hour security if needed. Watch for closed roads.
If you come upon a barricade or a flooded road, turn around,
don’t drown. Call Agility and move forward from alert or stand
down. Survey for safety hazards such as live wires, leaking
gas or flammable liquids, poisonous gases, and damage to
foundations or underground piping. Continue to communicate
with all key audiences until the crisis has passed. Consistency
is important, especially with members of the media. Call in key
personnel and notify contractors to start repairs. Make sure
safety systems are fully implemented before work is allowed
to begin. This means controlling smoking and other open
flame sources. Require contractors to share responsibility for
establishing fire-safe conditions before and during the job.
Begin salvage as soon as possible to prevent further damage:
o Cover broken windows and torn roof coverings immediately
o Separate damaged goods, but beware of accumulating too
much combustible debris
inside a building Clean roof drains and remove debris from roof
to prevent drainage problems.
Have all employees, vendors, client contact information on
hand. Use the Alert Notification System on myAgility to keep
all parties posted on status updates and next steps. During
evacuation have a central point of contact for all employees,
and ensure you know where your people are located. During
evacuation consider your phones lines - redirection to cell
phones, answering service, Google Voice, or Agility lines could
be critical. Following the storm, notify all critical people of next
steps, based on damage.
In flat areas, storm surges may rush many miles inland.
Hurricanes often generate heavy rainfall, which can cause
severe flooding over wide areas. Hurricanes also may spawn
deadly tornadoes. Flooding and tornadoes may affect areas
well inland. You should also prepare for these potential
interruptions.
BEFORE THE STORM DURING THE STORM
YOUR PEOPLE
CULTURE OF PREPAREDNESS: THE 72 HOUR RULE2011 was a year for the record books. Hurricane Irene, numerous blizzards, floods, forest
fires, earthquakes, tornadoes and tropical storms have all been vivid reminders of the
importance of preparedness. As we have seen, when disaster strikes, roads may be blocked
or impassable and it may be several days before disaster assistance can reach you. It is
critical that you are prepared to be on your own for the first 72 hours after a disaster. The 72
hour rule is the need for all individuals, organizations and communities to be self-sufficient
for up to 3 days following an interruption or disaster. This culture of preparedness is the
responsibility of every part of our society – government, communities, businesses and
individuals/families – and municipals play a major role.
According to the White House Report following Hurricane Katrina, a preparedness culture is founded on four principles:
1. A shared acknowledgement of the certainty of future catastrophes and that creating a prepared Nation will be a continuing challenge
2. The importance of initiative and accountability at all levels of society
3. The role of citizen and community preparedness
4. The roles of each level of government and the private sector in creating a prepared Nation
CULTURE OF PREPAREDNESS
LIFESTYLE
A preparedness culture is founded on the shared understanding that future disasters WILL
OCCUR and that every entity, organization and citizen has a responsibility to prepare for and
respond appropriately to these incidents. To create this culture, we must understand that
the burden of preparedness isn’t the sole responsibility government, but that fostering a
culture of preparedness throughout a community is an aspect of government responsibility.
Also, our lack of a sense of individual responsibility negatively impacts citizens’ ability to
prepare for and cope with disasters, so we really need to promote a shift in thinking. It
is government’s responsibility to change the way academia, private industry, community
groups, and individual households think about preparedness.
The benefits of a culture of preparedness during a disaster are plentiful. Specifically,
municipal insurance pool members will be able to continue operating and meet the needs of
citizens, while the pool administrators themselves can continue operating and meeting the
needs of affected member cities. Emergency response professionals will be able to perform
critical tasks more quickly and effectively, and recovery from disasters in general will be
faster and more efficient. Data from The Red Cross shows that preparedness saves money,
time and effort during disaster response and recovery.
Preparedness starts at home. Pool administrators can and should assist with, and encourage
cities to help employees with personal/family planning. Here are some ideas to help
individuals and families get started:
• ✓ Create home disaster kits
• ✓ Make evacuation plans
• ✓ Shelter in place plan
• ✓ Practice drills with children
• ✓ Make a plan for family pets
• ✓ Address unique needs – medications, special needs/mobility issues, etc.
Full checklists for each of these are available online at www.PrepareMyBusiness.org, www.
FEMA.gov, www.RedCross.org, and www.Ready.gov. The next step in preparedness is making
sure organizations are well-prepared for disasters as well. Organizational preparedness
should follow a 10-step plan, as outlined below:
1. Assess your risk – both internally and externally
2. Assess your critical business functions
3. Prepare your critical service providers and suppliers
4. Create an emergency management plan
5. Back-up your data
6. Create a crisis communication plan
7. Assemble an emergency kit
8. Review your insurance coverage
9. Plan for an alternate location
10. Test your plan
If government, businesses, communities and individuals work together to foster this culture
of preparedness, the timeframe for recovery drastically lessens. This culture is becoming the
“new normal” for how we can survive disasters and thrive afterwards.
WHERE TO START
CULTURE OF PREPAREDNESS
THE 72 HOUR RULE
Preparing your Business for Disaster Can Also Save your Community By David Paulison
Not until a disaster strikes is the link between
business and community truly realized.
Some statistics indicate that anywhere
from 40 – 60 percent of America’s small
to medium sized businesses close after
experiencing a disaster. These businesses
are simply lost forever; never to reopen
their doors to the communities they serve.
Historically, when businesses shut their
doors, the surrounding communities are
very slow to respond as one is connected to
the other – the true meaning of community.
In 1992, Hurricane Andrew displaced more
than one million people in Florida and parts
of Louisiana. Until Hurricane Katrina in
2005, Andrew’s heavy rains and tornadoes
resulted in what was the most expensive
hurricane in U.S. history. In the aftermath
of the storm, countless businesses were
lost and it took over 10 years for South
Dade County to recover. In recent years, the
community is finally showing signs of its
previous life. Therein lies the key.
Why is preparedness vital? These events,
either natural or manmade are happening
all the time and with increasing frequency,
most of the time with little or no warning.
Case in point would be the tornado
outbreaks this spring in the Midwest and
Southeast, and the earthquake of August
23rd in Virginia. Most firms tend to react too
late with little or no time to prepare - most
operating completely behind the curve.
Fortunately for those in the Northeast, the
scope of damage associated with Hurricane
Irene was less catastrophic than some had
predicted. Though residents throughout
the Northeast are still dealing with the
after effects of the storm, it is now evident
that preparedness efforts were extensive,
ensuring no further loss of life and property.
Hurricane Katrina in 2005 was one of the
most destructive disasters the country has
faced, but the faults in the response and
recovery following the storm were mostly
due to a lack of preparedness. As I walked
the coast of Mississippi after the storm and
saw the destruction of the tidal surge it
was the most remarkable thing I had ever
seen. Katrina was a national catastrophe – it
affected the environment and the economy,
our infrastructure and our national pride. A
late evacuation notice resulted in 12,000
people stranded in the Super Dome – no
food, no water, minimal security, and almost
no medical care. There was rioting in the
streets because no one thought to pre-stage
the National Guard.
However, what Hurricane Katrina really did
was expose a nationwide lack of planning
and preparedness. And it doesn’t stop with
hurricanes. The four years I spent as the
Administrator of the Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA) evaluating
disasters across the country I saw the same
thing in almost every city – most places were
LIFESTYLE
not prepared. Businesses were not prepared,
individuals were not prepared, and the cities
themselves were not prepared.
Hurricane season comes around every year
and the U.S. has witnessed some big ones –
Camille, Andrew, Katrina. The affected states
should have been ready, but in retrospect
were not. And it’s not just hurricanes. This
problem exists whether it is a flood, ice
storm, or tornado – the same pattern time
after time. What did we do? We focused on
analyzing the failure, looking at the lessons
we learned, and how to fix the problem.
These failures can be broken down into
three deficiencies: (1) lack of imagination,
(2) lack of investment, and (3) a lack of
willingness to act. Individuals, businesses
and government cannot imagine the types
of events that can occur in their city or
region and therefore are reactive in their
decision making rather than proactive. A
lack of investment in preparedness includes
planning, training, and the durability of
facilities. Time after time I’ve gone to
hospitals that have generators stored in
the basement, so any time there’s a flood
these become inoperable. Often times we
recognize these things that have to be done,
but we lack the willingness to act.
There is no clear blueprint to preparing
your business for a disaster, but there are
several key actions a leader should take
regardless of the size of your organization
or geographic location: perform a risk
assessment, plan for the unknown, make
sure you have an emergency response plan
and kit readily available, and be prepared to
survive alone for at least 72 hours.
“Hurricane Katrina in 2005 was one of the most destructive disasters the country has faced, but the faults in the response and recovery following the storm were mostly due to a lack of preparedness.”
A business leader must be informed,
knowing what could affect the business
and its operations. What in your community
could cause the most damage and what
is most likely to happen? When I ask a
local business leader, “Who is your local
emergency manager?” 80 percent of the
time they do not have a clue. Business
leaders can utilize these emergency
managers to determine the most vulnerable
aspects of their organization and what’s
most likely to happen in the community.
Also, plan for the unknown. Be creative, yet
practical. No one would have ever predicted
half of the states in the northeast would go
without power because someone threw the
wrong switch. Unforeseen events are going
to happen, so everyone…everywhere must
be prepared.
Easy access to an emergency plan and
kit, both in your home and office, is very
important. Not too long ago, I invited
the media to come into my house to see
how we as a family were prepared for a
storm and the supplies we had in stock.
It’s not tough to have a kit ready and well
worth the investment of time and money
compared to the potential losses of both.
PrepareMyBusiness.org provides a checklist
of items for a business disaster recovery kit.
Businesses must also be prepared to act alone in their recovery for a minimum of three days.
Where are the weak points in your communication plan? Where will you relocate your office
if it is inaccessible? And don’t forget to ask yourself what you personally need proof of if you
are without access to your home – passport, drivers license, credit cards, insurance papers,
photos of the rooms in your house. Take all of this information and put it in a ‘go’ kit to take
during an evacuation. And don’t forget to consider how you will contact your family and a
central meeting location should you become separated. The recent earthquake in Virginia
affected cell networks all over the northeast, with voice calls nearly impossible in some
areas. Be sure you, your family and your coworkers know that text-based messaging may be
the only means of communication.
Preparing for a disaster also entails the access to key assets to get your business up and
running quickly and efficiently. Ensure access to things like power generators, office
equipment, IT infrastructure, and the satellite bandwidth to ensure communications. This
can be a fairly large undertaking for small and midsized businesses, so seek out a reputable
business continuity solution provider to handle these needs.
When you can ensure access to the tools necessary to get your operations back up and
running in the first couple of days following a disaster, then the recovery happens a lot
quicker. In fact, if only gas and grocery stores can remain open, that takes care of 80% of a
community’s needs. Disaster preparedness is the responsibility of every part of our society –
individuals and families, businesses, communities, and government. When any one of these
elements fails the whole system collapses.
LIFESTYLE
During an emergency, it is imperative that those within your organization know how to communicate effectively. This includes both internal
and external communications. The following checklist will highlight some recommendations for developing and executing a well-rounded
communications strategy in the face of any disaster scenario.
Start with a General Risk Assessment:
•Identifythetopthreatstoyourorganizationandanyvulnerabilities
•Analyzewhatbusinessfunctionsarecriticaltoyouroperations
•Identifytheresourcesneededtoprotectthosecriticalbusinessfunctions~People,Processes,TechnologyrequiredandCommunications
needs associated with each Establish a Crisis Management Team, and those within that group responsible for Communications
Develop and regularly update an Emergency Contact List to include:
•HomePhone
•AlternateMobile
•PersonalE-mail
•FamilyContactInformation
• Evacuation Plan Set up an Alert Notification System capable of multiple means of communication to employees, stakeholders & clients.
TEST regularly. Ensure that employee, vendor & supplier mobile voice communications are not reliant on a single network. Utilize multiple
carriers and train all critical personnel on the use of text messaging. Establish a separate, formal notification plan for employees’ immediate
families and close relatives in the event of loss of life, missing personnel, etc. Additionally, ensure that caregivers and daycare operators upon
whom employees depend on can receive appropriate information. Ensure that a formal system exists to integrate new hires into the Crisis
Communications Plan Consider establishing a public hot line, or a “dark” Website that can be activated on short notice to provide information
during an emergency to everyone in the community Consider an Online Social Networking Platform for web-based crisis communications
(Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc.) Establish a universal and easily accessible database of information about the company. Database should
include company background information, critical documents, key contacts, passwords, etc. Consider setting up a password-protected online
message board specific to your organization Establish remote hosting for your corporate website
•Ensureproperbandwidthcapabilityforspikesintrafficduringcrises
• Ensure remote access to your website, and establish a team tomanage updates to the site during disasters Develop a tactical response plan
for Voice/Phone redirection Establish processes & plans to re-establish your network connectivity
•CoreProcessing
•VirtualPrivateNetwork(VPN)
•RemoteServicesCoordinateallCrisisCommunicationsPlanningwithkeyvendorsandsupplierstoensureseamlesstransition
CRISIS COMMUNICATIONSPLANNING CHECKLIST
DEVELOPING YOUR COMMUNICATIONS PLAN
LIFESTYLE
Appealing Sunrooms Add beauty to your homes
LIFESTYLE
Everyone would love to have modern home exteriors for attractive
look. It’s because excellent sunrooms and fantastic outdoors would
improve the quality of your homes. You may have seen sunrooms in
your neighbors’ and friends’ houses. Have you ever thought of the
benefits these sunrooms offer you? Along with providing wonderful
appearance to your outdoors, sunrooms have amazing other
benefits. It provides excellent atmosphere to enjoy with your family
and friends in times of parties and special occasions. Sunrooms are
the perfect place for relaxation. Usually after the whole day of hard
work, your mind would long for a place to relax for a while. With
sunrooms, you would love spending evenings outdoors.
Sunrooms look excellent with beautiful replacement windows
during winter season as you can enjoy the sun by staying indoors
itself. This is the safe way of getting lots of sunlight. One of the
useful investments you make in your life is for home remodeling
since it is the first impression which decides the value of your
homes. Covering your homes with vinyl siding and installing finest
replacement windows is an excellent way of impressing your guests.
Sunrooms can help you stay free from unwanted noise and bugs.
Replacement windows reduce the energy bills and make your house
look fantastic. You can enjoy peaceful atmosphere in your indoor
living spaces. Vinyl siding and windows are easy to install and
maintain and so your house will have a natural look. During winter
season, you can better understand whether the windows of your
home are providing enough insulation or not. If you feel the cold
inside, then your windows are to be replaced.
It is now simple to remodel your homes with appealing replacement
windows and vinyl siding. Choose for windows made of materials
which could save your monthly bills and are easily maintained. If you
are looking for durable Missouri sunrooms for pleasing outdoors,
various options are available to fulfill your dreams. Sunrooms can
be installed in fascinating designs, styles and shapes. Your decision
regarding the selection of windows and siding is much important as
this can increase the value of your homes. Studies have proved that
you can improve health by relaxing in sunlight atmosphere.
Whether you look for a place to relax after work or to enjoy with
family and friends, sunrooms will be the best option. Remodeling
companies in Springfield MO provides all of these rebuilding options
for your homes. Experienced and qualified professionals can help
you fulfill your home improvement needs. You have an option to
select from the fascinating designs and styles of Missouri siding and
sunrooms to enjoy its excellent benefits. Forget painting repairs and
other maintenance costs by using vinyl siding and windows. Add
beauty, comfort and style to your homes with amazing exteriors.
GOING GREEN IS SO MUCH SIMPLER THAN MOST PEOPLE THINK
FAMILY
An increasing number of people are now
wanting to do their part to save the planet
due to the worsening problems caused by
global warming. Unfortunately, numerous
people assume that going green is costly
and time consuming. Read on to discover
several immediate things you can do to get
on on the path to living green.
Recycling is the top way to start. A lot
of people continue to place glass and
aluminum items in their normal garbage
even though recycling is not that hard
to do today. In the US, it’s not hard to
locate a trash service that offers glass and
aluminum recycling choices. Many people
still continue to discard these items even
though recycling bins are not hard to find. It
merely takes a few minutes to wash off the
cans and bottles before placing them into
the recycle bin.
Newspapers are another item that
overburden our landfills. Virtually all people
will merely take their daily paper and toss it
in the garbage when they are done with it.
But, there are many other uses that you can
get out of your newsprint other than poring
over it it. Did you know that you can keep
your windows clean using newspapers? If
you’re tired of seeing small white fragments
and streaks on your windowpanes after you
clean them with paper towels and cleaner,
try to use old newspapers instead. Several
community groups run regular paper
drives. Merely compilepile all of your old
newspapers, put them in a stack, and see if
the paper drive organizers will come to your
location and pick them up.
One more thing that could help you to
start to live green is to begin walking a bit
more. Lots of people routinely drive short
distances merely to buy one thing at their
local corner market. If you just walk to
the store, not only could it take less time,
because you won’t have to locate a parking
spot, but you will be saving money on gas
and helping to save planet Earth by not
burning those fuels.
If you wish to save even more on gas, take the chance to car pool when you can and only
mow your lawn two times a month instead of weekly. A gorgeous lawn is good to have but
skipping an additional week before you mow again shouldn’t significantly affect it. Using a
manual push mower like those more normally used many, many years ago will help to save
the environment even more. Numerous hardware shops still carry this type of mower.
When people make up their mind to try green living, it’s easy to make a few lifestyle
modifications that will benefit our environment. Likewise, you can find lots of info all over
the Internet on other ways to start living green, you only have to look for it.
Family“The bond that links one’s true family is not necessarily one of
blood but of respect and joy in each other’s life.”Richard Bach
I like this quote from Richard Bach’s
“Illusions” because it gives us the
opportunity to become purposeful about
who we hold dear in our life and call
“family.” Now, don’t misunderstand, this is
in no way meant to diminish the value of
one’s biological family. In fact, when our
biological, familial relationships are created
and maintained around the concepts of
respect and joy, they offer an opportunity
for love and fulfillment that is almost
unparalleled in our experience of life. The
sense of shared history combined with
quality familial bonds can be very powerful
factors in the creation of “the best of all
worlds” as it applies to relationships.
The problem seems to arise when we find
ourselves beating our heads against a
wall, trying to create relationships with
people based upon “should,” obligation,
and/or the fact that in the past someone
had sex with somebody else and we were
the result. Chances are these are people
that we wouldn’t dream of spending time
with, were they not part of our biological
family. Chances are also good that these
relationships aren’t being created and
maintained around the concepts of “respect
and joy in each other’s life.” So, how’s that
working for you? Probably not very well, and I
am going to suggest that it isn’t even serving
the other members of your biological family
either. Why not? Well, when we continue
to interact with people even when they are
being dysfunctional (treating us and others
with a lack of respect and love), the message
that we are inadvertently sending is that
their dysfunctional behavior is acceptable,
even effective. They then have no reason
to change, and every reason to continue to
treat us with a lack of respect and love. We are not giving them very good information, and
are in a sense colluding with, or supporting their problematic behavior.
So, what can we do ... try and make them change? Well, we can try, however, my guess is that
they are not going to respond with “What a wonderful idea. Thank you for sharing.” Further,
they are not likely to feel very “respected” by our pointing out what’s wrong with them.
Instead, I suggest that we first become clear about the qualities, core values, and/or criteria
that are important to us in creating and maintaining all of our relationships (respect and
joy in each other’s lives, for example). We can then take responsibility for modeling these
qualities (this is a very important step because we can’t expect others to treat us in ways
we are not willing to model). Further, we can let others know what’s important to us in a
relationship and see who chooses to join us in our declaration of respect and joy. Those that
agree with these concepts and are willing to take responsibility in co-creating relationships
in these ways become part of our real family, and we go on to strengthen and deepen these
quality relationships. For those who choose not to join us in our commitment to a quality
relationship, we bless them, and let them know that if they ever change their mind, we would
love to have them back in our lives.
The blessing is that they receive good information about the effect of refusing to treat people
with love and respect. Maybe if they hear this from enough people, they may choose to
change. Either way, however, we have chosen to avoid participating in (and thus supporting)
dysfunctional relationships, and are now taking 100% responsibility for creating the type of
relationships in which we believe. The type that reflects a “family” where respect and joy in
each other’s life is the bond that lasts forever.
Take care and God bless, Dr. Bill
FAMILY
For Families, Peace of Mind Is Priceless
(Family Features) American families
understand the importance of protecting
their assets and possessions. For a growing
number of homeowners and renters,
protection plans provide peace of mind
that their possessions can be repaired or
replaced if the unexpected happens.
Renters Insurance
For about 37 million Americans, renting
a house or apartment is more affordable,
and sometimes even preferable, to
home ownership. But there are some
disadvantages to renting. According to
the Bureau of Justice Statistics, renters are
50 percent more likely than homeowners
to be robbed. Likewise, the National Fire
Protection Association reports that 270
apartment fires break out each day in the
United States. While homeowners are
required to have insurance against these
types of problems, most renters are not.
In fact, a survey by Apartments.com found
that 67 percent of respondents did not have
renters insurance.
Why don’t more renters insure their valuable
possessions? Here are three common
misconceptions that could be standing in
the way of peace of mind.
“I can’t afford it.” The average renters
insurance policy costs less than $200 per
year, according to the National Association
of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).
“I don’t have anything worth protecting.”
Clothing, appliances and electronics can
all be covered under renters insurance. The
cost of replacing your computer, television,
smart phone or gaming system will likely be
higher than the cost of insuring them.
“I’m covered by my landlord’s insurance.”
Landlords carry insurance to cover structural
damage to the building, but it does not cover
your personal property. Nor does it protect
you from liability for structural damage you
might cause.
“Renters insurance is one of those things
you hope you never need, but accidents
do happen - and it pays to make sure you
and your property are fully protected,”
said Kathy McDonald, president, Property
Solutions at Assurant Specialty Property.
“In addition to protecting your possessions,
renters insurance can protect you against
personal liability, too. If you accidentally
start a kitchen fire or flood in the bathroom
and it damages your apartment, or a
neighbor’s apartment, you’re the one that’s
liable, not your landlord.”
Get the Right Coverage
The amount of insurance you need will
depend on what you want to protect and
the types of hazards you want to safeguard
against. Your insurance agent can give you
specifics based on your state and the kind of
policy you want. Ask questions such as:
What hazards are included? Do I need a
separate policy for specific circumstances?
Are my roommates covered by the policy?
What optional coverage is available (such as
flood or earthquake coverage)?
How much liability coverage is provided?
Will I receive additional living expenses if I
have to live elsewhere while my apartment
is being repaired?
Do I need additional coverage for damages
or injuries caused by my pet?
Does my policy cover items stolen or
damaged while not on the property (i.e.
stolen from your car)?
McDonald recommends making sure you
are covered for replacement costs. “If
you file a claim without replacement cost
coverage, you’ll get paid what the item is
worth now, not for the cost of replacing it
with a brand new item. It’s definitely worth
the investment,” she said.
Learn more and get a quote at www.
rentersecurity.com.
Protecting Your Possessions
Whether you are a renter, a homeowner
or are just living with one, it’s likely that
you have possessions that you care about.
Extended service contracts can help you
protect your valuable possessions from
mechanical failure, breakage and other
perils after the manufacturer’s warranty
expires.
Gaming systems, televisions, smartphones,
tablets, laptops and other electronics are
now an important part of everyday life, and
you don’t want to be without them for long.
But when an electronic device gets damaged
or simply breaks down, renters insurance
won’t cover it, and the manufacturer’s
warranty might not be enough to pay
for repair or replacement. Many product
warranties only cover parts and labor for up
to 90 days after purchase.
“If you’ve invested your hard-earned
money into an expensive electronic device,
you want to know you can get it repaired
quickly,” said Joe Erdeman, president
of Assurant Solutions’ extended service
FAMILY
protection business. “Extended service contracts provide important coverage for the items
you just can’t live without.”
An extended service contract provides for normal wear and tear as well as accidental
damage, and provides additional coverage that your renters insurance won’t cover. You get
24/7 customer and technical support, coverage for 100 percent of the parts and labor cost,
and assistance from licensed and insured trade professionals.
When looking for an extended service contract, ask yourself these questions.
What are the terms and conditions of the coverage?
Does it provide toll-free telephone and/or online access to technical support?
Who pays for shipping and handling if a product must be returned?
Does the contract include a “no lemon” policy?
Does it provide in-home service?
Does the contract include accidental damage coverage?
Erdeman noted that extended warranties for computers now provide a variety of ways to get
support. Online chat and telephone technical support provide services that range from basic
troubleshooting to defragging drives, optimizing speed and addressing malfunctioning keys.
At any time of the day or night, consumers won’t be left in the dark. Help is always available
to provide answers to common questions about computer troubles.
To learn more about protecting your possessions, visit www.assurantsolutions.
com/extendedprotection or visit them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/
AssurantSolutionsSocial.
Take Inventory
A home inventory is one of the best ways to make sure your property is fully protected. A
well-documented list of your possessions will help you get the right amount of coverage to
fully protect your valuables. And the information stored in your inventory could help with
repair or replacement if you need it. The
NAIC recommends taking these steps to
create your own home inventory:
Make a list of your possessions, including
jewelry, electronics, fine art, family
heirlooms, collections, furniture, toys, CDs,
clothing, sports equipment, tools, etc.
Photograph or videotape each item, and
document a brief description including age,
purchase price and estimated current value.
Remember to open drawers and closets to
document what’s inside.
Attach copies of original sales receipts and/
or appraisal documents. Be sure to note
model and serial numbers.
Store your inventory and related documents
in a safe, easily accessible place such as a
secured online site, a fire-proof box or in a
safe deposit box. You may want to share a
copy with your insurance provider so he or
she can make necessary updates to your
coverage.
Review and update your inventory annually
and whenever you make a significant
purchase.
The NAIC offers a free mobile app that
captures and electronically stores images,
descriptions, bar codes and serial numbers.
You can download the myHOME Scr.APP.
book app for iPhone users at the App Store.
cLICK TO VIEW How To choose natural baby products VIDEO
Unlock Your Child’s, Reading Potential
(Family Features) For many parents,
encouraging their child to become an active
reader can be difficult. And because each
child learns at a different pace, it can be hard
for parents to determine how to best further
their child’s reading skill growth.
The experts at K12 Inc., America’s leader
in online learning for students in grades
kindergarten through 12, are familiar with
the need to individualize lesson plans, as
well as reading lists, to best support the
success of each child. Importantly, children
often mirror the habits of their parents,
including their reading habits.
“Get caught reading! Nothing motivates the
youngest learners like mom and dad can. If
you read for pleasure, your kids will want to
read for enjoyment, too,” said Director of
Primary Literacy, Kristen J. Kinney-Haines,
Ed.D. “Also, read as a family. No matter your
age, we never outgrow the enjoyment and
comfort of hearing a great story read to us.
Allow everyone a chance to be the reader -
even the littlest ones, who can chime in with
sight words.”
Here are more tips for encouraging your
child to read, which in turn expands their
vocabulary and helps aid in further studies.
Early Readers
For those children beginning to learn letters
and words, remember that story time
alone is not the only key to unlocking their
reading potential. Reading programs such
as the PhonicsWorks(tm) program created
by the experts at K12 are designed to help
children recognize the relationship between
sounds and letters, to develop fluency, and
to continue to develop a more extensive
vocabulary. Learn more at www.k12.com.
Start with picture books. Remember that
you must make the act of reading a story
exciting. Picture books are a great way to
introduce the act of reading - or simply
flipping through a book - to young children.
Let them read with you. As you read to your
child, ask them to help you spell out words.
Make sure you point out words as you read,
to reinforce the sounds each letter, and
combinations of letters, makes.
FAMILY
Recommended books for early readers:
“The Doorbell Rang,” by Pat Hutchins, the
“Frog and Toad” series by Arnold Lobel, and
the “Amelia Bedelia” series by Peggy Parish.
Independent Readers
As your child continues to develop their skill
level, look to books they can enjoy on their
own.
Visit the library often. Updating your child’s
book shelf is crucial for independent
readers. Parents should ensure their child
has access to books that will garner their
attention and challenge their vocabulary.
Study challenging words. Because new
reading materials will provide further
vocabulary, practice looking up tricky
words in the dictionary with your child and
encourage them to keep a list of new words
and definitions learned from each new
book.
Recommended books for independent
readers: “The Chronicles of Narnia” series by C. S. Lewis, “Chocolate Fever,” by Robert Kimmel
Smith, and “The Borrowers” series by Mary Norton.
Advanced Readers
For children reading at an advanced level, it is important to ensure they are exposed to an
ever-increasing library.
Find a reading program. Enroll your child in a regional or national reading program to help
further motivate their reading practices.
Start a book club. Encourage your child to start a book club with friends. Making the act
of reading a more social practice is important as your child gets older. In addition, you are
preparing your child for classroom conversations focusing on reading materials for when
they attend a higher educational institution.
Recommended books for advanced readers: “The Catcher in the Rye,” by J. D. Salinger,
“Sense and Sensibility” by Jane Austen and “Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury.”
Want more recommendations for your readers? K12 provides a free, downloadable list
based on reading skill level, visit www.k12.com.
HEALTH
Health Insurance Options That Don’t Break the Bank
In the current economy, many families are in a state of crisis when it comes to their health
insurance. From lay-offs to business closing completely, many people now find themselves
without a job or any kind of insurance for their family. With the high price of COBRA, those
who have experienced downsizing don’t even have that as an option.
Most recently, the unemployed or uninsured need to find cheap health insurance for
themselves or family and wondering what are the options. Sometimes, reading a health
insurance policy can leave you more confused than before. Readers are often left wondering
exactly what their coverage is and under what circumstances. With every penny counting, it
is important to make an informed decision.
Getting Informed
Finding cheap health insurance is not just about finding one that is affordable. It is also about
one that covers the things most important to your life and the circumstances surrounding
your needs. One of the most valuable things you can do before choosing an insurance is get
informed. Understanding some of the terms will go a long way in getting proper coverage:
Family and Individual Coverage
Individual or family coverage is obtained by the individual and separate from any company
or group. One of the most important things
to understand about individual health
insurance plans is that they are typically
more difficult to obtain. Since it is for an
individual or family, the medical history of
each person will be looked at much more
carefully than under a group plan, where the
risk is spread over all paying members.
Short Term Health Insurance
For those who are in-between jobs, short
term insurance plans may be a good option.
Coverage ranges from one to six months
and can help if there is a medical crisis in
an already difficult time. They are limited
however. They will not cover a pre-existing
condition or preventative care.
Student Health Insurance
Another group usually in need of cheap
health insurance are students. Increasingly,
schools are making having health insurance
one of the requirements of enrollment. To
make sure that medical insurance continues
uninterrupted, families should be shopping
for cheap health insurance plans long before
school enrollment.
Defined Benefit
For those who have been turned down by
major insurance companies for preexisting
conditions, a defined benefit may be a
cheap health insurance option. These
plans provide defined coverage and do
not cover catastrophic coverage. They are
easy to understand and provide first dollar
coverage. Although they may not seem to be
cheap, or exceptionally affordable, they are
a much better alternative then managing
the cost of a serious illness alone.
Good Questions to Ask About Health Insurance Obtaining cheap health insurance can be a difficult and confusing process, but asking good questions
can help you get the coverage you need:
- Are there ways for individuals to gain group insurance? A health insurance agent can help an individual discover possible group plans through credit
unions or trade associations.
- What is Risk? Knowing what insurance looks at to calculate their risk, and your cost, can lower your risk and cost.
- How do I know what is covered and what is not? Knowing exactly what the plan covers as well as it’s limits will help you to choose the one that best fits
you expectations. You can trust an agent to help you understand the coverage terms as well as the limits.
Finding cheap health insurance can be a difficult, but important task. A financial downturn can cause many to consider going without coverage for a time,
but that decision can end up a very costly one both financially and for one’s health. A local agent can help you find a plan that not only meets your needs,
but is affordable as well.
HEALTH
Attempt TheseFacial Exercises To Appear 10 To 15 Years Younger Within Days
1. How to get rid of eye wrinkles:
Using your forefingers (The fingers you
point with) place them at the corners of
the eyes and with firm pressure, make little
outward circles. Do not push your fingers
into your eye. This face exercise will tone
and firm the small muscles and thin tissue
round the eyes.
2. The best way to look younger by
smoothing out laugh lines: Again with the
tips of your forefingers, situate them in the
middle of the smile, or laugh lines, and do
small, firm outward circles. Firm enough
to exercise the underlying tissue, but not
enough to cause you discomfort.
3. The best way to lift hog jowls and
firm sagging face skin: Thrust your chin out
and with the back of your hands, slap firmly
up and down along the jaw line. Your hands
must be stiff whilst you do this face exercise.
4. A way to lift and get rid of turkey
neck: Utilize the tips of your forefingers
and position them on either side of your
windpipe along your throat. Move your
fingertips firmly up and down along the
windpipe, but not enough to curb air flow.
By employing this together with the face
toning exercise for lifting hog jowls, this will
expand and stretch the muscles and pull up
any droopy neck skin.
5. Lifting sagging face skin with cheek
exercises: Yet again using the tips of your
index fingers, place them in the depression
of your cheek bones, horizontally to your
nostrils, in line with the pupils of your eyes.
Practise little, firm outward circles with your
fingertips. This will enlarge the underlying
muscle, and increase the blood flow to
the middle area of your face. As the tissue
expands, it pulls the loose skin towards the
muscle. You will obtain a healthy glow to
your cheeks.
6. A cure for bags below the eyes:
Firstly, bags below the eyes, or eye bags, are
often symptoms of other things going on in
the body. Drink a lot of water (not coffee, tea,
or soft drinks) to help with the kidneys to
flush out built up toxins. Secondly, consume
Vitamin K every day. This really helps with
diminishing rings and puffiness round the
eyes. Thirdly, take your forefingers and put
them in the ridge at the base of your eye
sockets (Just below the eyes in line with the
pupils). The position is on that bone where
the face tissue is fine. Make small outward
circles whilst keeping your eyes open.
7. Ironing out forehead wrinkles and
lines: With your forefingers, work the points
between the hairline and your eyebrows
in line with your pupils with small inward
circles. This works the supporting muscles
of the forehead which will elevate the
forehead skin.
It is always advisable to apply a moisturizing
cream when performing yoga facial
exercises because this works in the moisture
to the skin and still exercises the underlying
neck and face muscles. Since the tissue
has augmented blood flow and amplified
oxygen intake, it expands and tightens the
overlying skin towards it. Therefore wrinkles
disappear and ultimately fade away. At the
same time, the skin lifts and firms and rich
natural color is restored.
Merely using these few facial exercises tips
will make a colossal change to your looks
and may well make you look years younger
in a couple of weeks. The more frequently
you do them, the better the results.
HEALTH
Fitness MythsHave you been doing the same exercise routine for years without seeing
any promising results? Have you been told that a typical workout should
consist of three sets of 12 reps with the weights and at least 30 minutes of
cardio? When it comes to exercising for health benefits, there happen to be
an endless array of fitness myths in circulation. It’s time you knew the truth
about exercise myths and facts.
Exercise Myths and FactsThe Exercise Myth #1: The best way to strengthen your heart and prevent heart disease is through aerobic exercise.
The truth is that sprint interval training and weight lifting are superior to achieving cardiovascular health. Regular exercise is very important for overall health, however for many people, spending a large amount of time doing aerobic exercise is not very time efficient or even very healthy. Many studies note that interval training and weight training are more advantageous than a simple 45-minute walk on a treadmill. When exercising for health, incorporate spring training into your workout by doing three to five rounds of 30-60 second bursts of cardio at your highest intensity, followed by two to four-minute rest periods of walking.
The Exercise Myth #2: If workouts aren’t getting you the results you want, you must work out more.
If a half hour on the treadmill isn’t producing results, it’s time you considered your intensity level. It’s the intensity that you want to increase NOT the volume if you want to increase your results. Intensity takes effort. If you’re sitting on the bike at the gym reading a magazine or having a conversation, that’s a low-intensity, high volume workout. This type of workout is not going to be very useful. Increasing the volume of workouts can actually lead to over-training syndrome, which can cause body aches, fatigue poor performance and even heart damage. Worse yet, overtraining syndrome can last for months even after a reduction or cessation of the activity that caused the problem in the first place.
The Exercise Myth #3: Athletes are examples of perfectly healthy human beings.
Athletes have a shorter lifespan than the average couch potato. The average elite
athlete will die by the age of 67, considerably lower than the 76-year expectancy of the average American. In fact, according to the NFL Players Association, the average life expectancy of an NFL player is 58 years. The excess volume of training causes “wear and tear” on the body and results in the premature aging of athletes.
The Exercise Myth #4: A very slow heart rate is a sign that you’re in great shape.
An excessively slow heart rate is actually a sign of cardiac damage. Your nervous system can become distorted by overtraining, leading to fatigue, sleeplessness and pain disorders like fibromyalgia. Your normal resting heart rate should be in the 60s or low 70s. Anything lower is a sign of a problem. When you over-train, you run the risk of decreasing your heart rate which can lead to cardiac autonomic nervous system imbalance. Long-term endurance training significantly influences how the autonomic nervous system controls heart function. Endurance training increases parasympathetic activity and decreases sympathetic activity in the human heart.
“The average elite athlete will die by the age of 67 considerably lower than the 76-year expectancy of the average American. ”
The Exercise Myth #5: Exercising a body part will reduce the amount of fat on that part.
The truth is, in order to lose fat on any part of your body, you must lose weight overall. Spot training will not cause fat loss on any particular body part, but will improve the muscle tone to the part that is trained. When exercising for health and weight loss, make sure to incorporate sprint interval training and weight training.
The Exercise Myth #6: Sit-ups and crunches will reduce your waist size.
These exercises will actually build up the muscles of your abdomen increasing the size of your waist. In order to shed flab around your waist, you must lose weight overall.
The Exercise Myth #7: Sports drinks keep you from getting dehydrated and encourage athletic performance.
These beverages are high in sugar levels and often contain high fructose corn syrup. They will actually cause dehydration and worsen athletic performance. You’re better off drinking water.
When it comes to exercise, less is often better than more. To get the most out of your workouts, keep these fitness myths in mind and you’ll be on your way to better results when exercising for health. For the best results, keep the tips in mind as well:
•Trainnomorethantwo-three hours per week, and make sure to take two full days off each week•Weighttraineachbodypartonce or twice a week and incorporate interval training on the days that you do not do weights•Chooseappropriateweightin which you can one set of six to 12 reps to exhaustion•Usecorrectposture,proper technique, full range of motion, proper isolation and constant tension when lifting weights•Don’tworkoutwhensick,lateat night or when you experience symptoms of overtraining.
For over 20 years, Dr Michael E. Rothman has dedicated his life to helping his patients understand the “how & why” of their health. At MD Wellness, he will help find the cause of your symptoms via his Metabolically Directed Functional Medicine approach. He is a true blend of traditional & alternative medicine, integrating Eastern & Western methods. http://www.mdwellnessmd.com
HEALTH
10 Simple Changes For Healthier Living
Improving your overall health doesn’t have to be difficult. To get on the right track, here are
ten simple changes you can make to begin living a healthier life:
Start Stretching
You don’t have to be an athlete to benefit from stretching. As little as 5 minutes of stretching
a day can improve your flexibility and help you avoid a wide range of mobility problems.
Put One or More Live Plants Inside of Your Home
Multiple studies have found that people who have at least one live plant inside of their home
experience less stress and are happier on a daily basis. What’s really neat about this change
is not only will it make you healthier, but it will also add character to your home’s interior.
Stop Drinking Calories
One of the biggest nutritional shifts of the last few decades is the number of calories that
people now consume from drinks. Fancy coffee drinks and elaborate cocktails can have
anywhere from 300 to 700 calories.In addition to water, if you still need something warm to
drink try decaf green tea….its a healthier choice than coffee and has far less calories.
Complete a Body Cleanse
Following a 10 or 20 day program to
eliminate toxins from your body can
significantly improve your overall health.
Some of the benefits of detoxing include
lower cholesterol, more energy, better sleep
and less joint pain.
Don’t Rush Through Your Meals
One reason people eat more than they
actually need is because they don’t give
their body time to digest.By slowing down
and enjoying your meals, you will give your
brain time to register the fact that your
stomach is full.
Avoid Sitting for More than an Hour at a Time
Recent studies have found multiple
problems that can arise from sitting all day.
If you have a desk job, make sure you at least
stand up for a few minutes at the beginning
or end of every hour.
Start Lifting Weights
Free weights aren’t just for bodybuilders.
Not only can resistance exercises help you
build lean muscle that will give your entire
body a toned appearance, but they can
actually increase your body’s ability to burn
calories.
Go for a Daily Walk
A lot of people believe that they don’t have
time for cardio.However, cardio isn’t limited
to 75 minute sessions on a treadmill. You
can improve your cardiovascular health with
a simple 15 minute daily walk.An additional
benefit is the exposure to sunlight will help
keep your circadian rhythm in sync.
Ask for a Different Side
Most restaurants serve sides that are
some form of highly processed carbs.
Instead of settling for these less than
ideal complements to your meals, simply
ask to substitute raw, grilled or steamed
vegetables.
Smile
As silly as it may sound, smiling can make
you healthier by improving your overall
psychological state.This simple change
is so effective that health professionals
often incorporate it into their treatment of
various conditions.
INSURANCE
DOES MY HOMEOWNERS INSURANCECOVER FLOODING?
Standard homeowners and renters insurance does
not cover flood damage. Flood coverage, however,
is available in the form of a separate policy both
from the National Flood Insurance Program - NFIP (
888-379-9531 ) and from a few private insurers.
The NFIP provides coverage for up to $250,000 for
the structure of the home and $100,000 for personal
possessions. The NFIP policy provides replacement
cost coverage for the structure of your home, but
only actual cash value coverage for your possessions.
Replacement cost coverage pays to rebuild your
home as it was before the damage. Actual cash value
is replacement cost coverage minus depreciation so
that the older your possessions are, the less you will
get if they are damaged. There may also be limits on
coverage for furniture and other belongings stored
in your basement.
Flood insurance is available for renters as well as
homeowners. You will need flood insurance if you
live in a designated flood zone. But flooding can also
occur in inland areas and away from major rivers.
Consider buying a flood insurance policy if your
house could be flooded by melting snow,
an overflowing creek or pond or water
running down a steep hill. Don’t wait for a
flood season warning on the evening news
to buy a policy—there is a 30-day waiting
period before the coverage takes effect.
Excess flood insurance is also available
from some private insurers for those who
need additional insurance protection
over and above the basic policy or whose
community does not participate in the NFIP.
Depending on the amount of coverage
purchased, an excess flood insurance policy
will cover damage above the limits of the
federal program on the same basis as the
federal program—replacement cost for
the structure and actual cash value for the
contents.
Excess flood insurance is available in all
parts of the country—in high risk flood zones
along the coast and close to major rivers as
well as in areas of lower risk—wherever
the federal program is available. It can be
purchased from specialized companies
through independent insurance agents,
or from regular homeowners insurance
companies that have arrangements with a
specialized insurer to provide coverage to
their policyholders.
To find out whether private primary flood
insurance is available in your area, contact
your insurance agent.
If you are ever sued, your standard homeowners or auto policy will provide you with
some liability coverage, paying for judgements against you and your attorney’s fees,
up to a limit set in the policy. However, in our litigious society, you may want to have
an extra layer of liability protection. That’s what a personal umbrella liability policy
provides.
An umbrella policy kicks in when you reach the limit on the underlying liability
coverage in a homeowners, renters, condo or auto policy. It will also cover you for
things such as libel and slander.
For about $150 to $300 per year you can buy a $1 million personal umbrella liability
policy. The next million will cost about $75, and $50 for every million after that.
Because the personal umbrella policy goes into effect after the underlying coverage
is exhausted, there are certain limits that usually must be met in order to purchase this
coverage. Most insurers will want you to have about $250,000 of liability insurance
on your auto policy and $300,000 of liability insurance on your homeowners policy
before selling you an umbrella liability policy for $1 million of additional coverage.
SHOULD I PURCHASE AN UMBRELLA LIABILITY POLICY?
INSURANCE
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Search Engine Marketing Is It For Your Business?The marketing strategy of any business
has a lot to do with its success or failure.
The best products can nosedive and the
lesser products can scale great heights
just because of a great marketing strategy.
On the web, there are lots of people doing
business through selling a host of products.
In this Internet age, to be successful in any
business it is vital to have a web presence.
You need the best marketing strategies to
market your goods really well on the web.
Using affordable search engine marketing
is the best way to go about the marketing
strategy on the web.
Every business works under a set budget.
Affordable search engine marketing is the
best way to go about the entire thing. If you
have a web presence for your business, then
you must make all efforts to tell everyone
all about your site. How can anyone
know if you do not tell them something
about your business and its website? For
promoting your site on the web, you can
try search engine optimization. In search
engine marketing you can commence pay
per click advertising, affiliate marketing
programs, Internet marketing and content
optimization and management.
There are some ethical and unethical
methods that can be used for promotion.
It is up to you to decide what measures
you want to adopt for popularizing your
business. It all boils down to adopting the
most effective search engine marketing
strategy. Online visitors use the help of
search engines to find anything online. So
you must realize how important it is for
your site to rank at the top of major search
engines.
Before you actually go about starting any business on the web, you must conduct research
properly. Conducting research means that you decide on a budget, decide on the marketing
strategy and also find out who the target audience of your product it. Also through the
research, find out what marketing strategy is working and what is not working. While
choosing your marketing strategy, keep in mind the choice and preference of your target
audience. What is the use of any search engine marketing strategy if you are not able to
reach out to your prospective clients?
Search Engine Marketing Is It For Your Business?
Having lots of optimized and relevant
content is one affordable search engine
marketing strategy that can be very easily
adopted and implemented by any business.
Content management is the process
through which you can add new optimized
content to your site. It is a fact that no one
will come to see your site, if they do not
get what they are looking for in adequate
quantity. So make it a point to regularly add
new features, pictures and fresh content to
your site.
“Before you actually go about starting
any business on the web, you must
conduct research properly. Conducting
research means that you decide on
a budget, decide on the marketing strategy and also find out who the
target audience of your product it.”
Undertaking affordable search engine
marketing helps your business in two ways.
First of all you can afford the marketing
strategy within your limited budget.
Secondly you adopted those marketing
strategies that are bound to bring positive
results to your business. There is a huge
competition on the web and adopting
affordable search engine marketing is the
best way of going about it and coming out
on top.
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