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Monthly Archives

August 2016

Aug 01
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What Could Muscle Pain Mean?

By Life and Health

1608-lh-4Your body contains over 600 muscles. When one or more of them hurts, it’s hard to concentrate at work, focus at home or function in everyday life. Instead of tolerating muscle pain or myalgia, learn more about what it means so you can fix it and feel better.

What Causes Muscle Pain?

You may experience myalgia at any time. It can occur when you overuse certain muscles while   working, exercising or playing. Medications, including ACE inhibitors that lower blood pressure and statins that lower cholesterol, can also trigger muscle pain. Rest, pain relievers, hot and cold compresses and certain exercises can reduce or alleviate the discomfort.

However, sometimes your muscle pain is not associated with an activity. It may indicate an underlying condition such as the flu, hormonal imbalance or vitamin D or B12 deficiency. Hepatitis, bacterial infection, Lyme disease, roundworm infection and autoimmune conditions such as lupus or multiple sclerosis can also be causes of myalgia.

What Does Muscle Pain Feel Like?

No matter what causes it, myalgia can exhibit itself in several ways.

  • Pain in one or multiple areas
  • Dull, sharp, intermittent or consistent pain
  • Ongoing pain even when you’re at rest
  • Twitching or painful cramps
  • Numbness, tingling or burning sensations
  • Joint pain

What are the Complications of Muscle Pain?

While muscle pain can be treated, there are complications that could signal a more serious problem. You may need to do more than rest or use a heating pad if you experience these signs.

  • High fever
  • Shortness of breath
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Water retention
  • Inability to move a part of your body
  • Muscle stiffness
  • Muscle atrophy

When Should You Seek Medical Help?

You can treat your muscle pain at home with rest, pain medication, topical treatments and certain exercises. See your doctor, though, if these conditions exist.

  • Persistent pain lasts more than 3 days
  • Severe pain
  • Signs of infection
  • Any swelling, redness or rash around the muscle
  • Changes you make to your hypertension or cholesterol medication dosage

How Can You Prevent Muscle Pain?

To avoid muscle pain, you can take several steps. Perform proper warm up and cool down exercises when you work out, stretch before engaging in any rigorous activity, don’t sit or stand in one position for too long and stay physically active.

Aug 01
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How to Choose the Right Walking Shoes

By Life and Health

1608-lh-3Exercise walking is fun and provides numerous health benefits, but like all exercise, it requires the right equipment. Wear the wrong shoes, and you will end up with sore feet and maybe even an injury. Take your time and invest in the right shoes for your feet and needs.

Advantages of the Right Walking Shoes

Before you buy walking shoes, examine them and try them on. Look for stability, flexibility and comfort as you prepare for safe workouts. The right shoes give you balance and correct your foot’s natural inward roll (pronation) or outward roll (supination). They also help you maintain proper posture and protect your spine, back and muscles.

Four Main Components of a Good Walking Shoe

There are four main components of quality walking shoes. Examine each part before you make any purchases.

  • Heel counter – The area of the shoe under your Achilles tendon should be snug and cup the back of your heel to prevent pronation or supination.
  • Midsole – The area between the shoe’s tread and its upper should provide cushioning, support and flexibility. This component is the most important one.
  • Insole – The area of the shoe where your foot’s sole comes in contact with the shoe should be contoured to match your foot. It reduces shear forces and provides shock absorption.
  • Toe box – The area surrounding your toes should be roomy enough for them to move freely and wiggle and bend without restriction but not too roomy or your foot will shift and feel uncomfortable. Ideally, select shoes with a toe box of at least one-half to one full thumb’s width between your longest toe and the end of the shoe.

How to Try On Walking Shoes

After you find a pair of shoes you like, try them on. Make sure they fit right and feel comfortable.

First, ask the salesperson to measure the dimensions of both feet. To get an accurate reading, stand up because your feet expand when they bear weight. Visit the store at the end of the day, too, as your feet swell during the day.

Remember to wear regular socks and try on both shoes. Lace them completely and stand up and walk around to make sure they fit your foot properly and feel comfortable.

Never buy walking shoes that are too tight. Almost all shoes require a breaking in period, but shoes that are too tight won’t get bigger. However, if you need arch supports or orthotics, feel free to wear those supplements as you obtain the best fit.

Aug 01
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How to Find a Lost Life Insurance Policy

By Life and Health

1608-lh-2As many as one in 600 people are the beneficiaries of a lost or forgotten life insurance policy. Those policies amount to one billion dollars in unclaimed cash. What would you do with found life insurance policy money? Find out how you and your loved ones can find a lost policy and get the money you are owed.

Search the House

The filing cabinet, safe or pile of important papers in your home or the home of your loved ones could be concealing a life insurance policy. Check all these and other hiding spots carefully before you start a bigger investigation.

Remember When You Purchased the Policy

Try to remember any details about the life insurance policy purchase. If possible, record the name and Social Security number of the policy’s purchaser, the selling agent, insurance company, date of purchase and type of policy. Use these details to contact the insurance company that sold the policy and get a copy of it. Consider contacting the attorney, accountant or financial advisor, too, if they have knowledge of a possible life insurance policy.

Search Financial Documents

Bank and credit card statements may hold clues to the whereabouts of a lost life insurance policy. Use them to find the issuing insurance agency and the missing policy.

Contact the State Insurance Department

Insurance companies that cannot locate policy beneficiaries must turn the benefits over to the unclaimed property office in the state. Visit the National Association of Insurance Commissioners website and find the contact information for the insurance department in the state that issued the policy.

Contact Former Employers

Employers sometimes issue group life insurance policies. Contact former employers for information on possible life insurance policies.

Avoid Scammers

Scammers may find out that you’re looking for a life insurance policy and contact you with a claim that they can help you find your unclaimed funds. Don’t discuss your case with anyone until you call your insurance company directly and verify an offer for help.

Prevent Losing an Insurance Policy

These tips can help you find a lost life insurance policy. However, consider avoiding this challenge in the first place when you:

  • Clearly name all beneficiaries on life insurance policies.
  • Inform beneficiaries about the policy and provide the names of the insurance agent and issuing agency.
  • Store your insurance policy and any related documents in a logical place like a fireproof safe or safety deposit box. Give a copy to a trusted advisor, lawyer or loved one, too.
Aug 01
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How to File a Life Insurance Claim

By Life and Health

1608-lh-1Life insurance beneficiaries are responsible to file claims for the funds to which they are entitled. If you’re a beneficiary of one or more life insurance policies, know how to file a claim and receive the money reserved for you.

Find the Policies

Before you can file a claim, you should find all the insurance policies or proofs of insurance certificates in which you may be named a beneficiary. Check filing cabinets, safes and bank safe deposit boxes for the documents you need.

Remember to check for group policies, too. Contact the deceased person’s former employers, banks, credit agencies, social groups and professional groups to find evidence of group policy coverage.

If you can’t find any policies or certificates of insurance, contact insurance agencies that may have issued the policies. You can also search financial records for any evidence of life insurance premium payments, contact the state insurance department to find the policy or hire a reputable company to locate the policy for you.

Contact the Insurance Agency

Once you find the life insurance policies, obtain a valid copy of the deceased person’s death certificate. Then contact the insurance agency that issued the policy. They will have paperwork for you to complete, so call the agency’s policyholder services department as soon as possible to begin the claim filing process. If you cannot fill out the paperwork yourself, the insurance agent will do it for you, and you will only need to sign your name.

Remember that you may also need to have to fill out IRS Form W-9. It allows the insurance company to notify the IRS if you receive an interest payment on the policy’s value. The insurance company will give you more information about whether or not this form is needed.

Wait for the Claim to be Processed

Many life insurance claims are paid within a few days. You may elect to receive your life insurance benefits in several ways. Select a lump-sum cash payment and invest or spend the money or choose a settlement option.

To receive the funds, the policy must be current, and all conditions must be met. Claims are most often delayed because the death certificate isn’t valid, the person died within two years of the policy’s original issue date or the policy contains false information.

Aug 01
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Condo Insurance Explained

By Personal Perspective

1608-pp-4Your condo is your home, and it’s one of your most valuable possessions. Protect it with condo insurance. Here are the basics you need to know as you protect your investment.

Check Lender Requirements

Unless you pay for your condo with cash, plan on purchasing condo insurance. Most mortgage lenders require condo buyers to show proof of condo unit insurance before the loan is approved. Discuss insurance requirements with the lender, and then talk to your insurance agent.

Consider the Price

The cost of your condo insurance depends on the deductible and amount of coverage. Remember that increasing your deductible and reducing coverage can lower your premiums. However, weigh the benefits of adequate protection versus saving money as you decide what condo insurance to buy.

Understand the Master Policy

Condo associations generally take out a master policy that covers the building and common areas. This policy typically will provide one of three coverage options:

  • The basic building including roof, exterior walls, hallways, basement and elevators but not interior walls, carpeting, cabinets, appliances or wall coverings
  • The basic building and unit items excluding alterations, improvements or additions you make to your unit at your expense
  • The basic building and unit items, including alterations, improvements and additions you make

Be sure to review the condo association’s bylaws and insurance documents to ensure you are in compliance with the requirements and purchase adequate protection for your home.

What Your Unit Policy Will Cover

Even though your condo association may have a master policy in place, you still need individual insurance. It covers items that are excluded from the master policy and may compensate you for claims that may not be covered by the master policy’s deductible.

The condo insurance policy you purchase should cover three specific areas. Check your policy for details.

  1. Personal Property: Insure the possessions you own in case they are stolen, vandalized or damaged in your home or elsewhere. Those items include furniture, electronics, clothing and other household items. Your unit policy can include replacement value or actual cash value coverage.
  2. Loss of Use: Your insurance policy will pay a portion of your hotel, meal, laundry and other living expenses if you have to move temporarily because your home becomes uninhabitable due to fire, mold or another cause.
  3. Personal Liability: If someone visits you and suffers a physical injury or if you or a family members damage someone else’s property, your personal liability coverage will pay for the damages. The policy could also cover court, defense and settlement costs.

Condo insurance is a valuable investment that protects you and your home. Consider you options when you talk to your agent today.

Aug 01
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Distractions While Driving

By Personal Perspective

1608-pp-3One in four vehicle crashes is caused by drivers texting or using other electronic devices. Multitasking can help you get several tasks done at one time, but it’s always a bad idea when you’re behind the wheel. It only takes a second for your attention to wonder and an accident to happen. Learn more about the causes of distracted driving and what you can do to stay safe.

#whiledriving

Texting while driving is illegal in 39 states and the District of Columbia. However, texting isn’t the only distraction that causes accidents.  A popular Twitter and Instagram social media hashtag #whiledriving has become popular across the country.

According to a recent survey, 55 percent of #whiledriving users are men and 45 percent are women. The top states with the most #whiledriving posts are:

  1. California
  2. Florida
  3. Texas
  4. South Carolina
  5. New York
  6. Illinois
  7. Massachusetts
  8. Oregon
  9. Colorado
  10. Nevada

The top 10 most popular hashtags that accompany #whiledriving include:

  • Clouds
  • Sunset
  • Sky
  • Nature
  • Sun
  • Nofilter
  • Landscape
  • Car
  • Driving
  • Selfie

Based on these hashtags, we see that people enjoy snapping pictures of pretty scenery as they drive. Nature is great, but enjoy the view with your eyes rather than taking and posting the picture while you drive.

What if You See a Distracted Driver?

Insurance agents caution drivers to keep their hands on the wheel and their eyes and attention on the road while driving. However, that doesn’t stop people from getting distracted as they drive. In addition to texting and posting pictures while driving, fatigue, other passengers, eating and daydreaming also distract drivers’ attention off the road.

Your safety and the safety of others on the road depends on every driver staying focused. If you see a distracted driver who’s weaving out of the lane, not maintaining the speed limit or exhibiting other signs of distraction, you can:

  • Assume the distracted driver will not see your vehicle.
  • Leave extra room between you and the distracted driver, even if you have to slow down or pull off the road.
  • If you can’t get away from the driver, pull over and call 911 to report the driver’s behavior.
  • Avoid road rage or other vigilantism.

Safety on the road depends on everyone paying attention. Stop texting and driving distracted. For more information how to be safe on the road, how to cope with distracted drivers and to update your auto insurance contact your insurance agent. Drive safe!

Aug 01
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13 Lawn Mower Safety Tips

By Personal Perspective

1608-pp-2Summer lawn mowing season has arrived. Are you operating your lawn mower safely? Here are the tips you need to stay safe as you manicure your grass.

  1. Read the instruction manual. Discover the purpose of all the knobs and whistles on your model, how to operate it properly and safety tips for your lawn mower.
  2. Fill the tank outside. It’s never a wise idea to fill your mower’s fuel tank inside your garage or in a shed. Combustible fumes could build up and explode.
  3. Store fuel and oil in marked containers. You don’t want to use the wrong fluids and ruin your mower or have anyone accidentally drink the fluid or serve it to pets.
  4. Perform maintenance when your mower is turned off and cool. You could be burned if you add fuel to your mower while the engine is running or when it’s hot.
  5. Don’t use anything with an open flame while you fuel your mower. You don’t want to start a fire.
  6. Do not start the engine under an enclosure. Toxic fumes could build up and cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
  7. Stay with the mower when the engine is running. Someone could be injured if your mower rolls down a hill or runs into something or someone while it’s turned on.
  8. Turn the engine off before making adjustments. If you notice that the grass isn’t getting cut short enough or the engine is skipping, turn the engine off. You can then make adjustments safely.
  9. Refuse to allow young children to operate the lawn mower, and don’t carry kids as you mow. The machine is simply too dangerous for young children.
  10. Wear the proper clothes when mowing. Closed shoes and long pants protect your body as you mow your lawn.
  11. Remove foreign objects from your lawn. Rocks, branches, twigs, toys, hoses and other objects in your lawn could damage your mower’s motor. Plus, objects spit from the mower could travel at a speed of up to 100 miles per hour.
  12. Don’t allow children or pets in the yard. Even if they’re playing on the other side of the yard from where you’re mowing, it takes only a few seconds for them to cross the yard and enter the path of your mower.
  13. Train everyone who uses the mower. Be sure everyone who operates the mower knows how to use it properly and follows these safety precautions.

Your lawn mower gives your yard the manicure it needs. Whether you mow several times a week or once a month, follow these safety tips. Consider purchasing homeowner’s insurance, too, as further protection for you and your home.

Aug 01
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Fire Safety For College Students

By Personal Perspective

1608-pp-1Are you a college student or a parent of a student heading to school this fall? If so, consider adding fire safety tips to your suitcase. Whether you live on or off campus, several precautions help you prevent fires and stay safe.

Electrical Safety

You certainly need to plug your lamps and laptop into an electrical outlet, but be careful.

  • Use power strips or surge protectors with internal overload protection to avoid overloading the outlets.
  • Never plug in anything that has a frayed or twisted cord.
  • If your lamps or laptop start to feel hot, unplug them.

Cooking

Making your own meals and snacks in your dorm room is a great way to save money and curb the munchies late at night. For safety as you cook:

  • Supervise the food.
  • Never use a microwave, toaster, hot plate or other appliance if the cord is frayed or damaged.
  • Unplug appliances immediately after you use them.
  • Wipe up any crumbs or spilled food immediately after cooking.
  • Never grill indoors.

Candles

The aroma of a candle can help you relax and light your room if the power goes out. However, many colleges ban candles because they’re a serious fire risk. If you want to relax, melt aromatic wax in an approved plug-in container. During power outages, use flashlights instead of candles.

Smoking

Smoking is banned in most campus dorm rooms, so if you choose to smoke, use outdoor designated areas. Off- campus, you can:

  • Use wide, sturdy ash trays that are secured to a sturdy surface.
  • Extinguish your cigarette completely before you toss it into the trash can.
  • Check the sofa and chair cushions for cigarette butts after parties.
  • Never smoke when you’re tired or have been drinking.

Smoke Detectors

You may notice numerous smoke detectors in your dorm. Don’t tamper with them because they could save your life!

Know the Evacuation Plan

Always know how to exit a building safely so that if there is a fire or other emergency you can get out alive.

  • When you move in, familiarize yourself with the escape route and any fire escapes.
  • Participate in practice drills.
  • If the fire alarm goes off, exit the building right away even if you think it’s a prank.

For Parents

Even though your kids are away at college, you can help them practice fire safety.

  • Ensure the dorm or off-campus housing has a working fire alarm system, smoke detectors and exits.
  • Be sure your kids know how to exit their dorm safely.
  • Purchase personal property insurance that covers your child’s possessions.

Staying safe on campus includes understanding fire safety. Take these precautions as you head to college this fall.

Aug 01
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What You Need to Know Before You Hire Your First Employee

By Risk Management Bulletin

1608-rr-4You’ve started a small business, and everything’s going great. In fact, it’s time to hire help. Use this checklist to ensure you follow federal and state regulations as you hire your first employee.

Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN)

Apply online or call the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for an employment identification number (EIN). It’s also known as an Employer Tax ID or Form SS-4, and you’ll use it when you file taxes and other documents with the IRS and when you report employee information to state agencies.

Prepare a Recordkeeping System for Tax Withholding

As an employer, you are required to withhold taxes from your employee’s paychecks. The IRS also requires employers to maintain employment tax records for four years, and you can use the records to prepare financial statements, track expenses and prepare your tax returns. Plan to withhold tax in three specific categories.

  • Federal Income Tax Withholding – Employees must sign a withholding exemption certificate (Form W-4) that you must submit to the IRS.
  • Federal Wage and Tax Statement – File an annual Form W-2 that details the wages you paid employees and the tax you withheld. It’s required for every employee to whom you pay salary, wages or other compensation.
  • State Taxes – If your state requires you to withhold state income tax, follow the guidelines for reporting this income tax.

Verify Employee Eligibility

According to federal laws, you have the responsibility to verify that a potential employee is eligible to work in the United States. Be sure your employee fills out Form I-9 within three days of hire, and keep the form on file.

Register with Your State’s New Hire Reporting Program

The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 requires you to report your new employee to your state’s directory. Complete this step within 20 days of hiring someone.

Purchase Workers’ Compensation Insurance

When you were the only employee of your small business, you didn’t’ need Workers’ Compensation insurance. You will have to purchase a policy for your new employee, though. Purchase it from a commercial carrier or through their state’s Workers’ Compensation Insurance program.

Post Any Required Notices

Because of labor laws, you must post certain posters in the workplace. They detail employee rights, responsibilities and safety details.

File Your Taxes

In general, employers with employees who are subject to income tax withholding must file quarterly federal tax returns. Discuss the details with your accountant to ensure you follow the law.

Aug 01
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10 Data Security Practices for Your Small Business

By Risk Management Bulletin

1608-rr-3Your customers and clients rely on you to keep their data secure. If you don’t, their identities, credit cards and other information could be stolen, and you could be sued. Achieve data security in your small business when you take 10 steps.

  1. Perform a Security Audit

    The type and amount of data you store and the equipment that data is stored on affects the security system you implement. Evaluate your needs before you implement a security system.

  2. Know Your Industry’s Regulations

    All data needs to be protected, but different industries have different regulations. Research the guidelines so you can follow the law.

  3. Store Only Essential Data

    When possible, err on the side of keeping less data. It’s better to delete information and have to ask for it later than to store it and risk a breach.

  4. Store Customer Data Separately

    Keep your customer data and business information stored on separate networks. For safety, restrict access to the sensitive customer information.

  5. Improve Your Security

    Strong passwords, two-step authentication when accessing systems, pass codes on your firewalls and encryption are four ways to improve your security.

  6. Clean Your Computers

    Update and run antivirus and anti-malware software regularly, properly patch software, turn on system logs and archive them monthly, immediately deactivate former employees’ access, allow remote access only through secure VPN and don’t use Wi-Fi. You should also follow a written policy that outlines how and when to clean or destroy hard drives, USB memory sticks, CDs and DVDs as you keep your computers clean.

  7. Use a Shredder

    Instead of tossing sensitive documents in the trash, shred them. Use a cross cut shredder for best results.

  8. Turn Off Machines

    You probably log out of your computers at night, but remember to turn off copiers and printers, too. If they’re connected to the internet, the sensitive data stored on their internal hard drives could be compromised.

  9. Train Employees

    All of your employees should know how to guard data and how to protect their equipment, including mobile phones and portable storage devices. They should never store credit card information, open suspicious emails or store important anywhere except the company’s cloud-based storage system.

  10. Create and Enforce a Data Protection Policy

    Educate your entire staff on proper procedure. An official policy gives them something to reference and is easy to update as your security improves.

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