Vaccinations Prevent Illnesses
Some of the most fatal childhood diseases, such as measles, mumps, whooping cough, smallpox, polio and diphtheria, have been wiped out because of vaccines. Though choosing to vaccinate your child may be a controversial issue for one reason or another, prevention is always more desirable than treatment. Furthermore, health professionals recommend that all children be routinely vaccinated to prevent the onset of many potentially dangerous diseases.
Helping Kids Stay Healthy
What are Vaccinations?
Vaccinations, or immunizations, contain killed or weakened disease organisms (typically inactive bacteria or weakened viruses). These organisms cause the body to produce antibodies in the immune system, which attack harmful elements inside the body.
While fighting the virus or bacteria, the antibodies learn how to recognize the real one so they can attack it later, if and/or when the body is exposed to it.
In the United States, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration reviews all tests conducted on vaccinations before approving their use for the public. Therefore, the vaccinations are proven safe, even on the smallest patients.
When Should my Child be Vaccinated?
Newborns are immune to many diseases because of the antibodies they have acquired from their mothers in the womb. Yet, these antibodies last only for approximately one month to a year after birth. Therefore, it is wise to vaccinate children while they are still babies. Despite this, it is never too late to vaccinate a child to prevent the onset of disease.
If you are unsure when you should take your child to the doctor for vaccinations, contact your pediatrician, clinic or local health department for more information and for vaccination schedules.
These preventive care measures are also generally covered under most health insurance plans, which can reduce the cost of preventive care significantly for you.
Approximately 90 percent of all children in the United States are vaccinated for common ailments, which makes going to a day care facility and school safer for all children, when their risk of passing illnesses to one another is high.
If you have any questions regarding vaccinations, contact your physician. Any questions regarding your life insurance, contact your agent.
Quit for Your Loved Ones: Secondhand smoke is hazardous for their health
You likely know that smoking is dangerous for your health, and can cause many diseases and serious health conditions, but did you know that you are putting your loved ones at risk as well?
Secondhand Smoke
Secondhand smoke has two forms: the smoke that is exhaled by a smoker and the smoke from a burning cigarette, cigar or pipe. Anyone breathing in any type of smoke is taking in the same dangerous chemicals and toxins as the person who is smoking.
Do you smoke in your home, in your car or at work? If so, you are endangering your friends, co-workers, pets and family members.
Health Risks
Secondhand smoke can cause a variety of health conditions and diseases, including:
- Heart disease
- Lung cancer
- Asthma
- Middle ear infections in children
- Chest discomfort, coughing and trouble breathing
- Pneumonia and bronchitis, especially in children
- Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
Surgeon General Report
In 2006, the U.S. Surgeon General conducted a report on the effects of secondhand smoke. Here are some of the key findings:
- Secondhand smoke causes premature death and disease in children and adults who do not smoke.
- Children exposed to secondhand smoke are at an increased risk for many respiratory conditions and ear problems.
- There is no safe exposure level to secondhand smoke.
- Secondhand smoke immediately affects heart and blood circulation in a harmful way.
- Despite the increasing limitations on smoking in public places, millions of Americans are still exposed to secondhand smoke in their homes and workplaces.
- The only way to prevent secondhand smoke exposure is to prohibit all smoking in that building. Walls and ventilation systems do not prevent secondhand smoke exposure for nonsmokers.
Did you know…?
The American Cancer Society estimates that each year, 46,000 nonsmokers who live with smokers die from heart disease related to secondhand smoke. In addition, about 3,400 nonsmoking adults die each year from lung cancer caused by secondhand smoke.
Why Quit?
If you’re looking for motivation to quit for good, do it for your loved ones. You can improve and protect their health along with your own.
For more information on quitting smoking, contact your physician. Any questions on your insurance, contact your agent.
Be Safe While Burning Indoors
As winter approaches, homeowners are beginning to prepare for the cold months ahead. For many this may include using indoor heating sources like fireplaces and wood stoves that have laid dormant all summer. Avoid possible fire hazards associated with these heating methods by paying careful attention to safety. Keep these tips in mind while you burn this winter:
- Be sure fireplaces and stoves are installed correctly. Wood stoves should have at least a 36 inch clearance from any combustible materials, along with a sturdy support system. The floor around the stove should also be adequately protected.
- Have all chimneys inspected annually. Clean when necessary or if the chimney has not been used in some time.
- Never use flammable liquids to start or accelerate a fire.
- Always keep a protective screen of glass or metal around the opening of any active fireplace. This will keep sparks or embers from creating a possible fire hazard while also protecting those around the unit from a potential burn injury.
- Keen flammable materials away from your fireplace mantle. If using a stove, do not leave flammable items in contact with the body of the unit.
Only fuel your fire with materials approved for indoor use. Never use charcoal in such situations as it can give off an unsafe level of carbon monoxide. Contact your home insurance agent for more tips to stay safe and warm during the Michigan winters without having to file a claim.
Save Money and Energy: Electronics
If you live in a typical American home, chances are your appliances and home electronics are responsible for about 20 percent of your energy bills. Here are some ways you can reduce electricity use in your home and save money.
High Energy Appliances
The following is a list of appliances that generally use up a lot of electricity. Please note this list is not exhaustive.
- Washers and dryers
- Dishwashers
- Refrigerator and freezer
- Room air conditioners
- Water heaters
- Computers
- Home audio equipment (speakers, stereo system)
- Televisions
- Video players and VCRs
While you can’t do a lot about the energy consumption of some of these appliances, such as your refrigerator, you can do something about how much energy you use with your other appliances.
Power-Controlling Devices
Appliances older than 1990 use more electricity than newer appliances. If you have an old appliance in your home, you can easily reduce the amount of electricity it uses by installing a power-controlling device, which applies and regulates the correct amount of power to the appliance’s motor. For more information, visit www.energysavers.gov.
Turn off Your Computer
Computers eat up a lot of energy when they are left on for long periods of time, such as overnight. Most computers have a feature known as sleep mode, which
consumes less energy if your computer is on – but you should still shut down your computer if you’re not going to use it for more than two hours.
Reduce Standby Power
Many appliances use electricity even when they’re turned off; that electricity is known as standby power. While this power is necessary for some appliances, like your refrigerator, it can add up on your energy bill. A simple fix is unplugging those appliances you don’t use often, such as your VCR or printer.
You can also plug a group of appliances into a power strip – this reduces the electricity they draw from using many outlets at once. An example would be grouping your computer, monitor, printer and speakers.
Did You Know…?
While unplugging your appliances saves on standby power, plug things you use all the time into a power strip. Frequent plugging and unplugging can cause frayed wires and plugs, which poses an electrocution risk.
Look for other ways to save on your energy bill by talking with the helpful staff at your local home improvement store. For any questions regarding your home insurance, contact your agent.
Become a Physically Active Family
Children need at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day. Studies show 
that kids who are supported by friends and family or surrounded by active people are more likely to be active. Engaging in physical activity as a family can be a fun way to get everyone moving.
Benefits of Activity
Physical activity is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle. It can help prevent chronic diseases, control weight, build lean muscle, reduce fat and decrease the risk of obesity. Children need at least an hour every day of moderate to vigorous activity to maintain a healthy weight.
Active Families
Being active as a family increases opportunities for kids and families to be physically active. Here are some activities you and your family can consider to get started on a path to a healthier lifestyle.
- Give children toys that encourage physical activity, such as balls, kites and jump ropes
- Encourage children to join a sports team or try a new physical activity
- Take the stairs instead of the elevator
- Facilitate a safe walk to and from school several times a week
- Walk around the block after a meal
- Find time to spend together doing a fun activity, like family bike day or swim day
- Make a new house rule: No sitting still during television commercials
- Issue a family challenge to commit to physical activity five days a week for six weeks
Other Ways to Get Active
Increasing your family’s physical activity is not the only way to help your kids get active. Here are some other ways you can be involved:
• Limit TV time and keep the television out of your child’s bedroom
• Talk to your children’s principal or write to your district superintendent to incorporate more physical education in schools
• Encourage schools to hold recess before lunch to increase physical activity before mealtime
• Volunteer to help with after-school physical activity programs or sports teams
Source: www.letsmove.gov
Did You Know…?
Sleep is just as important for health as being active. A recent study found that with each extra hour of sleep, the risk of a child being overweight or obese dropped by 9 percent. Children over age five need at least 9-10 hours of sleep per day.
For more information on keeping your family physically fit and eating healthy, consult a physician. For more information on life insurance in Michigan, contact your agent.
Setting a Good Example for Your Kids
Parents and caregivers can set a great example for the whole family by creating a healthy environment at home. Any combination of the following five steps can make a real difference in your children’s lives and help them build healthy habits for life.
Eat More Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are great sources of many vitamins and minerals and help prevent chronic disease. Eat them fresh, frozen or canned, and keep them 
within easy reach. Try eating fruits and vegetables of different colors to make sure you and your family get a wide range of nutrients.
Plan to Eat Healthy
Preparing healthy meals doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive; it just takes planning. Get your children involved in the planning, shopping and cooking. Make sure your family eats a healthy breakfast every day; it can help prevent overeating and snacking later. Teach your children about healthy portion sizes so they learn to serve themselves a healthy amount of food.
Make Physical Activity Part of Your Routine
Activities should be fun and something the whole family can do together. Set specific goals that are easy for your family to achieve. Start by scheduling a time for physical activity – but be flexible if a conflict comes up!
Reduce Screen Time
Health experts say that computer and television time at home should be limited to one to two hours or less per day. Limit your family’s screen time every day, and set a good example by following the limit yourself. Don’t put a computer or TV in your child’s bedroom, and keep the TV off during family meals. More screen time means less time interacting with your family. Provide alternative hobbies and activities to prevent watching TV from becoming a habit.
Organize a School Health Team
Help create an environment at your children’s school that will encourage academic success through healthy food and physical activity. After organizing or becoming a member of a school health team, identify your school’s current health policies and programs. Help the team develop an action plan for improving student health.
For more information regarding eating healthy, consult your physician. For more information regarding your life insurance, contact your agent.
Halloween Safety
|
Halloween is a wonderful time of year for children to express their creativity and use their imagination. Unfortunately, Halloween can also be dangerous for youngsters if parents do not take the proper precautions to protect their children. Before you let your kids out for the night to show off their Haloween costumers and collect as much candy to scare the dentist away, be sure that they are fully equipped for a safe night of trick-or-treating. Here are some tips to help you do just that.
These are just a few tips that can keep your kids, young and old, out of harm’s way. Taking those extra steps can keep the magic alive this Halloween season. Halloween is a time for fun and games, not insurance claims. For more ways to avoid a “Halloween” claim in Michigan, contact your insurance agent. |
Money-Saving Freezer Meals
With work and school, errands and extra-curricular activities, it can be nearly impossible to find the time to cook and eat a weekday meal this time of year. With a little planning, you can take the pressure off yourself by making and freezing meals in advance.
Because you can control what you put into each meal, homemade meals can be more nutritious and less expensive than store-bought frozen meals. Read on for tips on how to get the most out of your homemade freezer meals.
The meals to freeze
Soups, stews and chili, popular dishes at this time of the year, will freeze and reheat excellently, but anything with a lot of moisture in it will freeze well.
How to freeze them
Freeze food as rapidly as possible to maintain its quality. Rapid freezing prevents undesirable large ice crystals from forming because the molecules don’t have time to form into the characteristic six-sided snowflake.
To freeze, place the dish into meal-sized containers or packages, and label and date the packages. If using a plastic or glass container, leave a little room at the top so the food may expand. If using a plastic freezer bag, try to leave as little air in the bag as possible. Store in a freezer kept at zero degrees F or below.
How long to keep them
According to the USDA, cooked meat, soups, stews and casseroles may be stored for 2-3 months; cooked poultry for up to 4 months; and frozen dinners and entrees may be kept frozen for 3 to 4 months.
For more information and a full timetable visit www.fsis.usda.gov/FactSheets/Focus_On_Freezing/index.asp.
For more information on saving money on your insurance, contact your agent.
Prepare Your Home for Frigid Temperatures
As the weather starts to cool in the autumn months, many homeowners tackle winterizing projects to ensure that their homes are weather-ready for cooler temperatures. The best way to undertake these projects is to start by taking a walk around your home and assessing what needs to get done. Consider inspecting the following areas:
- While on the roof, examine your chimney for missing mortar, cracks and structural problems, as damage in your chimney or fireplace can lead to dangerous carbon monoxide buildup in your home. Also ensure that your damper is working correctly and has a tight seal. Your chimney cap should be snug as well.
- Remove clogs in your gutter and check for any water damage. Consider consulting a professional for guidance on how to prevent ice dams (water backup in cold temperatures).
- Check your doors and windows for missing weather stripping. Also make sure that door sweeps are not damaged and are aligned properly to block drafty air.
- Cover window-mounted air conditioning units if you are not going to remove them entirely. Fill in the gaps on the sides of the unit with insulation board and caulk. If you have central air, cover the unit loosely.
- Turn off the faucets outside of your home and cover them with a commercial cover or two old socks wrapped tightly around the faucets; seal with duct tape.
- Inspect the foundation for cracks and gaps to prevent animals from entering your home.
- Look at your home’s siding for missing pieces.
- Make sure your exterior light fixtures are working properly and are sealed tightly to the mounting.
It is very important to keep your home safe during these blistering months. Year-round maintenance is critical to your home insurance policy to avoid the need to file a claim. For more information on your winter preparation and your insurance, contact your agent.
Filing an Insurance Claim? Watch What You Say!
Filing Claims 101: All You Need to Know!
Many people are flustered when they file an insurance claim given that claims typically follow devastating events like car accidents, illnesses or home fires.
To help you file a claim in Michigan with ease, below is some useful information you need to make the best of this trying experience.
Navigating an insurance claim can be quite tricky if you are unsure how to approach it. Consider the following recommendations to increase the chance that your claims will be processed successfully. Better yet, put these tips in your wallet or post them on your fridge.
When you are involved in an automobile accident
- Do not apologize to other drivers involved or admit fault under any circumstances.
- Describe what occurred to law enforcement and to your insurance company. If you are unsure, leave it to the authorities.
- Always contact your insurance company immediately after an auto accident.
- Do not talk to the other driver’s insurance company; let your company represent you throughout the ordeal.
When your home is flooded
- The term flood in the insurance world refers to water damage resulting from an overflow of a nearby stream or river. Even if your sump pump did not work and you have 6 inches of water in your basement, you are not dealing with a flood.
- Making references to the wrong terms can cause claims to be denied or elongate the process.
- Review your Homeowners Insurance policy to determine what it covers with regard to water damage.
- Do not guess how accidents occurred. An insurance investigator will determine the exact cause of the claim in question.
When you have a health care claim:
- Avoid calling procedures experimental, investigational or a clinical trial. The claim may be denied if the treatment is seen as unnecessary.
- Do not sign any medical record releases. It is illegal for an insurance company to access your records without your consent, and they should not need them to process the claim.
The most important thing to remember when filing a claim is that the less you say the better. Do not speculate and do not judge; simply give the facts and the insurance company will take care of the rest.
Feel free to contact your agent for assistance throughout the claims process.
Oakland Insurance Blog 