Life & Health

Super Bowl Snacks

The Super Bowl is probably the biggest sporting event of the year. Certainly in terms of marketing—and of food consumption. According to the Nielsen Report, in one recent year Super Bowl watchers spent $594,500,813 on snacks! Top choices include potato and tortilla chips, popcorn, pretzels, puffed cheese snacks, dip mixes, canned dips, guacamole, chicken wings,
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Winter Workout Wellness Tips

Use sunscreen and lip balm with sunscreen protection even in winter, because the sun can still harm your skin, especially if there’s reflective snow on the ground. Wear reflective vests or apply reflective strips to your and your family’s clothing when you’re out doing winter activities, because winter days get dark quickly.

Slipping and Sliding are for the Slopes

Prevent slips and falls in winter conditions Unless you’re ice skating or skiing, you don’t want to be slipping and sliding—especially around your workplace. Weather-related slips and falls become a serious hazard as winter conditions create wet or icy surfaces. Even wet leaves and mud can create treacherous walking conditions. And wet and muddy shoes
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Drinking and Driving Don’t Mix

Celebrate the holidays safely ‘Tis the season to be jolly—and to stay away from your car if you’ve been too jolly. December is National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month. Recent statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA – www.nhtsa.gov) revealed that in the 12-hour period from 6:00 p.m. New Year’s Eve to
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Give Your Health a (Clean) Hand

Don’t give colds and flus to family and friends Have you ever received a gift you didn’t want? While some of us may have a few presents hidden away in back closets, all of us have undoubtedly received unwanted colds and flus from family, friends, and co-workers. According to the Centers for Disease Control and
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Handwashing Without Soap

If you’ve read the article “Give Your Health a (Clean) Hand,” you know how important frequent handwashing is to preventing the spread of colds and flus. But what do you do in situations where soap and water aren’t available? Use an alcohol gel or wipe to clean your hands. Rub the gel or wipe over
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Should You Drink Alcohol?

Medical professionals recommend that people who have the following health conditions should avoid alcohol: A history of a hemorrhagic stroke Liver disease Pancreatic disease Evidence of precancerous changes in the esophagus, larynx, pharynx or mouth Likewise, people who are taking the following medications should avoid alcohol: Antibiotics Anticoagulants Antidepressants Aspirin Diabetes medications Antihistamines Anti-seizure medications
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Slips Stats

Even though winter rolls around every year and you may be confident in your ability to avoid slips and falls, don’t let yourself become complacent about the hazards. Keep these statistics in mind: Falls are among the most common type of injury both on and off the job. Several hundred thousand American workers suffer injuries from falls
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Choose the Right Respirator

Here’s a quick primer: Air-purifying respirators protect against many contaminants by filtering or chemically “scrubbing” them and are used when: There is enough oxygen present. Contaminants can be filtered or “scrubbed” out. Contaminants are not at Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health (IDLH) levels. These respirators have color-coded cartridges or canisters to indicate the type of
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Thanksgiving Day Tips

Enjoy the day the healthy way Follow these food and fitness tips: Eat a full healthy breakfast. Don’t “save” calories for the main meal. This is a particularly good practice for the cook to help keep him or her from grazing during food preparation. Eat (and serve) fibrous appetizers, such as veggie trays or sliced fruit with
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Help Co-workers Quit

If you have co-workers who are trying to kick the habit during the Great American Smokeout, do what you can to help. Here’s why: You’ll improve your own health. The 2006 U.S. Surgeon General’s report,Secondhand Smoke: What it Means to You states that secondhand smoke can cause lung cancer, heart disease, and raised cholesterol levels. You’ll improve working conditions.New
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November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month

This month consider these statistics: Lung disease is the number one work-related illness in the U.S. in terms of severity, frequency, and preventability. Occupational lung cancer is estimated to kill between 15,000 and 20,000 people each year. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death for both men and women in the U.S. Occupational lung disease can
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How to Get Leaves to Leave

Rake leaves safely Colorful autumn leaves are lovely falling past your window – until you look out and see that they’ve covered your lawn in an inch of now-brown, dried-out husks! How do you get rid of them in a way that’s healthy for you and the environment? Try these options. For your health: Wear
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Open Mouth, Insert Toothbrush

Oral health is key to overall health According to a report by the U.S. Surgeon General, poor oral health is a factor in life-threatening diseases that kill millions of Americans each year. For example, gum (periodontal) disease has been linked to heart and lung disease, diabetes, and several other serious health conditions. October is National Dental
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Japan’s Devastation Make Us Think About Insurance

While it is too soon to place a dollar amount on the cost that the devastating 9.0-magnitude earthquake and subsequent tsunami that rocked Japan on March 11 will have on the global insurance industry, early estimates are easily in the billions of dollars. Entire villages were destroyed and hundreds of thousands of Japanese people lost
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Federal Judge Rules Individual Mandate Unconstitutional

On January 31, United States District Court Judge Roger Vinson ruled that the individual mandate in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is unconstitutional and that the entire Health Care law should be voided. The individual mandate provision in the Act requires Americans to purchase health insurance or face being fined. According to the
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Health Care Reform: What Happens When

The passing of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) in March 2010 instituted numerous changes to Health Care system in the United States. Some provisions took place immediately, while others do not kick in for a few years (the last change goes into effect in 2018). This act institutes widespread change to the
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Did You Know…?

If you are a small business owner offering group health insurance for your employees, you may be eligible to receive a health care TAX CREDIT to help you provide the coverage for them, starting with tax year 2010. If eligible, your business can receive a federal tax credit for up to 35% of your health
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If something happens to you, will your family have everything they need?

There are a variety of reasons to purchase life insurance, but they all come down to peace of mind. Whether you purchase life insurance to help your family financially continue with their plans for the future or to cover the cost of burial, a life insurance premium is a small price to pay for peace
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How do I get life insurance?

Life insurance is an important decision that you make for your family and loved ones. Visit your independent insurance agent to determine the type and amount of coverage right for you. When making a decision about term or permanent life insurance, it is important to think about your financial and personal future. When will your
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Why do I need health insurance?

If you were to become injured or seriously ill, who would pay your medical bills? Health care costs are skyrocketing, and most families can’t afford to pay for all of their health care needs out-of- pocket. Just like insurance on your home or your vehicle, health insurance provides you with protection and peace of mind.
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What are my health insurance options?

There are three main types of health insurance coverage: Indemnity plans (out-of-pocket) Preferred Provider Organizations (PPO) Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO) Indemnity plans are often called out-of-pocket plans because you initially pay for all medical services out of your pocket. After your medical visit, you are responsible for filing claims with your insurance company. The insurance
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What active adult retirees need to know about health insurance when relocating to York County

The percentage of active adult retirees is continuously increasing, and York County is ranked as one of the top 10 places for people over the age of 60 to relocate. The county provides a small-town atmosphere and is still only about 40 minutes away from Charlotte. Many relocate to this area for its affordable cost
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Cancer is on the rise in York County. How can you use life and health insurance to protect your family?

The county is adjusting to the increased need for health care systems and providers to meet increased demand. Health care is accessible, as well as affordable. However, it is important to make sure that you have the proper insurance policy in place. This will help protect both you and your family’s future. If you do
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Considering assisted living for yourself or for a loved one? What will your insurance needs be?

If you are thinking about assisted living now or in the future, it is important to take several items into consideration. The cost of assisted living, as well as long-term care in nursing homes, has continued to increase over the past several years. Keep in mind that there may be a shortage of direct-care workers
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Is life insurance an investment or purely insurance?

For centuries life insurance has been first and foremost insurance: It provides a death benefit to the family or business partners of an insured person. Beginning about 30 years ago, the attractive returns in stock investments led insurance companies to bring investment elements into life insurance policies. For example, agents and companies offered consumers the
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