Fire Safety Room by Room
H
ome fires may seem like the kind of event that happens to someone else, but the reality is, it could easily happen to you. Approximately every three hours a home fire death occurs somewhere in the nation, according to the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC). Take action now to make sure your home is safer, and that your family knows what to do in case a fire does break out.
Bedrooms
The peak time for home fire fatalities is between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., when most families are asleep. • Do not trap electrical cords against walls. Heat can build up, posing a fire hazard. • Use only lab-approved electric blankets and warmers. Make sure cords are not worn or coming apart. Do not leave electric blankets switched on all night unless they are marked “suitable for all night use.” • Keep bedding, curtains and other combustible items at least three feet away from space heaters. • Never smoke in bed. • Replace mattresses made before the 2007 Federal Mattress Flammability Standard. By law, mattresses made since then are required to be safer. • Have a working smoke alarm in every bedroom and outside each sleeping area.
Living Room
• Do not overload electrical outlets. • Never run electrical cords under carpets. • Check all electrical cords for fraying or other signs of damage. • Only light decorative candles when adults are in the room. Use stable candle holders that will not catch fire. Blow candles out when you leave. • During a power failure, do not use candles or oil lamps for light. Keep battery operated flashlights
and lanterns in easily accessible places. Candles used for light in the absence of electrical power cause one-third of fatal home candle fires. • Make sure you have a working smoke alarm in each room, including the living room.
Kitchen
Cooking equipment is the leading cause of reported home fires and home fire injuries in the United States, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. • Never use extension cords to plug in cooking appliances. They can overload the circuit and start a fire. • Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling, or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove. • Keep anything that can catch fire away from the cooktop. This includes potholders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags, food packaging, towels and curtains. • Keep the cooktop, burners and oven clean. • Loose clothing can dangle onto stove burners and catch fire. Wear short, close-fitting clothing or tightly rolled sleeves when cooking. Daylight saving time ends Sunday, Nov. 6, 2011 and marks the 24th anniversary of the Change Your Clock Change Your Battery® program, created by Energizer and the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC). This program reminds people to check and change the batteries in their smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors during the fall time change. For more tips, visit www.Energizer.com. Information sourced from the International Association of Fire Chiefs, The Home Safety Council, and the U.S. Fire Administration.
Medicare 2012 What you need to know Medicare is different this year because of health care reform, and if you’re not aware of how this important program has changed, pay attention.
drug plan once per year during Medicare’s annual enrollment period (AEP). The dates for AEP run from October 15 to December 7 in 2011.
Be aware of deductibles, co-insurance, out-of-pocket limits and prescription drug costs If you’re new to Medicare it’s important to know that both parts of Original Medicare (A and B) have deductibles. And, the Part A deductibles are not tied to a calendar year. Instead, they’re tied to a 90-day benefit period, with some exceptions.
Medicare Supplement plans have an initial enrollment period, which occurs in the first 6 months after you enroll in Medicare Part B and are 65 or older. During that time, you can enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan and not be declined. But, if you try to enroll after the initial enrollment period, your application could be declined based on a review of your medical history.
The Medicare Part B benefit also includes coinsurance after you meet your deductible. With coinsurance, Medicare pays a percentage of each bill and you pay the rest (between 20 and 45 percent, depending on the service), after applicable premiums and deductibles.
But, if you want to switch from a Supplement plan to an Advantage plan, the AEP is a good time to make that switch.
People concerned about some of the gaps in original Medicare have the option to enroll in insurance products regulated by the government but provided by private companies. These are products designed specifically to fill some of the different gaps in Medicare.
They include:
•
•
•
Medicare Part D stand-alone prescription drug plans, which cover the cost of most prescription drugs. Medicare Supplement plans, which cover portions of the deductibles, coinsurance and out-of-pocket costs not covered by original Medicare. Medicare Advantage plans, which bundle together the Part D drug benefit with some additional coverage for deductibles, coinsurance and out-ofpocket costs.
Each type of supplemental coverage has different guidelines for when you can enroll, change and cancel your coverage. There are new Medicare annual enrollment dates. Most beneficiaries can change a Medicare Advantage plan or stand-alone Medicare prescription
It’s critical to compare drug coverage every year PlanPrescriber.com, an internet company that allows people to compare Medicare plans side-by-side, looked at 25,000 user sessions on its website between November 15, 2010 and December 31, 2010. The site found that, on average, a user could save over $500 per year — over $40 per month — by reviewing their options and changing their prescription drug plan.
Get star power in 2012
The Affordable Care Act requires a star rating system to be used for Medicare Advantage plans, beginning in 2012. Plans get a rating of 1 to 5, with a 5 star rating equating to an “Excellent Performance,” and a 1 star rating equating to a “Poor Performance.” If you’re lucky enough to have access to a 5 star plan, consider it as an option for your coverage. One benefit of a 5 star plan is that you can enroll at any time, even outside of Medicare’s annual enrollment period. A great place to review and research the different Medicare products available in your zip code is www.planprescriber.com.
Safety Tips for Students Abroad
T
he allure of traveling abroad to study and experience other cultures continues to grow for teens across the country. U.S. student participation in study abroad programs has more than doubled over the last decade, according to the Institute of International Education. While traveling abroad is an exciting opportunity for students, parents often have concerns over safety. “As travel safety experts with nearly 50 years of experience, we work diligently to ensure the safety of every student and leader in every program,” said Mike Bowers, Senior Health and Safety Director for People to People Ambassador Programs. “We understand the concerns and we are committed to providing a safe and enjoyable educational experience for all program participants.” Bowers has reviewed years of travel data to understand the most common safety issues as a leader in travel safety. Learn more at www.peopletopeople.com/safety.
Pack Common Sense
• Ask yourself — would I do this at home? If the answer is no, rethink your actions. • Get some rest. You can have a good time without staying out too late — the more rested you are, the more likely you are to be aware of and safe in your surroundings. • Always travel with a buddy — traveling alone can make you a mark for thieves.
Scope Out Your Surroundings
• Be knowledgeable about your destination. Visit Centers for Disease Control travel websites and other online resources before you travel. Check out hotels and inns before you decide to stay there. • Go ahead, travel like a native, but be cautious when using public transportation. Crowds make it easier for pick-pocketers. Always keep your money and identification on your person in multiple locations. • If you see the same person three times in different locations it could mean you are being targeted, and you should find a safer place.
Leave a Money Trail
• Use a prepaid bank card which allows loved ones back home to know where you are, and make sure
they have access to the account. The U.S. Department of State indicates it is a good way to find people while traveling. • Make copies of passports and credit cards, etc. If lost or stolen, account numbers can be easily located and reported.
Leave the Bling Behind
• Petty criminals look for easy targets in crowds and a “blinged out” tourist is an easy target. • Make an effort to blend in and use your prior research to understand the country’s style and culture.
Stay Connected
• Contact home on a scheduled basis to let your loved ones know you are safe. If you miss a scheduled time, your contacts will know to start looking for you. • Use Skype, text messaging or a GPS-equipped phone that allows people back home to track your trip and ensure your safety.
Travel Smart
The Department of State has set up the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), a free service that lets you submit information about your trip so that the Department can assist you in an emergency. It makes it easier for U.S. embassies and consulates around the world to contact you and your loved ones during an emergency. Learn more at www.studentsabroad.state.gov.
I
linked in the message matches the name of the company it purports to be from. For example, “AcmeMetroBank.com” is not the same as “my.acme. metro.bank.com.” • Never click on a link within an email, IM or social networking site. Instead, type the address into your browser.
t’s often said that small businesses are the backbone of the American economy, and it could likewise be said that technology is the backbone of any small business – especially “micro small businesses,” which typically have only 1 to 10 computers. According to a recent survey of small business owners by Norton, nearly one in three respondents (28 percent) identified technology as one of their top business priorities, even ahead of reducing labor costs. Perhaps it’s eye-opening then that almost six out of ten small business owners (59 percent) admitted to having experienced some sort of malware (malicious software on their computer) in the past three years, and half of them (51 percent) had to pay an expert to resolve the problem. So if you’re a small business owner, here are some Internet security tips to help keep your business running smoothly.
Wi-Fi Security
Public Wi-Fi connections are everywhere, but their security may be inadequate. Internet hotspots can be a virtual goldmine for cyber villains looking to steal your personal information and drain your bank accounts.
Tips
• Change your network configuration to manually select each wireless network it joins. • Turn off file sharing while at a hotspot. • Avoid banking, stock trading, or conducting other sensitive online financial transactions.
how to manage your small
business computer security
Protect your growing
business when
expertise is not
on your side
Firewall
A firewall is a software or hardware program that provides a first line of defense preventing unauthorized users from accessing your computer or network. Without one, your computer is exposed to any computer connected to the Internet, which can invite malware, hackers and other unwanted intrusions.
Tip
It is never necessary to disable your firewall when performing a download, install, or other online transaction.
Phishing Attacks
Choose a modern firewall from a trusted vendor such as Norton that automatically allows access to legitimate applications, while blocking everything else.
Tips
“The pressures facing small businesses are huge – taxes, payroll, hiring, marketing, just to name a few,” said Krysten Thompson, director of business development at Norton (smallbusiness.norton. com), a maker of leading consumer Internet security products. “When it comes to technology that supports critical business operations, easy-to-use security software from companies such as Norton by Symantec is the way to go because they allow business owners to set it and forget it.”
Phishing masquerades as a legitimate email or website that requests personally identifiable information, like bank account information. When this information is entered, cybercriminals collect the data and either use it for their own purposes or sell it on the underground market. • Know the online policies of your online account provider. Banks, credit providers and other services will never ask you to confirm your personal details via email. • Make sure the URL of the site
Financial Planning Helps Manage Student Debt In an increasingly competitive global market, education is becoming more important. But many families find the cost of education to be outside their grasp. According to a study commissioned by the US Department of Education, from the 2001-02 to the 2010-11 academic year, the cost of attending a 4-year undergraduate instate school rose by 47.3 percent. With ever-increasing education expenses, many families are accumulating significant debt, putting students further behind. However, with planning and financial management, students can control their finances. Here are some tips for parents of soon-to-be college students. Start the conversation. Talk with other parents, teachers and guidance counselors about the cost of education. Make contact with the student financial aid offices of the colleges on your child’s list and get an accurate estimate of the cost of each institute. Most importantly, talk with your child. It is imperative your child learns the budgeting process as they will soon be managing their finances away from home.
Set the budget and stick to it
Once you have a set budget, add wiggle room for other unforeseeable expenses. Make sure you set this budget realistically. Calculating the cost of pens and pencils may seem ludicrous, but if you’re on a tight budget, every expense counts.
Get connected
Tracking your financial spending is easier than ever. From smart phone apps to free financial planning software, you can get an accurate financial report at any time. Research banks to determine which ones offer services to help you can stay on top of your budget. Also, consider linking your banking account with your child’s, to easily transfer funds online.
Make a plan
When taking on debt, it is important to have a plan for paying it off. Calculate the monthly payments and time it will take your child to pay off the debt. Research salary ranges for the field in which your child plans to
pursue a career to understand the debt they can realistically carry. Find more information and calculators to help determine payment schedules and interest rates at www.direct.ed.gov.
diploma. There are up to 350 Foresters Competitive Scholarships available, in the US and Canada including five Ken Peterson Awards for Community Service. These awards are worth up to $11,000.
Do your research
Learn more about the scholarship opportunities awarded by Foresters at www.foresters.com/membership/ scholarships.asp.
Before taking out a student loan, look to other options, such as financial aid and scholarships. While some scholarships are awarded on academic merit, others are given based upon both academic performance and community service. ForestersTM, a life insurance provider committed to the well-being of families and their communities, is one organization that provides a competitive scholarship program1 open to eligible members or their dependent children, including grandchildren, worth up to $8,000. Recipients can use the scholarship to attend accredited universities, colleges and vocational schools, as long as they are pursuing their first post-secondary degree or
ForestersTM is the trade name and a trademark of The Independent Order of Foresters, 789 Don Mills Road, Toronto, Canada M3C 1T9; its subsidiaries are licensed to use this mark. 1This program is administered by International Scholarship and Tuition Services, Inc. Only eligible Foresters members and their families can apply for these scholarships. Foresters member benefits are non-contractual, subject to eligibility requirements and limitations and may be changed or cancelled without notice. For details, visit www.foresters.com.
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teen tips
Teens Offer Parenting Tips that Encourage Teen Driver Safety
A
ll too often, news headlines tell of another teen killed in a car crash. It is estimated that 35 percent of teen casualties
are due to vehicular driving accidents, making it the leading cause
of death among teenagers in the U.S., according to the National
ect Ignition, thousands of young people have stood up to this statistic and worked tirelessly to change the driving behaviors of their peers and broader communities.
Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
If you have a teen driver in your family who you want to help
Through their participation in a high school program called Proj-
Project Ignition:
become safer on the road, here are some tips from students in
1 2 3 4
Open the lines of communication Talk with your teen about distracted driving. Make sure you both understand what things are dangerous distractions. Listen to your teen. Ask about what it’s like being in the car with other teens, and what distractions there are to handle. Offer Support Encourage your teen to use his or her voice. Role-play with your teen so that he can become comfortable saying things like, “We both want to live, so let me answer your phone or text while you drive.” Help your teen get involved with programs at school like Project Ignition, so that she can be a positive example and make an impact. Set Rules Set family ground rules for texting and calling while driving. Your teen needs to know you have high expectations, and what the consequences will be if the rules aren’t followed. Know where your teen is going, who he will be with, and what time he is expected home. Be a positive example Model the behavior you want your teen to exhibit. If the phone rings while you’re driving, don’t answer it. Encourage your teen to answer your phone or text, allowing you to drive more safely. Speak up about distracted driving to your friends and peers in front of your teen driver. Help set an example, spread the word and save lives.
Project Ignition
How it Works
A service-learning program coordinated by the National Youth
Twenty-five schools will be chosen to receive $2,000 grants to
available to public high schools in the U.S. and Canada.
engagement campaigns.
Leadership Council and funded by State Farm, makes grants
support the implementation of teen driver safety awareness and
The program provides young people the opportunity and tools
Ten of these 25 schools will be given $5,000 to sponsor their par-
in their communities by linking public service to academic cur-
also be given the opportunity to receive an additional $2,500 to go
necessary to take the lead in addressing teen driver safety issues riculum.
ticipation in a significant national conference or event. They will deeper with their campaigns during the 2012-2013 school year.
Additional information can be found at www.sfprojectignition.com
Stress Busters If you feel irritable, have a hard time concentrating, have low energy or a hard time sleeping, you could be showing signs of stress. In fact, it seems that most Americans are feeling stress these days. The American Psychological Association’s (APA) 2010 Stress in America survey disclosed that stress is taking a toll on physical health, as well as the emotional well-being of individuals and families. The majority of Americans live with moderate to high levels of stress but have a hard time making changes to cope with it. The survey also found that: • Two-fifths of surveyed adults reported overeating or eating unhealthy foods because of stress. • Nearly one-third of respondents said they skipped a meal because of stress. • More than four in ten said they had lain awake at night. • The most common physical symptoms of stress reported were irritability (45 percent), fatigue (41 percent) and lack of energy or motivation (38 percent). If you’re feeling stressed, take heart. There are some things you can do to manage your stress. The APA recommends that you:
Understand how you stress
How are your behaviors or thoughts different under stress? Do you have a harder time concentrating or making decisions? Do you lash out in anger? Or do you experience headaches, muscle aches or lack of energy?
Identify sources of stress
What triggers stressful feelings? Are these stress triggers related to family, health, financial decisions, work, or something else?
Find healthy ways to manage stress
Participate in stress-reducing activities like exercising, meditating, yoga, or talking things over with friends or family. Reaching out for support from others is another important part of stress management. It’s also important to take care of yourself with regular sleep, healthy eating and plenty of water. These are longer term solutions. But if time is at a minimum and you need some quick, safe and effective stress relief, you may want to try C3* for Stress, an allnatural drink mix of botanicals, vitamins and minerals that helps you relieve symptoms of stress so you can stay calm, cool and connected to your natural energy. Stimulant- and sedative-free, C3 minimizes the negative effects of stress, allowing you to be more productive, whether on a tight deadline, facing an overwhelming to-do list or experiencing a hectic situation. For new customers, a free sample of the work week fivepack is available at www.C3forStress.com. Just pay for shipping and handling. The warning signs of stress should not be taken lightly, so listen to what your body is telling you. By recognizing the triggers and understanding how you respond to it, you can healthfully manage and take measures to avoid the long-term problems associated with stress.
keep your Mental edge as you Age I
f you’ve ever walked into a room to look for something but forgot what you were looking for, you’re familiar with the feelings of forgetfulness and frustration. Unless you take immediate action, these feelings may worsen each year. There are easy lifestyle choices you can make every day to sustain your mental edge as you age. Cognitive decline, including memory loss, is one of the top fears among people over the age of 55. More than half of baby boomers fear the loss of mental capacity, and 41 percent are afraid their brain fitness has decreased in the past 10 years, according to a 2010 report in Today’s Dietitian. “New research shows that by changing our lifestyle habits we can help grow key parts of our brains, resulting in better memory, improved learning speed and mental agility,” said Majid Fotuhi M.D., Ph.D., chairman of the Neurology Institute for Brain Health and Fitness in Baltimore.
Give your brain a physical workout
Exercise helps maintain a healthy body and brain. Research has found associations between physical activity and reduced risk of cognitive decline. Give your body and brain a workout by engaging in physical activities such as yoga, walking and weight lifting, at least 30 minutes every day. It helps keep cholesterol levels in check, maintains good blood flow and encourages the growth of new brain cells and connections.
Nourish your mind
Help protect your brain cells from memory loss by following a diet that includes foods rich in good fats such as DHA, a major structural fat accounting for up to 97 percent of the omega-3 fats in the brain. DHA intake has been associated with a decreased risk of mental decline associated with aging. The body doesn’t make DHA on its own, so you need to consume DHA though food or supplements.
“The more omega-3 fat you eat, the more it is incorporated into brain cells, the more flexible your brain cell membranes become, the better you think, the more you remember and the happier you are,” said Elizabeth Somer, M.A., registered dietitian and author of “Eat Your Way to Happiness.” You can find DHA in certain foods, but another easy way to get it is by taking a daily DHA supplement like BrainStrong Adult, which contains 900 mg per serving of life’sDHA, which is clinically shown to improve memory in adults over 55, according to a study published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association.
Activate your mind through mental stimulation
Develop a “use it or lose it” philosophy when it comes to your brain. Studies have shown that brain cells, much like muscle cells, can grow bigger and stronger with cognitive challenges and stimulation. Pursuing education, learning a new language, reading, working cross-
word puzzles and even playing board games are fun ways to exercise your mind. Keep your brain active by engaging in brain-boosting activities you enjoy. Commit to learning something new each month.
Stay socially connected
Friends and family are often the key to happiness, and they just may be the key to brain health as well. Social interaction not only makes your life more fun and meaningful, but it also stimulates and protects your brain. Stay connected with others by being part of an in-person interaction, whether it’s in the workplace, a card club, a network of friends or a religious congregation. Seek out friends and family for emotional support to help manage stress and stay happy. Put your passions into action by volunteering for a cause you feel passionate about. By giving your brain a little more attention, you’ll not only lead a fuller life, but you’ll also be helping to keep your mental edge. For more about brain health, visit www.BrainStrongDHA.com.
Every hour of every day, Americans are hard at work Mainstreet business owners like you are the lifeblood of America. Our economy depends on you and your success. That’s why we partner with businesses just like you to make certain you stay strong in these tough economic times. Find out the difference an involved insurance professional can make.
Wireless Technology Helps Improve Healthcare
R
egardless of age, sex, ethnicity, race, education or location, the number of Americans who are obese, diabetic or suffer from heart and other chronic diseases continues to rise. But new technology is helping to improve patient wellbeing.
tor’s appointments. If there are irregularities with the patient’s health, doctors are made aware via wireless monitoring, and can properly address the matter by alerting their patient to visit the emergency room, or prescribe medication.
By using mobile health products and services, such as those offered by mHealth, the wireless industry is dramatically reforming healthcare via the three pillars of reformation: improving access and quality of care while decreasing costs. According to CTIA-The Wireless Association’s semi-annual survey, there are more wireless devices (322.9 million) than Americans (315.5 million), so it makes sense to connect health and wireless technology.
In a field in which every second counts, doctors can improve care by receiving real-time delivery of medical tests and other vital information. With these tech innovations, patients can be prompted by text message to check their glucose level or take their blood pressure. Remote monitoring also means medical professionals can detect health problems such as cardiac arrhythmias.
Wireless health technology is efficient
A recent CTIA and Harris survey found that physicians believe more than one quarter of their patients would benefit from wireless services. In addition, 80 percent of doctors and 89 percent of specialists said
When doctors monitor their patients remotely, patients save time and money by cutting down on in-office doc-
Wireless healthcare benefits for patients
they want to see continued investment in mHealth as wireless technology is able to improve and promote better healthcare. Wireless medical devices are especially beneficial for people in rural and remote areas who do not typically have readily available access to the best healthcare professionals. Regardless of one’s location, mHealth solutions eliminate inconsistency in healthcare by offering patients the opportunity to receive the best access and care. Currently, there are more than 17,000 mobile apps available for consumers to track weight-loss, exercise and fitness progress or to help manage chronic disease. For example, some apps help diabetics record their daily blood sugar levels. If the levels entered are harmful or dangerous, a text message alerts users with suggested steps and tips to prevent the condition from getting worse. Expecting and new mothers can receive free weekly text messages via text4baby. These messages coincide with the baby’s due date or date of birth. Started in February 2010, and led by National Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies Coalition, text4baby has sent more than 250,000 medically underserved people health tips.
Wireless Healthcare Predictions
According to international consulting and marketing firm Global Partners Inc., it is projected that 60 million people will benefit from using tools like remote patient monitoring devices by 2013 to prolong and improve their health. The U.S. currently spends more than any other industrialized country in the world on healthcare, approximately $2.2 trillion every year, but mHealth solutions could help save as much as $21.1 billion per year. Thanks to the proliferation of mobile products and services, ease-of-use and continued innovation by the wireless industry, mHealth can dramatically revolutionize our healthcare system. But in order for mHealth to make a significant impact, the wireless industry needs more spectrum. It fuels the wireless industry so we can meet consumers’ demands for everything from accessing the mobile Internet to powering mHealth solutions. To learn more about the future of mHealth and the wireless industry’s need for more spectrum, please visit: www.ctia.org/advocacy/policy_topics/topic.cfm/ TID/59.
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