Keeping it healthy 2018 #1

Billings Area News Group • January 11, 2018

Keeping it Healthy – 1

Winter 2018

A publication of the Yellowstone Newspaper Group

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2 – Keeping it Healthy

Billings Area News Group • January 11, 2018

How to overcome WORKOUT FATIGUE Regular exercise provides a host of immediate and longterm benefits. Those who exercise regularly can maintain healthy weights while reducing their risk for illnesses such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

light meal or snack roughly two hours before exercising, and then eating again within one hour of finishing a workout. Doing so provides some energy during a workout and helps muscles broken down during exercise refuel and repair.

While exercise can make people more energetic throughout the day, some might find themselves battling fatigue during their workouts. Muscle fatigue is a normal side effect of exercise, but people who are experiencing difficulty getting through their workouts due to fatigue may benefit from the following strategies.

Stay hydrated. Hydrating during a workout helps replace the water and nutrients that are lost through sweat. Muscles that are not hydrated during a workout and throughout the rest of the day are susceptible to fatigue.

Eat a balanced diet. The Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City advises that a well-balanced diet that includes complex proteins, fruits, vegetables, and carbohydrates can help men and women combat workout fatigue. People who are working out in an effort to lose weight may think that combining exercise with a diet low in carbohydrates can help them achieve their goal more quickly. However, the HSS advises people dealing with workout fatigue to increase the amount of carbohydrates they eat. Doing so will help muscles maintain their glycogen levels, which are depleted during exercise. According to the HSS, carbs should account for between 40 and 60 percent of aerobic athletes’ caloric intake, and between 30 and 35 percent for anaerobic athletes.

Eat before and after a workout. Early risers who like to exercise first thing in the morning might develop muscle fatigue if they workout on empty stomachs. The HSS recommends eating a

Use proper form when exercising. Improper form can lead to injury and/or muscle fatigue. Men and women who cannot adhere to proper form when working out may need to reduce the amount of weight they’re lifting. As activities are performed using proper form, people may find they’re building muscle without growing fatigued. As workouts progress, weight can be added.

Give the body time to recover. Whether it’s more time between sets of repetitions or an extra day off between workouts, a fatigued body might just need more time to rest and recover. Aging men and women must recognize that they might not be capable of pushing themselves as hard as they once did and should adjust their workouts accordingly.

Fatigue is a formidable foe for exercise enthusiasts. But such exhaustion can oftentimes be overcome with a few simple strategies.

Billings Area News Group • January 11, 2018

Keeping it Healthy – 3

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4 – Keeping it Healthy

Billings Area News Group • January 11, 2018

PEANUT BUTTER BANANA OVERNIGHT OATS Servings: 2 1⁄4 cup powdered peanut butter 3⁄4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats 2 teaspoons ground chia seeds 1 1⁄2 cups unsweetened coconut milk 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 1⁄2 cup small banana, sliced 1 tablespoon peanuts, chopped 1 tablespoon peanut butter

The benefits to joining CREDIT UNIONS

In medium bowl, stir together powdered peanut butter, oats, chia seeds, coconut milk and vanilla extract.

Divide evenly into mason jars or storage containers and refrigerate overnight.

Before serving, add banana slices, chop­ped peanuts and peanut butter to each.

Nutritional information per serving: 280 calories, 12 g total fat, 4 g saturated fat, 135 mg sodium, 36 g carbohydrates, 7 g dietary fiber, 8 g sugar, 10 g protein, 8% vitamin A, 4% vitamin C, 35% calcium, 13% iron.

Many people conduct their financial business with banks. But credit unions provide a host of benefits that consumers who have always worked with banks may be unaware of.

Credit unions are similar to banks. Perhaps the biggest difference between credit unions and banks is that the former are nonprofit organizations. Credit unions tend to be smaller than banks, and membership may be limited to certain people based on preestablished criteria. For example, some credit unions may offer membership only to people who live within a given postal code, people who belong to specific unions or trade groups, or students/employees of certain schools.

According to statistics from the Credit Union National Association, 3.7 million people joined a credit union in 2015, and numbers are now at an all-time high. That’s likely because there are many perks to joining a credit union.

WHY CHOOSE TO JOIN A CREDIT UNION?

The financial resource Bankrate.com says that, since credit unions are not-for-profit entities, they can pass on extra money to their members through higher interest rates on savings accounts, CDs and other products. This also enables them to offer lower interest rates on loan products and credit cards.

Another advantage to credit unions is that they are cooperatives owned and operated by their members. This gives members a say in institutional decisions, and credit unions typically provide exemplary customer service because members are part-owners.

Credit unions typically charge fewer fees than national banks. Money Crashers says that many credit unions waive fees on checks, electronic transactions and withdrawals, and they do not require minimum balances. Overdraft fees, where applicable, tend to be lower than traditional banks.

CAN ANYONE JOIN A CREDIT UNION?

Credit unions have limited eligibility by law. Customers cannot open an account in any credit union they choose; they must meet certain requirements. These limitations should not deter prospective customers, as many adult consumers can find credit unions they’re eligible to join.

Individuals shopping around for a place to put their money may find that credit unions are just what they need.

BAKED SALMON WITH PEANUT BUTTER GLAZE Servings: 4 1 pound salmon 1 teaspoon olive oil freshly ground pepper, to taste 1⁄4 cup peanut butter 2 teaspoons chili garlic sauce 1⁄4 cup 100 percent orange juice

Heat oven to 400 F and line baking sheet with aluminum foil. Place salmon on baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil and season with pepper, to taste. Bake salmon 15-20 minutes until cooked through.

In small saucepot over medium-low heat, whisk together peanut butter, chili garlic sauce and orange juice, and cook until warm.

To serve, pour peanut butter glaze over salmon.

Nutritional information per serving: 334 calories, 23 g total fat, 5 g saturated fat, 50 mg cholesterol, 173 mg sodium, 5 g carbohydrates, 1 g fiber, 3 g sugar, 27 g protein, 8% vitamin C, 4% calcium, 3% iron.

Billings Area News Group • January 11, 2018

POWER UP with plant protein

Keeping it Healthy – 5

(Family Features) When it comes to getting energy from the food you eat, it’s no secret that protein packs a powerful punch. However, research shows certain plant-based proteins, like peanuts, may carry additional benefits.

According to a Harvard School of Public Health study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, substituting plantbased proteins like peanuts for animal proteins and low-quality carbohydrates can result in lowering diabetes risk by 7-21 percent.

Because peanuts are known as a low glycemic index food due to their slow digestion that causes sugar to gradually be released into the bloodstream, they can have positive effects on blood sugar control.

Find more nutritional information and ways to include peanuts in your diet at gapeanuts.com.

CHICKEN PAD THAI

Servings: 4 1 pound chicken breast freshly ground pepper, to taste 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon honey 2 teaspoons chili garlic sauce 3 tablespoons rice wine vinegar 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce 1 tablespoon peanut butter 1⁄4 cup water 1 medium zucchini, spiralized (about 1 cup) 2 medium carrots, spiralized (about 1 cup) 1 cup cooked pad thai stir-fry noodles 1 cup bean sprouts 1 cup thinly sliced cabbage 1 lime, quartered 1⁄4 cup unsalted peanuts, crushed 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro

Season chicken with pepper, to taste. In large, nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil and cook chicken until fully cooked and juices are clear. Remove chicken from pan and allow to rest 5 minutes before slicing.

To make sauce: In small bowl, whisk together honey, chili garlic sauce, rice wine vinegar, soy sauce, peanut butter and water.

Add zucchini, carrots, rice noodles and chicken to pan; pour sauce over and toss to coat. Toss in bean sprouts and cabbage. Serve with lime wedge, crushed peanuts and cilantro.

Nutritional information per serving: 295 calories, 12 g total fat, 2 g saturated fat, 60 mg cholesterol, 792 mg sodium, 22 g carbohydrates, 4 g fiber, 9 g sugar, 27 g protein, 109% vitamin A, 46% vitamin C, 7% calcium, 10% iron.

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6 – Keeping it Healthy

Billings Area News Group • January 11, 2018

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Billings Area News Group • January 11, 2018

Keeping it Healthy – 7

How to speed up

M E TA B O L I S M When attempting to lose weight, men and women can expect to hear or read a lot about their metabolism. The process by which the body converts the foods we eat and the beverages we drink into energy, metabolism is widely misunderstood.

Many people may have been told that a naturally slow metabolism might be to blame for their weight gain. But according to The Mayo Clinic, a slow metabolism is rarely to blame for excess weight gain, which can most often be attributed to both poor dietary choices and inactivity.

Certain conditions that slow metabolism, such as Cushing’s syndrome or hypothyroidism, can cause excessive weight gain, and people who have been diagnosed with such conditions should consult their physicians for advice on dealing with their conditions. But those without conditions that affect their metabolisms may need to make certain lifestyle adjustments that can speed up their metabolisms and help them lose excess weight.

STRENGTH TRAINING

Muscle burns more calories than fat, even when the body is at rest. Building muscle is a great way to speed up metabolism. Each pound of muscle your body has burns roughly six calories per day just to sustain itself. That’s three times the calories that each pound of fat burns. Add that

disparity up over time, and a body with significant muscle is burning considerably more calories than one with excessive fat.

STAY HYDRATED

Dehydration takes its toll on the body in myriad ways, including affecting metabolism. Even mild dehydration can slow metabolism. When the body is dehydrated, its ability to use fat as fuel is compromised, slowing metabolism as a result. In addition, muscles need water to generate energy, so dehydrated muscles will not be burning as many calories as those that are fully hydrated. Make an effort to stay hydrated throughout the day, whether you’re sitting at your desk in the office or working up a sweat at the gym.

SNACK HEALTHY

Healthy meals benefit metabolism, but unhealthy snacks can derail your dieting efforts. Metabolism speeds up and burns calories each time the body eats, and many people adhere to the concept of “grazing” for that very reason.

Grazing involves eating

several small meals every three to four hours throughout the day rather than the more traditional three full meals each day.

Grazing devotees feel that the approach burns more calories than more traditional diets, but the difference in calories burned may actually be negligible. Still, healthy snacking can speed up metabolism and help men and women avoid overeating at breakfast, lunch and/or dinner. In lieu of snacking on potato chips or baked goods, opt for healthier fare such as Greek yogurt or a serving of fruits or vegetables.

MORE PROTEIN

The thermic effect of food refers to the process by which the human body uses energy to absorb, digest and dispose of the food it ingests. Protein stimulates the thermic effect of food more significantly than foods that are high in fat or carbohydrates, so the body will burn more calories digesting dietary protein than it will other foods. In addition to speeding up your metabolism, dietary protein also helps people feel full longer, reducing their risk of overeating.

Understanding metabolism can help men and women as they attempt to lose weight and maintain healthy weights once those extra pounds have been shed.

8 – Keeping it Healthy

Billings Area News Group • January 11, 2018

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Billings Area News Group • January 11, 2018

Keeping it Healthy – 9

Simple ways to quickly boost CREDIT SCORES The road to great credit begins with consumers. Consumers who demonstrate an ability to pay bills on time and stay out of debt can make themselves more attractive to prospective creditors, which can ultimately save them thousands of dollars when they purchase homes and/or vehicles.

While strong credit scores take years to build, men and women looking to improve their scores can begin doing so rather quickly. Scores will not skyrocket overnight, but they will begin to improve if consumers begin taking the following steps.

Pay bills on time. Paying bills on time is one of the most effective and simplest ways for consumers to improve their credit scores. One of the credit scores lenders use to determine if they will extend credit to a given applicant is the FICO® score, which is generated by the Fair Isaac Corporation. According to the Fair Isaac Corp., a FICO score is broken down into five categories, some of which factor more heavily than others. An individual’s payment history accounts for 35 percent of his or her FICO score, making it the most influential of the five factors for people who have been using credit for a long time. (Note: People with a nonexistent or greatly limited credit history may have their FICO scores more influenced by other factors.)

If necessary, set up automatic payments so all bills, but especially bills owed to creditors, such as credit card companies and student loan lenders, are paid on time.

Pay down balances and keep them low. Paying bills on time might not be enough to dramatically improve credit scores if consumers are still only paying

the minimum amount each month while maintaining high balances. After payment history, amounts owed is the second biggest influence of most consumers’ FICO scores, accounting for 30 percent of an individual’s score. So in addition to paying on time, consumers should try to pay more than the minimum amount due each month, ideally paying balances in full each month.

Study your credit report. Credit scores can sometimes fall victim to errors on a person’s credit report. A 2012 Federal Trade Commission Study found that roughly 25 percent of all consumers had errors on their credit reports that adversely affected their credit scores. Consumers who suspect their credit score does not reflect their credit worthiness should examine their reports, which are available to all consumers once a year for free, for mistakes. Report any mistakes to Equifax, Experian and/or TransUnion.

Wait to apply for new lines of credit or mortgages. Consumers’ credit scores take a small hit each time they apply for new lines of credit, whether it’s a credit card or mortgage. Consumers who want to quickly improve their scores should refrain from applying for new lines of credit until they have increased their scores to a point where they won’t mind seeing those scores take a small dip.

Consumers’ credit scores can affect their lives in various ways. While it takes time to build strong credit histories, consumers can take small steps to begin improving their credit scores right away.

10 – Keeping it Healthy

Billings Area News Group • January 11, 2018

STAY SAFE

when to dealing with sinus pressure Sinuses are bony, hollow, air-filled cavities inside the face and skull. They are located in the low-center of the forehead, behind the eyes and in bones behind the nose. Cedars-Sinai Medical Center says the sinuses lighten the skull and produce a mucus that moisturizes the inside of the nose. Unfortunately, when colds or the flu strike, sinuses may become one of the first spots affected by these illnesses.

When the sinuses are working properly, mucus will drain into the nasal passages or out the back of the throat. Most of this drainage goes unnoticed.

However, the American

Sinus Institute says that factors such as allergies, illness, weather changes, dehydration, and dry air can make the sinus mucus thicker and drainage more difficult. This is when problems like infection, stuffiness or throat irritation may occur.

In order to combat sinus congestion and drainage concerns, people may try certain strategies that include flushing the sinuses and thinning the mucus. It is imperative to use safe flushing methods to keep the sinuses healthy.

Neti pots are among the more popular methods to flushing sinuses. These small teapot-like devices with elongated snouts have become a fixture in many medicine cabinets. Because they are drug-free alternatives, they can be handy for those worried about antihistamines making them drowsy or reacting with other drugs. Neti pots and other nasal irrigation systems use saline to moisten and clear out nasal passages to promote drainage of sinus cavities. However, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, using these devices improperly can increase one’s risk of infection. CBS News says that neti pots have even been linked to the deadly Naegleria fowleri, which is otherwise known as the “brain-eating” amoeba.

The key to preventing infection is to only use previously boiled, sterile or distilled water to irrigate. Tap water is not adequately filtered, says the FDA, and may contain low levels of organisms that can stay alive in nasal passages and potentially cause serious infections.

Those who are concerned about nasal irrigation safety may be wise to skip neti pots and use pre-packaged, sterile saline solutions that are bottled for the purpose of alleviating congestion.

However, when prepared water is used in a clean neti pot or other device, these methods can be perfectly safe.

Sinuses can get clogged for many reasons. To free up breathing, people are urged to consult their physicians to learn more about how to safely irrigate their nasal passages.

Billings Area News Group • January 11, 2018

Keeping it Healthy – 11

Staying INDEPENDENT in your home Staying independent in your own home is possible using various types of equipment to help you do just that. The option of course is to move to a one level home or apartment or assisted living to keep your independence.

Obstacles that can be easily overcome are stairways.

If there are issues with your knees, back or balance, stairs can be very challenging. There is equipment, stairlifts, that can help you overcome the stairways in your home. A stairlift can be straight or curved depending on the layout of your stairs. With this piece of equipment you can walk up to the stairs, sit in the stairlift seat and ride up or down the steps, when you get to the top you push down on a lever located beside the seat and stair chair turns so you get off forward preventing an accidental fall down the stairs and you then go about your tasks. A curved stair lift has many configurations, for example you can ride the stair chair up the first 3-4 steps, then you have a landing and then the stairs continue on up several more feet.

The curved stairlift allows you to sit in the seat on the main level and it will take you up the first set of steps, curve over the landing and continue on up the second set of steps where you get off and again go about your business.

lift are two gates with electronic locks on the top and bottom. That way if the lift is at the top you can't drive your wheelchair under the lift and if you're on the porch you can't try to drive onto the lift as a gate won't let you if the lift is on the ground. The lifts cost more than a stairlift unless you're looking at installing a curved stairlift, make it simple to get onto and off a porch and allows you independence.

Another option for exterior stairs are ramps.

Depending on the length you need and how it needs to be configured to meet the angle required for incline.

Generally it is a 1:12 ratio but if using a powered wheelchair 2:12 ratio. This means for each inch of height you need a foot of ramp. 24" of step height requires 24 feet of ramp for a 1:12 ratio.

When Customers compare the price of any of this equipment with what it costs for a month or two in assisted living the equipment comes out more economical and you keep saving month after month by being at home.

Stairlifts can vary in cost depending on if they are for a straight set of stairs or a curved set of stairs and the length of the stairways. When you compare the cost of a stairlift to the cost of one month in assisted living or Long term care the price is very economical.

Exterior stairs are another issue. There are a few ways to deal with exterior stairs. First there is the outdoor stairlift that you can ride on to get up the front steps or there is a vertical platform lift if you utilize a wheelchair to get around. A vertical platform lift can be placed on either side of the exterior stairs if there is room or a bridge can be built between the vertical lift and the top step so you ride up on the lift and exit onto the top landing or top step and enter the house. Some families have easier access to a side entry or rear entry that may have a porch built on it. The lift is then placed on a concrete pad, part of the porch railing may be removed and the lift then lifts the person from the ground up to the porch level and they drive off. The safety features on a vertical

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12 – Keeping it Healthy

Billings Area News Group • January 11, 2018

What consumers can do after a DATA BREACH As the summer of 2017 drew to a close, news broke of a data breach at the credit monitoring agency Equifax. Reports suggested the breach might have compromised the sensitive personal information of as many as 143 million Americans, or roughly half the adult population of the United States.

In the digital age, consumers are more vulnerable to such breaches than ever before. Data stolen as part of the Equifax breach included names, social security numbers and birthdates, among other personal information. Consumers concerned about data breaches can take certain steps to determine if they have been compromised while also taking measures to safeguard themselves against future breaches.

WHEN BREACHES HAPPEN News of the Equifax breach understandably inspired panic among consumers, and future data breaches will be no different.

Hackers who gain access to consumers’ personal information can steal identities, file false tax returns, take out loans in unsuspecting consumers’ names, and commit a host of other crimes that can negatively affect consumers’ credit ratings and compromise their ability to secure loans in the future. When a breach happens, consumers should do the following.

Contact the agency that was affected. After acknowledging it had been breached, Equifax set up a website (https://trustedidpremier.com/eligibility/eligibility.html) where consumers could find out if their information had been compromised by the breach.

When using such websites, consumers should make sure they are using secure connections, as they will be asked to enter personal information.

Examine credit reports. Even if individuals’ personal information was not compromised, they can monitor their credit reports for suspicious activity. Many credit card companies now

provide monthly credit report updates to cardholders. Individuals should monitor these to see if any new accounts have been opened without their knowledge. If ratings suddenly plummet despite relative inactivity from consumers, they should contact one of the major reporting agencies for a thorough report. Such reports are typically free once per year.

FUTURE BREACHES Breaches are seemingly inevitable in the digital age. Concerned consumers can take steps to protect themselves against future breaches.

Continue monitoring credit reports. Individuals should take advantage of the monthly credit rating reports offered by their credit card companies even if no breaches have been reported. Hackers may sell consumers’ information, which thieves can then sit on for years before ultimately using to commit financial fraud. Routine monitoring can help consumers instantly address any suspicious activity before things spiral out of control.

Place a fraud alert on all accounts. Fraud alerts warn creditors that individuals may have been compromised by past data breaches, forcing them to verify that credit or loan applicants are legitimate before they can open any new accounts or take out any loans.

File taxes as early as possible. Criminals with access to consumers’ personal information can file false tax returns and steal their refunds before consumers even realize they have been victimized. File early, before thieves have had a chance to file false returns.

Consumer data breaches can affect every facet of consumers’ lives. Knowing what to do when such breaches occur and how to reduce their risk of being victimized can help consumers when the next breach occurs.

Billings Area News Group • January 11, 2018

Keeping it Healthy – 13

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14 – Keeping it Healthy

Billings Area News Group • January 11, 2018

EMBRACING GERMS:

They’re not all bad

Germs have gotten a somewhat undeserved reputation. For decades, people have done what they can to avoid these unseemly organisms, thinking that exposure to germs is the single-best way to get and remain sick. Certainly there are germs that a person would be wise to avoid. However, not all germs must be avoided.

better able to fight off diseases naturally.

Bacteria are tiny, one-celled creatures that get nutrients from their environments to live.

In some instances, that environment is the human body. Bacteria can reproduce inside and outside of the body.

While bacteria that cause repeated infections might be considered bad, there actually are a host of good bacteria. Such bacteria help people digest food and protect against gastrointestinal upset, such as diarrhea. Some bacteria may help people fight off illnesses caused by other bacteria or viruses, says research published in the journal Best Practice & Research Clinical Gastroenterology. Beneficial bacteria may help stimulate the immune system so that the body is

that are resistant to antibiotics — with at least 23,000 people dying as a result of these infections.

People frequently overlook good bacteria in an effort to eradicate bad bacteria, and that can have serious detriments. Unfortunately, the “antibacterial” products available for cleaning and medicines used for treating bacterial illnesses do not discriminate between good and bad germs. They simply eradicate them all.

Germs are tiny organisms that can enter the Heathline says that this can create an imbalance of body through open cuts, the mouth, bacteria in the body that may lead to harmful bacteria the nose, and the eyes. Germs taking over. Harmful bacteria also may evolve to are found all over the world. resist common treatments because of the overuse The four main types of of antibacterial and antimicrobial medicines and germs include bacteria, products. viruses, fungi, and The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention protozoa. Bacteria says that antimicrobial agents have been used for the are a type of germ last 70 years to treat patients with infectious diseases. that often get Although they’ve helped treat illnesses, these drugs a bad rap but have enabled the organisms they’re meant to destroy actually may to adapt to them, making the drugs less effective. Some have benefits bacteria are even resistant to certain antibacterial that outweigh drugs. The CDC says each year in the United States at their negatives. least two million people become infected with bacteria

Various medical sources urge that regular handwashing with plain soap is enough for cleansing.

Consuming foods with naturally occurring helpful organisms, such as yogurt, chocolate, feta cheese, pickles, and dark chocolate, can help increase the levels of good bacteria in the body. Taking a probiotic supplement also may help, although researchers at the Cleveland Clinic report that there is not enough proof to say for sure.

People should speak with their doctors before taking probiotics or other steps to increase bacteria to make sure they are a wise decision for each individual.

Billings Area News Group • January 11, 2018

Keeping it Healthy – 15

Online banking SAFETY TIPS

In the digital era, many errands that once required leaving the house can be conducted from the comforts of home. Groceries can be ordered online and delivered to consumers’ doorsteps, while bills can be paid online, saving men and women from having to drive to their nearby post office.

Online banking has revolutionized the way people manage their money. Investors can buy or sell stocks with the click of a mouse, and money can be moved across accounts just as easily and instantly. Many consumers now even do their banking on their mobile phones. In fact, a 2016 study from the Federal Reserve found that 67 percent of millennials use mobile banking, suggesting that mobile banking is the wave of the future.

While online or mobile banking makes it easy for consumers to manage their money, it’s also potentially much riskier than in-person banking at the bank. Unseen hackers and thieves are lurking online and in places where Wi-Fi is open and free, so online and mobile banking enthusiasts must exercise caution when accessing their accounts.

Sign up for two-factor authentication. Some banks and credit card companies now provide two-factor authentication, and some may even insist their customers use it. Two-factor authentication requires two forms of verification before users can log into their accounts. The first might be the traditional username and password, while the second might be a temporary code texted or emailed to users after they log into their accounts. Some consumers may feel two-factor authentication is tedious and slow, but it’s an effective safety measure that should only delay online or mobile banking by a few seconds.

Use only secure network connections. Public Wi-Fi can be convenient, but consumers should never use such connections to do their online or mobile banking. The American Bankers Association suggests consumers always do their online banking via their own private home networks. Consumers who routinely use public Wi-Fi, even if it’s just for basic internet surfing, should log out of mobile banking apps or websites before logging on to public networks.

Change passwords frequently and avoid using the same password for more than one account. Many banking websites advise customers if their passwords are weak or strong when customers first set up their accounts. Even if customers’ passwords are deemed strong, it’s best to change them periodically so hackers or criminals cannot guess them. And consumers should never use the same password for more than one account, as that can make it much easier for criminals to steal consumers’ identities.

Monitor credit scores. Consumers have the right to one free credit report each year, but many credit card companies now update customers regarding their credit scores once per month.

Consumers many need to sign up to take advantage of this service, but doing so is typically free. If credit scores suddenly dip unexpectedly and without reason, consumers may have been victimized by identity theft and can then take the necessary course of action to address the issue.

Online and mobile banking is convenient, but consumers must tread carefully when accessing sensitive financial information online.

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16 – Keeping it Healthy

Billings Area News Group • January 11, 2018