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Bimonthly Newsletter from VM Pensions Management
Eco Tips for Post-Pandemic Life
TAKING CARE OF THE CARE GIVERS: Medical workers should make their future selves happy too.
HOW TO HELP A FRIEND WITH SICKLE CELL DISEASE
JUNE 2021
Eco Tips for Post-Pandemic Life W
ith all the challenges experienced as a result of the pandemic, it’s hard to imagine the pluses that might come from this global event. More people working from home and the constraints of curfew hours have meant less traffic on the roads, in the skies and on the seas. And, despite the range of inconveniences this created for us humans, it seemed the environment breathed a planetary sigh of relief. In Brazil, carbon monoxide levels dropped by 65%. Data from 44 Chinese cities showed reductions in the levels of five major air pollutants of up to 25%. Pollution levels in India’s longest freshwater lake fell by nearly 16%, while beach closures reduced the amount of trash leaking into the waters off the Kenyan coast. Flora and fauna in tourist locations the world over benefited from the ease in traffic due to travel restrictions. Indoors, however, the story has been a bit different. Due to the increased use of personal protective equipment, hospitals generated considerably more waste last year. And with more of us spending more hours inside, we’ve also been producing more in-home waste post pandemic. More time at home means more solid waste and more sewage being produced. With the observance of world environment day earlier this month it’s only fitting that we take a look at ways to reduce our carbon footprints.
Cut your energy consumption – When we spend days at a time at home, moving from room to room, it’s easy to forget to turn off lights. Make it a habit to hit the switch whenever you leave a room. You should also plug out equipment that’s not being used, as many still use electricity as long as they’re plugged in.
Save Water – Cutting your bathing time down by just 5 minutes can save 12 gallons per shower. If you have a heater, you’ll also save on energy used, reducing your light bill. A low-flow showerhead is also a good way to minimize water usage. Reuse and recycle – Recycling is a major way to reduce your impact on the earth’s environment. Plastics, glass bottles, cardboard, car batteries and toner cartridges can all be recycled. Here is a list of places that will take items for recycling. Used oil can also be recycled at these locations. Grow what you can – Starting a herb garden or growing your own fruits and vegetables has more benefits beyond their nutritional value. The delivery of produce is done by trucks and other equipment that use fossil fuels and generate emissions that contribute to global warming. Growing your own is one way to make a difference and the gardening can be good source of fresh air and exercise. Go vegetarian – Skipping meat for even one day a week contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gases generated by industrially farmed animals. A reduction in meat consumption will also lower the energy consumed by the wider industry. These are just a few ways to reduce the negative impact our increased time at home can have on the natural world outside. There may be some value to be gained from the lessons of the pandemic. As the world opens up and things get back to normal, it might be a good idea to take a look at what ‘normal’ means and, at least when it comes to our relationship with the environment, redefine it.
to choose a plan based on your goals and risk appetite. If you’re starting your own practice, an appropriate retirement plan is an important part of a solid foundation. Starting a group plan is free and will ensure you and your staff are covered in the post-work years. Employees these days are interested in packages more than a flat paycheck, even in small businesses. So a group plan can make your practice more attractive to potential hires. The peace of mind that comes from knowing that aspect of their future is taken care of can also contribute a happier and more focused team.
As National Doctors’ Day rolls around this year, Jamaica’s doctors find themselves embroiled in the biggest public health challenge in over a century. Over the last 18 months, alongside other front-line medical staff, they have shown us why they are essential, not only for our health, but also for the wheels of society to keep turning. With the recent spike in local COVID-19 cases, our nurses and medical teams continue to rise to the occasion, doing the impossible to keep Jamaicans safe in what can, at times, be a thankless job. After all the energy and drive our health care workers put into caring for so many, it seems fitting to look at how to care for them and their futures.
At VM Pensions Management, our own front-line team continues to play a major role as we navigate the postpandemic era. They’ve adapted to new restrictions, while maintaining the same level of service our clients have come to expect. As many work from home, they continue to man their stations for the benefit of those of our clients who need to see us in person. Their dedication, like that of the island’s healthcare workforce, is inspirational. This is the commitment they bring to the table. So when it’s time for you to take care of future you, it’s nice to have someone that understands what it means to you.
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Taking Care of the Care Givers
As a health care worker, whatever your current situation, you can secure the lifestyle you want for your future self even while you’re busy taking care of others. A call with an advisor from VM Pensions Management should help answer any questions you have in deciding on the right option for you.
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Working in the private sector means you may not be enrolled in a group pension plan. If not, consider getting set up with your own approved retirement scheme (ARS). The contributions work like a group plan, up to 20% of your income can be invested tax-free toward retirement. With an ARS you can have some say in how your funds are invested. ARS plans like the one at VM Pensions Management allow you
Q U ES TI 1. O Is N m 2. y S H p
If you’re a health care worker, your pension plan is how to take care of future you.
MEET THE TEAM
Monique Foster BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
Monique Foster is the Business Development Officer at Victoria Mutual Pensions Management, where she develops and executes strategies to increase company revenue. H E A LT H & W E L L N E S S
World Sickle Cell Awareness Day was June 19, 2021. It is held annually to raise awareness about Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) and the struggle that the sufferers or a patient’s family face.The theme for 2021 Is: ‘Shine the light on Sickle Cell’
My Friend Has Sickle Cell Disease. How Can I Help?
Monique graduated from the University of the West Indies with a bachelor’s degree in Animal Biology and Psychology in 2015. After graduating, she started her career in the Medical field as a Medical Representative for Indian based Pharmaceutical company shortly before entering the Insurance Industry where she honed her skills in Employee Benefits. In case you missed it, we invite you to watch the recap video of our first retirement planning webinar for 2021:
Sickle cell disease. It’s a strange sounding name — but the word “sickle” doesn’t come from “sick.” The disease got this name because it causes blood cells to be curved or C-shaped, like the shape of an old-fashioned farm tool called a sickle. Normally, blood cells are round and look a bit like donuts. In people with sickle cell disease, some of the red blood cells harden and curve. They also break down faster than healthy red blood cells and can clog a person’s small blood vessels. This causes severe pain, called a “pain crisis.” A pain crisis can last for a few moments, a few days, or even longer. Medications can help lessen the pain. Because of sickle cell disease, your friend may be tired more often than you are or have trouble fighting infections. Read the full article here:: https://www.rchsd.org/health-articles/ my-friend-has-sickle-cell-disease-howtcan-i-help
VM Pensions Management Ltd 73-75 Half Way Tree Road Kingston 10, Jamaica
TERMS YOU SHOULD KNOW PENSIONER TRUSTEE This is an individual who has been nominated and elected to represent the pensioners and deferred pensioners of a Fund or Scheme. The trustee holds assets in trust for the beneficiaries of the scheme. Trustees are responsible for ensuring that the pension scheme is run properly, and that members’ benefits are secure.
Tel: 876-754-7265 Fax: 876-754-8359 Email: pensions.info@myvmgroup.com