Summer Safety: Pools

Posted on Tuesday, 29 May 2012 by
Pool Time

Have you opened your pool?

What could be better than a dip in the pool during a hot day? Swimming, a popular summer activity, can also be dangerous for children and parents who aren’t aware of the possible dangers associated with backyard pools. Consider these statistics about water-Related injuries in the United States:

• Drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury-related death (after car accidents) among kids under age 14.
• Most drownings involving children ages 1 to 4 occur in home swimming pools.
• The majority of young children who drown were last seen in the care of one or both parents in the home, and had been out of sight for less than five minutes.
• Young children can drown in less than two inches of water.

If possible, do not put a swimming pool in your yard until your children are older than 5 years old. If you already have a pool, protect your children from drowning by following these suggestions.
• Never leave your child alone in or near a pool, even for a moment.
• Install a fence at least four feet high around all sides of the pool.
• Make sure pool gates self-close and self-latch at a height children cannot reach.
• Keep rescue equipment (a shepherd’s hook and a life preserver) and a telephone near the pool.
• Avoid inflatable swimming aids such as “floaties” — they are not a substitute for a certified life vest.
• Anyone babysitting or watching your child should be able to administer CPR.
• Remove all toys from the pool after use, so children aren’t tempted to reach for them.
• After children are done swimming, secure the pool so they cannot get back in.

Remember, teaching your children how to swim does not automatically make them safe in the water or mean they do not need supervision.

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The WEEKEND!

Posted on Friday, 25 May 2012 by
Dwyane Wade

Too tough.

Dwyane Wade. Wow. I think the only way to keep him from scoring last night was tackling him. The Pacers had a great season and it’s great to see people getting pumped about the Pacers again. They’re a solid young team with room for great growth over the next couple of seasons. I don’t think anyone would be surprised to see them eying a spot in the eastern conference finals again in 2013. We’re glad to have our team back and ready to put the malice at the palace behind us.

It’s a bummer that we can’t have two game sevens this weekend, but the 76ers at Boston should be a good contest on Saturday night. We hope everyone has a great race weekend and a happy Memorial Day. Thank someone for their service this weekend.

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Home Safety: Grilling

Posted on Thursday, 24 May 2012 by
Grilling

Are you a grill master?

Grilling is a great way to make a delicious meal, especially during summer get-togethers and events. However, grills can be dangerous and are responsible for thousands of outdoor and structural fires each year. In addition, improper food handling and preparation can lead to illness. To keep your family and friends safe while grilling, keep these suggestions in mind.

General Safety Precautions
• Do not allow children and pets to play near the grill until it is completely cool and you have a chance to put it away.
• Place your grill at least three feet away from other objects, including your house, vehicle, trees and outdoor seating.
• Check the connection between the propane tank and the fuel line to make sure it is not leaking and is working properly before using a gas grill.
• Only use starter fluid for barbecue grills that use charcoal. Do not use starter fluid for gas grills.
• If you suspect that your gas grill is leaking, turn off the gas and get the unit repaired before lighting it again.
• Never use a match to check for leaks.
• Do not bring your grill into an unventilated or enclosed space, such as a garage or inside your home. This is not only a major fire hazard – it is also a carbon monoxide hazard.

Carcinogen Hazard Preventions
• Cook leaner meats that drip less grease. Opt for a turkey burger or loin cut of beef, and cut visible fat from poultry. When fat drips into the coals or flames, smoke travels up to the meat and deposits carcinogens on it.
• Marinate your meat to reduce carcinogens by 87 percent. Herbs contain polyphenolic antioxidants, which prevent the formation of carcinogens on the meat’s surface.
• Scrub your grill with a wire brush after every use. This will prevent bits of leftover food from dropping into the grate and creating carcinogen-filled smoke.
• Use a nonstick cooking spray on the grill rack to prevent meat buildup.

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Wednesday Quote: Jobs

Posted on Wednesday, 23 May 2012 by
Steve Jobs

Entrepreneur and Inventor

Your time is limited, don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma, which is living the result of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others opinion drowned your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition, they somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary. – Steve Jobs

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Wellness: Diabetes Prevention

Posted on Tuesday, 22 May 2012 by
Apple

Healthy eating is a good start.

You have the ability to stop Type 2 Diabetes from affecting your life. Even if you display signs of prediabetes, a few key lifestyle changes can greatly improve your chances of preventing the disease.

1. Know Your Risks
It is estimated that 85 percent of Americans with prediabetes are unaware of the current condition. It is important that you talk to your doctor about your family history and other potential warning signs of diabetes.

2. Manage Your Weight
While diabetes can affect people of any weight, obesity plays a major factor in the development of the disease. By reducing your body weight by only 5 percent you can cut your chance of developing diabetes by more than half.

3. Get More Exercise
Not only does regular exercise help manage body weight, it also encourages heart health and helps the body manage blood sugar levels.

4. Stick to a Healthy Diet
In partnership with exercise healthy eating is essential to losing excess weight. Focus on making healthy food choices every day by controlling portion size and eating a balanced diet of leafy greens, fruits, fish and lean meats.

5. Choose Whole Grains
Recent studies have shown that choosing whole grains over refined alternatives may lower the risk of type 2 diabetes because their nutrients release slowly into the blood steam naturally manage blood sugar levels.

6. Monitor Carbohydrate Intake
Carbohydrates raise blood sugar levels and high blood sugar levels can increase risk for diabetes. By controlling your carbohydrate intake you can keep your blood sugar levels under control.

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Monday Morning Quarterback

Posted on Monday, 21 May 2012 by
LeBron James

Tough to score 40 and not win.

It’s tough to win many games when two guys on the other team combine for SEVENTY in one game. Unfortunately for the Pacers, that is the reality of playing against Wade and LeBron. The series is back to square and Indiana is going to have to get another win in South Beach if they want to claim the series. Game 5 is Tuesday night in South Beach and someone will get the chance to close out the series at the fieldhouse on Thursday. Game 7, if needed, will be in South Beach on Saturday.

Luckily we’ll have race weekend and memorial day to celebrate or drown our sorrows no matter what happens the rest of the week. Personally, I’m rooting for a carb day victory celebration.

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The WEEKEND!

Posted on Friday, 18 May 2012 by

Pacers win! Pacers win! Have a great weekend everyone.

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Short-Term Disability Insurance

Posted on Thursday, 17 May 2012 by
Carpenter

Not being able to work is costly.

For working individuals, a disability is a medical condition that reduces your ability to perform your job duties, usually an injury or illness. While some disabilities are work-related, nearly 75 percent of disabling injuries to workers occur off the job.

Disability insurance is coverage that provides you with income protection, should you lose time on the job due to an injury or illness. With disability coverage, you are compensated for a portion of your lost income.
What is short-term disability insurance (STD)?

STD is a type of disability insurance coverage that can help you remain financially stable should you become injured or ill and cannot work. Usually, STD coverage begins within one to 15 days of the event causing your disability. The coverage allows you to continue to receive pay at a fixed weekly amount or a set percentage of your income.

Typically, STD lasts for about 52 weeks. When this STD coverage ends, long-term disability (LTD) coverage typically takes effect.
Why is disability insurance so important?

The risk of disability is greater than most employees realize. When you become disabled and lose time at work, your source of income is eliminated. Nearly one-third of employees will miss more than one month of pay due to injury or illness. In addition to lost income, you are most likely experiencing an increase in medical expenses due to your disabling injury or illness.

What is supplemental disability insurance?
Traditional medical insurance doesn’t cover every expense related to an injury or illness. Bills and expenses can continue to add up, especially if you have to stop working for a period of time and lose your income.
Supplemental insurance is additional coverage that can help you pay deductibles or copayments and other increasing medical costs not covered by your employer-sponsored insurance plan.

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Wednesday Quote: Hibbert

Posted on Wednesday, 16 May 2012 by
Roy Hibbert

The Man in the Middle

We’ll never back down to anybody. We feel like we’re as good as anybody still going in the playoffs. There’s no die in us. -Roy Hibbert

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Ask the Advisor: The Renter

Posted on Tuesday, 15 May 2012 by
Your new apartment

A renters policy has your back.

Question from Andrew L.:
I’m getting ready to graduate and am fortunate to have found a job that is going to allow me to finally move out of my family home. Is Renters Insurance something that I really need?

Response from Ryan Samuelson:
Congratulations on the new job! Now it’s time to protect that paycheck with a Renters Insurance policy.  People like to make a lot of excuses as to why they neglect to purchase a Renters Insurance policy.  “I cant’ afford it.”  “I don’t have enough stuff to insure.” “Nothing is going to happen to my stuff.”  The liability protection alone is really enough reason to buy, but let’s break it down.

The first thing you need to know about renters insurance is that it’s pretty affordable. A typical policy can cost less than $200 per year.  That’s less than $4 per week.  It’s worth the sacrifice. You are also in for a nice bonus if you already have car insurance.  Many insurance carriers will give you a multi-policy discount if you package your auto and renters policy together with the same company.

The second thing you need to know is that your stuff is much more valuable than you realize. How much would it cost you to start over if you had a total loss?  Apartments burn down and get robbed just like houses do. Starting over after a loss like that is much easier when your independent insurance agent drops off a check to replace all of your stuff.

The last thing you need to know is probably the most important.  A renters policy protects your financial assets by providing liability coverage. Liability insurance covers you for injury you cause to others and for damage to property that belongs to others. There are many ways to trigger a liability claim, so I’ve got some examples for you.

Claim Scenario A: You decide to play in a recreational softball league.  While batting you hit a pitch back at the pitcher putting him in the hospital.  The pitcher sues you and your renters policy steps in to defend you and settle the suit.

Claim Scenario B: You have some friends over for dinner. Your floor is wet and one of the friends slips and falls requiring medical treatment.  Your renters policy steps in to pay for the treatment.

The risk of going without this simple insurance coverage is not worth the couple of dollars a week that you save by not having it.  Call your independent insurance agent today and make sure you’re covered!

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