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Health Terms Empower your health insurance decisions with our Medical Condition Resources page. Dive into a wealth of information tailored to your needs, offering insights and support for navigating various medical conditions. Our expert-curated resources provide a guide for understanding conditions, treatment options, and insurance considerations. Streamline your search for relevant information, ensuring your health coverage aligns seamlessly with your unique requirements. Explore a specialized hub for California Realtors, offering valuable insights to enhance your health insurance journey. Your path to informed and comprehensive health coverage starts here. Health Terms Health Insurance Terms

Resource Center The Benefits Store Resource Center is designed to empower you with valuable information and insights on various health-related topics. From wellness tips to navigating insurance options, discover expert articles, guides, and tips on a variety of health topics, from insurance FAQs to wellness advice. Stay informed, make informed decisions and take proactive steps towards a healthier lifestyle. Elevate your wellness journey by tapping into the wealth of comprehensive information waiting for you. How to Pick a Health Plan Medical Condition Resources Health Terms Professional Resources and Ranking Senior Care and Aging Resources Consumer Information on Health Plans and Medicaid/Medi-Cal

California Health Insurance Find My Plan Our Programs Includes Anthem Blue Cross® Medical Plan, New Dental Choice Special Dental Plan, Mutual Of Omaha Guaranteed Issue Group Life Insurance with AD&D, Vision Plan of America, and Admin Fee CREBP Benefit Package* w/Anthem Blue Cross® Medical Find My Plan Shop, compare and select the most affordable group health insurance plans. Let’s help you save $$$ and provide the best for your team. Have both W-2 employees and 1099 Independent Contractors? Ask us about our Private Label program. Employer Group Health Find My Plan Includes Kaiser® Medical Plan, New Dental Choice Special Dental Plan, Mutual Of Omaha Guaranteed Issue Group Life Insurance with AD&D, Vision Plan of America, and Admin Fee CREBP Benefit Package* w/Kaiser® Medical Find My Plan Get Quality Health Insurance at a Price You Can Afford! More than 50 plan options available for individuals and families. Whether you are self-employed, in-between jobs or in need of health insurance coverage, we have a plan for you. Individual and Family Health Find My Plan Health Find My Plan Realtor©, Corporate and Affiliate Association Members can choose from CREBP packages with more than 20+ Kaiser® Group Plan Options and more than 60+ Anthem Blue Cross® Group Plan Options. Monthly E-Newsletter and Benefit Advisor We scour the web for straight-forward articles from reputable third-party sources (such as Kaiser, The Wall Street Journal & more) that address how the various topics of health care can have a direct impact on our clients. The newsletter includes several columns on current health news, health events and recognized health days. We send these directly to our clients. We utilize both Facebook and Twitter to keep our clients and Associations up to date on the most important developments in the health care marketplace and to communicate topics of interest that can have a direct effect on health and health care coverage. *The E-Newsletter can be copied & pasted for inclusion on Association websites and/or electronic correspondence to Association Members. Employer Groups The health insurance marketplace is very dynamic and constantly changing. The Benefits Store utilizes the latest options in program design to meet both your budget and your employee’s health needs. We partner with technical online platforms (including Quotit) for fast turnaround and enrollment in the bidding cycle. Covered California Benefits Store and California’s Health Exchange – Covered California (Covered CA) Our firm has multiple Brokers that have successfully completed the Covered CA licensing requirements and are certified to assist consumers with the navigation and enrollment process into California’s Health Exchange. The process can be complicated for consumers doing this on their own, as well as choosing the best plan for themselves and their family. Since there is no discount/price savings for clients enrolling on their own, it is usually advisable to have assistance from a Benefit Store Broker in this process. We have a dedicated section that is an educational and information resource for individuals needing clarification on Covered CA issues for the self-employed and small businesses. It addresses many of the questions we have been getting from Californians and even provides a subsidy calculator. Go to the Covered California page. What Our Clients Say ★★★★★ Thank you again for your time, help and perseverance to get this accomplished. You've given us some peace of mind regarding health coverage. Please let us know who we can commend you to at the Benefits Store. Michelle and the Get Results Team ★★★★★ You guys are really great. I just stood up on the bleachers at my sons' baseball game and announced your praises! Beth, Santa Barbara CA ★★★★★ After just 4 days The Benefits Store staff accomplished more than other "industry related" staff were able to do after 30 days! Plus the staff is sincere and easy to work with! Jennifer, San Diego CA Our Partners

Every summer, millions of people head to the beach for fun, relaxation, and sun. But what many don’t realize is that even a single piece of trash left behind can set off a chain reaction with serious environmental consequences. In this post, we’ll explore how litter travels and pollutes our oceans , impacting marine life, ecosystems, and even our food supply. The Journey Begins: How Litter Travels from Beaches to Oceans Beaches are often the last stop before litter enters our waterways. A forgotten plastic bottle or snack wrapper might seem harmless, but once it's swept away by wind or washed into a storm drain, it begins its journey into the sea. Here’s how litter travels and pollutes our oceans: Wind and Rain  carry lightweight litter from the shore to nearby rivers or storm drains. Storm Drains and Waterways  act as highways, transporting debris directly into the ocean. Ocean Currents  then disperse this litter across the globe—some items even reach remote islands and deep-sea environments. Marine Life at Risk: How Ocean Pollution Impacts Ecosystems Understanding how litter travels and pollutes our oceans also means recognizing its impact. Marine animals often mistake plastic for food, leading to choking, malnutrition, or entanglement. Some key facts: Sea turtles often ingest plastic bags, mistaking them for jellyfish. Seabirds and fish are found with microplastics in their stomachs. Coral reefs can be smothered by debris, reducing biodiversity and damaging fragile ecosystems. The Ripple Effect: Pollution That Comes Back to Us Ocean pollution doesn’t stay in the sea. Once you understand how litter travels and pollutes our oceans, it becomes clear how this problem affects us all: Microplastics from degraded litter can enter the food chain through seafood. Polluted beaches affect tourism, local economies, and community health. Ocean toxins can end up in our water sources and on our dinner plates. What You Can Do to Break the Chain Stopping litter before it hits the water is the most effective way to protect our oceans. Here’s how you can help: Pack out everything you bring  to the beach—no exceptions. Join or organize beach cleanups  during Clean Beaches Awareness Month. Use reusable containers  instead of single-use plastics. Educate others  about how litter travels and pollutes our oceans . Small Actions, Big Impact The next time you visit the beach, remember: it only takes one piece of litter to start a long and damaging journey. By understanding how litter travels and pollutes our oceans, we can take simple steps that make a powerful difference—for marine life, for our communities, and for generations to come.

In today’s remote-first world, video calls have become the new norm—for meetings, school, socializing, and even doctor visits. While convenient, this constant screen time has sparked a new kind of burnout known as “Zoom fatigue.”  But there’s more to it than just mental exhaustion— blue light exposure  could be silently contributing to the strain. So, what’s really behind your end-of-day headaches and eye discomfort? Let’s explore the hidden connection between Zoom fatigue and blue light—and what you can do to protect your eyes and energy. 😫 What Is Zoom Fatigue? Zoom fatigue  refers to the mental and physical exhaustion that comes from excessive video conferencing. It’s more than just being tired—it’s a combination of: Constant eye contact and screen focus Feeling “on” while staring into a camera Limited physical movement Sensory overload from multiple faces and backgrounds The result? You feel drained, foggy, and often physically uncomfortable by the end of the day. 🔵 The Role of Blue Light Screens emit blue light , a high-energy visible light wavelength that plays a powerful role in regulating your sleep-wake cycle , mood , and alertness . But too much exposure—especially without breaks—can lead to: Eye strain Dry or irritated eyes Headaches Disrupted sleep (especially when exposed late in the day) When you're on back-to-back Zoom calls, your exposure to blue light increases dramatically—and that may be intensifying your symptoms. 💡 The Hidden Connection While Zoom fatigue is often blamed on cognitive overload , it’s becoming increasingly clear that blue light may amplify the physical symptoms : You're less likely to blink while focused on a screen, leading to dry eyes. Blue light scatters more than other visible light, making it harder for your eyes to focus. The lack of physical breaks means prolonged exposure without relief. Together, this creates the perfect storm: digital fatigue + visual strain = serious discomfort. ✅ What You Can Do About It Here are smart ways to reduce both Zoom fatigue  and blue light strain : 👁️ 1. Follow the 20-20-20 Rule Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This gives your eyes a chance to reset. 😎 2. Use Blue Light Filters Install screen filters or wear blue light blocking glasses , especially if you work in front of a screen for long hours. 💻 3. Adjust Your Screen Settings Lower your screen brightness and use “night mode” or “warm light” settings to minimize blue light emission. 🧍 4. Take Movement Breaks Between Meetings Even a short walk or stretch away from your screen can help relieve both mental and physical tension. 🌓 5. Limit Evening Screen Time Power down your devices at least 1–2 hours before bed  to help your brain wind down and protect your sleep quality. 🎯 Final Thoughts Zoom fatigue isn’t just in your head—it’s also in your eyes . The hidden connection between screen time and blue light exposure can worsen the symptoms of digital burnout. But by understanding the root causes and adopting simple screen hygiene habits, you can stay sharp, focused, and comfortable—even on your busiest video call days. Take care of your eyes—and your mind—because digital wellness matters more than ever.

Every year, fireworks light up the skies and bring excitement to celebrations like the Fourth of July and New Year’s Eve. But behind the sparkle is a serious risk: thousands of firework-related injuries occur annually in the U.S. , many of which are preventable with a few simple precautions. In this blog, we’ll explore the most common firework injuries—and share expert tips on how to avoid them. 🔥 The Most Common Firework Injuries According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) , over 14,000 people were treated in emergency rooms for firework-related injuries in 2024  alone. These are the most frequent types: 1. Hand and Finger Injuries Cause:  Holding fireworks too long, malfunctioning explosives, or attempting to relight a dud. Injuries:  Burns, lacerations, fractures, even amputations. 2. Eye Injuries Cause:  Shrapnel, sparks, or debris from close-range fireworks. Injuries:  Corneal abrasions, burns, and in some cases, permanent vision loss. 3. Face and Head Injuries Cause:  Improper handling or aiming of fireworks, especially bottle rockets or Roman candles. Injuries:  Burns, contusions, and trauma from blasts or flying fragments. 4. Hearing Damage Cause:  Loud explosions in close proximity. Injuries:  Temporary or permanent hearing loss, especially in children or those without ear protection. 5. Burns Cause:  Direct contact with lit fireworks or hot surfaces after ignition. Injuries:  First- to third-degree burns on the hands, arms, legs, or face. ✅ How to Avoid Firework Injuries Here are some simple but effective ways to stay safe during firework festivities: 🎇 1. Keep a Safe Distance Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and set off fireworks at least 25–50 feet away from people, pets, homes, and flammable materials . 🧤 2. Never Hold Fireworks in Your Hands Only place fireworks on a flat, hard surface before lighting—and never try to hold or throw them. 🚫 3. Don’t Relight Duds If a firework doesn’t ignite properly, wait 20 minutes, then soak it in water before safely disposing of it. 👓 4. Wear Eye Protection Safety goggles can protect your eyes from flying debris and sparks—especially important for anyone lighting fireworks. 🧯 5. Keep Water and a Fire Extinguisher Nearby Have a bucket of water, a hose, or a fire extinguisher  on hand in case of a fire or mishap. 👶 6. Supervise Children Closely Children should never handle fireworks. Even sparklers—often seen as safe—can reach temperatures of up to 2,000°F . 🚨 Know When to Leave It to the Pros If you’re unsure or don’t feel confident handling fireworks yourself, the best option is to attend a professional display  in your community. These shows are conducted by trained experts and offer all the thrill—with none of the risk. 🎆 Celebrate Safely and Smartly Fireworks are meant to bring joy, not tragedy. By understanding the most common injuries and taking the right safety measures, you can ensure that your celebration ends with cheers and memories—not ER visits. Stay safe, have fun, and protect what matters most.