Thyroid disease is one of the most common endocrine disorders, affecting an estimated 20 million people in the United States alone. It occurs when the thyroid gland, located at the base of your neck, fails to produce enough hormones or produces too much. As a result, it can affect your metabolism, energy levels, and overall health. To help spread awareness of the condition, The American Thyroid Association (ATA) designated January as Thyroid Awareness Month. With that in mind, the following are some of the things you should know about Thyroid disease: 5 Things You Should Know About Thyroid Disease Although many people have heard about the condition, few clearly understand what it is and how it can affect individuals. Here are five key facts about the disease. Thyroid disorders can affect anyone: Thyroid disorders can affect people of all ages, genders, and races. It is estimated that about 12 percent of the U.S. population will develop a thyroid disorder in their life. There are several types of thyroid disorders: The two most prevalent kinds of thyroid disorders include hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Hypothyroidism is when the thyroid does not produce enough hormones, while hyperthyroidism is when the thyroid produces too many hormones. Thyroid disorders cause various symptoms: Symptoms vary based on the type of disorder. For instance, hypothyroidism can extreme fatigue, forgetfulness, depression, and weight gain. Hyperthyroidism can cause nervousness, irritability, muscle weakness, unexplained weight loss, problems with sleep, vision issues, and eye irritation. Many people don’t realize they have a thyroid disorder: It’s estimated that around 60 percent of people with a thyroid disorder are undiagnosed. Women are more prone to thyroid disorders: Women are between five and eight times more likely to develop a thyroid disorder than men. Additionally, it’s estimated that one in eight women will develop a thyroid problem in their lifetime. Early diagnosis and treatment are key If you’re experiencing symptoms of Thyroid disease, then be sure to schedule an appointment with your primary care physician in California right away. The earlier the diagnosis, the sooner you can begin treatment. For more health information and advice, visit us at The Benefits Store today. #ThyroidDisease #Thyroiddiseaseawareness #Thyroiddisorders

Birth defects refer to physical, mental, or emotional conditions present at birth that can cause lifelong physical or intellectual developmental disabilities. Some of the most common of these disabilities include Down syndrome, spina bifida, cleft lip/palate, and heart defects. Although many of these defects occur as a result of genetic or environmental factors beyond an individual’s control, there are things you can do when it comes to preventing birth defects. As such, January was designated National Birth Defects Prevention Month to help spread awareness about birth defects and how to prevent them. 4 Facts About Preventing Birth Defects Understanding the following facts about birth defects can not only help you realize how big of a risk they are, but what you can do when it comes to preventing birth defects: Babies are born with birth defects more often than you might realize. It’s estimated that around 120,000 babies are born in the U.S. every year with some kind of disability. A baby is born with a major defect every 4 and a half minutes in the U.S. That means that roughly 1 out of every 33 babies that are born in the U.S. have a defect. A lack of folic acid during pregnancy can increase the risk of defects such as spina bifida or anencephaly. Folic acid is a vitamin found in many foods such as leafy greens, citrus fruits, and fortified grains and is required by the body to form red blood cells and for tissue growth. Drinking alcohol and smoking during pregnancy can significantly increase the risk of birth defects. It’s estimated that 10 percent of pregnant women have had alcohol in the past 30 days, thereby increasing their risk of giving birth to a baby with a defect. By making simple lifestyle changes and following your doctor’s advice, you can significantly reduce the risk of birth defects. Prevent Defects at Birth By Living a Healthy Lifestyle Pregnant women in California should be sure to stop smoking and drinking alcohol, and to add folic acid to their diets to help with preventing birth defects. For more health advice, be sure to visit us at The Benefits Store today. #BirthDefect #birthdefects #preventingbirthdefects

Radon is an invisible, odorless, tasteless radioactive gas occurring naturally in the environment. It can seep into homes through cracks in floors, walls, and foundations. Although it’s normal to have some radon in your California home, it can be dangerous if present at high levels. That’s why it’s so important to test your home for radon. Unfortunately, many people don’t know how to test their homes for radon, much less about the potential dangers of radon, which is why January is National Radon Action Month. The Dangers of Radon Exposure Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, claiming more than 21,000 lives each year. Those who smoke are even more at risk if they live in a home with elevated radon levels. It’s worth noting that the average level of radon found indoors is 1.3 picocuries per liter, about four times what’s found outdoors. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, any level of more than 4.0 picocuries per liter of air is considered a health hazard. Information on How To Test Your Home For Radon Testing your home for radon is the only way to know if you have a radon problem. One way to test the levels of radon in your home is to hire a professional tester. You can find a qualified tester by: Contacting the California state radon office. Contacting a private radon proficiency program for certified testers in your area. Another option is to purchase a do-it-yourself radon test kit. Short-term tests can last anywhere from two days to seven days. They work by using activated charcoal to absorb the radon particles in your air so they can be measured. Long-term tests last more than 90 days and will give you a better idea of your home’s average radon level over time. Once you complete the test, you’ll need to send it out to an approved laboratory to receive the results. Test Your California Home for Radon Ensure the safety and health of your home by testing your home for radon. For more safety awareness advice and information, visit The Benefits Store today. #radon #RadonTesting #TestYourHomeforRadon

The holidays are known for being a stressful period. In fact, it’s estimated that around 88% of Americans believe that the holidays are the most stressful time of the year. There are countless reasons for this: the stress of buying presents for everyone, hosting large get-togethers, dealing with family members, and the increased financial burden that the season brings. This stress can cause anxiety, headaches, irritability, sadness, sleep deprivation, and more. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to manage holiday stress so that you can enjoy the holiday season with family and friends in California. How To Manage Holiday Stress The following are some simple tips to help you reduce your stress and feel better during the holidays: Take time for yourself. Make sure to take time for yourself to relax and unwind. This could simply mean taking a few minutes to read, take a hot bath, or go for a walk. Having some time to yourself is especially important when dealing with family stress. Set reasonable expectations. Don’t expect the holidays to be perfect. Try to let go of unrealistic expectations and focus on enjoying the season for what it is. Plan ahead. Start planning early for holiday meals, parties, and gifts. Planning ahead will help to reduce last-minute stress and help you to stay organized. Be realistic with finances. It’s easy to get carried away during the holidays. Create a budget and stick to it as best as you can. Don’t overextend yourself. Exercise regularly. Exercise is one of the best ways to reduce stress. Even if it’s just a few minutes of yoga or a walk around the block, it can help to reduce your stress levels. Seek support. If you’re feeling overwhelmed and stressed, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Talking to a therapist or seeking support from friends and family can make a huge difference. By following these six tips, you can manage holiday stress and truly enjoy this special time of year. For more tips and advice on dealing with the holiday season or managing stress in general, be sure to visit us at The Benefits Store today.

People who live in California know that driving is essential to getting around and to be able to contribute or participate in the community in any way. Unfortunately, as you grow older, physical limitations can make it more difficult to drive. Spreading awareness about the challenges older people face when driving is crucial to finding solutions to help them stay safe and mobile. It’s one of the reasons Older Driver Safety Awareness Week was established by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). Driving Technology That Improves Older Driver Safety Older drivers often have issues with reaction time, vision, hearing, and flexibility, all of which can affect their ability to drive safely. To help address these issues, new technologies are being developed to help older drivers stay safe. Recent technologies that can help older drives include: Emergency response systems. If a driver gets into an auto accident or has a medical emergency, an emergency response system can help alert emergency services, family, or friends. Blind spot warning systems. Blind spot warning systems can alert drivers when there is another vehicle in their blind spot, helping them to avoid collisions. Lane departure warning systems. These systems can alert drivers when they are drifting out of their lane, helping them to stay on the right track. Reverse monitoring systems. Reverse monitoring systems help drivers avoid collisions when backing up by alerting them to any obstacles or people behind their vehicle. Crash mitigation systems. Crash mitigation systems can detect if a driver is about to get into an accident and take corrective action, such as applying brakes or adjusting the steering wheel, to avoid a collision. Smart headlights. Smart headlights can detect oncoming traffic, pedestrians, and street signs, making it easier for drivers to see in the dark. Older driver safety is important, and these technologies are just a few of the ways to help keep them safe behind the wheel. By spreading awareness about older driver safety, we can help keep our loved ones safe and mobile. For more safety awareness information, be sure to visit us at The Benefits Store today. #driversafety #olderdriversafetyweek #olderdrivers

If you’re buying gifts for any children this holiday season, it’s crucial that you choose safe toys. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), roughly 198,000 injuries related to unsafe toys were treated in U.S. hospitals in 2020. Certain toys can cause all types of injuries, from cuts and bruises to more serious injuries, such as choking. There are a lot of toys out there that can be unsafe for children, so it’s important to take the time and make sure you are choosing safe toys. Tips for Choosing Safe Toys The last thing you want to do is buy a toy for a child that poses a safety risk. As such, if you plan to buy any toys this holiday season, be sure to follow these tips: Check the age range. Be sure to look at the recommended age range listed on the package before you make a purchase. Read reviews. Read online reviews from others who have purchased the toy. This can help you identify any potential safety issues. Look for labels. Look for the ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) label. This label indicates that the toy has been tested and meets the safety guidelines set by the CPSC. Avoid small loose parts. Small pieces, such as eyes on stuffed animals and removable parts, can be choking hazards for small children. Avoid toxic materials. Many toys are made of plastic and other materials that can contain toxins. Read the packaging for any warnings about chemicals. Make sure the toy isn’t flammable. Some toys, such as stuffed animals and dolls, can be made with flammable materials. Check the label to make sure it’s flame-retardant. Check recall lists. Check sites such as the CPSC and SaferProducts.gov to make sure the toy hasn’t been recalled due to a safety issue. Following these tips will help with choosing safe toys for the children in your life this holiday season. Always use caution when selecting toys for children and always supervise them when playing with new toys. For more safety awareness information, visit us at The Benefits Store today. #safetyawareness #toysafet #toysafety

The end of the year is typically when families come together to celebrate the holidays. Unfortunately, this time can also lead to an increased risk of catching the flu. The flu is more prevalent in winter because people are indoors more often, allowing the virus to spread more easily. Additionally, colder, dryer air also encourages the spread of the flu. One of the best ways to avoid the flu is by getting the flu vaccination. To help promote awareness of the flu shot, December 5-9 was named National Influenza Vaccination Week. Tips for Avoiding the Flu Avoiding the flu isn’t difficult as long as you take the right precautions. Getting the flu vaccination is arguably the best way to protect against the flu. Each year, a new vaccine is developed to protect against the most prevalent strains of the flu. However, there are other precautions that you should take as well to avoid the flu. The following are some tips to help you stay healthy during the holidays. Wash your hands frequently, especially after touching commonly used surfaces. Disinfect commonly used surfaces in your home, such as doorknobs and countertops. Avoid close contact with people who may have the flu. Exercise regularly. Doing so will help boost your immune system. Eat healthily. Like exercise, a healthy diet can help to strengthen your immune system. Reduce your stress levels. Stress can weaken your immune system, making you more prone to getting sick. Because the holidays can be a stressful time of the year, take extra care to manage your stress levels. Avoid Getting Sick This Holiday Season Avoiding the flu during the holidays is important since you’ll want to enjoy your time with friends and family without getting sick, and you won’t want to get anyone else sick. As such, you should do everything possible to avoid getting the flu, whether staying in California or traveling elsewhere. Use these tips to avoid getting the flu during the holidays, and be sure to visit us at The Benefits Store for more health advice and information today. #Avoidingtheflu #Californiahealthtips #healthawareness

Caregivers are those who provide care for another person, often a family member, friend, or loved one who is ill, disabled, or otherwise in need of assistance. What a lot of people don’t realize is that the majority of caregivers are unpaid. In 2020, it was estimated that around 53 million people in the U.S. were providing unpaid care to someone in their family. Although being a caregiver can be very stressful, there are things that you can do to help alleviate the stress. Caregiver Tips for Lowering Stress The following are five tips that can help you reduce your stress levels if you’re spending a lot of your time as a caregiver in California: Recognize the signs of stress. It’s important to identify the signs that you’re starting to feel stressed. These can include feeling overwhelmed, anxious, irritable, depressed, or even physically ill. If you notice any of these signs, take a step back and assess the situation. Make time for yourself. Taking breaks is crucial to your physical and mental health, so be sure to take some time for yourself. That can be something as simple as reading your favorite book, going for a walk, or taking a hot bath. Ask for help. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from friends, family, or even professional caregivers. It can make a big difference in your ability to cope with stress. Find a support group. There are often groups available to caregivers that can provide emotional support. That can be an invaluable resource, particularly if you’re feeling isolated. Talk to your doctor. If you’re finding it difficult to cope with stress, talk to your doctor. They can recommend medication or therapy to help you deal with stress in a more effective way. If you’re a caregiver, then the burden of stress can often feel overwhelming. You must deal with your stress in a healthy way to ensure that you can continue providing care for your loved one. For more health tips, visit us at The Benefits Store today. #CaregiverAwareness #CaregiverTips #NationalFamilyCaregiversMonth

A lot of people don’t realize how important long-term care is, simply because nobody likes to think about getting old and needing help with everyday tasks. However, it is a very important part of the aging process, and it’s something that everyone should be prepared for, both emotionally and financially. To help spread awareness about this subject, November has been designated as Long-Term Care Protection Awareness Month. What Does Long-Term Care Refer To? When a person grows older, they may eventually reach a point where they can no longer take care of themselves. That could be due to several different factors, such as age-related illnesses, cognitive decline, or physical impairments. When someone reaches this point, they will likely need help with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, eating, and using the restroom. It’s important to note that this is not considered medical care; it’s considered “personal” care. Not only can it include activities of daily living, but it can also include managing a person’s finances, helping them take their medication, performing their housework, and more. Long-term care is generally provided by unpaid caregivers, such as family members, although nurses who provide home care aid can also give such care. Preparing for Care According to the ACL, persons turning 65 today will have a 70% chance of needing long-term care at some point in the future. Considering that 80% of caregivers are unpaid and spend an average of 20 hours a week caring for family members who need care, this can have severe financial implications for both the caregiver and the person receiving care. That is why planning ahead for care needs is so important. One way to do this is to purchase long-term care insurance, which can help cover the cost of personal care services. It’s important to do your research and compare different policies before making a purchase, as coverage and costs can vary greatly. For more health information and advice, be sure to visit us at The Benefits Store today. #longtermcareneeds #LongTermCare #LongTermCareAwarenessMonth

Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases in the world. It’s estimated that around 537 million people have diabetes — around 37.3 million people in the U.S. have diabetes. Additionally, roughly 96 million Americans have prediabetes, which means they have higher-than-normal blood sugar levels, but they are not high enough for a Type 2 diabetes diagnosis. As such, being able to recognize the symptoms of diabetes is important so that you can take steps to manage the condition. To help spread awareness of diabetes, November is National Diabetes Awareness Month. What Is Diabetes? Diabetes occurs when the body can’t properly process and use sugar. Sugar is an important source of energy for the body, and the body needs insulin to help process and use sugar. If the body can’t produce enough insulin or is unable to use insulin properly, sugar will build up in the blood and can cause serious health problems. There are two main types of diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 diabetes is a genetic condition in which the immune system attacks the cells in your body that produce insulin. Type 2 diabetes is the more common of the two conditions. It occurs when your body can’t produce enough insulin or is unable to use the insulin your body does produce effectively. Type 2 diabetes develops mostly due to lifestyle factors, such as being overweight or obese. Diabetes can cause several serious health problems, including heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, blindness, and amputation. The Symptoms of Diabetes The symptoms of diabetes can vary from person to person and may develop gradually over time. The most common symptoms of diabetes include: Increased thirst Dry mouth Blurry vision Frequent urination Weight loss (even though you are eating and feel hungry) Fatigue (feeling tired all the time) Labored breathing Fruit or sweet breath odor If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see your doctor in California so that you can be diagnosed and treated for diabetes. For more health awareness information, be sure to visit us at The Benefits Store today. #DiabetesAwareness #DiabetesSigns #DiabetesSymptoms

Lung cancer is the most deadly cancer globally, accounting for more than 25% of all cancer-related deaths. In fact, it’s estimated that around 130,180 people will have died from lung cancer in the U.S. in 2022. However, lung cancer can be prevented. To help spread awareness of how to prevent lung cancer, November has been named Lung Cancer Awareness Month. What Causes Lung Cancer? Lung cancer is caused by the uncontrolled growth of cells in the lungs. These cells can form tumors that interfere with the normal functioning of the lungs. Several risk factors can increase your chances of developing lung cancer. The most significant risk factor is smoking. It’s estimated that smoking is responsible for around 80-90% of all lung cancer cases. Other risk factors include exposure to secondhand smoke, radon gas, asbestos, and air pollution. Having a family history of lung cancer can also increase your risk. How To Prevent Lung Cancer In most cases, lung cancer is the result of lifestyle choices. Making healthier lifestyle choices is the most effective way to prevent lung cancer. With that in mind, the following are a few steps that you can take to prevent lung cancer: Quit smoking. If you smoke, quitting is the best thing that you can do for your health. It’s never too late to quit. Avoid secondhand smoke. If you don’t smoke, avoid being around people who do. Test your home’s radon levels. Radon is a naturally occurring gas that can be found in homes. Radon is found in all homes, but it’s important to have your home tested to ensure that radon levels aren’t too high. Test your home for asbestos. If your home was built in California before 1978, it may contain asbestos. Asbestos is a harmful substance that can cause lung cancer. It should be removed by a professional if present in your home. Lung cancer is the deadliest form of cancer, so it’s vital that you take steps to prevent it. For more health tips and information, be sure to visit us at The Benefits Store today. #LungCancerAwareness #PreventCancer #PreventLungCancer

Preventative oral health maintenance is critical for maintaining a healthy mouth and preventing future oral health problems. There are all kinds of issues that can develop as a result of bad oral habits. In fact, tooth decay and gum disease are two of the most common oral issues in not just California, but the entire world. To help spread awareness about oral hygiene, October was designated as National Dental Hygiene Awareness Month. Tips For Maintaining Your Oral Health The following are some tips for keeping your mouth healthy: Brush your teeth: Brushing your teeth twice a day will help remove plaque and bacteria from your teeth. Be sure to use proper brushing techniques, such as using circular motions and covering all surfaces of your teeth. Additionally, make sure that you brush your gums and your tongue as well. Floss your teeth: This will help remove plaque and bacteria stuck between your teeth. Be sure to use proper flossing techniques, such as using an up-and-down motion and being careful not to snap the floss against your gums. You should floss at least once a day. Rinse your mouth with mouthwash: This will help remove plaque and bacteria from your mouth. Be sure to use a mouthwash that contains fluoride, as this will help protect your teeth from decay. Chew sugarless gum: This will help stimulate saliva production, which can help rinse away plaque and bacteria. Additionally, chewing gum can also help to freshen your breath. Just make sure it doesn’t contain any sugar, as this can actually promote tooth decay. Visit your dentist regularly: Routine checkups can help catch problems early before they become more serious. During your appointment, your dentist will clean your teeth and look for any signs of trouble. Maintaining your oral health isn’t difficult if you make it a priority. By following these tips, you can help keep your mouth healthy and prevent future problems. For more health tips, be sure to visit us at The Benefits Store today. #Californiahealthtips #dentalhygiene #healthawareness #oralhealth