As you know, staring into the light can cause eye damage. It’s why it’s a good idea to wear sunglasses on sunny days in California. However, that’s not the only source of light that can hurt your eyes. Light from electronic devices can cause eye damage as well. Although there are different types of light, blue light is one of the most common types that people are exposed to on a regular basis. As such, you’ll want to make sure that you take precautions against any possible damage that blue light can cause to your eyes as a result of long-term exposure. What is Blue Light? Blue light is a type of light that is found in both natural and artificial light sources. Blue light has a shorter wavelength than other colors of light, and this is what gives it its name. The sun is the most well-known source of blue light, but it can also be found in fluorescent and LED lights. LED TVs, computer screens, tablet screens, and smartphones all emit blue light. In fact, any electronic device that emits light can be a source of blue light exposure. How Can Blue Light Damage Your Eyes? One of the most common problems that can be caused by blue light exposure is digital eye strain, which is caused by looking at digital screens for long periods of time. Symptoms of digital eye strain include difficulty focusing and irritated eyes. A more severe problem that can be caused by blue light exposure is macular degeneration. This is a serious condition that can lead to blindness. Macular degeneration is caused by damage to the macula, which is the part of the eye that is responsible for central vision. Ways to Protect Your Eyes From Blue Light The following are a few tips to help protect your eyes against blue light damage: Decrease the amount of time spent staring at screens. Use screen filters to decrease your blue light exposure. Wear yellow-tinted or anti-reflective glasses to block blue light. Protect Your Eyes You should do everything you can to prevent eye injuries, including protecting against blue light. For more safety awareness information, be sure to visit us at The Benefits Store today. #Bluelight #Bluelightdamage #Bluelightexposure #Bluelightprotection

Living with a disability can be incredibly challenging. Unfortunately, people don’t realize how many people in the U.S. are disabled. Believe it or not, there are 38.3 million people in the U.S. living with a severe disability. Additionally, according to the CDC, roughly 61 million people have a disability of some kind, even if it’s not necessarily severe. As a result, people with disabilities make up the country’s largest minority group. To help spread awareness about people living with disabilities, July 16th has been designated as Disability Awareness Day. What Is Considered a Disability? A disability is defined as a physical or mental impairment that significantly limits a person’s ability to perform daily activities. A person can be considered disabled from birth or can experience a disability over their lifetime. Such disabilities can be caused by everything from physical accidents to diseases. Disability Awareness Facts The following are a few disability facts that everyone should know about: There are over a billion people in the world that live with some sort of disability. Upwards of 190 million people have severe disabilities that require healthcare services. People with disabilities often face prejudice and discrimination, especially in parts of the world where healthcare service providers have a limited understanding of disabilities. It’s estimated that 80% of people throughout the world with disabilities live in developing countries. Around 90% of children in developing nations who live with a disability do not go to school. Around two out of three disabled individuals in the U.S. who are unemployed want to work. Employees who live with disabilities have much higher retention rates than those who are not disabled. Living With a Disability Is Challenging It’s important that people know how common it is to live with a disability and how it can affect a person’s daily life. Spreading awareness about this is crucial to ensuring that disabled individuals gain access to a higher quality of life both in California and around the world. For more health awareness information, visit us at The Benefits Store today. #disabilityawareness #healthawareness #livingwithadisability

Eye injuries often come out of nowhere. In fact, people often involve themselves in tasks or activities without even realizing that they could be at risk of an eye injury. As a result, many people don’t take the necessary precautions to help prevent eye injuries. For example, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, there are roughly 30,000 sports-related eye injuries, while 40 percent of all eye injuries are caused by everyday tasks performed at home (such as cooking, repair work, cleaning, and yard work). With that in mind, being aware of potential eye injury risks and taking the steps to prevent eye injuries is incredibly important. As such, July has been named Eye Injury Prevention Month. How to Prevent Eye Injuries in California The following are a few eye safety tips to keep in mind when performing a task or activity that can result in a potential eye injury: If you’re working in a garage or workspace in the presence of intense light, heat, or flying debris, be sure to wear safety goggles. When playing certain sports (such as those involving physical contact) wear protective eyewear. For example, getting hit by a pitch playing baseball or getting an elbow in the eye playing basketball can cause severe eye injuries. Whenever using something sharp, such as a knife, make sure to keep the sharp end away from you when handling it. Purchase a pair of protective goggles for your home that you can wear whenever you have to do every day repairs. The sun can cause eye injuries as well. To prevent injuring your eye as a result of sun exposure, wear sunglasses when outdoors. If you injure your eye, such as if you get a cut or a foreign object causes an eye injury, seek medical attention. Take Precautions to Avoid Eye Injuries Serious eye injuries can lead to partial or complete blindness, which is why it’s so important that you do everything you can to prevent eye injuries. Keep these eye safety tips in mind and spread awareness about eye safety to your friends and family. For more safety awareness information, visit us at The Benefits Store today. #Eyeinjury #PreventingEyeInjury #Visionsafety

Summer is finally here, which means that residents throughout California will be heading to the beach soon if they haven’t already. However, if you are planning an upcoming beach trip, it’s important that you take every precaution you can to keep you and your family safe, especially if you’re going to go for a swim. In fact, you should practice swimming safety whether you’re going to the beach or to a pool. Drowning accidents occur more than you realize, which is why swimming safety awareness is so important. 5 Drowning Facts You Should Know The following are a few important facts about drowning that everybody should know: Outside of birth defects, drowning is the number one cause of death for children ages 1 to 4. There are around 3,960 unintentional drownings every year in the U.S. alone. Non-fatal drownings can occur, but they result in long-term health problems, such as brain damage. There are an average of 8,080 non-fatal drownings every year in the U.S. Alcohol is involved in up to 70% of the deaths that are associated with water recreation. Swimming Safety Tips If you’re going swimming this summer, keep the following safety tips in mind: Never leave children unattended in or near the water. Make sure that you teach your children how to swim before letting them go into the water. Do not drink alcohol while near or in the water. Wear a life jacket if you’re swimming in open water (such as off a boat). Don’t go swimming in bad weather. Stay within an arm’s length of anyone who is an inexperienced swimmer. If you own a pool, put up appropriate barriers to prevent people from falling in by accident. Don’t go swimming by yourself. Make sure there are other adults around in case anything happens. Stay Safe in the Water This Summer If you are going swimming, then be aware of how common drowning accidents can be if you’re not careful. Keep swimming safety in mind and visit us at The Benefits Store for more safety awareness tips. #Drowning #FactsAboutDrowning #Watersafety

California is one of the best places to be in the U.S. when it comes to the summer season. Who doesn’t love visiting California’s beautiful beaches during the summer months? Although temperatures are often perfect for enjoying the outdoors, there are days when temperatures may rise to a dangerous level. This is important to note since there are more extreme heat-related deaths every year than other weather-related deaths (such as hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, and more). As such, it’s crucial that you keep extreme heat safety tips in mind. The Dangers of Extreme Heat If you’re exposed to the heat for too long, it can make it difficult for your body to cool itself. As a result, the risk of heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke, will increase. If your body is unable to cool itself down, it can result in damage to vital organs, such as your brain. Anyone can experience a heat-related illness due to overexposure to extreme temperatures. It’s estimated that there are over 1,300 extreme heat-related deaths in the U.S. every year. Extreme Heat Safety Tips The following are a few tips on how to avoid suffering heat-related illnesses during the hotter days of the summer in California: Pay attention to the weather: Before heading to the beach, check the temperatures for the day. If there’s an extreme heat warning, avoid going out. Stay hydrated: Drink lots of water and avoid alcohol. By doing so, you make it easier for your body to regulate its temperature. Exercise when it’s cool out: If you like to exercise outdoors, avoid going outside during the hottest part of the day. Instead, exercise early in the morning or later in the evening, when temperatures go down. Pay attention to your kids: Don’t let them play outside if temperatures are too high. Don’t leave them in the car by themselves. Make sure they’re hydrated and wearing light, loose-fitting clothing. Summers in California can be incredibly enjoyable as long as you keep these extreme heat safety tips in mind to avoid the extreme heat. For more summer safety tips, visit us at The Benefits Store today. #extremeheat #extremeheatsafety #extremeheatsafetytips #summersafetytips

If you live anywhere near the California coastline, odds are that you’re planning on heading down to the beach at some point this summer. If you plan on going for a swim in the Pacific, then it’s crucial that you keep certain safety tips in mind. For example, you need to understand what rip currents are and what to do if you’re caught in one. What Is A Rip Current? A rip current is a type of current that tends to form near beaches with breaking waves. They tend to be very strong currents that move away from shore, cutting directly through the breaking waves. Think of it as a sort of river that runs underneath the ocean in the opposite direction of the waves. They move at an average speed of around one to two feet a second, but they’ve been known to travel as fast as eight feet a second. If you get caught in such a current while swimming, it could pull you far away from shore. It’s estimated that around 100 people die in the U.S. every year as a result of being caught in a rip current. What To Do If You’re Caught In A Rip Current The following are a few safety tips to keep in mind if you’re caught in one of these currents: Don’t struggle: They won’t pull you underneath the water, so don’t struggle if you feel the force of one starting to pull you away. Struggling will only tire you out, increasing the risk of drowning. Don’t swim against it: Swimming against such a current is like running on a treadmill. You won’t get any closer to shore and you’ll only get more tired. Swim to the side: Instead of swimming against the current, swim alongside it, parallel to the shore. You’re more likely to escape the current this way. It will be easier to swim alongside, which means you won’t waste energy, and once the pressure lets up, you can swim back to shore with greater ease. If you plan to go swimming this summer, keep these rip current safety tips in mind. For more summer safety tips, visit us at The Benefits Store today. #beachsafety #Californiaripcurrents #Californiasafetytips #ripcurrents

Migraine headaches are one of the worst types of headaches that you can have. Migraines create an intense throbbing pain within the head (usually on one side) and can last for hours and even days. They can even cause nausea and vomiting. As such, they can be extremely debilitating. Unfortunately, a lot of people don’t realize just how debilitating they can be, which is why June has been designated as Migraine & Headache Awareness Month. What Causes Migraine Headaches? Scientists have yet to determine what exactly causes migraines. Many believe that they are the result of abnormal brain activity that affects the brain’s nerve signals, chemicals, and blood vessels for a temporary amount of time. However, there are certain situations that have been known to trigger migraines. These migraine triggers include the following: Hormonal triggers: Women who experience migraines often do so around the time of their period. Such migraines are referred to as pure menstrual migraines. Environmental triggers: Loud noises, bright lights, strong smells, and sudden changes in the climate can all cause migraines. Emotional triggers: Feelings of stress, anxiety, tension, excitement, as well as depression can all cause the onset of a migraine. Dietary triggers: A poor diet has been linked to migraines as well. Things like missed or irregular meals, overconsumption of alcohol or caffeine products, and foods with tyramine have all been known to trigger migraines. Living With Migraines The following are a few tips on how to live in California if you suffer from chronic migraines: Exercise regularly: By exercising on a regular basis, you can reduce the frequency and intensity of your migraine attacks. Recognize the onset of a migraine: Many people experience an “aura” prior to a migraine that can include flashing lights, blind spots, shimmering lights, and more. If you experience an aura, find a quiet, dark environment where you can lay down. Avoid triggers: Different people have different triggers when experiencing migraines. Learn to recognize and avoid your specific triggers. Living with migraine headaches can be challenging but if you know your triggers and maintain a healthy lifestyle, you can reduce their frequency and intensity. For more health awareness advice, visit us at The Benefits Store today. #MigraineampHeadacheAwarenessMonth #migraineheadaches #migraines

While most people dread going to the dentist, it is important to get checked once every six months. It’s not just about teeth cleanings and x-rays, as dentists are able to tell a lot about your over-all health, including if you are at risk of a chronic disease. However, if you already have some dental issues, it is recommended to see your dentist every 3 to 4 weeks. Poor oral health can lead to health problems If you don’t take care of your teeth and gums, your poor oral hygiene can actually lead to other health problems, including: Oral and facial pain. According to the Office of the Surgeon General, this pain may be largely due to infection of the gums that support the teeth and can lead to tooth loss. Gingivitis, an early stage of gum disease, and advanced gum disease affect more than 75% of the U.S. population. Problems with the heart and other major organs. Mouth infections can affect major organs. For example, the heart and heart valves can become inflamed by bacterial endocarditis, a condition that affects people with heart disease or anyone with damaged heart tissue. Digestion problems. Digestion begins with physical and chemical processes in the mouth, and problems here can lead to intestinal failure, irritable bowel syndrome and other digestive disorders. What can you do to prevent any major issues? Seeing your dentist regularly can help in keeping your teeth and gums in tip top shape, and also allows your dentist to keep an eye out for anything that may point to other health issues. With dental exams, they are able to check for poor hygiene and nutrition, and even improper jaw alignment. There are also ways you can practice good at home oral care: Brush twice a day for at least two minutes, using fluoridated toothpaste. Floss daily to remove plaque from places your toothbrush can’t reach. Eat a healthy diet to provide the nutrients necessary (vitamins A and C, in particular) to prevent gum disease. Avoid cigarettes and smokeless tobacco, which are known to contribute to gum disease and oral cancer. Behaviors that Contribute to Poor Oral Health Teaching children from a young age why oral health is important is critical to helping them maintain their well-being throughout their lives. Parents should help children understand the importance of oral hygiene in daily life and develop good oral hygiene habits, including brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits, beginning when their first teeth appear. But while poor oral hygiene is a leading factor in oral health issues, other behaviors can contribute to tooth decay, gum disease, and eventually, tooth loss. An unhealthy diet, excessive alcohol use, and tobacco use are all associated with dental health problems. A lack of access to quality dental care is also blamed for poor oral health. According to the ADA, only 30% of Millennials see a dentist regularly, with many citing financial challenges and a lack of insurance as barriers to dental care. Your Health and Safety Matters! Contact The Benefits Store for you and your families dental needs! #Californiahealthinsurance #Californiahealthtips #oralhealth

In the month of June, we focus on men’s health and well-being, and to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems. Help encourage the boy’s or men in your life, be it your child, nephew, brother or spouse, to take charge of their overall health. Here are some tips on what can be done to help prevent an illness, or to just stay ahead of the game. Get your Vaccines: Flu shot, every year. Tetanus booster, every 10 years. Whooping cough vaccine (Tdap booster) unless you’re certain you had one as a preteen or teenager. Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, if you’re younger than 26 and haven’t received it yet. Shingrix (shingles) vaccine at age 50. Pneumococcal vaccine, at 65. The CDC recommends all older adults  get a dose of PPSV23 (Pneumovax). Don’t forget about Screening Tests: Sexually transmitted disease. All men should get tested for HIV at least once. According to the CDC, everyone between ages 13 and 64 should be tested during their lifetime. (If you have certain risk factors, you’ll need additional screenings.) Blood pressure: Have it checked at least once every three to five years, or more often if you are at risk for hypertension. Cholesterol: Have your cholesterol tested every four to six years. If you have heart disease or diabetes, a family history of heart disease, or other cardiac risk factors, you may need to do this more often. Cancer Type 2 diabetes: If you’re overweight or obese, have a blood test every three years. Prostate cancer: Regular prostate specific antigen (PSA) tests, which may detect prostate cancer, might not be necessary. Be sure to talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of the test. If you’re concerned about prostate cancer, talk with your doctor at 55 or earlier about whether you’re at increased risk. Learn More About Men’s Health Awareness:Download Your Health and Safety Matters! Contact The Benefits Store today for you and your families health insurance needs! #Californiahealthinsurance #Californiahealthtips #healthawareness #men039shealthawareness

More people than you realize are living with a disability in the United States. According to the CDC, roughly 26% of all American adults have a disability of some sort. These disabilities, which include both mental and physical disabilities, not only reduce the quality of life and hinder the ability to perform activities of daily living, but they can limit your ability to work as well. The following are just a few of the challenges that people with disabilities must live with in the United States: Common Challenges of Living With a Disability The following are some of the common challenges people with physical and mental disabilities struggle face every day: Mobility problems: One in eight American adults reports having a mobility-based disability, such as difficulties walking or taking the stairs. Higher health risks: People with disabilities are 38.2% more likely to be obese, 11.5% more likely to have heart disease, and 16.3% more likely to have diabetes. Lower rate of technology adoption: Only 50% of disabled Americans use the Internet on a daily basis, while almost 80% of American adults with no disabilities use the Internet every day. Earn less income: Disabled Americans simply make less money. According to the Census Bureau, in 2019, disabled Americans earned a median of $21,572, which is around 30% less than non-disabled individuals. Inability to work: It’s estimated that more than 25% of the 20-year-olds in the United States today will miss work for at least 12 months as a result of a disability, such as back injuries, depression, or heart problems, before they reach retirement. Getting Disability Insurance Just because you’re completely healthy right now doesn’t mean you’ll never experience a disability. Because living with a disability is incredibly challenging and affects your quality of life as well as your financial situation, it’s critical that you consider investing in disability insurance. Disability insurance will provide you with partial income should you develop a disability that prevents you from working. For more health information, be sure to visit us at The Benefits Store today. #disabled #livingwithadisability #livingwithdisabilities

May has been designated as Food Allergies Awareness Month due to the enormous number of Americans that are affected by allergies to food every year. In fact, it’s estimated that around 32 million Americans have a food allergy of some sort, and 200,000 people receive emergency medical care in the United States every year due to an allergic reaction to something that they ate. What Are Food Allergies? A food allergy is when your body has a reaction to a food that you ate. The body views the protein in the food as a foreign invader and will produce antibodies to attack it. That can cause a variety of symptoms, from a mild rash to trouble breathing, and in severe cases, it can even be life-threatening. Is a Food Allergy the Same as a Food Intolerance? Food intolerance is not the same as a food allergy. With food intolerance, your body has trouble digesting a certain food. That can cause symptoms like bloating, gas, or diarrhea. A food allergy, on the other hand, is an immune reaction to a food protein. Is There a Food Allergy Cure? There is no cure for food allergies, and the only way to prevent a reaction is to avoid the food that you’re allergic to. That can be difficult because oftentimes, you won’t know that a food contains the allergen until you have a reaction. That’s why it’s important to be aware of the most common food allergens and to always read food labels carefully. If you think that you might have a food allergy, it’s important to see an allergist in California for testing. They can do a skin prick test or a blood test to see if you’re allergic to a certain food. Once they know what you’re allergic to, they can help you to create a plan to avoid the allergen and to be prepared in case of a reaction. For more health advice and for all the latest health news and information, be sure to continue visiting us at The Benefits Store. #allergicreaction #foodallergies #foodallergy

Your mental health impacts every aspect your life. Mental health problems can effect our emotional, psychological, and physical well being. When it comes to your mental health, self-care can help manage stress, increase your energy, and lower your risk of illness. Even small acts of self-care everyday can have a huge impact. Why bring awareness to mental health? Raising awareness to mental health problems can help you understand symptoms, get professional treatment if needed (without the stigma behind asking for help), and to get rid of the misconceptions behind mental health so people don’t suffer in silence! Take the first step in raising awareness by doing the following: Start a Conversation It can feel weird reaching out to someone who may need help. But friends and family members may not feel comfortable asking for help. Therefore, one way to start a conversation is to simply ask your loved ones how they are doing. Some ways to start a conversation like this include asking questions such as: • How are you? • Are you ok? • Do you need to talk? • What can I do to be there for you? • Is there anything that you need from me? • I want to know how you’re feeling because I care about you. Prioritize Your Mental Health Mental Health Awareness Month is a great time to reflect on your own mental well-being. To get an idea of where you might stand, just check in with yourself with the questions above. If you’re not doing ok, reach out for help. Finding the right therapist can take some time. Don’t wait to get on the road to mental wellness. Seek support as soon as possible. One thing to remember during this month, you are not alone and there is always someone who can help, even if you have to help yourself! Learn More about Mental Health AwarenessDownload Your Health and Safety Matters! Contact The Benefits Store today for you and your families health care needs! #Californiahealthinsurance #Californiahealthtips #healthawareness #mentalhealth