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Congress has proclaimed September “National Life Insurance Awareness Month,” and most states are making similar proclamations. More than 100 insurance companies and industry trade groups are expected to participate in the National Life Insurance Awareness Month campaign. While many Americans recognize that it is important to protect loved ones with life insurance, far too many lack adequate coverage. National Life Insurance Awareness Month is intended to prompt Americans to assess their life insurance needs. This is a great time to learn more about how life insurance can benefit you and your family. Your life insurance needs will depend on a number of factors, including the size of your family, the nature of your financial obligations, your career stage, and your goals. According to the 2019 Barometer study by Life Happens and LIMRA: 66% of people recognize a need for life insurance yet many do not have adequate coverage. Over 50% of Americans overestimate the cost of a term life insurance policy by 3 times or more than its actual cost. 40% of American families without life insurance would experience significant financial issues if the primary wage earner passed on. Term life insurance Term Life Insurance allows you to buy life insurance protection during the years you need it most (i.e. your “term”). Once the term ends, so does your coverage. Depending on your unique situation, you may be able to get a term life insurance policy at an affordable rate for less than you thought. Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance (AD&D Insurance) To get approved for a term or universal life insurance policy, you generally need to take a medical exam and complete a health questionnaire. If you’re looking for an option that doesn’t require either one, you might consider Accidental Death Insurance (AD&D Insurance). It’s designed to help protect you and your family if you are seriously injured or killed in a covered accident. Although it’s not a life insurance policy, it does provide some level of coverage for those who might otherwise have none. Some people even opt to buy it in addition to a traditional life insurance policy. Learn More:Download Your Health Matters! Contact The Benefits Store today for your insurance needs! www.BenefitsStore.com

High cholesterol is something most Americans recognize as being a bad thing. However, not enough Americans monitor their cholesterol levels. Unfortunately, it’s known as a silent killer because there are no symptoms associated with high cholesterol. Because of this, September has been named National Cholesterol Education Month. Facts About Cholesterol The following are a few facts about cholesterol that everybody should know about: High cholesterol is a condition that over 102 million American adults suffer from. Of that 102 million, roughly 35 million have dangerously high levels of cholesterol that put them at risk of heart disease — a condition that causes 600,000 deaths a year in the U.S. alone. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. High cholesterol can also lead to a stroke, the fifth leading cause of death in the U.S. Not all cholesterol is bad for you. LDL cholesterol is what’s bad for you; HDL cholesterol is actually good for you and can lower your risk of heart disease. LDL cholesterol is bad for you because it causes plaque to develop on the walls of your blood vessels, thereby causing them to narrow. Eventually, blood flow to your organs can be restricted, causing a stroke. Smoking makes high cholesterol worse because it damages your blood vessels, thereby increasing the risk of heart disease as a result of high cholesterol. A healthy diet can help you maintain healthy cholesterol levels. Avoid foods that are high in saturated fats and eat foods that are high in fiber and unsaturated fats instead. Although a healthy lifestyle can help, genetic conditions, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes can also cause high cholesterol levels. In these cases, you may need medication, such as statins, to lower your bad cholesterol levels. It’s important that you understand the effects that high cholesterol can have on your health. Be sure to monitor your cholesterol levels by scheduling routine check-ups with your primary physician in California and adopting a healthier lifestyle to maintain healthy cholesterol levels. For more health tips, visit us at The Benefits Store today. #CholesterolAwareness #cholesterollevels #highcholesterol

Prostate cancer is not only the most common type of non-skin cancer in men, it’s also one of the most deadly forms of cancer. It’s estimated that one out of eight men is diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. The American Cancer Society estimates that there will be around 248,530 new prostate cancer cases and 34,130 prostate cancer deaths in the U.S. this year alone. Because of how deadly it is, September has been designated as National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. Who Is At Risk Of Prostate Cancer? The majority of men who are diagnosed with prostate cancer are over the age of 50. In fact, it’s estimated that only one percent of all prostate cancer patients are under 50. On the other hand, 80 percent of all prostate cancer patients are over 65. As such, the risk increases the older you get. It’s also been noted that those who are African American and those who have a family history of prostate cancer are at a greater risk. Can Prostate Cancer Be Prevented? Although nobody knows exactly what causes tumors to grow, it is known that diet does contribute to the risk. Studies have indicated that the condition is more common in countries where men eat more meat and dairy products compared to countries where they eat mostly rice, vegetables, and soybean products. Additionally, those who eat a lot of red meat are at a higher risk. By reducing the consumption of red meat, you may be able to reduce your risk of prostate cancer. You should also add foods to your diet that are high in antioxidants, such as fruits and vegetables. Antioxidants help protect your cell’s DNA from being damaged. Schedule a Prostate Health Screening Although prostate cancer can be deadly, most men who are diagnosed with the condition won’t die. The key to being able to treat prostate cancer, however, is to catch it in the early stages, which is why it’s so important that men over the age of 50 schedule prostate health screenings with their California physician on a regular basis. For more health information, visit us at The Benefits Store today. #ProstateCancer #ProstateCancerAwareness #prostatehealth

September is National Food Safety Education Month. Learn how to be a food safety superhero! Take steps to help prevent food poisoning, and show others how to keep food safe. Be a Produce Pro: • Keep fresh fruits and vegetables separate from raw meat, poultry, seafood and eggs. Use Separate Cutting Boards: • One for fresh produce • Another one for raw meat, poultry and seafood Use Separate Plates and Utensils: • For cooked foods • For raw foods Never place cooked food back on a plate that previously held raw meat, poultry, seafood or eggs. Wash the plate with hot water and soap before using with other foods. For more information on safely handling produce, check out the Produce Pro fact sheet at www.fightbac.org. Causes of Food Poisoning Many different disease-causing germs can contaminate foods, so there are many different food borne infections (also called food borne disease or food poisoning). Researchers have identified more than 250 food borne diseases. Most of them are infections, caused by a variety of bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Harmful toxins and chemicals also can contaminate foods and cause food borne illness. CDC estimates that each year 48 million people get sick from a food borne illness, 128,000 are hospitalized, and 3,000 die. Do I have Food Poisoning? Common symptoms of food borne diseases are nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and diarrhea. However, symptoms may differ among the different types of food borne diseases. Symptoms can sometimes be severe, and some food borne illnesses can even be life-threatening. Although anyone can get a food borne illness, some people are more likely to develop one. Some Common Food borne Germs The top five germs that cause illnesses from food eaten in the United States are: Norovirus Salmonella Clostridium perfringens Campylobacter Staphylococcus aureus (Staph) Learn More:Download Your Health Matters! Contact The Benefits Store Today for Your Health Insurance Needs! www.BenefitsStore.com (800)446-2663 CA Insurance License #0680704 #FoodSafety #FoodSafetyEducation

Realtor safety is surprisingly not something a lot of real estate agents are often concerned about. However, realtors spend a lot of time showing empty homes to strangers that they do not know, thereby potentially putting themselves at risk. In a Member Safety Report published by the National Association of Realtors, it was revealed that 33 percent of realtors have been in situations in which they were worried about their safety while on the job. To help spread awareness about the importance of being prepared and staying safe while showing homes in California, September was designated as Realtor Safety Month. Safety Tips for Realtor Safety Month The following are a few tips that realtors should follow in order to stay safe while showing homes to prospective buyers: Be alert during showings. Realtors should be aware of their surroundings at all times, and if something feels off to them, then they should immediately leave the premises. Let someone know where you are. You should notify a friend or family member of the address where you will be, even if you’re not showing a property to anyone. For instance, if you’re just double-checking an empty house for something, you should still let someone know where you’re going. Carry a phone at all times. Realtors should have a phone with them at all times. Not only will you be able to call for help in the case of an emergency, but your phone also has GPS on it, which means that your location can be identified if needed. Use an emergency POM tool. POM (personal safety opportunity monitor) tools are small devices that you can click on if you find yourself in an emergency situation and need to request help right away. Trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, then you should listen to your intuition. For example, if someone comes to the door that you do not know while you’re in an empty house by yourself, don’t answer if something feels amiss. Be sure to share these safety tips during Realtor Safety Month. For more safety awareness tips, visit us at The Benefits Store today. #realtorsafety #realtorsafetyawareness #realtorsafetymonth

Prostate Cancer Awareness Month Prostate Cancer Awareness Month is observed every September in North America by health experts, health advocates, and individuals concerned with men’s health. How common is it? About 1 man in 8 will be diagnosed during his lifetime. Other than skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common in American men. The American Cancer Society’s estimates in the United States for 2021 are: About 248,530 new cases About 34,130 deaths What Is It? It is a malignant tumor of the prostate. The disease is less common before age 50, and experts believe that most elderly men have traces of it. Risk of prostate cancer Prostate cancer is more likely to develop in older men and in non-Hispanic Black men. About 6 cases in 10 are diagnosed in men who are 65 or older, and it is rare in men under 40. The average age of men at diagnosis is about 66. Death Statistics It is the second leading cause of cancer death in American men, behind only lung cancer. About 1 man in 41 will die of from it. This can be a serious disease, but most men diagnosed with it do not die from it. In fact, more than 3.1 million men in the United States who have been diagnosed at some point, are still alive today. Prostate cancer in its early stages (when it’s found only in the prostate gland) can be treated, with very good chances for survival. Fortunately, about 85% of American men with prostate cancer are diagnosed in an early stage of the disease. Learn More:Download Your Health Matters! Contact The Benefits Store today for your and your families health insurance needs! www.BenefitsStore.com (800)446-2663 – Info@BenefitsStore.com CA Insurance License #0680704 #ProstateCancer #ProstateCancerAwareness

Brake failure is not something most people worry about when it comes to driver safety. Unfortunately, it does happen. In fact, the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) states that brake failure is the third most common vehicle-related factor in vehicle crashes. Because of this, August has been designated as National Brake Awareness Month. Preventing Brake Failure The last thing you want to do is find yourself driving on one of the busy Los Angeles freeways only to have your brakes fail on you. The most effective way to prevent such an issue is to take your vehicle in for a regular inspection at least once a year. Have your brakes looked at and if they’re starting to wear down or get old, have them replaced. What To Do in the Event of an Emergency Although getting your vehicle inspected regularly can help prevent brake failure, there may still come a time when your brakes fail while you’re driving. If this does happen, the following are a few tips to help reduce the risk of getting into an accident as a result: Don’t panic – Panicking because your brakes aren’t working won’t help. People who panic may even step on the gas pedal by accident, which will only make things worse. Take a deep breath and try to calm yourself down so you can navigate your situation safely. Turn on your hazard lights – Put your hazard lights on so that everyone around you knows there’s a problem. Downshift if you drive manual – If you drive a manual car, downshift. Doing so can help slow your car down a little at a time. Even if you can’t stop all the way, slowing down can help prevent a bad accident. Shift into neutral once you reach first gear. Use your emergency brake – Once you’re in neutral, pull your emergency brake. Once you come to a complete stop, don’t forget to put the car in park. The last thing you want to do is get in a car accident, so be sure to have your car regularly inspected so that your brakes don’t fail. For more safety awareness tips, visit us at The Benefits Store. #brakefailure #brakeproblems #carsafety #vehiclesafety

September: Cholesterol Education Month Why National Cholesterol Education Month is Important It shines a light on a silent condition High cholesterol has no symptoms itself, but it can lead to blockages of your arteries. This can result in heart disease. National Cholesterol Education Month raises awareness about this potentially dangerous condition. It urges people to get checked A simple blood test can tell you if your cholesterol is high and if you’re in danger of heart disease. Be there are no symptoms for high cholesterol, adults over the age of 20 are encouraged to get this test once every five years. It galvanizes people to make healthier choices High cholesterol can often be caused by one’s lifestyle habits. Poor diet, a lack of exercise, and other factors like smoking can cause or exacerbate the condition. Luckily, improving one’s lifestyle choices can also help lower cholesterol and National Cholesterol Education Month teaches people just how to do that. What Is Cholesterol? Cholesterol is a waxy, fat like substance. It is produced by the liver and is present in dietary sources. It is a major component of cell membranes and is used to make hormones, vitamin D, and bile acids used in digestion. Cholesterol is carried through the blood on lipoproteins. There are two major types of lipoproteins: High-density lipoprotein (HDL), often called “good” cholesterol Low-density lipoprotein (LDL), often called “bad” cholesterol Excess LDL cholesterol is deposited in the walls of arteries throughout the body. This can lead to ASCVD, which includes heart attack, stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA), stable or unstable angina, and peripheral artery disease (PAD), including aortic aneurysm, al Learn More:Download Your Health Matters! Contact The Benefits Store today for you and your families Health Insurance needs! www.BenefitsStore.com (800)446-2663 Info@BenefitsStore.com CA Insurance License #0680704 #healthawareness #Californiahealthtips #CholesterolAwareness #Californiahealthinsurance #CholesterolEducationMonth

If you’re the proud owner of a pet, then it’s important that you maintain a pet vaccination schedule. A lot of people don’t realize that just like humans, pets, such as dogs and cats, require yearly vaccinations. To help spread awareness of this fact, August is National Pet Immunization Awareness Month. What Vaccinations Should Your Pets Get? There are two types of vaccines that your pets may require. The first type of vaccinations is called “core vaccinations.” These are absolutely necessary. For dogs, they include canine parvovirus, canine hepatitis, canine distemper, and rabies shots. For cats, they include rabies, feline calicivirus, feline herpesvirus type I, and feline distemper shots. The second type of vaccination is called a non-core vaccination. These vaccinations depend on the lifestyle and specific risks of your pet. Some of these non-core vaccinations for dogs include Lyme disease, leptospirosis, and canine cough shots. For cats, they include feline leukemia virus and bacterial upper respiratory infection vaccinations. The following are a few examples of lifestyle risks that may warrant a non-core vaccination: You board your pets regularly when going on vacation You take your pets to the groomer on a regular basis You take your dog to the dog park or other areas where other dogs are Your backyard is shared with wildlife (such as an area where deer, raccoons, and other wildlife venture) Setting Up a Pet Vaccination Schedule Initial vaccines against certain diseases common amongst dogs and cats can be given to your pets in California once they reach six weeks of age. Once these vaccines are administered, booster shots are often required to ensure that these vaccines remain effective. Boosters are usually required the first year following the initial vaccination and then every three years afterward. Get Your Pets Vaccinated It’s vital to the health of your pets that you get them vaccinated. To determine whether your pet needs non-core vaccinations, speak with your vet in Northern California. They can also help set up a vaccination schedule so that your pet will get the booster shots it needs. For more pet health advice, visit us at The Benefits Store today. #petvaccines #PetVaccination #pethealth #Petsafety #petimmunization

Having a MedicAlert medical ID on a bracelet or necklace can end up saving your life. Unfortunately, not enough people know what it is. Anyone who has a medical condition of any sort can benefit from having such an ID. To help spread awareness of the ID and how it can save your life, August is MedicAlert Awareness Month. The Benefits of a MedicAlert Medical ID Despite the fact that the medical ID has been available for almost half a century, not enough people are familiar with them — or use them. As such, the following are some of the reasons why you or your family members should wear such a medical ID if you have a medical condition: Members can update and access their emergency health records online at any time and from anywhere. An emergency response team has access to the online health records and is trained to provide vital medical information to first responders. If you experience a medical emergency that leaves you incapacitated or unable to provide first responders or healthcare providers with information, your medical ID will be able to provide your health records and information for you. As a result, medical errors (such as a misdiagnosis or an error in medication) are reduced by as much as 50 percent. First responders with access to the information on your medical ID will be able to take quicker action, especially if the condition you suffer from is difficult to recognize on the spot. Such a faster response time can end up saving your life. Besides providing first responders and healthcare providers with important medical information, a medical ID also helps identify the person wearing it, which is useful if they don’t have any other identifying documents on them (such as a driver’s license). Medical IDs are internationally recognized, which means that they can help save your life even if you’re not in California or the United States. As you can see, having a MedicAlert medical ID can be life-saving if you have a medical condition. For more health tips, visit us at The Benefits Store today. #healthawareness #Medicalert #Medicalertbracelet #MedicalIDs

As part of Children’s Eye Safety Month, in addition to immunizations, it is highly recommended your child receive an eye examination before going back to school. The inability to see clearly affects not only academic performance but also athletics and self-esteem. Start the new school year out right by making sure that your student is seeing clearly! Common signs of vision troubles in children include: frequently rubbing eyes, squinting, tilting or turning head to look at objects, wandering eyes, or squeezing eyes. If you’re child displays any of these symptoms, please schedule an appointment to have their eyes checked. Protect Your Children’s Eyes from Too Much Blue Light Research is suggesting that hours in front of digital screens each day may be putting children’s eye safety at risk. (ex: damage to their retinas later in life.) Computer displays/screens of smart phones and other digital devices emit significant amounts of high-energy visible blue light. This can have long-term damaging effects on retinal tissue. Though it’s still unclear how much blue light is too much, it’s wise to take preventive measures. Limit your child’s exposure to blue light from these devices. It’s wise to have kids wear eyeglasses with photochromic lenses and/or anti-reflective coating designed to filter blue light. Also, attempting to place limits on the amount of time your child spends in front of a digital screen daily. If your child doesn’t need corrective lenses, your eye doctor can prescribe light-filtering computer glasses that can protect his or her eyes from blue light and visual fatigue. Consult your eye care professional for more details. According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), parents should consider these factors affecting children and computer use: Children may not be aware of how much time they are spending at a computer. They may perform a task on the computer for hours with few breaks. This prolonged activity can cause eye focusing and eye strain problems. Children are very adaptable. They assume that what they see and how they see is normal — even if their vision is problematic. It’s important for parents to monitor the time a child spends working at a computer. Making sure they have regular eye exams as directed by their optometrist or ophthalmologist. Children are smaller than adults. Since computer workstations often are arranged for adult use, this can change the viewing angle for young children. Computer users should view the screen slightly downward, at a 15-degree angle. Learn More about Children’s Eye SafetyDownload Your Children’s Eye Safety and Health is Important! Contact The Benefits Store today for your Vision Insurance needs! Call (800)446-2663 or visit www.BenefitsStore.com. Provided by BENEFITS STORE INSURANCE SERVICES, Inc.

It has always been important to keep travel safety in mind, but this is doubly so as a result of the pandemic. After such a long time spent in lockdown, many Americans are planning to travel. If you plan to travel soon, whether you’re traveling within California or leaving the state, then planning ahead will be essential. Travel Safety Tips During the Pandemic First and foremost, identify what the vaccination requirements are for the place you’re traveling to. Even if your destination doesn’t have any vaccination requirements, it’s a good idea to get vaccinated for COVID-19 either way. It’s also important to realize that COVID-19 isn’t the only vaccine requirement certain destinations have. You may also need the MMR vaccine before you travel. Do not wait until the last minute to get any required vaccinations. Some vaccinations require multiple shots (such as the COVID-19 vaccine), while others need time for your body to build up immunity, such as the yellow fever vaccine (which you’ll need to get 10 days prior to your travel date). In addition to getting all of the required vaccinations for your destination, the following are a few other travel safety tips: If you have any medical conditions and prescription medications that you take for those conditions, carry a physician’s letter that describes both with you. Write down essential personal medical information on a card (such as your conditions, blood type, and more) and carry this card everywhere you go. If you’re taking any prescribed medications with you, leave them in their original containers instead of transferring them to a pill case. Check with the embassy in the country you’re traveling to (if you’re leaving the states) to find out if your prescription medications are legal there. Bring masks with you. You will not be able to fly in the states without a mask, and many foreign countries still have mask requirements as well. These are a few travel safety tips to keep in mind as you travel during the pandemic. For more information about traveling safety or about getting vaccinated, visit us at The Benefits Store today. #travelduringpandemic #travelsafety #travelsafetyduringCOVID19