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UV light radiation can cause both short-term and long-term damage to your eyes. Unfortunately, not enough people pay attention to the importance of protecting their eyes, especially during the summer. People expose themselves during California summers because they spend more time outside. To spread more awareness about the need to protect your eyes, July has been designated as UV Safety Awareness Month. Damage Caused by UV Light Radiation Exposure can result in a number of short-term symptoms affecting your vision. These symptoms include eye irritation, red eyes, and photokeratitis (which is known as corneal sunburn and can cause temporary vision loss). These symptoms can occur within 15 minutes after exposure. However, it’s the long-term vision problems caused by UV light radiation that is of real concern. These problems include: Cancer – While you can’t get eye cancer, you can get skin cancer of the eyelids. Cataracts – Cataracts occur when the eye’s natural lens is clouded over. Roughly 10% of all cataracts are said to be caused by exposure. Macular degeneration – Macular degeneration is the leading cause of age-related blindness. UV light exposure increases the risk of macular degeneration, which results from retinal damage over time. Pterygium – Pterygium is a pink growth that forms over the white of the eye. It’s been referred to as “surfer’s eye.” Safety Tips to Protect Against UV Light Radiation The following can help protect against the damages of UV light radiation: Keep in mind that clouds do not block it. Never look directly at the sun. Wear a hat to help shade against exposure, especially if you’re in direct sunlight, on the beach or outside. Wear sunglasses if you plan on going outside for an extended period of time. Understand the potential risks and take the necessary precautions when spending time outside this summer. For more California summer safety awareness tips, visit us at The Benefits Store. #Californiasummers #UVlight #UVlightradiation

When you go swimming in California, odds are you’re not worried about drowning, especially if you learned to swim at a young age. But there is a significant risk when you’re in or on the water, even if you know how to swim. In fact, it is such a problem that it is vital awareness about the risk is encouraged. Drowning Remains a Large Risk The following are a few drowning statistics that showcase just how big of a problem it remains throughout not just California, but the United States: 23% of drownings among children happen in a pool. According to the CDC, 250 children aged five and under drown in pools every year. It is the number one cause of unintentional injury-related deaths amongst children aged four and under. Risk among adults increases due to drug and alcohol use. More than 4,000 people drown in the U.S. alone every year. How To Reduce the Risk Follow these tips to ensure that you and your family remain safe when swimming or boating: Avoid alcohol and drugs when swimming or boating. Do not go swimming right after you eat to avoid cramps. If you own a pool, place a barrier around it. A lack of barriers contributes to many deaths. Never let children go swimming without adult supervision. Most incidents involving children occur in familiar surroundings. Review swimming rules with children before taking them near water (not entering the water without an adult nearby, not running around the pool, etc.). Teach your children how to swim at an early age. If you plan to be near the water, whether alone or with your children, be sure you understand the risks and take proper precautions. For more California safety tips, visit us at The Benefits Store today. #Drowning #drowningrisk #safeswimming #Watersafety

Beach pollution has been a major problem along the coast of California for decades. It’s one of the reasons why a great effort has been made to get people to clean up after themselves and to volunteer to clean their local beaches. Unfortunately, many people don’t understand just how damaging littering on the beach can be. To help spread awareness of how important it is to keep our beaches clean, July has been designated as Clean Beaches Month. Why Clean Beaches Month Is Important It’s vital that California residents and tourists understand the impact they have on the environment when they visit the beach. Leaving behind trash instead of properly throwing it away can contribute to disastrous, global consequences. Here are ways in which litter on the beach can cause damage to the ecosystem: Garbage can cause ingestion problems Birds or ocean wildlife can swallow garbage, causing blockages in their digestive tracts. This leads to starvation. The ingestion of sharp objects can also puncture their stomachs, causing internal bleeding. Plastic ingestion has been a growing problem. In one study, more than 25% of fish around the world were found to have plastic inside of them. Trash causes entanglement Plastic bags, 6-pack holders, cans, string, and more can entangle wildlife. Entanglement can cause circulation loss, amputations, and wounds that lead to bacterial infections. It can also drag and weigh wildlife down, making them more vulnerable to predators or making it difficult for them to feed themselves. Participate In a Beach Cleanup This Month The first beach clean-up was organized in 1984. Since then, over 228 million pounds of trash have been collected during organized beach cleanups. You can make a difference by participating in a local beach cleanup. At the very least, be sure to properly throw away your garbage when visiting the beach. And be sure to pick up and throw away any trash you come across. For more about Clean Beaches Month, visit us at The Benefits Store today. #Cleanbeaches #cleanbeachesmonth #keepingourbeachesclean

sunburn UV radiation is yet another thing that you need to worry about if you plan on spending any time outdoors this summer. After all of the time that everyone’s spent in lockdown, the odds are you’re looking to spend some time outside, whether it’s having a picnic at the park, going for a hike, or hitting up the beaches in California. However you decide to enjoy the summer, it’s crucial that you protect your skin against UV radiation. To help spread awareness about the importance of UV radiation protection, July has been designated as UV Safety Awareness Month. The Dangers of UV Radiation UV light can come from any number of sources, including tanning beds. However, the primary source is sunlight. Exposure to UV light can cause your skin to wrinkle and leather over time. Short-term exposure can result in painful sunburns. However, long-term overexposure can lead to more serious issues, such as skin cancer. Skin cancer is a serious problem in the U.S. Roughly 5.4 million skin cancers are diagnosed every year, according to the American Cancer Society. How To Protect Your Skin Against UV Radiation It’s important to understand that you are still exposing yourself to UV radiation even if there’s cloud cover. Just because the sunlight isn’t hitting you directly doesn’t mean the UV rays aren’t getting through. As such, follow these tips if you plan on being outside, whether there’s cloud cover or not: Wear protective clothing – Loose-fitting clothing can help protect your skin, but be sure to wear a hat and sunglasses as well to shield you against UV rays. Stay in the shade when possible – If you’re going to spend an extended amount of time outside, be sure to stay in the shade, whether it’s under the cover of a tree or under an umbrella. Use sunscreen – Whenever you plan to spend extended time outdoors, apply sunscreen to skin that will be exposed to the sun. Use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. Use these safety tips to protect against UV radiation when spending time outside in California. For more summer safety tips, visit us at The Benefits Store today.

As the World Health Organization (WHO) points out, migraine and headache disorders are some of “the most common disorders of the nervous system.” Although a migraine or headache can be defined as having pain “in any region of the head,” the cause, duration, and intensity of this pain can vary according to the type of headache. The most common primary headaches Primary headaches can occur when the pain in your head is the condition. In other words, your headache isn’t being triggered by something that your body is dealing with, like illness or allergies. These headaches can be episodic or chronic: Episodic headaches may occur every so often or even just once in a while. They can last anywhere from half an hour to several hours. Chronic headaches are more consistent. They occur most days out of the month and can last for days at a time. In these cases, a pain management plan is necessary. Tension headaches occur if you feel a dull, aching sensation all over your head. It isn’t throbbing. Tenderness or sensitivity around your neck, forehead, scalp, or shoulder muscles also might occur. Anyone can get a tension headache, and they’re often triggered by stress. If you are getting headaches more than 15 days out of the month over a period of three months, you might have a chronic headache condition. You should see your doctor to find out what’s wrong, even if you’re able to manage the pain with aspirin or ibuprofen. Headaches can be a symptom of more serious health conditions, and some do require treatment beyond OTC medications and home remedies. Learn More:Download Your Health Matters! Contact The Benefits Store today for your Health insurance needs! Call (800)446-2663 or visit www.BenefitsStore.com. Provided by BENEFITS STORE INSURANCE SERVICES, Inc. #Migraineawareness #headaches #migraines #headacheawareness #Migraineandheadacheawareness #CaliforniaRealtorInsurance #CaliforniaInsurance

Did you know? Extreme Heat causes more deaths each year than Earthquakes, Floods, Hurricanes, Lightning and Tornados combined! The number one weather-related killer is Heat, and kills by pushing the human body beyond its limits. In extreme heat and high humidity, evaporation is slowed and our bodies must work extra hard to maintain a normal temperature. Most heat disorders occur because the victim has been overexposed to heat or has over-exercised for his or her age and physical condition. Older adults, young children and those who are sick or overweight are more likely to succumb to extreme heat. Extreme Heat HEAT STROKE: What to Look For High Body Temperature (103 degrees F or higher), hot and red skin, fast and strong pulse, headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, losing consciousness passing out What to do: Call 911 as heat stroke is a medical emergency. Move the person to a cooler place, lower the person’s temperature with cool, moist cloths.  Do not give the person anything to drink. HEAT EXHAUSTION: What to Look For Heavy Sweating, Cold Pale and Clammy Skin, Fast and Weak Pulse, Nausea or vomiting, muscle cramps, tiredness or weakness, dizziness, headache, fainting What to do: Move to a cool place, loosen clothes, apply cool wet cloths to the person’s body, sip water Get medical help if vomiting, symptoms get worse or last longer than 1 hour. Learn More:Download Your Health Matters! Contact The Benefits Store today for your Health Insurance needs! #healthawareness #Californiahealthtips #extremeheatsafety #summerheat #extremeheat #healthtips #BenefitsStoreInsuranceServices #CaliforniaRealtorInsurance

Whether you’re in Southern or Northern California, odds are you’re going to hit the beach at some point this summer. After all, our beaches are one of the major benefits of living in California! It’s helpful for you and your family to understand the importance of beach safety. Beach Safety Facts In order to practice beach safety, you need to understand the risks. Familiarize yourself with these beach safety facts before your day in the sand, sun, and surf: Dangerous rip tides – Rip tides can travel as fast as 8´/second, which means if you’re caught in one, it could take you out to sea. You can spot a riptide if you see that the waves aren’t breaking, seaweed is being pulled back in from the shore, or there’s foam on the beach. Flag colors – Different flags are posted at various parts of the beach to indicate safety conditions. You should only go swimming in an area with green or black and white checkered flags. Double red flags mean the area is closed. Single red flag means swimming in that area is risky. Yellow indicates medium hazard. Purple flags tell you there is dangerous marine life (see: sharks) nearby. Heat risks – Understand the risks of a hot sunny day. It’s the best time to go to the beach, but make sure everyone wears sunscreen. Avoid time in direct sunlight; bring an umbrella for shade to reduce the risk of sunburn. Additionally, drink lots of water to avoid heat exhaustion. Lifeguards are not babysitters – Even if there’s a lifeguard on duty, always keep an eye on everyone in your group when they go into the water. Never let children go into the water on their own without adult supervision. Going to the beach can be a fun time. Just make sure that you familiarize yourself with these beach safety facts. For more summer safety tips, visit us at The Benefits Store. #beachsafety #safetyatthebeach #summersafety

Did you know about National Men’s Health Week? In June, National Men’s Health Week always begins on the Monday before Father’s Day and ends on Father’s Day itself. This year it is June 14-20. Men’s Health Statistics What better way to celebrate dad than to encourage him to take care of his health! The week is all about the need for healthy bodies, hard exercise, good diet, and regular visits to the doctor. Men’s health is not only a concern for men, but it is also a concern for women who care about the health of their fathers, husbands, sons and brothers. The health of men in America is steadily deteriorating, largely due to poor health education, lack of awareness and culturally induced behavior patterns. This has caused a silent health crisis, whereby men face higher mortality rates than women for 9 of the 10 leading causes of death in addition to a shorter life span. Additionally, men’s health is an issue for employers who lose productive employees and pay the costs of their medical care, as well as for society, which absorbs the enormous costs of premature death and disability. Learn More:Download Your Health Matters! Contact The Benefits Store for your Health Insurance Needs! #RealtorInsurance #menshealthawareness #Men039sHelthweek #men039shealth #HealthNews #CaliforniaInsurance

Headaches are defined as any type of pain you might feel in your head. Everyone has experienced a headache at some point; they’re not uncommon. However, there are many types of and different headache causes. If you’re having serious headaches, such as cluster headaches or migraines, then you should seek medical attention from a doctor in California. Unfortunately, many people don’t realize they should go seek medical help due to headaches. Because of this, June was designated as National Migraine & Headache Awareness Month. What Are the Common Headache Causes? There are essentially two headache causes: primary and secondary. Primary headaches are when the pain that you feel in your head is the actual condition. A secondary headache is when the pain in your head is caused by something else, such as an illness or an allergy. There are many different triggers for primary headaches, including hormone fluctuations, dehydration, sleep disruption, stress, and more. What Are Different Types of Headaches? Headaches can be classified as either episodic or chronic. Episodic headaches occur infrequently. Chronic headaches occur regularly. The following are a few of the common types of headaches that you should know about: Allergy – Certain allergies and sinus problems can lead to these secondary headaches. Cluster – Cluster headaches cause burning sensations around the eye or on one side of the face. Exertion – Exertion headaches are secondary headaches caused by intense physical activity, such as running or weightlifting. Such head pain is caused by the increased flow of blood to the skull. Migraine – According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one in 7 people experience migraines. They can be incredibly intense and can last days. They can cause nausea and vomiting as well. Tension – Tension headaches are usually triggered by stress and cause dull, aching pains. Visit A Doctor if You Experience Chronic Headaches If you’re experiencing headaches on a regular basis, then you should seek medical attention. A doctor can help you manage the pain headaches cause as well as identify and avoid certain triggers. For more information about headache causes and for general health advice, be sure to visit us at The Benefits Store. #causesofheadaches #headacheawareness #headachecauses #headachewarningsigns

Did you know? Because a stroke causes brain tissue to die, (which can lead to brain damage, disability, and death) every minute counts when it comes to stroke. Use this method of noticing (Face, Arms, Speech and Time) “Acting F.A.S.T.”, which can help stroke patients get the treatment they need to survive and reduce damage to the brain. Learn MoreDownload Your Health Matters! Contact The Benefits Store for your Health Insurance Needs! #Stroke #California #Healthinsurance #HighBloodPressureAwareness #StrokeAwareness #TheBenefitsStoreInsuranceServices #HighBloodPressure

Did you know more than 200,000 Americans seek emergency medical treatment as a result of a food allergy? Odds are you’re familiar with some of the common dietary restrictions people may have, such as lactose intolerance. However, there’s a big difference between an intolerance and an allergy. Because so many people have food allergies, it helps to better understand what a food allergy actually is. How Is An ‘Allergy’ Different from An ‘Intolerance?’ Food intolerance is when a specific type of food affects your digestive system in a negative way. For example, lactose-intolerant people have difficulty breaking down milk sugar due to the lack of a specific digestive enzyme. But consuming lactose isn’t deadly if you have an intolerance. Instead, you might experience a range of discomfort based on the amount of lactose you consumed. On the other hand, a food allergy is when a specific type of food negatively affects your immune system. Essentially, the food you’re allergic to will cause your immune system to attack proteins in that food; proteins that are usually considered harmless. Symptoms can range from mild to deadly. How to Deal with an Allergy to Food Food allergies are an inherited predisposition. Unfortunately, there are no cures for allergies; you must simply avoid the food. Some allergies (usually milk, soy, wheat, and eggs) can be outgrown. Others, such as fish and nut allergies, last forever. Anyone who has an allergy should be vigilant about avoiding those foods. Always check the ingredients of any foods you’re purchasing. If eating at a restaurant or elsewhere, be clear about your food allergy. Remind people you know so that they don’t accidentally forget about it. There are over 32 million Americans living with a food allergy. It’s important to understand what this type of allergy is and how deadly it can be. For more health awareness information and advice, be sure to keep visiting us at The Benefits Store. #allergies #allergytofood #foodallergiies #foodallergy

High blood pressure is a condition affecting a third of all Americans. Many don’t even realize they have it. Controlling your blood pressure is critical because the condition can increase the risk for both heart disease and stroke. In fact, increased blood pressure is responsible for more deaths than any other condition in the entire world. What Is High Blood Pressure? Blood pressure is determined using two numbers: the systolic pressure (the force at which blood is pumped throughout your body) and diastolic pressure (blood vessels’ resistance to blood flow). Readings of 140/90mmHG and higher are considered high. Typically, healthy blood pressure is between 90/60 and 120/80. Blood Pressure Checks in California You should have your blood pressure checked regularly. As you grow older, you’re more at risk of developing it. More than 50% of Americans over the age of 60 have increased blood pressure. And the risk of developing it over the course of your lifetime is 90 percent. Not only senior citizens develop high blood pressure. It’s estimated 25% of men and 20 percent of women between the ages of 35-44 have higher than normal blood pressure. Younger people should have their blood pressure checked at least once a year. How To Manage Blood Pressure Your doctor in California will provide you with instructions to manage blood pressure. These instructions may include: Exercise on a regular basis Find ways to reduce stress Limit alcohol consumption Limit sodium consumption Maintain a healthy diet Maintain a healthy weight Quit smoking If you have increased blood pressure, your doctor may also recommend you monitor your blood pressure at home. Doing so can identify spikes in your blood pressure that indicate potential health complications. Higher than normal blood pressure is common, but it can be managed if you’ve been diagnosed with it. For more health advice, visit us at The Benefits Store today. #RisksofHighBloodPressure #Treatinghighbloodpressure #Bloodpressurechecks #PreventingHighBloodPressure #HighBloodPressure