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When it comes to women’s health, one of the most important steps you can take is preventive. It’s why you should periodically schedule a “well visit.” This ensures you’re in good health and taking preventive measures to stay healthy. However, don’t just show up to your next check-up unprepared. There are a few things you’ll want to do to make sure you get the most out of your well visit in California. Preparing for Your Women’s Health Check-Up Once you’ve scheduled a routine check-up with your health provider, take these steps to make sure you’re prepared for your visit: 1. Write down issues and questions Take note of any health issues you’re having, such as fatigue, dizziness, skin changes, lumps, anxiety, and more. You’ll also want to mention irregularities. For example, note if you’re sleeping less, your menstrual cycle has changed, or there are changes with your urine or stool. Write down any questions you have as well so you won’t forget. Your healthcare provider can assess any issues or irregularities and take steps to treat them before they can lead to bigger problems. 2. Write down your family health history Speak with your family about their health issues (such as any chronic diseases they have and when they were diagnosed). You’ll want to provide this information to your healthcare provider. If necessary, your medical professional can formulate a preventive plan to help you maintain health and reduce the risk of disease. 3. Inquire about screenings and vaccinations You’ll want to ask about any vaccinations and screenings you should have based on your general health, family health history, and age. For example, it may be time for a tetanus shot, pap test, mammogram, or other vaccinations and screenings. Maintain Women’s Health with Periodic Check-Ups Routine wellness visits can identify health issues and take steps to prevent major health problems from developing. For more advice concerning women’s health, visit us at The Benefits Store today. #femalehealth #wellvisit #WomensHealth #women039shealthcheckup

When you think of “disability,” there’s a good chance you think of a severe mental or physical condition that limits a person’s ability to function properly. However, disabilities range in severity and more people in California are disabled than you might realize. In fact, according to the CDC, roughly 25 percent of all Americans suffer from a disability. Because disabilities affect so many and aren’t always understood, May was named Disability Insurance Month to help promote awareness about disabilities and disability insurance coverage. What Constitutes A ‘Disability?’ The CDC defines a disability as any kind of mental or physical condition that makes it more difficult for a person to perform certain activities or to interact with their environment. Conditions can include disorders that affect your ability to move, see, hear, think, remember, learn, and communicate. Essentially, conditions that impair the body’s physical or mental function or limits the ability to participate in an activity can be considered disabilities. How a person develops a disability can vary as well. Some people are born with disabilities (for example, autism). Some develop disabilities as a result of another condition (such as muscular dystrophy or diabetes). Finally, some disabilities are the result of an accident (such as losing the function of an arm or leg due to a car accident). The most common disability is that of mobility limitation, like difficulty walking or climbing stairs. Many senior citizens develop disabilities as they age, both mobility- and/or cognitive-related. Learn About California Disability Insurance Coverage Suffering from a disability can make it difficult to work. On top of that, paying for the medical bills related to your condition can become incredibly expensive, especially if you’re out of work. It’s why you should consider disability insurance. Disability insurance can ensure that you receive at least a partial income if you are disabled and unable to work. For more information about health insurance in California, visit us at The Benefits Store today. #disability #disabilityinsurance #whatisdisability #whatisdisabilityinsurance

Almost everybody shares sensitive personal data online in one way or another. For instance, your social media profiles are likely filled with personal information. Odds are you’re sharing personal financial information to make online purchases as well. Unfortunately, if such data falls in the wrong hands, it can be used to commit fraud. Because of this, consumer protection has become more important than ever. Feb. 28-March 6, 2021 was National Consumer Awareness Week. Fraud runs rampant online, which is why spreading awareness about consumer protection is so important. Consumer Protection Tips for You Online thieves have been known to hack into accounts as well as trick users into providing personal information. Hackers will commit credit card fraud using your credit card number or personal details. That and identity fraud can have massive consequences. The following are a few consumer protection tips to prevent identity theft online: Always download software updates – Whenever your computer or phone has an update available, download it. Updates can protect against possible security breaches and prevent viruses that may expose your personal information. Don’t open suspicious emails – If you get an email that seems suspicious, don’t open it. If you do open the email and still do not know what it is, then don’t download any attachments or click on any links. Shop on secure sites – If you’re making an online purchase, only do so on a website that uses the HTTPS protocol. This ensures your information is encrypted. Use difficult-to-guess passwords – Use various numbers and symbols for passwords. Don’t use the same password for everything and don’t make it something that’s easy to guess (like “password” or your birthdate). Use IDShield – IDShield will monitor your online identity, credit, and social media activities to ensure nothing out of the ordinary is showing up. If there are activities that indicate fraud, you will be notified immediately so you can act quickly. They also provide full-service identity restoration and other features. Be sure to use these consumer protection tips to prevent identity theft online. For more advice about consumer protection, visit us at The Benefits Store today. #consumerprotection #identitytheft #onlinesafety #onlinesecurity

A good night’s sleep is more important than you might realize. The amount of sleep you get and the quality of that sleep have an enormous impact on your wellbeing. Not only does it affect mental health, but it also affects your physical health as well. Raising awareness about the importance of sleep is essential to general health awareness. That’s why March is National Sleep Awareness Month. The Importance of Sleep Awareness Month The quality and duration of your sleep play a vital part in your body’s ability to regulate metabolism. It also plays an important role in your ability to regulate: Emotions Learning Remembering If you don’t get enough sleep, it can cause a lot of issues. Sleep deprivation over a period of time can impair your reaction time (more specifically, hand-eye coordination) and your judgment. For example, lack of sleep can cause driver fatigue, which leads to an estimated 83,000 car accidents a year. Additionally, prolonged sleep deprivation has been linked to depression, the increased perception of pain, and a weakened immune system. How To Improve Your Quality Of Sleep First, you need to understand just how much sleep is needed for a healthy lifestyle. According to the AASM (American Academy of Sleep Medicine), adults should sleep at least seven hours a night. Children between the ages of 13-18 should sleep between 8-10 hours a night. The younger children are, the more sleep they need. To ensure you’re getting the proper amount of sleep, go to bed at the same time every night. Establish a relaxing routine that makes it easier to fall asleep. For instance, take a warm bath or shower before bed. Avoid staring at any screens, such as your TV, computer, tablet, or phone, right before going to sleep. Turn out all lights as you prepare for bed. Get the Sleep You Need Sleep is important, which is why March is Sleep Awareness Month. For more sleeping advice or any other health-related information, visit us at The Benefits Store. #GettingEnoughSleep #Importanceofsleep #Sleepadvice #SleepAwareness

When it comes to safety awareness, there’s one big risk that many don’t know about: poisoning. Many people assume it’s a rare occurrence here in California. Yet poisoning is the leading cause of unintentional death in the U.S., surpassing even car accident-related deaths. In 2019, there were over 2.1 million poison exposures reported to poison control centers in the U.S. Spreading awareness about poison prevention is critical. 6 Poison Prevention Tips You might be surprised at how many poison risks are in your household. Some of the most common poison risks include painkillers, household cleaners, and cosmetics. The following are a few tips for poison prevention around your home: Always put poisonous products away after use – Put potentially poisonous products away immediately after use. Discard poisonous products safely – When throwing away used products that are potentially poisonous, make sure to discard them in a sealed, outdoor container. Keep poisonous products separate from food – You don’t want your food to become contaminated by accident. Don’t store cleaning products in cabinets along with dry foods. Always keep these items separate. Keep poisonous products stored – Household cleaners and medications should never be left out in the open where children or pets can reach them. Always store them in a safe place, such as a medicine cabinet or an under-the-sink cabinet. If you have kids, consider childproof locks. Use original containers when storing poisonous products – Don’t move products to a different container. Keep them in their original containers so everyone knows exactly what they are and what’s in them. Ventilate areas in which you use cleaning products – Using household cleaners full of chemicals in a small room can cause issues if you don’t ventilate it properly. Run fans, open doors, and open windows to make sure the space is properly ventilated. These are just a few poison prevention tips you can follow at home. For more safety awareness advice, be sure to visit us at The Benefits Store. #poisonprevention #poisonpreventionweek #Poisoning #Preventingpoison

Anyone who has a pet will agree that they are family members. If you have a pet living in your home, then you’re responsible for pet safety. Unfortunately, there are more than 100,000 cases of pet poisoning in the U.S. every year, many of which are the result of common household substances. To ensure California pet owners are aware of these potential dangers, March has been designated Pet Poison Prevention Month. Improve Pet Safety by Understanding Poison Risks The odds are that you do everything possible to keep your pets safe. However, there are many common household items and foods that can poison your pet if you’re not careful. The following are a few of those items that you should be aware of: Flea and tick products – The anti-flea and tick products you spray on your pet’s coat may protect them against flea and tick bites, but they can also be poisonous if your pets ingest them. Herbal products – Any type of herbal supplements you’re taking can prove deadly for your pets. Household products – Many common household products contain chemicals that can poison your pets. These include products such as bleach and paint thinners. Human food – Certain foods cause severe allergic reactions in different types of pets. Some of the more toxic foods for pets include: Alcohol Avocados Chocolate Grapes Macadamia nuts Raisins Medications – Any medications you take can poison your pet, including over-the-counter medicines, such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and cold relievers. Almost all prescription medications, including antidepressants, can poison your pets as well. Plants – Certain plants can be toxic to your pets if ingested. Such plants can include azaleas, daffodils, lilies, sago palms, and tulips. Keep Your Pets Safe from Poisonous Products As you can see, there are many household products that are a risk to pet safety. Understand the poison dangers of the products around your home and make sure that you keep them away from your pet. For more safety awareness tips for the California home, be sure to visit us at The Benefits Store. #Petpoisonings #Petsafety #Californiapetpoisonprevention #Petpoisonprevention #Californiapets

Dental care is an incredibly important part of childcare. Parents should begin paying attention to pediatric dental care as soon as possible to ensure their child grows up with healthy teeth. This is especially important when you understand how much children are affected by tooth decay. According to the American Association of Pediatric Dentistry, decay is one of the most common chronic conditions experienced by children in the U.S., with almost 50% experiencing tooth decay by the age of five. Why Is Pediatric Dental Care So Important? Children who don’t receive regular pediatric dental care are more vulnerable to tooth decay as they grow older. It’s estimated about 20 percent of children between the ages of 5-11 have at least one decayed tooth that hasn’t been treated. Around 13% of adolescents between the ages of 12-19 have at least one decayed tooth that hasn’t been treated. Tooth decay results when plaque builds up on the teeth. This produces an acid that erodes teeth. Plaque buildup can lead to many other issues as well, such as dental abscesses and gum disease. Children who have tooth decay can experience a variety of symptoms, including bad breath, aesthetic blemishes on their teeth (such as black spots), tooth sensitivity, and toothaches. Preventing Tooth Decay Fluoride can help to prevent tooth decay, which is why it’s important to teach children to brush their teeth every day using fluoride toothpaste. If you have children, don’t just tell them to brush their teeth. Show them how to do it by brushing yourself. Showing by example will make it easier for them to learn how to do it correctly. Dental sealants are another option. They can be applied to back teeth and will help reduce decay by 81% for upwards of two years. Finally, it’s essential that children receive pediatric dental care on a routine basis. Take them to the dentist at least twice a year. For more dental health tips for children or for health advice in general, be sure to visit us at The Benefits Store. #Californiadentalhealth #Californiahealthtips #Californiapediatricdentalcare #pediatricdentalcare

People rarely think about severe burn injuries. It’s often assumed house fires are the only real cause of burns; however, there are many risks that can lead to burn injuries. Burn injuries are one of the main causes of wounds and death in the U.S., which is why February 4-10, 2021 was named National Burn Awareness Week by the American Burn Association. Why Is Burn Awareness Week Important? National Burn Awareness Week was established to help spread awareness of how serious burn-related injuries and deaths are, what can cause them, and how people can prevent them. The following are a few statistics showcasing how important it is to observe National Burn Awareness Week: Emergency departments reported there were almost 500,000 fire or burn injuries between 2011-2015. The majority of burn-related injuries are caused by scalds, electrical burns, chemical burns, fire-flames, or contact with hot objects. The odds of dying as a result of a fire (whether it’s from the fire itself or from smoke) are only 1 in 1,498. There were 3,390 deaths related to fires in 2016. How To Prevent Burn-Related Injuries Many burn-related injuries occur due to the lack of fire safety, especially in households with children. Here are a few safety tips to prevent burn injuries and deaths: Keep the space around your furnace clear. Make sure there are no flammable objects nearby. Lighters and matches should be kept out of reach of children. Children should be taught to inform an adult if they find lighters or matches. Never leave open flames unattended, whether it’s a gas stovetop, a fireplace, or a lit candle, especially if there are children around. Place your outdoor grill away from the house and flammable objects. Store gasoline and propane outside of the house in a cool, well-ventilated spot. Share these safety tips to properly observe National Burn Awareness Week. For more safety awareness tips, be sure to visit us at The Benefits Store today. #Californiaburnawareness #burninjuries #preventingburns #Californiahealthawareness #treatingburns

High blood pressure is one of the most common health issues plaguing Americans today. According to the CDC, 47% of American adult males and 43 percent of adult women have high blood pressure (also referred to as hypertension). Unfortunately, only 24% of U.S. adults have high blood pressure under control. This has led to high blood pressure being either a primary or contributing cause to the deaths of almost 500,000 U.S. adults in 2018 alone. There are things that you can do to manage your high blood pressure risk. What Causes High Blood Pressure? There are two types of high blood pressure: primary hypertension and secondary hypertension. Primary hypertension has no real cause. It’s something that simply develops over time. Secondary hypertension is caused by an underlying condition or the use of certain medications. These conditions can include: Adrenal gland tumors Blood vessel issues Kidney conditions Sleep apnea Thyroid issues High blood pressure can also be caused by various medications, such as cold medicines or birth control pills. What Are the Risk Factors for High Blood Pressure? There are many risk factors for high blood pressure. These include a family history of high blood pressure, age, race, weight, tobacco use, lack of physical activity, lack of potassium, overconsumption of alcohol, too much sodium, and stress. What Are Health Risks Resulting From High Blood Pressure? If you have high blood pressure, you could be at greater risk for the following: Aneurysm Dementia Heart attack Heart failure Metabolic syndrome Stroke Weak blood vessels How Can You Reduce Your High Blood Pressure Risk? Californians with high blood pressure or at-risk of high blood pressure, can take steps to improve their health. These include: Controlling cholesterol levels Drinking alcohol only in moderation Exercising regularly Maintaining a healthy diet Maintaining a healthy weight Managing stress Quit smoking For more advice on how to manage high blood pressure or for California health tips in general, continue visiting us at The Benefits Store. #Californiahealthawareness #Californiahealthtips #Californiahighbloodpressurerisk #Californiatoysafety

Of all the health issues that cause the most problems in the U.S., heart disease is at the top of the list. “Heart disease” refers to a number of conditions, including: Arrhythmias Congenital heart defects Coronary artery disease Heart infections Heart valve disease Hypertension Because of the prevalence of heart disease and how deadly it can be, it’s important to learn as much as you can about it and take steps to prevent it. 7 Facts About Heart Disease You Should Know Here are five facts about heart disease you may not know: Heart attacks and coronary heart disease are 2 of the top ten most expensive hospitalization conditions. Both account for more than $10 billion/year. Heart disease is the number-one cause of death in the U.S. It’s estimated 790,000 Americans suffer from heart attacks every year; around 114,000 of those are fatal. More than 360,000 Americans die from heart disease every year. One heart attack occurs almost every 40 seconds. Strokes account for 133,000 deaths in the U.S. every year. They cause five percent of all American deaths. The average age of a male’s first heart attack is 65.3. The average age for a female is 71.8. What Are Risk Factors for Heart Disease? Risk factors for heart disease that you should know about include: Diabetes Drinking too much alcohol High blood pressure High cholesterol Lack of physical activity Obesity Smoking Take Steps to Prevent Heart Disease in California Heart disease affects thousands of Americans every year. Know the facts and learn the risk factors so you can take steps to avoid heart disease: Drink alcohol in moderation Exercise regularly Improve your diet Maintain a healthy weight Stop smoking For more information about heart disease or California health tips in general, be sure to continue to visit us at The Benefits Store. #Heartdisease #Californiahealthtips #HeartdiseaseinCalifornia #Californiahealthawareness #HeartdiseaseinSouthernCalifornia

The flu can be a deadly virus, depending on your age and health. Even if you’re young and healthy, you should still get vaccinated. It’s important that you get your flu shot every year, especially this year. There are different strains of the flu every year, which is why a flu shot is required annually. The time to schedule a flu vaccination is before winter hits, which is the peak flu season in California. Why You Should Get Your Flu Shot in California The following are some of the many reasons why it’s important you get your flu shot this year. With your annual flu shot you can avoid: Illness – The flu vaccination can prevent you from getting the flu. The flu can be deadly because it can cause medical complications and lead to other issues, such as pneumonia. Even if you’re healthy, the flu can cause unpleasant symptoms that can keep you home and “down.” Mistaking symptoms for COVID-19 – COVID-19 is a deadly disease that has raged into a worldwide pandemic. Its symptoms are so broad that it can be difficult to determine if you have it or “just the flu.” COVID-19 and the flu share similar initial symptoms, and the last thing you want is to be stressed-out thinking you have COVID-19 when you have a less dangerous flu. Spreading the flu to others – The flu is a virus that spreads easily. If your loved ones aren’t as young or healthy as you, they can “catch” the flu from you. Getting vaccinated for the flu is critical to your health. The flu can make you seriously sick, even if you’re young and in good health. Because we now have experience with a pandemic, we need to take our health as seriously as possible. The last thing you want to do is get someone sick with the flu, which could cause them to become even more vulnerable to COVID. Get your flu shot in California today. For more flu health advice, visit us at The Benefits Store. #fluseasoninCalifornia #flushot #flushotinCalifornia

Most of us experience holiday stress in one form or another every year. This stress can be the result of large family gatherings, traveling in and out of California, the obligation to attend various social functions, the need to purchase gifts for multiple family members and friends, and much more. Holiday stress is so common that many people think it’s normal. However, this shouldn’t be the case. Stress can have a negative mental and physical effect. It can diminish your ability to actually enjoy the holidays. How To Reduce Holiday Stress Although you may not be able to avoid the holidays in California, there are ways to reduce stress. The following are a few effective methods to manage stress and to reduce your stress levels so you can enjoy the holiday season: Ask for gift suggestions – If you’re planning on buying gifts for friends and family, don’t spend hours of your time trying to find the “perfect gift.” Stressing-out over what the perfect gift is and worrying about getting something they won’t like isn’t necessary. Just ask them for suggestions. It’s the act of giving a gift itself they will appreciate, after all. Don’t do everything yourself – Are you hosting a holiday dinner or party? Ask for help. For instance, have a family member or friend (or two) help with the meal prep so you don’t spend the entire night running around instead of enjoying yourself. You could even ask guests to bring small dishes to contribute to the meal. Don’t wait until the last minute – Whatever it is you’re doing, whether preparing a meal for a group of friends and relatives or shopping for gifts, give yourself plenty of time to do it. Waiting until the last minute is going to cause a massive amount of stress. Give yourself “you” time – Although the holidays are generally shared with friends and family, make sure you take time out to relax on your own. Do some yoga, exercise, or read a book; these can reduce your stress levels. Use these tips to reduce your holiday stress. For more California holiday health and safety tips, be sure to keep visiting us at The Benefits Store. #Californiahealthtips #Holidaystress #Reduceholidaystress