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

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