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Food allergies are a growing concern in California, and it’s important to raise awareness about this issue to ensure that people with allergies can lead safe and healthy lives. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the importance of food allergy awareness in California and what steps people can take to protect themselves and others. What is a Food Allergy? Firstly, it’s important to understand what a food allergy is. A food allergy is a reaction of the immune system to a specific food protein. The symptoms can range from mild to severe and can include hives, itching, swelling, vomiting, diarrhea, and even anaphylaxis, which is a life-threatening reaction that can cause difficulty breathing and loss of consciousness. California has one of the highest rates of food allergies in the United States, with approximately 1 in 13 children affected. The most common food allergies in California are peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, wheat, soy, fish, and shellfish. It’s important for people with food allergies to be vigilant about the foods they eat and to always carry an epinephrine auto-injector in case of an emergency. In California, there are several laws in place to protect people with food allergies. The Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Management Act requires schools to develop food allergy management plans for students and to have epinephrine auto-injectors on hand. The law also requires food establishments to provide allergen information to customers upon request. Restaurants in California are required to have a certified food protection manager who has completed a food safety certification course. Additionally, the state’s Retail Food Code requires food establishments to have procedures in place to prevent cross-contact between allergens and non-allergenic foods. However, it’s not just the responsibility of schools and restaurants to ensure food safety for people with allergies. Individuals can also take steps to protect themselves and others. Some of these steps include: Always reading food labels carefully and avoiding foods that contain allergens. Informing others, such as friends, family, and coworkers, about your food allergies and what steps they can take to help keep you safe. Always carrying an epinephrine auto-injector and knowing how to use it. Being aware of cross-contact, which is when allergens are transferred from one food to another through shared equipment, utensils, or surfaces. Asking questions and speaking up when dining out or eating at someone else’s home. In conclusion, food allergy awareness is critical in California, where a large number of people are affected by this issue. By following proper food safety protocols and taking steps to protect themselves, people with food allergies can lead safe and healthy lives. It’s also important for schools, restaurants, and other establishments to have procedures in place to prevent cross-contact and ensure the safety of their customers. Let’s all work together to raise awareness about food allergies and create a safer environment for everyone. Learn More:Download Your health and safety matters! Contact The Benefits Store today for you and your family’s health insurance needs. #Californiahealthtips #foodallergyawareness #healthawareness

Playing sports is a great way to stay active and maintain a healthy lifestyle. However, because participating in sports sometimes requires intense physical activity, it’s important that you take precautions so that you don’t get injured. In fact, one common sports-related injury that many people aren’t aware of is eye injuries. More than 42,000 people visit the emergency room for eye injuries every year, and thousands experience those eye injuries as a result of playing sports. To help spread awareness about eye injury prevention, April was designated as Sports Eye Safety Awareness Month by the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Eye Injury Prevention Tips There are many ways that you can injure one or both of your eyes while playing sports, whether it’s getting hit by a ball or making physical contact with an opponent. With that in mind, the following are a few tips to help prevent eye injuries while playing sports: Don’t wear regular glasses. Regular glasses are not designed to withstand physical contact and can easily be damaged or broken if they get hit. Not to mention, if they do break, they can cause cuts to your eye. If you plan to play sports, wear your contacts or special sports glasses instead. Wear protective eyewear. Wearing protective eyewear is the best way to prevent eye injuries. Look for goggles or glasses that are made specifically for the sport you’re playing. Any sport that involves a ball, such as racquetball, baseball, squash, or basketball, should be played with protective eyewear. Be aware of your surroundings. Pay attention to your environment when playing any type of sport. Even if you’re not actively participating but are on the sidelines, it’s important to pay attention to where the players are and where the ball is (if one is being used). Wear the required safety gear. If you’re participating in a sport that typically requires a helmet, such as baseball or skateboarding, wear a helmet. Protect Yourself When Playing Sports Use these eye injury prevention tips when playing sports in California. For more safety awareness information, visit us at The Benefits Store today. #healthawareness #PreventingEyeInjury #safetyawareness

Alcohol is a big part of the culture. While it’s okay to partake in one or two drinks at a time, there has been a growing problem with excessive drinking and binging alcohol in recent years. Binge drinking is defined as five or more drinks for men, and four or more drinks for women, within a couple of hours of each other. Regularly binging can lead to alcohol dependence (also known as alcohol abuse), which is why the month of April has been designated as Alcohol Awareness Month to help spread awareness about the dangers of binge drinking and alcohol abuse. The Risks of Binge Drinking Binging on alcohol is more common than you might think. In fact, it’s something that’s even encouraged among younger people, especially in college settings. It’s estimated that one out of every six Americans binges on alcohol and that 25% do so every week. Yet there are significant risks that people should know about when binging alcohol, including the following: Being injured as a result of falls, car accidents, and alcohol poisoning. Being involved in violence (including homicide, assault, and suicide). Developing chronic diseases, such as heart disease, liver disease, high blood pressure, and stroke. Getting cancer due to excessive drinking over time. Developing memory and learning problems. Signs of Alcohol Abuse The following signs could indicate someone is struggling with alcohol abuse: Frequent blackouts or memory lapses Engaging in dangerous activities while under the influence of alcohol Inability to remember how much they drank Cravings for alcohol, which can cause them to drink more than they intended Regularly drinking to cope with stress, anxiety, or other emotions Making excuses for their drinking habits and lying about them if necessary Going into withdrawal if they don’t drink Developing a high tolerance for alcohol and needing to drink more in order to achieve the same effects Avoid Alcohol Binging Binge drinking can be incredibly dangerous. If you or someone you know is suffering from alcohol abuse in California, it’s important to seek help immediately. For more health awareness information, visit us at The Benefits Store today. #alcohol #alcoholabuse #alcoholpoisoning #bingedrinking

Trying to ensure that you file your taxes correctly by the April deadline each year can be a challenge. Unfortunately, the difficulty doesn’t end there; the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) also warns taxpayers to be on the lookout for tax identity (ID) theft whenever tax season comes around here in California. Tax ID theft is when a criminal uses a person’s Social Security number (SSN) to commit fraud or file a false tax return. Knowing how to protect yourself from tax ID theft is crucial, which is why the IRS makes such an effort to spread awareness on how to protect yourself against such a crime. What Can Happen If You Become a Victim of Tax ID Theft? When you become a victim of tax identification theft, you could potentially end up with an IRS bill for back taxes and penalties. You may even find yourself facing criminal investigation or being blocked from receiving tax refunds. The IRS also warns that if you are a victim of tax ID theft, it may take months for the agency to restore your credit and clear your name. What Can You Do? The following are a few tips to prevent your tax ID from being stolen: File your tax return as early as possible: Even if your SSN ends up being stolen, the thief will have less of a chance of being able to steal your tax refund if you’ve already filed your return. Be wary of phishing scams: Phishing scams are emails, texts, or messages sent by criminals. They will often look like they’re coming from the IRS or other tax agencies in an attempt to trick you into revealing your SSN. The IRS will only send you official information and requests in the mail. Protect your SSN: Don’t keep your SSN card in your wallet. Keep it at home in a safe place. Be sure to shred all documents that contain your SSN before throwing them away. Protect Your SSN Be careful when filing your taxes to protect yourself from becoming a victim of tax ID theft. For more information on identity theft prevention, visit us at The Benefits Store today. #identitytheft #phishingscams #TaxIDtheft

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), a time dedicated to raising awareness about sexual violence and promoting prevention efforts across the nation. As a resident of California, it’s important to acknowledge the state’s unique role in addressing sexual assault and advocating for survivors. According to a recent report by the California Coalition Against Sexual Assault (CALCASA), the state has one of the highest rates of reported sexual assault in the nation. In 2019 alone, there were over 17,000 reported cases of sexual assault in California, with an estimated 200,000 survivors living in the state. California has made significant strides in addressing sexual assault and supporting survivors. The state has implemented several laws and initiatives to increase awareness and provide resources for survivors, including: California Sexual Assault Survivor Bill of Rights: This law guarantees certain rights to sexual assault survivors, such as the right to have a victim advocate present during forensic exams and interviews with law enforcement. “Yes Means Yes” Law: This law, also known as the “affirmative consent” law, requires that all parties involved in sexual activity must give affirmative, voluntary, and ongoing consent. It aims to shift the conversation from “no means no” to “yes means yes.” California Coalition Against Sexual Assault (CALCASA): This statewide coalition provides training, technical assistance, and resources to agencies and organizations that work with sexual assault survivors. Rape Crisis Centers: California has more than 80 rape crisis centers that provide a variety of services to survivors, including crisis intervention, counseling, and legal advocacy. Despite these efforts, sexual assault remains a pervasive issue in California and across the nation. There are several steps that individuals and communities can take to prevent sexual assault, including: Educating oneself about sexual assault: Learning about the dynamics of sexual assault, the impacts on survivors, and how to support survivors can help prevent sexual assault and support survivors. Speaking up and intervening: If you witness or suspect sexual assault, it’s important to speak up and intervene if it’s safe to do so. Challenging harmful attitudes and behaviors: Challenging harmful attitudes and behaviors that contribute to sexual assault, such as victim-blaming or perpetuating rape culture, can help shift the conversation and prevent sexual assault. Supporting survivors: Providing support and resources to survivors, such as listening to them and connecting them with resources like rape crisis centers, can help them heal and recover. In conclusion, Sexual Assault Awareness Month is an important opportunity to raise awareness, promote prevention efforts, and support survivors of sexual assault. California has made important strides in addressing sexual assault, but there is still much work to be done. By educating ourselves, speaking up, challenging harmful attitudes and behaviors, and supporting survivors, we can work together to prevent sexual assault and create safer communities for all. Learn MoreDownload Your health and safety matters! Contact The Benefits Store for you and your families health insurance needs! #healthawareness #safetyawareness

Sport eye safety is an important topic in California, where outdoor activities like soccer, basketball, and baseball are popular among people of all ages. While these sports can be fun and exhilarating, they also pose a risk of eye injuries, which can have serious and long-lasting consequences. In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of sport eye safety in California and some tips to protect your eyes while playing sports. The importance of sport eye safety cannot be overstated. Eye injuries can occur in any sport and at any level of play, from amateur to professional. The most common types of eye injuries in sports include corneal abrasions, orbital fractures, and traumatic cataracts. These injuries can lead to vision loss, blindness, and even permanent disability. Therefore, it is crucial to take steps to protect your eyes while playing sports. One of the most effective ways to protect your eyes during sports is to wear appropriate protective eyewear. This includes goggles or safety glasses that are specifically designed for the sport you are playing. For example, basketball players should wear goggles that are designed to protect against impact from a ball, while soccer players should wear glasses that are resistant to impact from cleats. Make sure to select protective eyewear that fits comfortably and provides adequate protection for your eyes. In addition to wearing appropriate protective eyewear, there are other steps you can take to protect your eyes while playing sports. These include: Keeping your eyes well hydrated by drinking plenty of water before and during the game Avoiding playing sports in bright sunlight, or wearing sunglasses with UV protection if you must play in bright sunlight Avoiding playing sports when you have an eye infection or allergy that can affect your vision Practicing good eye hygiene by washing your hands and face regularly, and avoiding touching your eyes with your hands Finally, it is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of an eye injury. These include pain, redness, swelling, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. In conclusion, sport eye safety is an important topic in California, where outdoor activities are popular among people of all ages. By taking steps to protect your eyes while playing sports, you can reduce your risk of eye injuries and ensure that you can continue to enjoy these activities for years to come. Remember to wear appropriate protective eyewear, stay hydrated, and practice good eye hygiene. With these simple steps, you can help keep your eyes healthy and safe while playing sports. Learn MoreDownload Your health and safety matters! Contact The Benefits Store today for you and your families vision insurance needs! #Californiahealthinsurance #healthawareness

It’s estimated that around 30 million Americans don’t have health insurance. This accounts for around 9.2% of the population. Unfortunately, a lot of people see health insurance as an unnecessary expense, especially if they feel they are healthy and don’t need medical care — at the moment. However, you’re taking a massive risk by living without insurance, even if you are healthy. Why Living Without Insurance Is Risky The following are some of the risks associated with not having health insurance. Expensive Medical Bills: If something unexpected happens and you need medical care, it can be incredibly expensive if you don’t have insurance. Without having a health plan, you’ll have to pay for everything out of pocket. Depending on the type of care you need, this could total tens of thousands of dollars. Increased Risk of Bankruptcy: Because of how expensive medical care is without health insurance, you could find yourself in massive amounts of debt if you need treatment. This could easily lead to bankruptcy and ruin your credit rating in the process. In fact, medical bills account for almost 40% of all bankruptcies filed in the U.S. Lack of Precautionary Care: People without insurance are less likely to get regular check-ups or screenings. This means they won’t be able to catch any illnesses early on and won’t have access to preventive care. This can put their health at risk, especially if they have a chronic condition that needs regular monitoring and treatment. Catching certain conditions in the early stages can be the difference between life and death. Limited Treatment Options: Without health insurance, you may find yourself limited to certain treatment options. This could mean settling for a less-effective treatment option or skipping out on necessary treatments altogether. These decisions could also have a long-term impact on your health. Get Health Insurance Today There are too many risks to living without insurance, even if you don’t have any health issues at the present. For more information about health insurance in California, be sure to visit us at The Benefits Store. #Healthinsurance #lifeinsurance #livingwithoutinsurance

Alcohol Awareness Month is an important observance in California, as excessive alcohol consumption continues to be a major public health concern in the state. California has a reputation as a hub of the wine industry, with many famous vineyards and wineries located throughout the state. While responsible drinking can be a pleasurable and safe experience, it is important to be aware of the dangers of excessive alcohol consumption. In California, alcohol misuse and addiction are serious issues that affect many individuals and communities. Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to a range of health problems, including liver disease, cancer, and mental health issues like depression and anxiety. It can also lead to accidents, violence, and other social problems. One of the key themes of Alcohol Awareness Month in California is the importance of responsible drinking. This means drinking in moderation and understanding the risks associated with excessive alcohol consumption. The California Department of Public Health offers a range of resources and tips for responsible drinking, including limiting the number of drinks per hour, alternating alcoholic beverages with water, and never driving under the influence of alcohol. Another important theme of Alcohol Awareness Month in California is the importance of seeking help and support for alcohol misuse and addiction. California offers a range of resources and treatment options for individuals struggling with alcohol addiction, including support groups, counseling, and medical treatment. The state also has a variety of programs to support individuals in recovery and to reduce the stigma and shame associated with alcohol addiction. Alcohol Awareness Month in California is also an opportunity to raise awareness about the harmful effects of underage drinking. In California, it is illegal for individuals under the age of 21 to purchase or consume alcohol. Underage drinking can have serious consequences, including increased risk of car accidents, injuries, and other health problems. Parents, educators, and community leaders are encouraged to talk to young people about the dangers of underage drinking and to promote responsible drinking habits. In conclusion, Alcohol Awareness Month in California is an important opportunity to raise awareness about the dangers of excessive alcohol consumption, promote responsible drinking habits, and encourage individuals struggling with alcohol addiction to seek help and support. By working together to create a safe and supportive community, we can reduce the harm caused by alcohol and create a healthier and happier society. Learn more about Alcohol Awareness MonthDownload Your Health and Safety Matters! Contact The Benefits Store for you and your families Health Insurance needs! #Californiahealthinsurance #Californiahealthtips #healthawareness

Did you know that poisoning is the number one reason for injury-related deaths in the U.S, surpassing even car accident-related deaths? There were 87,404 poison deaths in 2020 alone, a 32 percent increase from the year before. Unfortunately, many people don’t realize just how prevalent poisonings are and how easily they can occur. Common Causes of Poisoning To help prevent poisoning, it is important to understand the primary sources of poisoning. The following are the five most common poisoning causes in the U.S.: Painkillers: Prescription painkillers, such as opioids, are one of the primary causes of poisoning deaths. With unintentional misuse or abuse of these drugs, it is easy to overdose and suffer dangerous side effects. . Cosmetic products: Makeup and other personal products, such as shampoo, contain potentially toxic ingredients. If these products are used improperly or accidentally ingested by children, they can cause serious health problems. Household cleaning products: Household cleaning products contain a variety of powerful chemicals that can be dangerous if accidentally ingested or applied to the skin. For example, bleach is known to be corrosive and can cause serious damage if swallowed. Sedatives, hypnotics, and antipsychotic medicine: Like painkillers, these drugs can pose a serious risk if not taken as prescribed. Unfortunately, they can also be abused or accidentally ingested, resulting in serious health issues or fatal consequences. Foreign bodies, toys, and other objects: In many cases, items such as small toys can be ingested by children. Not only can small parts pose a choking hazard, but they can also be poisonous if the material contains toxic chemicals. Prevent Accidental Poisonings To prevent accidental poisonings in your California home, store all medications and products containing toxic substances away from young children. It is also important to read the labels of all products before using them to ensure that they are used properly and safely. For more information about the causes of poisoning and how to prevent them, visit us at The Benefits Store today. #accidentalpoisoning #causesofpoisoning #poisonprevention

If you own a pet in Southern California, then you know how much joy and happiness they can bring to your life. But if something goes wrong, it’s important to know how to respond. Pet poisoning is a serious issue, and learning how to recognize the signs can help you take quick action and save your pet’s life. Unfortunately, a lot of people don’t realize just how big of a risk pet poisoning is. Pet Poisoning FAQ The more you know about the risks of poison for pets, the better prepared you’ll be if your pet does get sick. Here are some of the most common questions people have about pet poisoning. 1. What are the most common causes of poisoning for pets? Common causes of poisoning include medications, household cleaners, plants, and household food. Many of these substances can be toxic for pets if ingested, so it’s important to store them in a safe place where your pet won’t have access to them. 2. What are some signs that my pet has been poisoned? Some signs of poisoning include pale gums, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive drooling, dizziness, confusion, tremors, difficulty breathing, or a loss of consciousness. If you notice any of these symptoms in your pet, contact a veterinarian immediately. 3. What should I do if my pet is poisoned? If you believe your pet has been poisoned, it’s important to act quickly. Call your veterinarian or a pet poison control center immediately. Make sure you have the container of the product that may have caused the poisoning, and take note of any symptoms your pet is exhibiting. This information will help your vet provide the best possible care for your pet. Protect Your Pets From Poisoning In California By being aware of the risks and signs of pet poisoning, you can help protect your beloved companion from a potentially fatal situation. With proper precautions and quick action, you can help ensure that your pet remains happy and healthy for many years to come. For more pet safety tips or pet health information in general, visit us at The Benefits Store today. #Petpoisonprevention #petpoisoning #Petsafety

When it comes to health, diet and exercise are often discussed, but the importance of getting enough sleep is often overlooked. In fact, not getting enough sleep can have a significant impact on your physical and mental health. As such, spreading awareness about the risks of sleep deprivation is incredibly important. What are the Dangers of Sleep Deprivation? A lack of sleep can cause a variety of physical and mental health issues, including memory problems, depression, an increased perception of pain, and a weakened immune system, which can make you more vulnerable to getting sick. This is because sleep is required to help with the brain recuperation process, metabolic regulation, memory consolidation, emotion regulation, and more. A lack of sleep can lead to potentially dangerous issues and situations while you’re awake that can include the following: Your hand-eye coordination and reaction time can suffer, making it more difficult to perform work-related tasks or to drive safely. In fact, studies have shown that sleep-deprived individuals performing hand-eye coordination tasks perform as poorly or even worse than individuals who are intoxicated. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, driver drowsiness contributed to 633 deaths in 2020 alone. How Much Sleep Should You Get? The effects of not getting enough sleep carry over and accumulates, leading to long-term effects. This is called sleep debt, which refers to the amount of sleep that you need to make up for what you haven’t gotten. With that in mind, it’s essential that you sleep enough every night consistently. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) recommends the following sleep schedule: Adults: at least seven hours. Teens (13-18): eight to 10 hours. Children (six to 12): nine to 12 hours. Children (three to five): 10 to 13 hours. Children (one to two): 11 to 14 hours. Infants: 12 to 16 hours. Sleep Is Essential To A Healthy Life Getting enough sleep is crucial to living a healthy lifestyle. If you’re suffering from sleep deprivation, speak with your doctor in California. For more health tips, be sure to visit us at The Benefits Store today. #GettingEnoughSleep #Sleepdeprivation #Sleepmedicine

Teaching your children to brush their teeth at least twice a day and proper tooth brushing techniques is essential for their dental health. It’s estimated that 52% of children between the ages of six and eight get cavities in their baby teeth. Not only is going to a dentist in California to treat cavities costly, but it can be a painful experience for young children. To help spread awareness of how important it is for children to brush their teeth, February has been named National Children’s Dental Health Month. With that in mind, the following are a few tips to help encourage your kids to brush their teeth often and properly. Tooth Brushing Tips When teaching your children the importance of dental care, be sure to follow these tips. Tell your kids why: Very few children enjoy brushing their teeth. It’s not that it’s an unpleasant experience; it’s just that they don’t have the patience for it. As such, it’s very important that you tell them why they have to brush their teeth — that it helps prevent painful cavities, trips to the dentist, and bad breath. Tell your kids how: Not only do your children need to know why they should brush their teeth, but they also need to know how. It’s crucial that you show them the proper way to brush their teeth — how to angle the toothbrush, how much toothpaste to use, how long to brush, and more. Show your kids how to brush their teeth: Children are more visual learners and are far more likely to follow by example. So when they first start brushing their teeth, brush your teeth with them so that they can copy what you’re doing. This will give them an idea of how long they should brush their teeth as well. These are a few tips for teaching your kids the importance of tooth brushing and how to do it. For more tips on teaching your kids healthy habits, be sure to visit us at The Benefits Store today. #brushingteeth #children039sdentalhealth #toothbrushing