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Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and diet is important to have a healthy heart. This is especially true when you consider that heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. It’s estimated that around 697,000 people in the U.S. alone died from heart disease in 2020 and that one person dies every 34 seconds from cardiovascular disease. To help combat heart disease and spread awareness about the importance of preventing heart disease by maintaining a healthy lifestyle and diet, February has been designated as American Heart Awareness Month. Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Heart To reduce the risk of heart disease, be sure to implement the following lifestyle and diet habits wherever you live in California: Exercise regularly: Being overweight or obese can increase your risk of heart disease, so maintaining a healthy weight should be your goal. Furthermore, regular physical activity can improve blood circulation, lower blood pressure, reduce stress, and improve sleep, all of which benefit your heart health. Eat heart-healthy foods: Eating a balanced diet is essential to reducing your risk of developing heart disease. Avoid processed foods, high-sugar snacks, and saturated fats as much as possible. These types of foods are often high in cholesterol, which can increase your risk of heart disease. Reduce stress: Stress causes several physical changes in the body that can increase your risk of heart disease. Stress hormones, such as cortisol, can cause inflammation and raise blood pressure. To reduce stress, focus on activities that help you relax, such as yoga or meditation. Limit alcohol consumption: Alcohol can increase the risk of high blood pressure, stroke, and irregular heartbeat. If you choose to drink, keep it in moderation. Quit smoking: Smoking can damage your blood vessels, making them less efficient in delivering oxygen to the heart. As such, quitting can significantly reduce your risk of developing heart disease. Be sure to implement these lifestyle and dietary habits to improve your overall heart health and reduce the risk of heart disease. For more health tips, be sure to visit us at The Benefits Store. #Heartdisease #healthawareness #Californiahealthtips #HealthyHeart #hearthealth #Californiahealthinsurance

If you have children, you’ll want to keep them safe in every situation. Unfortunately, there are a lot of everyday situations that can be hazardous to children that you may not have considered. For example, many common fire safety risks can put your family’s lives in danger if you’re unaware. It’s estimated that around 300 children die from fire or burn-related injuries every year, while more than 100,000 children are treated for burn injuries in hospitals or ERs every year. It’s why February 6 to 12 has been designated as National Burn Awareness Week. With that in mind, you should know the following are some critical fire safety tips to keep your children safe. 5 Fire Safety Tips If you have children, then you need to be even more aware of the hazards posed by fire and other burn injuries. Here are five essential tips to help keep your kids safe: Speak with your children: It’s important to talk with your children about the dangers of fire. Explain that if they come across a fire, they should move away from it, not touch it, and tell an adult. They should also tell an adult if they find a lighter or matches lying around. Practice an evacuation plan: Teach your children how to recognize a fire emergency and practice an evacuation plan in your home. During a fire drill, explain why everyone must move quickly away from the area and to safety. Install smoke alarms: Smoke alarms are essential to warn your family of potential fires and smoke in the home. Install a few on each floor and test them regularly. Never leave children unattended around fire: You should never leave children unsupervised around any open flame, such as a stove or lit candles. Practice grill safety: If you have a charcoal or gas grill, never use it indoors. Also, always keep it far away from the house and children when in use. That way, you can be sure that everyone stays safe. These five fire safety tips are essential to protecting your children from potential fire hazards in California. For more safety tips, visit us at The Benefits Store today. #Californiahealthinsurance #Californiahealthtips #FireSafety #healthawareness

An eating disorder is a severe mental health condition that can have a profoundly negative impact on a person’s physical and emotional health. It’s estimated that around 9% of the U.S. population will have such a disorder at some point in their lifetime. Unfortunately, such disorders can be difficult to recognize, and many people who have one may not even realize it. What Are Eating Disorders? These psychological disorders are characterized by an unhealthy preoccupation with food, body weight, and shape. Such disorders include: Anorexia nervosa: a disorder characterized by extreme weight loss due to an obsession with being thin, which can lead to malnutrition and other health complications. Bulimia nervosa: a disorder characterized by an obsessive need to purge calories, often through excessive vomiting or laxative use. Binge-eating disorder: a disorder characterized by binging on large amounts of food in a short period of time, followed by guilt and shame. How to Spot the Warning Signs The following are a few signs that you or a loved one might be suffering from a disorder with eating: Significant weight loss, such as if the person is below 85% of their ideal body weight (remember that some of these disorders don’t always result in weight loss). Obsession with food, calories, and dieting. Avoidance of social activities related to eating. Constantly making negative comments about their body weight or physical appearance. Suddenly developing a dislike for foods they once liked. Developing eating rituals, such as cutting food into tiny pieces or eating in secret. Engaging in secretive behaviors, such as hiding food wrappers or visiting the bathroom after. Developing physical symptoms, such as hair loss, gray skin, fainting spells, disrupted sleep patterns, dental erosions, low blood pressure, constipation, and more. To help spread awareness about the disorder, February has been designated as Eating Disorders Awareness and Screening Month. If you or someone you know is exhibiting any of the warning signs, it’s important to seek professional help in California right away. For more health advice, visit us at The Benefits Store today. #Californiahealthinsurance #Californiahealthtips #Eatingdisorders #healthawareness

Low vision is a visual impairment that affects millions of people around the world. People with low vision have difficulty seeing even with corrective lenses, and this can impact their ability to perform everyday tasks, such as reading, driving, and using electronic devices. Low vision can occur due to a variety of reasons, including aging, eye diseases, and genetic conditions. Low vision can be a challenging condition to deal with, as it can impact a person’s independence and quality of life. However, with the right support and tools, people with low vision can continue to lead fulfilling lives. One of the most important things when it comes to low vision is awareness. Many people do not know what low vision is, or what kind of support is available to people who have this condition. By raising awareness about low vision, we can help people to understand what it is, and to be more supportive of those who have it. One way to raise awareness about low vision is to share stories from people who have this condition. By hearing about their experiences, people can gain a better understanding of what low vision is, and how it impacts people’s lives. These stories can be shared through social media, blogs, or other online platforms. Another way to raise awareness about low vision is to provide information about the condition and the resources available to those who have it. This information can be shared through public service announcements, educational campaigns, or other outreach efforts. There are many organizations that provide support and resources to people with low vision, and it is important to make sure that people know about these resources. In addition to raising awareness about low vision, it is also important to take steps to support people with this condition. This can include making changes to the physical environment to make it more accessible, providing assistive technology and devices, and offering training and support to help people with low vision navigate their daily lives. Overall, low vision is a condition that affects many people, and it is important to raise awareness about it in order to provide support and understanding to those who have it. By sharing stories, providing information, and offering support, we can help people with low vision to live full and independent lives. Contact The Benefits Store today for you and your families Vision Insurance needs! #Californiahealthinsurance #healthawareness #lowvisionawareness

Glaucoma is a condition characterized by damage to the eye’s optic nerve. Glaucoma causes vision loss and even blindness if left untreated. It is a leading cause of blindness worldwide, affecting over 60 million people. Understanding what causes glaucoma can help you recognize the signs and get early treatment. It’s why January has been designated as Glaucoma Awareness Month. What Are the Symptoms That Glaucoma Causes? Early detection is key to preventing vision loss from glaucoma. Knowing the signs and symptoms can help you get treatment in California before damage occurs. Symptoms of glaucoma may include: Blurry vision Loss of peripheral vision Seeing halos around lights Eye pain, redness, or irritation Headaches Nausea or vomiting Adjusting to dim lighting What Causes Glaucoma? Glaucoma occurs when fluid pressure builds up in the eye, damaging the optic nerve. That happens because of a breakdown in the drainage system that allows fluid to escape from the eye. The increased pressure can cause vision loss, and if left untreated, it can lead to severe damage and permanent blindness. Several factors can contribute to the buildup of pressure in the eye, including: Genetics – A family history of glaucoma increases your risk. Age – Glaucoma is more common in people over 55. Medical Issues – Conditions such as diabetes, sickle cell anemia, or high blood pressure can increase your risk. Eye Injuries – Trauma to the eye can damage the drainage system, leading to glaucoma. Race – African Americans and Hispanics are at a higher risk of developing glaucoma. Medications – Some medications, such as corticosteroid medicines, can increase your risk for glaucoma. Other Diseases or Disorders – Diseases such as thyroid disease or degenerative retinal diseases can increase your risk. An Eye Exam Is the Best Way to Diagnose Glaucoma Understanding what symptoms glaucoma causes and taking steps to reduce your risk is important. Regular eye exams are one of the best ways to detect glaucoma early and get treatment. Early diagnosis can help you keep your vision and prevent the loss of sight. For more health information and advice, visit us at The Benefits Store today. #Californiahealthtips #glaucomacauses #healthawareness

Thyroid disease is one of the most common endocrine disorders, affecting an estimated 20 million people in the United States alone. It occurs when the thyroid gland, located at the base of your neck, fails to produce enough hormones or produces too much. As a result, it can affect your metabolism, energy levels, and overall health. To help spread awareness of the condition, The American Thyroid Association (ATA) designated January as Thyroid Awareness Month. With that in mind, the following are some of the things you should know about Thyroid disease: 5 Things You Should Know About Thyroid Disease Although many people have heard about the condition, few clearly understand what it is and how it can affect individuals. Here are five key facts about the disease. Thyroid disorders can affect anyone: Thyroid disorders can affect people of all ages, genders, and races. It is estimated that about 12 percent of the U.S. population will develop a thyroid disorder in their life. There are several types of thyroid disorders: The two most prevalent kinds of thyroid disorders include hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Hypothyroidism is when the thyroid does not produce enough hormones, while hyperthyroidism is when the thyroid produces too many hormones. Thyroid disorders cause various symptoms: Symptoms vary based on the type of disorder. For instance, hypothyroidism can extreme fatigue, forgetfulness, depression, and weight gain. Hyperthyroidism can cause nervousness, irritability, muscle weakness, unexplained weight loss, problems with sleep, vision issues, and eye irritation. Many people don’t realize they have a thyroid disorder: It’s estimated that around 60 percent of people with a thyroid disorder are undiagnosed. Women are more prone to thyroid disorders: Women are between five and eight times more likely to develop a thyroid disorder than men. Additionally, it’s estimated that one in eight women will develop a thyroid problem in their lifetime. Early diagnosis and treatment are key If you’re experiencing symptoms of Thyroid disease, then be sure to schedule an appointment with your primary care physician in California right away. The earlier the diagnosis, the sooner you can begin treatment. For more health information and advice, visit us at The Benefits Store today. #ThyroidDisease #Thyroiddiseaseawareness #Thyroiddisorders

Birth defects refer to physical, mental, or emotional conditions present at birth that can cause lifelong physical or intellectual developmental disabilities. Some of the most common of these disabilities include Down syndrome, spina bifida, cleft lip/palate, and heart defects. Although many of these defects occur as a result of genetic or environmental factors beyond an individual’s control, there are things you can do when it comes to preventing birth defects. As such, January was designated National Birth Defects Prevention Month to help spread awareness about birth defects and how to prevent them. 4 Facts About Preventing Birth Defects Understanding the following facts about birth defects can not only help you realize how big of a risk they are, but what you can do when it comes to preventing birth defects: Babies are born with birth defects more often than you might realize. It’s estimated that around 120,000 babies are born in the U.S. every year with some kind of disability. A baby is born with a major defect every 4 and a half minutes in the U.S. That means that roughly 1 out of every 33 babies that are born in the U.S. have a defect. A lack of folic acid during pregnancy can increase the risk of defects such as spina bifida or anencephaly. Folic acid is a vitamin found in many foods such as leafy greens, citrus fruits, and fortified grains and is required by the body to form red blood cells and for tissue growth. Drinking alcohol and smoking during pregnancy can significantly increase the risk of birth defects. It’s estimated that 10 percent of pregnant women have had alcohol in the past 30 days, thereby increasing their risk of giving birth to a baby with a defect. By making simple lifestyle changes and following your doctor’s advice, you can significantly reduce the risk of birth defects. Prevent Defects at Birth By Living a Healthy Lifestyle Pregnant women in California should be sure to stop smoking and drinking alcohol, and to add folic acid to their diets to help with preventing birth defects. For more health advice, be sure to visit us at The Benefits Store today. #BirthDefect #birthdefects #preventingbirthdefects

Radon is an invisible, odorless, tasteless radioactive gas occurring naturally in the environment. It can seep into homes through cracks in floors, walls, and foundations. Although it’s normal to have some radon in your California home, it can be dangerous if present at high levels. That’s why it’s so important to test your home for radon. Unfortunately, many people don’t know how to test their homes for radon, much less about the potential dangers of radon, which is why January is National Radon Action Month. The Dangers of Radon Exposure Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, claiming more than 21,000 lives each year. Those who smoke are even more at risk if they live in a home with elevated radon levels. It’s worth noting that the average level of radon found indoors is 1.3 picocuries per liter, about four times what’s found outdoors. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, any level of more than 4.0 picocuries per liter of air is considered a health hazard. Information on How To Test Your Home For Radon Testing your home for radon is the only way to know if you have a radon problem. One way to test the levels of radon in your home is to hire a professional tester. You can find a qualified tester by: Contacting the California state radon office. Contacting a private radon proficiency program for certified testers in your area. Another option is to purchase a do-it-yourself radon test kit. Short-term tests can last anywhere from two days to seven days. They work by using activated charcoal to absorb the radon particles in your air so they can be measured. Long-term tests last more than 90 days and will give you a better idea of your home’s average radon level over time. Once you complete the test, you’ll need to send it out to an approved laboratory to receive the results. Test Your California Home for Radon Ensure the safety and health of your home by testing your home for radon. For more safety awareness advice and information, visit The Benefits Store today. #radon #RadonTesting #TestYourHomeforRadon

The holidays are known for being a stressful period. In fact, it’s estimated that around 88% of Americans believe that the holidays are the most stressful time of the year. There are countless reasons for this: the stress of buying presents for everyone, hosting large get-togethers, dealing with family members, and the increased financial burden that the season brings. This stress can cause anxiety, headaches, irritability, sadness, sleep deprivation, and more. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to manage holiday stress so that you can enjoy the holiday season with family and friends in California. How To Manage Holiday Stress The following are some simple tips to help you reduce your stress and feel better during the holidays: Take time for yourself. Make sure to take time for yourself to relax and unwind. This could simply mean taking a few minutes to read, take a hot bath, or go for a walk. Having some time to yourself is especially important when dealing with family stress. Set reasonable expectations. Don’t expect the holidays to be perfect. Try to let go of unrealistic expectations and focus on enjoying the season for what it is. Plan ahead. Start planning early for holiday meals, parties, and gifts. Planning ahead will help to reduce last-minute stress and help you to stay organized. Be realistic with finances. It’s easy to get carried away during the holidays. Create a budget and stick to it as best as you can. Don’t overextend yourself. Exercise regularly. Exercise is one of the best ways to reduce stress. Even if it’s just a few minutes of yoga or a walk around the block, it can help to reduce your stress levels. Seek support. If you’re feeling overwhelmed and stressed, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Talking to a therapist or seeking support from friends and family can make a huge difference. By following these six tips, you can manage holiday stress and truly enjoy this special time of year. For more tips and advice on dealing with the holiday season or managing stress in general, be sure to visit us at The Benefits Store today.

People who live in California know that driving is essential to getting around and to be able to contribute or participate in the community in any way. Unfortunately, as you grow older, physical limitations can make it more difficult to drive. Spreading awareness about the challenges older people face when driving is crucial to finding solutions to help them stay safe and mobile. It’s one of the reasons Older Driver Safety Awareness Week was established by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). Driving Technology That Improves Older Driver Safety Older drivers often have issues with reaction time, vision, hearing, and flexibility, all of which can affect their ability to drive safely. To help address these issues, new technologies are being developed to help older drivers stay safe. Recent technologies that can help older drives include: Emergency response systems. If a driver gets into an auto accident or has a medical emergency, an emergency response system can help alert emergency services, family, or friends. Blind spot warning systems. Blind spot warning systems can alert drivers when there is another vehicle in their blind spot, helping them to avoid collisions. Lane departure warning systems. These systems can alert drivers when they are drifting out of their lane, helping them to stay on the right track. Reverse monitoring systems. Reverse monitoring systems help drivers avoid collisions when backing up by alerting them to any obstacles or people behind their vehicle. Crash mitigation systems. Crash mitigation systems can detect if a driver is about to get into an accident and take corrective action, such as applying brakes or adjusting the steering wheel, to avoid a collision. Smart headlights. Smart headlights can detect oncoming traffic, pedestrians, and street signs, making it easier for drivers to see in the dark. Older driver safety is important, and these technologies are just a few of the ways to help keep them safe behind the wheel. By spreading awareness about older driver safety, we can help keep our loved ones safe and mobile. For more safety awareness information, be sure to visit us at The Benefits Store today. #driversafety #olderdriversafetyweek #olderdrivers

If you’re buying gifts for any children this holiday season, it’s crucial that you choose safe toys. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), roughly 198,000 injuries related to unsafe toys were treated in U.S. hospitals in 2020. Certain toys can cause all types of injuries, from cuts and bruises to more serious injuries, such as choking. There are a lot of toys out there that can be unsafe for children, so it’s important to take the time and make sure you are choosing safe toys. Tips for Choosing Safe Toys The last thing you want to do is buy a toy for a child that poses a safety risk. As such, if you plan to buy any toys this holiday season, be sure to follow these tips: Check the age range. Be sure to look at the recommended age range listed on the package before you make a purchase. Read reviews. Read online reviews from others who have purchased the toy. This can help you identify any potential safety issues. Look for labels. Look for the ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) label. This label indicates that the toy has been tested and meets the safety guidelines set by the CPSC. Avoid small loose parts. Small pieces, such as eyes on stuffed animals and removable parts, can be choking hazards for small children. Avoid toxic materials. Many toys are made of plastic and other materials that can contain toxins. Read the packaging for any warnings about chemicals. Make sure the toy isn’t flammable. Some toys, such as stuffed animals and dolls, can be made with flammable materials. Check the label to make sure it’s flame-retardant. Check recall lists. Check sites such as the CPSC and SaferProducts.gov to make sure the toy hasn’t been recalled due to a safety issue. Following these tips will help with choosing safe toys for the children in your life this holiday season. Always use caution when selecting toys for children and always supervise them when playing with new toys. For more safety awareness information, visit us at The Benefits Store today. #safetyawareness #toysafet #toysafety

The end of the year is typically when families come together to celebrate the holidays. Unfortunately, this time can also lead to an increased risk of catching the flu. The flu is more prevalent in winter because people are indoors more often, allowing the virus to spread more easily. Additionally, colder, dryer air also encourages the spread of the flu. One of the best ways to avoid the flu is by getting the flu vaccination. To help promote awareness of the flu shot, December 5-9 was named National Influenza Vaccination Week. Tips for Avoiding the Flu Avoiding the flu isn’t difficult as long as you take the right precautions. Getting the flu vaccination is arguably the best way to protect against the flu. Each year, a new vaccine is developed to protect against the most prevalent strains of the flu. However, there are other precautions that you should take as well to avoid the flu. The following are some tips to help you stay healthy during the holidays. Wash your hands frequently, especially after touching commonly used surfaces. Disinfect commonly used surfaces in your home, such as doorknobs and countertops. Avoid close contact with people who may have the flu. Exercise regularly. Doing so will help boost your immune system. Eat healthily. Like exercise, a healthy diet can help to strengthen your immune system. Reduce your stress levels. Stress can weaken your immune system, making you more prone to getting sick. Because the holidays can be a stressful time of the year, take extra care to manage your stress levels. Avoid Getting Sick This Holiday Season Avoiding the flu during the holidays is important since you’ll want to enjoy your time with friends and family without getting sick, and you won’t want to get anyone else sick. As such, you should do everything possible to avoid getting the flu, whether staying in California or traveling elsewhere. Use these tips to avoid getting the flu during the holidays, and be sure to visit us at The Benefits Store for more health advice and information today. #Avoidingtheflu #Californiahealthtips #healthawareness