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Caregivers are those who provide care for another person, often a family member, friend, or loved one who is ill, disabled, or otherwise in need of assistance. What a lot of people don’t realize is that the majority of caregivers are unpaid. In 2020, it was estimated that around 53 million people in the U.S. were providing unpaid care to someone in their family. Although being a caregiver can be very stressful, there are things that you can do to help alleviate the stress. Caregiver Tips for Lowering Stress The following are five tips that can help you reduce your stress levels if you’re spending a lot of your time as a caregiver in California: Recognize the signs of stress. It’s important to identify the signs that you’re starting to feel stressed. These can include feeling overwhelmed, anxious, irritable, depressed, or even physically ill. If you notice any of these signs, take a step back and assess the situation. Make time for yourself. Taking breaks is crucial to your physical and mental health, so be sure to take some time for yourself. That can be something as simple as reading your favorite book, going for a walk, or taking a hot bath. Ask for help. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from friends, family, or even professional caregivers. It can make a big difference in your ability to cope with stress. Find a support group. There are often groups available to caregivers that can provide emotional support. That can be an invaluable resource, particularly if you’re feeling isolated. Talk to your doctor. If you’re finding it difficult to cope with stress, talk to your doctor. They can recommend medication or therapy to help you deal with stress in a more effective way. If you’re a caregiver, then the burden of stress can often feel overwhelming. You must deal with your stress in a healthy way to ensure that you can continue providing care for your loved one. For more health tips, visit us at The Benefits Store today. #CaregiverAwareness #CaregiverTips #NationalFamilyCaregiversMonth

A lot of people don’t realize how important long-term care is, simply because nobody likes to think about getting old and needing help with everyday tasks. However, it is a very important part of the aging process, and it’s something that everyone should be prepared for, both emotionally and financially. To help spread awareness about this subject, November has been designated as Long-Term Care Protection Awareness Month. What Does Long-Term Care Refer To? When a person grows older, they may eventually reach a point where they can no longer take care of themselves. That could be due to several different factors, such as age-related illnesses, cognitive decline, or physical impairments. When someone reaches this point, they will likely need help with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, eating, and using the restroom. It’s important to note that this is not considered medical care; it’s considered “personal” care. Not only can it include activities of daily living, but it can also include managing a person’s finances, helping them take their medication, performing their housework, and more. Long-term care is generally provided by unpaid caregivers, such as family members, although nurses who provide home care aid can also give such care. Preparing for Care According to the ACL, persons turning 65 today will have a 70% chance of needing long-term care at some point in the future. Considering that 80% of caregivers are unpaid and spend an average of 20 hours a week caring for family members who need care, this can have severe financial implications for both the caregiver and the person receiving care. That is why planning ahead for care needs is so important. One way to do this is to purchase long-term care insurance, which can help cover the cost of personal care services. It’s important to do your research and compare different policies before making a purchase, as coverage and costs can vary greatly. For more health information and advice, be sure to visit us at The Benefits Store today. #longtermcareneeds #LongTermCare #LongTermCareAwarenessMonth

Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases in the world. It’s estimated that around 537 million people have diabetes — around 37.3 million people in the U.S. have diabetes. Additionally, roughly 96 million Americans have prediabetes, which means they have higher-than-normal blood sugar levels, but they are not high enough for a Type 2 diabetes diagnosis. As such, being able to recognize the symptoms of diabetes is important so that you can take steps to manage the condition. To help spread awareness of diabetes, November is National Diabetes Awareness Month. What Is Diabetes? Diabetes occurs when the body can’t properly process and use sugar. Sugar is an important source of energy for the body, and the body needs insulin to help process and use sugar. If the body can’t produce enough insulin or is unable to use insulin properly, sugar will build up in the blood and can cause serious health problems. There are two main types of diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 diabetes is a genetic condition in which the immune system attacks the cells in your body that produce insulin. Type 2 diabetes is the more common of the two conditions. It occurs when your body can’t produce enough insulin or is unable to use the insulin your body does produce effectively. Type 2 diabetes develops mostly due to lifestyle factors, such as being overweight or obese. Diabetes can cause several serious health problems, including heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, blindness, and amputation. The Symptoms of Diabetes The symptoms of diabetes can vary from person to person and may develop gradually over time. The most common symptoms of diabetes include: Increased thirst Dry mouth Blurry vision Frequent urination Weight loss (even though you are eating and feel hungry) Fatigue (feeling tired all the time) Labored breathing Fruit or sweet breath odor If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see your doctor in California so that you can be diagnosed and treated for diabetes. For more health awareness information, be sure to visit us at The Benefits Store today. #DiabetesAwareness #DiabetesSigns #DiabetesSymptoms

Lung cancer is the most deadly cancer globally, accounting for more than 25% of all cancer-related deaths. In fact, it’s estimated that around 130,180 people will have died from lung cancer in the U.S. in 2022. However, lung cancer can be prevented. To help spread awareness of how to prevent lung cancer, November has been named Lung Cancer Awareness Month. What Causes Lung Cancer? Lung cancer is caused by the uncontrolled growth of cells in the lungs. These cells can form tumors that interfere with the normal functioning of the lungs. Several risk factors can increase your chances of developing lung cancer. The most significant risk factor is smoking. It’s estimated that smoking is responsible for around 80-90% of all lung cancer cases. Other risk factors include exposure to secondhand smoke, radon gas, asbestos, and air pollution. Having a family history of lung cancer can also increase your risk. How To Prevent Lung Cancer In most cases, lung cancer is the result of lifestyle choices. Making healthier lifestyle choices is the most effective way to prevent lung cancer. With that in mind, the following are a few steps that you can take to prevent lung cancer: Quit smoking. If you smoke, quitting is the best thing that you can do for your health. It’s never too late to quit. Avoid secondhand smoke. If you don’t smoke, avoid being around people who do. Test your home’s radon levels. Radon is a naturally occurring gas that can be found in homes. Radon is found in all homes, but it’s important to have your home tested to ensure that radon levels aren’t too high. Test your home for asbestos. If your home was built in California before 1978, it may contain asbestos. Asbestos is a harmful substance that can cause lung cancer. It should be removed by a professional if present in your home. Lung cancer is the deadliest form of cancer, so it’s vital that you take steps to prevent it. For more health tips and information, be sure to visit us at The Benefits Store today. #LungCancerAwareness #PreventCancer #PreventLungCancer

Preventative oral health maintenance is critical for maintaining a healthy mouth and preventing future oral health problems. There are all kinds of issues that can develop as a result of bad oral habits. In fact, tooth decay and gum disease are two of the most common oral issues in not just California, but the entire world. To help spread awareness about oral hygiene, October was designated as National Dental Hygiene Awareness Month. Tips For Maintaining Your Oral Health The following are some tips for keeping your mouth healthy: Brush your teeth: Brushing your teeth twice a day will help remove plaque and bacteria from your teeth. Be sure to use proper brushing techniques, such as using circular motions and covering all surfaces of your teeth. Additionally, make sure that you brush your gums and your tongue as well. Floss your teeth: This will help remove plaque and bacteria stuck between your teeth. Be sure to use proper flossing techniques, such as using an up-and-down motion and being careful not to snap the floss against your gums. You should floss at least once a day. Rinse your mouth with mouthwash: This will help remove plaque and bacteria from your mouth. Be sure to use a mouthwash that contains fluoride, as this will help protect your teeth from decay. Chew sugarless gum: This will help stimulate saliva production, which can help rinse away plaque and bacteria. Additionally, chewing gum can also help to freshen your breath. Just make sure it doesn’t contain any sugar, as this can actually promote tooth decay. Visit your dentist regularly: Routine checkups can help catch problems early before they become more serious. During your appointment, your dentist will clean your teeth and look for any signs of trouble. Maintaining your oral health isn’t difficult if you make it a priority. By following these tips, you can help keep your mouth healthy and prevent future problems. For more health tips, be sure to visit us at The Benefits Store today. #Californiahealthtips #dentalhygiene #healthawareness #oralhealth

California has more than its share of earthquakes, which can happen without warning. In fact, it’s estimated that roughly two to three earthquakes occur in California every year that are big enough to cause moderate damage. Because of this, the Great California Shake-Out, an annual statewide earthquake drill, is held every October to help spread awareness of the importance of earthquake safety. This year’s Shake-Out occured at 10:21 AM on October 21st. Earthquake Safety Tips Being in an earthquake can be scary, but it’s important that you follow these critical safety tips. Doing so can help to save your life and the lives of your family: Drop to the ground as soon as you feel shaking. That will help protect you from being knocked down or injured by falling debris. Take cover underneath a sturdy piece of furniture or against an interior wall. Try to stay away from windows, fireplaces, and anything that could fall on you. Hold on to your furniture or cover until the shaking stops. This will help prevent you from being tossed around and injured. Stay away from windows and exterior walls if you’re in a high-rise building. elevators are also not safe during an earthquake, so take the stairs instead. If you’re outdoors, move away from buildings, power lines, and trees. Try to find an open area where you can drop to the ground. If you’re in a car, stop in a safe location away from buildings, trees, and power lines. Avoid overpasses and bridges, as they could collapse. Teach Your Family About Earthquake Safety Be sure to talk to your family about earthquake safety tips. Practice dropping, covering, and holding with them, so everyone knows what to do. The upcoming Great California Shake-Out is the perfect time to do so. Have a plan for how you will communicate with each other in the event of an earthquake, as cell phone service may be spotty. For more safety awareness tips, be sure to visit us at The Benefits Store today. #earthquakesafety #earthquakesafetytips #safetyawareness

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and while breast cancer awareness has grown in recent years, there is still much to learn about this disease. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States, and about 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer over the course of their lifetime. Understanding what invasive breast cancer is and how to prevent it can help save lives. What You Should Know About Invasive Breast Cancer Invasive breast cancer is a cancer that has begun to spread from where it first began to other parts of the breast. This type of cancer is particularly dangerous because it’s more likely to spread to other areas of your body. It’s also more difficult to treat than non-invasive breast cancer. The following are some of the risk factors for developing this type of breast cancer that you should know about: Age: The older you are, the greater your risk. Family history: If you have a family member who has had breast cancer, you have a higher risk of developing the disease. Genetics: Certain genes, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, can increase your risk of developing breast cancer. Race: Caucasian women are more prone to getting breast cancer than African-American women. However, African-American women tend to be more likely to die from it. Certain medical conditions: Women with certain medical conditions, such as radiation therapy to the breast or chest, are at a higher risk of developing breast cancer. Obesity: Women who are obese have a higher risk of developing and dying from breast cancer. Treating Breast Cancer Early The good news is that invasive breast cancer can be treated, and the earlier it is detected, the better the chances of survival. Women should perform regular breast self-exams and get yearly mammograms starting at age 40. If you notice anything unusual, such as a lump, discharge, or breast size or shape change, be sure to see your doctor in California immediately. For more health awareness information or health tips, be sure to visit us at The Benefits Store today. #healthawareness #Californiahealthtips #Californiahealthinsurance #WomensHealth #breastcancer #invasivebreastcancer

The average lifespan of a human varies depending on various factors, including location. However, in the United States the average life expectancy of a male is 76, while a female’s average life expectancy is around 81. Of course, people can live longer than this – in fact, according to a new study, the longest a human can live is 115 years. Human Life Expectancy The world record for the longest life belongs to Jeanne Calment, who died at the age of 122 back in 1997. Over the last century, people have lived longer and longer, with the average life expectancy continually going up. However, researchers believe that the limit has finally been reached – and that limit is 115. The debate over whether the human life expectancy has a natural barrier is one that has been going on for years and years. Dr. Vijg, an aging expert at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, believes that even though there are examples of humans growing older than 115 years, such as Jeanne Calment, nobody will ever surpass that age again. Dr. Vijg and his students looked at data based on survival and mortality rates. They tracked how many people were alive in a given year and compared these figures from year to year so that they could determine how quickly the population grew at each age. Research revealed that the fastest growing part of society has been old people. For example, in France during the 1920’s, the fastest growing group of women were 85-year olds. This trend kept increasing, with the fastest growing group of French women in the 1990’s being 100-year olds. However, this trend of increases slowed down and then stopped. Dr. Vijg discovered the same overall trend in over 40 countries. He also discovered that 115 was the age at which the increase stopped. Dr. Vijg’s theory that no one can grow older than 115 is based on available data, but many scientists reject the notion that humans have a life span limit. Keep up with all the latest health news by visiting The Benefits Store today. #healthawareness #Californiahealthtips #lifeexpectancy #Californiahealthinsurance #USLifeExpectancy #HealthNews

Every year, the dependency on technology grows. We use the internet for everything from work and school to entertainment and socializing. As our lives move increasingly online, it’s important to be aware of the risks we face online and take steps to protect ourselves. To help increase awareness about the importance of cybersecurity throughout California, October has been designated as National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (NCSAM). Speaking To Your Kids About Cybersecurity If you have kids old enough to use the internet, now is a great time to talk to them about online safety and security. Teach them the importance of choosing strong passwords, being cautious about the information they share online, and not clicking on links from strangers. It’s also important to establish ground rules for internet use in your home and ensure your kids know what to do if they come across anything online that makes them uncomfortable. General Cybersecurity Tips To Follow In addition to talking to your kids about using the internet safely, the following are some general tips to help protect yourself online: Use effective passwords. A secure password is one that’s at least eight characters long and includes letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using easily guessed words like your name, birth date, or favorite sports team. Keep your software up to date. Regularly update the software on your computer, phone, and other devices. Hackers exploit security vulnerabilities, so it’s important to keep your devices patched so they can’t take advantage of them. Be cautious about what you click. Don’t click on links or attachments from people you don’t know. And even if you do know the sender, be careful before you click. Cybercriminals are getting better at disguising their emails to look like they’re from a trusted source. Don’t share too much on social media. Be mindful of the information you share on social media sites. Hackers can use your publicly available information to answer security questions and access your accounts. Be sure to follow these tips and talk to your kids about cybersecurity this month. For more safety awareness advice, visit us at The Benefits Store today. #cybersecurity #internetsafety #internetsecurity

In the U.S., heart disease is the most common cause of death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in every five deaths is caused by heart disease. High cholesterol and triglyceride levels are major risks for heart disease. To help spread awareness of the problem, September has been designated as National Cholesterol Education Month. Difference Between Cholesterol and Triglycerides Cholesterol is a type of fat that’s present in your blood. It’s needed for many things, including making hormones and helping your body digest food. It’s produced naturally by your body but it can also be found in meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy products. As such, too much of it can lead to health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, and heart attack. It’s worth noting that there are good and bad types. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is bad. It can build up on the walls of your arteries and form plaque. This plaque can prevent blood from flowing through your arteries properly, which can lead to heart disease. However, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) is considered good because it helps remove LDL from your arteries. Triglycerides are another type of fat found in your blood. When you eat more calories than you need, your body stores the excess calories as triglycerides. Too much of it can lead to health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, and heart attack. 5 Facts You Should Know The following are a few facts about the risks of high LDL and triglyceride levels that everyone should know: In the U.S., one person dies every 34 seconds from cardiovascular disease. Someone has a heart attack every 40 seconds in the U.S. Over 800,000 people have heart attacks in the U.S. every year. The most common type of heart disease is coronary artery disease (CAD). More than 20 million adults in the U.S. over 20 have CAD. You can keep your cholesterol and triglyceride levels down by maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy weight. For more health advice, visit us at The Benefits Store today. #CholesterolAwareness #CholesterolEducationMonth #cholesterollevels #highcholesterol

Cancer in general is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, with prostate cancer ranking as the third most common type of cancer. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there were 224,733 new cases in the U.S. reported in 2019 alone. Additionally, 31,636 men died as a result, in that same year. In fact, it is the most common non-skin cancer in men in the U.S. Additionally, it affects one out of seven men, with about one out of 41 men dying as a result. Because of how prominent it is, September has been designated as Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. What is Prostate Cancer? Cancer of the prostate is a type of cancer that affects the prostate gland, which is a small organ located below the bladder in men. Cancer develops in the prostate when the cells of the gland begin to grow uncontrollably. That uncontrolled growth can eventually lead to the development of a tumor. If left untreated, it can spread to other parts of the body, such as the bones or lymph nodes. What Causes Cancer To Develop in the Prostate? Although the cause is not fully understood, there are certain risk factors that may increase a man’s chance of developing the disease. These include: Age. The older a man is, the greater his risk of developing the disease. The disease is rare in men under the age of 40, but the risk increases significantly in men over the age of 50. Family history. If men have close relatives, such as a father or brother, who have been diagnosed with the disease, their risk is increased. Race. African-American men are at a greater risk of developing cancer of the prostate. Diet. Men who consume a lot of dairy products are at a slightly higher risk. Because the direct cause of the disease is not known, it’s important that you talk to your doctor about your risk factors and what you can do to help prevent the disease. For more health information, visit us at The Benefits Store today. #ProstateCancer #ProstateCancerAwareness #prostatehealth

A lot of Californians don’t realize that getting food poisoning is much more common than it should be. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), every year roughly 1 in 6 Americans (48 million people) get sick, 128,000 are hospitalized, and 3,000 die from foodborne diseases. Those who are particularly vulnerable to getting food poisoning include children below the age of five, adults older than 65, pregnant women, and those who have health issues. Because of how big of a problem food poisoning is, September was designated as Food Safety Awareness Month. Food Safety Tips One of the primary reasons people get food poisoning is because they don’t handle or prepare their food properly. To help you avoid getting sick, here are some food safety tips to follow: Keep meat separated: When organizing your refrigerator, make sure that uncooked meat is stored on the bottom shelf in sealed containers. This will help prevent any juices from dripping and contaminating other food. Separate your raw meat from fruits and vegetables as well to prevent them from being contaminated. Wash your hands: It’s important to wash your hands thoroughly (for at least 20 seconds) before and after handling food. This will help remove any harmful bacteria that could potentially cause food poisoning. Be sure to wash your hands after handling raw meat as well. Use sauce carefully: If you marinate your raw meat in a sauce, do not use that same sauce on any cooked food unless you boil it. Boiling it will help kill any harmful bacteria. Use a food thermometer: One of the best ways to ensure that your food is cooked properly is to use a food thermometer. This will help you know for sure that your food has reached a safe internal temperature. Keep everything clean: It’s important to keep all surfaces clean when preparing food. This includes cutting boards, countertops, knives, and any other utensils that come into contact with food (especially raw meat). Use these food safety tips to help prevent potential food poisoning in California. For more health safety tips, be sure to visit us at The Benefits Store today. #FoodSafety #FoodSafetyEducation #foodsafetytips