Possible Freezing Rain Tomorrow - Prepare Your Home for the Cold Weather

With plenty of snow and cold temperatures predicted this winter, it is important to prepare your home and review your insurance coverage.

Water damage, which can be caused by snowy conditions, and freezing account for almost 22 percent of all homeowners insurance claims and are the third-largest cause of catastrophe losses, behind only hurricanes and tornadoes. Standard homeowners and renters policies cover winter related damage, such as that caused by burst pipes, ice dams and wind, as well as damage caused by either weight of ice or snow.

Coverage for flooding, including flooding caused by melting snow, should be considered.  Melting snow can also overburden sewer systems, causing raw sewage to back up into the drains in your home. Backed up sewers can cause thousands of dollars in damage to floors, walls, furniture and electrical systems. Sewer back-up coverage can be purchased either as a separate product or as an endorsement to your homeowners or renters policy.

Beyond making sure you have the proper insurance coverage, there are also steps you can take to protect your home before the official start of winter on Monday, December 21, 2015.

Outside Your Home

• Clean out gutters. Remove leaves, sticks and other debris so melting snow and ice can flow freely. This can prevent ice damming, a condition in which water seeps into the house, potentially damaging ceilings and walls.
• Install gutter guards to prevent debris from entering the gutter and interfering with the flow of water away from the house and into the ground.
• Trim trees and remove dead branches. Ice, snow and wind can cause weak trees or branches to break and damage your home or car, or injure someone walking by your property.

Inside Your Home

• Add extra insulation to attics, basements and crawl spaces. If too much heat escapes through the attic, it can cause snow or ice to melt and then re-freeze on the roof resulting in an ice dam that can cause significant roof damage. Well-insulated basements, crawl spaces and unfinished rooms, such as garages, protect pipes from freezing
• Provide a reliable back-up power source. In the event of an electrical outage, continuous power will keep your home warm and prevent frozen pipes. Consider purchasing a portable generator to ensure your household’s safety.

Contact MIM for a review of your insurance policies, which is always a good idea this time of year, regardless of the temperatures!

5 Ways to Protect Your Home from Flooding

Floods are a common challenge that many Pacific Northwest home owners will face at one time or another. However, by keeping your home in good repair, moving valuables out of water’s way, and creating good drainage around your home, you can stop or reduce potential flood damage.

Unless your house sits at the highest point atop a mountain and your yard slopes downward, you are a potential victim of flooding.

That doesn't mean it's time to give up and buy a canoe. You have options to protect the place from floods.

1.Clean Out Gutters

Leaves, twigs, and other debris that has been dropped by birds or the wind can quickly build up in your gutters. Go around your house and make sure the gutters are clear of any leaves or debris to keep leaking and clogging to a minimum.

2.Reattach Loose Gutters

After years of powerful wind and weather, your gutters may not be as securely fastened to your roof as they once were. Make sure they are tightly secured to decrease the possibility of detachment.

3.Extend Gutters and Downspouts

Keeping water away from your foundation is critical during a downpour — extended gutters and downspouts will keep that rain water far away. A downspout should extend at least three feet from the foundation of your home — gutters work best when 7-8 inches wide. These changes will decrease the likelihood of your home's foundation from being saturated, which could lead to a flooded basement.

4.Cover Window Wells

Covering your window wells will prevent water and debris from filling the area if a gutter clog occurred during the storm. Check these window wells often during the storm in case of leakage.

5.Keep Storm Drains Clear

After gutter cleaning, you might have a lot of debris to dispose of — consider putting that debris in eco-friendly yard bags to keep streets clear. Dumping the waste on the side of the street will clog storm drains alongside the road and put a strain on your local resources and services. Do your streets a favor and keep those leaves contained.

It's important to know that most home policies don't cover flooding — just a few inches of water damage can cost thousands! If you decide that flood insurance is something for you, contact MIM right away, before the next downpour!

Emergency Supply Kits - Are You Ready?

The Office of Emergency Management recommends preparing the following disaster supply kits to have on hand in the event of an earthquake or other major disaster: A "grab and go" kit that can be kept at home and at work, a household disaster supply kit with larger items, and a car disaster supply kit.

Below are some of the basics things that should be in disaster kits. 

A personal/office disaster supply kit should include:

- Medications, a first-aid kit and doctors' names and contact information

- Sturdy shoes, a change of clothes, and a blanket

- Cash (ATMs won't work if the power goes out)

- Flashlight, extra batteries and light bulbs

- Bottled water

- Snack foods high in water and calories (FEMA suggests items like protein bars and dried fruit)

A household disaster supply kit should hold include:

- Water (a minimum of one gallon per person or pet per day, for at least seven days)

- Canned or packaged food, and a can opener

- A portable or hand-cranked radio with extra batteries

- Comfortable, warm clothing

- Blankets or sleeping bags

- Copies of vital documents such as insurance, bank account information

- Flashlights

- Pet food, if needed

A car disaster supply kit should include:

- The most necessary items from your personal disaster supply kit

- An additional six-pack of water

- A tire repair kit, jumper cables, flares

- Seasonal supplies like blankets, hats and mittens for the winter and sunscreen and hats for the summer.

Try to assemble your kit well in advance of an emergency. You may have to evacuate at a moment’s notice and take essentials with you. You will probably not have time to search for the supplies you need or shop for them.

You may need to survive on your own after an emergency. This means having your own food, water and other supplies in sufficient quantity to last for at least 72 hours. Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a disaster but they cannot reach everyone immediately. You could get help in hours or it might take days.

Additionally, basic services such as electricity, gas, water, sewage treatment and telephones may be cut off for days or even a week, or longer. Your supplies kit should contain items to help you manage during these outages.

ACA Open Enrollment - Everything You Need To Know

Open enrollment for individual health insurance for 2016 through the Affordable Care Act, began November 1st!  That means anyone buying their own plan can start shopping on the federal and state insurance exchanges. 

Confused? We have the answers to your most common questions.

What is ACA Open Enrollment?

Among many reforms, the Affordable Care Act created insurance marketplaces (also called exchanges), where anyone without coverage can buy a health plan from a private insurer. You can’t be turned away because of pre-existing conditions (including pregnancy) or face dollar limits on your benefits. 

Open enrollment is typically the only time during the year when you can select a new health insurance plan for the following year (exceptions include a job loss or new baby.).

When is open enrollment?

Open enrollment for individual insurance coverage begins Nov. 1, 2015 and ends Jan. 31, 2016. 

When should I buy coverage?

If you want coverage on Jan. 1, 2016, sign up for a plan by Dec. 15, 2015. If you wait until the end of open enrollment (Jan. 31), you won’t get coverage until March 1 (though you will still avoid a tax penalty for going without insurance).

How much can I expect to pay in premiums?

Last year, the average monthly premium was $364, according to the Department of Health and Human Services. That sounds like a lot, but 87% of Americans qualified for a subsidy to help them pay the premiums. After the subsidy, the average monthly cost was only $101.

For 2016, premiums appear to be increasing. The government just reported that the cost of the most popular marketplace plan will rise by an average of 7.5% next year, though depending on where you live you could see big hikes or even small declines..

Will I qualify for a subsidy?

People who make between 100% and 400% of the poverty level—$11,770 to $47,080 for individuals and $24,250 to $97,000 for a family of four—can receive a subsidy, or tax credit, to help defray the cost of health insurance. 

Do I have to shop on a government exchange?

If you won’t qualify for a subsidy, you don’t have to stick to a government-run exchange. You may find more options off the exchange, including plans with larger doctor networks. On average, though, premiums tend to be higher in the private marketplace. Click here for the direct link to the government exchange - Direct Link Govt. Exchg.

How to do I shop for health insurance in the first place?

In addition to comparing premiums, you need to focus on three critical variables: Is your doctor in your insurer’s network, how much will you have to spend before insurance kicks in (or your deductible), and what’s the maximum you could pay if you got sick. 

The easiest way to shop your individual health insurance needs? Contact us right away! Click here - MIM for the fastest way to get yourself covered!

9 Ways to Prevent Memory Loss

Everyone has memory blips from time to time -- the word that's on the very tip of your tongue, or the house keys that aren't where you swear you left them. As you get older, these kinds of slip-ups may become even more common and frequent. Yet you don't have to resign yourself to memory loss.

Try 9 simple steps that can help keep your brain sharp as you age...

1. Step It Up

A 30-minute daily walk is one of the best things you can do for your body, including your brain. Exercise can help prevent conditions that can lead to memory loss, such as high blood pressure, Diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity and stroke.

2. Go Mediterranean

A healthy diet is always good for your brain, but one eating style in particular may be best for preserving memory. Keeping to a Mediterranean-style diet doesn't mean pasta and pizza, but lots of fruits and vegetables, fish rather than red meat, and olive oil. One study found people who closely followed this diet were nearly 20% less likely to develop thinking and memory problems than people who didn't stick to a Mediterranean eating plan.

3. Engage Your Brain

Just like physical exercise, mental exercise is good for you. Play cards, join a book club, watch a football game with friends and discuss the score, or play a brain-training app. Any mentally challenging activity will keep your mind sharp.

4. Stay Social

Card games and book clubs also keep you socially active -- another plus for your brain. Social interaction also enhances memory through its effects on mood.

5. Sleep Right

Try to get a good night's sleep. Attention and concentration go down when sleep is restless, and mental function is not as sharp as it is in those who have normal, restful sleep.

6. Stop Stress

Being under stress is very bad for your brain. High levels of the stress hormone, cortisol, make it harder to pull out information from your brain's memory. To relieve stress, try different ways to relax, like meditation, yoga, or massage.

7. Stub Out Cigarettes

If you smoke, quit. Smoking speeds up memory loss as you age. Smoking's effect on memory is probably due to small strokes it can cause in the brain. Try nicotine replacement, medicine, or counseling to help you kick the habit for good.

8. Get Checked

Sometimes, medical conditions like thyroid disease, diabetes, depression, or a vitamin deficiency can trigger memory loss. Certain medicines, such as sleep and anxiety drugs, can also affect your ability to remember. See your doctor to get checked and treated for these problems, and to go over all your medicines.

9. Use Memory Tricks

When you have trouble with everyday memory, it helps to have a few tricks up your sleeve. Every time you learn a new name or word, say it out loud to seal it into your brain. Mentally connect each new name with an image. If you meet a girl named April, picture a tree in bloom to represent the month of April. To help with recall, post sticky notes around the home and office, or set reminders on your phone so you'll know when it's time to take your medicine or head to an important meeting.

Health Benefits of Doing Yardwork

The beautiful fall colored leaves are falling gracefully to the ground. While you and your family enjoy the spectacular array of autumn colors, you may dread the grueling yard work that comes with the territory. But did you know that the National Institute of Health classifies raking leaves as a moderate intensity aerobic activity? With all of the squats, back and forth walks and rowing of the arms, raking leaves is equivalent of walking at a moderate pace.

To help fight obesity, The National Institute of Health recommends yard work or gardening 3-5 times a week for 30-45 minutes a day. Just 30 minutes a day will provide an adequate workout. While performing yard work, major muscle groups are used such as the legs, back and arms. A moderate cardiovascular exercise, 45 minutes of yard work can burn as many as 250-400 calories per hour.

When raking leaves, the ground provides a resistance as it mimics a weight machine such as the rowing machine found in most gyms. As you bend to pick up leaves, your glutes, hips and entire lower body are being strengthened. Consider how many calories and body fat you burn as you walk back and forth to dispose of the leaves. So, the next time you think about using a leaf blower- think twice.

Mowing the lawn also helps women burn 250 calories and men burn 350 calories. Other yard work such as weeding and planting shrubs, flowers or trees offer the same exercise benefits. Besides, the whole family is involved in exercise activities that help fight obesity and weight related health problems.

Happy Autumn, and remember in every season to keep fit & fabulous!

Tips to Make Driving through Deer Country as Safe as Possible

No matter where you drive – from rural roads to suburban streets and even highways around our cities – the threat of a collision with a deer is real. Deer collision accidents are on the rise, partially because the deer are being displaced from their natural habitat by urban sprawl but also because the deer population is growing.

In fact, the Insurance Information Institute reports that over 1 .6 million deer-vehicle collisions occur each year and these accidents cause vehicle damage, injuries and even fatalities at a cost in the neighborhood of $4.6 billion.

A Few Facts…

• Deer collisions are most likely to occur during deer breeding season – from October through early January.
• Prime times to find deer near the roadside are around dawn and from dusk to late evening.
• Deer are pack animals. So if you see one, be assured that others are usually close by.

Deer Season Driving Tips

1. Always wear your seatbelt – Sixty percent of fatal animal crashes occurred when the driver was not wearing a seatbelt.

2. Know the likely deer-crossing zones – Whether or not a road is marked with a "Deer Crossing" sign, be especially alert for deer when driving on roads or highways on the outskirts of town and in rural areas – especially where roads divide farm land from wooded land. 

3. Use your high beams – When driving at night, especially during peak hazard times, use your high-beam headlights when there is no on-coming traffic. This won’t necessarily deter the deer from entering the roadway, but it will increase visibility so that you can more easily spot the deer sooner.

4. Don’t rely on devices – Items like deer whistles, deer fences and reflectors have not been proven effective at deterring deer crossing roadways.

5. Brake firmly if you notice a deer near the road – Slow down and stop if necessary. Be careful not to swerve out of your lane either into on-coming traffic or off the shoulder and into a ditch.

6. Keep your distance – If you do strike a deer, don’t approach it. An injured deer is frightened and can injure you as well as further injuring itself. If the deer is blocking the roadway, it poses a threat to other drivers; so call the authorities immediately.

7. Contact your insurance agent at MIM – If you strike a deer and have damage to your vehicle or damage to some else’s property, notify your insurance representative as soon as possible and provide the necessary details.

Landlord Insurance - Get The Necessary Coverage To Help Protect Your Rental Property

As a landlord renting out your investment property, we know you've got a lot on your mind. Finding the right tenants, keeping up with repairs; the list goes on and on. With landlord Insurance, you'll have one less thing to worry about. Rental property insurance protects your property from damages, and you from losing income should covered damages make your property unlivable.

What does Landlord Insurance cover? 

• Your residential rental property; single-family, duplex, triplex and quad
• Other structures on the property such as sheds, garages, etc.
• Items on the premises you own such as microwaves, washers and dryers being used by your tenants - even tools you keep handy for repairs

A comprehensive landlord insurance policy will protect your investment property, so you can rent it out with confidence. Landlord insurance provides all the coverage you need to protect your property from damage and to protect you from personal legal liability.

To request a landlord's rental property insurance quote, call MIM at 1-800-762-4646.

Don't Take Risks with Your Space Heater

Did you know that space heater fires make up half of all winter home heating fires? Based on 2007-2011 annual averages, space heaters, whether portable or stationary, accounted for one-third (33%) of home heating fires and four out of five (81%) of home heating fire deaths.

Play it smart and follow all the rules to ensure your family and home are safe.  With a few simple safety tips and precautions you can prevent most heating fires from happening.

Space Heater Safety Tips

• Buy new heaters that have been tested and given a safety certification.
• Select a heater with an automatic shut off in case it is accidentally tipped over, or overheats, and screens to prevent accidental touching of the heating coils.
• Inspect heaters and heating cords to be certain they are in good order. If not, hire an appliance service professional to fix them.  Do not use electrical tape on cords or attempt to fix a heater yourself.
• Do not place anything above the heater that could fall onto it and burn.
• Never set a space heater on top of a counter or table where it could be knocked over.
• Turn off heaters when you leave the room or go to bed.
• Have a 3-foot "kid-free zone" around space heaters.   
• Plug heater directly into the wall, do not use extension cords.
• Be certain that the space around the heater is clear of items that could catch on fire, including bedding, paper, walls and people.

The use of space heaters in the Pacific Northwest is quite common in the winter.  While these seemingly harmless devices may be an efficient way to heat a cold or drafty space, they can pose certain safety hazards when used incorrectly. Taking appropriate safety measures is vital in preventing an accident and keeping your family safe.

Are you a Road Rager?

Aggressive driving has been a problem on our roadways for a while, and it seems to only be getting worse. Incidents of screaming, rude gestures, and sometimes even violence are reported frequently on our roadways to the point where it has earned its own name: road rage. Did you know 66% of traffic fatalities are caused by aggressive driving?

Answer the following questions to find out if you need a chill pill behind the wheel.  And Be Honest!

1. Do you speed (as in, drive more than 5 miles per hour over the posted limit)?
*YES* *SOMETIMES* *NO*

2. Do you tailgate "slow" drivers?

*YES* *SOMETIMES* *NO*

3. Do you make angry gestures or yell at "bad" drivers?

*YES* *SOMETIMES* *NO* 

4. Do slow drivers make you really angry?

*YES* *SOMETIMES* *NO*

5. Do all cars in front of you seem to be "in your way"?

*YES* *SOMETIMES* *NO*

6. Do you become very angry and express it out loud when you get stuck in traffic?

*YES* *SOMETIMES* *NO*

7. Do you deliberately align your vehicle with another in an adjacent lane in order to hold up a driver who is following too closely behind?

 *YES* *SOMETIMES* *NO*

8. Do you find yourself slamming on the brakes a lot when driving?

*YES* *SOMETIMES* *NO*

9. Do you often switch lanes when driving?

*YES* *SOMETIMES* *NO*

10. Do you feel bad drivers need to be taught a lesson and you are the teacher?

*YES* *SOMETIMES* *NO*

Give yourself 3 points for each YES answer, 2 points for each SOMETIMES, and 1 point for each NO.  Add up the points and see below.

10 points - You are not a Road Rager.  Congrats!  

11-30 points - Uh Oh!  You are a Road Rager!  Take a deep breath and think before you react.  A careless or aggressive act threatens your safety as well as the safety of everyone around you.  Always remember, be cautious, be courteous, and drive happy!!!

Medicare Open Enrollment October 15 - December 7th

Each year, you can make changes to your Medicare Advantage or Medicare prescription drug coverage for the following year. There are 2 separate enrollment periods each year. 

See the chart below for specific dates:

During this enrollment period...	You can...
October 15–December 7 Medicare Open Enrollment Period (OEP) (Changes will take effect on January 1.)	■ Change from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage Plan. ■ Change from a Medicare Advantage Plan back to Original Medicare. ■ Switch from one Medicare Advantage Plan to another Medicare Advantage Plan. ■ Switch from a Medicare Advantage Plan that doesn’t offer drug coverage to a Medicare Advantage Plan that offers drug coverage. ■ Switch from a Medicare Advantage Plan that offers drug coverage to a Medicare Advantage Plan that doesn’t offer drug coverage. ■ Join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan. ■ Switch from one Medicare Prescription Drug Plan to another Medicare Prescription Drug Plan.  ■ Drop your Medicare prescription drug coverage completely.
January 1–February 14 Medicare Advantage Disenrollment Period	■ If you’re in a Medicare Advantage Plan, you can Medicare Advantage leave your plan and switch to Original Medicare. Your Original Medicare coverage will begin the first day of the following month. ■ If you switch to Original Medicare during this period, you’ll have until February 14 to also join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan to add drug coverage. Your prescription drug coverage will begin the first day of the month after the plan gets your enrollment form. Note: During this period, you can’t: ■ Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage Plan. ■ Switch from one Medicare Advantage Plan to another. ■ Switch from one Medicare Prescription Drug Plan to another. ■ Join, switch, or drop a Medicare Medical Savings Account Plan.

Special Enrollment Periods 

You can make changes to your Medicare Advantage and Medicare prescription drug coverage when certain events happen in your life, like if you move or you lose other insurance coverage. These chances to make changes are called Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs) and are in addition to the regular enrollment periods that happen each year. Rules about when you can make changes and the type of changes you can make are different for each SEP. This list doesn’t include every situation.

For more information about OEP's, SEP's and the ABC's of Medicare, call MIM @ 1-800-762-4646.

Protect your Property Against Wildfire

El Nino weather conditions provide relief to some areas, but tend to cause worsening drought conditions through much of the West and the Pacific Northwest.  Now is the perfect time for residents and businesses in woodland, brush-filled or remote areas to take precautions and protect your property against wildfire.

GENERAL DEFENSE

There are some simple steps you can take to maximize protections against the dangers of wildfire:

• Talk to your local, independent agent to make sure you have the necessary limits and coverage enhancements in place
• Assess common fuel sources with your local fire department or a loss control representative – look for underbrush, branches and other combustibles.
• Create a financial first aid kit to identify your important documents, medical records and contracts, and store copies securely online and in a fire-protected container.

STRUCTURE

If you are building or updating a home or commercial building in an area prone to wildfires, you can select materials and construction methods to minimize your risk.

• Wood shake and shingle roofs are vulnerable to wildfire and are prohibited in some states. Consider fire-resistant roofing materials such as composite shingles, metal or copper.
• Contemplate nonflammable materials for outdoor-facing areas, including decks and windows.
• Cover all attic, eave and vent openings with noncorrosive metal wire mesh.
• Enclose areas that may accumulate flammable material, under and against the building.
• Remember that rubber mulch is also flammable and could allow fire an entry point to your building.

PERIMETER

• Create a defensible space around your structure – approximately 100 feet on level ground and even further if the area is sloped. Make sure it is maintained and watered regularly.
• Remove all dead plants, trees, branches and debris. Trim several feet of spacing between trees if possible. Thin heavily pined areas. Prune tree limbs at least 6 feet off the ground. Remove branches that extend over the roof or are in close proximity to the building
• Keep grass trimmed short and, if possible, watered.
• Store gasoline, oily rags and other flammable materials in approved safety cans. Place cans in a safe location away from the base of buildings.

UPKEEP

Periodic maintenance of existing structures is also important.

• Clear the roof, gutters, porches and decks of leaves, needles, branches and other debris.
• Make sure smoke detectors and fire extinguishers are functioning properly throughout your home or in your business.
• Verify that your outdoor water source and hose are functioning properly and can reach any area of the property.

RESOURCES

For more detailed fire prevention tips, you can also visit the National Fire Protection Association’s Firewise website; read the NFPA’s tip sheet; the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s wildfire response guidelines; and the Ready.gov website for more information on plans and response kits. It’s important to have a plan to reduce your risk as well as a plan to respond if a wildfire occurs in your area.

Remember to consult with your independent insurance agent at Modern Insurance Marketing, Inc. and local officials, and include your family or employees in your protection measures.

September is...2015 National Preparedness Month (NPM)

We couldn’t let September go by without a mention of National PrepareAthon Day coming up on September 30th. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and related government organizations urge all Americans to create a disaster plan to help cope with earthquakes, tornadoes, floods, hurricanes, wildfires and other disasters. Find more information about PrepareAthon – and disaster preparedness in general – at Ready.gov.

Heading Out of Town? Keep Your Home Safe While You Are Away

Vacations are a time to relax, eat too much and have a great time with your family and friends. It’s not the time to worry about your home. There are some things you can do to give yourself peace of mind while you’re away.

First, review your homeowners insurance policy to make sure any “big ticket” items you may have purchased since you bought your policy are covered for theft and other losses.

Second, make a record of all the serial numbers of your electronic devices and take photographs. This will aid the police and your insurance   company if your property is stolen.

Finally, do you have a professionally installed burglar alarm system? An alarm system may make a burglar think twice about breaking into your home, and many insurance companies offer a discount on homeowners policies if your home is equipped with an alarm.

Other helpful tips to keep your home safe while you are gone include:

· maintaining the shrubs in your yard so they are less than 3 feet high in the front and sides of your home

· securing all your doors with deadbolt locks

· setting a few lights in your home on timers (make sure they are set to go on and off at different times)

· positioning your valuable possessions (e.g.: televisions, stereos, etc.) so they cannot be seen when a person looks in the window

· suspending the delivery of your mail and newspapers (or have a trusted neighbor collect them for you)

· contacting your local law enforcement agency to see if there is a “vacation-home check” program—so a police officer will check on your home while you are out of town.

Should you have any questions about your homeowners insurance policy before you go on vacation, give MIM a call. We are happy to answer your questions.

Your vacation is a time for relaxing and forgetting about the stresses of everyday life. A little extra vigilance will help keep your property and belongings safe while you're gone -- and will keep you from obsessing about security once you're on the road to fun and adventure.  

12 Tips for Staying Cool This Summer

To protect your health when temperatures are extremely high, 

remember to keep cool and use common sense. 

Be aware of the heat. Pay attention to it and modify your activities appropriately.

Pay attention to your hydration status, and be sure to drink plenty of fluids.

Try to stay in relatively cool areas, even when outside. Many public places such as libraries, shopping malls and movie theatres are air conditioned.

Avoid hot enclosed places, such as cars. Never leave children unattended in a car parked in the sun.

Use a fan, if available.

Stay on the lowest floor of your building.

Eat well-balanced, light and regular meals.

Wear loose-fitting, lightweight and light-colored clothing.

Cover windows that receive a significant amount of sun with drapes or shades to help keep your house cool.

Weather stripping and proper insulation will keep cool air inside your home.

Cool beverages are good for cooling down the body, while alcoholic drinks can impair the body's ability to regulate its temperature.

Going on Vacation? Give your Electric Bill a Vacation Too!

Taking a vacation can be costly.  A great way to save some money is to give your electric bills a vacation too.  There are several things you can do to keep your electricity running efficiently while you are away:

• Unplug some of your household appliances.  Your house has many items that always use electricity when they are plugged in, even when turned off.  Unplugging these items (televisions, VCRs, cable TV boxes, toasters, etc) not only saves energy, but in some cases, can avoid fire hazards during your absence.
• Adjust the refrigerator control to a warmer setting.  The fridge can be set at 40 degrees without spoiling food; the freezer at 5 degrees.  On these settings, you can save up to 40% of the refrigerator's electric use.  
• Adjust your thermostat.  You should consider lowering your thermostat's heat setting, but no lower than 55 degrees.  By doing this, typically you can save 10 to 30% on your heating costs.  
• Turn down the water heater.  A large percentage of the cost of running a water heater comes from keeping the water at the selected temperature.  If you are going on a lengthy trip, turn the water heater's temperature to the lowest setting.  This can save you up to $10 a month.
• Consider using timers to turn lights on and off each night.  Timers can save energy and give the appearance that someone is home.  Use compact fluorescent bulbs for inside and outside lights that will be on the longest.  

Following these tips will keep your mind at ease about your electric bills and let you enjoy that vacation!  

Bon Voyage!

   

Your dog, cat - or even goldfish - may be just what the doctor ordered!

Pet owners know how much their furry friend improves their quality of life. But it's not all about unconditional love—although that actually provides a wellness boost, too. Read on to discover some of the incredible health benefits that can come with owning a pet.

• A quick break with your pet can lift your mood by reducing the stress hormone cortisol. Make time for playing, which elevates dopamine levels, helping you stay calm and relaxed.
• An animal's unconditional love makes it easy to smile and banish negative thoughts. Dogs in particular have this effect, ramping up the feel-good hormone oxytocin.
• Pets increase longevity by lowering pulse and blood pressure rates and may reduce your risk for heart disease.  Cat owners are also one-third less likely to die from a stroke or heart attack.

• Strolling with your pooch makes you more likely to get the recommended level of physical activity.  People without canine companions are twice as likely to be overweight.
• Regular walks ease joint pain and stiffness in knees, hips and ankles.

That said, if you decide to add a pet to your home, keep in mind that dogs and cats (while the most popular) are not your only options. Studies have shown health benefits from many types of human-animal interactions, including those with fish, horses and even dolphins.

So if you’re interested in experiencing all the great attributes that animals have to offer, getting a pet of your own may be just what the doctor ordered.

Eligible consumers now have from March 15 through April 30 to enroll in Individual Health coverage!

CMS Announces Special Enrollment Period for Tax Season

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced Friday that a special enrollment period (SEP) for individuals and families who did not have health coverage in 2014 and are subject to the fee or “shared responsibility payment” when they file their 2014 TAXES in states which use the Federally-facilitated Marketplaces (FFM). Residents of OR/WA - this is you!  

This special enrollment period will allow those individuals and families who were unaware or didn’t understand the implications of this new requirement to enroll in 2015 health insurance coverage through the FFM.

If consumers do not purchase coverage for 2015 during this special enrollment period, they may have to pay a fee when they file their 2015 income taxes.

The special enrollment period will begin on March 15, 2015 and end at 11:59 pm E.S.T. on April 30, 2015. If a consumer enrolls in coverage on or before the 15th of the month, coverage will be effective on the first day of the following month.  

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http://www.moderninsurance.com/root/system/quote-request-forms/default/?product=health-insurance

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