info@chedwards.net   (516) 249-5200
Menu

Blog

What To Say / What Not To Say At The Dinner Table

What To Say / What Not To Say At The Dinner Table

Thanksgiving dinner is a time for families to share thanks and reconnect. This is especially true when it comes to busy families. Life can be stressful, which can make it hard to keep up on all the things going on within your family, good or bad.

Keeping dinner discussions positive and saving the tough stuff for later is important, particularly with your children. Children who are faced with more positive interactions are happier, healthier and better learners in school.

Try a few of these positive swaps at your dinner table:

Instead of… “What homework do you have due on Monday?” Say… “What was the best part of your day today?”

Instead of…” Finish your carrots. There are starving children in the world” Say…” Did you know that carrots help keep your eyes healthy?”

Instead of…”Eat one more bite of your food” Say…”This is the last meal until dessert, ask your belly if it is really full!”

A positive life style is not only good for little ones but is good for everyone! Looking on the brighter side can help you become a better person, employee and friend.
Encourage positivity in your home today.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving from your friends at C.H. Edwards, Inc.

Written by: Amanda Haase

Life Insurance – Are You Ready To Have The Conversation?

Life Insurance – Are You Ready To Have The Conversation?

Life Insurance is often a difficult topic for many to discuss. It is not a conversation that anyone wants to start and is often put off until a life event forces you too. Maybe the conversation would be easier if you had someone outside of the family that you could discuss this with? Having the answers to the questions your family may have before they ask can put you at ease. Looking at Life Insurance as a life plan, a plan for your future and retirement is another way to present the conversation.

Making this topic easier is as simple as giving C.H. Edwards, Inc. a call. We will start by answering your questions, help you decide which policy is right for you and your family within your budget and offer a no obligation quote.

C. H. Edwards, Inc. has everything to assist you in making this uneasy topic easier. Still not sure, visit our website at www.chedwards.net and find out who we are. We have been working with clients since 1925, with their home, auto and life insurance as well as assisting commercial clients with their particular needs.

At C.H. Edwards, Inc., our clients are part of our extended family and who else would you trust with such a major life decision?

Written by: Denise Visco

50 Foods Before Age 2

50 Foods Before Age 2

Good habits begin at home and the earliest learning is taught by parents. Health and nutrition can be the trickiest learned habits.

Kids can be picky eaters. Sometimes, it can be hard for parents to really give their children the nutrition they need from fruits, vegetables and proteins.

That’s why it is important to introduce these 50 foods to your kids before age 2; please note that some of these food need to be pureed or cooked to avoid choking hazards and always check with your doctor first.

Artichokes
Bell peppers
Black beans
Broccoli
Brown Rice
Brussels sprouts
Butternut squash
Cabbage
Cantaloupe
Carrots
Cauliflower
Chicken
Coconut
Cod
Cucumbers
Eggplant
Eggs
Feta cheese
Granola
Green beans
Honeydew melon
Hummus
Iceberg lettuce
Jicama
Kale
Kidney beans
Lentils
Mozzarella cheese
Mushrooms
Olive slices
Oranges
Peaches
Pears
Pineapple
Plums
Pumpkin
Purple potatoes
Quinoa
Radishes
Romaine lettuce
Salmon
Salsa
Spinach
Strawberries
Sweet potatoes
Tomatoes
Turnips
Watermelon
Whole-wheat pasta
Yogurt

The perfect way to utilize this list, is to place it on the refrigerator and check off what food your child liked, and tried. This way, you can easily keep track of what food your child has tasted and liked.

Healthy kids are better learners and miss less school due to illness. Early learning goes a long way toward a successful future.

Start encouraging variety with your children today!

Written by: Amanda Haase

Winterizing Your Vehicle

Winterizing Your Vehicle

Winterizing your vehicle is a wise idea! Taking an hour or two out of your day to have your vehicle checked is all it takes to have peace of mind. The time spent now will avoid the cost and hassle of a breakdown during severe weather.

Here is a checklist to follow when winterizing your car this season:
1. Have the battery and charging system checked for optimum performance.
2. Clean, flush and put new antifreeze in the cooling system.
3. Make sure heaters, defrosters and wipers work properly.
4. Check the tire tread depth and tire pressure.
5. Be thorough about changing the oil and filter at recommended intervals.
6. If you’re due for a tune-up, have it done before winter sets in.
7. Have the brakes checked. The braking system is the vehicle’s most important safety item no matter what time of year.
8. Have the exhaust system checked for carbon monoxide leaks.
9. Keep your gas tank at least half full at all times to decrease the chances of moisture forming in the gas lines and possibly freezing.
10. In your trunk, make sure to include an ice scraper and snowbrush, jumper cables, flashlight, flares, blanket, extra clothes, candles/matches, bottled water, dry food snacks and needed medication.

Preparing yourself and your vehicle will insure safe travels this winter.

For more information on auto insurance, call C.H. Edwards, Inc. and one of our representatives will be happy to help you.

Be safe!

Written by: Amanda Haase

Common Teen Driving Mistakes

Common Teen Driving Mistakes

Fact: Teen drivers are nearly four times as likely to crash when on the road. Below are some of the most common mistakes made by teen drivers:

Peer Pressure – friends encouraging the driver to turn up the music, or violate other family rules, to distract the driver.

Drinking and Driving – In 2013, 17 percent of drivers ages 16-20 were involved in fatal car crashes, due to intoxication. Do not drink and drive!

Distractions – Distractions while driving are more than just cell phones. Talking to passengers, using navigation systems, and applying makeup while driving all count as distractions.

Failure to wear a seatbelt – Seatbelts save an estimated 12,174 lives each year. 55 percent of teens killed in car crashes were not wearing seat belts. Buckle up! It is the law!

Underestimating the risks that come with driving – Teens often underestimate the risks and responsibilities that come with getting behind the wheel, making them feel invincible. This can lead to careless, dangerous mistakes.

Driving at night – A teen driver’s chance of being involved in a deadly car crash doubles, when they travel at night. This can be due to limited visibility and other dangers on the road.

Having multiple passengers – When your teen drives with multiple passengers in their car, their risk of being involved in a car crash increases 44% due to possible increased distractions, caused by the passengers.

Loud Music – “Cranking up the tunes” and adjusting the radio can cause major distractions while driving.

Overestimating their driving abilities – Overestimating their driving abilities, such as what speed they are comfortable at, as well as maneuvering on the road, can be dangerous to them and other drivers.

Fast or reckless driving – Going too fast, tailgating, and road rage are often primary factor in teen crashes.

Although these facts may seem unfortunate, talk to your son or daughter about these dangers before this upcoming winter driving season. It is Important to protect them and others when they are behind the wheel.

If you have any further questions regarding the information provided or you have a new teen driver that you are looking to insure, give C.H. Edwards a call today at 516-249-5200 for a free no obligation quote for the whole family! Please visit our website at www.chedwards.net.

Let us help you get covered! Please drive safely.

Written by: Amanda Haase

It’s Election Day! Are You Registered To Vote?

It’s Election Day! Are You Registered To Vote?

It’s Election Day! Are you registered to vote? If not, make today the day you register.

In order to participate in New York State or federal elections, you must register to vote either through Department of Motor Vehicle or New York Board of Elections.

In order to vote in New York State you must:
• Be a U.S. citizen (or born in Puerto Rico, Guam, or U.S. Virgin Islands).
• Be 18 years old by December 31st of the year that you register.
• NOTE: You must be 18 years old by the date of the election in order to vote.
• NOT be in prison or on parole for a felony conviction.
• NOT be adjudged mentally incompetent by a court.
• NOT claim the right to vote elsewhere.

Note that in order to be eligible to vote, you must register 25 days before the next election. In New York, you can register to vote online, in person, or by mail. You cannot register to vote by phone.

For more information on voting and registering to vote visit http://www.dmv.org/ny-new-york/voter-registration.php.

Written by: Amanda Haase

Have a Fun and Safe Halloween!

Have a Fun and Safe Halloween!

As Halloween time approaches, children everywhere will be picking out the perfect costume and heading out on Halloween night for some trick or treating fun. Along with the fun Halloween brings, it also can be a time for careless accidents.

Stay safe on Halloween night by following these 7 tips:

• Map out a trick or treating route before leaving the house and stick to a path your child is familiar with.

• Don’t forget to lock up. Whether you plan to stay home or you are heading out make sure to lock your doors and windows.

• Protect your car from being egged by parking in the garage.

• Make sure you and your child wear comfortable shoes to avoid tripping.

• Carry flashlights.

• Make sure costumes are not too long to avoid trip and fall accidents.

• Avoid buying sharp accessories and props. Look for flexible or foam props.

• Make sure to check all of your child’s candy when returning from trick or treating.

• When you are home for the night, keep your property well lit to avoid damage to your property.

As always, have fun and be safe this Halloween season. Start by preparing your children and yourself today.

Curious about what Halloween pranks are covered under your Homeowners Insurance policy? Give us a call at (516) 249-5200 and one of our Homeowners policy specialists will be happy to assist you with any questions or concerns that you may have.

Happy Halloween from your friends at C.H. Edwards, Inc.

 

Pumpkin Carving Safety Tips

Pumpkin Carving Safety Tips

With just a week left till Halloween, it is finally time; pumpkin carving time! Kids, teens and even adults wait all year to carve their frightening Jack-O-Lanterns for Halloween night!

Carving pumpkins is a great way to spend time with the whole family, but it can quickly become dangerous and turn Halloween fun into an unwanted nightmare. Pumpkins are tough but can become very slippery when handling them. This is why it is important to use extra precautions when carving pumpkins.

Follow some of these helpful safety tips when you’re carving your pumpkin this year:

Use the right tools: Consumer Reports tested pumpkin-carving kits a few years ago and observed that one advantage of the specialty tools is that they can saw through rinds, poke holes, and scoop out innards without being razor-sharp. Instead of using a household knife and spoon, purchase one of these kits from your local store.

Carve before taking off the top of the pumpkin: Carving the pumpkin before cutting the top off will help you avoid accidentally sticking your hand in the pumpkin while cutting inwards.

Take precautions: Carve in a clean, dry, and well-lit area.

Take your time: Remember, this is a fun activity and fun shouldn’t be rushed!

Don’t let kids carve: It is important to not let young children carve by themselves. Instead, have children draw markings on the pumpkin and help clean the innards out with a spoon or their hands.

Pumpkin carving is fun for everyone. Make sure you are administering safety this year while you share these activities with the ones you love.

At C.H. Edwards, Inc., we take pride in offering you helpful safety information, so that you can make the most of the time you spend with your family.

The Management and Staff at C.H. Edwards, Inc. wish you a Happy and Safe Halloween!

 

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party

Calling all ghosts and goblins. Disney’s Magic kingdom is celebrating Halloween in a not so scary way. Every year Disney celebrates Halloween from September through October with an event you won’t want to miss. Mickey and his pals always know how to party and Mickeys Not So Scary Halloween party is filled with trick or treating, parades, shows and an unbelievable firework display.

The night kicks off with a welcome announcement from the ghost host which leads to Halloween music being played down Main Street USA. The Boo To You parade starts and Mickey and his friends are all dressed up in their Halloween outfits. The Sanderson Sisters also drop by Cinderella’s castle for the Hocus Pocus spectacular. After the show is Happy Hallowishes, this firework extravaganza is sure to impress everyone as it is accompanied by Halloween themed music. From the different costumes to the trick or treating to fireworks, it is one Halloween filled night.

This event happens to be one of my favorites and I was able to attend the party last week. My favorite part is definitely all the trick or treating. Who doesn’t love running around Magic kingdom for candy. Get your costumes and trick or treat bags ready because this is one Halloween celebration that is definite worth seeing!

Written by: Sandra Costanzo

October is Emotional Wellness Awareness Month

October is Emotional Wellness Awareness Month

Aside from being physically healthy, it is important to keep your mind healthy. Simple things like controlling your stress levels and getting enough sleep can help and play a big roll in your mental health.

If you overexert yourself on a hot day or stay up for 24 hours with no sleep, you probably wouldn’t be surprised if your body suddenly “broke down”. Your mind is subject to the same rules, meaning that it can only take so much stress before it breaks down.

Here are 8 strategies to stay emotionally healthy:

  1. Be an optimist and look on the bright side of everything.
  2. Have hope and know that things will get better during dark times.
  3. Accept yourself. Instead of pondering on all the things you dislike about yourself, think about all the good things that define you and make you, you!
  4. Stay connected and go out with family and friends often. It is always good to be surrounded by people that love you.
  5. Express gratitude. Studies show that people who are thankful are better at dealing with stress.
  6. Find your purpose and meaning. Set goals for yourself and thrive on your natural talents.
  7. Exercise regularly, a little bit of exercise every day is good for your well being; it helps you concentrate and get things off your mind.
  8. Practice mindfulness; meaning really focus and appreciate the moment of time that you are in.

Start practicing good mental health today. Just like a workout for your body, here’s a workout for your mind.