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National America Recycles Day

National America Recycles Day

National America Recycles Day

November 15th is National America Recycles Day. This day is dedicated to encouraging Americans to recycle and buy recycled products. The America Recycles movement was started in 1997 and since then has helped people everywhere learn the importance of recycling. In honor of today, here are some helpful tips to follow when going green and helping the environment.

Save energy to save money:

 – Install compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) when your older incandescent bulbs burn out.

-Unplug appliances when you are not using them. Even if they are plugged in and not in use, energy is still being drawn to them.

Save water to save money:

-Take shorter showers to reduce water use. This will also lower your water and heating bills.

-Wash clothes in cold water whenever possible. 85% of the energy used to machine-wash clothes goes to heating your water.

Less Gas = more money:

-If you are traveling a short distance, consider walking or riding your bike instead of driving. Not only will this help the environment but it is better for your health also.

Recycle all plastic/glass bottles and papers:

-It may be a pain but be sure to recycle all of your used bottles and newspapers. Set up a separate recycle can outside by your garbage pails to help make sorting your trash easier.

Help make the earth a better place to live in today! Don’t forget to reduce, reuse and recycle.

Looking for a simple way to make meditation part of your daily routine?

Looking for a simple way to make meditation part of your daily routine?

Looking for a way to make meditation part of your daily routine?  Consider giving this simple tea meditation a try.  How often do you make yourself a cup of tea?  Have you ever stopped to think about the steps involved in preparing and enjoying that cup of tea?  When considering the role of mindfulness in your daily schedule, the answer can be as simple as making your cup of tea.  Stop and take the time to consider every step involved in this process, take time to smell the aroma and then concentrate on the way you feel as you take the first few sips.  Sound simple enough?  Give it a try.  Will tea meditations become part of your daily routine?

by Denise Visco

Diabetes and Life Insurance-Do you know the facts?

Diabetes and Life Insurance-Do you know the facts?

November is Diabetes Awareness Month.  Do you know the implications of this disease with regard to obtaining Life Insurance?

Diabetes does not prevent you from buying Life Insurance but it comes with a significant price increase.  For example, a 57-year-old man with Type 2 diabetes and an A1C below 6.7 can buy a 20 yr. term policy for approximately $155 per month with a $250,000 death benefit, while the same man with an A1C above 6.7 and below 7.5, the premium would be approximately $232 per month for the same coverage.  The premium amounts are estimates but clearly show the difference between how the amount you would pay for Life Insurance differs.  The reason for this is that a person with a serious health condition such as diabetes is put in an insurer’s substandard class due to a higher risk of death.  Sounds frightening?  It is!

Is there anything you can do to avoid the higher premium and the high-risk category?  You can wait until your A1C is controlled for a minimum of 6 months before applying for Life Insurance.  There are also some companies that will accept proof that you have maintained a healthy diet and exercise program as well as maintained your medication schedule for a period of time and will make you eligible for the lower premium policy.  This information varies from carrier to carrier.  The best way to safely obtain this information is to purchase Life Insurance through a certified Life Insurance Representative.

If you would like more information on purchasing Life Insurance with diabetes or any other special health condition, contact Steven Visco at C.H. Edwards, Inc./Visco Family Insurance at 516-249-5200 or visit our website at www.chedwards.net.

by Denise Visco

Keeping Pets Safe on Halloween

Keeping Pets Safe on Halloween

It’s almost Halloween!  Costumes are purchased.  Decorations are in place and treats are being prepared for visiting trick or treaters.  Everything seems in place, but what about our pets?  Pets enjoy Halloween too so how do we keep them safe?

Candy, especially chocolate is a significant danger and can be poison to our pets.  Chocolate is dangerous for two reasons.  First, chocolate contains two chemicals-caffeine and theobromine which are stimulants.  Symptoms can begin in 6-12 hours after ingestion.  These symptoms can include panting, hyperactivity, increased thirst and urination.  High concentrations lead to irregular heart rhythms, seizures, coma, and even death.  There are all levels of sensitivity just like in people, some dogs and cats can be sensitive to chocolate and show signs of poisoning from much lesser amounts.

Chocolate is very high in sugar and fat.  This could cause mild diarrhea, or more dangerous gastroenteritis, pancreatitis and liver disease from ingestion of large amounts of chocolate.  Keep all candy out of the reach of pets and explain to young children that it is not safe to feed candy to dogs and cats.

If your pet is afraid of loud noises or frightened when people come to the door.  Speak to your veterinarian about a calming supplement or mild tranquilizer to get your pet through Halloween comfortably. Never do this on your own.  Consult a professional as the dose for pets is different than people. Be extremely cautious if your dog or cat goes out and navigates the yard on their own.  Don’t leave them unattended on Halloween night.  Pets innocently fall victim to Halloween pranks.

Our pets are special to us.  Don’t let their safety become less of a priority due to the excitement of the holiday.  With some planning, the day can be fun for the entire family.  Hopefully, this information will help to provide a safe environment for our pets.  Think Safety First and Have a Happy Halloween!

by Denise Visco

 

What is a Notary Public?

What is a Notary Public?

A Notary Public (sometimes called a Notary or a Public Notary) is an individual authorized by the state or local government to officially witness signatures on legal documents, collect sworn statements and administer oaths.  A notary public uses an embossing tool to verify his or her presence at the time the documents were signed.  Most states issue a unique identifying number to each notary public in order to prevent fraudulent use of the embosser.

An attorney or other public figures can be granted notary public status, but no legal training is required to apply for the position.  Certain legal documents are required to be “notarized” in order to be recognized in court, so a notary public spends most of his or her time observing routine signatures.  Due to the fact that identities are so critical, a notary public may also spend some time verifying the names of the parties involved in the signing.  Generally, all parties provide some form of official identification (Driver’s license, birth certificate, passport, etc.) in order for the notary public to feel comfortable about certifying the signatures.

A qualified notary public should have a high level of integrity and respect for the legal process.  Several organizations offer courses on the legal and social aspects of becoming a notary public.  Notaries can not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, creed or religion.

C.H. Edwards, Inc. has a licensed notary on staff and we offer this service to our clients Free of Charge.  This is just an added benefit of choosing an Independent Insurance Agent.

Do not hesitate to come in and take advantage of the opportunity should the need arise.

The benefits of Lemon Water

The benefits of Lemon Water

Wellness Wednesday
 
The benefits of Lemon Water
 
Water with lemon is a terribly underrated beverage. There are so many health benefits to this simple beverage that are so often overlooked or misunderstood. Let’s take a look at the benefits of lemon water and show you why a beautiful bowl of lemons on your counter can be just what you need this Winter.
 
Drinking warm water with lemon on an empty stomach can help you manage your weight. A study by the Journal of Biochemistry and Nutrition found that lemon polyphenols (found in the peel and the juice) suppressed weight gain and fat increase from a high-fat diet. This doesn’t directly help you lose weight but this helps you not to gain weight. When paired with a healthy diet and an exercise routine, drinking lemon water may help support your weight loss goals. Why not try and replace a cup of coffee with some warm lemon water this morning?
 
Lemons can help with some of the symptoms of the common cold. There is no cure for the common cold but lemon has natural properties that you can benefit from when you drink water infused with it. Lemon helps to break up congestion and can help rid you of mucus faster. Lemon can also soothe a sore throat when paired with honey. It also gives you a healthy dose of Vitamin C known to help reduce the effects and length of the common cold. Give this a try to help in your fight to get ahead of this cold season.
 
Adding lemon to your water will help to boost your water intake. So many of us don’t like to drink water even though we know how important it is. We need water to survive and we need a lot of it! On average 60% of the body is made of water so even if you don’t like the taste, you still need to drink it. Lemon can be just the boost you need. It is very low in calories and high in a lot of other good things. The lemon may mask the flavor you find intolerable.
 
Lemon on its own packs quite the health benefit. Vitamin C in combination with the citrus bioflavonoids in the lemon cause your blood to circulate more freely, leading to increased energy. The acid in lemon juice aids the digestive system in breaking down food faster so that your body can use it for energy.
 
There is so much more to lemon water than the crisp and refreshing taste. Lemon can benefit your health in so many ways. It is safe and can’t hurt to try unless you suffer from a citrus fruit allergy. So if you can, what do you have to lose? Give it a try!
 
The information in Wellness Wednesday is designed to be informative and not replace the recommendations of a physician.
 
by Denise Visco
 
For more information on Home, Auto, Business, Life, and Flood Insurance, visit our website at www.chedwards.net.
 
#WellnessWednesday #Lemons #Benefits #VitaminC #JournalofBiochemistryandNutrition #CitrusAllergy #LongIslandInsurance #CHEdwardsInsurance #FarmingdaleInsurance #ViscoFamilyInsurance #WadingRiverInsurance #Home #Auto #Business #Life #Flood #DeniseVisco #StevenVisco
Keeping your Skin Healthy in the Winter

Keeping your Skin Healthy in the Winter

Keeping your Skin Healthy in the Winter
 
Winter weather is not the best for your skin. Cold weather and low humidity levels result in dry air that steals moisture from your skin. Indoor heat, hot showers, and harsh cleansers also reduce moisture in your skin. This lack of moisture leads to chapping, redness, itching that is just plain uncomfortable. What can you do to try to beat these conditions and keep your skin healthy this Winter? Try some of these tips.
 
1. Wash with Lukewarm Water
 
Hot Showers and baths feel good, but when washing your hands or face choose lukewarm water to avoid stripping too many oils from your skin.
 
2. Moisturize as much as possible.
 
Keep moisturizer with you at all times and also keep it located in the bathroom near your sink and shower so it is available to use liberally every time you wash.
 
3. Choose Moisturizers Carefully
 
Some over-the-counter moisturizers have petroleum-based ingredients that can actually further dry your skin in winter months. Be sure to find a formula that has natural, nourishing ingredients. Look for something oil based rather than a water-based solution. Look for hydrating ingredients like lavender, chamomile or jojoba which help to soothe dry, itchy skin.
 
4. Protect your skin
 
Wear gloves and scarves. Don’t forget sunscreen. Winter sun can be just as damaging as summer.
 
5. Exfoliate
 
Moisture can’t get in if dead skin cells are plentiful. Find an exfoliating mask that you can use on your face, hands, and lips then follow up with a moisturizer. Exfoliating body washes are also helpful in winter months.
 
Try some of these tips to help keep that healthy glow all winter long.
 
The tips offered in Wellness Wednesday are suggestions for keeping healthy and do not replace the advice of a physician.
 
by Denise Visco
 
For more information on insurance, visit our website at www.chedwards.net
 
#WellnessWednesday #Winter #HealthySkin #Health #SelfCare #LongIslandInsurance #Auto #Home #Business #Life #Flood #CHEdwardsInsurance #FarmingdaleInsurance #ViscoFamilyInsurance #WadingRiverInsurance #StevenVisco #DeniseVisco
Driving Safely in Snow and Ice

Driving Safely in Snow and Ice

Winter weather is here and so is the task of driving in snow and ice.  Of course,  the best advice for driving in bad winter weather is not to drive at all if it can be avoided. This is not always an option so try not to go out until snow plows and sanding trucks have had a chance to do their work.  Make sure and allow extra time to reach your destination.

Here are some tips to keep in mind for driving safely on icy roads 

  1.  Decrease your speed and leave yourself plenty of room to stop.  You should allow at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you.
  2. Brake gently to avoid skidding.  If your wheels start to lock up, ease off the brake.
  3. Turn on your lights to increase visibility to other motorists.
  4. Keep your lights and windshield clean.
  5. Use low gears to keep traction, especially on hills.
  6. Don’t use cruise control or overdrive on icy roads.
  7. Be especially careful on bridges, overpasses and infrequently traveled roads which will freeze first.  Even at temperatures above freezing, if the conditions are wet, you might encounter ice in shady areas or on exposed roadways like bridges.
  8. Don’t pass snow plows and sanding trucks.  The drivers have limited visibility, and you’re likely to find the road in front of them worse than the road behind them.
  9. Don’t assume your vehicle can handle all conditions.  Even four-wheel drive vehicles can encounter trouble on winter roads.

Try to incorporate some of these tips into your winter driving experience and have a safe winter weather driving season.

For more information on Auto, Home, Business, Life, and Flood insurance, visit our website at www.chedwards.net.

For more helpful insurance tips and information visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/chedwardsinsurance

by Denise Visco

Do you know what the slowdown and move over laws mean?

Do you know what the slowdown and move over laws mean?

Insurance Tip Thursday
 
Do you know what the slowdown and move over laws mean?
 
Your driving and see emergency vehicles with flashing lights coming up behind you or stopped alongside the road as your passing, what do you do?
 
Under NYS law, drivers must exercise due care when approaching vehicles that have their emergency lights illuminated. On highways, that includes moving out of travel lanes next to shoulders, if possible.
 
There are versions of the Slow down, move over law in all 50 states. If you are unaware of your states law, visit DrivingLaws.AAA.com.
 
For more information on Auto, Home, Business, Life or Flood Insurance visit our website at www.chedwards.net
 
by Steven Visco
 
#InsuranceTipThursday #SlowDownMoveOver #ItstheLaw #All50States #AAA #LongIslandInsurance #StevenVisco #CHEdwardsInsurance #Farmingdale #ViscoFamilyInsurance #WadingRiver
Decorating Safely for the Holidays

Decorating Safely for the Holidays

Don’t let fire or accident spoil your holiday season.  Use these tips to keep your family safe while celebrating all winter long!

The winter holidays are a time for fun, family, and festivities.  That often means more cooking, decorating, entertaining and shortcuts.  Christmas trees, candles, and holiday lights are responsible for hundreds of fires and accidents each year.  Before you deck your halls, make sure you’re following these safety tips.

-Inspect your holiday decorations carefully to make sure there are no loose or frayed wires.  Choose those made with flame-resistant, flame-retardant or non-combustible materials.

-Keep candles away from decorations and other combustible materials, and do not use candles to decorate your Christmas tree.

-Purchase only lights and electrical decorations bearing the name of an independent testing lab, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation and maintenance

-Do not overload extension cords.

-Always unplug lights before replacing light bulbs or fuses.

-Don’t use clips or nails that puncture your light cords wire insulation.

-Keep children and pets away from light strings and electrical decorations

-Turn off all lights and decorations when you head out for the day or go to bed at night.

-Test your smoke alarms to make sure they are working properly as a backup

-If you have a real tree, keep it moist by watering frequently.

-Candle fires in the home are reported to a U.S. Fire Department every 34 minutes during the holidays.  If you are decorating with candles, make sure they are far away from any item that can burn such as furniture, bedding, curtains or other decorations.

Follow these safety tips to ensure Happy Holidays for all!

These tips are designed as general information that may apply to many situations.  Please take them and apply them to your specific information.

For more information on Home, Auto, Business, Life or Flood Insurance, contact the specialists at C.H. Edwards, Inc.  We are happy to provide you with the information that will best protect your family.  www.chedwards.net