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Refuel your body with some Vitamin D

Refuel your body with some Vitamin D

Wellness Wednesday

Are you feeling a little run down? Spending more time indoors and less outside soaking up the sun may leave you vitamin D deficient.

Have a delicious lunch packed with Vitamin D!  Vitamin D fuels your body’s T cells, which fight bacteria and viruses.  Research shows that nearly half of all people have a D vitamin deficiency by the end of the Winter.

By eating foods high in Vitamin D you will get closer to the 600 IU daily allowance per day.  Fatty fish is a good option.  3 oz. of salmon has 479 IU and 3 oz. of canned tuna has 154 IU.  Other good sources are milk (1 cup=115-125IU), eggs (1 large with yolk=41IU)and D-fortified orange juice (1 cup=137IU).

Give it a try and see how good you will feel.  Soon enough we will get that extra dose from being outside in the sunshine!

by Denise Visco

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
 
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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

Why Washing Your Car In The Winter Is So Important

Why Washing Your Car In The Winter Is So Important

If you live in a snowy area like here in New York, chances are your car is looking pretty dirty these days.

Road salt, dirt, and snow can make your car unrecognizable.

Washing your car during the winter season may seem like a waste of time, but, it is worth it in the long run.

Road salt and moisture can cause rust on a car. Not only is rust hard to stop but it can truly do damage to your vehicle.

Taking care of your car now means that it will last longer and its overall value will remain high.

Be sure to give your vehicle a rough scrub and a waxing. Pay close attention to the areas behind the wheels, quarter panels and front grille. These are the main areas where salt and dirt are collected.

If you don’t want to do the work yourself, invest a few dollars at your local car wash. Chances are for the price you pay, your car will get an excellent wash and wax.

Winterizing your car doesn’t have to be expensive or difficult. It just takes a little time.

How will you take care of your car this winter season?

Fire Place Safety

Fire Place Safety

The chilly months are here and there is no better way to warm up than next to your fire place.

It’s important to use extra precautions when burning wood in your fire place. Just a few simple safety tips will go a long way when it comes to protecting your home and family from a possible mishap.

Only burn dry, cured wood. Wood that has been split, stacked and dried for eight to twelve months is ideal.

Burn Firewood and only firewood! Other woods such as construction scraps, painted wood’s and treated woods release chemicals into your home. Not only does this compromise the air quality in your home but it can be deadly in some situations.

Have a chimney cap installed. This will prevent objects and critters from entering through and coming in your home.

Be sure to install carbon monoxide and smoke detectors near your fireplace as well as hallways and bedroom areas.

Do you have any fire place safety tips to share with us? Let us know!

Stay safe and warm this winter season.

 

Maintaining Your New Year Resolutions

Maintaining Your New Year Resolutions

New Year’s Resolutions can be hard to keep when your list of goals is as long as your shopping list. Add on some stress and post-holiday slump and you’re feeling hopeless!

Don’t panic! Here are some tips to help keep your resolutions in check and on track.

Start small. Don’t jump into an unrealistic resolution. For example, instead of promising yourself to go to the gym five times a week, make a promise of three days. This will help you feel more accomplished and help your strive towards the five days.

Change one behavior at a time. Don’t get overwhelmed and think that you have to reassess everything in your life. Instead, focus on changing one thing at a time.

Talk about it. Share your goals and expectations with your family and friends. Having a support system will help you in achieving your goals.

Don’t beat yourself up. If you promised yourself to eat healthy this year and splurge on a bowl of ice cream. Don’t get down about it. We are all human and we are far from perfect. One bowl of ice cream or even a cookie will not permanently destroy your resolution. Everyone has up and downs. Simply recover from your mistakes and get back on track.

What are your New Year resolutions for 2018?

 

Tips To Prevent Frozen Pipes

Tips To Prevent Frozen Pipes

This Winter is forecast to be one of the coldest on record. Many homeowners and businesses will be experiencing frozen water pipes.

Low temperatures of 20 degrees and below can result in frozen or burst water pipes.

Here are some precautions to take when avoiding frozen or bursting pipes in your home:

– Keep your heat up to at least 60-65 degrees.
– Run faucets at a slow trickle.
– Seal any areas where there is a draft.
– Open up your cabinet doors to let heat into closed spaces.
– Remove hoses from outside yard faucets.

If your pipes DO freeze, it’s OK! Just because they are frozen it does not mean they will burst. Here is what you can do:

– Leave your faucets open and call a plumber.
– Do not use a torch or open flame to thaw a frozen pipe.
– Try thawing the frozen pipe with a hairdryer. Start with the pipe closest to the faucet and work your way to the coldest section.

In the event your pipes have burst, turn off the water at the main shut off valve and leave your faucets on. It’s important that every member of your home know where the main shut off valve is located.

For more information, the damages and repairs that are covered under your homeowner’s insurance due to a burst pipe, contact our Homeowners Insurance specialists at (516) 249-5200 or visit our website at www.chedwards.net

 

Melting Snow and Water Damage

Melting Snow and Water Damage

The snow storms that recently hit New York State has left us with snow, sleet, ice and slush! As the snow begins to melt, it is important to protect your home from potential flooding and water damage. A few small actions taken now, will help ensure a dry house!
  • Move snow on the ground away from your home. The farther away from the structure of your house, the better.
  • If you have a sump pump, be sure to examine, test, and clean it! Test your sump pump by pouring water into the pit. Make sure the discharge hose carries the water several feet away from the house to a well-drained area.
  • Remove snow from your gutters and be sure to check your gutters regularly to make sure they are clean.
  • Most importantly, consider where your surrounding snow is going to melt! Using this strategy will help you locate where the best spots are for all that left over snow.

A flood can happen at any moment, to anybody! Call our office today and speak with one of our Flood specialists in regards to a flood policy for your home. It is better to be safe than sorry. Protect your home today.

(516) 249-5200
www.chedwards.net

Are Your Smoke Alarms Working Properly?

Are Your Smoke Alarms Working Properly?

Having a smoke alarm in your home is more important than you think. House fires kill on average 4,380 individuals every year. Ensuring that your detectors are working properly are vital when it comes to saving you and your family’s lives in the event of a disaster.
The answer to these three questions could save your life:
  1. Do you have a working smoke alarm with functioning batteries in your home?
    If you answered yes, that’s a great start. If you answered no, head to your local home improvement store and pick one up immediately. Sooner is better than never.
  2. Are they in the right room?
    Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors should be placed in hallways, kitchens and living rooms.
  3. How old are they?
    You should change your alarms out every 10 years. If your current alarms are older than 10 years, its time!
If you want to avoid forgetting to change the batteries, you can purchase lithium batteries for $5-$10 dollars and they work for 10 years.
What will be your first step towards a safer home?
Simple Winter Hacks To Help You Save

Simple Winter Hacks To Help You Save

Colder days are ahead of us, and that means a higher utility bill, due to hot water and heat. Experts say that this winter season could significantly increase your bill compared to other years due to the rising fuel costs.

If you want to save some of your pennies this year, follow some of these simple hacks you can do around the house that will help you save big.

  • Put weather stripping around windows and doors to stop air leaks. Air strips are only a few dollars and they take seconds to install.
  • Turn your thermostat down when you’re not home. If your entire family is away from your home during the daytime, there is no reason to have the heat up. Instead, open your drapes and let the natural light and warmth in from the sun.
  • Set your ceiling fan to turn clockwise. This will allow the hot air that has risen to be pushed back down to warm you.
  • Check the setting on your hot water heater. Lowering your temperature 20 degrees can help you save up to 11 percent on your utility bill.
  • Take shorter showers. Although the hot water feels good, money in your pocket will feel even better. On average, an entire family can use up to 150 gallons of hot water in the morning while showering.
  • Perform an energy audit to see exactly how much energy you’re wasting and where the biggest problems are. You can either hire an expert to do this or you can do it for free by clicking here and seeing how, https://energy.gov/energysaver/do-it-yourself-home-energy-audits.

How much energy and money do you plan to save this winter season?