Think you don't own enough to need renters insurance? Even secondhand furniture, basic electronics, and everyday clothes can cost thousands to replace, and a single accident or injury could be even more expensive. Find out how renters insurance can help protect your stuff, your wallet, and your ability to stay on your feet after a loss.
When you purchase homeowners or renters insurance, one of the most important details to understand is how your belongings and property are valued at the time of a loss. Two common valuation methods used by insurance companies are Replacement Cost and Actual Cash Value (ACV). While they may sound similar, the difference between them can greatly affect how much you receive after filing a claim.
Thanksgiving is a time for family, food, and gratitude. But as we gather loved ones and tackle ambitious holiday cooking, a few common risks can pop up.
The holidays are a time to gather with family and friends, but for many, that means long hours on the road. Whether you're driving across town or heading out of state, preparing before you travel can help make the journey safer and less stressful.
Last month, we covered 
Halloween is one of the most exciting nights of the year–costumes, candy, and community fun all rolled into one! But between the glow sticks and the goodies, it's important to keep safety in mind so everyone ends the night with smiles (and plenty of treats).
Autumn is a season of spectacular transformation. The air turns crisp, leaves paint the landscape in hues of amber and crimson, and we trade our shorts for cozy sweaters. But as we enjoy the beauty of the season, a different kind of preparation should be on our minds. Fall is the perfect transitional period to ensure our homes are safe, secure, and ready for the colder, harsher weather that winter will bring.
October has arrived, and with it, the familiar sea of pink. Pink ribbons adorn everything from coffee cups to football jerseys. This annual campaign, known as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, is a powerful and visible reminder of a disease that touches millions of lives. But beyond the branding and the color, what does this month truly represent?
October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a time to recognize the importance of protecting our digital lives. From personal accounts to business systems, everyone has a role to play in keeping information safe. At Executive Insurance & Financial Services, we want to help raise awareness of common threats and share practical steps you can take to improve your online security.
As the leaves change and the year winds down, fall is an ideal time for business owners to pause and evaluate their insurance needs. A year-end review can help ensure your coverage still aligns with your business operations, protects against seasonal risks, and positions you well for the coming year.
As the leaves start to change and fall approaches, homeowners should take time to think about tree safety on their property. Trees add beauty, shade, and value, but they can also pose risks if not cared for properly, especially during autumn when weather can be unpredictable. Here are some important tips to keep in mind.
As the leaves begin to turn and the air gets a little crisper, the familiar rhythm of the school year returns. For many families, this means the daily commute to and from school. Whether your child walks, bikes, or takes the bus, ensuring their safety is paramount. Let's dive into some essential tips to help make every journey a safe one.
Back-to-school season often means new routines, responsibilities, and transitions for families. Whether you have a teenager driving to high school, a college student living away from home, or you are setting up carpools with neighbors, this time of year is a great reminder to review your insurance needs.
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of accidents on the road today. Many people think a quick glance at their phone or a fast bite of food is harmless, but even a few seconds of distraction can have devastating consequences. The cost of distracted driving is more than just financial. It can affect your safety, your future, and the lives of others.
It can happen in an instant – your car stalls and you realize you are stuck on train tracks. Staying calm and acting quickly is the key to protecting yourself and others. Here's what you need to do.
Whether you're just starting your business or have been running it for years, understanding the types of insurance your business may need is critical to managing risk. Two of the most common forms of business insurance are general liability and professional liability. While they may sound similar, they address different types of exposures and serve distinct purposes.
Dryers are one of the most commonly used appliances in many homes, and like any hard-working machine, they need proper care. While it's easy to remember to clean the lint trap after each use, one often-overlooked chore is cleaning the dryer vent system itself. This small act of home maintenance may help prevent serious problems, including fires, inefficient drying, and expensive repairs.
Pop-up shops, food trucks, market stalls, and holiday boutiques... seasonal businesses bring life and excitement to our communities. Whether you're selling handmade candles at a holiday fair or running a fruit stand during the summer, these short-term ventures are full of passion, creativity, and opportunity.
Summer is here! And with it comes dreams of sunny days, beach trips, and backyard BBQs. But amidst all the fun, it's crucial to remember that summer also brings its own set of potential emergencies, from intense heatwaves and severe thunderstorms to power outages and even wildfires. These situations can arise whether you're enjoying your usual routine at home or exploring new places on a family vacation.
With temperatures rising across New York, businesses in landscaping, construction, and agriculture face a serious seasonal risk: heat-related illness among employees. Taking steps to manage heat exposure isn't just a safety best practice - it can also help reduce liability and avoid costly incidents.
The 4th of July is a time to celebrate our nation's independence with family, friends, and fun. Whether you're planning a backyard barbecue, heading to the lake, or watching fireworks, it's important to keep safety in mind. At Executive Insurance & Financial Services, we want your Independence Day to be memorable for all the right reasons. Here are some key safety tips to help protect yourself, your loved ones, and your property this holiday.
Summer in New York means sunshine, vacations, cookouts, and plenty of time spent outdoors. While the season is full of fun, it also brings some unique risks. Whether you're staying local or heading out of town, a few smart precautions can go a long way in keeping you and your loved ones safe.
When it comes to fire prevention, many homeowners focus on the inside of their house –but your yard, deck, and roof are just as important. Wildfires and stray embers can spread quickly, and maintaining a fire-conscious exterior can help reduce the risk of damage. Here are some practical ways to help protect the outside of your home from fire hazards.
Graduating from college is an exciting milestone. As you transition into the working world, your insurance needs will change. Knowing how to navigate health, auto, renters, and other insurance options can save you money and help protect your future. This guide offers practical tips for new college graduates in New York so you can make informed decisions.
Biking is a fun, healthy, and eco-friendly way to get around. Whether you're commuting to work, riding through your neighborhood, or exploring new trails, bicycle safety should always come first. At Executive Insurance & Financial Services, we care about your well-being and want to share some helpful reminders to help protect you and your loved ones every time you ride.
Summer is just around the corner, and for many, that means hitting the open road in your RV or gliding across the water in your boat! These "toys" bring incredible joy and freedom, but just like your home or car, they need the right protection. As your trusted insurance agency, we want to ensure your adventures are worry-free, so let's dive into some essential insurance tips for RV and boat owners.
Your life insurance needs change as you move through different stages of life. Revisiting your policy at the right times can help ensure your loved ones have the financial support they need. Below are three key milestones when you should consider reviewing and possibly updating your coverage.
The sun is shining, the water's calling, and boating season is officially kicking off! But before you cast off your lines and feel the wind in your hair, let's talk safety - and peace of mind. Because this week, May 17th through May 23rd, 2025, is National Safe Boating Week - a crucial reminder to prioritize safety on the water so every adventure is a happy and secure one.
The rumble of the engine... or the whirr of the electric motor! Getting a driver's license is a major milestone for teenagers. It's a symbol of independence and a gateway to new experiences. But as parents and guardians know all too well, it also comes with a significant layer of responsibility and, let's be honest, a few worries.
Spring brings new growth and opportunity for landscaping entrepreneurs. If you are starting a landscaping business this spring in New York you will need more than a green thumb. Understanding your insurance needs can help protect your venture, your equipment and your employees as you grow.
Pets are part of the family–but when something goes wrong, like a dog bite or property damage, homeowners may be surprised to learn how their insurance responds. If you have a dog or other animals on your property, it's important to understand how your homeowners insurance policy treats pet liability.
If you rent a home or apartment, you might assume your landlord's insurance policy will take care of everything if disaster strikes. However, that's a common misconception. A landlord's insurance generally helps cover the building itself-not your personal belongings or liability risks.
Spring brings warmer weather, blooming landscapes, and–unfortunately–a higher risk of storms. From heavy rain and strong winds to hail and tornadoes, spring weather can pose serious threats to your business. While you can't control the forecast, you can take steps to help protect your operations, property, and people.
As the weather warms up and nature comes to life, so do the critters looking for food, shelter, and nesting spots. While birds, squirrels, mice, and other small creatures may seem harmless, they can cause significant damage to your home if they find a way inside. Taking preventive measures in the early spring can help you avoid costly repairs and potential health risks.
Comprehensive car insurance is an essential type of coverage that many drivers opt for to help protect themselves from a wide range of unforeseen events. Unlike standard liability insurance, which primarily covers damages to other vehicles and bodily injuries in an accident where you are at fault, comprehensive car insurance extends its safety net much further. This type of policy typically covers damages to your vehicle resulting from incidents such as theft, vandalism, natural disasters, and collisions with animals. *Refer to your policy for details on applicable coverages.. With the unpredictable nature of the world we live in, having comprehensive coverage can provide peace of mind.
As the weather warms and spring approaches, farms and agritourism businesses gear up for their busiest time of year. Whether you run a U-pick farm, participate in farmers markets, or host seasonal events, it's important to ensure your insurance coverage aligns with the increased activity. Spring planting, farmers markets, and agritourism operations bring unique risks that proper coverage can help address.
Headlights are one of the most important safety features on your vehicle. They help ensure you can see the road clearly at night, in bad weather, and during low-visibility conditions. However, over time, headlights can become cloudy, dim, or misaligned, reducing their effectiveness. Keeping your headlights clear and in good working condition is essential for safe driving.
Identity theft and fraud are growing concerns, and one of the best ways to protect yourself is by freezing your credit. This simple yet powerful step can help safeguard your financial future, but many people are unsure about how it works or whether it's the right move for them. Here's what you need to know about freezing your credit, including its benefits, potential costs, and how to unfreeze it when needed.
For business owners and independent contractors, understanding the difference between commercial auto insurance and personal auto insurance is essential. While both types of policies help provide coverage for vehicles, they serve different purposes. Using a personal auto policy for business-related driving can lead to coverage gaps—or worse, claim denials.
A simple slip-and-fall accident on your property could cost you thousands—or even more—if you don't have the right liability coverage in your homeowners insurance. Many homeowners focus on protecting their house and belongings from disasters like fire or storms, but liability protection is just as crucial. Without it, you could be left financially vulnerable to lawsuits, medical bills, and legal fees.
Running a restaurant is both exciting and challenging. From crafting delicious menus to providing excellent customer service, there are many aspects to manage. However, one critical aspect that often gets overlooked is restaurant insurance. The right coverage can help protect your business from unexpected risks and keep your doors open in the face of accidents, lawsuits, or disasters.
Frozen pipes are a common issue in colder months, potentially leading to expensive water damage and repairs. Knowing how to prevent frozen pipes and what to do if they freeze can save you a lot of stress and money. Here's a comprehensive guide to help protect your home.
As we stand on the threshold of 2025, hearts brimming with hope, and minds ready for the journey ahead, we embrace the beauty of this new year. The promise of a fresh start, a blank page, and the opportunity to rewrite our narratives inspires us to chase dreams with renewed vigor.
New Year's Eve is a time for celebration, reflection, and new beginnings. Whether you plan to party with friends, enjoy a quiet night with family, or head out to a large event, safety should be a priority. Here are some essential tips to ensure your New Year's Eve celebration is not only memorable but also safe for everyone.
As the temperature drops and winter settles in, businesses face a unique set of challenges. Snow, ice, and freezing temperatures can create significant risks for commercial properties, employees, and day-to-day operations. Preparing your business for winter not only ensures safety but also minimizes disruptions and financial losses. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you winterize your business and ensure you have the right insurance coverage.
The holiday season is a time for festive cheer, cozy gatherings, and beautifully decorated homes. For many, the centerpiece of holiday dcor is a Christmas tree adorned with twinkling lights, shimmering ornaments, and sentimental treasures. However, if not properly cared for, your Christmas tree can become a fire hazard that threatens to turn holiday joy into disaster. Here's how to keep your tree safe and your celebrations merry and bright.
Winter brings snow, ice, and freezing temperatures that can challenge even the most well-maintained vehicles. Proper winter car maintenance is essential to ensure your car stays safe, reliable, and road-ready through the harsh conditions. Whether you're heading to work, running errands, or embarking on a holiday road trip, these winter car maintenance tips will help you stay prepared and protected.
As winter sets in, many households turn to various heating sources to keep warm, from space heaters to fireplaces and furnaces. While these options provide much-needed comfort during colder months, they also come with safety risks if not used properly. Here's a guide to help you stay warm and safe this winter with essential tips for home heating safety, covering everything from space heaters and fireplaces to carbon monoxide awareness.
Thanksgiving is one of the busiest cooking days of the year, with families across the country gathering to prepare delicious feasts. But with crowded kitchens, high heat, and the rush to get everything done on time, accidents can happen. Whether it's preventing burns, avoiding fires, or using a deep fryer safely, here are some essential tips to ensure you have a safe and joyful Thanksgiving.
The holiday season is a time of celebration, filled with gatherings, food, and family traditions. But while it's exciting for us, holiday festivities can be overwhelming and even hazardous for our pets. Between the unfamiliar faces, tempting foods, and potential holiday hazards, it's important to take a few extra steps to ensure your furry friends stay safe and comfortable. Here are some essential tips to keep your pets protected and stress-free during holiday gatherings.
Motor vehicle theft remains a significant concern for many vehicle owners across the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a vehicle is stolen every 31 seconds in the U.S., underscoring the importance of proactive steps to prevent theft. While newer anti-theft technology has helped reduce car theft rates, thieves continue to find ways around security systems. Here are some simple yet effective steps you can take to minimize the risk of motor vehicle theft and keep your vehicle secure.
With the crisp air of fall comes a slew of outdoor activities that we often enjoy, but they can also bring potential hazards. From leaning over to clean gutters, to hanging Christmas lights, to raking the vibrant fallen leaves, it's essential to keep safety at the forefront to prevent fall injuries. Let's take a look at some common tasks and how to handle them safely.
Halloween is an exciting time for kids and adults alike, full of costumes, candy, and spooky fun. But amidst the excitement, it's important to keep safety in mind to ensure everyone has a great night without accidents. Whether you're trick-or-treating, attending a party, or decorating your home, these Halloween safety tips will help keep your holiday safe and enjoyable.
October is National Bullying Prevention Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the harmful effects of bullying and promoting a culture of kindness, empathy, and inclusion. Bullying is a widespread issue that affects children, teens, and even adults, causing long-lasting emotional, mental, and physical damage. This month offers an opportunity for individuals, families, schools, and communities to unite in taking a stand against bullying and fostering environments where everyone feels safe, respected, and valued.
In last week's blog post, we explored three 
As a small business owner, protecting your investment is critical. Small business insurance can serve as a safeguard against a wide range of risks that could jeopardize your success. Today, we'll explore three essential types of insurance that every small business should consider: General Liability Insurance, Business Owner's Policy (BOP), and Professional Liability Insurance. These coverages form the foundation of protection for most small businesses.
September marks Life Insurance Awareness Month, an important time to think about the financial security and peace of mind that life insurance can offer. Life insurance is more than just a policy–it's a safety net for your loved ones, helping them manage finances in the event of an unexpected tragedy. But when is the right time to get life insurance? Let's break down some key life events when you should seriously consider taking out a policy.
As children head back to school, their safety during the journey, whether they're walking, taking the bus, or simply being in a school zone, becomes a paramount concern for parents, guardians, and educators alike. The excitement of a new school year should not overshadow the importance of ensuring a safe transition from home to school and back. Here are some practical tips and guidelines to keep our children safe.
As the back-to-school season approaches, the excitement of a new academic year fills the air. Parents are busy shopping for supplies, students are anticipating meeting new friends and teachers, and everyone is settling into the routine that comes with the school year. However, amid all this excitement, there's an important aspect of preparation that often gets overlooked–insurance.
Outdoor fires, whether for cooking, warmth, or simply enjoying the ambiance, can be a wonderful part of any outdoor experience. However, fire safety is paramount to ensure the safety of your loved ones, pets, and the environment. Here's a guide on outdoor fire safety, including important considerations, best practices, and safety tips for everyone involved.
Golf carts are a convenient and fun way to get around the golf course, neighborhood, or even certain urban areas. However, like any vehicle, they come with risks that require attention. Whether you're a seasoned golfer or just using a cart for a quick ride, these golf cart safety tips will help you stay safe while enjoying the convenience they offer.
August. The air is thick with humidity, the sun beats down relentlessly, and the smell of barbecue lingers in the air. It's a month that evokes images of long, lazy days and cherished memories. And for many, it's also a month synonymous with classic cars.
When it comes to home improvement projects, picking the right contractor can make all the difference. The right contractor will ensure that the project is completed on time, within budget, and to your satisfaction. However, choosing a contractor can be daunting with so many options available. Here are some key factors to consider when picking a contractor for work on your home.
Fire extinguishers are crucial safety devices designed to tackle small fires before they escalate into major emergencies. Proper maintenance, care, and understanding of their use are essential for ensuring they function correctly when needed. This blog post will guide you through the key aspects of fire extinguisher maintenance, care, and usage, helping you stay prepared for any fire-related incidents.
As the mercury rises and the summer heat intensifies, keeping your home cool becomes not just about comfort, but also about safety and energy efficiency. Here are some effective strategies to help you chill out this summer without relying solely on air conditioning.
Package theft is a growing concern, especially in urban areas where online shopping has become a staple. The convenience of having goods delivered at our doorstep often comes with the risk of these items being stolen by "porch pirates." This article will outline effective strategies to reduce the likelihood of package theft and ensure that your deliveries reach you securely.
As summer heats up, nothing beats the joy of taking a refreshing dip in the pool. However, ensuring safety around the pool, especially for kids and pets, is crucial. Here are some essential tips to keep everyone safe while enjoying the water.
Driving safety is paramount, and with advancements in technology, there are numerous gadgets available that can significantly enhance your safety on the road. Whether you're a daily commuter or an occasional road tripper, these five gadgets can make a big difference in ensuring you and your passengers stay safe.
June is a special month dedicated to raising awareness about Alzheimer's disease and promoting brain health. Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month serves as a crucial period for educating the public, supporting those affected, and fostering research and advocacy efforts. Understanding Alzheimer's disease, its impact, and ways to support brain health is essential for everyone.
Father's Day is right around the corner, falling on June 16th this year. It's a special occasion to honor the men who have played pivotal roles in our lives, providing love, support, and, of course, an endless supply of dad jokes. Dad jokes, with their unique blend of humor and groan-worthy punchlines, are a cherished part of fatherhood. This Father's Day, let's celebrate by sharing some of the best dad jokes that are sure to bring a smile (or a groan) to your face.
Summer sun is on its way, and while we welcome the warmer weather, it's important to remember that our pets can feel the heat even more intensely than we do. Here are some crucial tips to keep your furry companions cool and safe during the hot summer months:
Regular maintenance of your home's plumbing system is essential to prevent unexpected problems and ensure everything runs smoothly. This blog post will guide you through the importance of inspecting your inside plumbing, including checking valves, inspecting hoses, and looking for signs of wear and tear. By staying proactive, you can avoid costly repairs and maintain the efficiency of your plumbing system.
Spring is a time for renewal in New York, and that often means tackling some DIY projects around the house. But before you dive headfirst into those home improvement dreams, consider the potential hazards lurking beneath the surface. From electrical mishaps to structural risks, spring DIY projects come with a hidden layer of dangers that can turn a fun weekend project into a costly (and potentially dangerous) mess. Let's explore some of the common spring DIY risks and how to avoid them, ensuring your home improvements go off without a hitch. 
In the realm of adulting, there's an often overlooked superhero in the world of financial protection: renters insurance. It's the unsung hero of the tenant universe, quietly guarding against potential disasters and offering peace of mind to those who call rented spaces home. Yet, despite its crucial role, renters insurance remains an underappreciated asset in many households. Let's delve into why renters insurance is not just an option but an absolute necessity.
May is here, and that means it's time to dust off your trusty two-wheeled companion and celebrate National Bike Month! This annual event, sponsored by the League of American Bicyclists, is a chance to rediscover the joys of cycling and encourage others to do the same.
Congratulations! You've decided to take the plunge into homeownership. It's an exciting time, but with so much to think about, it can also feel overwhelming. Don't worry, we've got you covered. Here are 10 key things to consider before you embark on your house hunting journey:
As we approach Earth Day, the annual event dedicated to environmental protection and sustainability, it's imperative for businesses to reflect on their role in preserving our planet. While Earth Day is celebrated globally on April 22nd, the commitment to environmental responsibility should extend far beyond a single day. Every business, regardless of size or industry, has the power to make a positive impact on the environment. In this blog post, we'll explore actionable steps that businesses can take to honor Earth Day not just on April 22nd, but every day of the year.
As the temperatures rise and the days grow longer, it's time to shake off the winter chill and prepare for the boating season ahead. If you've been following our recent blog posts on spring preparations, 
As the warmer weather approaches, it's time to dust off your RV and prepare it for another season of adventures on the open road. If your RV has been sitting idle during the winter months, it's essential to take the necessary steps to dewinterize it properly before hitting the highway. de-winterizing your RV involves reversing the steps taken to winterize it, ensuring that all systems are in good working order and ready for use. In this guide, we'll walk you through the process of de-winterizing your RV, so you can get back to enjoying the great outdoors in no time.
As parents, guardians, or caregivers, one of our top priorities is keeping our children safe. With the joy and freedom that comes with riding a bike also comes the responsibility of teaching and enforcing proper bike safety practices. Whether your child is just starting to pedal around the neighborhood or gearing up for more adventurous rides, here are some essential tips to help ensure their bike rides are both fun and safe.
According to NHTSA, over 450,000 vehicles are sold annually in the United States with fraudulent odometer readings, resulting in losses exceeding $1 billion for American car buyers each year. Mileage fraud, also known as odometer tampering, is a serious crime that can cost car buyers thousands of dollars. In this blog post, we'll discuss what mileage fraud is, how to spot the signs, and how to protect yourself when buying a used car.
As spring arrives and the days get longer, the sun feels warmer, and fresh buds start to pop out of the ground and on tree branches, green thumbs can't wait to get their hands in the dirt. Those living at higher elevations typically have to wait a bit longer to dig in than other flatlanders, as the nights can still be frosty, and the soil may still be wet from the snowmelt. 
In our modern homes, various appliances play crucial roles in enhancing comfort, convenience, and cleanliness. Many of these appliances rely on filters to maintain optimal performance and efficiency. Filters help remove impurities, contaminants, and debris from air, water, and other substances, ensuring that our appliances function effectively and our living spaces remain healthy and comfortable.
As winter thaws and spring showers begin to pour, homeowners face the risk of flooding, a common and potentially costly hazard. Spring flooding can result from various factors including melting snow, heavy rains, and overflowing rivers. However, with proactive measures, homeowners can significantly reduce the risk of flood damage to their property. In this article, we'll discuss practical steps that homeowners can take to safeguard their homes from spring flooding.
If the hood of your car unexpectedly pops open while you're driving, it can be a dangerous situation and should be handled with caution. Here's what may happen and what you should do:
The love month is upon us, when, on February 14, baby Cupid flies around with a bow and arrow. While many people celebrate the tradition with chocolate, flowers, or a night of fine dining, it's likely that not many have knowledge of where and how this holiday began. According to the History Channel, that's because much of the background is still a mystery aside from the fact that the Catholic Church recognizes a Saint Valentine and Cupid is based on Greek mythology. 
If you've picked up a newspaper in the past year, you've heard about the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). Most of the media coverage pertains to the down sides, including fears of privacy breaches, the spread of misinformation, biased algorithms, plagiarism, job displacement, and the list goes on – to the point where legislation and policy changes are being considered around the globe. 
If you live in the colder northern regions of the U.S., you've most likely experienced your fair share of snow... shoveling it, driving in it, trudging through it, and, of course, playing in it. And while each winter sport – from skiing and snowboarding to ice skating, hockey, sledding and snowshoeing – has its own inherent risks, there are a number of other snow-related things to keep on your radar. 
Perhaps it's the shorter days and colder weather, but the winter doldrums are real. It's a proven fact that, for some people, this time of year can bring on feelings of depression, lethargy, and boredom. Still, communities around the globe have found ways – both wily and weird – to brighten the winter blues. 
Have you ever noticed that your skin changes with the seasons? In the summer, we tend to spend more time under the harsh rays of the sun, which can certainly dry out the skin, although the humidity in some parts of the country can help your skin stay more hydrated and younger looking. In the winter, we bounce between cold outdoor temperatures and heated interiors, the latter which is known to dry out the skin. This fluctuation often results in itchy, flaky winter skin.
Those in colder climates don't have to hibernate in the gym all winter to break a sweat. Instead, with the right gear and know-how, you can take your workouts outdoors for the ultimate mind-clearing energy boost. Here are some tips for braving – and actually enjoying – outdoor exercise in the snowy season.
Winter is the time of year when those creepy, crawly cold and flu germs come out of hiding in search of a warm place to snuggle up and reproduce. On just about every public surface – and harboring on cell phones and computer keypads among many other places in our homes – they prey on adults and especially love finding their way onto children who just can't seem to keep their fingers out of their mouths and noses. 
It's true that hearing loss comes with age, in fact, a reported up to 50% of those over 75 are affected. However, the World Health Organization reports that approximately 17% of teenagers and 19% of people in their 20s have signs of hearing loss, and much is likely noise-induced, especially in this digital day and age. 
Holiday cheer in the workplace can spice up the regular workday for both customers and employees. At the same time, business owners need to consider setting up some guidelines to ensure that the office remains free of discrimination. Aside from legal considerations, it's important to be respectful and inclusive of all staff and clients when decorating the office and planning holiday parties, if you choose to host one.
Whether you specialize in carpentry, web design, or accounting, the availability of online resources and professional networks enables almost anyone to engage with potential clients and manage essential day-to-day business tasks independently. This growing pool of freelancers and self-employed professionals has simplified the process for employers, making it easier than ever to hire independent contractors to fulfill specific business needs.
As many of those over 40 know, eyesight seems to get worse every year thereafter, resulting in a hearty sprinkling of reading glasses around the house. When you think about it, we rarely think about our ocular health unless our eyes are giving us problems.
Holidays have a bad rap when it comes to the fattening, unhealthy foods that generally accompany them, not to mention the extra boozing and grazing that occurs at many of the seasonal parties. But not all holiday foods can be blamed for packing on the pounds. Some elements of our traditional holiday feast even have "superfood" qualities.
With colder temperatures and snow on the horizon for those located in the northern part of the country, this is the time of year to batten down the hatches as they say. In doing so, one of the most important factors to check is your insulation. Proper insulation not only keeps the cold out, but it also keeps the energy bills down.
In many cases, the reasons for letting someone go are quite obvious and difficult for employers to ignore. This includes things that can be measured, like a decline in performance made clear by shrinking sales numbers and frequent absences. Then there are the ones that are witnessed or reported from other workers, such as poor team dynamics and low overall morale.
Once upon a time, kids roamed free, going from yard to yard, playing with the neighborhood kids, organizing their own games, and coming back at dinnertime totally wiped out. Today, between screen time, school, organized lessons and sports, homework and a parental fear of letting children out of sight, this kind of free play has mostly gone out the window. What's gone out with it is a whole spectrum of growth and development opportunities, from communication skills and physical health to innovation and creativity, which all play big roles in shaping our children for a positive future.
Aside from school starting, September still feels a lot like summer in many regions, with sunny days and a break from the August heat. But once October hits, fall sinks in; the leaves start changing with the colder weather.
Are teens really the worst drivers out there? Is texting the main reason for car accidents, or is it driving under the influence? Here are some interesting statistics about life on the road.
Whether you're looking to expand operations, launch a new product, or overcome a temporary financial challenge, having access to capital is essential. While different lenders have particular standards and regulations, there are some basic steps business owners can take to improve their chances of scoring a loan.
Business is a great way to supplement your income, pursue your passions, or build a foundation for a future full-time venture. However, it's important to be aware of the risks involved before you take the plunge.
For many parents, making kid's lunches is one of the bigger drawbacks to back-to-school time, adding one more chore to our already busy lives. In a perfect world, we'd have our kids make their own, but there are drawbacks to that as well. For starters, these self-made lunches would likely include lots of fun snacks and very little in the way of nutrition. And the prodding it takes to get them to actually do it often takes longer than just doing it ourselves. 
Skin in the summer months has a lot going against it, and throughout the course of a day, it can be faced with all kinds of conditions. There's the salty sweat from exercising on hot summer days, the damage that comes with sun exposure, and the dryness that comes with the heat. And let's not forget the other skin incidents that tend to come about in the summer, such as bee stings, mosquito bites, poison ivy rashes, swimmer's itch, exposure to chlorine from the pools, and the list goes on.
Both business owners and employees have likely heard of OSHA, which stands for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, a federal agency that sets and enforces safety regulations to ensure a safe and healthy working environment for employees. 
Gun control is one of the most controversial topics in the U.S., however, one thing that most can agree on is that firearms should be stored and used safely and responsibly. If you're a homeowner and own firearms, there are some simple things you can do to promote gun safety. Remember, responsible gun ownership involves not only knowing how to use your firearm but also prioritizing safety for yourself and those around you.
Having adequate RV insurance is essential to protect your investment and peace of mind while traveling. As with auto insurance, your rates are based on the make and model of your RV, your driving history, and other factors. You may have the option to add RV coverage to your regular auto insurance, but this isn't always recommended. Because your RV is both a home and a vehicle, it may require specialized insurance to provide the right kind of coverage. Each person's RV insurance needs are unique, so choose a policy tailored to your specific requirements and budget.
There's nothing like an injury in the backcountry to ruin a good summertime adventure. As outdoor enthusiasts know, minor injuries are easy to come by and can include anything from strained muscles, campfire burns, poison ivy rashes, twisted ankles, sunburns, various cuts and scrapes, and the list goes on. And while these may not seem like a big deal on paper, they have a way of crushing the fun. 
'Tis the season to enjoy the local bounty; fresh produce that's been grown in New York. There's something rewarding about filling your fridge and your belly with food that comes from just a few miles away, rather than a few continents away. And if you choose to go the organic route, that's a nice treat too. Buying local isn't just trendy anymore, more and more, it's becoming the norm.
Business owners in New York are likely in tune with some of the most essential factors that lead to success. Some examples of things that are taught in most business classes include the importance of customer retention, building a loyal customer base, and building a positive brand reputation.
Let's face it, sewer backups can be one of the more unpleasant aspects of home ownership. In addition, they tend to strike during some of the worst possible times (like when the in-laws are visiting) and can be costly and complicated to fix – if you can find someone to fix it fast.
'Tis the season for fresh, locally-grown leafy greens. As one of the first seeds to hit the dirt in the early spring, these hearty plants are now hitting the shelves in abundance. High in antioxidants, the benefits of adding more greens to your diet seem endless, with studies touting a number of health benefits, including cancer prevention, stronger bones, brain health, better vision, and healthier skin, among many others.
Let's face it... the days of soaking up the sun for that "healthy tan" are clearly over. Fears of skin cancer – namely melanoma – have overridden most peoples' desire for sun-kissed skin. But in the summer, when outdoor adventures like hiking, biking, and water sports beckon, many tend to spend a lot of time in the sun doing what they love. 
No matter what part of the country you live in, summertime is when service industry businesses are in full swing. The nice weather brings people out, it's when many try to tackle home improvement projects, kids are out of school, and families tend to travel more it's an action-packed time of year. 
While a Tesla might seem out of reach for many of us, the electric vehicle (EV) market has evolved quite a bit since Elon Musk launched that iconic brand in 2003. In fact, the company actually helped to revolutionize the EV industry, first and foremost by making the vehicles more accepted by the masses. Musk also showed the public that EVs are not just slow-moving clunky cars, but that they can be sporty, stylish, and fast.
Personal Umbrella Policies are liability insurance policies with very high limits of protection, typically starting at $1,000,000. They are designed to add a layer of protection above other kinds of personal liability coverage such as the liability protection found in a personal auto, homeowner or boat insurance policy. These kinds of policies are meant to protect you should you be deemed legally responsible for injury to persons or property. Personal injury can include non-physical injury like libel or slander.
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) says that by following certain guidelines, an average driver can improve their fuel economy by around 10 percent. That might not seem like a big difference, but over time – and as road-trip season approaches – it can have a big effect on your wallet. 
Now that the tax deadline for 2022 has passed, as a business owner, you might be left thinking about ways to make it easier when the next one rolls around. Since many are busy enough actually running the business, it's easy to push the accounting work to the side, which is fine... until tax season approaches. By then, you have a mammoth job ahead of you. 
With the arrival of summer comes the smell of sizzling food on the grill, as it wafts from across the neighborhood, and backyard dining is once again the norm. According to the Health, Patio, & Barbecue Association, 7 out of 10 families in the U.S. own a grill, making it by far the most common outdoor cooking method. And there's no doubt that summer wouldn't be the same without one. 
For nature lovers, many of the most memorable moments take place in the great outdoors, whether it's catching your first trout on a fly rod or summiting a peak. This is also where people often find the most solace, as time in nature can bring a sense of peace. Unless, of course, things go wrong. 
Road trips always seem like a great idea, but when there are kids in tow, it's not always as free-wheeling as one may have imagined. There's likely to be fidgeting, potty breaks, and are-we-there-yets, punctuated by the occasional, but often brief, nap-induced silence. But, it needn't be so. While every road trip involves an inevitable speed bump or two, here are a few suggestions for a smooth ride to keep smiles and sanity intact.
As a business owner in New York, you have the option of hiring contract or permanent employees – and many more businesses are using contract workers while sorting out the uncertainty in the economy. A contract employee is essentially a freelancer who has agreed to work for you for a mutually-agreed upon period of time, which may be extended if you see fit. A permanent employee has been hired with the understanding that he or she will go on working for you until a termination or a resignation. Both types of employees have their advantages and disadvantages. Some of the advantages of contract employees, however, are illusory. 
Technology and social trends have driven a wave of telecommuting. Many of us work at home at least on some days while some may work from home all the time. For that reason, more and more homes contain a designated office area; with increasing frequency that area is a room.
No matter the app or online reservation platform, renting a car can often be a headache. It's rarely clear which add-ons are necessary, costs range widely between rental companies, and what type of insurance you need. Here are some tips for navigating the rental car market.
Small businesses are an integral part of evert community throughout the country. They are critical to the health of our local economies while providing a range of essential services and enhancing diversity. After all, these enterprises are staffed by members of the very communities they serve and are, in turn, able to weather the inevitable ups and downs of economic growth and recession through the support of loyal local customers.
Even businesses with the most effective Human Resources Departments and the happiest of employees are vulnerable to lawsuits. Unforeseen situations can quickly escalate, positive working relationships can turn sour, and employees can become litigious, sometimes without valid reason. Unfortunately, even the most bogus claims must be addressed in court, and legal fees associated with winning a lawsuit can exceed $250,000, which hardly feels like a victory. 
Spring is just around the corner, and with it comes the annual overhaul known as spring cleaning. For some, it's a welcome refresh on all the spaces and places we call home. For others, the clutter-filled weeks are a dreaded necessity to avert being buried by belongings. Avid spring cleaners leave no room untouched, no drawer or closet safe from the purge and polish.
Many of us can't imagine life without our pets. According to the American Pet Products Association, nearly 70 million U.S. households include at least one dog and 45 million households include cats. And it's no surprise: their wagging tails upon our arrival home and purring snuggles after a long day at the office are the best kinds of welcomes. The relationships we forge with our furry friends can be some of the most supportive.
Few of us in New York are immune to occasionally losing an hour to mindless scrolling on our phones and devices. After all, it's the nature of social media and the internet: an endless series of rabbit holes full of breaking news, TikTok videos, shopping, and Insta updates we didn't know we needed. But, for some, those technological time warps aren't just occasional, they're a daily, or even hourly, preoccupation. When does an innocuous pastime become a problematic addiction? And what do we do about it?
Last month's New Year celebrations had good cause; we have a chance to be grateful for the years behind us as we look forward to the years ahead. Chances are, as we clinked champagne glasses with friends and family, the idea of not being around to celebrate with them next year never crossed our minds.
In a world full of visible dangers, the last thing anyone in New York wants to think about is the invisible ones. But they're there and, believe it or not, many of them may be lurking inside your home. According to the CDC, each year, approximately 430 people in the U.S. die from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning and more than 50,000 are treated for it. Mold is prevalent in an estimated 70 percent of American homes. And the EPA and Surgeon General attribute more than 21,000 annual deaths from lung cancer in the U.S. to radon exposure. 
Successful small businesses are often the result of the proverbial blood, sweat, and tears of the owner. They require no small measure of risk, sacrifice, and commitment. Long hours, unpredictability, increased responsibility, financial insecurity, and a host of other factors all make running a small business a challenging and taxing endeavor.
Nobody likes to go to the doctor, especially when they aren't sick. But preventative healthcare is a huge piece of the long, healthy, and happy life puzzle. Annual wellness exams often include a general screening, vitals check, labs, and maintenance for chronic health conditions. In fact, it isn't uncommon that these annual exams identify early-stage diseases like cancer, concerning blood pressure and cholesterol levels, thyroid dysfunction, and a host of other common deficiencies and abnormalities. And, since the Affordable Care Act (ACA) mandated 100 percent coverage for preventative care, there's no excuse for missing your annual physical.
Anymore, it's an expectation: New Year's Day rolls around and a laundry list of resolutions lies before us. Gym membership and self-help book sales skyrocket. The revelry of the holidays gives way to Dry January, "clean" meal planning, and the next best diet. Entrepreneurs recommit to the hustle. A growth mindset is on the tip of everyone's tongue. It seems that everyone is looking to fix, improve, and ascend the latter of some self-determined actualization or another.
Roadside breakdowns can be more than a mere inconvenience, emergencies of this nature, if not prepared for and handled correctly, can be dangerous for all involved, including other drivers. Following a few basic steps can ensure that you and your vehicle make it through the breakdown as easily and safely as possible.
Little in life is as important as healthful, restful sleep, and lots of it. But little in life seems to evade American adults as pervasively. Insufficient sleep, health, lifestyle impacts nearly two-thirds of Americans. And, according to a recent study by the CDC, one in three adults doesn't get enough sleep on a regular basis.
Holiday traditions are not only a part of our respective regional celebrations, but they're also a distinctly integral thread woven through each of our families. Whether it's holiday cookie-making parties or Christmas Day sledding, Christmas Eve mass, or the lighting of the menorah, we are a diverse people rooted in traditions. While some of those traditions are deeply enmeshed in the spirituality of the season, others are about gathering, creating, and feasting our way into the new year. And still, others are just, well, we're not entirely sure what they're enmeshed in, but we're here for them.
Few can forget the epic expletive-rich scene in which Clark Griswold is given a jelly of the month membership in lieu of his expected bonus in the holiday classic National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. A longstanding tradition among small and large businesses alike, holiday bonuses provide a well-earned gift for valuable employees in appreciation for their hard work and commitment. Employees plan on these bonuses to offset increased holiday expenditures and often include them in their compensation expectations.
We've said it before: the distinction between a small and large business is somewhat arbitrary. At what point in the business growth life cycle do you cross over? One way to answer the question is when your business no longer qualifies for a Business Owners Package Policy. The BOP bundles up several kinds of insurance protection in one policy. But as business become larger the risks they pose become more varied and difficult to address in one policy.
It's an invisible facet of the aging process, but more critically linked to maintaining health, functionality, and autonomy than perhaps all else: brain health. From infancy to adulthood, the brain is in a constant state of growth, forming more than a million new neural connections every second in the earliest years of life and achieving 90 percent of its adult volume by age 6. 
With unemployment rates reaching all-time lows in many areas throughout the country and positive job projections on the horizon for the foreseeable future, finding employment should be as simple as showing up. And, in some sectors, that may be true: a record number of Americans left their jobs in 2021 and 2022, creating a market flush with openings. But many job markets and industries — those with great compensation, flexibility, and benefits, in particular — have remained highly competitive, and job seekers need to offer strong resumes, cover letters, and interviews to secure these desirable positions.
Winter is coming, whether we're ready or not. Every year, despite all of fall's colorful warning signs, shorter days, and brisk mornings, the first blanket of white always seems to come as an abrupt surprise, dusting all that summer gear you never made it around to storing with regret. This year, no regrets! You're going to clean up, check, and double-check your way to being properly prepared. And here's how you're going to do it.
Over the last decade, there's been a shift in the workplace, one that prioritizes the health and happiness of employees. For large corporations, like Facebook and Google, that might include time allotted to working out each week in an on-site facility, and for most, it's meant a shift in work schedules from in-person office time to hybrid models. This new "business as usual" allows increased personal freedom and an improved work-life balance for many. However, for managers, it has necessitated an overhaul of procedures to ensure traditionally effective business standards are met. 
After watching gas prices skyrocket, savvy buyers in New York are thinking twice about big purchases like vacations, automobiles, and homes. While speculation seems to be vacillating between optimistic and decidedly less than, consumers are left with questions and not many answers. Does it make more sense to drain your savings to pay for a new vehicle or to finance with any number of loan options? 
There's no getting around the fact that many jobs require desk time, and for many people, that means eight-plus hours a day just sitting. In an ideal world, a life complete with regular yoga practice, chiropractic adjustments, strength training, constitutionals, ideal nutrition, and relaxing massages might be the obvious solution. But few can support such luxuries. Still, adjustments must be made to the sedentary necessities of the grind if it's to continue, well, grinding. Here are a few simple solutions to the desk debacle: 
Considering the barrage of daily concerns, your homeowner's insurance policy may be the last thing on your mind. And yet, examining and reevaluating home insurance policies on an annual basis is a critical facet of homeownership, ensuring adequate coverage and protection for the most valuable asset and source of equity for many people in New York and beyond. Premiums, like much else in the current economic climate, are forecasted to see some big increases in the coming year, with some expected to exceed $1,000 a year and many slated for rate hikes in the double digits. 
Remote work options, both fully and hybridized off-and-on site iterations have overtaken traditional office models, studies have shown that it can have adverse effects on some employees' mental health. The American Psychiatric Association (APA) conducted a comprehensive online survey in the spring of 2021 of 1,000 remote workers' self-reported mental health, and the majority reported negative impacts on their mental health. In fact, Since transitioning to a remote model; isolation and loneliness, in particular, were noted by nearly two-thirds of respondents. 
Amidst all the excitement (and worries, reservations, and, yes, sometimes tears) of an emptying nest, parents often fail to consider their kids' health insurance in the ensuing chaos. While most colleges and universities mandate student health insurance, those young adults choosing a different path may fall through the coverage cracks. And, navigating health insurance options and necessities can be overwhelming for even the savviest of parents. 
The appeal of freelance, contract work, and work-from-home careers is broad and deep, including the unlimited opportunity for financial growth, unfettered freedom, flexible schedules, the pursuit of personal goals, and the list goes on. And, while that's all as true as the day is long, so is the lack of structure and unmitigated personal accountability. For freelancers, time management is of the utmost importance. Without a strong commitment to making and keeping deadlines, responsibly managing workflow, and sticking to some sort of structured daily schedule, freelancing can spell personal and financial disaster. 
Distracted driving is defined as engaging in any activity that takes your attention away from driving: It can be considered manual, when you move your hands from the wheel; visual, when you focus your eyes away from the road; cognitive, when your mind wanders to other tasks; or any combination of the three. Cambridge Mobile Telematics (CMT), the world's largest telematics provider, just released its 2022 U.S. Distracted Driving Report, and the results are staggering, with distracted driving levels at their highest point since the pandemic's onset. "Over the past two years, distracted driving has been like a pandemic within a pandemic, increasing at alarming rates and changing drivers' behaviors as the pandemic wears on. As more drivers hit the nation's roads, this intensified distraction will put even more people at risk," says Ryan McMahon, vice president of strategy at CMT. 
"If you're not getting better, you're getting worse." It's hard to say who was first to utter that phrase but you hear it most used in sports banter. It is a round-about way to say that we're not living in a static world – everything changes and the same is true for factors affecting the costs to replace your home. Your policy might have been up to the task of covering the expense of rebuilding your home at one time. But, chances are, it may no longer afford enough coverage unless it has been changed to reflect the reality of replacement cost. Insurance industry experts and others routinely estimate that up to two-thirds of homes in the U.S. are under insured. For most of us, checking our home's replacement cost periodically is a good idea. 
Your son or daughter headed to college will most likely need computer equipment, cell phones and sometimes tablets. 
Swimming pools are wonderful complements to summer weather. Few things are better than stepping outside your home for a cool dip, hosting poolside parties or watching your kids play themselves to exhaustion in the water. Most of us understand that pools also pose a danger but it is important to understand the extent of that danger, the components and preventative measures we can take to keep our pools safe. 
Does your home need a new paint job or a quick refresh on the trim? Are the gutters overflowing with the remains of fall foliage? Or are larger issues demanding immediate attention, like doors and windows, the roof, or the foundation? Whether you thrive on weekends filled with do-it-yourself projects or hide at the mere suggestion, summer's long days and generally agreeable weather in New York offer the ideal opportunity to take on the range of home maintenance and improvement tasks to preserve value and functionality for years to come. Here are a few considerations for fixing up the exterior of your home in the months to come.
Defective electrical wiring systems cause approximately 40,000 residential fires annually, according to a United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) study. In addition, electric cords and plugs are involved in about 18,700 fires annually. The National Electrical Safety Foundation offers numerous tips to safeguard the home against electrical fire and related losses, including the following.
Fraudulent charges to your personal or business accounts can be both financially and emotionally devastating. Even if you do eventually recover the funds, the stress and time that results from having been stolen from can take a toll.
For many, summer ushers in sunny afternoons spent lounging by pools, floating lazy rivers, and taking the boat out for waterskiing, fishing, and all things wet and wonderful in New York. And, whether by a backyard kiddie pool or a local pond, children are particularly enamored, making water safety a foremost concern for parents.
As gentle spring breezes give way to summer's scorching temps, many without air conditioning in New York will struggle to keep their homes cool. But all is not lost in the absence of central air. There are many simple, tried-and-true measures you can take to bring comfort back to the summer months.
It's one of those things that's overlooked until it's absolutely necessary: a first aid kit. Whether you're relaxing at home, navigating five-o-clock traffic, or summer adventuring in your new RV, having a simple first aid kit can mean the difference between an inconvenience and an emergency.
The "Great Resignation" and labor shortages throughout 2021 made recruiting and retaining employees a challenge for businesses across the country. And, while 2022 remains an employee's market, there's room for hope. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' April 2022 jobs report showed that both the unemployment rate and participating labor force closely mirror pre-pandemic numbers, remaining steady at 3.6 percent and 62.2 percent, respectively.
How old is too old to drive? It's not necessarily an easy question to answer. Depending on physical health, skill, vision, and even location, elderly drivers can be capable of safely and predictably handling a vehicle well into their seventies and even eighties. And, as baby boomers age further into their golden years, an increasing percentage of drivers will find themselves in that bracket. In fact, the Federal Highway Commission's 2016 data noted a record 41.7 million drivers over the age of 65. That's nearly one in five of the licensed population, an increase of 15 million over 20 years ago. By 2020, drivers aged 75 and older numbered more than 17 million. And, by 2030, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that one out of every four drivers will be an older adult. 
Summer's generally agreeable weather and extended daylight hours in New York make it an ideal season to tackle renovations, remodels, and other household fix-its. Still, these projects aren't without inherent challenges and risks. A little due diligence at the onset can do much to minimize unhappy surprises and make for successful, stress-free (or, at least, as close as it gets) renovations. 
An impending lawsuit is never good news. Not only are they costly, but, perhaps worse, they can permanently damage a company's reputation, an expense no business can easily afford during highly competitive consumer and employee markets like the current. While companies are sued for a range of reasons, there are a few recurring culprits that can be avoided with appropriate planning, clear communication, and due diligence.
With summer, comes a welcome invitation for people in New York to spend as much time as possible outside. Not only does nature replenish Vitamin D and support immunity; reduce anxiety and depression; lower blood pressure and reduce stress; increase serotonin and reinforce circadian cycles for better sleep; and improve focus, but it may also help reduce cancer risk by increasing anti-cancer proteins. "Being outdoors in nature can be healing and beneficial for the body and mind," says certified therapeutic recreational specialist Erica Price. "Whether at the beach, forest, or in a neighborhood park, nature offers a calming effect. And, when we combine nature with physical activity, it can help fight depression and anxiety."
As prices for gas, consumer products and services rise often insurance costs follow the same trend. Insurance premiums for car insurance can vary based on multiple factors. Here are 8 tips to think about when trying to lower your car insurance premium. 
When COVID-19 shut the entire world down two years ago, many wondered how businesses would pivot and persist. As closures and restrictions continued far beyond anyone's initial projections, it became obvious that "business as usual" was going to be anything but. And, while the transition to a remote model for schools and businesses throughout the world was an unprecedented shift with no real map for structure or outcomes, many made the adjustment with relative ease and found the remote model was not without benefit. Now, as the corporate world attempts a return to what was, it faces a number of concerns and considerations, not the least of which being a pool of employees that might rather remain remote.
Teenage employment not only helps instill a sense of financial responsibility, but may also help with developing interpersonal skills, gaining valuable professional experience, and building character. As the school year approaches its end in New York, it might be time to discuss a summer job with your teen and review options and opportunities for success. Following are some considerations to give you and your child a leg up in the hunt. 
With spring comes cleaning, and with cleaning comes a fresh opportunity to take on tired interiors and welcome the light and liveliness that summer ushers forth.
As winter thaws into spring blossoms, summer beckons with backyard cookouts and campfires under the stars. Like many people in New York, spring also means an overhaul of all the recreational toys and gear that make those summertime adventures comfortable, including the family camper. Here are some considerations when readying your RV for all the camping and travel expeditions ahead.
It's a subject we hear a lot about these days in the news: Drought. According to drought.gov in March of 2022, over 58% of the lower 48 states are currently in a drought. With a collective global force greater than all other natural disasters in the past 40 years, droughts around the globe eventuate in as much deadly destruction as any other extreme weather event. Droughts can be declared in as few as 15 days and can last a week, a month, a year, or longer. 
Internet queries for advice about finding success in life, love, and business consistently top trending charts, while self-help titles touting one route or another as the road to greatness never fail to make their mark on the New York Times Bestsellers list. So, if you've ever wondered how to make that proverbial lemonade from the lot of lemons life may have dealt you, here are some bits of entrepreneurial wisdom from some of the world's most successful people.
While the bluster and bite of winter may still reign over much of the country, spring melts and the months of outdoor recreation they usher forth are just around the corner. Now is the time to survey summer gear and prepare for the active months ahead. Boating, camping, and cycling gear can all benefit from a seasonal tune-up. Here are some recommendations for fun summer adventuring.
Winter is almost over and trees are budding with the first signs that spring is in the air. A crocus pops its sweet purple plumes through the last ice crystals and we heave a collective sigh of relief that, with the winter chills, the myriad of mucus-producing viruses is finally leaving the building. And then, for many, that first fatal sneeze. Spring, in all her verdant glory, has ushered back in seasonal allergies and the snotty noses and congestion we hoped not to revisit until the fall. For many of us in New York, seasonal allergies aren't just a nuisance, they prevent outdoor recreation, socialization, yard maintenance, and a host of other activities that make summer, well, summer.
Large or established businesses often have top level management and policies guided by a board of directors. But boards exist all around us and not just in a corporate setting. In each case, individual board members can be held liable for their actions or the actions of the board of directors and subject to lawsuits.
Flooding causes more property damage than any other weather related event and occurs in all 50 states. You should understand potential flood vulnerabilities you may have at home. The Red Cross or the local planning and zoning department can help you if you are unsure. 
Business travelers, and the travel managers who plan for them, have different concerns when it comes to addressing unexpected inconveniences. Corporate travel insurance policies can be a great fit for any business looking to mitigate expenses related to company travel, including non-refundable costs associated with emergency flight or hotel changes, necessary medical treatments for traveling employees, and equipment or property loss. While canceled flights, missed connections, baggage delays, and medical emergencies are difficult for any traveler, there are unique considerations for corporate travelers and specific provisions for the business travel insurance policies that cover them.
The pandemic changed many things for many Americans, from how we work to how we socialize. One potentially positive shift is that it accelerated the already growing field of telehealth. Suddenly it became easier and made more sense to see your doctor online for basic ailments and routine check-ins. But is telehealth all it's cracked up to be? Here are some common questions you may have about telehealth:
Choosing a new car is an exciting but potentially stressful endeavor. With so many options, plus some limiting factors such as budget and availability, it can be hard to know where to begin. Here are some of the top factors to consider when you're ready to purchase your next vehicle. 
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the modern workplace has undergone some massive changes. And while adjusting to these has involved some growing pains, especially for employers, this new world of work is not necessarily a bad thing. If you're a small business owner, you may have some concerns and hesitation about adopting a flexible workplace model. Here are some steps you can take to explore what it means to have a hybrid workplace and find solutions that work for you and your business. 
You get to the end of your flight reservation and the page comes up: For a few extra dollars, would you like to purchase travel insurance for your trip? Or maybe you're planning that once in a lifetime trip, and an experienced agent has suggested you purchase a travel policy. So what should you do? 
For new homeowners, if you managed to buy a house in today's market, you definitely have a lot to celebrate. So now what? Well, whether you just purchased your dream home and plan to stay in it forever, or a property you hope to use as a stepping stone to better things, there are a few things you need to know in order to make your investment work for you. ![' . htmlspecialchars( $aNewBlogPost['META_TITLE'] ) . '](https://s.confluency.site/plins/blog/pix/shared/og-energy-saving-tips-2022.jpg)
Winter is coming, and with increased costs on gas, food, and just about everything else, it's no surprise that your energy bill might threaten to strain your budget this season, too. But there's actually a lot you can do to stay cozy and warm and reduce your energy consumption this winter. Here are some ways to save on heating. ![' . htmlspecialchars( $aNewBlogPost['META_TITLE'] ) . '](https://s.confluency.site/plins/blog/pix/shared/og-2022-business-ny-play.jpg)
The New Year is a time to start fresh. And that doesn't have to only apply to your personal life. You can also take advantage of the energy and momentum around New Year's to make improvements to your company. If you want to take your business to the next level, here are five New Year's resolutions to commit to in 2022. 
The holiday season is upon us, meaning it's time to be jolly, gather with friends and family, and, hopefully, stay safe. But in addition to the things we're all wishing for, the holidays can bring some unwanted gifts in the form of accidents, damages, or injuries that might result in an insurance claim. So what are the most common holiday-related insurance claims and how can you avoid them? Read on to find out. 
When you move into a planned community, you may be required to join a homeowners association. Also known as an HOA, these organizations often collect dues and set rules about things you can or cannot do with or on your property. So what do you need to know if you're about to buy a property run by an HOA? 
Whether you're a business owner, contractor, or employee, most likely you take job safetyand on-the-job injuriesseriously. But many people have incomplete or incorrect information about Workers Compensation Insurance, which is designed to support both employers and workers when an injury does occur. Take the time to read about some common misconceptions about Workers' Compensation Insurance, and set the record straight. 
Extreme weather is becoming more and more common these days, but even run-of-the-mill heat, rain, or snow can ruin an event or make it very difficult to carry out certain business operations, like construction. And when you have put thousands of dollars into a multi-day festival, film shoot, wedding, outdoor sale, or any type of activity that can be negatively impacted by the weather, it can be devastating to have to cancel or postpone due to intense heat or a dangerous storm. Even worse, you might not be able to recoup your costs, unless you have weather insurance. 
Think insurance is confusing? That may have something to do with the specialized vocabulary that's been developed to describe the many concepts, tools, and policy types unique to the industry. But you don't have to be an insurance outsider... Here are some insurance terms to help you become a savvy consumer.
As youngsters, the more serious-minded among us were vigilant about making the Scout motto "Be Prepared" a reality. Now with the latest round of fires, earthquakes and hurricanes, the old adage is more relevant than ever. Even in New York, we all have the potential to encounter the occasional unpredicted mishap. But few events can be as unpredictable, or devastating, as natural disasters: hurricanes, floods, wildfires, tsunamis, severe storms, tornadoes, and landslides, many of which we've been faced with lately.
While we covered 
For any homeowner, a robust insurance policy is a must. But if you're new to homeownership, or if you're thinking about updating your policy, you may not know much about what it does and doesn't cover, along with how to find the best policy for you and your family. 
Business insurance is a must in today's climate, but many owners don't understand the basic ins-and-outs of this type of policy, including why it's necessary, what it covers, and how to get the right coverage for yourself and your business. Here are five common myths about business insurance, and the myth-busters that you need to know. 
Insurance is usually not a lighthearted topic. However, in modern times insurance as a whole has evolved, in order to help cover a variety of different lifestyles. With that comes a number of wild stories and details about the insurance industry that might shock you, or at least make you smile. Here are some surprising things you probably didn't know about today's strange world of insurance claims and policies. 
Figuring out what you want to do with your life career-wise can be a challenge for anyone. Even as an adult, you might find that you're in the wrong line of work... but how do you discover what the right line of work is for you? And if you're a parent, you most likely want to help your children figure out these types of things before they head down the wrong path. You want to give them the freedom to explore without having to spend years of their life (or a lot of your money) wandering without direction. 
Most people these days are concerned about saving money and reducing their family's carbon footprint. We do this by turning off the lights, installing energy-saving devices, and making sure our homes are efficient in whatever ways we can. But did you know that there are many appliances in your home that may be using up energy and costing you money, even when they are completely turned off? Read on to learn more about these "energy vampires" and how you can prevent them from silently wasting your home's energy resources. 
For a small business owner, having to let go of employees is never easy. When employees have become like friends or even family, it can be especially tough to make a decision to do what's right for your business. So how do you know when it's time to let people go, and how do you downsize in the most humane way possible? Here are some things you should consider before downsizing, and some tips for going through the process.
Pets often become more like family members, and in the case of dogs (and the occasional cat), we tend to take them wherever we go. But before you pack up Fido for a summer road trip, it's important to think about how to keep your beloved pet safe when temperatures are extreme. 
When it comes to automobile efficiency and safety, new technology has a lot of benefits. These advanced safety systems can help you avoid serious crashes, prevent you from hitting an animal or child, help you to maintain a safe distance from other vehicles, and keep you apprised of traffic issues or obstacles while you're on the road, day or night. Most people would agree that this is a good thing for auto consumers. 
So your business is growing, and that's a great thing. But as you add employees, assets, services, or any other elements, your business operations naturally become more complex. In addition, as your business grows, different laws and regulations may start to apply. If you're at a point where it's getting hard to keep up with all the rules you're supposed to be following and monitor whether your employees are fulfilling their legal and ethical responsibilities, it might be time to look into hiring a compliance officer. 
Multiple studies have demonstrated that crime rates increase in the summer. Why? Well, the answer is complex, but researchers have suggested that some of the reasons include:
If you're a parent, you've probably heard of the summer slide: the idea that kids experience some amount of learning loss over the two or three months of summer break. 
"Good fences make good neighbors," wrote Robert Frost in his poem "Mending Wall." And the legendary poet makes a good point, as fences can offer privacy, protect younger family members and pets as they spend time outdoors, and add to the aesthetics and value of a home. 
Heat-related illnesses are serious business. When left untreated, the symptoms of heat exhaustion can turn into heatstroke, which is life-threatening. During the prime summer months, this can be a big problem and one that can creep up on you, since the signs and symptoms of heatstroke can often look like something else. With normal summer temperatures slowly increasing around the globe, it's even more important to understand how heatstroke occurs and how you can prevent it.
You hear a lot about water conservation lately, but what about water quality? Where does a household's water even come from, how is it maintained, and how can you know if it's safe for you and your family? Here's what you need to know about the water in your home, and what might indicate a problem 
If you're a typical American family, chances are you spend a lot of time in the car: driving to and from sports practice and music lessons, dropping kids off for playdates and sleepovers, taking road trips to visit friends and family, and the like. So if it's time for an upgrade, you really want to find the right vehicle for your family and lifestyle. Here's what you should think about when planning for a new family-mobile, to make sure your loved ones stay safe on the road.
Most Americans don't worry about how much water they use. But life depends on having enough clean, fresh water and this precious resource is becoming more scarce every single year. 
After a year of living through a global pandemic, many people's work lives look much, much different. While many of us are excited to get back to the office, others actually worry about returning to the demands of a nine to five schedule away from home. Employees and employers alike are wondering: is remote work here to stay? 
Recreational Vehicle (RV) sales soared during the pandemic, as stir-crazy families across the U.S. realized that road trips might be the safest and only way to get out of the house. And according to recent consumer reports, the trend shows no signs of slowing. 
A garage is often the place we tend to dump things that we don't know what else to do with, and one that we rarely truly clean. Even after a year at home, when many of us have deep cleaned, purged, and organized our entire houses, the garage may still be filthy, full of junk, disorganized, or all three. So if you're ready to tackle this space, here's how to start (and finish). 
Having water where it's not supposed to be can be one of the biggest threats to your home. Water damage can be caused by many things, including faulty plumbing, leaking appliances, or just bad weather. A smart homeowner knows how to check for water leaks and other issues, and what to do if there's a problem. 
Recently, 
As a small business owner, you want to keep your business, employees, and customers safe. Whether you're a new business owner or a veteran who just wants to make sure you're doing things right, here's a checklist of things you can do to promote a safe and healthy working environment. 
Thinking of starting a business? You should know that the way you choose to structure your business for official and tax purposes matters. It can impact how much you pay in taxes, whether partners are allowed to participate in managing the business, and your amount of personal liability. Here are a few of the most common business types, and what you need to know about some of their major differences. 
If you're thinking about purchasing a new car, it makes sense that you might trade in your current vehicle to help you with a down payment. Or maybe you have a vehicle you no longer need and are just looking for a way to make some extra cash. But what's the best time to trade in your car so that you're getting the maximum benefit? And how do you decide? Here are a few things to consider before pulling the trigger on a trade-in. 
Starting a family is a momentous and joyful occasion. But it can also be quite daunting for some, especially when it comes to the financial aspects involved. Frequent questions include: How much is this all going to cost? What type of insurance will I need? 
According to the 
Deciding what you want to be when you grow up is not as straightforward as it used to be. These days, it's not uncommon for people to switch careers multiple times, work in a field that is completely different from what they studied in college, or create a completely new job or business doing something that started as a hobby. So how do you know whether you're on the right path, and not just jumping from position to position? And how do you plan for and realize your goals when it's likely they will change over time? Here's how to plan for a successful career, even when the future is uncertain. 
Utilities, such as electricity, water, and natural gas, allow us to complete the tasks of daily living. Now that working from home has become the norm, it's that much more important that these critical services work reliably, day after day. As the chances of extreme weather and natural disasters continue to increase, here's what you should know about maintaining your home utilities, and what to do if there's a problem. 
All renters have rights. Some are guaranteed by law, while others will be outlined in your lease agreement. Here are some things you can do to be a savvy renter and protect yourself if things go wrong: 
All business owners in New York need solid, affordable insurance, and many companies require multiple types. But what happens when something goes wrong and your insurance doesn't cover it? If the cost to pay for injury to others exceeds your policy limits, or worse, is excluded by the insurance policies you have, you could be stuck with potentially crippling out-of-pocket costs. 
This year, many of us got a much more up close and personal relationship with our families, our houses, and our things. And many of us realized: we have way too much of all three. While you can't get rid of your 6-year-old or your spouse, there are plenty of places you can go to unload excess stuff. 
Training employees can be costly and time-consuming. Even if you don't work in an industry with a high turnover rate, we now live in an era where many people switch careers multiple times in their lifetime, making it harder to find employees you can really nurture and invest in the long term. So how do you decide how much time, money, and energy to invest in training new employees? Consider these things to help you decide how to develop your workforce in a way that makes the most sense for your business. 
Pre-COVID most of us had never even heard of Zoom. Now many of us spend time on this app every day. And while you may be pretty Zoom-ed out by now, the reality is that even when the pandemic is over, virtual meetings, school sessions, and family gatherings will probably continue to be a bigger part of our lives than they were before. Seeing that it's an inevitable part of our futures, here's how to make the most of virtual communication:
Many Americans struggle with depression or Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) during the winter months. This year, it's been especially hard to stay mentally and physically healthy. When the pandemic has forced many of us to stay cooped up inside our houses, it just gets easier and easier to not get out of your pajamas or venture beyond your front door. But if you want to get back to a healthier lifestyle in the new year, getting outside is one great way to start improving your social life, physical health, and state of mind. 
If you're a small business owner, chances are the pandemic has been especially tough on you and your family. You may have had to change your business model, lay off employees or worse, close up shop indefinitely. But what about your employees? If you're a small business owner looking to support your staff through the pandemic, here's what you need to know. 
Not many of us will be sad to have 2020 behind us, and the good news is: It won't take much to make this year better than the last! The bad news? Many of us have abandoned our exercise routines, social engagements, and healthy habits just to cope with living through a global pandemic. As we launch into a new, and hopefully better year, here are 10 things you can do to get back on track.
Although some in the U.S. have been fortunate enough to make it through the past eight months with their bank accounts intact, there's no doubt that many of us have struggled financially this year. Many have lost jobs, been forced to temporarily move in with relatives, or just found that they couldn't quite make ends meet. While the end of the pandemic (or at least the worst of it) seems to be in sight, many of us will still be struggling with the financial fallout for some time. Here are some ways you can work to stay within your budget while money is still tight. 
In theory, as a small business owner, you hire some employees because of their skills and expertise, and others for their labor and ability to learn. But there's no getting around the fact that both types of staff will need at least some training, and both will benefit from clear expectations and guidance.
If your child is approaching college-age, you might be thinking about planning some campus visits. These visits can provide very valuable information that just can't be gleaned from a website, brochure, or visit with a designated college representative. But how do you choose which colleges to visit? And how do you make sure those visits are worthwhile? Here are some tips to maximize your time and enjoyment on the campus visit circuit. 
Good tires that are in good shape are critical to safe driving. Every driver should know a little bit about how to assess their tires and how to purchase new ones when they're needed. 
Like it or not, millions of students are accessing their education virtually this year, and around the country, schools are using different models, platforms, and approaches with varying results. Some students are thriving or getting by, others are struggling or becoming completely disengaged. 
A used car can be a great investment and often makes much more sense than buying new. But one major downside is that you don't always know what you're getting. With just a little bit of knowledge, however, you can become a confident used car consumer. 
The holidays are fraught this year. We miss our families and we want to see them. Here are some things you can do to stay on the sane side of family gatherings during a global pandemic.
It's safe to say that, at this point, everyone around the globe is tired of the pandemic. So much so that there's now an official name for it: pandemic fatigue. Unfortunately, the end of this difficult episode unknown, which means we're going to have to live with the constraints of pandemic life and all of its negative impacts for much longer than we would like. 
Working virtually has become the norm, but that doesn't mean it's gotten easier. Many of us are still struggling to be productive, take time for ourselves, help our kids with online school, and make sure our pets don't crash our work Zoom meetings. So how do you make the most of your day when there seem to be so many things working against you? 
For small business owners, hiring and managing employees can be a rewarding but stressful part of the job. During uncertain times, maybe you need extra help but are thinking twice about committing to an official employee. So when should you hire, and when might an independent contractor or outsourcing company be a better fit? Here are some tips to guide that decision. 
Taking care of elderly parents? Here's how to keep them safe and stay sane. Having the opportunity to spend time with and give back to your elderly parents can be an unexpected gift. But as rewarding as it is, it can also be exhausting, frustrating, and dispiriting at times. Here are some ways to stay sane and enjoy time with your loved ones while you still have them. 
The season of ghosts, goblins, costumes and eating too much candy is here. Whether you're a Halloween enthusiast or just someone who loves fall, here are our top 5 home decorating tips, plus a few safety tips for the creepiest night of the year. 
Because you can't keep an eye on it all the time, you want your second home or rural property to stay well-maintained and protected. There are many things you can do to keep your land and buildings safe and prevent problems that can arise when a property is unattended. 
In many cases, a warranty can seem like a sneaky way for manufacturers to squeeze a few extra bucks out of their customers. In some cases, purchasing a warranty might actually be a good idea. Whether you're thinking about signing up for a warranty on a major purchase, or deciding whether to pay a few extra bucks for a warranty on a small appliance while standing in line at Target, here's what you need to know in order to make the best decision. 
A comprehensive business insurance policy is a must for any business owner. But under what circumstances do you need to take another look at that policy and make important adjustments? Here are some instances when it would be a good idea to revisit your business insurance plan and add to, or change, your coverage. 
These days, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when many work and school remotely, much of our lives is spent online. And social media is not just for young people anymore, different platforms have become the norm for all ages. Sure, it has its perks, such as catching up with people whom you might not otherwise get to visit with, but it can also be harmful if not used properly. Here are some things you can do to protect yourself online, plus a few tips specifically for teens. 
Babies and toddlers are a bit like puppies. They're curious. They don't have complete control of their bodies when they're still very young, and once they're mobile, look out! They put things into their mouths, and explore everything they can get their hands on. As a new parent, it's your job to minimize the risks around your home, so that your baby can play and explore without getting hurt... and without ruining the house.
A few short months ago, many of us, and around the world, quickly learned that we were not prepared for an emergency. And while it didn't turn out to be the type of emergency we thought it was; there was really no need to buy all that toilet paper. It reminded us that we are not invincible, and that we really should have an emergency plan and supplies in place. If you haven't already put together your own emergency plan and supplies, it's not too late. Take the following steps to make sure your family is prepared.
Technology-enhanced homes in New York are the wave of the future, but many people might not understand how smart home technology works, believe they can afford it, or know whether or not it's worth the investment. While there certainly are complete smart home systems available, you don't necessarily have to go all in or spend a ton of money in order to take advantage of some of the most practical innovations smart home technology has to offer. 
For business owners, operating during a pandemic is complicated to say the least. You want to do the right thing by your staff and customers, without losing the business you love. In many cases, there is a lot you can do to make patronizing and working at your business safer for everyone.
This fall, we're heading into an unknown future with the COVID-19 virus. While some schools are doing their best to re-open, other schools and some parents have decided it's best for kids to stay home, at least for now. As adults, we know how to social distance, wash our hands, and do whatever we can to minimize our risk of infection, but these practices are harder to enforce with kids and teens. Whether or not your kids are going back to school in the fall, here are some things you can do to keep them healthy. 
So your business has grown enough that you have full time employees and want to start offering benefits, including paid time off. How do you craft a vacation policy that works for you, your business and employees? There's not a one-size-fits all solution, but here are some things to think about and tips for getting started.
While the summer of COVID-19 continues, many Americans are looking for ways to get their recreation and vacation fixes without putting themselves at risk. Having a good old-fashioned day at the beach is a great option. Whether you're trying to minimize the risks of the virus or a jellyfish sting, make sure to follow these guidelines during your excursion to stay safe and protected. 
This summer, during these unprecedented times, families are taking to the road as a way to vacation in the safest way possible during the pandemic. While driving may minimize your risk of contracting COVID-19, it isn't always the safest way to travel - in fact, the summer months are some of the most dangerous to be on the road. Here are the top 10 risks that you should be aware of if you're planning on taking that summer road trip.
Deciding to sell your small business is no small decision. Whether you're moving on to a new opportunity, shifting your professional focus, or just handing over the reins to an owner with fresh enthusiasm, it's always bittersweet to let go of something that you undoubtedly poured yourself into. Here are some things you can do to ease the transition and leave on a positive note:
Boating season is here and, fortunately, it's an activity that can be very compatible with social distancing and other pandemic safety guidelines. But before you take your new or beloved watercraft out for a first spin, it's important to conduct basic maintenance and preparations so that your time out on the water is safe and smooth sailing. 
Should you sell your house without an agent? It depends on many factors. As we enter one of the prime buying and selling seasons of the year, here are some pros and cons of selling your home agent-free, along with a few tips to guide you through the process. 
Summer in New York is almost here and, unfortunately, the global pandemic we've been faced with is still here too. While most of the country, and the world for that matter, are reopening, fears of a resurgence still linger, and we are faced with the unknown. Around the nation, everything from festivals to summer camps have been cancelled, vacation plans have changed, and we're all wondering if summer will even feel like summer at all. 
Flying with young kids can be a breeze or a nightmare, and with many factors involved, it's nearly impossible to predict which kind of trip you're going to have. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to make a trip with young kids more relaxing.
Summer is coming, and with that, gardeners everywhere are pulling on their gloves, dusting off their shovels, purchasing seeds, and getting into the dirt. Whether you're an experienced gardener or a novice, knowing how to keep your garden properly watered is an important skill to develop. Here are some tips to improve your watering game. 
Whether you use a single vehicle or an entire fleet for your business, keeping them running smoothly is critical to fulfilling your business goals. And if employees are using those vehicles, that adds in another layer of complexity. Here's what you need to know about how to keep your business vehicles well maintained, and keep your employees safe on the job while using them. 
With COVID-19 fresh on the mind and social distancing a new way of life, this summer may not be like any in recent history. But having more time at home means you can't tackle some of those projects you've been putting on the back burner for months, or even years. Here are some ideas for projects to embark on this summer. 
If there's one thing that research points out, it's that teens are, literally, the worst drivers. According to the CDC, motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death for teenagers, and the risk of motor vehicle crashes is higher among teens aged 16-19 than among any other age group. So while your teen is probably thrilled to be driving, and you're probably thrilled to not be driving them everywhere, it's important to continue teaching them how to stay safe and smart on the road. Luckily, teenagers are stubborn but still pretty impressionable. Here are the most important things you can instill in your brand new teenage driver, and guidelines to have them follow. 
If you're a small business owner, every dollar counts, and tax preparation is no exception. The good news is that there are many ways for small business owners to maximize credits and deductions, and to find help and resources for preparation. Here are our top five tips for a stress-free tax season. 
You get rear-ended at an icy intersection or sideswiped in a parking lot: an inconvenient, but manageable problem. You alert your insurance and contact your mechanic to discuss repairs. But if your car is a recent model, what comes next might be more involved than you anticipated. New technology is driving up the cost of previously simple and inexpensive car repairs, as well as insurance premiums. 
Getting married this summer? Read on for ways that marriage affects insurance and other financial considerations to handle before tying the knot...
Thinking about getting a dog or cat for the family, but worried that it might destroy your home, furniture and belongings? Here's how to decide whether you're ready for a pet in the first place, and what you can do to protect your home from your new best friend. 
What would we do without our handy power strips? Those convenient blocks of electrical sockets, which enable us to convert one outlet into several, make it possible to plug in all the gear that we can't live without these days. A typical location for a power strip is the home office, where it helps computers, speakers, printers, monitors, and all sorts of other necessities come to life. But many households have power strips in multiple rooms, if not every room, since there are so many items that require plugging in these days. Hairstyling tools, cooking equipment, and phone chargers come to mind!
Research has shown that the lighting, arrangement, scent, and color can influence a person's mood, stress level, and even their productivity. The Chinese philosophy of Feng Shui explains the principles of arranging and decorating a space in order to support the goals and well being of the people who use it. Feng shui is about living in harmony with your surroundings and increasing the kind of energy you want, whether that be powerful, calm, or inspiring. Here are some tips to bring the principles of feng shui, and therefore more harmony, into your office. 
If you don't have the resources to handle it, a flat tire can ruin your plans, and sometimes, your day. But, under the right circumstances, anyone can safely change a tire. Here's what you need to know to be ready for a flat, how to change it yourself, and when to call for help. 
Most people rely on dozens of appliances to support their daily tasks and activities, including small but significant tools like alarm clocks or hairdryers; toasters and stand mixers; and heavy hitters like the dishwasher or washing machine. So, how do you keep your appliances running their best, and getting a good return for your investment by having them work for as many years as possible? Here are a few tips to improve the performance and longevity of appliances.
We all start the New Year vowing to do better, with our health, our relationships, and of course, our finances. But how do you even begin to make improvements if your financial situation is far less than ideal? And if you're on the right track, how do you keep it going? Here's what you need to know about building and maintaining good credit. 
There are a variety of potentially serious and costly problems that can happen when you allow too much snow to pile up on your roof: water damage, leakage and in some extreme cases, collapse. If you're a homeowner who lives in a wintry climate, it's important to understand how snow and ice can impact your roof, preventative measures, and when to take action.
A corporation's responsibility is to its shareholders and bottom line. But recently, even majorly successful corporations are recognizing that improving profits in a way that causes harm to the environment, workers or the world at large is not good for anyone long term. In fact, this past summer, a statement released by the nonprofit Business Roundtable and signed by dozens of top executives made headlines for suggesting, for the first time ever, that corporations don't just have obligations to their shareholders but also to "all stakeholders." What's more, many consumers are now voting with their dollars, and are no longer willing to support companies who don't behave ethically. So what does this mean for the future of business, and how can you develop your own company's corporate social responsibility agenda? Here's how to get started. 
Even if you're used to it, driving on ice and snow can be nerve-wracking even during clear skies. But when a storm rolls in, driving can get extremely scary, as well as dangerous. Whether you live in a climate that gets severe winter weather or are just traveling through one, here are some tips for safer driving in a storm: 
Starting your own business is inherently risky. It takes courage to become an entrepreneur and the risks involved can be part of what makes it exciting. But not all risks are created equal, and those who end up making it know the difference between a calculated risk versus one they can and should avoid. So what potential hazards and obstacles should new business owners be thinking about ahead of time?
You put so much into the interior of your home, and maybe even its landscaping and outdoor spaces. But you may not have considered how the right outdoor lighting can protect your home and its contents; keep you and your family safe as you navigate walkways and entrances in the dark; and elevate your home's exterior and outdoor living areas. Here's what you need to know to begin the process of selecting and installing outdoor lighting for your home. 
As the end of the year approaches, it's a good time to take inventory, reflect on the past, and make plans for future goals. You might consider your relationships, professional life, health, financial situation, or all of the above. Don't forget to also take stock of your insurance coverage and make necessary adjustments based on things that have changed over the past year. Here are some of the most important areas to consider: 
We've all got plans for the holidays and winter season: trips to take, winter activities to try, and the everyday to-do lists that don't stop just because the cold weather has arrived. But difficult conditions have a way of causing plans to go awry or causing damage that we just didn't expect. Here are some of the extra insurance protections you should consider purchasing this season, in case things don't go exactly the way you planned. 
Artisan contractors are essential to the building industry and to making indoor spaces functional and beautiful. According to the Insurance Information Institute: "artisan contractors, also known as casual contractors, includes many occupations that involve skilled work with tools at the customer's premises. Carpenters, plumbers, electricians, roofers and tree surgeons are some of them. Also included are diverse other skilled service providers, such as interior decorators, piano tuners and exterminators." So what type of insurance does an artisan contractor need to protect their business and equipment? Here's what you need to know. 
In many areas of the U.S., freezing temperatures, icy roads, and stormy driving conditions are on their way. And while winter weather might be lovely to look at from inside a cozy house, it's not much fun to drive in. Make sure your automobile is up to the challenge by getting it winter ready.
"Call before you dig" is a refrain you may have already heard from Public Service Announcements on the radio or TV. But many homeowners still ignore this basic advice, sometimes with deadly results. If you're planning to dig anywhere on your property, here's what you need to know--and do--to get the job done safely. 
The holidays are a time for potlucks, office parties, and food-related gifts. But how can you be sure that mystery casserole, fruitcake gift basket, or shrimp cocktail are safe to eat? Here are some tips to keep in mind when you're cooking for a crowd, attending a holiday party, or deciding what to bring to an office potluck. 
Running a small business in New York can bring daily challenges, from minor equipment breakdowns to staff or customer injuries; or damage to your building caused by a storm or break in. These daily obstacles are the cost of doing business, but if you're not prepared, they can keep your business from moving forward or even force you to close your doors. That's why every small business owner needs a great business owner's policy (BOP). A business owner's policy combines multiple necessary insurance coverages into one package for a reduced price. Here's what you need to know to find the right policy for your business: 
For those who live in snowy climates, winter is on the way. Take advantage of those sunny fall days to prepare your home and yard for frigid temperatures and icy conditions before the snow flies. Making sure your home is well-maintained inside and out will keep you safe and protected through the winter season. Here's how to get ready: 
Every week there's a new recall in the news, and it seems that no auto retailer has gone unpunished for some minor or major manufacturing defect that has put its customers at risk. Problems and safety concerns have been discovered with everything from airbags to brakes to backup cameras, and sometimes entire vehicles have been recalled. Whether your vehicle is new or old, it's important that you know when a safety issue arises, and the steps you can take to get your car fixed. Here are some tips for keeping up on and dealing with recalls.
All Terrain Vehicles, or ATVs, can provide hours of thrilling fall fun. But they can also be extremely dangerous. Over 100,000 people wind up in the emergency room each year due to ATV accidents. Here's what you need to know to be safe on your ATV, and to help prevent injuries to yourself and others:
Finances can be stressful when you're approaching retirement; but not taking an honest at your financial picture can make things much worse later on. Consult a financial advisor to help you understand where your at, and make adjustments that will make your retirement years stress-free. Here are a few important areas to consider:
If you're thinking of starting a business, writing a business plan may seem overwhelming, unnecessary, or both. Maybe you're going into an industry you already know extremely well; or maybe you simply feel confident that you know where you want to go and can articulate it to others. No matter your situation, don't skip this step. A business plan done right can save you time, energy and some major headaches in the long run.
Americans love their stuff. And most of us have things in storage somewhere: the garage, attic, basement, or a storage unit off site. But what's the point of having all these things if they never get used, looked at, or if you can't even remember you have something you need when you actually need it? Here are some tips for downsizing, organizing and storing your stuff in a way that makes sense: 
As a renter, it may seem that you have little control over the property in which you live. But every state has laws to protect renters from the beginning to the end of the process. It's important to know your rights and responsibilities as a renter, so you can protect yourself in any situation.
Trampolines, swing sets and other backyard play equipment can be scream-your-head-off fun, but also incredibly dangerous. So how do you keep your kids safe, and what can you do to protect yourself in case something happens? Here are some things you should know, and steps you can take to make your backyard a haven for safe play: 
Opening a restaurant is a lifelong dream for some small business owners. And as with starting any business, it takes a lot of guts, not to mention blood, sweat, and tears, just to get it up and running.
There are many reasons you might have additional buildings or structures on your property. Often, these buildings will be covered by your homeowner's insurance. But in some cases, it makes sense to buy more or different coverage for these buildings or what's inside. Here's everything you need to know about insuring other structures on your property. 
If you're a new parent, a car seat is one of the most important pieces of baby gear you'll purchase but it must be installed properly to be safe. Unfortunately, studies show that a large majority of parents make at least one mistake when installing a new car seat. But it doesn't have to be complicated, and there is help out there. Follow these guidelines for proper installation and to keep your child safe in the car from day one:
Having a seasonal home in your favorite vacation spot is part of the American dream for many families. But a seasonal home requires maintenance and protection, which is difficult to do when you're not there most of the time. Since second homes and vacation homes often sit unoccupied for months, they can be a target for theft and vandalism. Plus, if a problem occurs, you might not be around to catch it before the damage becomes serious. For these reasons, second homes often carry more risk from the perspective of an insurance company. But that doesn't mean a second home can't still be a great investment. Here's what you should consider when purchasing and insuring your seasonal home. 
Good tires are essential for safe driving and a smooth ride. Regular tire maintenance is relatively simple and inexpensive, and can greatly extend the life of your tires. Here are the basic things you need to know to maintain your current tires or to purchase new ones. 
Although motorcycle enthusiasts in certain areas of the country are able to ride year round, spring and summer is when most bike owners are finally able to get out there on the open road. Before you take that first ride, make sure that your bike is up to the task and ready to go. Motorcycle maintenance and safety go hand-in-hand, and keeping your bike in great shape will ensure a great ride.
Whenever a private company officially becomes a corporation, it's required by law that the company assemble a board of directors to represent the interests of shareholders. While limited liability companies (LLC) and nonprofits are not legally required to have a board of directors, many choose to anyway. Here's what you need to know if you are a business owner or nonprofit director who wants to put together a top-notch board of directors. 
Whether you're on a bike, motorcycle, or an all-terrain-vehicle (ATV), you should always wear a helmet. Of course, not everyone does, and not every state requires it in all situations. Although many states have helmet laws, they can vary quite a bit. So why should you wear a helmet, even if it's not the law? There are several reasons, including the most important: It could save your life. 
It's summer, which means that millions of Americans will soon start packing their cars to go camping, visit the beach or faraway relatives; or to take part in recreational activities like surfing or biking only to find that there's not enough room for all of their stuff. Fortunately, there are many ways to carry that extra gear or cargo on the roof of your vehicle but it's important that you do it safely. Here's all you need to know about securing your stuff before you hit the road. 
Owning a pool takes some time and energy, but keeping it clean both inside and out ensures the safety of your guests and the longevity of your investment. While pool care requires effort, it doesn't have to be painful. Follow these tips for regular upkeep so you can spend more time enjoying your pool than you do maintaining it:
Trees add a lot to a community and neighborhood in New York, and they even enhance the value of the properties they inhabit. But if not properly maintained, they can cause safety issues, increase the risk of fire, damage homes, interfere with power lines or plumbing; or become diseased and even die. Whether your trees are new, young or mature, don't leave their health up to chance. Here are some ways to maintain trees on your property.
For boating enthusiasts, being out on the water is the best part of summer--but only if nothing goes wrong. While unexpected situations do happen, many accidents and injuries that occur while boating can be prevented, or the potential damages can be substantially reduced. The U.S. Coast Guard and the National Safety Council offer many ways that recreational boaters can stay safe on the water and minimize the risk of injury for themselves and their loved ones:
Although the idea for Inland Marine Insurance was inspired by Ocean Marine Insurance, which protects cargo and equipment while in transit on the ocean, it doesn't actually have anything to do with the sea. Inland Marine Insurance is a specialized coverage that can cover equipment, tools, project materials and other items while they are being transported on land, or while they are off your property. This type of insurance can benefit a wide variety of business and provide protection in some common situations that wouldn't normally be covered by insurance. So does your business need Inland Marine Insurance? 
We're all distracted these days. In every moment, there are dozens of things competing for our attention, and well, driving is no exception. Loud music, texting, or an unruly kid in the back seat can threaten to take our focus away from the road just long enough for an accident to happen. 
Spring is here: The grass is turning green, flowers are budding, and birds are singing their songs from morning to night. Before you get too excited about the vegetation and the warmer weather, take a weekend to tend to your home's basic needs after a long winter. These important home maintenance tasks can save you time and money in the long run as well as prevent serious problems or safety hazards that could damage your home or put your family at risk.
It can be a thrilling experience to get out and experience nature in an off-road vehicle. But off-road vehicles can also be extremely dangerous, accounting for hundreds of deaths and thousands of injuries each year. If you're the owner of an ATV or UTV, it's important to be sure you're properly covered to protect yourself, others and your vehicle from loss or damage. 
According to the National Safety Council, someone is killed in a car accident every 15 minutes, and many more are injured each day. Car accidents remain a leading cause of death in the U.S. year after year, and yet, reducing our risk on the road isn't something most of us think about once we've passed the exam and joined the ranks of everyday drivers. Here are some basics to review to make sure that you're doing your part to be a responsible driver, and to protect yourself and your community. 
We all love how fresh and wonderful a home can feel after a good spring cleaning; but getting started can be overwhelming. Fortunately, you don't have to clean your home perfectly to rejuvenate your living space. Here's how to get maximum results, whether you have a few hours, a few days, or no extra time at all. 
If you're a business owner, you need insurance. But how much and what type can vary greatly depending on your type of business, resources, assets and specific needs. So what should you consider before purchasing a business policy? Here are some risks and coverages you will want to take into account as you work with Executive Insurance & Financial Services to find the right plan for you. 
Many parents rightly experience a strong anxiety when turning over the car keys to their new teen driver. There are a several things a parent can do to make sure that the teenage driving experience is a safe one. First, teenagers need to understand that driving is a privilege, not a right. With privileges come certain responsibilities. It is best to make those responsibilities and the consequences for not meeting them as clear as possible. One way to do that is with an actual contract between parents and teenagers built around the concept of graduated licensing and restrictions for high risk situations. 
Companies like Facebook, Google, and Amazon have set up alternative work cultures, with food and exercise on site. They are regularly named some of the best places to work by their employees, and success gurus everywhere study their methods. So what can small businesses learn from these uber-successful tech giants? And how can they implement similar ideas without breaking the bank? Here's what you need to know: 
Everyone experiences stress and not all of it is bad. But when stress levels stay high or become chronic, they can cause a huge variety of health issues or make existing health problems worse. Overproduction of stress hormones can damage the brain, heart, and other organs and prevent cells from functioning normally. As the Mayo Clinic explains, chronic stress impacts the body, which impacts the mood, which can impact behavior. In this way, too much stress can impact our entire lives, affecting health, relationships and our quality of living on a day to day basis. 
Selling your home this summer? If so, there are some quick cosmetic fixes that can make a big difference, and starting now can help. Should you make major repairs or improvements to your home before trying to sell? Maybe. But regardless of what you choose, there are several things you can do to make your home more attractive to buyers that won't require a ton of time and money just a little of each. 
Spring is fast approaching and for some drivers that means it's time to shop for a new car. The following cars are rated as the top ten most expensive cars to insure. However, at the end of the day, several factors affect your car insurance premium, not just the price tag on your dream vehicle.
Your roof needs to be replaced. The kids have been begging for a pool and you've finally succumbed to their incessant requests. You've decided to remodel your outdated bathroom and kitchen. Any change to the structure or use of the property will, more often than not, change your policy. However, you'll never know until you contact your insurance company, which you should do before any type of home renovation.
February is American Heart Month, and even if you don't have heart disease, it's time to learn whether you're at risk, and what you can do about it. High blood pressure is a leading cause of death in Americans and one of the most important things to address for a healthy heart. Yet only about half of those who have been diagnosed with high blood pressure have it under control.
It seems like a lot of people have a side hustle these days, a way to make some extra money or pursue the things that really strike their interests. And plenty of people have turned even their most unusual hobbies, dreams and ideas into full-time careers. So how do you know if you'll be able to successfully make the leap from employee to entrepreneur? Here are a few things you might want to check off the list before giving your two weeks' notice. 
This past year, it seemed like just about every week there was a new headline about some serious privacy breach, intentional or otherwise, occurring at a major organization. With the increasing popularity of technologies, from genetic testing to health tracking apps and electronic payment services, we're putting more of our important personal information online, and we have less and less understanding of what's being done with that information or how to keep it safe. Here are a few important takeaways from the year in digital privacy, and a few things you can do to make your information safer this year. 
Let's face it, most of us probably don't think much about replacing everyday household items, the ones we hang onto for months or even years. But hiding in our kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms are many tools and products that should be refreshed on a regular basis to prevent illness and disease, or just to ensure that they're actually working properly.
Many popular winter sports such as skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, and even sledding can be high risk. Every year, thousands of people are treated for head injuries associated with these winter activities, and too many of those injuries turn out to be serious or, sometimes, fatal. January is National Winter Sports Traumatic Brain Injury Awareness Month. According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, sports injuries are rarely fatal, but the majority of fatalities due to sports injury are the result of traumatic brain injury. Keep reading to find out the real risk and how can you protect yourself and your loved ones from sports injuries this winter.
For many modern entrepreneurs, creatives, and freelancers, working from home is a dream come true. But the reality of it can be much different. How do you stay on task, handle isolation, and keep yourself from eating a full sleeve of cookies from the kitchen? Read on to find out. 
So you want to plan a ski trip? Whether you're an advanced skier or just starting out, a ski vacation can be a wonderful way to relax, have fun, and spend hard-earned time off with family and friends. Getting all the details right might seem overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. Follow this guide to plan a hassle-free trip. 
There's nothing more magical than seeing a child's eyes light up upon opening a special gift during the holidays. But not all toys are created equal: some can contribute to accidents, injuries, and even cause death in some cases. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, approximately 240,000 toy related injuries were treated in emergency rooms around the country. Here is what you need to know to choose safe and healthy toys for your kids.
Cold and flu season in New York is officially here. Perhaps, as recommended by health departments nationwide, you got a flu shot, and maybe you'll get lucky and avoid getting sick. But if you do catch what's going around, here are six ways to minimize your pain and suffering, and maybe even shorten your illness.
Owning a business means that you're responsible and often liable for the welfare of your staff and clients. Winter can bring extra hazards and increase the possibility of accidents and injury.
As winter approaches, rain, snow, ice, sudden storms, and severe temperatures are on the way in many parts of the U.S. It's time to make sure your home is ready for intense weather by conducting inspections, making repairs, and setting up some winter pre-prep. Here are some important steps to take in the coming weeks: 
It's exciting to pack up the whole family and make a journey to see close friends, visit a magical (or just warm) location, or spend time with extended family over the holidays. But traveling this time of year can also be especially exceptionally stressful. Here are some tips for making your holiday travel time more relaxed, enjoyable, or at least a little more tolerable:
In today's information economy, it's easier than ever for potential customers to get what used to be considered inside information on companies' business practices, products, and, maybe most importantly, how they treat their clients. It's also easier than ever for clients to vote with their dollars when a company doesn't live up to their expectations. So how do you gain and retain loyal, long-term clients in an increasingly competitive marketplace? Give them an exceptional experience. Here's how:
Home remodels can test relationships, strain carefully-considered budgets, and push even the most level-headed homeowners to the breaking point. But it doesn't have to be that way. Whether you're just renovating the kitchen or taking on an entire house, here are some ways to get through the process without losing your mind:
Summer in New York is officially over. And it may seem tempting to just throw everything in the garage and be done with it until the warmer season rolls around again. But taking the time to put your summer gear away properly will ensure that it doesn't get damaged during the winter season, and make it that much easier to jump right into warm weather recreation and activities when things heat up again.
The weather has cooled in New York, the leaves are falling, and summer tourists have headed home. Even though it's back-to-school time, fall is truly one of the best times to embark on a casual road trip, plan a weekend getaway, or take a family vacation. Here are some of the best places to see stunning fall foliage, take advantage of off-season deals, and find the best autumn adventures.
Winter hasn't raised its icy head yet, but the calendar never lies and we're inching closer to those shorter days and cooler nights. Now is the time to get ready, starting with how you get around, namely, your car, boat and RV.
As a small business owner, you may not be in the position to offer traditional benefits, such as health insurance or 401Ks, to your staff. But there are other things you can do to make your business a great place to work, and enticing for both current and potential employers. Try these to get started:
After a long summer, most parents and (some) kids alike are ready to go back to school. But going back to school also means sending your kids into a sea of germs, and increasing their likelihood of getting sick. In fact, most school-aged children will get 6-10 colds every single year. But there are several things you can do to help your child and the rest of your family stay healthy, and decrease their chances of catching an illness at school.
What does it mean to age in a healthful way? Although it's different for each person, healthy aging is about maintaining a high quality of life at every stage, and cultivating habits that allow you to continue to enjoy your life and do the things you love to do. And while aging is inevitable, aging well is a choice.
Fall in New York is fast approaching, and back-to-school sales are already underway, everywhere you look. If you're sending your teenager to college for his or her first year, you're going to need much more than just notebooks and pencils. Make sure your student is ready by following these guidelines.
If you're a modern business owner in New York, chances are you have spent time developing a mission and vision for your business, and you have a detailed strategic plan for making those things happen. Many business owners are also using vision boards as a tool to bring their company closer to success. Here's how you can, too:
It's summertime, and many of us long to spend more time outside. Creating an outdoor living space can make it easier to take advantage of wonderful weather, and bring some simple joy and serenity to daily living. Here are some things to consider when planning an outdoor living space, and how to begin the process.
Farmers Market season in New York is here, and with it a window of opportunity to get the freshest, tastiest produce of the entire year. Here's how to take advantage of this golden opportunity to improve your health, support your neighbors, and expand your culinary horizons (and why you should): 
We're sliding into the hottest months of the year in New York, and many of us will be delighting in the cool water of our local lakes, rivers, and pools. But playing in the water is probably one of the riskiest activities out there. In fact, drowning is a leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4, and most accidental drownings occur during the summer months. Thousands of older children and adults also die from water-related injuries each year. Here are eight water safety tips to keep you safe this summer:
Everyone looks forward to summer vacations except, perhaps, business owners and managers. Not only can it be a headache to juggle schedules and re-assign tasks while employees are away; it can also impact your business and customer service to have key employees gone. So how do you make it all work? Here are a few things to consider when creating and implementing a vacation policy so that it works for, not against, your business.
We all know we're supposed to wear sunscreen, but with hundreds of options on the shelves every summer, many of us end up choosing the wrong one. Here's what you need to know about how to choose the right sunscreen, and why.
Outdoor grilling season in New York is here, a time to relax on the deck and enjoy some ribs or a juicy burger cooked to perfection on the grill. But even the most experienced grill master should take safety precautions before firing up the grill. Make sure your outdoor entertaining goes according to plan by following these grilling safety tips. 
Summer is here and families of all shapes and sizes are looking for affordable ways to relax, learn, adventure and enjoy the season with their loved ones. Here are our top five suggestions for a fun, flexible, family-friendly getaways.
Summer is the time when the outdoors beckon. Research shows that spending time in nature can positively impact mental health, stress levels, blood pressure, cholesterol and many other conditions. But not all of us live close to the great outdoors, and some of us wouldn't call ourselves "outdoorsy," even if we do. Don't fret. You can still get the benefits of being outdoors, even if you live in a city or don't enjoy hiking. 
Camp, whether it's a day camp or sleepaway camp may offer parents a much needed break from kid-wrangling over the summer. Camp usually also becomes a wonderful experience for kids, too; but getting through that first day drop off can be challenging for both kids and parents. Here's how to make sure your journey to camp goes as smoothly as possible. 
An alternative business model could involve changes to your office setting or location; or to how and when the work gets accomplished. This might mean incorporating work-from-home options, flexible hours, redesigning your office setup or changing the way you compensate employees.
We have all heard about the sharp increase in e-cigarette use, aka "vaping," among young people. If you are a parent or educator of teens, you're probably more familiar than most. So why are e-cigarettes suddenly so common on middle and high school campuses? Here's what you need to know about vaping, and how to protect your teen. 
Many sighted Americans, even those who wear corrective lenses, take their vision and eye health for granted. Every day, we effortlessly navigate the world, experiencing bright colors, beautiful sunsets; and looking into the faces of our loved ones without a second thought. But eye health includes much more than just the ability to see. According to the National Eye Institute, more than 23 million Americans have never had an eye exam. This means that there are millions of Americans who may be experiencing not just vision problems, but also serious eye diseases, that may go untreated and lead to more serious problems. Here are some answers to some common questions about eye check ups and health:
So you're thinking of buying a pool and imagining those lazy, hot summer days when you'll get to slip into the cool water, sunbathe, play with the kids, and invite friends and neighbors to share in your good fortune. But there's more to owning a pool than just the fun stuff. Make sure that it's truly something you want and are willing to put in the work to maintain. Here are a few things to consider before you "dive in" -no pun intended. 
For a business owner who's trying to grow a profit, donating money or employee time to charity may seem counterintuitive. But it's not a coincidence that some of the most successful organizations out there (think Apple, Amazon, WalMart, etc.) are also some of the most generous. What these businesses know is that getting involved in charitable giving is actually a smart business move, and there are plenty of ways to do that won't hurt your bottom line. Thinking about how your company can start to give back? Here's how to get started, and why: 
Think back to your best childhood summer. Was it action packed, or full of lazy days? Did you spend time with family, visit your grandma down South, or just run around the neighborhood with friends? Maybe your memories include helping your dad out at the office, working a summer job, or taking on a challenging internship. Keep those memories in mind and follow these guidelines to plan a summer your kids will remember forever. 
We all want to feed ourselves and our families fresh, healthy food, and summertime is when produce is the freshest. Summer farmer's markets are starting soon, and the produce on the shelves calls out for lighter summer meals. But when it comes to fruits and vegetables, not all choices are created equal. Many types of produce are grown with pesticides that can be harmful to humans, and some are more resistant. Here's how to make sure you're eating the healthiest produce around, no matter what your budget.
A great doctor can make all the difference in your quality of life, and can even have serious consequences for your health. If you're between doctors or in the process of finding someone new (maybe you moved to a new town, or your previous doctor retired) it can be tough. Here's how to begin your search for a top-notch medical professional that you can trust. 
The Federal Highway Administration database claims that the total number of reported collisions in the U.S. are around 300,000 per year, with many more going unreported for various reasons. Colliding with an animal is a traumatizing experience for all involved, and it's important that every driver knows what to do when it does. Here are some tips to avoid hitting animals in the first place, and how you should handle it if you do. 
Make sure your car is in tip top shape before you go. Ask your mechanic to check all the fluids, rotate and adjust the pressure on your tires; and check your brakes, hoses and belts. Be sure your windshield wipers are in good shape, and get them replaced if necessary. 
Whether you're planning to grow a host of fresh flowers and vegetables, or just want to maintain a beautiful yard and landscape, get a head start on your summer gardening with these important spring preparations:
Many employers take the time and effort to follow through with employee reviews, while others let this annual tradition slide. Annual performance reviews can be excruciating, productive, or somewhere in between. So what makes the difference? What makes an annual review effective, and how can both employers and employees can prepare to get the best possible outcome?
We all know the benefits of participating in youth sports: they provide exercise, enjoyment, and a sense of belonging, while teaching valuable lessons about teamwork, disappointment and persistence, among other things. Nowadays, however, it's hard to ignore the research on concussions in youth sports, and the fact that participating can have potentially serious, long-term consequences. Here's what you need to know to make an informed decision.
Stress is the body's natural response to a wide variety of pressures and demands. These can include normal, everyday stressors like workplace drama, relationship or money issues as well as major life events, like a death in the family, the loss of a job, or the diagnosis of a major illness. Sometimes, stress can be healthy and positive it helps us rise to an important challenge; other times, too much stress can wear us down, and cause physical and mental health problems, like poor sleep, depression, anxiety, chronic illness, or weight loss/gain. 
Does your car really need checked out every year? Keeping up on your automobile's maintenance may seem complicated, but it doesn't have to be. In fact, learning a few basics and getting on a regular schedule will go a long way towards keeping your car in tip-top shape, and making sure you're not blindsided by major, expensive repairs. 
It's a big step for a small business owner to hire a manager, to hand over and trust certain tasks to someone else. In doing so, it's important, even in bigger corporations, to look for those with certain traits and talents.
Whether your workplace is outdoors or in a cozy office, winter conditions can affect your employees' work and personal safety on the job. According to the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA), employers are required to provide sufficient training and the right equipment to keep employees safe in the workplace, and to provide an environment that is "free from recognized hazards" that could cause injury or death. Here's what you can do to prepare for and protect yourself and your employees from the most common winter workplace hazards.
Winter sports are all about making the most of the frigid temperatures. But because conditions can be so unpredictable, there are also some serious safety concerns that go along with being active outdoors this time of year. Here's how to stay safe and get the most out of your favorite winter sports from skiing and snowboarding to ice skating, hockey, sledding and snowshoeing.
2017 was the year of bulletproof coffee, health tracking apps and devices, probiotics, mindfulness, golden lattes, Korean beauty products, and fancy sauerkraut. So what wild, innovative, strange, and fun things will we be doing, buying and consuming to stay fit, strong, and healthy in 2018? Here are just a few health, food, and fitness trends to watch for in the new year:
Did you know that your home could be harboring toxic levels of radiation in the form of Radon gas? To raise awareness of this silent killer, January has been designated National Radon Awareness Month. It's a time to get your home tested and to encourage those around you to do the same, in an effort to reduce the thousands of preventable deaths caused by Radon each year. 
Free labor from a young, enthusiastic person who's truly interested in your company and profession: sounds wonderful, right? And under the right circumstances, it can be. If you're considering hiring an intern, here are the most important questions you should ask, and what you need to know to make it a successful endeavor.
A brand new year is on its way and, with it, a chance to make a fresh start. Let your smartphone be your guide as you tackle everything from weight loss to meditation to straight up happiness. Here are the top 10 apps that just may help coax you towards your best year ever. 
Moving can be stressful, it's like uprooting your life and all of your belongings, and settling back in. But it doesn't always have to be overwhelming. Here's how to make sure you're covered, insurance-wise, plus tips on hiring a mover and making your big day hassle-free.
Unpredictable weather, at least in most parts of the country, is here. Suddenly, regular activities like driving and walking outdoors have become more hazardous. Whether you're going about your daily tasks, celebrating the holiday season, or taking part in fun winter activities, here's how to make sure you're safe and protected.
Hosting a family dinner this holiday? There's a very good chance that a guest at your table will be allergic to something you're thinking of serving. Here's what you need to know about food allergies and how to be hospitable, no matter who you're hosting.
Sleep is one of the most important aspects of healthy living. The New York Times recently proclaimed that "sleep is the new status symbol," and recent studies have blamed a lack of sleep for everything from poor academic performance to weight gain to relationship problems. So how much sleep do you really need? Probably more than you're getting. The CDC recommends a minimum of 7 hours, even for adults. Children and teens need even more, so if you're a parent, be sure to help your child get to bed at a reasonable hour each night. 
Most people assume that having replacement value property insurance means that even if something happens, they're in good shape. After all, replacement value should pay for a brand new version of whatever you lost, right? But when it comes to buildings, including homes, both new and old, this isn't always the case. If you're a property owner, it's important to know about ordinance or law coverage and how it applies to you. Failure to understand when and where ordinance and law coverage is necessary may mean that if your home or commercial building is damaged, you don't have the coverage you need. 
The spookiest season in New York is here. On Halloween, an evening when millions of Americans wear costumes, run around in the dark, willingly take candy from strangers and try to scare themselves silly, well, a lot can go wrong. Here are some not-so-spooky suggestions to keep you and your kids safe this Halloween. 
According to the World Health Organization, falls are the second leading cause of accidental injury deaths worldwide. Falling disproportionately impacts adults age 65 and older, and can lead to serious injury, further health problems, decreased quality of life, and a loss of independence. 
Domestic violence affects men, women, families and communities, and its impacts are far-reaching. According to the National Coalition on Domestic Violence, one in three women and one in four men will be a victim of domestic violence in their lifetime. In the U.S. alone, victims seeking help place more than 20,000 phone calls to domestic violence hotlines each day. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, offering a good time to bring this serious issue to light.
When you can get a better result: Successfully running a business means knowing your strengths and knowing when to tap somebody else's skillset. If that person isn't on your payroll and the need is not ongoing, consider working with an outside expert. 
Your home or business is damaged. Your first priority is to get it fixed right away, so you call a contractor to assess the situation and give you an estimate on the repair cost. It makes sense: the insurance company will want one anyway, right? But this simple process may turn into a nightmare, depending on how you handle it. 
According to the Small Business Association (SBA), the number of small businesses is growing. Recent data shows a newly upward trend in startups, and an influx of jobs created by businesses with less than 50 employees, which has positively contributed to a declining unemployment rate. Still, only about half of small businesses with employees survive to the five year mark and beyond (SBA). What factors most influence a new business's success, and what are the major issues facing employers today? A recent survey by the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) and research from other small business organizations highlight some of the most critical issues affecting the small business landscape. 
Ah, freedom... if learning to drive is on the horizon for your teenager, he or she is probably thrilled about the prospect of getting to travel outside the confines of your schedule and neighborhood. You, on the other hand, might be thrilled about not having to drive them everywhere but the excitement ends there. 
Whether you want to protect your property or just see what your cat is up to while you're at work, there's a security camera to fit your needs and budget. Video technology is much better these days, and not just in terms of picture quality. Homeowners can install high resolution cameras equipped with facial recognition and streaming capabilities, which means you can see what's happening from your smartphone at all hours of the day. Another nifty feature of some newer security cameras is two-way audio, which lets you yell at intruders from afar. Finally, if you're looking to monitor your home from the inside, you can find cameras designed to give you a 360-degree view, with zoom capabilities to access every nook and cranny within range. 
Extreme heat can be fatal. Already this year, 29 children have died from being left in hot cars, and hundreds of adults die each year from heat stroke or other conditions that are made worse by the high temperatures. As unusually high temperatures become more common, it's important to be aware of the symptoms of heat-related illness, and how to prevent them from happening. 
The school year is fast approaching in New York. Whether your child is elementary, middle, or high school age, the first weeks of school can be stressful. But there are things you can do to make the transition from easy summer days to academics and structured activity less painful. 
The abuse of prescription and non-prescription opioids is a national epidemic, affecting individuals and families of all races, ages, and classes. According to the Center for Disease Control, overdose deaths related to prescription painkillers have quadrupled since 1999. Every single day, approximately 90 Americans die of overdose, making opioid abuse the number one cause of death by injury in the US. Opioids include prescription painkillers, like Vicodin and Hydrocodone, synthetic opioids, like Oxycodone, and the street drug heroin. Some of these drugs may initially be prescribed by a doctor for legitimate pain. But even under the care of a medical professional, opioid use can lead to dependence and addiction, causing the user to seek more drugs by any means necessary, despite negative consequences. 
Dear Valued Client:
If you travel often, there are several ways to speed up the airport security process. One option is TSA Pre-check, a program that allows you to go through security without the hassle of taking off your shoes, removing electronics, etc. To enroll, all you have to do is pass the screening process and pay a small fee. Many airlines these days also allow you to check in online and get a boarding pass right on your smartphone, saving you from having to wait in line twice. Finally, consider the airport security process and be sure to dress and pack your carry on in a way that makes things go more smoothly: allowing easy access to IDs, wearing slip-on shoes and such.
Ride the right surfaces: Both ATVs and dirt bikes were designed to be operated off-road. In fact, most ATV accidents (33 percent) occur on paved surfaces; but the second most common terrain for ATV injuries are unpaved roads. Bottom line: ATVs and dirt bikes are not meant to handle pavement and don't have the safety features to operate well in traffic, so keep them off the roads. 
There's an app for everything these days, but not all of them are worth downloading. Here are a few user favorites worthy of space on your device, that will help you to make the most of your summer plans. 
It's only July. But for those in New York that have a child heading to college in the fall, you may be a little or a lot concerned already, depending on their maturity level and how far away he or she will be when September comes around. Here are a few ways to help an aspiring adult along with the process before they leave the nest, hopefully, for good. 
It's true you'll save a lot of money by purchasing a pre-owned vessel, but there advantages to buying new, too, such as peace of mind, and the ability to get exactly what you're looking for. If you decide to go the pre-owned route, be sure to investigate the boat's history, give it a thorough inspection and take it out on the water before purchasing. 
Before you start posting on hiring boards, figure out what your needs really are. Do you need freelancers or employees? Is it OK to hire young, inexperienced workers, or do you need a team with expertise? Finally, make sure you know how many labor hours are truly needed, so you don't over or under hire. 
Written about frequently in medical journals, Alzheimer's disease is one that's been widely studied, but is still an anomaly to many scientists. Since, June is Alzheimer's Awareness Month, it's a good time to look at what we do know, along with things one can do to prevent it.
Have you ever thought about how many industries are dying, or at least cutting jobs, due to automation? According to the World Economic Forum, we're in the midst of a "Fourth Industrial Revolution," in which technological developments in a wide variety of fields are quickly transforming the labor market and the way we do business. 
When he was 12-years-old, Steve Jobs looked up Bill Hewlett's, co-founder of The Hewlett-Packard Company (HP), phone number and asked for help building a frequency counter. Not only did the CEO of HP agree to help Jobs; he offered the aspiring developer a summer job. Other well-known success stories were not so lucky with their first attempts at employment: Oprah Winfrey worked at a grocery store; Tom Cruise was a paperboy. But at least they learned what they didn't love to do. 
Happy spring! It's that time of year in New York when flowers, plants, and trees are blooming, the grass is green, requiring maintenance, and the air is fragrant with new life. It's also that time of year when millions of Americans are battling seasonal allergies. For some, spring is hopeful; for others, it's miserable.
Let's face it, many of us get motivated to exercise because we want to regulate or lose weight. It's looked at like a chore, rather than a pleasure in many cases. However, know that there are many other benefits to regular exercise may up the motivation levels. 
Check Your Budget: Can you afford a car payment, or do you need to buy a used car outright? Be realistic about how much you can afford up front or maintain long term. And don't forget to figure in insurance and maintenance costs. 
Reserve a Spot in Heaven: Some people get to heaven by being good; others just make a reservation. For just 15 bucks, you can purchase a guaranteed spot with the big guy, an official ID card, and a map to the stars. Why risk eternity? Secure your spot in the afterlife today. 
Most of us in New York can agree it's important to have clean air, fresh water, and a healthy living environment. Being eco-friendly is about living within your means, treading lightly, and using the resources you have wisely.
Every single day, sexual violence impacts hundreds of Americans. April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and whether you are male or female, there are things you can do to protect yourself or your loved ones from sexual violence. Here's what you need to know: 
Spring is here in most places around the country, and that means that summer isn't far behind. Instead of leaving all of the work until the sunny days of summer, there's a lot that can be done in the meantime to get ready for outdoor living. Here are some tips for preparing your home and garden before the sun and balmy weather start to beckon you.
Avoid using sarcasm or being passive aggressive when you are upset or if you want something done. Learn to be clear and straightforward - and do it as calmly and kindly as possible.
Just as health care for humans is always advancing, so is health care for you pets. Here are some of the latest hot topics in pet care:
Always supervise: It might seem like no big deal to just run into the store for two minutes and grab something: but leaving kids alone in the car, even for a few minutes can be dangerous and even deadly. Kids have died in hot and cold cars, and in some states, leaving kids unsupervised is against the law. Take the time to bring them in with you, or leave them at home with a sitter.
The term "catastrophe" brings to mind an event so disastrous, so "out there," that the odds of it happening to us are very, very low. Hail, wildfires, tornadoes, winter and tropical storms and man-made disasters like explosions can all qualify as catastrophic events. Yet none of these normal occurrences (depending on where you live) are covered by a standard home or business owner's insurance policy. Keep reading to find out whether catastrophe insurance makes sense for your home or business: 
The season of love is always a reminder to think about heart health. Here are some of the latest advances in cardiac care and prevention, plus some interesting heart facts. 
Over or undervaluing your product: Either one of these miscalculations can mean serious trouble for your business's future. Study your market and your target customer base to make the best possible valuation of your product or service from day one. 
Finance and romance, both can make people crazy. Put them together and you might just double the insanity. If you're in a committed relationship, however, there's no way around it. Whether you're already married or on your way, here are some tips for managing your money as a couple: 
Hiring and training new employees is exhausting, time-consuming, and can cause your business to operate at a level below what's acceptable. So it makes sense to put energy into keeping great employees around.
In early February, the U.S. celebrates the truly American sport of football. Recently we've heard some pretty tragic stories about the effects of head injuries on professional football players but did you know that regular people who play contact sports or participate in activities like skateboarding or snowboarding are also at risk? Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about sports-related head injuries and how to reduce your risk: 
In regions with any kind of wintery weather, you probably know exactly how to prepare for and navigate the unique risks caused by snow, ice, and low temperatures. And since they can't change the thermostat or put on cold weather booties, your pets count on you to get them ready for the season, and to keep them safe through the cold winter months. 
Much of our lives are spent online these days, so it only makes sense that insurance companies are starting to offer products to help protect consumers from the significant losses that can occur related to their online activity. And it's not just identity theft that's covered by these new cyber insurance and related "cyber loss" policies. Here are a few of the most popular new coverages to protect yourself online and ultimately, off. 
Schedule an energy audit. Before you begin adding insulation, check to see that your home is well sealed, and that there are no major areas where cold air can seep through that could be easily fixed. You can do this yourself with just some time and close observation; but you also might be able to get a free home efficiency assessment through your energy company. They may be able to give you tips and even discounts that you might not otherwise have known about. 
Most of the modern world is plugged in these days to smartphones, ipads and laptops, among other things. And many of us complete the loop by coaxing earbuds into our ears, turning up the sound to shut the world out, even just for a minute. But this practice, along with the increased amount of dangerous noise present in the modern world, is causing epidemic levels of early hearing loss in children, adults and teens. Read on to find out what you can do: 
The holidays can be a tough time for those who are prone to depression, and for some, the shift of seasons means a shift in moods. This specific kind of depression that fluctuates with the seasons is known as Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD. People who have seasonal depression actually meet all of the same criteria as those with more streamlined depression, the only difference is that their depression is linked to seasonal changes and follows a predictable pattern. 
You're probably not obligated to get a thing for the people you work with every day, but still, you might be inspired to give thanks and let them know how much you appreciate their help and willingness to listen. If If you really want to buy a gift, try these a nice hand lotion, a pretty ceramic to-go coffee mug and a certificate for coffee, a gift card for lunch, or one of those small aromatherapy diffusers to make the office more pleasant. If you want to be generous without excluding anyone, bake cookies or bring in a crockpot meal. 
There are approximately 1.2 million people living with HIV in the United States, and nearly 50,000 people are newly infected each year. Globally, HIV/AIDS continues to be an epidemic, affecting 35 million people worldwide. Since 1988, health and humanitarian organizations around the world have celebrated World AIDS Day to recognize those who have lost their lives and show support for those living with HIV and AIDS. Most importantly, World AIDS Day and AIDS awareness month activities aim to educate a new generation so that more lives can be saved. 
Forget the phrase "That's not my job." College dropout-turned-Microsoft CEO Bill Gates and the wildly successful eBay entrepreneur Sophia Amoroso agree: If you're an egomaniac and/or expect to be rewarded without doing any work, you're in for a rude awakening. If you want to get to the top, be ready to work extremely hard and take on tasks you might think are "beneath" you - because they're not. Even millennials have to pay their dues.
What do mashed potatoes, gravy, apple pie, homemade eggnog, and green bean casserole all have in common? They'll all be doing their best to tempt you this holiday season. Around the parties and the large family dinners, the holidays are the most common time to pack on the pounds. 
Thanksgiving and Christmas are popular times to travel, to make that journey to be with family. They can also be the worst times to travel, especially if you during peak times or with kids in tow.
You're expecting, and there's so much to consider: pink, blue or gender neutral colors for the baby's room? Which parent will stay home, or will daycare be an option? Midwife, birthing center or hospital? Another thing you may want to think about before your new bundle of joy comes into the world is how it will affect your insurance. You'll be surprised at all the different ways having a child can impact all different types of insurance. Here are a few:
For the average American, it's nearly impossible to get by in the modern world without taking on some debt. But, used wisely, debt can be a part of a healthy financial picture and not a chain around your neck. Keep reading to learn the difference between good debt and bad debt, what to do about old debts, and how to choose which debts to take on in the future. 
Last month, 
Your teeth reflect your overall health, so paying attention to them is important everybody knows that. And yet, many of us still skip brushing our teeth on some busy days or avoid regular checkups. In light of National Dental Hygiene Month, here's how to stay on top of dental hygiene along with dental insurance guidelines: 
Most people assume that if they perform well, they'll probably get a promotion somewhere along the line maybe at their annual review. But a smart employee doesn't leave these things to chance. Here are some tips for getting that promotion when the time is right: 
Millions of Americans need ongoing treatment for chronic pain. Despite recent headlines shouting about the over-prescription of opioids, many studies show that chronic pain is often underdiagnosed and under-treated. September is Chronic Pain Awareness Month, which means that organizations and individuals are working together to raise awareness about the realities of living with chronic pain and to advocate for more effective diagnosis and treatment. 
A major addition to your home may increase your premium, but certain upgrades might actually get you a discount. Replacing a worn out roof, upgrading outdated wiring or plumbing could get you a reduced premium. If you live in an area that's prone to hurricanes or flooding, consider renovating to make your home more weather-proof. Finally, adding security features to your home may result in a reduced premium from some companies. 
When the last of the children head off to college or out on their own, some parents, although sad, breathe a sigh of relief. For many, getting the kids out of the house will immediately relieve some serious financial stress. But it's important to be smart with how you handle that extra income so that you're setting yourself and your children up for a secure future. Here's what to do when your dependents become independent: 
If you're heading for retirement or even if it's a ways off, you might already be writing that bucket list of things to do and places to see as soon as you don't have to show up to work every day. But before that happy day arrives, there's a different list of things you should cross off to ensure that your golden years are truly carefree.
Everyone is entitled to a safe and healthy work environment: your employer is required by law to provide a safe workplace, adequate training in a language you understand, and appropriate safety equipment, among other things. If you are injured on the job or have a safety concern, it's your right to file a report and to be free from retaliation by your employer for speaking up. Read on to find out all about OSHA and how to exercise your right to health and safety at work. 
A house near the ocean or in an area where hurricanes are common will probably have a higher risk profile than your primary residence. Work with your insurance agent to assess the risks unique to your location to find out whether you should purchase additional coverage, such as flood insurance. 
For New York residents, having a dog can be one of the great joys in life but that doesn't mean it's right for everyone. If your family is considering getting a dog, there are many things to consider in order to make the best choice. Here are a six things you should do before making the leap: 
Make sure everyone's on board: Are all members of the family excited about the idea of having a dog? Does anyone have allergies that will make it difficult for him or her to live with a pet? Be sure that all family members are excited about the idea of a new puppy and willing to participate in its care.The cause of many teenage crashes is often an issue of attitude and maturity. Parents and caregivers can help shape a responsible attitude about driving and take immediate steps to limit the potential dangers of teen driving.
Remember you are a role model. New drivers learn a lot by example, so practice safe driving by obeying speed limits and demonstrating safe driving habits.
Provide as much supervised driving as possible. This will get a teen acclimated to the road before he or she takes a driving test to get a license. Let your teen drive in a wide variety of driving conditions for six months prior to taking their road test to build experience and confidence.
Start out slow. Start with slow moving traffic environments and gradually introduce your teen to more difficult driving situations, such as highway driving, merge ramps, and major urban areas. Parents need to assure their teens build up their experience before jumping into highway traffic.
Require that your teenager wear safety belts at ALL times - no exceptions. If you wear your safety belt every time you drive, your son or daughter may adopt this behavior more readily.
Make sure your teen is aware of potential safety issues as well as how to respond to safety or emergency situations. Keep a highway safety kit in the trunk of your teen's vehicle and review with them how to use its contents.
Choose safe vehicles for your teenagers. Look for automobiles with high safety ratings (air bags, crumple zones, etc.) and review federal statistics and consumer report literature to help evaluate the safety rating of a vehicle.
Be clear that teens should never use their cell phones or text while they are driving. If it is necessary to use a cell phone, instruct your teenager to pull over safely to the side of the road to make an emergency call.
Limit nighttime driving. Since many teen car crashes take place between 9 p.m. and 12 a.m., it's best for beginning drivers to be restricted to driving during the day initially and gradually be introduced to night driving as they gain experience.
Limit the number of passengers allowed in the car when your teen is driving. Having more passengers in a car increases the chance of greater risk-taking, primarily because of greater peer pressure and more distractions. Check the law in your state to determine how many passengers your teen is legally permitted to have in the car.
Discuss realistic consequences of drug and alcohol use. Remind them that it is illegal for teens to drink alcohol - and illegal for anyone to use illicit drugs. Discuss how drugs and alcohol can impair their senses, affect perception, and cause delayed reaction time. It's important to note that even one drink or joint can affect the senses, as can prescription drugs, even when taken with a physician's order. Make it clear that alcohol, marijuana, or other drug use when driving is illegal and completely unacceptable.
| The above is an excerpt adapted from the article, "Teens and Drugged Driving: A Community Resources Toolkit." For more information, please visit www.nhtsa.go . |
The short answer is: No. This right is what's known as "at-will employment," which means that, under certain circumstances, an employer can fire any employee "at will," in other words, for any old reason, justified or not. But there are many caveats to this provision. As an employer, it's up to you to understand the state and federal laws and what you can and cannot do when it comes to hiring and firing. 
Be a champion: The best managers understand that great employees are their most important asset. To help yours achieve maximum growth, give them authentic, specific praise. Show that you care and support them, be fair-minded and trustworthy, and make sure they know you believe in their potential. 
Insuring your RV is mandatory, but depending on which state you live in and whether you financed your RV, you may be required to purchase specific coverages, such as collision or comprehensive. 
If more couples had alcohol-free weddings, a great many dance floor disasters and terrible speeches could have been prevented. It may seem sacrilegious to not have champagne at a wedding reception, but it's worth contemplating what alcohol will really bring to--or might take away from--your event. Choosing to serve alcohol could not only cost you a lot of money; it also multiplies the potential for injury, accidents, and embarrassment. If you do decide to serve alcohol, consider hiring a ride service, limiting the amount guests can drink, or serving beer and wine only. 
A standard homeowner's policy does not cover sewage backups but it's an easy fix a special rider can be purchased to protect your home or property in case of a sewer problem. The cost of the policy will be based on an evaluation of your risk, and can run anywhere from $40 to $160 per month. This type of coverage may help with plumbing, cleaning and repair costs, as well as costs to replace damaged items. Remember, a sewer backup policy may not cover backups in certain cases, so be sure to read the fine print. If your homeowner's policy includes Loss of Use coverage, you may also be able to get reimbursed for living expenses if you cannot stay inside the home. 
June is National Safety Month and a great time to review your personal safety profile to find out how you can minimize the risk of accident or injury. Due to multiple factors, summer is a time of year when the risk of many common hazards increases.
For small business owners in New York, taking off for a summer vacation can be more stressful than just staying at work. Here are some tips for going on vacation if you're the boss so that you can actually relax while you're away from the office.
Headlines announcing the spread of Zika virus have probably been showing up on your news feed for months. But what is Zika? And should you be worried about it?
Because of the risks associated with riding a motorcycle, it's a good idea to consider purchasing more than just basic liability insurance, which doesn't cover injuries to you or damage to your motorcycle in the event of an accident. Collision coverage will pay for damage to your bike in the event of an accident. A comprehensive policy will protect your motorcycle in the event of theft, fire or vandalism. 
You're spending more time (and almost making more money) at home than at work: A true passion and opportunity is something that can't--and shouldn't--be ignored. If your organic baby food side business, Ebay store or blogging career is threatening to take over your life, maybe it should. Although it may not be a sure thing, if you're putting a ton of energy towards a hobby, idea or skill and it's yielding results, it may be time to cut the cord to your "real" job and allow the universe to do its thing. If your freelance career is bringing in more work than you can handle, even better. 
Battery and electrical system: Be sure your battery is charged and check all electrical connections for corrosion before getting out on the water. Because a boat's electrical system is inherently different and presents unique risks, always use an experienced marine electrician and be sure to have your wiring inspected by a professional on a regular basis. 
In the U.S., melanoma diagnoses and deaths are on the rise, especially among women under the age of 30. With increased education and treatment, it's possible to reverse this trend. Read on to find out how you can decrease your risk of melanoma and help to educate others in honor of Skin Cancer Detection Month. 
Everybody seems to have a Fitbit these days; and while it might be annoying to listen to your co-workers brag about the number of steps they've counted, you might also be curious about these wearable tracking devices. So why all the excitement? Do wearable tracking devices actually work? And who needs to know how many steps they took, anyway? Keep reading to find out the answers to these questions and more. 
In one of our 
Spring is a great time to clear away the clutter and freshen your living and working spaces for the year ahead. Why not borrow the idea and give your personal finances a thorough "cleaning" too? 
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, and we can all use it as a time to reflect on an issue that's unpleasant and often overlooked. Child abuse can happen in many forms, and it doesn't always occur just within the home. Here is some information about child maltreatment and what you can do to help prevent it in your home or community. 
Being able to see the road is key to safe driving. Replace poorly functioning windshield wipers with quality blades, and carry extra wiper fluid, especially if you are traveling in the spring. Always take the time to completely clear your car of snow, ice or other obstructions before getting on the road. Make sure your lights are in good working condition. Finally, always wear corrective eyewear and keep sunglasses handy for overly bright road conditions. 
Big events can influence our insurance options and decisions, though we don't always connect the event with insurance. Here are a few of the larger life changes that have implications for your personal insurance program:
Water crises seem to be everywhere, from the ongoing droughts in the West to the recent water-related disaster in Flint, Michigan, to the problem of clean water that devastates the people of many third-world countries. Still, if you don't live in these areas, it may feel like these issues don't, or won't, affect you: but that couldn't be further from the truth. Here is what you should know about water safety and how you can contribute to the solution.
The healthy human eye is a sophisticated light-sensing machine that, in a basic sense, works a lot like a camera. And just as with a camera, looking at the lens isn't necessarily going to tell you how well the instrument is functioning. In addition to vision problems, the eyes can be affected by allergies, infection, inflammation or other, more serious conditions. Many eye diseases do not include symptoms in their initial stages, but can be detected early by an exam. In addition, some eye problems can actually indicate other health problems, such as high blood pressure or diabetes. 
First, it's important to know what flood insurance does and does not cover. Flood insurance will generally cover damage to buildings, air conditioning or heating systems, electrical, plumbing, carpeting and major appliances like stoves and refrigerators. Most personal property and valuables up to a certain amount would also be covered in the event of a flood. What's not covered? Landscaping or property outside of the insured property, vehicles, business interruption costs, and any damage that could reasonably have been prevented by the owner. You may be able to find coverage for these items through other policies. 
Regardless of whether or not you allow your children to play with toy guns, it's important they know that it's never OK to play with a real gun. Explain that real guns can have real consequences, such as injury or death. Similarly, show kids what to do when they come into contact with a gun, even if you don't have one in your own home. 
driving to turn on the defroster and blow warm air across the windshield to evaporate the accumulating moisture. If your vehicle's ventilation system has a recirculate feature, turn it off. When this feature is on, your car's heat or AC reuses the air inside the car, instead of continually pulling in air from outside. If you're trying to defog the windows in cold weather, you want your car to continually take in the dry air. (Not sure if your car has recirculation? Look for a button on the dashboard that has an arrow going in a circle or a semi-circle. Sometimes, it will feature an icon of a car with this type of arrow inside it.)
When Hurricane Katrina touched down in 2005, humans were not the only species affected by its destruction. And because emergency relief agencies were not in the business of saving pets, nearly half a million animals were left behind, devastating many owners and causing public outrage on their behalf. Passed in 2006 as a direct result of Hurricane Katrina, the Pet Evacuation and Transportation Act now requires state and local agencies to consider pets and service animals in their emergency preparedness plans. While most of us won't experience a disaster like Hurricane Katrina in our lifetimes, it's still up to us to consider our beloved companion animals when planning for emergencies, big and small. Here are a few things you can do: 
Whether or not you're not looking forward to Valentine's Day, there's another good reason to listen to your heart this season: February is American Heart Month. Heart disease is the number one cause of death for men and women in the United States. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to lower your risk. 
When a natural disaster or major emergency strikes, it's a good possibility that many of those affected will be on the job. That's why it's important for business owners to have a well thought out emergency plan, and to take precautions that will keep employees safe should a crisis occur. 
Make a family plan: In a crisis situation, how will you locate family members, communicate, and be sure everyone is safe? Younger children, especially, should be taught who to contact and where to go in case of emergency. Select one family member to be the primary contact so that everyone gets correct information. Consider having a set meeting place in case digital communication isn't possible. Finally, make sure all family members have a list of important numbers and addresses to carry at all times. 
Everyone in New York agrees that cyber safety is important, but what, exactly, does it mean to be "safe" online? And what do parents really need to know? Here are the top five things you can do to teach your kids how to become responsible digital citizens: 
It's officially a new year, and along with its arrival, millions of Americans have made heartfelt plans to lose that weight, put away the smartphone at dinner, or quit smoking once and for all. But come February, most of us will have mostly abandoned those well-intended goals, and by March, we will have all but forgotten we made them. But it doesn't have to be that way.
It's common these days for people of all ages to say they are "addicted" to their phones, computers, or the Internet as though it's an obvious exaggeration, or at least no big deal. But digital addiction might not be as harmless as we think. Although digital addiction is not yet considered a clinical disorder, here are a few very real ways our obsession with devices is negatively impacting our lives and what to do about it. 
There are plenty of potentially hazardous activities that go along with the holiday season and the start of winter, such as stringing up Christmas lights, navigating the icy roads, and hopping on those skis or other snow sports equipment, just to name a few. This is also the time of year when we break out the snow shovels and ice melt, so that we, and our neighbors and visitors, can safely navigate our walkways and sidewalks. 
We all want to be the one to find a gift that makes the holidays unforgettable for that special child in our lives. Whether you're a parent, aunt, neighbor or godparent, don't let your quest for holiday magic steer you towards a purchase that might be unsafe or inappropriate.
Most of us spend a lot of our lives at work, so it's only natural to want to bring some holiday cheer into the office environment. The holidays are a magical time of year for many; for others, the holiday season might intensify depression or loneliness. Whether you're the boss or an employee, here are a few fun and festive ways to go beyond the office holiday party and tastefully (and legally) brighten up your workplace this season: 
A Christmas tree is a non-negotiable tradition for many families during the holidays. But even those who look forward to those twinkling lights and strings of popcorn may have a small child or mischievous cat that makes having a tree difficult and sometimes even dangerous.
Bringing a little holiday cheer into your business is usually welcomed by customers and employees alike. But if you're a business owner, it's important to remember that there are legal guidelines you must follow to maintain an environment that's free from discrimination and harassment. Aside from legal considerations, it's best practice to be respectful and inclusive of all staff and clients during the holidays. Here are some tips on how to do the holidays at work:
The holidays are here, and although it's supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year, it's often the complete opposite. Many people suffer from depression and anxiety over the holidays, for a variety of reasons. Keep your serenity and sanity this holiday season by following these practical suggestions: 
The holidays tend to revolve around food: potlucks, family dinners, cookie decorating and seasonal celebrations offer dozens of opportunities to cook, bake and dine to your heart's content. Whether you're whipping up something in the kitchen or delivering homemade goodies, here are a few tips on food safety for the season:
Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar (glucose) during metabolism. Diabetes occurs when the body overproduces insulin, does not use insulin effectively, or when the pancreas does not produce insulin at all. As a result, the bodys glucose levels go up, causing damage to tissues and organs. If left untreated, this can lead to serious complications such as heart disease, blindness and kidney failure. 
UFO Insurance: Don't think it won't happen to you: UFO and alien insurance will give you peace of mind when it comes to abduction or impregnation by aliens. Zombie attack coverage sold separately. 
Multiple-Birth Insurance: Mothers who purchase this additional coverage early in their pregnancies are awarded an extra lump sum if they find out there's more than one on the way. Although taking out extra insurance just in case you have twins or more might seem strange, it's probably one of the more practical weird insurance policies out there: babies are expensive!
After your home is damaged by wind, hail, or other natural elements, the storm isn't necessarily over; in fact, it might be just the beginning. Here's what you need to know about the storm-induced insurance process from diagnosing the damage to filing a claim and making repairs so that weathering your home's recovery is as painless as possible.
Well over 200,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with breast cancer each year. After skin cancer, breast cancer is the second most common cancer diagnosed in women, and the second leading cause of cancer deaths for women. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and a great time to learn the facts. 
To bundle insurance simply means to purchase several policies for example, home and auto from the same company in exchange for a reduced rate. Sometimes this is called a multi-line policy. Bundling discounts can be all over the map, ranging from five to 25 percent. Generally, bundling major policies (like home and auto insurance) will get you a bigger discount. 
In general, trees, plants, and shrubs are covered under a typical homeowner's insurance policy. However, they are usually covered at a reduced rate (up to 5 percent of the value of the home) and only in specific circumstances. A homeowner's policy will exclude damage to plants caused by insects, among other things. 
Automobiles: If your business owns a vehicle, or if you or your employees regularly use personal vehicles for business purposes, it's a smart idea to purchase commercial auto insurance. If you choose not to obtain commercial auto insurance and an accident occurs in the course of doing business, it will likely not be covered by your personal policy. 
Jewelry: It's pretty likely that the standard cap on your homeowner's insurance will not accommodate the value of most expensive jewelry. An easy option is to increase the liability limit for these items by paying a slightly higher premium but this still may exclude many accidental causes of loss. A good standalone or supplemental policy offer protection from the "mysterious disappearance" of precious jewelry, as well as stones that fall out of their settings, among other things. 
Ghost worker: A business owner in Tampa Bay, Florida was upset and irritated when he found out he was being sued by two former employees for alleged unpaid overtime. But he was even more surprised to find out that one of the litigants had never even worked for his company! Somehow the woman got on the company's payroll, even though the company had no record of hiring her, and she was employed at a full-time job elsewhere. The woman and her boyfriend failed to get all of their stories straight; they eventually dropped their lawsuit. 
When it's hot, the cold water calls. If you're lucky enough to have access to a lake, river, or community pool, it's vital to know basic water safety in order to prevent serious consequences. Approximately 10 people die each day from unintentional drowning, and according to the Center for Disease Control, drowning is the leading cause of injury death for young children, ages 1-4.
Learn CPR: Those working with or supervising children especially should learn how to perform CPR and renew their training regularly. You never know when this lifesaving procedure might come in handy, and if it does, you'll sure be glad you know how to do it. 
Gathering school supplies, updating vaccines, and returning to a regular sleep schedule are part of a long list of things that need to be done before sending kids back to school. If your child also has a food allergy, preparing to go back to school takes extra effort and due diligence. Here are some things you can do to make sure your child's medical needs are met throughout the school year. 
Avoid allergens in class: Ideally, classrooms should be kept food-free. If that isn't possible, encourage teachers to avoid using foods that contain common allergens like nuts, milk, and soy as prizes or part of classroom instruction. 
Vaccines work with your body's natural defenses, preparing in advance for potentially dangerous infections. By introducing a manageable amount of a virus or toxin into the body, your immune system is prompted to create antibodies specific to that disease, that it will then "remember" and access more quickly should you naturally acquire the virus.
Design with safety in mind: Aesthetic and maintenance concerns are usually at the top of the list when it comes to landscaping, installing a pool or designing an outdoor space. If you plan to have children at your home, add safety to the mix. Creating a backyard with kids in mind is much easier than dealing with safety hazards that could have been avoided in the first place. 
Offer flexibility: If your business structure includes smaller departments, it might make the most sense to allow individual groups to work things out for themselves. Some departments can run on fewer employees better than others, and each group will have a different idea of how to make vacation scheduling work without negatively impacting workflow.
Sleeping under the stars, hiking, swimming, and toasting marshmallows are activities many folks look forward to every summer. But getting back to nature offers its own set of risks. By understanding the following common camping mishaps, you can make it much more likely that your summer outdoor excursions will only include the fun and exhilarating kind of adventures, instead of the emergency-room kind. 
Preventative measures: Prevent minor injuries by going slowly and using basic safety guidelines, especially when doing outdoor activities like swimming, hiking or climbing. Use the right equipment, such as sturdy, supportive hiking shoes or a life jacket while swimming. Keep all cooking equipment organized, and don't leave items such as matches or knives lying around a campsite. 
Before inviting summer guests, know your state's laws and visit with your insurance professional to understand your responsibilities as a host. In the meantime, here are a few ways to avoid common summer mishaps and ensure that you, your family, and guests are protected.
Yes. Although both basal and squamous cell carcinomas are slow-growing and rarely deadly, if left untreated they can spread to deeper areas of the skin, causing disfigurement. In some cases, these cancers can be life threatening. Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer. It occurs when damaged skin cells mutate and begin to form cancerous tumors, which often resemble moles. Like the other forms of skin cancer, melanoma is highly curable if detected early. 
What's the most productive time of day for an employee? The answer is: it varies. Some people are at their best early in the morning and prefer to tackle the work day shortly after the sun comes up. Others would rather sleep in and burn the midnight oil. Similarly, our ability to be productive can be strongly influenced by location. Believe it or not, many employees find the traditional office environment too distracting to get much meaningful work done. Offering flexibility in time and location means that employees won't be wasting their time or yours. 
In the United States, gun ownership is still a hot button issue. A 2014 study in the Annals of Internal Medicine reported that having a firearm in the home puts those in the household at higher risk of committing suicide or being the victim of a homicide. And approximately one third of American households keep at least one firearm in the home.
Summer in New York is coming and with it is the opportunity to experience all kinds of warm-weather mishaps. Here are some common summer dangers and how to avoid them. 
No provider can guarantee your insurance will cover their services, but chances are that the mental health professionals and their administrative staff are much more experienced than you are at asking the right questions. In fact, many inpatient treatment programs have representatives who are there specifically to help prospective clients navigate insurance and coverage issues. If you are considering inpatient treatment, contact the treatment center directly and ask to speak to a financial specialist. They will help you understand the right questions to ask, and may even contact your insurance company on your behalf. Similarly, outpatient mental health providers often employ client advocates or, at the very least, have someone who can answer basic questions about coverage and care. 
The majority of companies today offer some type of health incentive program, with the idea that they will reduce employees' rate of chronic illness and disease and keep company health costs lower as a result. But are these programs all they're cracked up to be? Read on to find out. 
Depending on which part of the brain is affected, the long-term effects of stroke can vary considerably in type and severity. You may lose the ability to walk, perform physical functions or move a certain part of your body. A stroke can also affect cognitive function, such as your ability to understand language or think clearly. Finally, sense perceptions and your ability to experience emotion can also be impacted by stroke. 
If your employee is injured on the job or becomes unable to work due to illness, Workers' Comp will cover their medical expenses and a portion of their wages until they can return to work or until benefits reach the amount allowed by law. Workers' Comp also sometimes provides lump sum or continuing disability payments to employees who become permanently unable to work. And should the unthinkable occur, Workers' Comp also provides death benefits and pays for funeral expenses. 
For some Americans, buying organic vegetables, recycling, and biking to work are just part of a modern healthy lifestyle, one that also happens to benefit the planet we live on. But there was a time when these environmentally sustainable habits were not a part of everyday life, and when the protection of the planet was a non-issue for both government and industry. 
April showers eventually bring May flowers, but in the meantime, wetter and warmer temperatures can cause a variety of hazards along the way. Here are some common spring safety issues, and ways you can prevent their potentially harmful consequences: 
Spring in New York is here, and for many people that means it's time to suffer through seasonal allergies. Hay fever, also known as seasonal allergic rhinitis, is the fifth most common chronic illness in the U.S. It is estimated that about 20 percent of people in North America have hay fever, and its prevalence is on the rise. Although most people develop hay fever in childhood or early adulthood, it is possible to begin having symptoms later on in life. 
As the popularity of 3-D printing explodes and becomes more accessible to more sectors and users, its implications - in everything from the food industry to architecture to science and medicine - are mind-boggling. One of these days, there will most certainly be something faster than same-day shipping: just download the desired product's data and print it out. 
Now that computing in the cloud has become ubiquitous, its potential for more interesting and expanded uses is finally getting more "air time," pun intended. Cloud-based services such as billing and accounting, data analysis, web conferencing, document sharing and storage are making it easier than ever to do business from anywhere; and improved cloud safety and security means that more and more companies will be setting up shop in the cloud. 
After making it through midterms and the bleakest months of winter, spring break is more than enough reason for high school and college students to celebrate. But many spring break "traditions" in the U.S. have a dark side, and can sometimes result in life-changing consequences or even death. 
What do bath salts, houseplants, energy drinks, mouthwash and over-the-counter medicines have in common? All of these items can be poisonous when used inappropriately and it only takes a second for a child or beloved pet to ingest a household chemical or medicine that could cause permanent damage. 
Know what to look for: Many ineffective hires can be avoided by using a thorough and conscientious interviewing process. This often starts with close scrutiny of candidates' cover letters and resumes, as well as their pre-interview etiquette. Look for gaps in employment history, inattention to detail, and clues as to whether your prospect is looking for a career opportunity or just a stepping-stone. 
Although avalanche danger doesn't affect most of us on a day-to-day basis, there's something fascinating and terrifying about the possibility of being buried beneath a tidal wave of crashing snow. It's easy to think an avalanche won't happen to you, but it isn't impossible: just last year a massive slide was triggered in a neighborhood in Missoula, Montana, resulting in one fatality and severe damage to several homes. 
Winter sports travel insurance: If you are planning a getaway to a snowy wonderland, consider purchasing winter travel insurance, especially if your agenda includes winter recreation. In addition to the basics of any travel policy, which protect you in the event of delayed flights or stolen luggage, a winter travel insurance policy will cover losses due to accident or injury related to a variety of winter sports, from ice hockey and snowshoeing to more risky sports like backcountry skiing and snowmobiling. 
Did you know that heart disease is the number one killer of both men and women in the United States? Yet few people take the time to understand their own personal risk factors and take the steps necessary to reduce them. In honor of Valentine's Day, let's talk heart! 
Calculating the cost of natural disasters and extreme weather events is a complex process that takes a myriad of factors into account, including insurance payouts, lost income, property damage, and lives lost. In most cases, the cost of damage caused by these events far exceeds insured losses. Read on to find out some of the most surprising and significant facts about weather and insurance in the United States and around the world. 
Earthquakes have been recorded in 39 states since 1900; there has not been a major earthquake, however, since the 1994 Northridge quake in California. 
Plan ahead: If you plan to cut loose at a party, plan to have a designated driver. If you don't have a sober friend you can count on, find out if your city has a program that provides rides to revelers who don't want to get behind the wheel. 
s: Even if you're a pro at driving in difficult conditions, other drivers may put you in harm's way. Minimize the risk of an accident by steering clear of erratic drivers and sticking to the slow lane. 
Junk the junk food: If you work in an office that has vending machines or food for sale, look into providing more fresh and healthy options, and making them more readily available than the less-healthy ones. Fresh fruit, nuts, and string cheese are inexpensive and healthy snacks that provide steady energy without the sugar crash. 
You lose some valuable furniture when your family is the victim of a house fire. The term for the amount you will be compensated is: 
According to the American Red Cross, one pint of blood can save up to three lives. Yet only about one quarter of those eligible actually become donors. Every January, the Red Cross and other health organizations in New York ask citizens to donate blood in order to alleviate the shortage that occurs in winter months. Blood donations are critical to treating those with cancer and blood diseases, as well as patients undergoing major surgery and those who have suffered major trauma. Read on for everything you need to know about blood donation, and to find out how you can contribute, even if you do not qualify to donate blood. 
Within a couple weeks, your body will have replaced all of the components of the blood donation. Most eligible donors can give "whole blood" every 56 days. Guidelines vary for those donating a specific blood component. Platelets, for instance, can be donated every seven days, up to 24 times per year. 
Breathe: The ancient practices of mindfulness and meditation have gained major popularity among business and management gurus, and not without reason. Aside from their many, well-documented health benefits, these practices can make you a more effective and insightful leader, employee or business owner, and can have positive implications for your personal life, too. Find a simple practice that works for you, and implement it for just five minutes a day to see real results. 
Recent headlines have many Americans in a minor panic about the Ebola virus. When you look at the numbers, though, it makes much more sense to be concerned about the common flu, known as influenza. Each year, approximately 36,000 people die from the flu, and thousands more become sick enough to be hospitalized from the virus. 
If you come down with the flu, start by staying home. It's better for you, and for everyone else too. Get plenty of rest and drink clear fluids. Although they won't address the virus, over-the-counter medications may relieve some of your symptoms. If your flu is severe, you may want to see your doctor about an anti-viral medication. If you have to be around people, cover your nose and mouth, wash your hands often, and avoid touching your mouth or face.
Set small deadlines: If the deadline for a major project is too far in the future to be a motivator, break the project into small tasks and set due dates along the way. Aim to accomplish a few specific tasks per week or day, and enlist a manager or a colleague to help you stay accountable. 
Most people understand insurance basics, but how about the other intricacies, such as who invented insurance and what are the craziest things that have been insured? Here are some insurance fun facts:
According to the Centers for Disease Control, "Tobacco use remains the single largest preventable cause of death and disease in the United States." Over 42 million Americans smoke, and nearly 80 percent of those have a daily habit.
Plan ahead: Start by creating a "quit plan," which might include your motivation and potential rewards for quitting, identify triggers and supports. 
Decreased productivity: Thinking and perception are greatly impacted by lack of sleep, resulting in poor performance and productivity at work and school. A student with a crucial test in the morning would be better prepared by getting enough sleep than spending her time cramming. 
To create a plan that will fit your business's unique needs, follow the steps below:
School in New York is in full swing, which means young people are spending more time online using social media, plus a variety of other Internet resources and entertainment options. This leaves many kids at risk for cyber-bullying, online predators, and identity theft. 
Read the fine print: Both children and parents are guilty of blindly clicking "I agree" to get to the content they are looking for, but don't make it a habit. Take the time to find out what you and your kids are actually agreeing to before signing up for an online service, and teach them to read the fine print every time. 
Ebola is believed to be carried by fruit bats, which then infect other wild animals such as chimpanzees, antelope, and porcupines. The virus is then introduced to humans through contact with these animals' organs or bodily secretions. Once a human is carrying the virus, it can be transmitted to others through blood or bodily fluids, or through materials infected with these fluids. It has been shown that men who have recovered from Ebola can still infect others with their bodily fluids for up to seven weeks after their recovery. The fatality rate for those infected was recently reported by the New England Journal of Medicine to be around 70 percent.
Approximately one out of four adults experiences mental health problems each year, but over half of those never receive treatment. The impact of untreated mental illness stretches far and wide, affecting everything from lifespan and quality of life to employee productivity and economic security. Mental Health Awareness Week, Oct. 5-11, is a time to recognize those who suffer from mental illness, and to increase public awareness and education about this critical issue. 
Have a snack: Avoid the break room donuts and enjoy some nuts or a piece of fruit mid-morning or when you start to feel that afternoon slump. A well-chosen snack will give you steady energy to carry you until lunch or quitting-time, and give you a few minutes to rest your brain and body as well. 
But eating out has its drawbacks. In addition to the cost (usually justifiable if the food is tasty) and the crowds (on the plus side, a lot of people usually indicates a great eatery), there is the pesky truth that restaurant food is not always healthful food. In fact, it can seem downright difficult to make smart food choices while at a restaurant, much more so than while simply shopping for groceries. After all, you're not the one in the restaurant kitchen preparing the food, taking care to add a dash of salt instead of a handful, or to fry in trans fat free oils rather than the kind prone to gunk up your arteries. 
Stay cool (or hot): When purchasing or transporting meat, poultry, seafood, and other refrigerated foods, plan to get home as quickly as possible. Keep cold foods cold and hot foods hot, and make sure to store or use them within four hours. Similarly, put away leftovers within a reasonable time frame after meals.
Back-to-school season can be both exciting and stressful; families in New York are typically busy shopping for backpacks and school supplies while trying to squeeze in a few more pool days before the leaves fall. 
Become a better biker: Show your kids how to use hand signals to communicate with drivers, use designated bike lanes, and make it clear that wearing a helmet is non-negotiable. If you're a parent, do your part and make sure your child's bicycle is properly fitted and maintained.
Whatever sort of travel trailer you're towing around this summer, here are some tips to help ensure safe, trouble-free exploration:
For some, instances such as these are enough to inspire a personal ban on bouncy castles and a refusal to set one up in spite of a birthday boy's or girl's most ardent requests. Others, however, might be willing to accept the risks that may be associated with a bounce house in exchange for the fun it is likely to provide. Those who do plan to incorporate a bounce house into their next celebration should heed the following tips:
Yes, the Internet has been a game changer in more ways than one when it comes to running a business of any type. Not only must a business owner create and maintain a strong, engaging social media presence, they must also monitor and manage her businesses reputation in the realm of online reviews. They say technology makes things so much easier, but many a business owner is hankering for simpler times!
For their abilities to help a business run smoothly and thrive, today's Internet-related technologies leave business owners wondering if the companies they have worked so hard to build are truly safe in cyberspace. Here, we take a look at weak spots, and how you can protect your business and your clients in New York.
Browsers - Make sure your Internet browser (for example, Firefox, Safari, Chrome, and Internet Explorer) is up to date. Most browsers will let you know when they're due for an update, but you can always check by clicking on your computer's software update option to see what needs to be brought up to speed. An up-to-date browser has all the latest additions that maximize your security and protection online. An out-of-date browser makes you more vulnerable to cutting-edge viruses, hackers, and the like.
Indoor air pollution isn't just a problem affecting the poor, however. Even the most expensive, fancy, impressively outfitted homes and offices are full of pollutants. Take this quiz to test your indoor air pollution savvy, and take steps to clean up the air in your indoor environments.
Well, nobody can be young, careless, and irresponsible forever. Towing around tiny babies, temperamental toddlers, noisy children, and hormonal teens should make every driver re-think his or her habits. After all, no matter how they might complicate matters, these are the passengers we love and treasure most. Motor vehicle accidents are the number one cause of death for children aged two to 14. If you drive with kids, here are some ways to ensure your precious cargo stays safe:
But why not also resolve to enhance the health of your business? Doing so may increase profits and enlarge your income, and more money makes all the other resolutions in your life that much more attainable. 
Forbes.com has reported that over 400 Americans die in holiday-related house fires every year. To avoid becoming a statistic, do the following: 
But what happens if you're one of those unfortunate homeowners who makes the bone-chilling discovery that you, your family, and your pets are not the only ones inhabiting your home sweet home? Perhaps a series of unexplainable occurrences, sounds, or sensations has led you to conclude that the house you worked so hard to obtain is actually (gulp) haunted. 
Do your research. The Internet is a great place to find consumer reviews of anything and everything, including contractors. Pay attention to what others have said about their experiences with contractors in your area. Usually, if someone takes the time to post a review online, it's for either a very good or a very bad reason.
Most umbrella insurance policies are sold in increments of one million dollars. A one million dollar umbrella insurance policy, coupled with an already-existing auto insurance policy with a $300,000 liability limit, will afford $1,300,000 liability coverage in most auto liability situations. 
Be Vigilant About Sun Protection - Severe burns, dehydration, and heat stroke all land kids in the emergency room during the summer months. Make a generous application of sunscreen part of the morning routine in your house, ensuring that every kid is covered in high SPF sun protection. Opt for a chemical-free, physical sunscreen (one that uses physical blockers such as titanium dioxide, rather than potentially toxic chemical screens) that offers broad-spectrum (both UVA and UVB) protection. Make sure kids have hats, as well as lightweight garments with built-in sunblocking capabilities that can offer further protection. In addition, encourage kids to stay hydrated throughout the day by providing each one with her own personalized, easily portable water container (choose a non-toxic metal model rather than a plastic one). 
Make Money the Reward - Enlist the help of an incentive-based health engagement company-there are a few different ones out there-which will set up a program for your employees. In a typical set-up, employees receive points for engaging in different healthy behaviors, such as using the stairs instead of the elevator, and each point has a monetary value. Employees can earn a maximum amount of dollars per year through the accrual of their points. 
The invitations have been sent, the hors d'oeuvres ordered, the house decorated, and the liquor cabinet replenished. You're ready to host a fabulous holiday party! Before you open the front door to a flurry of friends and family, however, make sure that you have the necessary insurance in place.
Let's try to understand the law of large numbers from a different angle, using eggs as an example. Say that for every three-dozen eggs sold by a grocer, an average of one of those eggs is cracked. Therefore, we expect that every time we buy three-dozen eggs, it is likely (though not guaranteed) we will find one cracked one. The more eggs we buy, the more likely this is. If we buy 12-dozen eggs, the likelihood that one for every three-dozen will be cracked increases. If we buy 18-dozen eggs, the likelihood that one for every three-dozen will be cracked increases even more. The more eggs we deal with, the more likely we are to find that one out of every three-dozen is cracked! 
There's a good chance of this happening, so talk with your insurance provider about it before beginning a home improvement project. It's good to know ahead of time if you can expect an increase in your premiums as a consequence of your beautified home.
Buy a Separate Policy for Your Boat
ent might include:
Fall is the best time to do some important annual maintenance to your home in preparation for the coming winter.
Tropical Storms Spawn Hurricanes, Tornadoes, Heavy Rainfall
New parents have their hands full. While the nine months leading up to the birth of a child afford plenty of time to research the best gear and make necessary preparations, the list of concerns for that fragile bundle of joy can be intimidating. And selecting the right car seat is one of the most challenging. Between reviews, recalls, budgets, and difficult-to-understand instructions, the world of car seat shopping is not for the faint of heart. But it needn't be so complicated: once you know the lingo and your needs, it's just a matter of finding the right fit for your vehicle and family.
In recent years, immunization has come under scrutiny, as many a protective parent has feared there's a link between vaccinations and human health issues such as autism. There's been so much back and forth about the topic that it seems hard to know just which course to take. What are a conscious parent and/or citizen to do? 
Cold? Heartless? Mercenary? Try all of the above. One has to admit, though, that those old fire marks are pretty cool to look at today, if you can find one (they're still visible on some buildings in older American cities).
In these cost-conscious days, everyone is trying to save money wherever and whenever they can. It seems that people may especially look to their insurance policies as a place to realize some savings.
Long Term Care Insurance (LTC) is designed to reimburse you for expenses for everyday living assistance, should something happen to you. Traditional medical insurance and Medicare will not cover extra costs should you need help with activities we take for granted like bathing, eating or simply getting out of bed. LTC insurance options can provide for nursing home costs as well as home health care and assisted living.
6 tips to manage yo ur homeowner premium:
Maintenance for your vacation or second home is pretty much the same as for your primary residence. There are a few reasons why you may need to take a few extra measures with your second home. You are most likely away from your vacation home for periods of time and, if you have nearby neighbors, they may be away from their homes during the same intervals. Many vacation homes are situated 'away from it all' so, if something were to happen to your home, it's possible no one would notice until too late.