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There's a LOT to know about insurance. So, whether you've got a specific question or just want the 411 on what we do, click around on the articles below.
Ford Recalls 1.5 Million Vehicles Over Brake Hose and Windshield Wiper Issues
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that vehicle manufacturer Ford is recalling nearly 1.3 million sedans for brake hose safety issues and over 220,000 pickup trucks because of faulty windshield wiper arms. Ford will contact the owners of the affected vehicles in the coming weeks and provide them with more information.
5 Health Tips for Spring
Spring officially begins in late March, and this can be a great time to create new healthy habits. With the extended daylight hours and warm weather, this season can make it easier to access fresh produce, outdoor exercise and sunlight. All of these elements of spring align with healthy practices, whereas in winter months, these resources are more difficult to access due to limited sunshine and warmth.
Inflation Rate Eases to 6% Year-over-Year Increase in February
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that the consumer price index (CPI) rose 6% year over year in February, slightly down from 6.4 % in January. This is the eighth consecutive month the CPI has declined and marks the lowest reading since September 2021. As such, the CPI increase was in line with predictions as it’s slowly but steadily declining.
Live Well, Work Well | April 2023
According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), allergies are the nation’s sixth-leading cause of chronic illness. Seasonal allergies are an annual nuisance for many people and typically ramp up this time of year. It’s no surprise that as plants bloom and neighbors cut their grass more frequently, people living with allergies across the nation start sniffling and sneezing.
Hidden Perks Offered by Your Health Plan
Health insurance provides coverage for the health care services you need, such as preventive care and annual checkups. Yet, your health insurance may have more to offer than you think. For example, many health insurance carriers provide benefits that incentivize healthy lifestyles.
Deadly Tornadoes Affect Mississippi and Other Southern States
On Friday, March 24, a powerful tornado killed 25 people, injured dozens and caused widespread property damage throughout the Mississippi Delta. The tornado continued to sweep northeast toward Alabama without weakening, and more storms moved eastward into Georgia.
Silicon Valley Bank Collapses After Run on Deposits
U.S. commercial bank Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) collapsed on March 10, 2023, resulting in the second-largest bank failure in national history and the largest since the 2008 financial crisis. California banking regulators took control of SVB and appointed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) as receiver.
Vehicle Thefts Surpassed 1 Million in 2022
Vehicle thefts nationwide surpassed 1 million last year. This was a 7% increase over 2021 numbers and the first time thefts reached that total since 2008, according to a new analysis from the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB).
FDIC Takes Action to Protect Depositors Following Collapse of Silicon Valley Bank
On Monday, March 13, 2023, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) issued a press release explaining that it has taken action to protect depositors of the former Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) of Santa Clara, California. This announcement comes after the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation closed SVB on Friday, March 10, 2023.
What You Should Know About Medicare Enrollment
Medicare is health care coverage for those age 65 and older. It’s important to understand Medicare enrollment and coverage options to avoid penalties down the road. Whether you’re reaching the age of 65 or you’re older and switching from your workplace insurance to Medicare, it’s important to know how to navigate enrollment.
Yeti Recalls Nearly 2 Million Coolers and Cases for Magnet Ingestion Hazard
On March 9, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced a recall for 1.9 million Yeti coolers and gear cases after reports of magnets coming detached, which can pose a risk of serious injury or death. The specific products recalled are the Sidekick dry gear case, Hopper M20 soft backpack cooler and Hopper M30 soft cooler (versions 1.0 and 2.0)—all available in various colors.
Product Recall Units Hit Record Levels in 2022
The number of recalled product units rose to record levels in 2022 (23.4% higher than the previous record set in 2018), and all signs point to “more aggressive and public” regulatory enforcement on product safety in 2023, according to Sedgwick’s latest “State of the Nation” recall index report.
Poll: Americans Are Largely Confused About the Legality of Abortion and Emergency Contraceptive Pills
The latest Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) Health Tracking Poll revealed there is widespread public confusion about the legality of medication abortion drugs and emergency contraceptive pills. The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade—eliminating the constitutional right to abortion— happened more than six months ago, but Americans are still confused about what is legal in their state and how emergency contraceptive pills work.
What You Should Know About Norovirus
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), norovirus is a very contagious virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea. It’s commonly called “the stomach bug.” Norovirus causes 19-21 million infections throughout the United States annually.
Adding Walking to Your Daily Routine
Working a remote or in-person office job that requires you to sit for most of the day can take a toll on your physical and mental health. Luckily, walking is a feasible way to add in exercise for most and can provide several benefits.
U.S. Faces Shortage of Mental Health Professionals
The COVID-19 pandemic worsened underlying mental health issues for many Americans. However, mental health care and treatment barriers have existed for some time. One of the most significant barriers is the lack of mental health professionals. Experts predict that within the next year, the United States will be short between 14,280 and 31,109 mental health professionals.
Managing Seasonal Allergies
You may have noticed that you sneeze and cough more often during certain times of the year. In this case, you may have seasonal allergies. Seasonal allergies are allergy symptoms that occur during specific times of the year, typically when allergens are released into the air.
Live Well Newsletter | March 2023
March is Nutrition Month. Every year, this national campaign focuses on educating Americans on making informed food choices and developing healthy eating habits.
Understanding the Importance of Disability Benefits
Over the last few years, employers have been expanding their voluntary benefits offerings as a way to address their employees’ needs and improve overall attraction and retention efforts. While voluntary benefits have become increasingly important to employees as they deal with challenges and increased financial pressures due to record-high inflation and the lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, knowing what benefits to offer can be difficult.
Personal Lines Insights | March 2023
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 1 in 3 American adults has high cholesterol. Too much cholesterol can put you at risk for heart disease and stroke—two of the leading causes of death in the United States.