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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.
Medicare 101
If you’re nearing retirement age, or are over 65 and still working, you may have questions about Medicare. Read on for the information you need to know.
Understanding Dietary Supplements
A 2022 survey by the Council for Responsible Nutrition found that 75% of Americans take dietary supplements. The popularity of vitamins and other supplements shows that the American public is generally interested in dietary supplements, which can be paired with diet and exercise to improve overall health.
Live Well Newsletter | November 2023
November is American Diabetes Month. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that over 37 million American adults have diabetes, and 1 in 5 don’t know they have it. Diabetes is a medical condition that alters how your body processes nutrients for energy. The food you consume is converted into sugar, known as glucose, which is then released into your bloodstream.
Understanding Auto Liability Coverage
Auto insurance is one of the most frequently purchased types of coverage in the United States. However, while these policies may be common, they can still be complex and nuanced. Policyholders must be diligent and meticulous to ensure they fully understand their auto coverage and have ample financial protection.
Understanding Pet Care and Its Impact on Your Health
The American Pet Products Association reports that two-thirds (66%) of U.S. households own a pet. Dogs are the most popular, followed by cats and freshwater fish. Not only are pets a great companion, but they can boost an owner’s health and overall well-being. Humans and animals can have a true symbiotic relationship.
Understanding the Hard Home Insurance Market
Homeowners living in states that typically have more natural disasters, such as wildfires and hurricanes, are experiencing rate increases. Those in disaster-prone areas may see steep home insurance premium increases in the near future.
Live Well, Work Well | November 2023
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that over 37 million American adults have diabetes, and 1 in 5 don’t know they have it. Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects how your body turns food into energy. Your food is broken down into sugar (glucose) and released into your bloodstream.
Protecting Your Health Abroad: Why Travel Medical Insurance is Essential
International travel is an enriching and transformative experience, allowing us to explore new cultures, traditions, and landscapes. However, amidst the excitement and adventure of traveling, it's vital not to overlook one crucial aspect: your health. Unexpected illnesses, injuries, or accidents can occur anywhere, and when you're abroad, navigating foreign healthcare systems can be challenging.
Understanding the Hard Auto Insurance Market
The auto insurance market is struggling with multiple challenges, resulting in sharp auto insurance premium increases for consumers. According to some estimates, the average auto insurance policy is expected to cost 8.4% more in 2023, representing the largest increase in car insurance costs in six years.
Understanding the Different Parts of a Homeowners Insurance Policy
Homeowners insurance is one of the most frequently purchased forms of coverage among U.S. residents. As their name suggests, these policies provide critical financial protection for your home, family and belongings. However, homeowners insurance coverage can also be a complicated subject.
The Gut-brain Connection
Scientific research indicates that gut health may play a bigger role in overall well-being than many people realize. In fact, research published in the National Library of Medicine shows that there is a nervous system in the gut that produces approximately 95% of the body’s serotonin, which regulates mood, sleep, digestion and other critical functions.
Strategies for Maintaining a Healthy Body Weight As Alternatives to Popular Weight Loss Drugs
You’ve likely heard about popular weight loss drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro. While these drugs have been effective for some people, they’re not the only successful strategy for losing weight. Furthermore, weight loss drugs aren’t right for everyone. They’re quite expensive and may not be covered by insurance.
How Diet Impacts Mental Health
It’s generally understood that what you eat affects your physical health, but it’s lesser known that diet also impacts your mental health. A 2019 review in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that increasing fruit and vegetable consumption positively impacted psychological health.
What You Should Know About Nicotine Pouches
Nicotine pouches have gained recent popularity as an alternative to chewing tobacco. Unlike chewing tobacco, nicotine pouches don’t require users to spit. Instead, these products are placed on the inside of the cheek or under the tongue. They don’t contain tobacco, but they do contain highly addictive nicotine, sweeteners and plant-based fibers.
Health Care Costs Projected to Grow 7% in 2024
Health care costs are expected to grow 7% in 2024 due to rising pharmaceutical expenses driven by specialty drugs and insurers increasing rates in response to inflation, according to an annual report from professional services firm PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). This trend is higher than 2022’s and 2023’s projected medical cost rates, which were 5.5% and 6%, respectively.
Assessing the Viability of AI as a Self-diagnosis Tool
Artificial intelligence (AI) has created revolutionary advances across many industries. Now, it’s paving its way as a tool to self-diagnosis medical conditions or get answers to health-related questions. Self-diagnosis is a growing practice, as people’s primary access point for health care information has shifted from professionals to the internet.
Live Well Newsletter | October 2023
One in 10 people in the United States will get the flu in a given season, according to estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And while viruses can live year-round, flu activity tends to rise in October and peak between December and February. Doing what you can to protect yourself and others from contracting the flu is essential.
Working Remotely From Public Spaces
Many remote professionals seek public spaces with Wi-Fi for a change in scenery during the work day. This can reduce feelings of claustrophobia, create healthy boundaries between work and home life and increase daily enjoyment. However, a poorly planned remote work excursion can also reduce focus, decrease productivity and increase cyber risk.
Live Well, Work Well | October 2023
Influenza (flu) season lasts from October through May in the United States, with peak flu activity between December and March. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the timing and duration of flu activity have been unpredictable.
Reflecting on Year One of the 988 Mental Health Crisis Hotline
The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (988 Lifeline) was launched nationwide last summer, and mental health experts report that it’s made help more accessible for Americans. Like dialing 911 for medical emergencies, people in emotional distress or suicidal crisis can call or text 988 to connect with counselors who will listen, provide support and connect them to resources.