Summer is the perfect time to be outside enjoying the sun. Swimming in the pool, boating on the lake, even playing in the backyard are favorite ways to pass the time. Regardless of which activity you choose, a summer BBQ is a great addition to your day. Grilling safety is something to keep in mind to ensure your friends and family are safe while having a good time. 

A Few Grilling Safety Tips To Remember

• Do not let children and pets play near the grilling area when cooking until the grill is completely cool.
• Place your grill at least 3 feet away from other objects. This includes your house, trees and outdoor seating. 
• Use starter fluid for barbecue grills that use charcoal only. Do not use starter fluid for gas grills. 
• Check the connection between the propane tank and the fuel line to make sure it is not leaking and is working properly before using a gas grill. 
• If you suspect that your gas grill is leaking, turn off the gas and get the unit fixed before lighting. Never use a match to check for leaks. 
• Do not bring your grill into an unventilated or enclosed space such as the garage or inside of your home. This is not only a major fire hazard; it is also a carbon monoxide hazard. 

Hot grills not only cause fires but can cause burns. Be cautious around the grill and make sure to keep an eye on children and pets. A few minutes of caution can ensure a summer full of fun with friends and family. 

Severe thunderstorms produce lightning, which is extremely dangerous. Though lightning fatalities have decreased over the past 30 years, lightning continues to be one of the top three storm-related killers in the United States. In 2014, there were 26 fatalities from lightning. Although most lightning victims survive, people struck by lightning often report a variety of long-term, debilitating symptoms.

Other associated dangers of severe thunderstorms include tornadoes, strong winds, hail and flash flooding. Flash flooding is responsible for more fatalities—more than 140 every year—than any other thunderstorm-associated hazard. Dry thunderstorms that do not produce rain that reaches the ground are most prevalent in the western United States. Falling raindrops evaporate, but lightning can still reach the ground and can start wildfires.

Before a Thunderstorm and Lighting

To prepare for a thunderstorm, you should do the following:

• Build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan.
• Remove dead or rotting trees and branches that could fall and cause injury or damage during a severe thunderstorm.
• Postpone outdoor activities.
• Remember the 30/30 Lightning Safety Rule: Go indoors if, after seeing lightning, you cannot count to 30 before hearing thunder. Stay indoors for 30 minutes after hearing the last clap of thunder.
• Secure outdoor objects that could blow away or cause damage.
• Get inside a home, building or hard top automobile (not a convertible). Although you may be injured if lightning strikes your car, you are much safer inside a vehicle than outside.
• Remember, rubber-soled shoes and rubber tires provide NO protection from lightning. However, the steel frame of a hard-topped vehicle provides increased protection if you are not touching metal.
• Shutter windows and secure outside doors. If shutters are not available, close window blinds, shades or curtains.
• Unplug any electronic equipment before the storm arrives.

Facts about Thunderstorms

• They may occur singly, in clusters or in lines.
• A single thunderstorm affecting one location for an extended time can be more severe than other storms.
• Thunderstorms typically produce heavy rain for a brief period, anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour.
• Warm, humid conditions are highly favorable for thunderstorm development.
• About 10 percent of thunderstorms are classified as severe; these storms generally produce hail at least an inch or larger in diameter and have winds of 58 miles per hour or higher. They can also produce tornadoes.

Facts about Lightning

• Lightning’s unpredictability increases the risk to individuals and property.
• Lightning often strikes outside of heavy rain and may occur as far as 10 miles away from any rainfall.
• “Heat lightning” is actually lightning from a thunderstorm too far away for thunder to be heard. However, the storm may be moving in your direction.
• Most lightning deaths and injuries occur when people are caught outdoors in the summer months during the afternoon and evening.
• Your chances of being struck by lightning are estimated to be 1 in 600,000, but could be reduced even further by following safety precautions.
• Lightning strike victims carry no electrical charge and should be attended to immediately.

During Thunderstorms and Lightning

If thunderstorms and lightning are occurring in your area, you should do the following:

• Use a battery-operated National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio for updates from local officials.
• Avoid contact with corded phones and devices, including those plugged into electrical outlets for recharging. Cordless and wireless phones not connected to wall outlets are safe to use.
• Avoid contact with electrical equipment or cords. Unplug appliances and other electrical items, such as computers, and turn off air conditioners. Power surges from lightning can cause serious damage.
• Avoid contact with plumbing. Do not wash your hands, do not take a shower, do not wash dishes and do not do laundry. Plumbing and bathroom fixtures can conduct electricity.
• Stay away from windows and doors, and stay off porches.
• Do not lie on concrete floors and do not lean against concrete walls.
• Avoid natural lightning rods such as tall, isolated trees in open areas.
• Avoid hilltops, open fields, the beach and boats on the water.
• Take shelter in a sturdy building. Avoid isolated sheds or other small structures in open areas.
• Avoid contact with anything metal, such as tractors, farm equipment, motorcycles, golf carts, golf clubs and bicycles.
• If you are driving, try to safely exit the roadway and park. Stay in the vehicle and turn on the emergency flashers until the heavy rain ends. Avoid touching metal or other surfaces that conduct electricity in and outside the vehicle.

Lightning Safety When Outdoors

After a Thunderstorm or Lighting Strike

If lightning strikes you or someone you know, call 911 for medical assistance as soon as possible. The following are things you should check when you attempt to give aid to a victim of lightning:

• Breathing – if breathing has stopped, begin mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.
• Heartbeat – if the heart has stopped, administer CPR.
• Pulse – if the victim has a pulse and is breathing, look for other possible injuries. Check for burns where the lightning entered and left the body. Be alert for nervous system damage, broken bones and loss of hearing and eyesight.

After the storm passes, remember the following:

• Never drive through a flooded roadway. Water can damage your vehicle and poses a drowning hazard.
• Continue to listen to a NOAA Weather Radio or to local radio and television stations for updated information or instructions, as access to roads or some parts of the community may be blocked.
• Help people who may require special assistance, such as infants, children and the elderly or those with access or functional needs.
• Stay away from downed power lines and report them immediately.
• Watch your animals closely. Keep them under your direct control.

In addition to insuring your home, Rinehart, Walters & Danner Insurance Agency is committed to helping you and your loved ones stay safe when disaster strikes. Severe thunderstorms are a regular occurrence in Ohio and everyone should be prepared. If you would like more information on developing a family emergency plan or building a disaster supply kit, please contact us today.

Ever stop scrolling on social media and realize you’ve been on the app for way too long? That’s the reality for many people as every video view, swipe and double-tap add up. According to data.ai, the average American spent 4.8 hours each day on mobile devices in 2021—that’s one-third of daily waking hours.
This article explores responsible and excessive phone usage, the impact of too much screen time and tips for improving your relationship with your smartphone.

How Much Is Too Much?

The pandemic has accelerated existing mobile habits, but it’s essential to understand the difference between necessary and excessive usage.
Smartphones have become a necessity for communication, entertainment and convenience for many people. The latest smartphones are essentially pocket-sized computers, making them an efficient way to get work done on the go. However, it can be a slippery slope if you use your smartphone for most daily tasks or fun.
Consider the following warning signs that smartphone use is becoming unhealthy:

• Anger or irritation if phone use is interrupted
• Dangerous behavior (i.e., using a smartphone while driving)
• Impaired sleep
• Isolation from loved ones
• Poor work performance

As a general rule, experts say adults should limit daily screen time to less than two hours per day outside of work.

The Impact of Excessive Screen Time

Smartphones have made our lives so much easier, but they can also impact our physical and mental well-being. Excessive smartphone use has been reported to change brain activity, reaction times and sleep patterns. As a result, you may be less concentrated and productive during the workday and often forget tasks and goals. Research has also shown that excessive phone use can increase stress, anxiety and feelings of loneliness.

The pandemic has only made matters worse as work, social connectivity and entertainment are tied to hand-held devices. Lines are blurred between necessary and excessive use when work and social connectivity depend on hand-held devices. Fortunately, there are ways to take control and ensure phone use is balanced.

Tips for Cutting Back

The first step to cutting back on your smartphone use is determining how much time you’re spending on your phone. Many smartphones have digital well-being features that break down how much time you’re using your phone for calls, texts, emails, social media and more. You may be surprised to find out how often you’re scrolling or reading on your smartphone.

To build a healthier relationship with your phone, consider the following tips:

• Set clear boundaries. If you are always waiting for work or personal messages, you may feel chained to the device. It’s helpful to set boundaries that outline when you’ll be available.
• Turn off notifications. Disable notifications for social media apps or mute group chats to avoid being tempted by constant notifications. In general, text messages and calendar reminders are helpful, but other frequent notifications may interrupt your productivity.
• Change your screen to grayscale. Removing colors can make your phone less visually appealing. This feature should be available in your phone’s display settings.
• Rearrange your apps. Another way to make your phone less alluring is to limit what’s on your home screen and hide tempting apps in a folder.
• Check at specific times. Create achievable boundaries by checking your phone for notifications at a designated time, such as your lunch break or every two hours. Leaving your phone in a separate room to charge is another idea.
• Avoid use before bedtime. Try to cut down on phone use in bed or right before sleeping. The bright screen can signal to your body that it’s time to be awake, so you may have trouble falling asleep or experience lower sleep quality. Save the news feed scrolling and video watching for during the day.
• Use an old-fashioned alarm clock. When you use your phone as your alarm clock, you likely will spend time scrolling on your phone when setting, snoozing or turning off the alarm.

With minor adjustments, you could be a more mindful smartphone user. We hope these tips help curb excessive phone use. If you think your phone use may be unhealthy, create an action plan that works for your life and schedule. To achieve a healthy balance, focus on apps and content that enrich your life or are necessary for work.

The personal electronic devices that help make your daily life easier may be doing the opposite in regard to your nightly sleep habits. If you’re having a hard time falling and staying asleep, your cellphone, TV and tablet may be to blame. Keep reading so see how these devices are actually harming your sleep. 

The Negative Effects

Researchers at Harvard identified three main ways that using your phone, or any electronic device, before going to bed can derail your sleep schedule:

1. Melatonin suppression. The Harvard study revealed that those who used electronic devices before going to sleep had lower levels of the sleep-regulating hormone, melatonin. That’s because the blue light emitted by electronic devices suppresses the production of melatonin. Melatonin controls your circadian rhythm—your body’s natural sleep and wake clock.
2. Later sleep onset. The study also found that the amount of time it took to fall asleep was longer for those who used electronic devices than for those who didn’t. If you’re mindlessly scrolling through social media sites instead of reading a book or meditating, it’s more likely that you’ll have a harder time falling asleep.
3. Reduced REM sleep. Research shows that electronic device usage before bed results in a reduced amount of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep cycles. REM sleep is a vital component of our sleep patterns.

What Can You Do?

To prevent the harmful effects of electronic devices, there are a few steps that you can take, including:

• Check your device’s settings for a “nighttime” mode, which adjusts the screen lighting to promote sleep.
• Refrain from using your phone for at least an hour before bed.

• Set your device’s sound settings to “silent”. This way you won’t be woken by texts or emails while you’re trying to sleep.
• Try reading a book or meditating to relax before bed instead of using your phone or watching TV.

Cell phones are an important part of our daily life, however take the above tips into consideration and quit harming your sleep. For more information on sleep-promoting activities, contact your doctor today.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. While there are some risk factors that contribute to heart disease that you can’t control, there are also many things you can do to preserve your heart health.

Risk Factors

Here’s a list of largely preventable factors that increase your risk of heart disease:

• Having high blood pressure
• Having high cholesterol
• Smoking or drinking alcohol
• Being overweight or obese
• Having a waist measurement greater than 40 inches (for men) or 35 inches (for women)
• Having an inactive lifestyle
• Having Type 2 diabetes
• Keeping a poor diet high in saturated fat and cholesterol
• Experiencing excess stress

Mitigating Your Risks

 Use these tips to take control of your risks:

• Do not smoke or use drugs.
• Drink alcohol in moderation.
• Maintain a healthy weight and get regular exercise.
• Follow a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet.
• Limit your sodium intake to between 1,500 and 2,400 milligrams per day.
• Keep your stress levels under control.
• Schedule regular medical checkups with your primary care physician.
• Get your blood pressure and cholesterol checked regularly.

The Difference a Healthy Lifestyle Can Make

Combining regular physical activity with a healthy diet, adequate sleep, effective stress management and avoidance of tobacco slashes your risk of heart disease and premature death dramatically. By following this guidance, you can do your part to maintain your heart health for years to come.

Preparing for winter storms is crucial to your safety. As such, it’s important to become familiar with winter storm warning signals and appropriate prevention measures so that you can avoid cold weather injuries.

Winter Weather Warnings

Familiarize yourself with the following weather alerts in order to know what actions you may need to take:

• Winter storm watch—Be alert, because a storm is likely.
• Winter weather advisory—Experts expect conditions to cause significant hazards, especially to motorists.
• Frost/freeze warning—Experts expect below-freezing temperatures and potential damage to plants or crops.
• Winter storm warning—Take action, because a storm is entering—or is already in—the local area.
• Blizzard warning—A combination of snow and strong winds will produce blinding snow, minimal visibility, deep drifts and life-threatening temperatures. Seek refuge immediately.

Preventing Cold Weather Injuries

To prevent serious injuries from extreme cold, do the following:

• Select proper clothing for cold, wet and windy conditions, and layer clothing when possible, making sure to include layers that repel moisture away from the skin.
• Take frequent breaks in warm, dry shelters whenever possible.
• Avoid overexerting yourself, as your body needs this energy to keep your muscles warm.
• When you know you will be exposed to extreme cold, prepare yourself warm beverages to drink and high-calorie foods to consume. However, avoid drinks containing caffeine or alcohol.

Other Winter Storm Hazards

Be on the lookout for the following winter storm hazards:

• Adverse driving conditions, such as low visibility and slippery roadways
• Icy walkways and sidewalks, which could cause slips and falls
• Falling objects, like icicles, tree limbs and utility poles
• Electrocution due to downed power lines or downed objects in contact with power lines
• Exhaustion, dehydration and back injuries from conducting manual labor in the snow

We hope this information helps to keep you and your family safe during any winter storms we may receive this year! 

Like many other people, you may be thinking about what you would like to accomplish in 2022 or what life changes you could make. Common New Year’s resolutions include losing weight, exercising, getting organized, learning new skills and saving money.

Additionally, the pandemic has likely given you time to reflect and think about what you’d like to change about your lifestyle. This is an excellent time to make positive life changes and strive for an overall healthier self. Consider the following five tips to start your year off right:

1. Check in on your mental health. Mental health is just as important as physical health in building a healthy lifestyle. Reach out to a professional if you need help.
2. Be social. The COVID-19 pandemic triggered feelings of loneliness for many. Reconnect with others virtually or while practicing social distancing. Be social in a way that you’re comfortable with.
3. Get regular checkups. Stay up to date on your annual physicals and necessary health tests. Screenings can help identify health issues to be addressed.
4. Drink more water. Consuming sugary drinks, like juice or soda, can cause liver damage, premature aging and anxiety. Avoid excessive alcohol consumption as well.
5. Count nutrients, not calories. Focus on improving the overall quality of your diet and not getting hung up on calories. Achieve this by adding more fiber, protein and probiotics to your diet.

If you do just one thing in 2022, try making time for yourself. Identify the activities that make you happy or fulfilled and prioritize them. Talk to your doctor or mental health professional for guidance and support with lifestyle changes.

We hope this helps you to start your year off right. Happy 2022! 

Many people choose the new year to make changes in their financial and personal lifestyle. Whether you want to save more money, get out of debt, loose weight or start a healthier lifestyle; the start of a new year with a new year’s resolution is the way to go for many. We have some tips that will help you begin this new year off strong. 

A new year’s resolution for financial stability

Financial stability starts with reviewing your current financial resources. This is important because your current finances affect your ability to reach your goals and protect those goals from potential financial crisis. These are the resources you will draw on to meet various life events. To start, calculate your net worth – this isn’t as difficult as it might sound. Your net worth is simply the total value of what you own; your assets, minus what you owe; your liabilities. This gives you a snapshot of your financial health. 

First, add up the value of all your assets. This includes personal possessions, vehicles, homes, checking and savings accounts, and the cash value (not the death benefit) of any life policies you have. Include the current value of investments, such as stocks, real estate, certificates of deposit, retirement accounts, IRAs and the current value of any pensions you have. 

Now add up your liabilities: the remaining mortgage on your home, credit card debt, student and personal loans, taxes due on the profits of your investments if you cashed them in, and any other outstanding bills. Subtract your liabilities from you assets. Do you have more assets that liabilities? Or more liabilities than assets? According to Forbes Magazine “If you have $10 and no debt, you are richer than 15% of American Households put together.”

Your goal is to create a positive net worth, and to have it grow each year. Review this number yearly to monitor your progress. Make a monthly budget to help keep yourself accountable for your spending.  Websites like Mint.com help you keep track of your income, expenses and net worth on a daily basis. 

A new year’s resolution for a healthier you

There are numerous ways to create a healthier you. Healthy portion sizes and making time for fitness are two common ways to accomplish that goal. 

Healthy Portion Sizes

• A serving of meat is about two or three ounces – about the size of a deck of cards, or the palm of your hand. 
• One serving of grains is equal to one slice of bread, one ounce of cereal, or 1/2 cup of pasta or rice. 
• A serving of fruit or vegetables is equal to one piece of fresh fruit or vegetable, 1/2 cup chopped, or 3/4 cup of fruit or vegetable juice. In general, it’s not as necessary to be vigilant about vegetable and fruit intake, as any amount is healthy – just make sure you’re getting enough while being aware of the sugar content in fruit. 
• The key to any meal is to have 75% of your plate covered with vegetables and 25% covered with meat or pasta. 

Make Time For Fitness

• Park your car far away, and walk farther to your destination.
• Participate in a charity run, walk or bike event. 
• Take the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator. 
• Squeeze a stress ball while at work to relieve tension. burn calories, increase flexibility, and improve blood flow. 
• Exercise during your lunch hour, even if it’s just a walk around the block or up and down a flight of stairs. 

Getting even 20 to 30 minutes of exercise per day will improve your health. It will also make you feel better overall and can be fun. 

Set yourself up for a successful new year

In conclusion, the point of a new year’s resolution is to make changes in your life. Make sure to set reasonable goals and don’t set unrealistic expectations. You don’t want to start off the new year with a goal that is impossible to reach. There are numerous resources available online and as an app that can help you along the way. Budget websites and apps, workout videos and apps, even calorie counters are easily accessible and will help you along the way. 

Most of all, stick with your goals and you are on the right track to a new you!