Category Archives: Personal Best Newsletters

Is Your Insurance an Asset?

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TOP DOLLAR: YOUR BALANCE SHEET: IS LIFE INSURANCE AN ASSET?

There are 2 primary types of life insurance: term and whole life. In some instances, whole life insurance can be considered an asset, but term insurance is never considered an asset.

Term life insurance is usually offered for a specific length of time that is stated in the policy. The insurance lasts for the length of the term, unless converted or extended, and does not build up cash value. The policy only pays out if the insured person dies during the term of the insurance. If that does not happen, there is no benefit or payout on the policy. Because term life insurance does not have a cash value, it is not recognized as an asset.

Whole life insurance, also known as permanent life insurance, combines the insurance coverage with a cash value. Often this policy will allow you to get part of this cash value back by cashing in the policy or by borrowing against the cash value that has built up. The policy continues as long as the insured person lives and continues to keep the premiums and other requirements current.

The cash value in a whole life insurance policy is attributable to the owner of the policy, not the beneficiary. If you own the policy, it could be counted as an asset to the extent of the available cash value.

Jamie Lynn Byram, MBA, AFC, MS
Ms. Byram is an Accredited Financial Counselor as well as a Professor in Practice and the Director of Financial Planning Programs at the University of Southern Mississippi.

http://www.personalbest.com/PersonalBestHealthlines/ViewArticle.aspx?article=5107

Rest from Devices

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Smiling Faces

Have you tried digital fasting?  That’s when you purposely turn off electronic devices from anywhere from a few hours to several days.  The point is to disconnect from the artificial world of social media, electronic communication, the internet and TV – and reconnect with the world around you and your own inner voice and thoughts.  Unplugging for a day or more may benefit you in these ways:

 

Improved posture.  You will sit and stand up straighter, rather than hunched over a device, becoming cranky, stiff and achy.

More personal connections.  You will make more eye contact with people and appear more friendly and approachable.  You may lose that sense of loneliness and disconnect from spending hours and days attached to your devices.

Better conversation and collaboration.  Instead of turning to your device for every answer and suggestion, you may enjoy more meaningful conversations, ask more questions and come to more shared solutions.

Fantastic focus.  Without the distraction of mobile devices, you may find yourself more alert and observant and able to remember details.

Improved sleep.  The blue light emitted by some electronic devices, such as phones and tablets has been proven to disrupt sleep patterns.  You might not sleep longer after you unplug, but you could improve sleep quality and feel more rested.

“Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.”  Thomas Edison

Personal Best Special Topic

 

Shiftwork Strategies

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Shiftwork StrategiesManage Stress:  Whether it’s deep breathing, exercise, practicing a hobby or spending a few quiet minutes alone, choose the stress-busting technique that works for you and do it every day.  Don’t wait until you feel the effects of stress.

Learn about Depression:  Know the signs to watch for and remember that clinical depression is an illness that needs treatment.  Talk with your health care provider if depressive symptoms have been interfering with your daily life for more than 2 weeks.

Talk about Prescriptions:  Some medications can cause drowsiness or sleep problems or must be taken at the same time every day.  Talk with your health care provider or pharmacist about your medications and how they might affect you as a shift worker.

Avoid Sedatives and Stimulants:  In general, medications should not be considered a way to adapt to shiftwork because they can be addictive, have adverse health effects and generally don’t improve sleep or performance.  Limit caffeine use and avoid it close to bedtime:  switch to water or herbal tea.

Tap the Power of Optimism:  A healthy outlook steps up your “shiftwork tolerance,” or how well you cope with the changes and challenges of shiftwork.  Surround yourself with positive people, make time to do things you enjoy, and concentrate on what you have to be grateful for.

Your good health is the finest asset you have, both on and off the job.  Shiftwork does not have to lead to health problems.  Take control by practicing prevention.

https://www.personalbest.com/Wellness-eLibrary/View.aspx

 

 

 

 

 

 

September is Cholesterol Education Month

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Keeping your LDL (bad) cholesterol low is primary to heart health. One part of controlling LDL is boosting your HDL (good) cholesterol, especially if you’re at risk for heart attack or stroke.

Basic good health is key to better HDL. Adopting positive lifestyle habits can also help lower LDL cholesterol and lead to other healthful effects. The top recommendations:

1. Get active. Moderate- to vigorous-intensity exercise is best for boosting HDL. Aim for 150 minutes per week of exercise, preferably activity that raises your heart rate. Note: Get your health care provider’s approval before significantly changing your exercise routine.

2. Lose excess weight. Losing 5% to 10% of your current weight can raise HDL, along with reducing blood pressure and blood sugar.

3. Avoid trans fats. Some manufacturers have eliminated trans fats, but they remain in some baked goods, fried foods and crackers — so check Nutrition Facts panels. Removing trans fats from your diet can improve HDL and LDL levels. Choose better fats found in nuts, olive oil and avocados instead.

4. Reduce refined carbohydrates. Switch to whole grains, such as oats, quinoa and brown rice, instead of white flour and white rice. Eat less sugar from baked goods, candy and ice cream.

5. Limit sugary and highly processed foods; replace with fruits, vegetables and protein low in saturated fat.

6. Stop smoking. Smoking lowers your HDL and raises your LDL.

SCREENING: Have your health care provider determine any HDL or LDL risks and the best approach to improving your numbers. In some cases, statin medicine may be beneficial.

Smart Texting Ergonomics

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Frequent typing and scrolling on a small device can cause pain in your thumbs, fingers, hands and wrists, and lead to repetitive stress injuries. Follow these ergonomic tips to protect yourself:

➺ Keep it short. Save longer messages for a phone call or an email you type using a full-sized keyboard.

➺ Use technology. Reduce keystrokes with talk-to-text functions, autocomplete, shortcuts, gesture-based typing and word prediction tools, many of which come standard on your phone or are available as a free or low-cost app.

➺ Sit or stand up straight. Avoid hunching over your device, bending or twisting your neck, and rounding your shoulders.

➺ Take frequent breaks to shake and stretch out your hands, wrists and fingers.

➺ Lighten your touch. Remember that touch screens and mobile keyboards are sensitive. Use a light touch to save strain on fingers and thumbs.

➺ Alternate your typing style. Switch between 1 finger and 2 thumbs when typing and scrolling to avoid overuse and repetitive motion.

➺ Stop if it hurts. If you experience pain in the base of your thumb that radiates into your wrist or up your arm, you may have repetitive stress strain or injury. Reduce your smartphone use, and see your health care provider if the problem persists.

http://www.personalbest.com/PersonalBestHealthlines/ViewArticle.aspx?article=5104

New Non Dairy Choices

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What’s New in the Dairy Aisle?

What would your morning latte or cereal be without milk? Dairy products add variety to the diet, and are rich in protein, calcium and vitamin D. For those on dairy-free diets, there are many substitutes, too. Here’s what’s trending in the dairy aisle.

Americans are gradually passing up cow milk in favor of many new plant-based milk alternatives. Yogurt and kefir are gaining popularity and market share.

Sales are up for Greek and Icelandic yogurts. Try them and you’ll see why — they’re thick and creamy, with more protein and less sugar than regular yogurt.

Savory yogurt is a new innovation. Flavors such as tomato, beet and sriracha mango are popping up, and contain less sugar than traditional sweet varieties such as vanilla, peach and strawberry. You can also find nondairy yogurt made from coconut, soy and almond milk.

Sales are also up for kefir, a fermented milk drink made with kefir grains that create a slightly fizzy, tart taste. The fermentation introduces healthy probiotic bacteria, which is good for the digestive system.

Nondairy milks account for more than a billion U.S. dollars in annual sales. Almond milk is fueling this growth, with cashew, flax, soy and hemp-based milks becoming popular, too.

Most alternative milks are enriched with calcium and vitamin D to meet the levels in cow’s milk, but they fall short on protein. Soy milk is the only alternative that’s naturally high in protein — with about 8 grams per cup, it’s just like cow’s milk (almond and hemp milk have <1 g).

The key to choosing a good milk alternative? Ensure it’s high in protein, low in sugar and enriched with vitamins and minerals.

By Cara Rosenbloom, RD

http://www.personalbest.com/PersonalBestHealthlines/ViewIssue.aspx?issue=891