It’s not easy being a first responder- EMS, Fire, Dispatch, LEO, etc. – it’s a rewarding career, but it can really take its toll on your body, physically and mentally.
Now, in the midst of a pandemic (and wildfire season), it is even more important than ever for first responders to take care of themselves and stay healthy.
Exercise is required for most first responders, and there are numerous health benefits. Here are 5 reasons why you should exercise frequently, especially during COVID-19.
Improves Health – It’s important for a first responder to stay in shape, and exercise is one of the best ways to lose fat and gain muscle. Regular exercise also helps manage and prevent many other underlying health conditions that make you more susceptible to the virus like: high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis, strokes, and even cancer.
Reduces Stress – Mental health is just as (or arguably more) important as physical health, especially for first responders under a lot of pressure. When you exercise your brain releases endorphins that help you relax and decrease symptoms of anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
Improves Mood – Not only does exercise reduce stress, but it also boosts your mood, helping you stay on top of your game, even on a stressful day. A study found that only 20 minutes of exercise resulted in improvements in mood, both immediately and for up to 12 hours afterward.
Boosts Immunity – Physical activity produces compounds in your body that have the power to improve your immunity, decrease inflammation, and reduce viral respiratory infections, like ones found in COVID-19 suffers. This is very important for first responders who may be exposed to the virus on duty.
Enhances Cognitive Function – Regular exercise has been proven to reduce fatigue, improve alertness, and concentration, which are all vital attributes first responders need when responding to calls, especially those related to COVID-19.
If you are working out in a gym, even if it’s your own department’s gym, always remember to sanitize before and after equipment use and to maintain social distance when possible.
Stay healthy and be safe out there!
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
We have amazing employees at California Casualty. The Employee Spotlight is a new series aiming to highlight those talented individuals that make up our successful company culture and community. From human resource recruiters and learning and development trainers to claims adjusters, marketers, customer support specialists, partner relations, sales representatives, and beyond; each week, we’ll highlight a new team member, so you can get to know us better and see how our employees make us who we are as a company.
This edition of the Employee Spotlight will feature our Outbound Sales Agent, Josh Crooks
Josh has been with us for almost three years and is based in our Kansas Office.
Let’s get to know Josh!
What made you want to work in Sales at California Casualty?
I wanted the opportunity to excel in a career where my hard work would pay off financially.
The niche market and excellent lead quality at California Casualty made it a very desirable position. Also, the family atmosphere of a private company and leadership from the Sales Team managers made this the easy decision
What is your favorite part about your job?
I enjoy helping give back to the people who are on the front lines and making a difference in their communities. I get satisfaction out of saving people money that deserve it most.
I also enjoy the competitive atmosphere between our sales teams within the KSC office and CSC office.
I love having a sales position where you can have any day or month turn out to be a huge success. The added benefits of the work/life balance of not having to work weekends and not putting in more than 40 hours per week are excellent perks.
I also enjoy the people I work with and the structure of the organization.
What have you learned in your position at California Casualty?
I have learned that setting the stage with the correct customer expectations can make your life a whole lot easier. People appreciate honesty and letting them know how the insurance transition works upfront, we are able to complete the transaction smoothly.
What are your favorite activities to do outside of the office?
I am a huge sports fan. I enjoy attending sporting events and also participating in outdoor activities.
In the summer I spend a lot of time on the lake and exploring new places.
Anything else you would like the audience to know about you?
I have played soccer since age 5 and continue to play as much as possible.
I often take trips to Colorado to snowboard and prefer that over a beach vacation.
I am also into cars and going to car shows, auctions, etc.
I have 2 big dogs (both are half golden retriever/half pit bull) that I spend a lot of my time with the outside of the office, along with my girlfriend of 5 years, Kaleigh. Both she and I are into fitness and enjoy testing out different gyms, diet, and workout plans.
If you want to learn more about Josh or are interested in a career at California Casualty, connect with him on LinkedIn! Or visit our careers page at https://www.calcas.com/careers
In-person or online- no matter the scenario, as educators, we know how much you care for your students and you will do your best to give each child the most normal back-to-school experience as possible.
Try using these virtual icebreakers and “Welcome Back” messages to help greet all of your new students.
Put a Welcome Message up on Your Virtual Classroom
Using Bitmojis for your online classroom is not only fun, but it will also help students feel “normal” on the first day of school. The interactive elements of the program will let students click through to see websites, assignments, and other documents they will need for their new class!
Create a “Welcome Back to School” message to send to each student in your class a few days before the first day of school. You could create anything from an email invitation, a meet your teacher sheet (to send virtually), a mailed out postcard, to a short video featuring all of your staff!
“All About Me” Slides
“All About Me” posters are usually made in class on the first day of school so students can get to know each other. This year you can send out an editable template that students can personalize virtually on Google Slides or Microsoft Word. These don’t have to be fancy; all they will need is a photo of themselves and to answer a few short questions.
You could even have older students make it their own by using PowerPoint and Googling photos of their favorite things (sports team, food, singer, movie, animal, etc.) and adding them all to 1 slide, so it looks like a collage! Then have them present and explain it to the class when you meet virtually on the first day.
Virtual Class Introduction Video
As an easy introduction/icebreaker, let each student in your class have their time on screen by doing personal introductions. Make it entertaining for the rest of the class, by asking fun questions like “what you rather” or “what if…?” This is an easy way for students to get to know each other and help them put a name to each face.
Play a Game that Includes Everyone
Games are a great icebreaker on the first day of school, especially when you are virtual. They help students get comfortable and interact with each other. Here are a few easy virtual games you can play with your class- do a virtual show and tell, sixty-second sketch, in-your-room scavenger hunt, Kahoot, raise your hand if, finish the sentence, etc.
Send Welcome Back Packages
Just because you aren’t face-to-face with your students every day, doesn’t mean you can’t welcome them back with a gift! If you are one of those teachers, who insist on giving each kid a little something for being in your class, you can still send your students welcome back packages in the mail, or take a day and deliver them to their doors.
These packages can be as simple as a pencil and a highlighter with a simple “Welcome” note along with your signature. It’s a sweet gesture to let your students know you are thinking about them (and you will know they have some supplies at home).
Have a great school year! 🙂
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
It’s no secret that kids (and most adults) love to snack, but we all know filling a snack drawer can get expensive. We want to make after school snack-time easier on you (and your wallet), so we’ve compiled a list of easy snack ideas for kids filled with so many recipes, even the pickiest of eaters can enjoy.
The best part is, these are recipes that use ingredients you probably already have at home and you can make ahead of time and grab when you are on the go!
To make it even easier for you, each recipe is linked back to our Pinterest Board: Easy Snacks For Kids, so all you have to do is click on the picture and it will direct you to the recipe!
Head over to our Pinterest for more easy snack ideas for kids! We have also included ways to organize your snack drawer and pantry. Don’t forget to give us a follow at California Casualty to stay up to date on every new recipe idea we discover! Scan our Pincode with your Pinterest camera to follow:
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters and nurses. California Casualty does not own any of the photos in this post, all are sourced to their original owners. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
We have amazing employees at California Casualty. The Employee Spotlight is a new series aiming to highlight those talented individuals that make up our successful company culture and community. From human resource recruiters and learning and development trainers to claims adjusters, marketers, customer support specialists, partner relations, sales representatives, and beyond; each week, we’ll highlight a new team member, so you can get to know us better and see how our employees make us who we are as a company.
This edition of the Employee Spotlight will feature our Internal Auditor, Devang Patel
Devang has been with us for almost a year and is based in our Home Office in San Mateo, CA.
Let’s get to know Devang!
What made you want to work in Auditing at California Casualty?
Job responsibility, company culture, career growth, and location.
What is your favorite part about your job?
My favorite part is working with a respectful talented team, offering professional & career advancement opportunities and great flexibility.
I love my job at California Casualty. I love that my role requires working with various departments which expands my knowledge of other areas and the industry. Engaging and collaboratively working with people from another department is a unique and valuable experience. It has been a very enjoyable journey so far, offering work/life balance to a great extent!
What have you learned in your position at California Casualty?
I have learned a lot already in my time here. Most importantly to deliver adequate results on challenging projects.
What are your favorite activities to do outside of the office?
My favorite activities include traveling, going to the gym, meditation, swimming, talking with family and friends, and enjoying delicious food! I am always looking forward to exploring new places and diversity among people. I enjoy taking random car rides to nearby towns. So far I have traveled to more than 15 states in America since moving to the U.S. which also includes a road trip from Massachusetts to Florida with friends. I have also visited Canada.
At an early age, I learned how important physical and mental wellbeing are, so going to the gym is something I have been doing for years now.
Some of my favorite foods are Indian, Asian, Mexican, Italian, Mediterranean, and burgers!
I also enjoy concerts, adventure activities, and riding motorcycles.
Anything else you would like the audience to know about you?
I went Skydiving in 2016 in Massachusetts and it was an amazing experience.
I was born in a small town in India and moved to the United States in 2015. In my time here, I have graduated from Northeastern University and have had many new experiences and learned about my career and life in America. And I’m finally working happily in CALCAS!! 🙂
If you want to learn more about Devang or are interested in a career at California Casualty, connect with him on LinkedIn! Or visit our careers page at https://www.calcas.com/careers
