by California Casualty | Nominate a Hero |
Katelin is a versatile young lady. She has been a volunteer firefighter since 2009 and currently is Captain at the East 63 Volunteer Fire Department, as well as the Fire Prevention Teacher. Katelin graduated Magna Cum Laude Honors with Bachelors in Science. She is currently a substitute teacher.
In her spare time, when she is not helping fight fires or helping in the classroom, you might find her portrayed as Disney’s famous “Elsa” for children’s birthday parties or community functions. Close ones to Katelin say she’s always willing to give 110% and there is not one job too big or small for her to tackle and accomplish.
by California Casualty | Firefighters |
The life of a firefighter can be tough: long shifts, being awakened from a deep sleep with a pulse pounding alarm and having to deal with the aftermath of a terrible fire or crash.
This heart-healthy reminder is especially important for firefighters, many who think a heart attack can’t happen to them. Well, think again; working odd shifts, responding to fires and crashes and inhaling smoke takes its toll. Research by Harvard doctor Stefanos Kales found firefighters have one of the most stressful jobs in the United States and cardiovascular disease remains the primary on-duty and lifetime mortality risk. Kales found the risk of death from coronary heart disease significantly increased during the strenuous activity associated with fire suppression and during certain physical training activities. His conclusion: most fire departments lack fitness and health programs, putting firefighters at risk.
Warning Signs:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cites three major risk factors for heart disease:
- High blood pressure
- High LDL cholesterol
- Smoking
These other medical conditions and lifestyle choices also put people at a higher risk:
- Diabetes
- Obesity and being over-weight
- Poor Diet
- Physical Inactivity
- Excessive alcohol use
Work stress can also take a toll on your heart. Firefighting veteran Linda Willing wrote a great piece for FireRescue1.com identifying nine sources of stress that firefighters need to be aware of:
- Shift work
- Sleep deprivation
- Inadequate training
- Gear and technical problems
- Bad Crews
- Malicious co-workers
- Inconsistent policies
- Poor leadership
- Bad or disturbing calls
Do you know the symptoms of a heart attack? Pay attention; here are the most prevalent warning signs:
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Upper body pain or discomfort in the arms, back, neck, jaw or upper stomach
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea, lightheadedness or cold sweats
And women are not immune to heart disease. While the incidence of heart related death rates have steadily declined for men, rates for women have fallen at a slower rate.
Recommendations:
A recent article in Cardiac Health offered these firefighter heart safety recommendations:
- Fire departments should provide mandatory preplacement and annual medical exams for all firefighters
- Fire departments should implement wellness and fitness programs to reduce risk factors from heart disease
- All firefighters should have annual physical performance evaluations
- Improved oxygen masks should be provided by fire departments
The National Volunteer Fire Council has created a Webpage dedicated to the healthy firefighter with information on healthy diet and exercise, lifestyle changes and training that can battle the incidence of heart related conditions. Here are some of the heart-healthy tips they recommend:
- Don’t smoke, and if you already do, try to quit – smokers are up to six times more likely to suffer a heart attack than non-smokers
- Aim for a healthy weight – overweight and obesity cause many preventable deaths
- Get moving and commit to regular exercise
- Eat for heart-health – a diet that is low in saturated fat, trans-fat, and cholesterol that includes whole grains, vegetables, and fruits
- Know your numbers – blood pressure, heart rate, glucose cholesterol (total, HDL, LDL, triglycerides)
Loving your heart will help restore energy, vitality and could prolong your career and your life. It’s not difficult; just tackle one or two heart-healthy tips at a time.
California Casualty has a long relationship with fire groups across the nation providing quality insurance with exclusive benefits not available to the general public. Get a policy review today at 1.800.800.9410 or at www.calcas.com/firefighters.
Sources for this article:
https://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/
https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/facts.htm
https://www.firerescue1.com/exclusives-1/articles/2100834-9-sources-of-firefighter-stress/
https://archive.sph.harvard.edu/press-releases/2007-releases/press03212007.html
https://www.cardiachealth.org/heart-disease-firefighters
https://www.healthy-firefighter.org/
by California Casualty | News |
It’s been a bruising year for police officers in the United States. Imagine their gratitude if someone were to walk up, smile, and say “thank you officer for what you do.” Or, how about buying a cup of coffee or hot chocolate for one of the men and women in blue. These simple acts of kindness not only make the recipients feel good, but numerous studies have found that unselfish acts are good for the givers too. As we celebrate Random Acts of Kindness Week (February 9-15), we thought we’d offer some easy ways to show gratitude to others; making the world just a little better!
- Rake a neighbor’s leaves or shovel snow from their sidewalks
- Donate blood or become an organ donor
- Smile at five new people each day
- Let another vehicle into your lane of traffic
- Give directions to someone who is lost or confused
- Let someone in line go ahead of you at the store
- Return a shopping cart
- Be a designated driver
- Thank a soldier, nurse or first responder for all they do
- Let a teacher know how much you appreciate him or her
Of course, this is just a small sample of hundreds acts of kindness anyone can do. You can find plenty more at randomactofkindness.org.
Let us know the random acts you have done, or if have you been the recipient of one. Maybe we can share and make this year better for everyone.
And, here’s another act of kindness you can do – tell an educator, law enforcement officer, firefighter or nurse about California Casualty. They could qualify for special benefits and competitive auto and home insurance rates not available to the general public. It’s a wonderful time of year to save money and it’s worth a call today at 1.800.800.9410 or visit www.calcas.com.
Sources for this article:
https://www.huffingtonpost.com
https://randomactsofkindness.org
by California Casualty | Auto Insurance Info |
It’s time to purchase a vehicle. You’ve saved money, researched the safest ones, and now you’re ready. New would be great, but many of us are choosing to save money and buy a previously owned vehicle. You know you need to be careful and have the car checked out, but did you do an inspection for flood damage?
Attorneys general in numerous states are warning consumers to be aware of the “flood” of water damaged cars after large storms and hurricanes. In fact, a used car dealer in New Jersey was recently sentenced to prison for selling vehicles damaged in Superstorm Sandy. The scheme involved a Motor Vehicles Commission employee who doctored titles for eight flood affected vehicles. To complicate the crime, consumer-watch groups warn that flood damaged cars are often sold in states far from where the damage occurred.
Buying a car that was submerged means real problems that can haunt you for years. Water is the enemy to just about everything in an automobile – destroying electronics, fouling fuel lines, rusting engines, brakes and transmissions, not to mention promoting dangerous mold and mildew.
So how can you protect yourself against buying a water logged vehicle? Some obvious ways are to use your nose to detect musty odors or the heavy lingering aroma of cleaners and disinfectants used to mask mold odors. You should also order a vehicle history report from a government data base like the National Motor Vehicle Title Information Service, or one of the reputable private company like CarFax or Autocheck, and look for signs of water damage or dirt in the dashboard, carpets or trunk.
Other signs of water damage are:
- Rusty door hinges and trunk latches
- Silt or mud under seats, in glove compartments or windows
- Brittle and bent wiring under the dashboard
- Electronics that flicker or don’t work
- Fog or moisture beads in interior lights
If you suspect you unknowingly bought a water damaged vehicle, contact your state attorney general’s office for help. The Federal Trade Commission also has a wealth of resources for used car buyers who fear they are victims of fraud.
Sources for this article:
https://www.insurancejournal.com/news/east/2014/12/08/349278.htm
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/steering-clear-storm-damaged-car-sequel
https://www.naag.org/
https://www.vehiclehistory.gov/
by California Casualty | Auto Insurance Info |
The changing of the seasons is nice; the heat is replaced by crisp, cool air, we can dig out our favorite sweaters and hoodies and most of us can stop mowing the lawn. However, there is one part of the upcoming winter that I’m dreading – that first storm of the year that starts warm but chills down so quickly it turns sleet and melted snow into a glaze of ice. Traffic will be snarled as drivers with worn tires try to navigate around town. We’ll know the ones who haven’t checked their tire tread; they’ll end up slipping and sliding, causing accidents and clogging major thoroughfares. It happens every year, and if you’ve never seen it yourself check out this video (be aware it does contain some adult language).
And that’s in Colorado, where people should know about having the right tires for winter conditions.
Before you lose your grip this winter, make it a point to have your tires checked. They are the essential piece that keeps your vehicle on road surfaces, protecting you and your children, even when streets become slick with snow and ice.
How do you know which tires will give you the best grip and control when temperatures plunge and roadways freeze? Consumersearch.com analyzed owner reviews and expert tire tests from around the world to come up with its four best snow tire picks for 2015:
- Bridgestone Bizzak WS80 (best winter tire)
- Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 (best studded snow tire)
- Michelin Pilot Alpin PA4 (best winter performance tire)
- Michelin Latitude X-IceXi2 (best winter tire for SUVs and trucks)
Consumer reports also rated numerous all-season tires for best winter performance and recommends:
- Michelin Defender (all-season)
- Continental PureContact (performance all-season)
- Michelin Ice X13 (winter)
Treading Lightly
Many of us wonder if the tires on our vehicles have enough rubber for treacherous conditions. One determiner is the penny test. Car experts say using simple coins can determine how much tread is left on your tires.
Take It Easy
The Weather Channel says no matter what type of vehicle you drive or the tires you choose, staying off roads in severe winter conditions is your best bet. If you must travel, they offer these safety tips:
- Decrease speeds and leave plenty of room to stop
- Brake gently to avoid skids
- Turn on lights and keep lights and windshields clear and clean
- Use low gears to keep traction
- Be especially careful on bridges, overpasses and infrequently traveled roads that are likely to ice up quickly
- Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle
Let’s face it, even in the best weather conditions accidents happen. Don’t be skating on thin ice when it comes to insurance – make sure your auto insurance policy offers the best protection at the best value. Call a California Casualty advisor today for a free, no hassle policy review and comparison at 1.800.800.9410; the savings could warm your heart and pocketbook.
Sources for this article:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AX_KyLuhdDQ
https://www.consumersearch.com/snow-tires
https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/tires/best-and-worst-tires-in-all-weather-conditions
https://maps.weather.com/activities/driving/drivingsafety/drivingsafetytips/snow.html
https://www.pennytest.com/
https://www.ready.gov/car
https://www.fema.gov/media-library-data/1408633655071-32caae446efef4ab2f4fcccdb55f725c/PrepareAthon_WINTER%20STORMS_HTG_FINAL_508.pdf
