If you’re one of those people who puts off holiday shopping until the last minute (hello, it’s Christmas Eve!), we have an idea that could save you time and hassle this year.
Rather than buying another toy your child doesn’t need, giving your wife a box of chocolates, or choosing another argyle sweater for grandpa, consider a healthier alternative that could bring an ear-to-ear smile and a happier, fuller life: a new pet!
Now, don’t get us wrong; we’re not advocating giving an animal to someone who can’t or won’t take care of it. We have enough strays roaming the streets, and our shelters are full of forgotten animals.
But for those responsible enough to love and care for them properly, pets offer a great gift-giving alternative—and can help their owners get and stay healthy. That means greater quality of life and lower health and life insurance rates, too.
If you’re looking for something special for a friend or family member this Christmas, consider visiting your local shelter or breeder and bringing home something furry this year (and we’re not talking slippers!)
If you need a reason to do so, here’s half a dozen health reasons to contemplate along the way:
Lowered risk of heart disease
Greater chance of survival following a heart attack
Depression/dementia relief
Reduced occurrence of doctor visits
Increased ability to deal with stress or traumatic events
A more physically active life
Pets add so much love and companionship to our lives. But they also help keep us healthy! So while you’re racking your brain trying to come up with unique gifts to give this year, consider giving someone you love a new best friend.
You’ll be helping them stay healthy in the process…and may just extend their life!
If you’re heading off to grandma’s house this year for Thanksgiving, keep in mind you’re not alone. Plenty of people will be clogging the roads on their way to meet friends and family and enjoy their own version of holiday dinner, just like you.
Unfortunately, many of those same people will drink to excess, then attempt to drive back home at the end of the day, endangering themselves and everyone around them in the process—including YOU!
Some will even begin drinking early in the day, and will keep others from arriving at the Thanksgiving table at all.
Alcohol-impaired driving represents one of our nation’s most-frequently committed and deadly crimes, especially during the holiday season. And because this is a crime whose results are often deadly, it’s important to learn how to recognize a drunken driver by his actions on the road.
To spot drunken drivers and stay out of their path, watch for these warning signs an impaired driver may be at the wheel:
Driving at unreasonably slow, fast or inconsistent speeds
Changing lanes frequently
Swerving while passing
Making unusually wide turns
Driving at night with no headlights
Slow or no response to traffic signals or stop signs
Driving in opposing lanes, or the wrong way on a one-way street
Driving too close to curbs, shoulders or the center line
If a driver exhibits these behaviors, avoid confrontation. Follow from a safe distance, take down the license plate number and vehicle description, and pull over and report the driver using 9-1-1.
Hopefully, you’ll arrive wherever you’re going safely this year. You might even have a hand in saving someone’s life!
The gift-giving, the decorations, the plethora of holiday cheer…the rampant criminal element. Not to be a buzz kill on your holiday celebrations. But as you exchange those presents and trim the tree, keep in mind that the number of burglaries increases during the holiday season.
To avoid being the victim of a holiday crime, just take a few simple precautions.
- When you go out, leave some lights or the television on so your house looks occupied.
- If you go out of town, splurge on automatic light timers, and ask the neighbors to pick up your mail and newspaper.
- Don’t advertise your holiday swag. Wait until garbage day to set your boxes on the curb.
The holiday season is also a good time to reassess your home insurance needs, namely theft endorsements and floaters for all those new, pricey possessions. If you give or receive jewelry, computer gadgets or fine art, you should probably discuss additional coverage with your insurer. An endorsement to your homeowners’ policy allows you to set a higher amount of coverage on certain personal items covered under your current home policy.
A personal articles floater covers purchases, like jewelry, for their full value, based on a receipt or appraisal. If you are storing expensive items in your car while shopping and they are stolen, they won’t be covered under your auto insurance. However, if you have adequate homeowners’ insurance with the appropriate add-ons, you may be reimbursed for a portion of the cost.
The lull after the holiday season is also a good time to update your home inventory. Ward off post-holiday blues by compiling a list of your new stuff. Don’t forget to keep receipts and to record as much information as possible. To simplify the process, download free, home inventory software from the Insurance Information Institute.
If you’re one of those people who puts off holiday shopping until the last minute (hello, it’s Christmas Eve!), we have an idea that could save you time and hassle this year.
If you’re heading off to grandma’s house this year for Thanksgiving, keep in mind you’re not alone. Plenty of people will be clogging the roads on their way to meet friends and family and enjoy their own version of holiday dinner, just like you.
