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Shield Insurance Blog How Long You May Need To Walk Outside To See A Boost In Your Mental Health

See A Boost In Your Mental Health

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A new study underscores just how important it is for your mental health to spend time in nature or green spaces.

HuffPost.com | By Jillian Wilson | Sep 14, 2022, 05:45 AM EDT | Updated Sep 15, 2022

Mental Health

There’s a reason why the sounds of nature — chirping birds, flowing streams, falling rain — are often sound options for white noise machines and meditation apps: They’re calming.

A new small study published in Molecular Psychiatry further underscores this. The study found that a one-hour nature walk reduces mental health stress when compared to a one-hour walk in a bustling city environment.

The study followed 63 people who were randomly assigned a nature walk or an urban walk. The nature walk took place in a forest in Berlin and the urban walk took place on a busy street in the city.

Participants were instructed not to check their phones or stop in stores while on their walk. They were given a bagged lunch and a phone with a 30-minute timer that instructed them to turn around.

Before the walk, participants filled out a questionnaire and then underwent an fMRI scan that measured two tasks.

The first task measured brain activity during a “fearful faces task,” in which participants were shown 15 female and 15 male faces that either had a neutral or scared expression. The second task measured was brain activity during an “Montreal Imaging Stress Task,” which is designed to create a level of stress in participants. During the task, participants had a set amount of time to solve challenging arithmetic problems.

After the walk, participants filled out another questionnaire and underwent another fMRI scan that measured the same tasks they conducted before their walk.

The results showed that nature significantly improved people’s mental health.

The study found that those who took part in the 60-minute nature walk experienced lower stress levels following their time outside.

“The results of our study show that after only [a] one-hour walk in nature, activity in brain regions involved in stress processing decreases,” Sonja Sudimac, the lead author of the study, told Medical News Today.

Particularly, the researchers found the brain’s amygdala activity (which is responsible for our stress and fear response) decreased in those who were in the nature walk group.

This decrease was not seen in people who completed the city walk. According to the study, urban environments can negatively impact one’s mental health, leading to increased rates of anxiety, depression and mood disorders. (Just think about the stress that comes with frequently honking horns, running to catch a bus or dealing with long lines just to get some groceries.)

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Shield Insurance Blog - What’s allowed in — and prohibited from — your carry-on bag, according to the TSA’s rules

Your carry-on bag, according to the TSA’s rules

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What’s allowed in — and prohibited from — your carry-on bag, according to the TSA’s rules

By Kaitlyn McInnis | CNN Underscored | Updated 11:36 AM EDT, Mon September 19, 2022

Packing for a trip can be a daunting experience. You want to streamline your stuff so as to travel light, but you also don’t want to be so bare-bones that you wind up shopping for the essentials you forgot when you should be enjoying your trip.

Maximizing your carry-on baggage allowance is a great way to ensure you’re packing light without skimping on the things you actually need, but you’ll want to ensure you’re packing items that won’t get you held up at the TSA security checkpoint. There are certain TSA carry-on rules and regulations you’ll want to be aware of when packing your carry-on bag, such as how much liquid you can actually bring on board or if your disposable razor is allowed through.

If you’re hoping to optimize the way you pack your hand luggage, you’ll want to read on. We’ve outlined everything you need to know about what’s allowed in a carry-on bag — and the best carry-ons to consider for your next trip.

What is a carry-on bag?

Carry-on luggage ranges in styles and sizes — from hard-shelled spinners to soft-sided weekender bags and even travel backpacks. But the bag will need to fit the size regulations of your airline. In fact, carry-on allowance isn’t determined by the TSA but instead by individual airlines. Generally speaking, most airlines implement a maximum size policy of 22 inches by 14 inches by 9 inches, including wheels and handles.

Your baggage allowance could also depend on your ticket type. Some basic economy tickets only allow for a personal item, such as a purse, rather than a piece of carry-on luggage. When it comes to the weight of the bag, you’ll want to ensure you can comfortably lift your carry-on up and into the overhead compartment efficiently. However, some airlines — particularly budget carriers — limit how much a bag can weigh.

Ultimately, if you’re planning to bring a carry-on bag on board, be sure to check your airline’s policies. Once you’ve determined your carry-on baggage allowance, you’ll then need to pack it with items that are permitted by the TSA.

What is allowed?

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Shield Insurance Blog - .What is the value of having an auto insurance plan in Michigan

What is the value of having an auto insurance plan in Michigan?

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For anyone living in the state of Michigan, having a car can be a great idea. With a car, you will be able to get around all of the great parts of the state including large cities, small lake communities, and plenty of recreational activities throughout the area. If you are going to buy a car in this area, you will also want to know that you get the right auto insurance.

An auto insurance plan offers various forms of value:

Ensure You are Supported and Protected

If you do get an auto insurance plan, it will help to ensure you are covered as well as possible. With the right plan, you will get the support you need to replace or repair your car if you incur a covered loss. Further, you will have support if you cause an accident and need to cover the damage.

Remain in Compliance

You also will need to have an auto insurance plan so you can remain in compliance with any requirements you may have. Those that drive any type of car in this state will need to carry insurance to meet the state’s minimum liability coverage standards. You also will need to have coverage to meet any requirements that may be set by your auto loan provider. 

Get Auto Insurance Today

If you would like to purchase a car in Michigan, it is very important that you get proper insurance. As you are looking for coverage, it would be wise for you to call the team with the Shield Insurance Agency. Those that do work with the Shield Insurance Agency will get a lot of help in deciding what the right policy is for their situation. This will help give you comfort that you are selecting the right policy. 

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Take a Trip for Brain Health - Researchers suggest travel therapy may benefit adults living with dementia

Travel therapy may benefit adults living with dementia

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Researchers suggest travel therapy may benefit adults living with dementia

By Peter Urban, AARP

EN ESPAÑOL

Not that anyone needs an excuse to take a holiday, but researchers in Australia suggest that a break from the daily routine has mental and physical health benefits, including for adults living with dementia.

“Medical experts can recommend dementia treatments such as music therapy, exercise, cognitive stimulation, reminiscence therapy, sensory stimulation and adaptations to a patient’s mealtimes and environment. These are all also often found when on holidays,” lead researcher Jun Wen, a lecturer in tourism and hospitality management in the School of Business and Law at Edith Cowan University, said in a statement.

Wen and fellow researchers suggest in a paper published in Tourism Management that travel therapy, like music and art therapy, should be available to adults living with dementia. “This research is among the first to conceptually discuss how these tourism experiences could potentially work as dementia interventions,” he said.

Although some research has shown tourism’s health benefits for people in general, additional research is needed to demonstrate how it can enhance the lives of people living with diseases like dementia and depression, Wen said.

“Tourism is generally considered a form of leisure that liberates people from the everyday. The emotional states, thoughts, and unique memories evoked by tourism have the potential to positively influence the well-being of individuals with dementia,” the researchers wrote.

Here are some ways, according to the researchers, that a vacation could serve as therapy for adults living with mild to moderate dementia.

• Sightseeing provides an opportunity to get the brain working by stimulating thinking, concentration and memory — especially when interacting with caregivers or other tourists.

• Travel brings people to novel environments where adults living with dementia may “experience new emotions, moods and other reactions, thereby stimulating brain functions that enable them to process such feelings.”

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Your Complete Guide to Painting Wood Furniture—From Sanding to Sealing

Your Complete Guide to Painting Wood Furniture

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Your Complete Guide to Painting Wood Furniture—From Sanding to Sealing. Breathe new life into dilapidated chairs, dressers, desks, and more by adding a fresh coat of paint.

Martha Stewert.com | By Madeline Buiano | July 20, 2022

Whether it’s a dresser you’ve had for years or a unique chair you found in an antique shop, there are a handful of creative ways to breathe new life into worn-down furniture. One of the most common materials you’ll run into when refreshing old pieces is wood, which can quickly be transformed into something beautiful with nothing more than a coat of paint. 

“Painting or repainting your furniture isn’t just a budget-friendly way to personalize your home, freshen up tired furniture, or disguise aesthetic damage,” says Annie Sloan, paint and color expert, and creator of Chalk Paint Annie Sloan. “It’s a way of life, rejecting the buy more, buy new, buy now culture, and embracing hands-on, do-it-yourself, creative expressionism.” 

The best part? The process of painting wood furniture looks the same across the board, meaning you can use the required materials for more than just one project—whether it’s a desk, chair, dresser, or vanity, the same steps apply. 

Related: How to Refinish Wooden Furniture

The Materials You’ll Need 

You’ll need a few basic tools and materials in order to complete this project properly: 

  • Drop cloth 
  • Painter’s tape
  • 180- and 220-grit sanding sponges 
  • Damp cloth
  • Primer
  • Paint
  • Paint brush 
  • Safety mask 
  • Sealant 

Type of Primer 

The type of wood you’re working with will dictate what type of primer you use. Wood that isn’t stained needs a high-quality latex or oil-based primer, while wood that is stained needs a stain blocking primer (as does redwood and cedar). Additionally, furniture that has exposed wood, chalking, or chipped paint needs an oil-based primer. Sloan also notes that you should use water-based primer if you’re using water-based paints, and varnish-based products if you’re using varnish-based paints. 

Type of Paint

Experts recommend using chalk paint, which is also known as chalk-finish or chalking paint. It’s an easy and stylish way to improve and transform your furniture, says Gary McCoy, Lowe’s store manager serving the Charlotte, N.C. market. “Different from chalkboard paint, it’s a latex paint that has a fine powder added to the mix to create a unique matte finish,” he says. “The brushstroke and imperfections become part of the unique look.” 

Type of Paint Brush

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What To Do If An Airline Loses Your Luggage

What To Do If An Airline Loses Your Luggage

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What To Do If An Airline Loses Your Luggage? Air travel experts share their advice for dealing with missing checked baggage — and minimizing the risk in the first place.

Huffpost.com | By Caroline Bologna | Jul 28, 2022, 05:45 AM EDT

For many years, people felt relatively secure about checking their luggage for a flight. But the chaos of air travel this summer has thrown cold water on that confidence.

The odds of airlines losing your luggage have reportedly “skyrocketed” this year, with massive increases in the numbers of “mishandled” ― i.e., lost, damaged, delayed or pilfered ― bags.

“During the pandemic, many airports and airlines were forced to reduce their workforce in reaction to the restrictions the world was facing,” Alex Miller, founder and CEO of Upgraded Points, told HuffPost. “Now, as these restrictions have been lifted, people are returning to their travels again, leaving airports and airlines struggling to cope with the surge of passengers. This combination of an increased demand, with a shortage of staff, as recruitment hasn’t been able to counterbalance the increase, is leaving many travelers to arrive at their destination without their luggage.”

The result is countless airport photos showing mounds of lost luggage and a lot of frustrated travelers.

Of course, the obvious solution is to pack less and avoid checking a bag, but sometimes that’s just not an option. So what should you do if you find yourself in this situation and end up separated from your bag? Below, experts share their advice.

File a missing bag report.

“The first thing you should do if you notice that your baggage did not arrive at your destination is to report it immediately,” Miller advised. “The airline that you flew on is responsible for ensuring your luggage is delivered to your destination.”

Go to the airline’s baggage desk and have the customer service representative see if they can locate your luggage. It’s possible it was delayed but will arrive on a later flight. Or perhaps it arrived early and was placed in a separate area.

You might also be able to determine your bag’s location on the airline’s mobile app. If the bag is still missing, however, it’s time to file a claim.

“Once you’ve informed airline staff about your missing baggage, it is essential that you file a missing baggage report,” Miller added. “You should provide a detailed description of your luggage, including size, color and material of the bag. The report should also include your current address and contact information so the airline can contact you. You should also keep a note of any reference or tracking number that you receive from the lost luggage desk.”

Find out what compensation you’re owed.

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Hudsonville Community Fair August 22-27, 2022 Barn #2

Find Shield Insurance at the Hudsonville Community Fair!

Posted on by Shield Insurance Agency

HUDSONVILLE COMMUNITY FAIR

August 22-27, 2022

Register to WIN a Meta Quest 2 !

Agents of Shield Insurance will be in barn #2 from 10 am to 10 pm. every day of the Hudsonville Community Fair.

Stop by our booth and register to win some great prizes!

The “Biggest Little Fair in Michigan” features great fair food, rides, livestock shows, still exhibits, and the always popular grandstand events. Don’t miss the Motorcross, truck & tractor pulls and all the fun the fair has to offer.

Register to WIN the Meta Quest 2 128BG plus a carrying case!

Hudsonville Community Fair

We are also giving away dining gift cards from various local restaurants…

Register to WIN the Meta Quest2 128BG plus a carrying case! Valued at over $500!
Shield Insurance Agency at Hudsonville Fair
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What Types Of Businesses Need Commercial Insurance?

What Types Of Businesses Need Commercial Insurance?

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If you are a business owner, you know that there are many things to consider when it comes to protecting your company. One of the most important aspects of running a business is ensuring you have the right commercial insurance coverage.

But what types of businesses need commercial insurance?

Let’s take a look at some common examples:

Businesses That Have Employees

If you have even one employee working for your company, you’re required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. This type of insurance will protect your employees if they’re injured on the job. It’ll also help to cover their medical expenses and lost wages.

Also, if you have any type of business that involves customers coming into contact with your employees, you’ll need to carry liability insurance in case a customer is injured on your property.

Businesses That Own Property

If you own the property where your business is located, you will need to have property insurance. This type of coverage will protect your building and contents in the event of a fire, theft, or other types of damage. You’ll also need to carry liability insurance in case someone is injured on your property.

Businesses That Use Vehicles

If your business uses any type of vehicle, you’ll need to have commercial auto insurance. This will protect your vehicles in the event of an accident, damage, or theft. Note that personal auto insurance policies will not cover vehicles used for business purposes.

Businesses That Sell Products

If you sell products, you’ll need to have product liability insurance. It’ll protect your business in the event that a customer is injured by one of your products. If you have a business in Michigan, it could be prudent to talk to an agent from Shield Insurance Agency to get a product liability cover for your business.

Contact Us Today

There are many different types of businesses that need commercial insurance. The four examples we’ve listed above are just a few of the most common ones.

Shield Insurance Agency in Michigan can help you find the right coverage for your business, no matter what type of company you have. Give us a call today to get started.

 

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How to save for a family vacation

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BankRate.com | Shield Agency Blog | Family Vacation | Travel Insurance

Family Vacation Time?

Financial literacy is an essential life skill necessary to make informed decisions about budgeting, borrowing and more. Equipped with this knowledge, kids grow up prepared for financial independence.

Teaching kids and teenagers financial literacy often falls on parents’ shoulders — and it isn’t always easy. You need to both keep your youngster involved and interested and make the process fun. One way is to use exciting opportunities, like family vacations, to teach your kids good saving habits.

Set goals for you and your kids

So, you’re going on a family vacation. It’s time to set some goals.

  • Decide where you’re going

First, decide on where you’re going. Use selecting a destination as an opportunity to get your kids talking about where they want to go and to create excitement. Pick a place together and let your kids know that the trip can only happen if they chip in financially.

  • Determine the costs

Whether your family is planning a Disneyland trip or a vacation to your kids’ favorite spot, it’s time to determine the costs.

Involve your kids in the process. Break down the numbers for transportation, lodging, entertainment and other expenses. Show your kids the total and discuss how they’ll help you save that amount.

Typically, the farther in advance you plan your vacation and start booking, the more time you have to save and get better deals. But your exact timeline will vary depending on the destination, estimated cost, season and how many people you’re traveling with.

For domestic travel, it’s best to start planning at least three or four months ahead. This will give you enough time to research and book flights and accommodations. You might want to give yourself more time, however, if you’re planning a trip during peak season or a holiday weekend, in which case booking at least six months in advance can help ensure you secure the best deals.

International destinations often require planning six to nine months in advance. In addition to flights, accommodations and activities, you also need enough time to research visas, vaccinations and passports.

Set A Timeline

  • Typically, the farther in advance you plan your vacation and start booking, the more time you have to save and get better deals. But your exact timeline will vary depending on the destination, estimated cost, season and how many people you’re traveling with.
  • For domestic travel, it’s best to start planning at least three or four months ahead. This will give you enough time to research and book flights and accommodations. You might want to give yourself more time, however, if you’re planning a trip during peak season or a holiday weekend, in which case booking at least six months in advance can help ensure you secure the best deals.
  • International destinations often require planning six to nine months in advance. In addition to flights, accommodations and activities, you also need enough time to research visas, vaccinations and passports.

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How Do I Get Recreational Insurance?

How Do I Get Recreational Insurance?

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Recreational Insurance| Shield Quoting Portal | Recreational Insurance |

If you want to buy insurance for recreational activities like fishing or golf, you will likely have to buy it separately from your homeowner’s or car’s insurance.  If you are self-employed or work for a small company, you may be able to get coverage through your small business owners or association insurance plan. 

Some employers may also offer group health insurance that covers some or all of the cost of recreational insurance. To learn more, consult with Shield Insurance Agency in Michigan. 

Recreational Insurance: What You Need To Know

Recreational insurance is specifically designed to help protect your investment in a vacation. You can get this type of coverage through an association, an organization, or a company. 

Associations provide lower rates because they tend to have higher-risk members. 

You can purchase a policy that specifically covers recreational activities, or purchase a general homeowners or renters policy. 

You can compare the cost of recreational activities to the cost of replacing the item. If the activity costs less than the item, you may be able to file a claim with your homeowners or renters insurance. 

When you go to buy your recreational insurance, you will likely be required to have some money in a certain type of account. 

Recreational insurance protects you from any potential damages or harm that you might face while participating in a recreational activity. 

Let’s say you are going camping with your friends and you go hiking in the mountains, and while hiking, one of your friends slips and falls down a cliff. 

What if he ends up breaking his arm? You will be responsible for them if you don’t have any sort of recreational insurance. 

Contact Us Today 

It’s important to obtain some sort of recreational insurance before engaging in any recreational activities. It could be as simple as getting an umbrella policy that covers all the things while engaging in a recreational activity. 

You can also get specific policies for different activities such as skiing or snowboarding, mountain climbing, etc. For expert advice, give us a call at Shield Insurance Agency in Michigan.

 

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