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Get Gardening Muscles in Shape and Prevent Injuries

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Get Gardening Muscles in Shape and Prevent Injuries. Before digging, pruning, and planting, make sure you’re ready for the work

by Susan Moeller, AARP, March 15, 2021

Christine Zellers tries to run five miles every day and, at 53, considers herself to be in shape. But even she admits that gardening can leave her sore and achy.

“I feel it, especially in the beginning of the season,” she says. 

Zellers, an assistant professor of family and community health sciences with Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Cape May County, New Jersey, teaches gardening, leads group exercise classes, and grows vegetables and herbs in her own garden in Ocean City, New Jersey. To protect her body, she tries to remember to stretch and limber up before heading out to dig, plant, or lug big pots around.

“You want to be thinking about the kind of movement you’re going to do and make sure you’re strengthening those body parts, like your core and your back and your legs and your quadriceps,” she says. “So you want to warm up a little bit just like you would if you were going for a run or doing an exercise class.”

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2021 Happy New Year!

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Happy New Year from Shield Insurance Agency
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2020 Christmas Greeting From Shield Insurance Agency Hudsonville Michigan

2020 Christmas Greeting

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Merry Christmas from Shield Insurance Agency
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Rising prescription costs

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Rising Prescription Costs

As healthcare premiums are increasing you may have noticed rising prescription costs. In a study done by Consumer Reports in 2019, 12% of individuals said their prescriptions costs increased by more than $100 over the past year. One contributing factor is that there are no federal regulations that keep drug prices in check.

How are consumers able to offset rising prescription costs?

Ask your doctor for generic: 

Most brand-name drugs have generics that can be up to 90 percent cheaper. They aren’t available for all prescription drugs, but it doesn’t hurt to ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Ask about over-the-counter options: 

Some medications can be a combination of two inexpensive drugs that you can purchase without a prescription.

Use manufacturer discounts: 

Many drugmakers offer some type of discount. For example, Janssen, which makes Xarelto, offers a discount that can drop the price down to $10.

These are not all the ways you can help reduce your prescription costs but are some of the most effective ways. As always if you have any questions regarding your healthcare costs please talk to one of our insurance agents.

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Preparing a Home Inventory list

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How to create a home inventory

If an unfortunate event damaged your home and your belongings, could you remember every item you own and how much it’s all worth off the top of your head? Is your home inventory up to date?

A fire, severe weather, burglary, or other disasters can wreak havoc on your home and lead to broken or missing belongings. In the wake of an unfortunate event, having an up-to-date inventory of your items and their value can speed up the claims process and help you recover faster. It can also help you verify any losses for your income tax return and help you purchase the amount of insurance that’s right for you.

Whether you’re setting up your first apartment or have lived in the same house for years, creating an inventory may seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. You can start your own inventory with these three simple steps:

Get started now

There are lots of ways to start tackling your inventory. The bottom line is to start somewhere manageable.

  • Start small. Tackle an organized room or a contained area first. For example, a kitchen appliance cabinet, walk-in closet, or chest of drawers with important documents. Start here, then work your way to other areas of your home.
  • Track recent purchases. Instead of starting in a certain place, list recent purchases and work on older possessions after that. Begin keeping receipts, contracts, and appraisals so you can show proof of value. Recording recent purchases first can get you into the habit of inventorying your purchases as they’re made.
  • Include basic information. Unsure of what information you should include? Describe each item, where it was purchased, make, model, what you paid, and any other detail that would be important to know during a claim. For example, major appliances and electronic equipment usually carry a serial number which can be a useful reference.
  • Categorize clothing. Closets can be hard to tackle. Simplify the process and record clothes by category. For example, four pairs of jeans and three pairs of high heels. Note any especially valuable items, like an expensive purse.
  • Check coverage on valuable items. Items like jewelry, art, and other collectibles may have increased in value and need special coverage outside your homeowner’s insurance. Check with your insurance agent to make sure you have adequate insurance to cover these items effectively.
  • Don’t forget to check off-site. Homeowners or renters’ insurance may provide off-site coverage for items kept in a storage facility. Check your coverage and make sure to include any off-site items on your list.

Use technology

Paper and pencil gets the job done, but technology can take your list to the next level.

  • Take pictures. Create photo records of the rooms in your house and your belongings. Label your photos and include what is pictured and any other information you believe to be helpful should the item need to be replaced or you need to be reimbursed.
  • Videotape it. Along with pictures, you can use video to document the rooms in your house and belongings. Walk from room to room and describe the contents, including numbers of items, when the items were purchased, and other basic information.
  • Use an app. Multiple apps can help with your home inventory process and keep records of your belongings.

Keep your home inventory up-to-date and safely stored

Now that you’ve done the work, continuously update your list and store it in a safe space. You don’t want your list to be one of the items damaged in an event.

  • Add new purchases. Your list is only helpful if it’s up-to-date. Adding to the list at the time of purchase allows you to put down the information while it’s still fresh in your mind.
  • Store a copy outside your home. A paper inventory, along with receipts or appraisals, should be kept in a safe deposit box or a friend or relative’s home. Make at least one backup copy to store separately. For instance, you can easily make a digital copy by taking a picture on your phone or creating a digital list.
  • Backup digital files. Keep a copy on an external hard drive, cloud, or online storage account.

This article is for informational and suggestion purposes only. If insurance policy coverage descriptions in this article conflict with the language in the policy, the language in the policy apply. To learn more about home insurance coverage, speak with your  Shield Insurance Agent.

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What is Insurance and Why is it Important?

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Have you ever had a moment — while looking at your insurance policy or shopping for insurance — when you’ve thought, “What is insurance? And do I really need it?”

You’re not alone.

Insurance can be a mysterious and puzzling thing. How does insurance work? What are the benefits of insurance? And how do you find the best insurance for you? These are common questions, and fortunately, there are some easy-to-understand answers for them.

To help, here are a few simple insurance explanations:

What is insurance?

Insurance is a financial safety net, helping you and your loved ones recover after something bad happens — such as a fire, theft, lawsuit or car accident. When you purchase insurance, you’ll receive an insurance policy, which is a legal contract between you and your insurance provider. And when you suffer a loss that’s covered by your policy and file a claim, insurance pays you or a designated recipient, called a beneficiary, based on the terms of your policy.

The most difficult thing about insurance is that you’re paying for something you hope you never have to use. Nobody wants something bad to happen to them. But suffering a loss without insurance can put you in a difficult financial situation.

What are the benefits of insurance?

Insurance is an important financial tool. It can help you live life with fewer worries knowing you’ll receive financial assistance after a disaster or accident, helping you recover faster. When it comes to life insurance, this could mean your family doesn’t have to move out of the house or that your kids can afford to go to college. For auto insurance, it could mean you have extra cash in hand to help pay for repairs or a replacement vehicle after an accident. Insurance can help keep your life on track, as much as possible, after something bad derails it.

Your independent agent is a great resource to learn more about the benefits of insurance, as well as the benefits in your specific insurance policy. For example, you may have access to perks such as free roadside assistance, risk control consulting for businesses, or cash value in a life insurance policy, in addition to your insurance coverage.

And in some cases, like auto insurance and workers’ compensation, you may be required by law to have insurance in order to protect others.

How does insurance work?

Insurance is essentially a gigantic rainy day fund shared by many people (called policyholders) and managed by an insurance carrier. The insurance company uses money collected (called a premium) from its policyholders and other investments to pay for its operations and to fulfill its promise to policyholders when they file a claim.

Because of the unpredictable nature of natural disasters — like tornadoes, hail, wildfires and hurricanes, and everyday disasters such as fender benders and kitchen fires — an insurance company’s main goal is to remain financially strong enough to handle anything that comes its policyholders’ way.

How do I choose an insurance provider?

Here are a few things to consider when choosing an insurance company to work with:

  • Insurance coverage. What types of insurance does the company offer? Can you buy all of your insurance through the company and receive a discount?
  • Financial strength. Would the company be able to pay your claim? Look to U.S. credit rating agency AM Best to determine the company’s financial strength.
  • Agency model. Would you prefer the help of a local agent? Or would you prefer to manage your insurance on your own?
  • Customer service. Do others recommend this company? What are people saying about it in online customer reviews?

When in doubt, contact Shield Agency and ask them any questions you have about insurance. Shield agents are insurance experts with the knowledge to guide you through the process and help you find the best protection for you and the people and things you care about most.

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Michigan Birding

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Michigan Birding is year-round. Michigan Audubon and its 35 chapters host field trips, workshops, and specialty birding tours throughout the year, highlighting the diversity of birdlife in the state. Our organization supports the development of a statewide network of birding trails, giving birders increased knowledge for accessing the state’s best birding locations.

Download a checklist for Michigan birding

Michigan Birding Audubon programs are available for birders of all experience levels. During the summer the organization offers tours of the Kirtland’s Warbler breeding habitat.

The annual Signature Event series offers birders the opportunity to experience seasonal migration in a fun, educational setting, and place special emphasis on conservation needs. For a complete listing of Michigan Audubon and local chapter programs, please visit our Event Calendar.

Michigan Audubon maintains a robust direct email list and is active on social media. Please subscribe to our monthly installments of Michigan Audubon E-News and consider joining our social media feeds.

Birding in a Digital World

Michigan Birding has never been easier, thanks to the wealth of resources and tools available via the Internet and smart device technology. Here are a few of our favorite online birding resources!

Birding Listservs

Online ID Tools and Smartphone Apps

eBird

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Insurance Reforms: Resources to Help

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Shield Insurance Blogs | Insurance Reforms | Contact us for more info

Insurance Reforms: Resources to Help

Insurance Reforms: The Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) has developed educational resources to help Michigan drivers navigate the state’s new auto insurance law. DIFS has launched a new website, www.michigan.gov/autoinsurance, created consumer guides, and now has a dedicated hotline, 833-ASK-DIFS (275-3437), and email address, autoinsurance@michigan.gov, where drivers can ask questions and file complaints related to auto insurance in Michigan.

In addition to creating these new educational resources, DIFS is also working to implement the legislation to ensure consumer protection and industry compliance.

In May 2019, Gov. Whitmer signed historic bipartisan auto no-fault legislation to lower costs for Michigan drivers, maintain the highest coverage options in the country, and strengthen consumer protections. These changes apply to auto insurance policies issued or renewed after July 1, 2020.

“Last year we worked closely with leaders from both political parties to preserve no-fault and create a better auto insurance system for Michigan drivers. Protecting policyholders and providing them access to affordable coverage is fundamental to the prosperity of our entire state,” said Whitmer. “Drivers are now encouraged to use these educational resources before making the important decision of choosing their auto insurance policy.”

The new site details changes in the law, new coverage options, shopping tips, and provides many other resources that help explain the new reforms and how they will affect auto policies in Michigan.

“DIFS is here to help Michigan drivers understand the new auto insurance law so they can decide on a policy that best fits their family’s needs and budget,” said DIFS Director Anita Fox. “We are focused on educating policyholders and implementing these reforms to ensure that consumers are protected and that companies are in compliance with the law.”

Following the signing of no-fault reform, DIFS began taking important steps to implement the new law. These measures include:

  • Fraud Investigation Unit: DIFS has established a new unit to investigate criminal and fraudulent activity related to the insurance and financial markets and work with Michigan Attorney General Nessel and law enforcement to prosecute these crimes.
  • New Consumer Forms on Coverages: DIFS developed new forms for insurance companies, agencies and agents to provide to drivers when choosing new coverage options.
  • Independent Actuaries: In anticipation of an increase in auto insurance company rate filings, DIFS’ rate review staff is working closely with independent actuaries to ensure the filings are thoroughly reviewed and actuarily sound.
  • Industry Bulletins: DIFS has issued more than 10 bulletins to the insurance industry regarding compliance in the areas of rate filing, reimbursement rates, and other enforcement issues.

Key Aspects of Michigan’s New Auto Insurance Law:

Lowers Costs, Maintains Highest Benefits

  • Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Choice: Drivers will be able to choose a coverage level that is right for their family. The new limits equal or exceed the highest benefits in the country and Michigan is the only state where unlimited PIP medical coverage continues to be an option. PIP medical pays for medical care if policyholders are in an auto accident.
  • Premium Reduction: Each insurance company will be required to reduce statewide average PIP medical premiums for eight years. Drivers’ overall premiums will depend on their individual circumstances and the coverage they select.
  • Fee Schedule: The new law establishes a fee schedule designed to control the costs that medical providers may charge auto insurers for their services. This is similar to cost control provisions used by other types of insurance, such as health insurance. This fee schedule will make PIP medical coverage premiums more affordable for policyholders, but will not affect the services to which existing and future accident victims are entitled.
  • Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association (MCCA) Assessment: The MCCA has already announced that as a direct result of the new law, it is lowering its per vehicle assessment starting July 2, 2020, which will save Michigan drivers at least $120 per car.

Increases Consumer Protections:

  • Elimination of Certain Non-Driving Factors: The new law prohibits auto insurance companies from using sex, marital status, home ownership, credit score, educational level, occupation, and zip codes in setting auto insurance rates.
  • Prior Approval: Auto insurance rates must now be filed with and approved by DIFS prior to being offered to consumers.
  • Fines and Penalties: The new law allows for increased fines on insurance companies, agencies, and agents for certain violations of the law.
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Auto No-Fault Reform Quick Facts

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Shield Insurance Blog | Auto No-Fault Reform | Auto Insurance | Start A Quote Today

MICHIGAN AUTO NO-FAULT REFORM QUICK FACTS

On May 30, 2019, Governor Whitmer signed a historic bipartisan no-fault auto insurance reform bill to provide lower rates for Michigan drivers, protect insurance coverage options, and strengthen consumer protections.

When Does the New Law Take Effect?

The law currently requires you to carry unlimited medical coverage to pay for your expenses if you are injured in an auto accident. The new law allows you to choose a level of medical coverage when your policy renews after July 1, 2020. If you are already receiving payments from your auto policy due to injuries from an auto accident, you will continue to receive the current unlimited benefit regardless of the choice you make for the future. This is also true if you are injured in an accident between now and July 1, 2020.

Will My Auto Insurance Bill Be Lower When the Law Goes Into Effect?

Because the new law will allow drivers to choose a level of medical coverage, insurance companies are required to reduce the premium for this coverage (known as PIP coverage) so that there will be an average reduction per vehicle based on the level of coverage chosen.  Your premium and savings will depend on the PIP option you select and other coverages you choose.

How Will I Know What Choices I Have and What to Choose?

The new law requires that agents and insurers give you a form that describes the benefits and risks of the coverage options. You may also want to talk with an insurance agent to discuss your personal auto insurance needs.  In addition, DIFS’ website will be updated on an ongoing basis to provide the latest information to Michigan drivers as the effective dates of the new law approach. Please check www.michigan.gov/AutoInsurance for updates and educational materials.

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Which Car Brands Make the Best Vehicles?

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Shield Insurance Blogs | Car Brands | Auto Insurance | Start A Quote Today!

Consumer Reports’ exclusive testing and member survey data reveal the best and worst automotive brands overall

By Consumer Reports Last updated: February 20, 2020

Porsche pulls into the top spot this year, leapfrogging third-place Subaru, whose score remains unchanged. Genesis holds steady in second place.

Those are CR’s findings, based on our exclusive testing and member surveys. The leaders benefit from outstanding results in our road test and reliability and owner satisfaction surveys, which are factored into each model’s Overall Score. The best brands on this list tend to have more vehicles in their product lineups that consistently performed well.

CR recommends all the Porsche, Genesis, and Mazda (another top brand) models we’ve tested. Subaru falls just short of that distinction because of the below-average predicted reliability of its WRX sedan. Tesla was the biggest gainer, climbing eight positions because of the improved reliability of the Model 3 and Model S sedans.

The bottom brands are also an unchanged club, with Fiat, Mitsubishi, Jeep, Land Rover, Cadillac, Jaguar, Alfa Romeo, and GMC again falling short. We tested a total of 36 models from those brands, and we recommend only one, the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Brands that move slightly up or down in our ranking tend to have new or redesigned model offerings, such as Audi with the A6 and A8, or changes in predicted reliability. Shoppers should remember that models from all brands can vary in reliability performance.

How We Rank the Car Brands

Brand report cards are built on an average of the Overall Score for each model tested. A brand must have at least two models tested to be included. The Overall Score is based on four key factors: road test, reliability, owner satisfaction, and safety.

• The road-test scores are for vehicles purchased by CR and run through more than 50 tests.
• Reliability predictions are based on problems reported by CR members in 17 trouble areas.
• Owner satisfaction from surveyed CR members reflects whether drivers would purchase the same car if they had it to do again.
• Safety includes crash-test results and extra points awarded for proven advanced safety features that come standard for the model.

Learn more about how Consumer Reports tests cars.

Editor’s Note: This article also appeared in the April 2020 issue of Consumer Reports magazine.

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