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  • Thyroid Awareness Month

    Thyroid Awareness Month

    About 20 million Americans suffer from thyroid disease, and approximately 13 million more are currently undiagnosed.

    About the Thyroid

    The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the neck, just below the Adam’s apple and right above the collarbone, surrounding the windpipe. The thyroid helps control the function of many of the body’s organs, including the heart, brain, liver, kidneys and skin, but it mostly helps to set the metabolism.

    The two types of thyroid disease are hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.

    Hyperthyroidism

    This disease refers to an overactive thyroid gland, which produces too much thyroid hormone. Symptoms include the following:

    • Goiters
    • Enlarged thyroid
    • Rapid heart rate
    • Nervous, anxious or irritable behavior
    • Trembling hands
    • Unexplained weight loss
    • Heat intolerance
    • Increased sweating
    • Hair loss
    • Diarrhea
    • Sleeplessness
    • Fertility issues

    Hypothyroidism

    Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland produces less than the normal amount of thyroid hormone, resulting in the decrease of many bodily functions. When the metabolism slows due to hypothyroidism, the following may occur:

    • Fatigue
    • Unexplained weight gain
    • Dry skin and hair
    • Difficulty concentrating
    • Increased cholesterol
    • Intolerance to cold
    • Constipation

    Risk Factors

    Risk factors for thyroid disease include:

    • Being female—Women are five to eight times more likely to suffer from a thyroid disorder than men are.
    • Age—Thyroid problems are very common in patients over 60, and the risk increases with age.
    • A family history—If the disease runs in the family, testing every five years after age 35 is recommended.
    • Pregnancy—Thyroid conditions can arise after giving birth.

    Treatment

    Treatment for hyperthyroidism usually includes prescription drugs, radioactive iodine therapy and/or surgery. Hypothyroidism tends to be treated most effectively with a prescription thyroid replacement hormone.

  • 1095-C Instructions

    1095-C Instructions

    To download this document as a PDF, please click here: 1095-C Instructions

  • 1094-C Form

    1094-C Form

    To download this document as a PDF, please click here: 1094-C Form

  • 1095-C Form

    1095-C Form

    To download this document as a PDF, please click here: 1095-C Form

  • Winter Weather Safety Tips

    Winter Weather Safety Tips

    As we enter the winter season, it is important to take extra precautions to remain safe at all times. Check out these tips from the National Safety Council to protect yourself, even in colder months.

    1. Drive Safely and Prepare Your Vehicle
      Make sure to test your battery, use winter tires on your vehicle, and warm up your vehicle before going for a drive.
    2. Be Careful while Shoveling
      High levels of activity in cold temperatures put many people at risk of heart attack, especially those who have inactive lifestyles. It is best to consult a doctor if you have a history of heart disease, before clearing your driveway.
    3. Treat Frostbite Immediately
      As the most common injury resulting from exposure to severe cold, it is critical to treat frostbite early as it can lead to tissue death and amputation

    4. Avoid Injuries from Winter Sports
      Whether it’s skiing, snowboarding, or sledding, make sure you are aware of basic skills for the sport and wear functional gear to stay safe.

    In addition to following steps to stay safe in winter months, it is important to use precautions to prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning. As hundreds of deaths and tens of thousands of people are treated for carbon monoxide poisoning every year, having a carbon monoxide detector can save lives.

  • Be Aware of Aggressive Drivers

    Be Aware of Aggressive Drivers

    An aggressive driver is someone who operates a motor vehicle selfishly, boldly, or pushy without regard for other motorists.

    As the holiday shopping season leads to congested roadways and increased stress while driving, it is likely some drivers may experience road rage and end up acting violently. Road rage can begin from a minor traffic accident and lead to a larger escalation, which puts all drivers on the road in danger.

    Understand these tips from the New York State Police Department to keep you and fellow motorists safe when dealing with an aggressive driver:

    • Remain calm
    • Avoid making eye contact
    • Keep your distance as much as possible
    • Let the driver go ahead of you or pass, avoid passing the driver
    • Should an aggressive driver tailgate, a reminder to maintain the proper speed and no response
    • Once safely able to do so, call 911 to report the incident and provide as many details as you can

    Should you get into an Automobile accident, reach out to the Lawley team. With over 100 years of combined experience, our dedicated team of professionals will take care of all your needs and guide you through every step of the claims process.

  • Prevent Ice Dams

    Prevent Ice Dams

    Simply put, ice dams are an accumulation of frozen water in the gutter at the roof’s edge that blocks drainage of melting snow from flowing within the gutter system. Ice dams are common in areas that receive heavy snow buildup, i.e. Minnesota, North Dakota, and Wisconsin.

    Ice dams are caused by a combination of uneven heat loss from your home and wintry conditions re-freezing melted snow. This causes the roof to warm above freezing temperature, which allows snow to melt and then re-freeze before it reaches the roof’s edge.

    If this cycle repeats consistently, an ice dam forms and water collects behind it. As the water pools, it collects and can cause costly water damage. Follow these tips to prevent the formation of ice dams.

    • Keep the attic well-ventilated. According to the Department of Energy, one square foot of free ventilation opening is recommended for every 150 square feet of attic space.
    • Seal air leaks to prevent warm air leakage from plumbing vents, junction boxes from ceiling fixtures, and attic hatches.
    • Keep the attic floor well insulated (between 16 and 22 inches of insulation) to minimize the heat rising into the attic from below.
    • Clean leaves and other debris from gutters before the first snow. This will help prevent ice buildup in your gutters.
    • Consider using an ice shield under your shingles when your house is getting re-roofed.
    • Use a roof rake to clear the snow above the gutter. Clear as much as three to four feet above the gutter to allow water to drain freely into the gutter.
    • Consider hiring an energy specialist to evaluate the performance of your home and recommend some things you can do to minimize energy waste.

     Watch for Icicles

    • During cold winter months, the icicles on your home’s eaves may be a sign that a ridge of ice is forming at the edge of the roof. This ridge, also known as an ice dam, can prevent melting snow from draining properly.
    • If an ice dam forms, sprinkle a melting compound to break it up. Avoid using traditional rock salt, as it may cause further damage and faster deterioration of your gutters.

    For more household maintenance guidance and homeowners insurance solutions, contact us today.

  • Decorate Safely During the Holidays

    Decorate Safely During the Holidays

    As the holiday season gets into full swing, many families decorate to spread some cheer and make their homes more festive. While holiday decorations can be fun and beautiful, they can also present fire hazards.

    To keep your home and family safe throughout this holiday season, consider the following decorating tips:

    • Only buy electrical decorations that have an Underwriter Laboratories rating on the label, which indicates that they have been tested for safe use.
    • Follow all installation and usage instructions for lighting decorations to ensure that you are not increasing your chance of starting a fire.
    • Inspect new and used lights before using them and discard any that have cracks, exposed wires, or loose connections.
    • Do not connect more than three sets of lights to an extension cord at one time.
    • Plug outside lighting only into a ground fault circuit interrupting outlet, as this will safeguard the outlet from any interaction with water.
    • Do not secure outside lights with staples or nails, and avoid placing indoor extension cords under carpeting, rugs, and furniture.
    • Unplug lighting decorations before going to bed and leaving the house.
    • If you set up a Christmas tree, place the tree in a sturdy stand at least 3 feet away from heat sources.
    • Only keep your Christmas tree for two weeks, because it will dry out quickly and can become highly flammable.
    • Always place candles in a steady holder where they cannot be easily knocked over, and do not leave your house with candles burning. If you do use candles during the holidays, be sure to have a fire extinguisher nearby, and avoid using candles near a flammable source, such as a paper or curtain.
    • Check Your Smoke Alarms: December is an excellent time to change the batteries in your smoke alarm, which should be done annually. If your smoke alarm is hardwired into the home’s electrical system, be sure that it is in working condition.

    Be Careful with Wiring

    If you blow a fuse while decorating, discard the faulty light string or decoration and replace the blown fuse. If the fuse blows again, contact an electrician to investigate the problem further. This might indicate a more serious wiring problem in your home.

    For more home safety guidance and homeowners insurance solutions, contact us today.

  • Toy Safety Guidelines This Holiday Season

    Toy Safety Guidelines This Holiday Season

    Making children smile with a new toy brings a lot of joy to parents and relatives during the holidays.

    Before giving a new toy to a child, be sure to be aware of safety guidelines as not all toys may be suitable for all children.

    Review the following guidance to select a toy that best fits a child’s age and developmental progression.

    Toy Safety Standards

    The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission requires toy manufacturers to meet specific safety standards and label products according to these specifications.

    Here are some suggestions of toys to avoid for children of various ages.

    • Under 3 Years
      • Toys with small parts that are 1 ¾-inches or less in size, as these items can be easily swallowed or inserted into noses and ears
      • Toys with ribbons and straps that can strangle children or toys with sharp edges and points
    • Ages 3-5
      • Toys made of plastic that can easily break into smaller pieces
      • Toxic art supplies that are not designed for use by children
    • Ages 6-8
      • Toys that can break or that possess potential choking hazards
    • Ages 9-12
      • Toys that are too dangerous for children to operate, such as a BB gun or slingshot

    Look at the Label

    Fortunately for consumers, toy manufacturers design product labels to reduce the guesswork for adults when they are trying to purchase a safe toy. That being said, always read the toy label before making your purchase.

    For more lifestyle guidance, contact us today.

  • Hand Hygiene: Stay Healthy

    Hand Hygiene: Stay Healthy

    Health experts estimate that 80% of common infections are spread through hand contact. Practicing good hand hygiene is the best way to prevent the spread of germs.

    Wash with Soap and Water

    Remember that water simply rinses dirt and germs away; soap is what actually prevents them from sticking to your skin.

    For best results, wet your hands with clean running water and apply soap. Rub hands together, lathering and scrubbing all surfaces for at least 20 seconds. Then rinse your hands well under running water and dry them using a paper towel or air dryer. When in a public bathroom, use your paper towel to open the bathroom door if a trash can is near it.

    Use a Hand Sanitizer

    Evidence shows that hand sanitizers are more effective than soap in preventing infection, less irritating to the skin, and faster and easier to use. The main ingredient in hand sanitizers is alcohol, which kills 99.99% of bacteria in about 15 seconds.

    Contrary to popular belief, frequent use of a hand sanitizer will not cause antibacterial resistance. Hand sanitizers evaporate quickly and thoroughly, so there is no residue left on your hands where germs can grow. Hand sanitizers are usually gentler to your skin as well. While it is true that alcohol by itself can be drying to the skin, hand sanitizers are formulated with moisturizers.

    For best results, apply the product to the palm of one hand and then rub your hands together. Continue to rub product over all surfaces of your hands and fingers until they are dry. Be sure to note that the volume needed to reduce the number of bacteria on hands varies by product, so read the product’s instructions.

    Cleanse Your Hands Often

    Not only will cleaning your hands often help prevent you from getting sick, it will help you from getting others sick. Always wash with soap and water or a hand sanitizer after:

    • Blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing
    • Going to the bathroom
    • Changing diapers
    • Handling animals or animal waste
    • Handling garbage

    Never prepare or eat food, tend to an ill person, or treat a cut or wound without clean hands. Use common sense. Consider everything that your hands come in contact with; just because you can’t see germs doesn’t mean they are not there.

    Make Clean Choices

    In today’s busy world it is not always possible, or convenient, for us to wash our hands as often as needed. When you can’t get to a sink, experts recommend you use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. While soap and water are ideal when your hands are visibly dirty, hand sanitizers are fast-acting and can significantly reduce the number of germs on your skin.