Service Line Coverage

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Service line coverage is an optional endorsement available in homeowners’ insurance policies.  It is designed to protect homeowners from significant expenses related to the repair or replacement of underground utility lines on their property. This coverage typically includes protection for water, sewer, electricity, and cable lines. It helps to cover costs for excavation, labor, parts, and the restoration of any landscaping that may be affected by these repairs. Since the cost of these repairs can reach thousands of dollars, service line coverage is an essential financial safeguard for homeowners.

What Service Line Coverage Typically Includes
  • Types of Lines: Covers various utility lines, such as water, sewer, drainage, electricity, and internet/cable.
  • Causes of Damage: Addresses issues like wear and tear, corrosion, freezing, external force from excavation, and root invasion.
  • Costs Covered: Pays for excavation to locate the break, the labor and parts needed for repairs, and the restoration of your property, including landscaping.
  • Loss of Use: May cover temporary living expenses if you need to move out of your home due to a major service outage.
Why You Might Need It
  • Homeowner Responsibility: Underground service lines on your property are usually the homeowner’s responsibility to repair, not the utility company’s.
  • High Repair Costs: Excavating and repairing these underground lines can be costly, potentially incurring thousands of dollars in expenses.
  • Financial Protection: Service line coverage serves as a vital financial safety net. It shields homeowners from unexpected, high-cost repairs that could significantly impact their finances.

The cost of adding service line coverage is often low and depends on the following factors:

  • Coverage limit: The higher the coverage limit you choose (e.g., $25,000 vs. $10,000), the higher the premium will be.
  • Deductible: The deductible for this coverage is typically $500 per occurrence.
  • Insurance company and location: The specific rates can vary by the insurance carrier and by your location.
  • Underlying risk: Your specific home and its proximity to utilities can also affect the price.

Homeowners are encouraged to contact Cleary Insurance for a personalized service line quote. Having an insurance policy that covers all necessary protections can provide peace of mind and financial security in the event of unforeseen circumstances.

 

 

Volunteering, Cybersecurity, and Lowing Screen Time Tips

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 4 Ways Volunteering Can Enrich and Improve Your Life

Giving back and donating time in your community can help those around you while also having a positive impact on your own life. Think about the following potential benefits of volunteering:

  • Increased activity—Volunteering may help get you out of the house and increase physical activity.
  • New skills—Many organizations may be happy to help teach you new skills in exchange for your time.
  • Improved mental health—Giving back may improve your self-esteem and provide a sense of purpose.
  • Networking opportunities—Volunteering can expand your social circle or foster career opportunities.

National Cybersecurity Awareness Month – Everyday Tips

October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month. This annual initiative endeavors to educate the public about the dangers of the internet.

5 Everyday Cybersecurity Tips
Limit cyber risk levels with the following strategies:

  1. Set strong passwords. Ensure your passwords include a combination of lowercase and uppercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid reusing the same password for multiple logins.
  2. Enable two-factor authentication. These implementations mean hackers will need more than just your password to gain access to your accounts.
  3. Avoid oversharing. Providing too much information, such as on social media, can give cybercriminals the hints they need to crack passwords or impersonate you.
  4. Know the signs of phishing. Never click on links or download attachments from unknown senders. Perpetrators may use email addresses that appear similar to those of trusted parties.
  5. Avoid public Wi-Fi. Cybercriminals may intercept data on public Wi-Fi or set up fake networks. If you must connect to a public network, use a virtual private network (VPN) to protect your data.

Contact us today for more cybersecurity guidance.

Concerns Related to Excessive Screen Time – How to Set Limits

Screens are everywhere in the modern world. Smartphones, tablets, and computers are constant fixtures of modern workplaces and everyday life.
However, while these electronic devices may offer entertainment and convenience, excessive use can be detrimental to your quality of life.

Health Concerns of Excessive Screen Time

Spending long hours constantly staring at screens can have various direct and indirect impacts on your health, including the following:

  • Eye strain
  • Neck, shoulder, and back pain
  • Headaches
  • Increased anxiety and depression
  • Sleep deprivation
  • Feelings of loneliness

How to Set Limits

Taking an active approach to limiting screen time can help you and your family avoid the aforementioned potential health and wellness issues. Consider the following strategies:

  • Use device settings. Many smartphones and other devices allow you to schedule downtime where apps and notifications will be blocked.
  • Track usage. Monitor what you’re using screens for. For example, using your device for school may be necessary, but if you notice a lot of time spent on social media, think about blocking those apps.
  • Explore new hobbies. Try to find new activities you enjoy that do not involve screens. Those that require the use of your hands can be particularly helpful in restricting your ability to check your device.
  • Create screen-free zones. Establish areas where you avoid using devices, such as at the dining room table or in your bedroom.

Learn More
For additional wellness resources, contact us today.

Lifestyle Tips for World Mental Health Day

World Mental Health Day is Oct. 10. Commemorate this year’s initiative by considering how the following lifestyle choices may help improve your mental well-being:

  • Get active. Physical exercise can have a direct and positive impact on your mental wellness.
  • Prioritize sleep. Not getting enough rest can contribute to various mental health disorders, including depression.
  • Open up. If you’re feeling down, don’t be shy about seeking support from family and friends.
  • Enjoy the outdoors. Studies have shown that spending time outside can improve mental health.
  • Seek help. If you’re struggling with your mental health, talk to your doctor.

Click here to learn more about World Mental Health Day.

What ‘Social Inflation’ Means for Your Business

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What ‘Social Inflation’ Means for Your Business Heading into 2026

You may have heard that liability insurance rates are rising—again. But do you know why? One of the biggest drivers behind these increases is a growing trend called “social inflation.”

Understanding this trend can help you make smarter, more strategic decisions about your commercial insurance before your next renewal.

What Is Social Inflation?

“Social inflation” refers to the rising costs of insurance claims due to changes in society’s attitudes, legal systems, and jury behavior. A few key reasons for this trend include:

  • Larger jury verdicts in liability lawsuits
  • More aggressive plaintiff attorneys seeking maximum payouts
  • Third-party litigation funding from outside investors
  •  Shifting public sentiment toward holding businesses financially responsible

When claims cost insurers more, those costs are passed along to businesses through higher premiums, stricter underwriting, and more restrictive coverage options.

Lines of Insurance Being Hit Hardest

While social inflation affects all types of liability coverage, some lines are especially impacted:

  • • Commercial Auto Liability: Claims involving vehicle accidents—especially with fleets or trucks—are seeing sharp increases in costs and frequency.
  • General Liability: Even routine injuries like slip-and-falls can now result in higher-than-expected payouts.
  • Umbrella & Excess Liability: These policies are no longer “cheap peace of mind.” Higher rates and stricter underwriting are common.

Even businesses with clean loss histories are experiencing rate hikes due to overall market pressure.

Why It Matters for Your Business

In today’s legal climate, a seemingly minor incident can lead to a lawsuit that exceeds your insurance limits. Without adequate protection, your business could be left financially vulnerable.

Potential consequences of insufficient coverage include:

  • • Multi-million-dollar verdicts from seemingly small incidents
  • Legal disputes that drag on for years
  • Reputational harm, even if the claim is eventually dropped
What You Can Do Now

Here are a few proactive steps to help protect your business and keep your liability insurance working for you:

  1. Review Your Liability Limits
  2. Ask yourself: “Would my current policy cover a major claim or lawsuit?” You may need to increase your limits or consider an umbrella policy.
  3. Improve Risk Management: Invest in employee training, document safety procedures, and regularly inspect your premises to minimize risks.
  4. Document Your Efforts: Keeping a record of safety protocols, training, and risk mitigation can support your case with insurers—and possibly lower premiums.
  5. Start Early: Don’t wait until your policy renews. Starting your insurance review early gives you time to make informed decisions and avoid last-minute surprises.
How Our Agency Can Help You

Navigating today’s complex insurance landscape isn’t something you have to do alone. Our agency partners with business owners every day to help them make confident, informed decisions about their insurance coverage—especially as market conditions continue to evolve.

National Wellness Month

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National Wellness Month, recognized annually in August, is meant to encourage people to prioritize self-care, build healthy routines, and support their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Wellness goes beyond physical health. It encompasses mental clarity, emotional resilience, and a sense of balance in daily life.

When we invest in our well-being, we’re better equipped to handle stress, maintain relationships, and perform at our best—both personally and professionally. This month is an opportunity to slow down and focus on the following key well-being components:

Movement—You don’t need a gym membership to stay active. Stretch in the morning, take the stairs, or go for a walk during lunch. Movement boosts mood and energy.

Nutrition—Fuel your body with whole foods, stay hydrated, and avoid skipping meals. Even small changes, such as swapping soda for water, can make a big difference.

Mindfulness—This skill involves focusing on being present. Try meditation apps, journaling, or simply taking a few deep breaths during stressful moments.

Self-care—It’s important to take time each day to do something just for you. Whether it’s reading, listening to music, or having a cup of tea, self-care helps you recharge.

Stress management—Identify your stress triggers and create healthy coping strategies. These could include setting boundaries, unplugging from screens, or talking to a friend.

You can start taking small steps now to prioritize both your body and mind. Over time, these habits build a foundation for a healthier, more balanced you. If you’re struggling with any aspect of your wellness, seek help from health care professionals, including therapists, counselors, or wellness coaches. They can provide tailored guidance and support for your personal needs.

Understanding Your Cortisol Levels

Cortisol levels continue to trend on social media as people want to understand energy levels, manage stress, and boost their overall well-being. So, what exactly is cortisol? It’s your body’s primary stress hormone, helping regulate various functions, such as metabolism, blood sugar, blood pressure, immune response, and energy. While it’s normal for cortisol to fluctuate throughout the day (usually going up in the morning and slowly down during the day), consistently high or low levels can cause health issues. Ideal cortisol levels fall within a specific range that varies slightly based on the time of day and the type of test used.

To get a better understanding of your cortisol levels, seek the advice of a medical professional who can administer a cortisol test that measures the cortisol in your blood, urine, or saliva. Standard blood panels generally don’t test for cortisol levels. Cortisol testing is usually ordered separately by a physician to learn more about your health conditions.

Understanding how cortisol works can help you stay aware of potential symptoms that could indicate an imbalance. Talk to your doctor to learn more.

Medications That Make It Hard to Handle the Heat

Commonly prescribed medications can impact people more in the heat, causing dehydration or sun sensitivity or limiting the body’s ability to regulate body temperature. As such, these medications have heat intolerance, photosensitivity, or similar documented side effects:

  • Antibiotics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen may make you more sensitive to sun exposure, resulting in severe sunburn or rashes.
  • Antidepressants can cause excessive sweating, dehydration, and UV light sensitivity. They could also decrease sweat production, preventing the body from cooling down.
  • Antihistamines can make your body produce less sweat, making it difficult to regulate body temperature in hot weather.
  • Blood pressure medications can increase sweat production and dehydration. Sun exposure can cause a blood pressure dip, too.
  • Decongestants like pseudoephedrine can decrease the blood flow to the skin, making it more difficult to sweat and regulate.
  • Stimulants can increase your metabolic rate, impairing the body’s ability to cool down.

Keep in mind that the heat can also degrade certain medications like insulin, inhalers, and EpiPens.

The first sign of heat intolerance is feeling hot or uncomfortable. You may also experience headaches, dizziness, cramps, nausea or vomiting, weakness, or flushed skin. If you experience heat-related symptoms, go inside immediately and try to cool down. In addition to monitoring for symptoms, it’s important to stay hydrated, limit your exposure to direct sunlight, and wear protective clothing.

If you have questions about your medications or potential side effects, talk to your doctor. Also, don’t discontinue taking any prescribed medications without talking to them first.

 

This article is intended for informational purposes only and is not intended to be exhaustive, nor should any discussion or opinions be construed as professional advice. Readers should contact a health professional for appropriate advice. © 2025 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.

Long-Term Investment Strategy

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Sure, there are some lucky people who do get rich quickly. People do win lotteries, hit the jackpot on the slot machine, and even pick the “right” stock at the “right” time, turning their investment into a potential fortune overnight.

But these fairy tales rarely come true.

More often, we achieve our financial and personal goals when following the principle at the heart of Aesop’s Fable, The Tortoise and The Hare — that “slow and steady wins the race,” or more specifically, that consistent, effective effort leads to success. In the investment world, this is more likely to be true.

Stick to a consistent plan

In the simplest terms, if you start early and consistently stick to an ongoing savings schedule where you set aside money on a regular basis, you should start to see your savings accumulate over the long term. However, just as in the Fable, (where the turtle used “smarts” — not just time—to his advantage), when investing, there are time-tested strategies that can help you reach your goal.

Stay ahead of inflation

For the same reason you wouldn’t stash your cash under your mattress, when saving for the long term, most professionals wouldn’t recommend “banking” all of your money. While it’s true that investments with a fixed rate of return, such as CDs (certificates of deposit), offer principal protection that others do not, they may not provide the growth you need when you factor in inflation.

Inflation refers to a general rise in prices of goods and services. Even low inflation reduces purchasing power over time, because as prices rise, a dollar buys less. And inflation levels can fluctuate over time.

This is a primary reason people invest in stocks, or equities. Over the long term, stocks historically have been an investment choice for some to outpace inflation.

Diversify

However, no one can control or predict the performance of the stock market, let alone a single equity. That’s why it’s important to diversify your portfolio across major asset classes to help you pursue optimal returns for the risk level that you’re willing to take. In addition, you’ll want to diversify within each asset class to take advantage of different styles and market sectors so strong performance in one area may be able to help offset downturns in another.

The goal is what professionals call “non-correlation.” That just means all of your investments are unlikely to move the same way at the same time. On any given day, some may be up and others may be down in value. In a well-diversified portfolio, you can realize the profit on the gains without losing too much on the losses. It all goes back to the age-old adage — don’t put all your eggs in one basket.

Dollar cost averaging

Another popular long-term investment strategy is called “dollar cost averaging.” It works like this …

Say you decide to invest $10 every week in a mutual fund. If in the first week, the cost of a share in this hypothetical fund was $1, then your $10 would get you 10 shares. If the price of a share in the fund rose to $2 in the second week, your $10 would only get you 5 shares. But if the price of a share fell to 50 cents on the third week, $10 would get you 20 shares. (A stock’s price usually isn’t this volatile, but we’ve made it so for the purposes of demonstrating the principle of dollar cost averaging).

At the end of the three weeks, you’d have 35 shares after spending $30. So, your average cost per share would be about 85 cents a share.

In short, more shares were purchased when the price was low, and fewer were bought when the price was high. It’s important to note that the dollar cost averaging practice doesn’t eliminate risk.1 But investors use this method to make the cost of taking on the risk lower by lowering the average purchase price.

Make it as easy as possible: Go automatic

Whenever possible, you should consider setting up an automatic investment plan.

For example, if you invest in an employer-sponsored 401(k), you can set up automatic investments for each pay period. The percentage of your total pay (up to the maximum permitted) is taken out of your paycheck before any taxes and invested in the mutual funds or asset allocation strategy you choose. Your employer might even match a portion of your contribution. Not only do your savings accumulate, but the taxes on any investment gains you may realize are deferred until you retire and begin taking distributions. 2

  Be consistent — and smart

Consistency is the name of the game — as well as making a plan and sticking with it. Investors who change course a lot may be more likely to lose money.

Many investors put money regularly in a well-diversified portfolio, and reinvest all their gains and dividends along the way. But what’s financially appropriate can differ from individual to individual. Many people opt to consult with a financial professional to set an investment plan. But whether you’re saving for retirement, a new home, or a college education, slow and steady investing can help you win the race.

Provided by Cross Coastal Advisors, courtesy of Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual). ©2025 Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual®), Springfield, MA 01111-0001. All rights reserved. MM202712-311184

 

RV Insurance-What You Need to Know

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white rv on the road

Recreational vehicles (RVs), including campers, motorhomes, and fifth-wheel trailers, can face many of the same risks as everyday cars. However, their larger size, higher value, and dual use for transportation and living require specialized insurance protection. Whether you live in your RV full-time or use it for occasional getaways, understanding and securing the right coverage is essential. At Cleary Insurance, Inc., our team can help you learn about RV insurance and find the right coverage.

What Does RV Insurance Cover?

RV insurance typically combines elements of both auto and homeowners insurance, reflecting the hybrid nature of RV use. While coverage needs can vary depending on your vehicle, personal circumstances, and location, you’ll likely find value in the following:

  • Bodily injury liability coverage—Similar to auto insurance, this type of coverage in your RV policy can help pay for other parties’ losses if you’re at fault for an accident on the road.
  • Property damage liability coverage—Also bearing a resemblance to its auto insurance counterpart, this part of your RV insurance may assist with vehicle repair or building rebuild costs if you damage someone else’s property in an accident.
  • Vacation/campsite liability coverage—This part of an RV insurance policy can extend liability coverage to include incidents occurring while your vehicle is parked, such as if a guest is injured while visiting your campground.
  • Collision coverage—If you’re involved in a crash while driving your RV, such as striking a tree, colliding with another vehicle or scraping against a guardrail, this part of your policy can financially assist with repairing your vehicle.
  • Comprehensive coverage—Fires, theft, vandalism, and natural disasters can all represent significant threats for your vehicle, but this part of RV insurance can account for subsequent losses.
  • Personal property coverage—Your RV can house more than just you and your passengers. This coverage can assist with losses involving its contents, including appliances, electronics, camping gear, and other belongings.
  • Medical payments coverage—This part of RV insurance can provide financial aid for medical bills if you or your passengers are injured in an accident, regardless of fault.
  • Loan assessment coverage—If you live in a campground or RV park, this part of your policy can help with losses and expenses if the managing association charges you for repairs to common areas.
  • Roadside assistance coverage—Exploring the world in your RV may require you to be equipped with this type of coverage, which can help pay for towing and other fees should your vehicle break down during a trip.

While shopping for RV insurance, you may encounter the term “full-time RV insurance.” This policy typically includes more of the aforementioned components, such as vacation/campsite liability coverage and loan assessment coverage, and is generally advisable if you use your vehicle as your primary residence.

Is RV Insurance Required?

In most states, self-driven RVs require you to have RV insurance. These laws typically mandate at least bodily injury and property damage liability coverages, although details may vary depending on where you live and plan to travel. Alternatively, if you tow your RV, such as a fifth-wheel trailer or pop-up camper, you might not have to follow the same legal requirements, since your towing vehicle’s auto insurance can cover potential third-party damages.

You should also be aware of other possible obligations. For example, if you’ve purchased your RV with the assistance of a lender, they’ll likely require you to carry certain levels of RV insurance until you’ve paid off your vehicle. Specifically, many lenders may require collision and comprehensive coverage. Additionally, some campsites and RV parks may require insurance before you can settle in.

How Much Does RV Insurance Cost?

Since there are many types of RVs and ways to use them, RV insurance rates can vary significantly. Carriers must carefully analyze your situation and personal details to assess risk levels and calculate appropriate pricing. While exact quoting processes may vary, you can generally expect the following criteria to be considered when shopping for RV insurance:

  • Location, including where you live, travel, and store your RV
  • Vehicle specifications, such as its size, type, features, age, and value
  • Your details, including age and driving record of all insureds
  • Use habits, such as whether you live in your RV full time and its estimated annual mileage
  • Claims history
  • Coverage levels, such as your deductible and what you include in your policy

How to Get the Right Policy

Your RV can unlock the world, allowing you, your family, and your guests to embark on epic adventures and enjoy time off the grid. However, even a single accident or mishap can derail your travels, disable your vehicle, and impose expensive financial ramifications. Acquiring and maintaining appropriate RV insurance may, therefore, not only be a legal requirement but also a critical investment. Contact Cleary Insurance, Inc. today to begin exploring your coverage options and building an optimal policy.

© 2025 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved. This Know Your Insurance document is not intended to be exhaustive, nor should any discussion or opinions be construed as legal advice. Readers should contact legal counsel or an insurance professional for appropriate advice.

Liberty Mutual Workplace Safety Index 2025

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Men discussing safety

Liberty Mutual has released its latest report on workplace safety, revealing that accidents at work cost U.S. employers around $58.8 billion each year. Remarkably, the most common causes of these injuries account for a staggering 86% of those expenses, totaling about $50.87 billion.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the report, which highlights the ten main reasons people get seriously hurt at work—specifically, incidents that lead employees to miss more than five days of work. The report ranks these causes based on the medical expenses and lost wages associated with them.

Interestingly, while serious workplace accidents have declined by about 40% over the past 25 years, the overall costs related to workers’ compensation have gone up by 30%. This information comes from credible sources like the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the National Academy of Social Insurance.

The leading cause of workplace injuries remains overexertion, primarily due to heavy lifting and moving materials, which cost about $13.7 billion. This has been the top cause for 25 years. Following that, falls on the same level, such as slipping or tripping, are the second biggest issue, costing approximately $10.5 billion. This highlights the importance of having good safety measures to prevent such accidents.

Other significant causes of workplace injuries include being struck by objects or equipment and falling from heights, both of which add nearly $11.6 billion to the total costs. Additionally, injuries from over-exertion, vehicle-related accidents, and becoming caught in equipment are also major concerns, showing just how varied the risks at work can be.

Interestingly, the costs related to injuries from repetitive tasks have dropped by 44%, suggesting that safety initiatives are effectively reducing these incidents. Another notable mention is injuries from workers being struck by objects or equipment, which add up to about $1.7 billion.

The report also indicates that a large portion—56%—of injuries involving the back, shoulder, knee, or multiple body parts contribute nearly $32.6 billion to overall costs. Seven out of the ten injury causes listed this year have been recurring themes in all 25 reports published.

Accidents can and do occur, but understanding your risks and implementing preventative measures can help reduce their frequency. Cleary Insurance is here to help. Please call us to ensure you are doing everything possible to prevent unforeseen accidents.

Keep in mind that each index is based on data from three years earlier; thus, the findings this year reflect data from 2022.

To read the Liberty Mutual 2025 Workplace Safety Index please click here 2025 workplace Safety Index.

 

Workplace Safety Index – Liberty Mutual Business Insurance

What is your risk tolerance when it comes to investing?

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Before deciding on an investment strategy and portfolio mix, there’s a crucial piece of information you need: Your risk tolerance profile.

Simply put, risk tolerance is defined as the amount of risk that an investor is willing to put up with given the volatility in the value of an asset or investment.

While everyone’s risk tolerance is different, several factors will help determine your individual risk tolerance — and the amount of risk you’re willing to take in your investment strategy.

  • Time horizon: How old, or young, you are and when you will need or want to use the money is a primary factor in your risk tolerance. Generally, the younger you are, the more time you may have to recover from losses in higher-risk investments. The older you are, the more risk averse you may be, worried that you won’t have time to recover from stock market losses.
  • Impact on lifestyle: The amount of money you are comfortable allocating to investments will contribute to decisions regarding your personal risk factor. If your lifestyle depends on the money you invest, your risk tolerance will be different from another investor whose money, if lost, won’t alter his or her day-to-day living.
  • Knowledge of investing: Some riskier investments require an in-depth knowledge of investing and may not be appropriate for someone who has limited knowledge. The more investing knowledge you have, the more comfortable you might be with a more aggressive portfolio.
  • Personal comfort level: Your natural inclination may be to be more aggressive, or more prudent, which can have an effect on your investment decisions.

Online investment calculators can help assess your risk tolerance and provide a hypothetical asset allocation mix for you to consider. Generally, these asset allocation models may vary depending on which calculator you use.

Here are three of the most common types based on a risk profile quiz, that you can take yourself:

  • Conservative: 70 percent cash/bonds, 30 percent stocks
  • Moderate: 40 percent cash/bonds, 60 percent stocks
  • Aggressive: 15 percent cash/bonds, 85 percent stocks

Additionally, there can be two extreme models, although either is unlikely in actual practice:

  • Short-term/No risk: 100 percent cash/bonds
  • Ultra-aggressive: 100 percent stocks

Your risk tolerance profile can help to appropriately diversify your portfolio for the level of risk you are willing to accept. Being diversified means combining a variety of assets to offset potential risks or volatility in any one particular asset. This strategy often works because different classes or categories of investments may not move in the same direction at the same time. One may go down in value, while another goes up. But while diversification can help mitigate risk, it won’t eliminate the chance of a market loss completely. Nor will it guarantee a profit.

By doing a little research, through reputable investment research firms or information provided by your employer-based 401(k) plan, you can fine-tune your investment portfolio. Your risk tolerance profile will help you select the right mutual funds, stocks, and bonds from the multitude available. And in the end, you’ll likely have a portfolio that meets your unique needs.

 

Provided by Matthew Clayson, courtesy of Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual). CA Insurance License # 0I01304
©2024 Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company, Springfield, MA 01111-0001 MM202708-310101

 

Physical Activity And Exercise

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showing woman running for physical activity

Adults need 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity weekly. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that only 1 in 4 adults receive the recommended amount of physical activity each week.

Why is exercise important?

Research shows that those who are physically active are likely to live longer, healthier lives.

Physical activity can lead to many benefits:

  • Weight maintenance
  • Reduced blood pressure
  • Improved blood sugar regulation
  • Improved mental health
  • Reduced stress
  • Stronger bone density

In addition, a person who has hypertension, diabetes or a history of smoking can greatly benefit from including regular physical activity in their daily routine.

What should be included in an exercise program?

There are three main components to a well-balanced program of physical activity:

  • Aerobic activity—Get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity (e.g., briskly walking) or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity (e.g., running) every week.
  • Muscle strengthening—Incorporate muscle-strengthening exercises at least two days a week. For the purposes of general training, focus on two to three upper body and lower body exercises. Abdominal exercises are an important part of strength training as well.
  • Flexibility training—Flexibility training is important too, but it is frequently neglected, resulting in increased tightness as you age and become less active.

As with any change to your health and wellness regime, it’s important to talk to your doctor before you start exercising.

How can I get started?

Commitment to a regular physical activity program is more important than the intensity of your workouts. Choose exercises you are likely to pursue and enjoy, such as these activities:

  • Walking
  • Running
  • Stair climbing
  • Biking
  • Rowing
  • Swimming

Life is full of responsibilities that can pull you in multiple directions, and sometimes exercise takes a back seat to other obligations. But letting your fitness slip can create serious health risks down the road and make bad fitness habits even harder to break later on.

Where can I learn more?

For more information about exercise programs, please contact your doctor.

 

April Marks Distracted Driving Awareness Month

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The National Safety Council designates April as Distracted Driving Awareness Month. This annual campaign is intended to raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving and encourage drivers to minimize potential distractions behind the wheel.

Distracted driving contributes to nearly 400,000 injuries and 3,000 fatalities each year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Distracted Driving Overview

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines distracted driving as any activity that may divert a motorist’s attention from the road. There are three main types of distractions that can interfere with drivers’ attentiveness:

  • Visual distractions involve motorists taking their eyes off the road. Some examples include reading emails or text messages, looking at maps or navigation systems, and observing nearby accidents or roadside attractions while driving.
  • Manual distractions entail motorists removing their hands from the steering wheel. Key examples include texting, adjusting the radio, programming navigation systems, eating, drinking and performing personal grooming tasks while driving.
  • Cognitive distractions stem from motorists taking their minds off driving. Primary examples include talking on the phone, conversing with vehicle passengers and daydreaming while driving.

Regardless of distraction type, distracted driving is a serious safety hazard that causes a significant number of accidents on the road. As such, it’s crucial to take steps to prevent distracted driving.

Prevention Measures

During this annual event and beyond, it’s imperative for businesses to educate their employees about distracted driving hazards and related prevention measures. Specifically, businesses should share the following guidance with their drivers:

  • Put phones away. Drivers should silence their phones and store them out of reach to avoid checking them behind the wheel.
  • Plan every trip. Before hitting the road, drivers should program their navigation systems and familiarize themselves with their journeys.
  • Utilize in-vehicle technology. Drivers should leverage any technology within company vehicles that promotes safe driving, including hands-free communication devices, voice-activated controls and telematics solutions.
  • Avoid multitasking. While driving, it’s best for drivers to refrain from completing additional tasks, such as eating or adjusting the radio.
  • Stay focused. By keeping distracting conversations to a minimum and looking straight ahead, drivers can fully concentrate on the road.
  • Maintain compliance. Drivers should comply with all company policies and applicable laws regarding distracted driving.

Contact us today for additional risk management resources.

The content of this News Brief is of general interest and is not intended to apply to specific circumstances. It should not be regarded as legal advice and not be relied upon as such. In relation to any particular problem which they may have, readers are advised to seek specific advice. © 2025 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.