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