Staying Safe in Extreme Heat

extreme heatAlthough there’s nothing quite like enjoying a warm summer afternoon, it’s important you watch out for extreme heat warnings. When temperatures get too high, they can be dangerous to your health. Extreme heat can cause heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion or stroke. This occurs due to the body’s inability to properly cool itself. Younger children and older adults are generally the most vulnerable to extreme heat. Keeping this in mind, the following are a few tips for staying safe in the heat this summer:

  • Wear light clothing – Wear clothing that’s lightweight and loose-fitting to give your body a chance to breathe.
  • Stay indoors – When it’s particularly hot out, make sure to stay indoors where it’s air-conditioned. If you’re outside and you begin feeling unwell because of how hot it is, duck into a place that has AC, such as a nearby store.
  • Don’t leave anyone in the car – The car can get incredibly hot inside when the air conditioning’s turned off. Do not leave pets, kids, or older adults in the car, even if you’re only leaving temporarily.
  • Stay hydrated – Drink lots of water. Your body needs water to keep itself cool and to prevent overheating.
  • Check daily weather forecasts – You can avoid extreme heat by regularly checking local weather forecasts. Limit the activities you do outside to times it won’t be as hot, such as mornings or in the evenings.
  • If you or someone you’re with suffers from a stroke as a result of the heat, call 911 immediately and move him/her to a cool place. Do not him/her anything to drink. Use cool, moist cloths to try to lower their temperature. If they have symptoms of heat exhaustion (heavy sweating, fast/weak pulse, dizziness, and/or nausea), move them to a cool place and help him/her sip water. Get medical help if he or she vomits or faints.

Keep these tips in mind in case of extreme heat this summer and visit us at The Benefits Store today for more summer safety tips!

The Golden State Killer: DNA Testing & Tracking

DNA TestingAdvancements in DNA testing is continuing to have a big impact on society as evidenced by the recent capture of the Golden State Killer. While the infamous serial killer was finally brought to justice via DNA testing, some are voicing concern about the method in which he was tracked down.

Could DNA Testing Be Problematic?

DNA testing services have gained popularity recently as people are attempting to trace their genetic history and/or find long-lost relatives. However, it’s gotten so advanced police detectives can now mine DNA data in order to assist in criminal cases.

Joseph James DeAngelo, who is 72 years old, was recently arrested as a suspect in the Golden State Killer case. The Golden State Killer has been linked with over 50 rapes and 12 murders over the course of a decade, from 1976 to 1986. But the case went cold decades ago.

DeAngelo was found after detectives used a public genealogy database and everyone applauds his capture after decades of crime; his arrest allows victims’ family members closure. However, concerns have been raised concerning privacy and ethics.

The DNA of the Golden State Killer was found from a sample left at one of the crime scenes. Police were able to find a match by using GEDmatch, a popular genealogy website.

The way GEDmatch works: Customers can upload their DNA profiles to find a match, and customers have to certify the DNA they are submitting is their own. The matches found in the Golden State Killer case were relatives of the suspect, but the manner in which DeAngelo was finally tracked down is still under debate.

DNA testing can be very effective at helping police solve crimes, but some people have ethical concerns about the methodology. To keep up with all the latest health-related news or to find out more about DNA testing, visit The Benefits Store.

 

Disability Insurance: What and Why

Disability InsuranceA minor injury or illness that leaves you temporarily disabled may not seem like a big deal, but it can be; especially if you are forced to miss work. A lot of people assume they are covered by their health insurance, worker’s compensation, or workplace disability insurance, but they aren’t. That’s why you should strongly consider purchasing disability insurance.

Why You Should Consider Disability Insurance

Around 50 percent of American workers have disability coverage included in their employee benefits. However, the other half must purchase coverage individually or through a voluntary benefits plan in the workplace.

Regular health insurance may cover your medical bills, but Social Security disability benefits are only for long-term incapacities. Additionally, workers’ compensation will only help if you were injured or became ill at work. It’s estimated that around six percent of American workers experience short-term disabilities which can include injuries, illnesses, and pregnancies. According to a report published by Bankrate last year, more than 60 percent of Americans can’t even afford an unexpected bill of $500, which means that without a job, few people would likely be able to afford the basic costs of living.

What is Disability Insurance?

Disability insurance can help protect you financially if you miss work due to ill health or injury. A short-term disability insurance plan will protect workers’ incomes if they miss work between three days and six months as a result of a disability. Long-term disability insurance plans will cover periods of time between 2-10 years (or until retirement age).

Most short-term disability insurance plans will cover around 60% to 70% of your income, while long-term plans cover 40-70 percent. However, you should be aware that most plans have waiting periods, which means that a certain time could lapse before you are paid.

Disability insurance can help protect you financially in case you’re forced to miss work for an extended time due to illness, injury or pregnancy. For help finding the right disability insurance plan, be sure to visit us at The Benefits Store today.

Scientists Create a New Type of Light

PhotonsPhotons, which make up light, do not interact. It’s why when you shine two flashlights at one another, nothing out of the ordinary happens. However, scientists have discovered a new form of light as a way of getting photons to interact. This could potentially lead to all kinds of possibilities, from being able to use photons in quantum computing to even making real-life lightsabers.

A New Form of Light

A team of scientists from Harvard University, MIT, and other locations were recently able to demonstrate that photons can be made to interact. They published research in the Science journal describing observations of three photons interacting to stick together and creating a new form of light.

These observations were made during an experiment in which a weak laser beam was shone through a cloud of rubidium atoms. These rubidium atoms were cooled down to just above absolute zero and practically freezing them to a standstill. However, instead of shining through the cloud as single, randomly spaced photons like one would expect, they were bound together in either pairs or triplets.

Additionally, the team realized the photons that were bound together had acquired a small portion of an electron’s mass, which is unique because photons don’t typically have mass. As a result, they were traveling 100,000 times slower than normal photons do. Additionally, the phase of each photon was measured to see how strongly they were interacting. They found that the photons that bound together weren’t just acting independently, but strongly together as well.

These observations show that photons can be made to interact in different ways and that, as a result, they could be used to perform incredibly fast and complex quantum computations.

Discovering that photons can be made to interact with one another opens up all kinds of opportunities. However, the team is taking it one step at a time. The next experiment will be to discover other ways that photons can interact or if they can repel one another. For the latest science news, be sure to visit us at The Benefits Store today.

Women’s Health: Preparing for Your Next Checkup

Women's HealthWhen it comes to women’s health, general checkups are important, even if you think you’re completely healthy. Regular checkups can help keep you healthy by potentially preventing diseases and disability. The following are a few women’s health tips to keep in mind when preparing for your next checkup:

  • Ask if it’s time for recommended screening tests – There are a number of screening tests that are recommended based on a person’s general health, lifestyle, age, and family history. Ask your healthcare provider if there are any vaccinations, tests, or follow-up exams that you should schedule. Some of these vaccinations and tests may include STD screenings, tetanus shots, eye checks, pap tests, mammograms, or blood pressure tests.
  • Record any health issues – Before going to your scheduled checkup, write down all health issues you’re concerned about, no matter how minor they may be. For example, note any changes in your eating habits, energy levels, menstrual cycle, weight, and more. Be completely honest with your doctor. In some cases, these issues are isolated health issues with which your doctor can help, but in other cases, they could be indicative of problems that need to be diagnosed.
  • Review family medical history – Find out if any of your close relatives have been diagnosed with any new diseases or conditions. You’ll want to let your doctor know about these new health issues because they could influence your risk of developing certain conditions. Make sure that you’re aware of any conditions or health problems your immediate family has had in the past. For example, knowing what kind of health problems your grandparents may have had can be quite helpful for your doctor to know.

It’s important you schedule regular checkups with your doctor to ensure that you remain healthy no matter how old you are. For more information concerning women’s health or to find an insurance plan that best suits your needs, visit us at The Benefits Store today.