Kathryn Smith

Last fall, I decided to embrace the winter season by picking an outdoor activity to enjoy. For years, I considered snowshoeing. Unfortunately, we haven’t received much snow this winter.

After some thought, I decided I would bike to work during the winter months, so I bought a new bike and some gear to ensure a comfortable ride.

Over the Christmas break, my daughter’s friend asked her to go downhill skiing. Initially, I thought this was a great way for her to be active during the winter. When I was younger, I remember skiing with my grade school and even taking my wife on a date at our local ski hill.

I realized those skiing adventures took place more 30 years ago and I no longer remembered the first thing about skiing. Since I had researched biking in the winter months, I thought it was wise to do some research on skiing.

If you decide skiing is your new adventure this year, here are some tips for you and your family. Even if skiing isn’t a new adventure for you, these tips can help you enjoy other outdoor winter activities like snowshoeing or simply taking a walk.

1. Start with a lesson. Back when I skied, I went to the ski hill, put on a pair of skis, and away I went. I was close to using the same approach with my daughter. Then it dawned on me that she probably needs a lesson or two. Contact a ski hill near you to find out if they offer lessons. When I contacted our local ski hill, I learned what they teach beginners and that the lesson price was affordable. Learn from a professional ski instructor, not a friend or family member.

2. Layer up. Selecting the right number of layers is important. Beginners tend to underdress, especially if it’s a sunny day. My daughter thought she could wear a sweater with a sweatshirt over the top and a pair of jeans. Choosing the right number of layers, based on temperature, can only be accomplished through trial and error.

3. Get the appropriate gear. Proper-fitting gear is important in keeping you warm and safe. Gear that doesn’t fit properly or is uncomfortable can ruin your day. Avoid wearing your favorite pair of jeans or borrowing equipment from others. If you don’t have gear, rent boots, snow pants, and a helmet.

It’s also wise to buy ski goggles. Goggles help prevent snow blindness and protect your eyes from blowing snow. For biking to work, I bought a vented pair of ski goggles for $40. They keep my face warm and don’t fog up. They also work great for snow blowing which is more work than fun.

Wearing the right layers of clothing and having the appropriate gear can make everyday life more enjoyable during the winter months.

Check out these links on getting fit for the appropriate ski boot and selecting ski gear.

Ski Boot Fitting 101 – How to fit Ski Boots Properly Part 1

Ski Boot Fitting 101 – How to fit Ski Boots Properly Part 2

A Beginner’s Ski Gear Guide

4. Patience is a virtue. Like many new hobbies, skiing takes practice. One lesson doesn’t equip you with the skills you need to go down the most difficult hill. Embrace the learning process and set realistic expectations. If you have family or friends who are more advanced skiers, don’t try to keep up with them. If you want to ski with them, ask them to join you on the smaller runs.

5. Stay loose and relax. It’s very important to stretch properly before taking to the hill. Skiing requires the use of many muscles that aren’t used to this type of activity. The more stretching you can do, the better off you’ll feel the next day.

It’s also important to stay relaxed. Like any new activity, the first time at the ski hill can be stressful; however, it’s important to keep a clear mind and a relaxed body. Don’t be afraid of falling. Falling is a part of the learning process. Keeping your body rigid and tense can be harmful. If you feel stressed, take some deep breaths. This will help clear your mind of distracting thoughts that may be attacking your confidence.

6. Know the lay of the land. Be familiar with the layout of the ski hill. Understand the ski hill’s rules/code of conduct, terminology, and map, as well as where you can get medical attention. Knowing this information can make the day more enjoyable and safe for you and others.

7. Stay hydrated. Staying hydrated during winter months is very important. Dehydration can happen quickly in cold weather because your body is working hard to stay warm. Check out “8 Tips for Hydrating in Cold Weather.”

8. Don’t forget the sunscreen. Use an SPF of 30 or higher and apply it to exposed skin. Reapply every few hours. You CAN get sunburn in the winter.

Sources:
http://www.skinet.com/ski/galleries/top-10-tips-beginners?i=63193&s=10 http://skiing.about.com/od/skiclothing/a/What-To-Wear-Skiing.htm

SOURCE:  West Bend, Posted by Scott Stueber on Jan 19, 2016 10:32:57 AM

As the temperatures begin to rise, severe storms start to make headlines around the nation. When I was growing up, I remember the weather myth that you should keep your windows cracked if a tornado is in your area to equalize the pressure. Is this true or a myth?

PropertyCasualty360.com published an article called “Weather mythbusters: 7 weather myths that you should stop believing.” Incorrect information about weather can be dangerous and even prove deadly. Here are the myths they identified. To learn more, visit their article.

Seven Weather Myths

1. Tornadoes and hurricanes do the most harm.

2. Lightning never strikes the same place twice.

3. Doorways are the safest spots during earthquakes.

4. There is such a thing as “earthquake weather.”

5. You can safely drive through floodwaters.

6. Alcohol warms the body in winter.

7. Opening windows will equalize the pressure and prevent tornado damage.

Here are some additional blogs that may help keep you and your family safe.

Tornado safety tips before, during, and after the storm – Find out what warning signs Mother Nature shares before a tornado. The blog also provides safety tips on how to stay safe during and after the storm.

Technology that can protect you and your family from severe weather – Even though technology is always changing and can be frustrating at times, there are some nice apps and other equipment that can keep you safe.

SOURCE:  Posted by Scott Stueber on Apr 14, 2015 9:09:35 AM

Cell/Smart phones are an integral part of society. When I look at everything it can do, I think it’s one of the greatest inventions. We can communicate in many forms, watch TV, read books, play games, and take pictures when we’re on vacation.

How and when we use our phone, however, can also create frustration and safety issues. So often when I go out to dinner with family and friends, it seems everyone in the restaurant is on the phone looking at Facebook, sports scores, or text messages. Personally, this frustrates me. What happened to having a nice conversation at dinner?

So, do you have a resolution or goal you want to accomplish in 2016? Whether you do or you don’t, I encourage you too seriously look at these etiquette/safety tips and pick a few you can use in your own life to improve your relationships and your safety.

Cell phone etiquette/safety tips

1. Enjoy quality time with friends and family. If you’re out to dinner or at a friend’s house, leave your phone in the car or keep it in your coat pocket on vibrate. If you need to check in with a baby sitter, that’s fine. Just excuse yourself from the table or conversation. What’s the point of spending time with family or friends if everyone is going to spend more time on their phones?
2. Pay attention when you’re walking. How often do you see people walking and looking at their phone? Walking and using your phone can be as dangerous as texting while driving. A nationwide study by Ohio State University found that emergency room visits by pedestrians using their phones have more than doubled since 2005. Using your phone while walking:

• Prevents you from seeing holes or cracks in the sidewalk that could cause you to trip and fall. Unfortunately, people have been so distracted, they’ve walked off bridges or fallen into waterfalls at their local malls.
• Makes you an easy target for crime.
• Could cause you to stray into traffic.

1. Be respectful in public places. Whether you’re at work or in line at the grocery store, be respectful of those around you. Nobody is interested in hearing your conversation. Consider getting a conference room or stepping out of the checkout line. Other people need to accomplish things and don’t want to be distracted by your conversation. Check out what etiquette expert Jules Hirst recommends if your phone starts blaring in a public place.
2. Avoid texting or taking calls in meetings. If you’re in a meeting, keep your phone on vibrate and in your pocket. Buzzing phones on the conference room table can be distracting to the person talking, as well as to those trying to listen. Your focus should be on what’s being discussed in the meeting, not on an incoming call, text, or email.
3. Avoid putting someone on hold. When you put someone on hold, you’re telling him or her someone else more important is calling. If someone calls while you’re talking, ignore the call. If it’s important, they’ll leave a message. If not, you can call them back immediately after you finish your current conversation.
4. Avoid using your phone while driving. Many studies have shown that reaction times are significantly reduced when you’re using your phone. A University of Utah driving simulator study showed that drivers using cell phones experienced a slower reaction time than drivers with a .08 blood alcohol level. Have you ever pulled into your garage after the commute home and you don’t remember how you got there? Drivers on the phone can experience inattention blindness. Inattention blindness occurs when you see things, but your brain doesn’t process what you see.

Don’t let your phone become a negative distraction in your life. For more information, I encourage you to read “Understanding the distracted brain WHY DRIVING WHILE USING HANDS-FREE CELL PHONES IS RISKY BEHAVIOR.”

SOURCE:  West  Bend, Posted by Scott Stueber on Jan 5, 2016 11:00:00 AM

Part of growing up is recognizing and fulfilling personal goals and securing a stable lifestyle that meets your needs and the needs of your potential or growing family. Getting a job, buying a car, and purchasing a house are often milestones you’ll reach and there are many reasons why you should protect your home, car, and personal possessions with insurance coverage.

Insurance will provide you with the protection you need, but many people aren’t sure where to start and how to choose the right type of insurance for their individual needs. Rest assured; feeling overwhelmed is completely normal.

If you need help navigating the world of insurance, start with the basics. Here are five tips you should consider:

1. Understand why insurance is important. Think of insurance as a way to manage risk. For a monthly fee, or premium, you enlist the expertise of an insurance agent to help you identify your potential risk and provide you with the right insurance coverage for certain expenses you could incur if you suffer a loss. Here are a few examples of insurance you should consider at various milestones in your life:

• Car insurance covers repairs, medical costs, and legal expenses if you’re involved in a collision.
• Home insurance is required by mortgage lenders to verity your home is protected, and provides you with coverage if your home is damaged by such things as fire, wind, or hail.
• Business insurance protects the valuable assets of your business.
• Identity theft protection provides access to comprehensive identity protection services.
• Umbrella insurance provides coverage where your basic Home and Highway® coverage ends by giving you a large additional layer of liability insurance.

1. Do your research and brush up on your insurance vocabulary. Just like any job interview, it’s important to familiarize yourself with industry terminology and have some knowledge of insurance before engaging in a discussion. Do some research on insurance agents in your area, recommended insurance companies, and key terminology that may apply to you and your current life situation.
2. Determine what kind of coverage you need. While it’s your agent’s job to recommend the best insurance for your expressed needs, it’s a good idea to bring a general outline of what you think you’ll need to your initial meeting. For example, if you’re a homeowner, you might look into homeowners insurance, flood insurance, and insurance for your personal possessions.If you own a business, you might consider business insurance, identity theft coverage, andworkers’ compensation insurance, to name a few.Think about your insurance needs in advance so you can accurately express what types of protection you may need.
3. Find an insurance provider to meet your needs. One of the key considerations in selecting appropriate insurance coverage is choosing a company and agent to help you. It’s important, however, to first understand the difference between an independent agent and a captive agent.Captive agents represent one insurance company and offer only that company’s policies. Independent agents, on the other hand, have no exclusive relationship with any one insurance company. Independent agents offer a wide range of products from multiple insurance companies and are able to offer guidance on a variety of products, coverage options, and prices. Independent agents don’t work for one particular insurance company; instead, they work for you.
4. Find the right policy. Meeting with a knowledgeable insurance agent is the first step in helping you find the right policy for your needs. Once you establish what your coverage needs are and identify the level of protection you need, your insurance agent should be able to provide you with a comprehensive policy recommendation.You should meet with your agent each year to review changes in your protection needs and to alter your policy to reflect changes in your home, auto, or family life.

SOURCE:  West Bend, Posted by Scott Stueber on Dec 22, 2015 9:20:21 AM

Part of growing up is recognizing and fulfilling personal goals and securing a stable lifestyle that meets your needs and the needs of your potential or growing family. Getting a job, buying a car, and purchasing a house are often milestones you’ll reach and there are many reasons why you should protect your home, car, and personal possessions with insurance coverage.

Insurance will provide you with the protection you need, but many people aren’t sure where to start and how to choose the right type of insurance for their individual needs. Rest assured; feeling overwhelmed is completely normal.

If you need help navigating the world of insurance, start with the basics. Here are five tips you should consider:

1. Understand why insurance is important. Think of insurance as a way to manage risk. For a monthly fee, or premium, you enlist the expertise of an insurance agent to help you identify your potential risk and provide you with the right insurance coverage for certain expenses you could incur if you suffer a loss. Here are a few examples of insurance you should consider at various milestones in your life:

• Car insurance covers repairs, medical costs, and legal expenses if you’re involved in a collision.
• Home insurance is required by mortgage lenders to verity your home is protected, and provides you with coverage if your home is damaged by such things as fire, wind, or hail.
• Business insurance protects the valuable assets of your business.
• Identity theft protection provides access to comprehensive identity protection services.
• Umbrella insurance provides coverage where your basic Home and Highway® coverage ends by giving you a large additional layer of liability insurance.

1. Do your research and brush up on your insurance vocabulary. Just like any job interview, it’s important to familiarize yourself with industry terminology and have some knowledge of insurance before engaging in a discussion. Do some research on insurance agents in your area, recommended insurance companies, and key terminology that may apply to you and your current life situation.
2. Determine what kind of coverage you need. While it’s your agent’s job to recommend the best insurance for your expressed needs, it’s a good idea to bring a general outline of what you think you’ll need to your initial meeting. For example, if you’re a homeowner, you might look into homeowners insurance, flood insurance, and insurance for your personal possessions.If you own a business, you might consider business insurance, identity theft coverage, andworkers’ compensation insurance, to name a few.Think about your insurance needs in advance so you can accurately express what types of protection you may need.
3. Find an insurance provider to meet your needs. One of the key considerations in selecting appropriate insurance coverage is choosing a company and agent to help you. It’s important, however, to first understand the difference between an independent agent and a captive agent.Captive agents represent one insurance company and offer only that company’s policies. Independent agents, on the other hand, have no exclusive relationship with any one insurance company. Independent agents offer a wide range of products from multiple insurance companies and are able to offer guidance on a variety of products, coverage options, and prices. Independent agents don’t work for one particular insurance company; instead, they work for you.
4. Find the right policy. Meeting with a knowledgeable insurance agent is the first step in helping you find the right policy for your needs. Once you establish what your coverage needs are and identify the level of protection you need, your insurance agent should be able to provide you with a comprehensive policy recommendation.You should meet with your agent each year to review changes in your protection needs and to alter your policy to reflect changes in your home, auto, or family life.

SOURCE:  West Bend, Posted by Scott Stueber on Dec 22, 2015 9:20:21 AM

Pets are a big part of many families. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), more than 43 million households own a dog. That means, as the holidays approach, many dogs will be going on road trips. Depending on where you travel, allowing your dog to sit on your lap while driving may be illegal. Some states consider this a form of distracted driving and require pets to be in proper car restraints.

While you and your family may enjoy Fido moving around the cabin, showing their affection and excitement, this can be very dangerous. A sudden stop or accident with another vehicle can send them flying. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway safety, a driver should be at least 10 inches away from the center of an airbag to help prevent injury from the airbag itself. If your pet is on your lap, it’s likely you’ll both be injured.

Before you head out on holiday travel, consider these different options for restraining your dog, as well as additional safety tips.

1. Use an adequate-sized crate or carrier.If you have a van or SUV a pet crate or carrier is a nice option. Your pet and the carrier can be loaded through the tailgate. In addition, the carrier will sit on a relatively flat surface and it can be secured. Make sure your carrier is the right size to allow your pet to stand, sit, turn around, and lie down.
2. Consider other options.If a pet carrier won’t fit in your vehicle, consider these other options to restrain your pet. The restraint that will work best for you depends on the size of your dog.

• Bergan Auto Harness. This system fits dogs from 10 to 150 pounds.
• Kurgo Pet Travel Back Seat Barrier. This system closes the gap between the front seats and keeps your dog from walking or flying into the front seat or windshield. Another option is the Wander Cargo barrier which can be used in the back of an SUV.
• EzyDog CLICK Adjustable Car Restraint. This system allows your dog to sit anywhere there’s a seat belt buckle.
• Kurgo Pet Travel Canine Leash and Zip Combo.This system allows your pet to move around in the backseat.

3. Pull out the shades.This may not be as much of an issue during the winter months, but if the sun is shining in on your pet, it may make them uncomfortable.
4. If you welcomed a new dog into your family, consider taking it for a test drive. Never assume your new pet enjoys car rides. Watch for signs of anxiousness and car sickness.
5. Allow plenty of travel time.If you have a long drive ahead, make sure you allow for pit stops along the way. The American Veterinary Association recommends a stop every two to three hours.
6. Do your research.If your travel requires an overnight stay at a hotel, make sure you know ahead of time if they accept pets. You should never leave your pet alone in a car.
7. Take plenty of water.Make sure you and your family, as well as your pet,  stay hydrated. Avoid giving your pet tap water on the trip as this may upset its stomach.

Source:

http://www.iihs.org/iihs/topics/t/airbags/qanda
http://www.petmd.com/dog/slideshows/care/top-ten-ways-to-restrain-and-travel-safely-with-pets

SOURCE:  West Bend, Posted by Scott Stueber on Dec 15, 2015 11:00:00 AM