prevention

As many of those over 40 know, eyesight seems to get worse every year thereafter, resulting in a hearty sprinkling of reading glasses around the house. When you think about it, we rarely think about our ocular health unless our eyes are giving us problems.
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There's nothing like an injury in the backcountry to ruin a good summertime adventure. As outdoor enthusiasts know, minor injuries are easy to come by and can include anything from strained muscles, campfire burns, poison ivy rashes, twisted ankles, sunburns, various cuts and scrapes, and the list goes on. And while these may not seem like a big deal on paper, they have a way of crushing the fun.
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Let's face it... the days of soaking up the sun for that "healthy tan" are clearly over. Fears of skin cancer – namely melanoma – have overridden most peoples' desire for sun-kissed skin. But in the summer, when outdoor adventures like hiking, biking, and water sports beckon, many tend to spend a lot of time in the sun doing what they love.
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Personal Umbrella Policies are liability insurance policies with very high limits of protection, typically starting at $1,000,000. They are designed to add a layer of protection above other kinds of personal liability coverage such as the liability protection found in a personal auto, homeowner or boat insurance policy. These kinds of policies are meant to protect you should you be deemed legally responsible for injury to persons or property. Personal injury can include non-physical injury like libel or slander.
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For nature lovers, many of the most memorable moments take place in the great outdoors, whether it's catching your first trout on a fly rod or summiting a peak. This is also where people often find the most solace, as time in nature can bring a sense of peace. Unless, of course, things go wrong.
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Even businesses with the most effective Human Resources Departments and the happiest of employees are vulnerable to lawsuits. Unforeseen situations can quickly escalate, positive working relationships can turn sour, and employees can become litigious, sometimes without valid reason. Unfortunately, even the most bogus claims must be addressed in court, and legal fees associated with winning a lawsuit can exceed $250,000, which hardly feels like a victory.
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In a world full of visible dangers, the last thing anyone in North Carolina wants to think about is the invisible ones. But they're there and, believe it or not, many of them may be lurking inside your home. According to the CDC, each year, approximately 430 people in the U.S. die from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning and more than 50,000 are treated for it. Mold is prevalent in an estimated 70 percent of American homes. And the EPA and Surgeon General attribute more than 21,000 annual deaths from lung cancer in the U.S. to radon exposure.
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Nobody likes to go to the doctor, especially when they aren't sick. But preventative healthcare is a huge piece of the long, healthy, and happy life puzzle. Annual wellness exams often include a general screening, vitals check, labs, and maintenance for chronic health conditions. In fact, it isn't uncommon that these annual exams identify early-stage diseases like cancer, concerning blood pressure and cholesterol levels, thyroid dysfunction, and a host of other common deficiencies and abnormalities. And, since the Affordable Care Act (ACA) mandated 100 percent coverage for preventative care, there's no excuse for missing your annual physical.
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It's an invisible facet of the aging process, but more critically linked to maintaining health, functionality, and autonomy than perhaps all else: brain health. From infancy to adulthood, the brain is in a constant state of growth, forming more than a million new neural connections every second in the earliest years of life and achieving 90 percent of its adult volume by age 6.
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Winter is coming, whether we're ready or not. Every year, despite all of fall's colorful warning signs, shorter days, and brisk mornings, the first blanket of white always seems to come as an abrupt surprise, dusting all that summer gear you never made it around to storing with regret. This year, no regrets! You're going to clean up, check, and double-check your way to being properly prepared. And here's how you're going to do it.
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Swimming pools are wonderful complements to summer weather. Few things are better than stepping outside your home for a cool dip, hosting poolside parties or watching your kids play themselves to exhaustion in the water. Most of us understand that pools also pose a danger but it is important to understand the extent of that danger, the components and preventative measures we can take to keep our pools safe.
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Does your home need a new paint job or a quick refresh on the trim? Are the gutters overflowing with the remains of fall foliage? Or are larger issues demanding immediate attention, like doors and windows, the roof, or the foundation? Whether you thrive on weekends filled with do-it-yourself projects or hide at the mere suggestion, summer's long days and generally agreeable weather in North Carolina offer the ideal opportunity to take on the range of home maintenance and improvement tasks to preserve value and functionality for years to come. Here are a few considerations for fixing up the exterior of your home in the months to come.
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Fraudulent charges to your personal or business accounts can be both financially and emotionally devastating. Even if you do eventually recover the funds, the stress and time that results from having been stolen from can take a toll.
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For many, summer ushers in sunny afternoons spent lounging by pools, floating lazy rivers, and taking the boat out for waterskiing, fishing, and all things wet and wonderful in North Carolina. And, whether by a backyard kiddie pool or a local pond, children are particularly enamored, making water safety a foremost concern for parents.
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How old is too old to drive? It's not necessarily an easy question to answer. Depending on physical health, skill, vision, and even location, elderly drivers can be capable of safely and predictably handling a vehicle well into their seventies and even eighties. And, as baby boomers age further into their golden years, an increasing percentage of drivers will find themselves in that bracket. In fact, the Federal Highway Commission's 2016 data noted a record 41.7 million drivers over the age of 65. That's nearly one in five of the licensed population, an increase of 15 million over 20 years ago. By 2020, drivers aged 75 and older numbered more than 17 million. And, by 2030, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that one out of every four drivers will be an older adult.
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Summer's generally agreeable weather and extended daylight hours in North Carolina make it an ideal season to tackle renovations, remodels, and other household fix-its. Still, these projects aren't without inherent challenges and risks. A little due diligence at the onset can do much to minimize unhappy surprises and make for successful, stress-free (or, at least, as close as it gets) renovations.
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As winter thaws into spring blossoms, summer beckons with backyard cookouts and campfires under the stars. Like many people in North Carolina, spring also means an overhaul of all the recreational toys and gear that make those summertime adventures comfortable, including the family camper. Here are some considerations when readying your RV for all the camping and travel expeditions ahead.
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It's a subject we hear a lot about these days in the news: Drought. According to drought.gov in March of 2022, over 58% of the lower 48 states are currently in a drought. With a collective global force greater than all other natural disasters in the past 40 years, droughts around the globe eventuate in as much deadly destruction as any other extreme weather event. Droughts can be declared in as few as 15 days and can last a week, a month, a year, or longer.
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Winter is almost over and trees are budding with the first signs that spring is in the air. A crocus pops its sweet purple plumes through the last ice crystals and we heave a collective sigh of relief that, with the winter chills, the myriad of mucus-producing viruses is finally leaving the building. And then, for many, that first fatal sneeze. Spring, in all her verdant glory, has ushered back in seasonal allergies and the snotty noses and congestion we hoped not to revisit until the fall. For many of us in North Carolina, seasonal allergies aren't just a nuisance, they prevent outdoor recreation, socialization, yard maintenance, and a host of other activities that make summer, well, summer.
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Large or established businesses often have top level management and policies guided by a board of directors. But boards exist all around us and not just in a corporate setting. In each case, individual board members can be held liable for their actions or the actions of the board of directors and subject to lawsuits.
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You get to the end of your flight reservation and the page comes up: For a few extra dollars, would you like to purchase travel insurance for your trip? Or maybe you're planning that once in a lifetime trip, and an experienced agent has suggested you purchase a travel policy. So what should you do?
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The holiday season is upon us, meaning it's time to be jolly, gather with friends and family, and, hopefully, stay safe. But in addition to the things we're all wishing for, the holidays can bring some unwanted gifts in the form of accidents, damages, or injuries that might result in an insurance claim. So what are the most common holiday-related insurance claims and how can you avoid them? Read on to find out.
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Most people these days are concerned about saving money and reducing their family's carbon footprint. We do this by turning off the lights, installing energy-saving devices, and making sure our homes are efficient in whatever ways we can. But did you know that there are many appliances in your home that may be using up energy and costing you money, even when they are completely turned off? Read on to learn more about these "energy vampires" and how you can prevent them from silently wasting your home's energy resources.
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Pets often become more like family members, and in the case of dogs (and the occasional cat), we tend to take them wherever we go. But before you pack up Fido for a summer road trip, it's important to think about how to keep your beloved pet safe when temperatures are extreme.
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Heat-related illnesses are serious business. When left untreated, the symptoms of heat exhaustion can turn into heatstroke, which is life-threatening. During the prime summer months, this can be a big problem and one that can creep up on you, since the signs and symptoms of heatstroke can often look like something else. With normal summer temperatures slowly increasing around the globe, it's even more important to understand how heatstroke occurs and how you can prevent it.
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You hear a lot about water conservation lately, but what about water quality? Where does a household's water even come from, how is it maintained, and how can you know if it's safe for you and your family? Here's what you need to know about the water in your home, and what might indicate a problem
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Most Americans don't worry about how much water they use. But life depends on having enough clean, fresh water and this precious resource is becoming more scarce every single year.
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A garage is often the place we tend to dump things that we don't know what else to do with, and one that we rarely truly clean. Even after a year at home, when many of us have deep cleaned, purged, and organized our entire houses, the garage may still be filthy, full of junk, disorganized, or all three. So if you're ready to tackle this space, here's how to start (and finish).
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According to the U.S. Fire Administration, clothes dryers contribute to nearly 3,000 fires, 5 deaths and over $35 million in property loss each year. So making sure your dryer vent is clear is a simple but important way to keep your home and family safer. Even in the absence of fire, clogged vents cause your dryer to be less effective resulting in greater use of electricity and more breakdowns. If you find your dryer is taking longer and longer to fully dry a load of laundry, chances are your vent has become blocked with lint.
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Utilities, such as electricity, water, and natural gas, allow us to complete the tasks of daily living. Now that working from home has become the norm, it's that much more important that these critical services work reliably, day after day. As the chances of extreme weather and natural disasters continue to increase, here's what you should know about maintaining your home utilities, and what to do if there's a problem.
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All renters have rights. Some are guaranteed by law, while others will be outlined in your lease agreement. Here are some things you can do to be a savvy renter and protect yourself if things go wrong:
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This year, many of us got a much more up close and personal relationship with our families, our houses, and our things. And many of us realized: we have way too much of all three. While you can't get rid of your 6-year-old or your spouse, there are plenty of places you can go to unload excess stuff.
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Although some in the U.S. have been fortunate enough to make it through the past eight months with their bank accounts intact, there's no doubt that many of us have struggled financially this year. Many have lost jobs, been forced to temporarily move in with relatives, or just found that they couldn't quite make ends meet. While the end of the pandemic (or at least the worst of it) seems to be in sight, many of us will still be struggling with the financial fallout for some time. Here are some ways you can work to stay within your budget while money is still tight.
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It's safe to say that, at this point, everyone around the globe is tired of the pandemic. So much so that there's now an official name for it: pandemic fatigue. Unfortunately, the end of this difficult episode unknown, which means we're going to have to live with the constraints of pandemic life and all of its negative impacts for much longer than we would like.
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The season of ghosts, goblins, costumes and eating too much candy is here. Whether you're a Halloween enthusiast or just someone who loves fall, here are our top 5 home decorating tips, plus a few safety tips for the creepiest night of the year.
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Because you can't keep an eye on it all the time, you want your second home or rural property to stay well-maintained and protected. There are many things you can do to keep your land and buildings safe and prevent problems that can arise when a property is unattended.
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In many cases, a warranty can seem like a sneaky way for manufacturers to squeeze a few extra bucks out of their customers. In some cases, purchasing a warranty might actually be a good idea. Whether you're thinking about signing up for a warranty on a major purchase, or deciding whether to pay a few extra bucks for a warranty on a small appliance while standing in line at Target, here's what you need to know in order to make the best decision.
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Babies and toddlers are a bit like puppies. They're curious. They don't have complete control of their bodies when they're still very young, and once they're mobile, look out! They put things into their mouths, and explore everything they can get their hands on. As a new parent, it's your job to minimize the risks around your home, so that your baby can play and explore without getting hurt... and without ruining the house.
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A few short months ago, many of us, and around the world, quickly learned that we were not prepared for an emergency. And while it didn't turn out to be the type of emergency we thought it was; there was really no need to buy all that toilet paper. It reminded us that we are not invincible, and that we really should have an emergency plan and supplies in place. If you haven't already put together your own emergency plan and supplies, it's not too late. Take the following steps to make sure your family is prepared.
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For business owners, operating during a pandemic is complicated to say the least. You want to do the right thing by your staff and customers, without losing the business you love. In many cases, there is a lot you can do to make patronizing and working at your business safer for everyone.
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In some areas of the country, having an air conditioner is an absolute necessity. But in other areas, such as in the Rocky Mountain Regions, staying cool indoors takes some diligence and effort. Whether your home is equipped with AC or not, here are some things you can do to keep your spaces cooler this summer.
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Boating season is here and, fortunately, it's an activity that can be very compatible with social distancing and other pandemic safety guidelines. But before you take your new or beloved watercraft out for a first spin, it's important to conduct basic maintenance and preparations so that your time out on the water is safe and smooth sailing.
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Summer in North Carolina is almost here and, unfortunately, the global pandemic we've been faced with is still here too. While most of the country, and the world for that matter, are reopening, fears of a resurgence still linger, and we are faced with the unknown. Around the nation, everything from festivals to summer camps have been cancelled, vacation plans have changed, and we're all wondering if summer will even feel like summer at all.
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Whether you use a single vehicle or an entire fleet for your business, keeping them running smoothly is critical to fulfilling your business goals. And if employees are using those vehicles, that adds in another layer of complexity. Here's what you need to know about how to keep your business vehicles well maintained, and keep your employees safe on the job while using them.
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With COVID-19 fresh on the mind and social distancing a new way of life, this summer may not be like any in recent history. But having more time at home means you can't tackle some of those projects you've been putting on the back burner for months, or even years. Here are some ideas for projects to embark on this summer.
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Thinking about getting a dog or cat for the family, but worried that it might destroy your home, furniture and belongings? Here's how to decide whether you're ready for a pet in the first place, and what you can do to protect your home from your new best friend.
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Most people rely on dozens of appliances to support their daily tasks and activities, including small but significant tools like alarm clocks or hairdryers; toasters and stand mixers; and heavy hitters like the dishwasher or washing machine. So, how do you keep your appliances running their best, and getting a good return for your investment by having them work for as many years as possible? Here are a few tips to improve the performance and longevity of appliances.
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There are a variety of potentially serious and costly problems that can happen when you allow too much snow to pile up on your roof: water damage, leakage and in some extreme cases, collapse. If you're a homeowner who lives in a wintry climate, it's important to understand how snow and ice can impact your roof, preventative measures, and when to take action.
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You put so much into the interior of your home, and maybe even its landscaping and outdoor spaces. But you may not have considered how the right outdoor lighting can protect your home and its contents; keep you and your family safe as you navigate walkways and entrances in the dark; and elevate your home's exterior and outdoor living areas. Here's what you need to know to begin the process of selecting and installing outdoor lighting for your home.
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"Call before you dig" is a refrain you may have already heard from Public Service Announcements on the radio or TV. But many homeowners still ignore this basic advice, sometimes with deadly results. If you're planning to dig anywhere on your property, here's what you need to know--and do--to get the job done safely.
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For those who live in snowy climates, winter is on the way. Take advantage of those sunny fall days to prepare your home and yard for frigid temperatures and icy conditions before the snow flies. Making sure your home is well-maintained inside and out will keep you safe and protected through the winter season. Here's how to get ready:
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Every week there's a new recall in the news, and it seems that no auto retailer has gone unpunished for some minor or major manufacturing defect that has put its customers at risk. Problems and safety concerns have been discovered with everything from airbags to brakes to backup cameras, and sometimes entire vehicles have been recalled. Whether your vehicle is new or old, it's important that you know when a safety issue arises, and the steps you can take to get your car fixed. Here are some tips for keeping up on and dealing with recalls.
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As a renter, it may seem that you have little control over the property in which you live. But every state has laws to protect renters from the beginning to the end of the process. It's important to know your rights and responsibilities as a renter, so you can protect yourself in any situation.
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Whether you're on a bike, motorcycle, or an all-terrain-vehicle (ATV), you should always wear a helmet. Of course, not everyone does, and not every state requires it in all situations. Although many states have helmet laws, they can vary quite a bit. So why should you wear a helmet, even if it's not the law? There are several reasons, including the most important: It could save your life.
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Owning a pool takes some time and energy, but keeping it clean both inside and out ensures the safety of your guests and the longevity of your investment. While pool care requires effort, it doesn't have to be painful. Follow these tips for regular upkeep so you can spend more time enjoying your pool than you do maintaining it:
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Trees add a lot to a community and neighborhood in North Carolina, and they even enhance the value of the properties they inhabit. But if not properly maintained, they can cause safety issues, increase the risk of fire, damage homes, interfere with power lines or plumbing; or become diseased and even die. Whether your trees are new, young or mature, don't leave their health up to chance. Here are some ways to maintain trees on your property.
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For boating enthusiasts, being out on the water is the best part of summer--but only if nothing goes wrong. While unexpected situations do happen, many accidents and injuries that occur while boating can be prevented, or the potential damages can be substantially reduced. The U.S. Coast Guard and the National Safety Council offer many ways that recreational boaters can stay safe on the water and minimize the risk of injury for themselves and their loved ones:
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Although the idea for Inland Marine Insurance was inspired by Ocean Marine Insurance, which protects cargo and equipment while in transit on the ocean, it doesn't actually have anything to do with the sea. Inland Marine Insurance is a specialized coverage that can cover equipment, tools, project materials and other items while they are being transported on land, or while they are off your property. This type of insurance can benefit a wide variety of business and provide protection in some common situations that wouldn't normally be covered by insurance. So does your business need Inland Marine Insurance?
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Spring is here: The grass is turning green, flowers are budding, and birds are singing their songs from morning to night. Before you get too excited about the vegetation and the warmer weather, take a weekend to tend to your home's basic needs after a long winter. These important home maintenance tasks can save you time and money in the long run as well as prevent serious problems or safety hazards that could damage your home or put your family at risk.
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Summer in North Carolina is officially over. And it may seem tempting to just throw everything in the garage and be done with it until the warmer season rolls around again. But taking the time to put your summer gear away properly will ensure that it doesn't get damaged during the winter season, and make it that much easier to jump right into warm weather recreation and activities when things heat up again.
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Winter hasn't raised its icy head yet, but the calendar never lies and we're inching closer to those shorter days and cooler nights. Now is the time to get ready, starting with how you get around, namely, your car, boat and RV.
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After a long summer, most parents and (some) kids alike are ready to go back to school. But going back to school also means sending your kids into a sea of germs, and increasing their likelihood of getting sick. In fact, most school-aged children will get 6-10 colds every single year. But there are several things you can do to help your child and the rest of your family stay healthy, and decrease their chances of catching an illness at school.
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We all know we're supposed to wear sunscreen, but with hundreds of options on the shelves every summer, many of us end up choosing the wrong one. Here's what you need to know about how to choose the right sunscreen, and why.
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Outdoor grilling season in North Carolina is here, a time to relax on the deck and enjoy some ribs or a juicy burger cooked to perfection on the grill. But even the most experienced grill master should take safety precautions before firing up the grill. Make sure your outdoor entertaining goes according to plan by following these grilling safety tips.
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Many sighted Americans, even those who wear corrective lenses, take their vision and eye health for granted. Every day, we effortlessly navigate the world, experiencing bright colors, beautiful sunsets; and looking into the faces of our loved ones without a second thought. But eye health includes much more than just the ability to see. According to the National Eye Institute, more than 23 million Americans have never had an eye exam. This means that there are millions of Americans who may be experiencing not just vision problems, but also serious eye diseases, that may go untreated and lead to more serious problems. Here are some answers to some common questions about eye check ups and health:
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We all want to feed ourselves and our families fresh, healthy food, and summertime is when produce is the freshest. Summer farmer's markets are starting soon, and the produce on the shelves calls out for lighter summer meals. But when it comes to fruits and vegetables, not all choices are created equal. Many types of produce are grown with pesticides that can be harmful to humans, and some are more resistant. Here's how to make sure you're eating the healthiest produce around, no matter what your budget.
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We all know the benefits of participating in youth sports: they provide exercise, enjoyment, and a sense of belonging, while teaching valuable lessons about teamwork, disappointment and persistence, among other things. Nowadays, however, it's hard to ignore the research on concussions in youth sports, and the fact that participating can have potentially serious, long-term consequences. Here's what you need to know to make an informed decision.
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Whether your workplace is outdoors or in a cozy office, winter conditions can affect your employees' work and personal safety on the job. According to the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA), employers are required to provide sufficient training and the right equipment to keep employees safe in the workplace, and to provide an environment that is "free from recognized hazards" that could cause injury or death. Here's what you can do to prepare for and protect yourself and your employees from the most common winter workplace hazards.
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Did you know that your home could be harboring toxic levels of radiation in the form of Radon gas? To raise awareness of this silent killer, January has been designated National Radon Awareness Month. It's a time to get your home tested and to encourage those around you to do the same, in an effort to reduce the thousands of preventable deaths caused by Radon each year.
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Moving can be stressful, it's like uprooting your life and all of your belongings, and settling back in. But it doesn't always have to be overwhelming. Here's how to make sure you're covered, insurance-wise, plus tips on hiring a mover and making your big day hassle-free.
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Unpredictable weather, at least in most parts of the country, is here. Suddenly, regular activities like driving and walking outdoors have become more hazardous. Whether you're going about your daily tasks, celebrating the holiday season, or taking part in fun winter activities, here's how to make sure you're safe and protected.
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Hosting a family dinner this holiday? There's a very good chance that a guest at your table will be allergic to something you're thinking of serving. Here's what you need to know about food allergies and how to be hospitable, no matter who you're hosting.
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According to the World Health Organization, falls are the second leading cause of accidental injury deaths worldwide. Falling disproportionately impacts adults age 65 and older, and can lead to serious injury, further health problems, decreased quality of life, and a loss of independence.
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Smart home technology is quickly becoming commonplace in North Carolina, and also affordable to the average consumer. The increased quality and availability of high-tech security devices means that anyone can safeguard their property and belongings. If you're looking to protect your home, family and property, here's an overview of some smart home security tools that might work for you:
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Extreme heat can be fatal. Already this year, 29 children have died from being left in hot cars, and hundreds of adults die each year from heat stroke or other conditions that are made worse by the high temperatures. As unusually high temperatures become more common, it's important to be aware of the symptoms of heat-related illness, and how to prevent them from happening.
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Written about frequently in medical journals, Alzheimer's disease is one that's been widely studied, but is still an anomaly to many scientists. Since, June is Alzheimer's Awareness Month, it's a good time to look at what we do know, along with things one can do to prevent it.

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Most of the modern world is plugged in these days to smartphones, ipads and laptops, among other things. And many of us complete the loop by coaxing earbuds into our ears, turning up the sound to shut the world out, even just for a minute. But this practice, along with the increased amount of dangerous noise present in the modern world, is causing epidemic levels of early hearing loss in children, adults and teens. Read on to find out what you can do:
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Boating season is on the horizon in most parts of the country, and for boaters, it's time to get your vessel out of storage and start performing the necessary inspections and maintenance to ensure that you're ready to hit the water as soon as the weather allows. Follow these tips to get your boat water-ready for summer:
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When Hurricane Katrina touched down in 2005, humans were not the only species affected by its destruction. And because emergency relief agencies were not in the business of saving pets, nearly half a million animals were left behind, devastating many owners and causing public outrage on their behalf. Passed in 2006 as a direct result of Hurricane Katrina, the Pet Evacuation and Transportation Act now requires state and local agencies to consider pets and service animals in their emergency preparedness plans. While most of us won't experience a disaster like Hurricane Katrina in our lifetimes, it's still up to us to consider our beloved companion animals when planning for emergencies, big and small. Here are a few things you can do:
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Everyone in North Carolina agrees that cyber safety is important, but what, exactly, does it mean to be "safe" online? And what do parents really need to know? Here are the top five things you can do to teach your kids how to become responsible digital citizens:
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There are plenty of potentially hazardous activities that go along with the holiday season and the start of winter, such as stringing up Christmas lights, navigating the icy roads, and hopping on those skis or other snow sports equipment, just to name a few. This is also the time of year when we break out the snow shovels and ice melt, so that we, and our neighbors and visitors, can safely navigate our walkways and sidewalks.
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Asbestos is a hidden health hazard that can lurk right in the place where you should feel the safest: home. While those who work in the construction industry are considered the most vulnerable to asbestos exposure, especially repeated exposure, it's important to keep in mind that even very limited exposure-such as what you might experience during a simple renovation project-can have long-term negative effects. Make it a priority to prevent you and your family members from coming into contact with this dangerous material.
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Before winter strikes in North Carolina, most of us tuck away our summer clothes and bring out the sweaters, coats, and scarves that will keep our bodies cozy when there's a chill in the air. But how many of us take similar steps to prepare our homes for winter weather? Readying your home for winter, also known as "winterizing," will not only help you and your family to stay snug and warm while saving money on energy bills, but it may also protect your home from damage that can lead to costly repairs.
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