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Stuck At Home… Here Are Some Fun Ideas!

March 29, 2020

Most of us are at home, hoping the COVID-19 pandemic passes as soon as possible. Adjusting to a life of social distancing can be a challenge for many reasons, simply because it might seem like there is not much to do while sitting at home. We came up with a few ideas to help you manage your time.

Set a schedule for your kids that might include times for reading, school work, exercise, and game time.
Schedule a family happy hour each evening before dinner. Use it as a time to talk about what is going on and share fun family traditions.
Teach your kids to cook.
Have a family movie night with popcorn.
Set up an exercise routine. Run up and down the stairs.
Organize that room you have meant to over the last year.
If the weather is pleasant, playing outside is a terrific option when you need to get out of the house.
Take time each day to share something you are thankful for or are hopeful for. It can be difficult to deal with all the news right now. Why not share something positive, like a video of people showing solidarity during this pandemic or a good news story that you found online?
Learn from our YouTube tutorials.
Take care of your physical health. Get a good amount of sleep and exercise, and use other ways to reduce anxiety, such as meditation, yoga, listening to music.
Get out all those old-fashioned board games. Watch TV together or share an electronic game or two. This would also be a great time to watch old family videos. Connecting with happier times is always good for our mental health.
Limit the news. For your own mental health and the mental health of your children, titrate the intake of news.
Connect with old friends or family members.
Start a garden. Garden centers are open, and you can get vegetables to plant.
Clean out your garage and get your stuff ready for a garage sale.
Camp in the back yard.
Make a family COVIS-19 bracelet.
Listen to a podcast, To say that podcasts are having a moment is a massive understatement. Whether it's to have a serious LOL or be inspired in your career, there's never been a better time to plug into some juicy conversations.
Learn a craft. Ever wanted to knit, crochet, or learn how to do woodworking? YouTube will keep you busy with plenty of videos to choose from.

Please check our website for any updates on changes regarding our operational procedures during this pandemic.

All of us at Martinez & Associates Insurance Services encorage you to be safe, and be strong.

#togetherapart

Spring Will Be Here Soon

March 1, 2020

Spring Brings The Need For Safety

Now that the weather is changing throughout much of the country, many of us are heading outside to have some fun or start the home improvement projects that we have been planning for all winter. But before the outdoor fun begins, please remember to do it safely. Every year, more than 60,000 people are treated in emergency rooms for lawn-mower injuries. In 2016, there were 6,100 reported home fires involving gas or charcoal grills leading to $29.1 million in direct property damage, according to the National Fire Protection Association.

Be Safe While Having Fun

If you are planning on having some fun this spring, remember these safety tips:

If you are going on a bike ride, be sure to wear a helmet. Verify that the helmet sits level on top of the head–not rocking in any direction–and always fasten the safety strap.
When using a barbecue grill, always be sure to leave sufficient space between the grill and your home’s siding and eaves.
Keep children and pets far away from the grill.
With gas grills, be sure that the hose connection is tight and check hoses carefully for leaks.
If you own a pool, install a pool alarm to detect accidental or unauthorized entrance into the water. Always have an adult in the area when children are using the pool. Limit use of alcohol when enjoying your pool.
It would be a good idea to test all play structures, including tree houses. Check play structures for sharp screws, bolts, or nails. Make sure the swing set is on a level area and the legs are properly anchored.
Do not leave tools or sharp objects in the back yard.

Be Safe While Completing Work Projects

Spring is a good time to complete an inspection of all motorized equipment to make sure they are in good working order.
Always wear shoes and long pants when using gardening power tools to protect your legs and feet from flying rocks and debris.
Never start your projects when you are tired. Fatigue can cause severe injuries with accidental slippage while using a dangerous power tool.
If you are digging around your yard, confirm that there are no electrical or gas lines in the area.
Remember that your body may not be used to heat, so if it is hot be careful not to get heat stroke. Hydrate yourself on a regular basis.

All of us at Martinez & Associates Insurance Services appreciate your continued business and referrals. Please don't hesitate to call or email us for any reason. We would love to hear from you!

Do Love Your Valentine's Present? You May Want To Insure It.

February 2, 2020

It is that time of year when many of us give that special person in our lives a gift that they will enjoy year round. Valentine’s gifts typically include watches, jewelry, art, cameras and other valuable items.

Whatever you may do this year, if you purchase an expensive item for that special person, make sure you get it insured. Most homeowners or renters insurance policies restrict coverage for items like jewelry to $1,000 dollars. In addition, most policies cover named perils for fire and theft, etc.; however, they may exclude coverage for the ring that gets flushed down the toilet; that is unless the expensive item is scheduled. To cover such circumstances that the insurance industry has dubbed “mysterious disappearance”, you will need a valuable articles personal property endorsement on your homeowners or renters policy.

Tips to keep valuables safe

Have your jewelry appraised by a qualified jewelry appraiser for insurance replacement purposes
Take pictures
Keep items in safe place
Take off while working outside

Our homeowners and renters insurance can provide many benefits including:

Additional Living Expense -This coverage pays for the extra, above normal costs of expenses such as food and lodging incurred while the policyholder’s home is being repaired.
Extended Replacement Cost - Provides additional coverage up to 150% of the dwelling’s policy limits to rebuild your home in the event you suffer a covered loss.
Personal Liability Protection- Pays for bodily injury or property damage caused to others as a result of a covered incident.
Identity Theft Protection - Pays for expenses you incur as a result of criminal identity theft.

Martinez & Associates Insurance Services can provide you with he right combination of coverage, and price, followed up with outstanding service. Call us today at 432-580-8750.

Tips for Winter Wellness

December 23, 2019

Winter is often the most sickly time of the year with folks suffering from colds, coughs, sniffles, achy joints and cold sores. There are many reasons blamed: confinement with others, cold weather, depression, stress, weak immune system or lack of exercise. Depending on whom you ask, all of them can be a part of the problem.

Here are some guidelines for winter wellness.

Eat healthy and don’t over indulge. A healthy diet will keep your gut microbiome in order, preventing harmful bacteria from taking over. Consuming lactic acid consuming bacteria naturally found in raw food like fruits and vegetables support gut and respiratory health. Consumption of traditional comfort foods high in glucose causes oxidative stress in the blood and compromises your immune defenses. Eat plenty of leafy greens, beans and citrus. [1] In addition, including your own sprouts of alfalfa, broccoli, lentil and red clover in your daily diet are extremely beneficial. Don’t forget garlic, “nature’s penicillin,” which has been used to fight infections for thousands of years. [2]
Get more sunshine. It’s easy to stay inside during winter. Get outside often, dressing appropriately, it will make you feel better, stimulate your metabolism (your body burns more calories keeping warm), and enhance your absorption of vitamin D. Remember to be careful about excessive exercise. It can be bad for your heart. Use a small shovel, and move small amounts of snow at a time. Take any chest pain seriously and seek medical help immediately. [3]
Manage your stress level. Winter activities and obligations can get overwhelming. Spend sometime alone in meditation. It will help you refocus and be more mindful of your blessings. [4]
Keep up your fluid intake. Avoid dryness both internally and externally. Apply extra lotion, moisturizer, turn on that humidifier you cleaned whenprepping your home for winter, and drink lots of water. Include herbs in your water like lemon and mint, use a straw and limit your alcoholic drink consumption. [4]
Practice standard hygiene techniques. Cover your cough with your arm, wash your hands, gargle with salt water, and discard used tissues. Limit the length of time you spend closed up with other people. Steer clear of those you hear coughing and hacking.
Consider herbal supplements to stimulate your immune system. Herbs like elderberry extract can be a preventative tonic, [5] oil from peppermint will open sinuses and help some headaches, [6] sage mixed with honey helps sore throats. [7]
Find ways to serve others. When you change the vibrational rate in your body, by focusing on positive gratitude, it creates a dynamic energy and powerful healer. [2]
Get plenty of sleep. Nothing restores the body more than getting seven to eight hours of sleep a night. Immune cells are most active during the sleep cycle. [1] Good sleep banishes depression, curbs junk food cravings, eliminates extra amounts of cortisol, the stress hormone, and burns calories. [2]
Does a flu shot work for you? Flu symptoms include fever, chills, and body aches. You can catch it by droplet transmissions from up to 6 feet away. If you get sick, stay home don’t spread it around.

Alll of us at Martinez & Associates Insurance Services wish you Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year!

References
1.https://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/how-to-stay-healthy-during-winter/
2.http://www.unity.org/resources/articles/top-10-tips-winter-wellness
3.https://www.drugs.com/slideshow/winter-wellness-tips-1147
4.https://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-28333/5-tips-for-nailing-your-winter-wellness-routineno-matter-how-cold-it-gets.html
5.http://www.wortsandcunning.com/blog/winter-wellness-healing-herbs-for-the-dark-of-the-year
6.http://www.pinkofperfection.com/2012/02/winter-wellness-guide/

Our Holiday Tips to Keep You Sane & Safe

November 12, 2019

Halloween is over and that means we are in the middle of the Holiday Season. During the next 30 plus days, we will all be busy shopping, eating out and traveling. Please keep these safety tips in mind, so that you can enjoy the season without incident:

Shopping Safety Tips

Always be aware of your surroundings.
Put your shopping bags in your trunk.
NEVER leave car doors unlocked or windows open.
ALWAYS park in lighted areas. Do NOT park in remote areas.
Shop with a friend.
Keep receipts in your wallet or purse.
Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
As you return to your car, make sure to keep your car key in your hand.
If you make expensive purchases like jewelry or guns, call our office as we may need to add these to your policy.

Christmas Tree Safety (provided by the NFPA)

Make sure the tree is at least four feet away from any heat source, like fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights.
Make sure the tree is not blocking any exit or door.
Add water to the tree stand daily.
Never use lit candles to decorate the tree.
Only used approved lights.
Connect no more than three strands of mini string sets and a maximum of 50 bulbs for screw-in bulbs
Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections.

Home Safety Tips

If you are planning to vacation during the holiday, here are few ideas to consider:

Get a security system.
Trim landscaping that is too close to your house.
Don’t advertise your vacation on social media.
Cancel mail and other deliveries.
Leave lights on when gone.
Have a neighbor check on your home.
Always lock your garden sheds and garages.
Use a variable light timer to activate lights inside your home.
Lock all doors and windows.
If you gone, arrange for your lawn to be mowed.
Have adequate exterior lighting.

All of us at Martinez & Associates Insurance Services appreciate your continued business and hope you survive the next 7 weeks!