Observed from January 22-27, 2019, National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week (NDAFW) exists to educate teens about substance abuse and addiction. It connects teens and scientific experts. Your business can participate in NDAFW as you support your employees and their loved ones.
What is NDAFW?
NDAFW started in 2010. In 2018, over 2,100 NDAFW events were hosted by schools, community groups, hospitals, and other organizations. These events provide education and information about specific community concerns or general drug or alcohol use.
Why does NDAFW Matter to your Company?
Your company will want to participate in NDAFW events if you employ teens. This information can empower them to understand the effects, challenges and dangers of drug and alcohol use, including accidental exposure, opioid pain medication, experimentation, and peer pressure.
NDAFW participation also helps your adult employees. Many of your staff members may have family, friends, neighbors, or acquaintances who have been affected by substance abuse or addiction. Use NDAFW events and awareness to address these concerns, help employees to help their affected loved ones and address personal drug or alcohol dependency.
You can also use NDAFW to make a difference in your community. Sponsor, host or advertise NDAFW events as you take a leadership role and start conversations about substance use and addiction.
How to Support NDAFW
Because it’s important, encourage your employees to support NDAFW in several ways.
- Take the National Drug and Alcohol IQ Challenge. It’s a 12-question, multiple choice quiz that’s available in English and Spanish. The quiz takes 10 minutes to complete and can be accessed on a mobile device by individual employees or projected onto a large screen, allowing your entire company to take the quiz together and learn more about the challenges teens face.
- Observe the National Drugs and Alcohol Chat Day on January 24. Scientists and science writers will answer questions from teens across the country. Topics include drugs and drug misuse, addiction and its effects, and how to help loved ones who are abusing drugs.
- Share information about NDAFW on your corporate and personal social media pages and include the hashtag #NDAFW.
- Write and record a public service announcement about teen drug and alcohol use or sponsor PSAs written and recorded by local high school students.
- Spread the word with brochures and posters about local events.
- Sponsor an event, such as Lunch and Learn, at a local school.
- Add information about drug and alcohol use, addiction prevention tips and recovery information to your employee handbook.
- Encourage employees to use their health insurance to get help if necessary.
National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week is important to your company, employees and community. Participate this year as you make a difference.
Read more
Every January, nearly one in five people resolve to lose weight or improve their overall health. While those goals are admirable, there are several additional New Year’s resolutions that can do more than help you feel better — they can help you live longer. As you plan for the year ahead, consider adding a few of these life-extending habits to your list.
Support Your Immune System With Vitamins
A strong immune system is essential to long-term health. Many people benefit from regular Vitamin D intake (paired with about 15 minutes of sun exposure to help activate it), along with a quality multivitamin. Zinc — especially when combined with amino acids to improve absorption — can also help support immune function and illness prevention. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting new supplements.
Eat Fewer Calories — Mindfully
Food fuels your body, but excess calories can increase the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. Eating smaller portions, slowing down at meals, and stopping when you feel satisfied (not stuffed) can help you maintain a healthy weight and improve overall longevity.
Add Brain-Boosting Foods to Your Diet
Certain foods support brain health and help your body function at its best. Incorporating these “brain foods” into your regular meals can support memory, focus, and long-term wellness.
- Avocados
- Beans and legumes
- Blueberries
- Nuts and seeds
- Pomegranate juice
- Whole grains
- Wild salmon
Meditate More Often
Meditation is a powerful tool for reducing stress and anxiety while improving mood and mental clarity. Research shows it can even increase gray matter in the brain, which supports decision-making, self-control, and sensory processing. Whether through guided meditation, calming music, or quiet reflection, building this habit into your daily routine can pay long-term dividends.
Learn Something New
Challenging your brain helps keep it sharp. Learning a new skill — whether it’s taking a class, exploring photography, or watching educational talks — strengthens memory, improves cognitive function, and keeps your mind engaged at any age.
Move Every Day
Regular movement improves cardiovascular health, reduces stress, and helps fight depression. Even better, spending time outdoors can lower blood pressure and boost immunity. Whether it’s walking, dancing, gardening, or joining a sports league, aim to stay active and work toward moving at least 10,000 steps per day.
Start (or Rediscover) a Hobby
Hobbies like cooking, reading, gardening, or crafting add joy to daily life. Many also help reduce stress, sharpen focus, and improve mental well-being. Making time for activities you enjoy can significantly improve your quality of life.
Make Time for Play
Play isn’t just for kids. Adults benefit, too. Games, puzzles, recreational sports, and creative activities help reduce stress and stimulate the brain. Whether it’s bowling, shooting hoops, or tackling a jigsaw puzzle, adding play into your routine supports both mental and physical health.
Schedule Your Annual Physical
Your annual physical exam gives you and your doctor the opportunity to review your health, identify potential concerns early, and manage ongoing conditions. Staying proactive with preventive care is one of the most effective ways to protect your long-term well-being.
Resolve to Live Better — and Longer
Small, consistent lifestyle changes can have a powerful impact over time. These resolutions don’t just improve how you feel today — they support a healthier, longer life for years to come.
Read more
As the holiday season approaches, businesses across California are gearing up for festive celebrations — office parties, client appreciation events, and year-end gatherings meant to thank employees for a year of hard work. While these events are a great way to boost morale and celebrate success, they can also create unexpected risks when alcohol is involved.
At Scurich Insurance Services, we want to wish you and your team a happy, healthy, and safe holiday season — and help you understand how to protect your business from potential liability during holiday festivities.
Alcohol often plays a central role at holiday parties, and that’s where risk can quietly enter the picture. Many business owners are surprised to learn that if an employee or guest becomes intoxicated at a company-sponsored event and later causes injury or property damage, the business itself may be held legally responsible.
Consider this all-too-real scenario: After enjoying several eggnogs or cocktails at the company holiday party, an employee decides to drive home. On the way, they run a red light and collide with another vehicle, causing serious injuries. The injured party later files a lawsuit — not only against the employee, but also against your business — alleging negligence for continuing to serve alcohol to someone who was clearly intoxicated.
Situations like this are more common than many employers realize, and under California and local “social host” laws, liability can extend beyond civil lawsuits. In some cases, businesses may face fines or other penalties for serving alcohol to someone who is visibly intoxicated. Even when criminal penalties don’t apply, the cost of legal defense alone can be substantial.
This is where insurance coverage becomes critical. Most businesses carry a Commercial General Liability (CGL) policy, which typically includes what is known as host liquor liability coverage. This coverage is designed to protect businesses that occasionally serve alcohol — such as at holiday parties or special events — but are not in the business of selling or serving alcohol as their primary operation.
Host liquor liability coverage can help pay for bodily injury and property damage claims arising from alcohol-related incidents, up to your policy’s “each occurrence” and “general aggregate” limits. Just as importantly, it also covers legal defense costs, court fees, and related expenses — which are often paid outside the policy limits, offering an added layer of financial protection.
However, it’s important not to confuse host liquor liability with Liquor Liability Insurance. Liquor Liability coverage is specifically designed for businesses that manufacture, sell, or serve alcohol as part of their regular operations — such as bars, taverns, restaurants, liquor stores, breweries, wineries, and event venues. These businesses typically need Liquor Liability coverage in addition to a CGL policy, as host liquor liability alone is usually excluded for alcohol-related operations.
Even if your business does not regularly serve alcohol, holiday events are a good time to review your coverage and consider risk-management best practices. Options such as drink limits, professional bartenders trained to identify intoxication, food service throughout the event, ride-share vouchers, or designated-driver programs can significantly reduce exposure.
The holidays should be a time of celebration — not stress or unexpected liability. Taking proactive steps now can help ensure your year-end events remain memorable for the right reasons.
If you have questions about host liquor liability, Liquor Liability Insurance, or whether your current coverage is adequate for upcoming holiday events, the team at Scurich Insurance Services is here to help. We’re happy to review your policies, explain your options, and make sure your business is protected as you celebrate the season.
From all of us at Scurich Insurance Services, we wish you a safe, joyful, and successful holiday season — and a prosperous New Year.
Read more
The Central Coast has always been resilient, but the past few months have reminded all of us how quickly conditions can change. Between heavy winter rains, localized flooding, ongoing road closures, and shifting wildfire risks, residents and businesses across Aptos, Watsonville, and the greater Monterey region have faced another season of unpredictable weather.
At Scurich Insurance Services, our roots in this community run deep. We’ve helped families, farms, and small businesses navigate these challenges for decades — and we want to share a quick update on what’s happening locally and how you can stay protected.
Recent Local Conditions Worth Noting
1. Heavy Rains & Flooding Concerns (Especially in Low-Lying Watsonville Areas)
Recent storm systems brought saturated soils and rising creek levels across the Pajaro Valley. While major flooding has been limited compared to past years, several rural roads saw pooling, and the potential remains when additional storms roll through.
Insurance Tip:
Review your homeowner’s or business policy for flood exclusions. Standard policies do not cover groundwater or floodwater damage. Flood insurance must be purchased separately and often carries a waiting period.
2. Coastal Impacts in Aptos
High surf advisories and bluff erosion have once again affected coastal roads and properties in Aptos. Even residents inland are feeling the effects through road impacts, power outages, or delayed services.
Insurance Tip:
If you live near the coast or own a rental home there, consider reviewing:
-
Extended replacement cost coverage
-
Earth movement/landslide endorsements
-
Loss of use or rental income coverage
These small additions can make a big difference during storm season.
3. Monterey County Agriculture Still Recovering
The storms have continued to impact farm access, equipment storage, and seasonal planting schedules. Operators across Watsonville, Salinas, and Monterey County are recalibrating for 2025.
Insurance Tip:
Agribusiness owners should take time now to review:
Unexpected downtime is one of the largest financial risks a farming operation faces.
4. Wildfire Preparations Restart Soon
Although winter moisture reduces immediate fire danger, spring and summer wildfire planning begins now. Many insurance carriers are updating underwriting standards in Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties.
Insurance Tip:
If you received a non-renewal or premium increase, reach out early — options exist, but they fill up fast as the season approaches.
How Scurich Insurance Services Can Help Today
As your local, independent insurance partner, we offer:
-
Free policy reviews for homeowners, renters, farms, and businesses
-
Flood insurance and excess flood options
-
Access to multiple carriers (not just one) so we can shop for the best rate
-
Guidance on disaster documentation and preparedness
-
Claims support you can rely on when it matters most
Whether you live near the coast in Aptos, operate a business in Watsonville, or manage a property anywhere in Santa Cruz or Monterey counties, we’re here to help you stay protected through every season.
Have Questions About Your Coverage?
We’re local, we’re here, and we’re ready to help.
Contact Scurich Insurance Services today.
Phone: (831) 722-3541
Website: www.scurichinsurance.com
Stay safe — and thank you for trusting us to protect what matters most.
Read more
As we gather with family and friends this holiday season, we hope your table is full, your home is warm, and your heart is grateful. To help you enjoy all the delicious traditions of Thanksgiving—while still taking care of your health—here are six simple tips to keep in mind.
1. Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps you feel fuller and can prevent overeating. Keep a glass nearby as you cook, watch football, or enjoy time with loved ones.
2. Load Up on Vegetables
Colorful veggies make great appetizers and sides. Start your meal with a salad or a plate from the veggie tray—nutritious, filling, and perfect for balancing out richer dishes.
3. Sneak Extra Veggies Into Your Recipes
Give your traditional favorites a healthy twist. Try mixing cauliflower into your mashed potatoes, adding shredded carrots to meat dishes, or boosting your stuffing with extra celery, squash, or carrots. It’s an easy way to lighten things up without sacrificing flavor.
4. Ask for the Recipe
If you love a certain Thanksgiving dish, ask the chef for the recipe. Making it throughout the year can curb the urge to overindulge on the holiday itself.
5. Choose Fruit-Forward Desserts
Not every sweet treat needs to be heavy on sugar. Incorporate fresh fruit, frozen fruit bowls, or smoothies to add healthier options to your dessert spread.
6. Make Memories—Not Just Plates
Thanksgiving is about connection. Spend time playing games, taking a walk, looking through old photos, or simply sharing stories. Focusing on family fun keeps the day meaningful and helps shift attention away from overeating.
From everyone at Scurich Insurance, we wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with joy, gratitude, and good health. If you have questions about staying healthy this season or need guidance on your health insurance options, we’re always here to help.
Read more
Valued at $46.2 million, the Graff Pink diamond is one of the most expensive pieces of jewelry in the world. Your jewelry box might not hold anything that priceless, but you certainly want to insure your valuable or sentimental pieces, including the diamond cufflinks you wore at your wedding or your grandmother’s ruby brooch. November is Real Jewelry Month and the perfect time to make sure your necklaces, bracelets, rings and other real jewelry are insured.
1. Hire an Independent Appraiser
An independent appraiser will carefully and thoroughly inspect each piece of jewelry you own, and he or she will then determine the exact value of your works of art. Be sure to obtain a signed document that includes a detailed description and appraiser’s value for each piece.
2. Check Your Current Insurance Policy
Most homeowner or renter insurance policies include cash value or replacement coverage for personal belongings. As long as that figure is high enough to cover everything you own, including your real jewelry, you’re set.
3. Purchase a Rider
If your current policy does not cover your valuable gems, purchase a rider. It offers additional coverage for your precious collection.
4. Take Pictures of all Your Pieces
The police need detailed descriptions of your jewelry if a piece is lost or stolen. Take detailed pictures of each piece to increase the likelihood of recovery.
5. Update Your Inventory Regularly
Once you’re sure your jewelry is adequately insured, mark your calendar for an annual inventory review. Add new pieces you recently purchased and remove pieces you sold or gave away to ensure your collection is completely covered.
6. Inspect Your Jewelry
As part of your annual review; take your jewelry for an inspection. The jeweler will look for loose settings, chips or scratches. Take new pictures after any needed repairs are made.
7. Store Your Jewelry in a Safe Place
Insurance will replace your real jewelry if it’s lost, stolen or damaged, but don’t take chances. A fireproof safe hidden in your home or a safety deposit box at the bank protects your gems, especially if you own expensive pieces that you wear only on rare occasions.
You do not want to file a claim for stolen jewelry and find out it wasn’t insured. Follow these tips and talk to your insurance agent today as you protect your valuable collection and celebrate Real Jewelry Month.
Read more
