Laughing appears to bring health benefits, but not always — for some, a fit of giggles can have serious consequences, according to a new study that reviewed the effects of laughter.
The researchers reviewed studies on laughter published between 1946 and 2013. They found much evidence that laughing really is good for you. For example, laughing has been shown to improve blood-vessel function and reduce stiffness of the arteries, which is a risk factor for heart problems such as heart attacks. One study found that people who laugh easily have a reduced risk of coronary heart disease.
Laughing may also be good for your waistline. A 2006 study suggested that 10 to 15 minutes of genuine laughter a day may burn up to 40 calories.
Another study, published in 2011, found that laughing increases a person’s tolerance to pain, which the authors suggest is due to the release of endorphins.
But in rare cases, laughing can be risky, the review found.
One woman with a condition that causes a hole in the heart experienced a stroke after laughing uproariously for three minutes, the researcher said.
And some people have accidentally breathed in foreign objects while trying to catch their breath during laughter. Laughing can even dislocate the jaw, studies show. And just like a cough or a sneeze, laughter has the potential to spread infectious diseases, the researchers said.
“Laughter is no joke,” the researchers wrote today (Dec. 12) in a special Christmas issue of the British Medical Journal (BMJ) — a lighthearted edition of the journal that includes real research.
While laughter carries a low risk of harm, “our review refutes the proposition that laughter can only be beneficial,” said the researchers, from City Hospital Birmingham in the United Kingdom.
Still, it remains to be seen whether “sick jokes make you ill, dry wit causes dehydration or jokes in bad taste [cause] dysgeusia (distortion of sense of taste),” the researchers joked.
Content provided by http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/12/13/laughter-health-risks_n_4440214.html
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Happiness is not elusive. In fact, it’s pretty easy to attain. Follow the steps below to happiness.
- Take time to just breathe. In this crazy world, we are trying cram 1,000 things into our lives. The one thing we really need to do is take 15-20 minutes out of your day and just sit and meditate and breathe.
- Sitting down all day. It’s no secret that sitting down all the time isn’t healthy. It restricts blood flow, doesn’t burn any or very little calories, and increases your chance of cardiovascular disease.
- Be a social butterfly. People with strong social connections tend to be much happier. That’s what life is all about, so get connected.
- Join a spiritual community. Religion has played a huge role in a person’s happiness by offering a place to share their struggles and joys. Not holding onto life’s stressors and giving them over to a higher power releases stress and anxiety.
- Feed your creativity. Take time out and paint a picture, write a story, enjoy an art museum, whatever feeds your creative soul.
- Get outside! Not getting fresh air can make a person grumpy. Just ask any of the kids today that never leave their X-Box. They are cramped, unhappy and need to get out and play.
- Love your job or quit. When you have a job that you love, you’ll be happier. Considering you have to spend 8 hours of your day at your vocation.
- The more the merrier! Italians love to eat together and they know that eating together makes people happy.
- Believe in yourself! You deserve happiness, yes, it’s for you. Believe that you are entitled to be happy. Because you are entitled to have joy in your life.
So go on and choose to be happy!
Content provided by Transformer Marketing.
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Take care of your plugs. Charging our phones, iPads and laptops. Enjoying the big game on your flat screen television and a countless array of appliances for your parties.
Electrical fires are bound to happen. It is important that you should have your wiring inspected, especially if you live in a home that is over 10 years old. Here are some other safety tips to help prevent electrical fires:
- Get new electrical cords. Throw out all the frayed, loose, or damaged cords. Replacing these cords is a fairly inexpensive investment to protect your home from an electrical fire.
- Make sure you run extensions cords in areas that are visible. Do not run extension cords under carpets or across doorways where they can become a serious hazard.
- Child proof your plugs.
- Any electrical work should be done by a qualified, licensed electrician that has a good standing.
- Add more circuits our outlets by a qualified, licensed electrician so you don’t need extension cords.
- Use Instructions. When plugging in an appliance in an outlet, follow the directions of the manufacturer.
- Unplug appliances when not in use. Having too many appliances in one outlet can overload the outlet.
- Call your qualified electrician when you start noticing frequent problems with flickering lights, blowing fuses or if outlets and switches feel warm.
- Make sure all lamps are away from flammable objects and are leveled. Follow the appropriate wattage for each lamp.
- You need to have ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) in the kitchen, bathrooms, laundry room, basement and all outdoor areas.
- You need to have arc-fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) should be installed to protect your electrical outlets.
Feel free to contact our office today for a review of your homeowner’s policy.
Content provided by Transformer Marketing.
Scurich Insurance Services has proudly served the Monterey Bay area since 1924. Scurich will take care of all of your insurance needs. Are you a business owner, did you get a new car or maybe you are looking to protect your family in the event of a tragedy? Give us a call, we can help!
Let Scurich Insurance Services know if you are a Happy Customer!
We are located at:
Scurich Insurance Services
320 East Lake Avenue, PO Box 1170
Watsonville, CA 95077-1170
Office: 1-831-722-3541
Toll Free: 1-800-320-3666
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One of the questions we are frequently asked is, “How can you offer low prices?”
Our answer is simple. We work with a multitude of insurance companies and we shop around to get the best value for the types of coverage you need. We will look for discounts including bundling packages and other applicable discounts based on the types of policies you need. Here’s the list of companies we work with:
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ACE
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Allianz GSC Marine
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Allied Insurance Group
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AMTrust
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American Bankers – Flood
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Arrowhead
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BHHC – Berkshire Hathaway Homestate
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Chartis
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Chubb
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CIG – Capital Insurance Group
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CNA
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Commerce West
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Deans & Homer
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Employers Insurance Group
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EMC – Employers Mutual Casualty
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Encompass
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Everest National
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Financial Pacific
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Fireman’s Fund
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First American Specialty
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Foremost
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GMAC Insurance
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Golden Eagle
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Great American – Non-Profit
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Guard Insurance Group
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Guide One
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Hanover Insurance Group
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Hartford Insurance Group
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ICW – Insurance Company of the West
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ILM- Indiana Lumbermens Mutual
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Kemper – Personal Lines
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Liberty Mutual Middle Market
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Magna Carta
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Majestic
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Markel Risk Solutions
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MetLife Auto & Home
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MGAlive
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Midwest Insurance
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Nationwide Ag
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Navigators
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NIAC-Nonprofit’s Insurance Alliance of Calif.
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One Beacon
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Oregon Mutual
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Philadelphia
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Preferred Employers
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QBE Agri Insurance
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Republic Indemnity
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Safeco
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Seneca
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Sequoia
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State Compensation Ins. Fund
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Titan-( Victoria Insurance)
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TOPA
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Travelers
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Unigard Insurance Group
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Zenith
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Zurich
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Contact us if you are in need for car insurance, homeowners insurance, or commercial insurance. We will work hard for you to get the best price possible for your needs.
Content provided by Scurich Insurance Services
Scurich Insurance Services has proudly served the Monterey Bay area since 1924. Scurich will take care of all of your insurance needs. Are you a business owner, did you get a new car or maybe you are looking to protect your family in the event of a tragedy? Give us a call, we can help!
Let Scurich Insurance Services know if you are a Happy Customer!
We are located at:
Scurich Insurance Services
320 East Lake Avenue, PO Box 1170
Watsonville, CA 95077-1170
Office: 1-831-722-3541
Toll Free: 1-800-320-3666
Website | Facebook | Blog | LinkedIn | Happy Customer
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Without any warning, a kitchen fire can occur when you are busy cooking. Here are some safety tips to prevent a fire:
- Don’t wear anything that can catch fire. That includes long sleeves and loose fitting clothes. Make sure your clothes fit tight.
- Move all towels, pot holders, paper towels and anything else that can easily catch fire.
- Keep children a safe distance from hot areas.
- Make sure all pots have lids that fit securely on them.
- Never, EVER leave the kitchen while you are cooking. If you must leave, turn off all the burners.
Make sure you have an easily accessible fire extinguisher in your kitchen in case of a fire. In case of a uncontrollable fire, make sure you have a safe escape plan that you have practiced with your family.
Give us a call today for a review of your homeowners insurance policy.
Scurich Insurance Services has proudly served the Monterey Bay area since 1924. Scurich will take care of all of your insurance needs. Are you a business owner, did you get a new car or maybe you are looking to protect your family in the event of a tragedy? Give us a call, we can help!
Let Scurich Insurance Services know if you are a Happy Customer!
We are located at:
Scurich Insurance Services
320 East Lake Avenue, PO Box 1170
Watsonville, CA 95077-1170
Office: 1-831-722-3541
Toll Free: 1-800-320-3666
Website | Facebook | Blog | LinkedIn | Happy Customer
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When making a significant purchase, you do your homework. Consumer reports on electronic gadgets to safety ratings for cars and inspection of a new house are all part of your homework. Why wouldn’t you think you should do the same with insurance?
Myth #1: Most people believe all insurance is the same
It’s not. Not all insurance companies are all financially equal. That can cause some problems in the future for claims. To do your homework about the financial strength of the insurance company, go to A.M. Best Co. They are an independent provider of insurer ratings.
Myth #2: Every insurance company provides the same coverage
Most insurance companies provide similar coverage, but every insurance company is different. That can mean unique conditions and limitations.
Myth #3: All customer service, including claims processing, are the same with every insurance company
Every company is different and that means different standardized policies for handling claims and basic customer service calls. You can go to your states Department of Insurance to find out where you company ranks with customer complaints.
Myth #4: There is no flexibility in the cost of your insurance
Contact us and we will work with you on how we can save you money based on your lifestyle or any other possible changes to your deductible. We can also shop around for you to find the policy that fits your needs.
Scurich Insurance Services has proudly served the Monterey Bay area since 1924. Scurich will take care of all of your insurance needs. Are you a business owner, did you get a new car or maybe you are looking to protect your family in the event of a tragedy? Give us a call, we can help!
Let Scurich Insurance Services know if you are a Happy Customer!
We are located at:
Scurich Insurance Services
320 East Lake Avenue, PO Box 1170
Watsonville, CA 95077-1170
Office: 1-831-722-3541
Toll Free: 1-800-320-3666
Website | Facebook | Blog | LinkedIn | Happy Customer
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