HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY! BBQ, EAT, DRINK, AND PLAY!

Another end of May brings with it another Memorial Day. Remember those who have given so much for the United States, up to and including their lives. Say a prayer, have silent thoughts, and honor all of the men and women who have protected and still protect you and our country.
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Remember also to eat wisely when you BBQ. Sure, have the franks and ribs, but throw some veggies on the grill, too. YUM! Get out and enjoy this great time of year. Play some whiffle ball, break out the frisbee; did someone say tennis?
Always keep in mind to play it safe and look forward to keeping you and your family protected. No one knows when something could happen to those you love. If you need to discuss how I can help, contact me to discuss any of the Aflac programs that can assist you and your family when times get tough.

Kenn Schubach
646-522-7912
kennhpl@optonline.net

Cancer Is No Answer. Fight It and Protect Yourself.

I have been telling you all about the various ways to help fight cancer and to remain cancer free. The problem, of course, seems that no matter what we do, exercise, eat healthy foods in small portions, meditate to unstress, and numerous other techniques to battle one of the worse human problems of all time, there is no 100% way to keep from getting cancer. People have gotten cancer before they were 10 -- and after they were 90. Even fit people in their 20s and 30s can get cancer.

There are ways to live that are known to reduce the risks of certain cancers (like not smoking to lower the risk of throat and lung cancer). Eat healthier foods, nosh on some fruits and veggies in between the T-bone and the rib eye. Make your own fresh foods more often than eating out at the fast food places (which are all too available).

Of course, it's a bit challenging, but you do actually feel better. Work your way up to it and don't necessarily jump right in, like: "For my first exercise, I have signed up for the New York Marathon." More realistically, jog around a block or two a few times a week, then build on that. And always ask your doctor's opinion before beginning any food and/or exercise programs.

As for a more pragmatic source of protection, remember that Aflac offers a specified cancer policy, which is very affordable and pays you cash -- over and above any other coverage that you may already have. Unfortunately, cancer hits without any discrimination. Aflac knows that this is a family's nightmare, and we all probably know someone close who has had cancer; I certainly do. You can use your own doctors, too! I would like to talk with you if you are interested, and, if you employ people, I can also be of assistance to you and your employees -- with no cost to the employer. Please contact me at 646-522-7912 or through this blog. Aflac policies help people in need every day. I use them myself. Stay healthy!

Kenn Schubach
Aflac New York
and Pennsylvania

Eat Well to Build Up Your Immunity and for Better Health

This spring, give yourself added protection from any cold or flu bugs going around, even some allergies. Eat more of these foods to build up your immunity. Keep in mind the suggested daily servings in the USDA's food pyramid above and note these suggestions from Healthy Eats:

1) Nuts. Snack on almonds, cashews, or walnuts, which are packed with vitamin E. This antioxidant helps kick those pesky free-radicals out of your body. Vitamin E also helps create antibodies that fight bacteria that make you sick. Other healthy vitamin E-rich foods are seeds and whole grains. Try salt-free, they're still yummy!

2) Citrus Fruits. The famous vitamin C helps fight infection and it's a good antioxidant to have — along with vitamin E. But there is more to citrus than just oranges and grapefruits — clementines, lemons, limes, and tangerines are all part of this family, and they’re usually found in most supermarkets all year long. Citrus not your thing? Try bell peppers — they have more vitamin C than an orange! Potatoes, tomatoes, and kiwis are also great sources of this helpful vitamin.

3) Shrimp. So you’ve heard shrimp has cholesterol, but it’s also extremely low in fat and contains the antioxidant selenium. Many foods have a combination of nutrients, and you need to weigh the “bad” with the “good.” Selenium is a mineral needed in small amounts and works to support a healthy immune system. Seafood and meat are great sources of it — yum!

4) Yogurt. The probiotics — or “good bacteria” found in yogurt and other foods — keep your digestive system up and running. According to research from the Journal of the American Dietetics Association, consuming foods with probiotics regularly may also help boost your immune system. Sauerkraut, miso, and tempeh are other food sources to try. Get out there and be adventurous.

5) Green Tea. The polyphenols in green tea act as potent antioxidants. Research suggests that catechins, a specific type of polyphenol, may stimulate the immune system cells and hinder disease-promoting compounds. Although you may detect a bitter taste, you can disguise it with a bit of honey. Adding milk is a no-no as it will bind to the polyphenols and stop their immunity benefits.

Immunity Downers. Eating high-fat foods and forgoing your daily fruits and veggies too often can also weaken the immune system. Smokers have an added disadvantage as smoking increases free-radicals, which definitely takes a toll on the immune system (another good reason to quit).

Your best bet is sticking with whole, natural foods.

Protect You and Your Family. The American Family Life Assurance Company, which you probably know as Aflac, has a number of affordable programs to help you and your family through the hard times in your lives. I can help you choose plans that would be a good fit for you, whether you wanted life insurance, or cancer or hospitalization policies. So please contact me by e-mail through this site or by phone: 646-522-7912. Adding Aflac will not affect any coverage that you have, but it will give you comfort knowing that if something happens, Aflac is there to pay you cash to make things a little easier.

Stay healthy!

Stimulating Your Health Care

The economic stimulus bill signed by President Obama on February 17, 2009 contains more than $140 billion in health care spending for Medicare, research, and insurance. It is designed mostly to ease the recession's effects on workers and also to boost long-held goals of improving the nation's health information infrastructure.

Most of the money is targeted to programs providing health coverage to low-income families or programs that help workers keep private coverage if they lose their jobs. But the new law also provides billions of dollars for medical research and incentives for doctors and hospitals to buy and use electronic medical records systems.

It also, for the first time, directly commits federal dollars to studies comparing medical treatments head-to-head. The hope is that the studies will tell policymakers, doctors, and insurance companies which treatments actually work best and which are the most cost-effective. For more information about the new administration and health care, visit the White House website.

We at Aflac also help thousands of families make it through tough times. Aflac is still the #1 supplemental insurance company in the world. We offer very affordable programs including Cancer, Hospitalization, Accident, Disability, and Life Insurance. Feel free to contact me to find out about coverage for you, your family, or your employees. Remember, if you are an employee in these hard financial times, ask about us at work.

Roads Can Be Dangerous - Drive Carefully and Only When the Time Is Right

Most people do not get into car accidents every day, every month, or even every year. Yet people are more prone to get into accidents at certain times of the day, month, and year. Of course, weather conditions and other factors can increase the likelihood of being in an automobile accident as well.
Below, note these particularly dangerous circumstances and, when possible, avoid them. Stay in and watch a good movie or read a good book; let others take their heightened chances.
Day of the Week: According to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA), Saturday has the highest total number of fatalities, with an average of 158 each Saturday. Also, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA), Saturday has the highest number of fatalities when compared as a percentage of cars on the road, averaging 1.2 deaths per 100 million drivers.
Month of the Year: August had the most total deaths on the road in 2008, a 1.1% decline from 2007, according to NHTSA data. A total of 3,612 people died that month in related accidents. NHTSA reports that when counted as fatalities per 100 million vehicles, August has a fatality rate of 1.42, an increase of 0.06 since 2007 and 0.10 points higher than September and June.
Day of the Year: July 4, Independence Day, historically has been the most dangerous day of the year to drive, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). In 2007, 926 people were killed in auto accidents on July 4. Watch the fireworks from your own backyard; better yet, watch them on a big TV.
Holiday Weekend: When daily totals are averaged over a several day period surrounding any particular holiday, Thanksgiving is the deadliest holiday weekend on the road, according to 2007 NHTSA data. It is often the week when most people travel from home to home, whether that is down the block or across the country. And because Turkey Day is always on a Thursday, on the following Friday most people are either off from work or take that day off to extend their weekend. Be extra careful when you're full of turkey and stuffing.
Time of Day: According to the IIHS, an average of 6.6 people are killed between the hours of 5 P.M. and 6 P.M., and another 6.6 between the hours of 6 P.M. and 7 P.M. Those rates are the overall highest of any time during the day. In 2007, 14,055 people were killed in the 5 P.M. hour. But the hours between midnight and 4 A.M. have the highest number of fatalities when calculated as a percentage of the amount of people on the road, according to the AAA. During that time, statistically speaking, 5.87 per 100 million people on the road will be killed.
Talking on a Cellphone: A 2008 study from the AAA says using a cellphone while driving almost quadruples the risk of crashing. What's more, the risks that come with using a hands-free phone are just as high as those from holding a phone in your hand. In short, stop talking on the phone and concentrate on driving. It saves lives. In 2007, 6% of drivers nationwide were holding a cellphone to their ear at any given time during the day, according to the NHTSA. All told, more than 50% of drivers say they use a cellphone when driving, and one in seven admits to texting behind the wheel. These texting folk will no doubt end up with Darwin Awards.
Speeding: Well, this seems like a no brainer, but a full 32% of fatalities in 2006 were related directly to speeding, according to the NHTSA. The 2008-2009 Traffic Safety Culture winter report says that when travel speed increases by 1%, the injury crash rate increases by 2%, the serious injury crash rate increases by 3% and the fatal crash rate increases by 4%. Speed limits are there for good reasons.
Drinking and Driving: The NHTSA reports that more than 12,995 people died in alcohol-related crashes in 2007, the most recent year with complete data. Alcohol impairment among drivers involved in fatal crashes was four times higher at night than during the day (36% versus 9%). The University of California Traffic Safety Center reports that rural roads have a disproportionate number of fatal crashes and, of those, a disproportionate share of those involving a drunk driver. You don't need me to say this but I will: "Drive Sober or Don't Drive at All!"
First Snowstorm of the Year: According to research from the University of California at Berkeley School of Public Health, the first snowy day of the year is substantially more dangerous for drivers than other snowy days in terms of fatalities. Fatal accidents were 14% more likely on the first snowy day of the season compared with subsequent ones, according to research compiled from 1975 to 2000. Fatal accidents were 7% less likely on snowy days on the whole, when compared with good-weather days. Oddly enough though, the chances of having a fender-bender, on the other hand, increased.
Not Wearing a Seatbelt: Fifty-five percent of traffic fatalities in 2006 did not wear a seatbelt, according to a 2008 report from the NHTSA. Seventy-one percent of those fatalities occurred between midnight and 3 A.M.
Help Is on the Way: While Aflac does not have car insurance, we do have great accident insurance, as well as hospitalization, and life insurance. For these to be beneficial, you will need to have the coverage in advance, so contact me as soon as you can and we'll get to work on protecting you and your family.

Some information here can be found on Forbes.com

Please feel free to comment on this post, or send me an e-mail.

Children Are Highest Priority at Aflac Cancer Center

As you may know, Aflac helps thousands of people everyday; they send claim checks to policyholders by the thousands every day as well. What is somewhat less known is that Aflac is helping children and young adults in a BIG way. The Aflac Cancer Center and Blood Disorders Service of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta provides family-centered advanced medical treatment to children and young adults.

The Center has earned an esteemed place as one of the top five childhood cancer centers in the United States. Aflac's highly educated and trained personnel treat their patients with the latest advances in the medical field -- moreover, they treat their patients with the highest degree of dignity and respect. The Aflac Center is especially proud of their impact on the cure and overall survival rates of their patients.

Please have a look at their site to learn more about the great work they are doing, and how you may be able to help out. Always throw your support behind the causes in the world that aim to help people, often when they cannot help themselves. You do make a difference.

Please feel free to comment on this post, or send me an e-mail.

The Way to Protect You and Your Family

Many, if not most, families do a number of things to protect themselves against the on-going daily struggle we all call "life." People put alarms on their windows, doors, and cars; others save money in banks to be ready for circumstances beyond their control. Almost everyone goes to the doctor or takes aspirin. These are all very good things to do, but many people simply do not think about insuring themselves and their families, often until it is too late.

I have been working with Aflac -- yes, that would be the famous duck company. For those of us who have an Aflac policy, we know we can be confident should bad things happen. Aflac's supplemental insurance coverages include accident, sickness, hospitalization, cancer, disability, dental, and life insurance. Policies are available to you and your family, whether it be direct or through the company you work at. If I were to offer the coverage through your job, it would be sightly less expensive than if you were to get it direct (even though it is still inexpensive).

All of Aflac's policies pay directly to you, which means that if you were to sprain your ankle playing baseball, even if your major medical insurance covered all of the medical bills, Aflac would still pay you cash. Aflac does not interfere with any other coverage that you may already have!

I will be writing about various events that involve all of us, and I can answer questions about various Aflac programs. I am licensed in New York to provide health and life insurance; I work in New York City and Nassau County, but can do business anywhere in New York and Pennsylvania. Feel free to contact me if you want to know more information about Aflac or any other insurance questions.

Please feel free to comment on this post, or send me an e-mail.