Dean & Draper Insurance Blog

On Monday, August 21, 2017, America will experience the first coast-to-coast total Solar Eclipse in almost 100 years.  The last total solar eclipse occurred on February 26, 1979, over northwestern states and south central Canada. 

While the southern states, including Texas, will not have a total eclipse, we will have a partial eclipse that is worth watching.  Which brings us to discussing how to watch this event without damaging our eyes.  For our whole lives, we’ve been told not to look directly at the sun – great advice.  Even a few seconds of exposure can damage the retina of your eye permanently. 

Safe Watching Tips

The Center for Disease Control recommends the only way to look directly at the sun when it’s not eclipsed or is only partly eclipsed is with a special solar filter, such as eclipse glasses or a handheld solar viewer. Goggles, homemade filters, or sunglasses, even very dark ones, will not protect your eyes. Also, always avoid looking at the sun through an unfiltered camera, smartphone, telescope, or any other optical device. You’ll need to add a certified solar filter to these devices to safely look at the sun.

Eclipse glasses and handheld solar viewers are inexpensive and can be purchased from many retailers. However, not all meet the required ISO 12312-2 international safety standards; make sure yours do. Even if your eclipse glasses meet the safety standards, don’t use them if:

• The lenses are scratched.
• The lenses are wrinkled.
• They are older than 3 years.

Bob Berman, longtime and famous astronomer for The Old Farmer’s Almanac also has some suggestions for safe ways to view the eclipse.

Make a Pinhole Viewer

Some people punch a pinhole in a box and let the Sun project its eclipsed image on another interior part of the box. That’s always safe because you’re not looking directly at the Sun. See NASA’s guide on how to make a pinhole camera.

Purchase Welder’s Goggle Filters

If you do not have access to a solar filter, you may use instead what is called a no.14 welder’s glass, available in most local hardware stores.

When is the next Total Solar Eclipse?

Total solar eclipses can be addictive. Fortunately, fanatics—and anyone who misses this year’s event—won’t need to wait 38 more years for the next U.S. and Canadian one—only 7. On April 8, 2024, solar totality will unfold over the continent in a path that curves north from Texas; passes over Cleveland, Ohio, and Buffalo and Rochester, New York; sweeps over Burlington, Vermont; and then continues across central Maine and eastern Canada.

Dean and Draper

We hope that you will take a moment to experience this amazing eclipse and will find our tips useful.  When you have a question about your insurance, we also hope that you will give us a call.

Dean& Draper is a Trusted Choice insurance agency representing over 200 insurance companies. For over 35 years we have offered a trusted freedom of choice to our clients.  ContactUs.

The recommendation(s), advice and contents of this material are provided for informational purposes only and do not purport to address every possible legal obligation, hazard, code violation, loss potential or exception to good practice. Dean & Draper Insurance Agency specifically disclaims any warranty or representation that acceptance of any recommendations or advice contained herein will make any premises, property or operation safe or in compliance with any law or regulation. Under no circumstances should this material or your acceptance of any recommendations or advice contained herein be construed as establishing the existence or availability of any insurance coverage with Dean & Draper Insurance Agency. By providing this information to you, Dean & Draper Insurance Agency does not assume (and specifically disclaims) any duty, undertaking or responsibility to you.  The decision to accept or implement any recommendation(s) or advice contained in this material must be made by you.

©2017 Dean & Draper Insurance Agency All Rights Reserved.

This week we are continuing to share information published in the AARP Article, 10 Surprising Common Causes of Hearing Loss.  In this week’s blog the topics is sensorineural hearing loss involving damage to the inner ear.  This type of hearing loss ca be triggered by loud noise as well as aging.

Sensorineural hearing loss — usually permanent but often preventable

Listening to music with earbuds
Since earbuds don’t block outside sounds, listeners often ramp up the volume for hours at a time. But these ubiquitous gadgets amplify sounds so successfully that levels can top 100 decibels, loud enough to cause damage in only 15 minutes. “Anything over 85 decibels is potentially damaging,” says Michael D. Seidman, an ear, nose and throat surgeon at Florida ENT Surgical Specialists in Celebration, Fla.

What to do: Since many new earbuds come with a volume control, toss your old ones and buy ones you can adjust. If the person sitting next to you can hear your music, it’s too loud. Music headphones are easier on the ears, but remember to keep the volume low, says Seidman, author of Save Your Hearing Now.

All those crazy-loud football games and rock concerts
Noise is noise, whether it comes from a rock concert, a leaf blower or a stadium full of football-crazy fans. “Even hair dryers can reach 90 decibels,” Seidman says. While a single incident of explosive sound — such as fireworks or a jackhammer — can lead to hearing loss, more often it’s caused by day-to-day exposure over an extended period. If you keep going to concerts, games and noisy restaurants, the very delicate hair cells in the inner ear become worn down, causing hearing problems. “The loss is cumulative,” Seidman says. “Once hair cells are damaged, they’re not replaceable.”

What to do: Carry earplugs everywhere. Pick up disposable foam plugs or have some custom-fit. Never stuff cotton balls in your ears, as that can lead to impacted wax and infection. Give your ears a break: Whenever you’re in a noisy venue, find a quiet place to rest your ears for a few minutes. Invest in a pair of noise-canceling headphones to use when mowing the lawn or doing other noisy chores. And consider easing up on the hard-rock concerts.

Tipping the scale
Being overweight — especially if those extra pounds are around your belly — is also a risk factor. In 2013, researchers at Boston’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital followed more than 68,000 women in the Harvard Nurses’ Health Study II and found that those who had more body fat and larger waists reported more hearing problems than those of normal weight.

What to do: Get moving. Researchers found that walking for as little as two hours a week cut the risk of hearing loss by 15 percent compared with those who walked less than one hour per week. “We suspect that obesity affects blood flow to the inner ear, compromising hearing, while physical activity may improve blood flow and help protect the ear,” says lead researcher Sharon G. Curhan, M.D., of Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

Diabetes
If you have diabetes, you’re twice as likely to develop hearing loss as people with normal blood sugar levels. Those with prediabetes face a 30 percent greater risk. High glucose levels are risk factors for heart disease, and researchers suspect that the same destructive action is at work on the nerves and blood vessels in the inner ear.

What to do: If you have diabetes, see an ear, nose and throat doctor or audiologist for a hearing screening. To combat glucose overload, be sure to exercise regularly. Also, cut back on highly processed foods, opting instead for fish, vegetables, fruit and whole grains.

Sleep apnea
A study of 13,967 people released in 2014 by the Albany Medical Center in New York found that those with sleep apnea — a stop-and-start breathing disorder — also had an increased risk of hearing impairment. While the connection between sleep apnea and heart disease has been known, this is the first time a link was also made to hearing loss.

What to do: Suspect sleep apnea? See your primary care physician, who may refer you to a sleep specialist. Various lifestyle changes and medical devices that help keep airways open help treat the condition. Make sure to also get your hearing checked by a professional.

Not wearing a hearing aid when you need one
Although not wearing a hearing aid won’t cause hearing loss, there is some evidence that wearing an aid when you need one may help protect the hearing you have left. Unfortunately, two-thirds (or more) of adults 50 and older who might benefit from hearing aids don’t use them. “Most delay several years before accepting they have a problem and doing something about it,” says Brad Stach, an audiologist at the Henry Ford Health System in Michigan. Some people may not realize they have a problem. Others believe that waiting won’t cause any harm; still others are simply embarrassed to admit they can’t hear well. But if you don’t wear a hearing aid when you need one, or only wear it some of the time, you can lose the ability to process sounds.

What to do: “Your brain devotes a lot of resources toward hearing well,” says Lin. “When words are garbled, it has to work harder to hear at the expense of other functions.” Not wearing a hearing aid is also a safety concern, because hearing loss has been linked to falls, social isolation, depression and even dementia. So remind yourself that needing help with hearing is no different than needing glasses to read. Ask your doctor to check your hearing regularly and, if necessary, refer you to an ENT or audiologist who can diagnose the extent of hearing loss and suggest aids or other devices that can help.

Medications
More than 200 drugs, ranging from over-the-counter medications to chemotherapy, can damage hearing, according to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. A 2016 study of more than 54,000 women ages 48 to 73 by Brigham and Women’s Hospital reported that those who used ibuprofen or acetaminophen for six or more years were at higher risk for hearing loss.

What to do: Be proactive. Ask your health provider about possible long-term effects of any medication — including common OTC drugs — on your hearing. If there is a concern, monitor your hearing during the course of treatment. And if you notice problems, speak to your doctor immediately.

Dean and Draper

In our effort to provide useful, informative blogs, we hope that you have found this information beneficial.  As always, we are here to give you useful and informative information about insurance for your home, car, or business.  Please contact us.

Dean& Draper is a Trusted Choice insurance agency representing over 200 insurance companies. For over 35 years we have offered a trusted freedom of choice to our clients.  ContactUs.

The recommendation(s), advice and contents of this material are provided for informational purposes only and do not purport to address every possible legal obligation, hazard, code violation, loss potential or exception to good practice. Dean & Draper Insurance Agency specifically disclaims any warranty or representation that acceptance of any recommendations or advice contained herein will make any premises, property or operation safe or in compliance with any law or regulation. Under no circumstances should this material or your acceptance of any recommendations or advice contained herein be construed as establishing the existence or availability of any insurance coverage with Dean & Draper Insurance Agency. By providing this information to you, Dean & Draper Insurance Agency does not assume (and specifically disclaims) any duty, undertaking or responsibility to you.  The decision to accept or implement any recommendation(s) or advice contained in this material must be made by you.

©2017 Dean & Draper Insurance Agency All Rights Reserved.

This story was updated March 24, 2017, by freelance writer Cathie Gandel, who specializes in health and hearing topics.

We saw some stunning and unexpected points in a AARP Article, 10 Surprising Common Causes of Hearing Loss.  Of course, we decided to share this valuable information with you.  In today’s blog, you will see the common causes of conductive hearing loss and what you can do to prevent them.  Next week we will post part 2 of the article on sensorineural hearing loss – an often more permanent hearing loss situation and ideas for prevention.  Here are some facts that we found jaw dropping…

More than 48 million Americans have some type of hearing loss that seriously disrupts their lives. “That includes 1 in 6 baby boomers and two-thirds of those over 70,” says Frank Lin, M.D., associate professor of otolaryngology and epidemiology at Johns Hopkins University. Experts expect that number to rise along with the gray tsunami of aging boomers.

There are two main types of hearing loss. Conductive hearing loss develops when something — congestion from a bad cold, an ear infection, a perforated eardrum — blocks sound signals from reaching the inner ear. Sometimes only one ear is affected. Hearing usually returns to normal after the problem is treated.

Conductive hearing loss — which often can be corrected

Earwax buildup
This waxy substance, secreted by glands in the outer ear canal, prevents harmful substances — germs, dust and dirt — from reaching the eardrum. Too little wax and your ears are dry, itchy and a breeding ground for infection. Too much can lead to painful earaches and hearing loss, and, in some cases, tinnitus (a ringing in the ears).

What to do: Usually, wax moves naturally to the tip of the canal, where it can be safely wiped away with a washcloth. If this doesn’t happen, your doctor can remove it. Don't try to do it yourself with a cotton swab, pencil or the tip of your glasses. You may push it deeper or puncture your eardrum.

Perforated eardrum
Infection, explosive noise near the ear, quick changes in air pressure or poking around with a cotton swab can puncture the thin tissue (the eardrum) that separates the outer ear from the middle ear, leading to pain and temporary hearing loss.

What to do: Although a punctured eardrum usually heals on its own in about two months, it’s best to have your ear checked by an otolaryngologist — an ENT doctor, who specializes in treating the ear, nose and throat. Meanwhile, keep the ears dry; a warm, dry compress and over-the-counter (OTC) medications can help relieve pain.

Ear infection
Though far more common in the preschool set, ear infections because of bacteria or viruses can follow a bout with allergies or the common cold in adults, too. If the eustachian tube, which connects the ear to the throat, is blocked by swelling and inflammation, fluid buildup becomes a breeding ground for infection. The result: ear congestion, pressure, pain, fever or temporary hearing loss.

What to do: Infections usually clear in a few days. A warm compress and OTC pain medications and decongestants can help. If you have fever or severe pain, call your doctor. You may need antibiotics.

Dean and Draper

Next week we will publish the second part of the article, sensorineural hearing loss.  We hope you find the information informative and useful. 

We encourage you to bring your questions about your personal and commercial insurance to us.  Providing you with answers is our job.

Dean& Draper is a Trusted Choice insurance agency representing over 200 insurance companies. For over 35 years we have offered a trusted freedom of choice to our clients.  ContactUs.

The recommendation(s), advice and contents of this material are provided for informational purposes only and do not purport to address every possible legal obligation, hazard, code violation, loss potential or exception to good practice. Dean & Draper Insurance Agency specifically disclaims any warranty or representation that acceptance of any recommendations or advice contained herein will make any premises, property or operation safe or in compliance with any law or regulation. Under no circumstances should this material or your acceptance of any recommendations or advice contained herein be construed as establishing the existence or availability of any insurance coverage with Dean & Draper Insurance Agency. By providing this information to you, Dean & Draper Insurance Agency does not assume (and specifically disclaims) any duty, undertaking or responsibility to you.  The decision to accept or implement any recommendation(s) or advice contained in this material must be made by you.

©2017 Dean & Draper Insurance Agency All Rights Reserved.

Our office will be closing at 2pm today (7/24/2017) due to no functioning AC in the building. We apologize for the inconvenience this may cause for our clients. We will re-open Tuesday (7/25/2017) at 8:00am. Thank you for understanding.

Would you believe that three Texas cities are in the top 5 of the 10 most moved-to cities in the U-Haul International Study of Migration Trends?  

U-Haul International, the industry leader in do-it-yourself moving and self-storage, has tracked migration trends for years, in large part because of its expansive network over all 50 states. U-Haul destination cities are ranked according to the total number of arriving one-way U-Haul truck rentals to a city in the past calendar year.

We thought you would enjoy a look at the Top 10 Most Moved-to cities in the U.S.

10. Charlotte, North Carolina
As the largest city in the state of North Carolina, Charlotte is home to the corporate headquarters of Bank of America and Wells Fargo's online customer service branch. Notable sports attractions include the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League(NFL) and the Charlotte Hornets of the National Basketball Association (NBA). 

9. Kansas City, Missouri

Kansas City is the largest city in Missouri and the sixth largest city in the Midwest. It's particularly known for its cuisine — including its distinctive style of barbecue — and its craft breweries. In 2015, residents of Kansas City had an average travel time around 20 minutes; around 84% drove alone, with nearly 9% carpooling.

8. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The City of Brotherly Love has come a long way since America's independence from Britain. The area's many universities and colleges make Philadelphia a top international study destination.

7. Brooklyn, New York

New Yorkers are too familiar with living on top of each other — and Brooklyn is no exception. As a premiere destination for hipsters, Brooklyn has felt its landscape change as gentrification continually alters its neighborhoods.   

8. Las Vegas, Nevada

Las Vegas is known across the globe as a major hub of gambling, shopping, entertainment and nightlife. Self-styled as "The Entertainment Capital of the World," it's soon to become the home of the NFL's Las Vegas Raiders, who are scheduled to relocate from Oakland, Calif. after the 2018 season. 

5. Austin, Texas

Although many perceptions about Texas have persisted throughout the years, the city of Austin stands apart from many areas of the state. Known for its diverse population, it is considered a liberal city in a conservative state. A number of Fortune 500 companies have headquarters or regional offices in Austin, including Google and Whole Foods Market. 

4. Orlando Florida

Built on the success of Walt Disney World, Orlando has blossomed into a classic tourist destination. The city is one of the busiest U.S. cities for conferences and conventions. Orlando also is home to the University of Central Florida, which is the largest university campus in the U.S. in terms of enrollment as of 2015.

 3. San Antonio, Texas

San Antonio's roots are tied to the military, and it continues to have a large military presence. Fort Sam Houston acts as the headquarters for the U.S. Army Medical Command as well as the home of the Fifth Army. It was the site of the Battle of the Alamo in 1836, and is now a museum in the Alamo Plaza Historic District. 

The United States Automobile Association (USAA), founded by 25 Army officers in 1922, is headquartered in San Antonio and is known for its association with military members and their families. 

2. Chicago, Illinois

The Windy City continues to sweep new residents to its bustling city; it was the number two U-Haul destination city in 2015. Notable landmarks include the Art Institute of Chicago and Millennium Park, among others.

 1. Houston, Texas

Houston remains the number one U-Haul U.S. destination city for the eighth year in a row. Although Houston witnessed a 3.4% decline in 2016 arrivals compared to 2015, it continued to be the busiest domestic market for incoming U-Haul trucks.

"Houston is the country's No. 1 job creator," said Gabriel Mendieta, U-Haul Company of East Houston president. "This city is home to 24 Fortune 500 companies. The cost of living is low, and with low taxes, your paycheck goes further." 

 Dean and Draper

When you are planning a move, we hope that you will call us with your insurance questions.  We’re here to give you the information you need and solid advice. 

Dean& Draper is a Trusted Choice insurance agency representing over 200 insurance companies. For over 35 years we have offered a trusted freedom of choice to our clients.  ContactUs.

The recommendation(s), advice and contents of this material are provided for informational purposes only and do not purport to address every possible legal obligation, hazard, code violation, loss potential or exception to good practice. Dean & Draper Insurance Agency specifically disclaims any warranty or representation that acceptance of any recommendations or advice contained herein will make any premises, property or operation safe or in compliance with any law or regulation. Under no circumstances should this material or your acceptance of any recommendations or advice contained herein be construed as establishing the existence or availability of any insurance coverage with Dean & Draper Insurance Agency. By providing this information to you, Dean & Draper Insurance Agency does not assume (and specifically disclaims) any duty, undertaking or responsibility to you.  The decision to accept or implement any recommendation(s) or advice contained in this material must be made by you.

©2017 Dean & Draper Insurance Agency All Rights Reserved.

HOUSTON— Dean & Draper Insurance Agency, LP is proud to announce the promotion of Stephen B. Smith, CPCU to Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and Limited Partner over its group of agencies. For the past year Stephen has served as Executive Vice President of Soules Insurance Agency LP, a Dean & Draper Company.

“I am thrilled to begin working with the passionate and dedicated leadership team at Dean & Draper,” Smith said. “I admire the legacy that Bob Dean began more than 37 years ago, and I look forward to bringing my expertise to strengthen the firm's already tenacious sales and customer service goals."

The Dean & Draper leadership team is confident that Stephen’s vast experience will enhance the future growth of Dean & Draper by elevating its level of customer satisfaction through internal training and development programs. Increasing product knowledge and adding risk management services for clients is a key goal of the group. His experience will also enhance the merger and acquisition activity for the agency and well as solidifying company relationships.

“Stephen’s wealth of experience and industry knowledge has already made him a key addition to the Dean & Draper family,” Kyle Dean, President & CEO said. “We view his appointment as a sign of our commitment to being the leading company in our industry”

Smith’s wide-ranging responsibilities include operations, mergers and acquisitions, risk management, marketing and advertising, as well as internal training and development programs. Among his many areas of expertise, he is nationally recognized for his knowledge and proficiency in directors/officers and construction industry risk management.

Dean & Draper Insurance is ranked one of the largest independently owned agencies in Texas. It is a full-service insurance agency that has offered commercial and personal insurance, as well as employee
benefits for over 37 years.

A record 234.1 million passengers are expected to fly on U.S.-based carriers this summer, apparently not dissuaded by a series of customer-relations blowups in recent weeks.  Reports Hugo Martin in an article in the Los Angeles Times, May 18, 2017.

Airlines for America, which represents the airline industry, attributes the projected 4% increase in summer travel to improving economic conditions, higher household net worth and lower airfares.  To accommodate the increase of about 100,000 more fliers a day, airlines plan to add 123,000 extra seats a day, according to the trade group.

When it comes to the Transportation Security Administration and their officers, most people aren’t exactly fans. The process of getting through airport security is long, and many find it to be unnecessarily invasive — especially when it comes to how much of a person’s body is shown when going through body scanners and how people feel about pat-downs. People have such strong feelings toward the TSA that some officers find it easier to fib about the true nature of their job than just state that they’re a TSA agent at an airport.

Our friends at Reader's Digest compiled a list of 15 things the TSA won't tell you.  We have listed 8 of the items we found most interesting or amazing here.  For the complete article click here. 

Security isn’t all that secure

Despite all the metal detectors, body scanners, and pat-downs, it turns out an awful lot of items can still get through security.  In 2015, the Department of Homeland Security (which oversees the TSA) sent undercover agents into some of the busiest airports in America with banned waspons and fake explosives in their bags and on their person.  Care to guess how many of the items made it through:

Ninety-five percent. In fact, TSA agents failed to detect the items in 67 out of the 70 tests conducted.

The Agency cashes in on your pocket change

The TSA makes an awful lot of money on pocket change that passengers leave behind —$765,759 in 2015, to be exact. According to the agency, “receipts of unclaimed money are deposited into a Special Fund account so that the resources can be tracked easily and subsequently expended.” So, keep track of this change, lest the TSA cash in on your forgetfulness.

Agents aren’t always delicate

Though checked baggage will sometimes reach its destination accompanied by a paper notification stating that the bag was searched by TSA agents (about 5 percent of bags are searched in this manner), the contents are generally still in good order. However, not all TSA staffers are as delicate as they should be. Sometimes clothes and other personal items arrive in disarray, fragile objects are broken, bottles are spilled, and — all too often — wrapped presents are torn apart.

They’re not cops

Extra airport security is often blamed on the TSA, which can make some travelers fearful — especially ones who may have packed a small pocket knife or other contraband and worry they’ll be unexpectedly arrested. Though it’s true that the agents may try to hold you until police arrive, the agency itself operates on consent (expressed or implied), meaning you’re generally free to leave the airport if security doesn’t want to let you through. They can’t personally arrest you.

You’ll stand out if you opt out

The TSA isn’t a fan of people who choose not to go through the full-body scanner. Given, of course some people can’t because of medical reasons, but others who just refuse are adding more time to the security screening process, and it’s cumbersome for the staff (as well as the antsy passengers waiting behind you).

 Agents lie about their jobs

Since the TSA always seems to be dealing with negative press, most people look at them unfavorably (as just mentioned). With that said, many officers aren’t completely truthful about their job title when asked what they do, saying they work for the Department of Homeland Security — which isn’t wrong, but it’s also not the complete truth.

Your food is the bomb

Ever wonder why your TSA agent spends so much time scrutinizing food packed in luggage? It’s because many of these edible items actually look like explosives. In an X-ray machine, a wheel of cheese is indistinguishable from C4. Meats result in a similar situation, as all of these foods appear orange on the display — just like bombs.

Your stuff might get sold

Ever wonder what happens to the items discarded by passengers when the TSA won’t let them through? They’re not simply thrown in a landfill, but instead collected and later sold for a profit. Items such as knives, spears, heavy rolling pins, and even nunchucks are collected each day by TSA screeners, shipped to states that are looking to make a buck, and then sold via local government surplus stores or online at GovDeals.com.

Dean and Draper

We wish you safe and fun travels this summer.  When you have questions about your insurance coverage, we invite you to contact us.  As always, we are here to provide you with good, solid answers to your insurance questions.

Dean& Draper is a Trusted Choice insurance agency representing over 200 insurance companies. For over 35 years we have offered a trusted freedom of choice to our clients.  ContactUs.

The recommendation(s), advice and contents of this material are provided for informational purposes only and do not purport to address every possible legal obligation, hazard, code violation, loss potential or exception to good practice. Dean & Draper Insurance Agency specifically disclaims any warranty or representation that acceptance of any recommendations or advice contained herein will make any premises, property or operation safe or in compliance with any law or regulation. Under no circumstances should this material or your acceptance of any recommendations or advice contained herein be construed as establishing the existence or availability of any insurance coverage with Dean & Draper Insurance Agency. By providing this information to you, Dean & Draper Insurance Agency does not assume (and specifically disclaims) any duty, undertaking or responsibility to you.  The decision to accept or implement any recommendation(s) or advice contained in this material must be made by you.

©2017 Dean & Draper Insurance Agency All Rights Reserved.

One of the suggestions to get healthier that we all hear is to avoid “white” foods.  Of course, we assume that those “white” foods are high in carbs.  Here are 8 white foods that can be really good for you.  Thanks to our friends at AARP for reminding us of these great-for-you-foods that also happen to be white.

Button Mushrooms

Plain-Jane white button mushrooms may increase the body’s resistance to the flu and other viral infections by boosting levels of a type of white blood cells that are a vital part of the immune system, Tufts University researchers reported in the Journal of Nutrition.  Mushrooms also contain potassium to control blood pressure, dietary fiber to lower cholesterol, and selenium, which works as an antioxidant to protect body cells from damage.

Garlic

Nicknamed nature’s wonder drug, garlic slows cell damage, reduces blood pressure and helps prevent hardening of the arteries. It also contains compounds that help fight off colds and other infections. More good news: Garlic probably cuts the risk of developing colorectal cancer, according to the American Institute of Cancer Research. To activate its health-promoting compounds, chop or crush garlic five to 10 minutes before cooking or adding to other ingredients.

Parsnips

Parsnips take the prize among vegetables for their soluble fiber content: nearly a day's worth in a cup-size serving. Soluble fiber has been shown to reduce total and LDL “bad” cholesterol levels. Parsnips are also packed with potassium to help protect against high blood pressure. Another plus: They're rich in folate, a B vitamin that helps break down homocysteine, an amino acid associated with a higher risk of heart disease and stroke.

Onions

Sure, onions make your eyes water and your breath smell funky, but they provide a wonderful array of health benefits. To start with, onions may prevent bone loss, according to nutrition researcher Bahram Arjmandi, a professor at Florida State University in Tallahassee. Research from the Medical University of South Carolina found that older women who ate onions every day were 20% less likely to have a hip fracture than women who ate them once a month or less. Onions are also rich in quercetin, a plant compound linked to controlling blood pressure.

Yogurt

Yogurt's bone-building calcium content and high-protein profile are well known, but this tangy food also has lesser-known benefits. It is high in potassium, says Rachel Johnson, a professor of nutrition at the University of Vermont, "and diets high in potassium help maintain healthy blood pressure." Yogurt is also rich in probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that boost immunity. (Look for the words "live active cultures" on the label.) One analysis of probiotics by the well-respected Cochrane Collaboration notes that they cut the duration of colds by two days.

Popcorn

Popcorn is a great low-calorie source of fiber, which plays a starring role in reducing cholesterol levels and controlling blood sugar. But there's more: It contains hefty amounts of concentrated cancer-fighting chemicals called polyphenols, according to research reported at a meeting of the American Chemical Society. Unfortunately, the hulls, the part of the popcorn that gets caught in your teeth, have the highest concentrations of fiber and polyphenols, so keep a toothpick handy. And go easy on the butter and salt.

Cauliflower

A one-cup serving of cauliflower provides nearly all of the recommended daily amount of vitamin C, an antioxidant that boosts immunity, reduces inflammation and may reduce the risk of developing heart disease. This nubby vegetable also is a good source of the nutrient choline. Researchers at Boston University and Tufts University collaborated on a study that found people with high intakes of choline performed better on memory tests, according to their research published in a 2011 issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

Chickpeas

Cream-colored chickpeas provide a considerable amount of zinc, a mineral that plays a vital role in strengthening communication between brain cells in the hippocampus, the part of the brain crucial to long-term memory. Chickpeas, aka garbanzo beans, are champs when it comes to other minerals as well. They’re rich in manganese (which supports wound healing), copper (blood vessel formation and supple skin), phosphorus (strong bones and teeth) and magnesium (a healthy immune system).

Dean and Draper

We hope that you have found some of these ideas for staying healthy useful.  We’re here to answer your insurance questions, provide you with additional information, and give you great solutions to your insurance challenges.  Contact Us.

Dean& Draper is a Trusted Choice insurance agency representing over 200 insurance companies. For over 35 years we have offered a trusted freedom of choice to our clients.  ContactUs.

The recommendation(s), advice and contents of this material are provided for informational purposes only and do not purport to address every possible legal obligation, hazard, code violation, loss potential or exception to good practice. Dean & Draper Insurance Agency specifically disclaims any warranty or representation that acceptance of any recommendations or advice contained herein will make any premises, property or operation safe or in compliance with any law or regulation. Under no circumstances should this material or your acceptance of any recommendations or advice contained herein be construed as establishing the existence or availability of any insurance coverage with Dean & Draper Insurance Agency. By providing this information to you, Dean & Draper Insurance Agency does not assume (and specifically disclaims) any duty, undertaking or responsibility to you.  The decision to accept or implement any recommendation(s) or advice contained in this material must be made by you.

©2017 Dean & Draper Insurance Agency All Rights Reserved.

Please note that Dean & Draper will be closed Monday July 3rd and Tuesday July 4th, 2017 in observance of Independence Day. We will reopen Wednesday, July 5th at 8 am.

We wish all of our clients a very happy and safe 4th of July holiday!