Coming soon: Open enrollment season

41044361 - health insurance text and stethoscopeThe 2016-17 open enrollment season has almost arrived! Starting November 1, you’ll be able to shop around for and enroll in a health care plan.

Selecting the right health insurance plan is an important way to protect yourself and your family. We will take the time to explore all of your health insurance options. Our goal is to help you find an affordable plan that’s right for you and your family.

We can help make sure you have a plan that fits your budget and that enables you to avoid tax penalties. We are an independent insurance agency, which means that we represent a number of different insurance carriers offering different health care plan options. We help you shop for the best plan for you.

Remember, the decisions you make during open enrollment could have a huge impact on you and your family’s finances. Let us help you take the time to do it right. We look forward to hearing from you!

Tips for smaller healthy changes

34215550_SSometimes we take the desire to be healthier and turn it into a large-scale project that is too overwhelming to tackle. Instead, we should focus on small aspects we can change. Consider these small ways you can become healthier from this moment:

Are you drinking enough water? Your body needs water to function properly. Keep drinking water through the day to stay hydrated and alert. Try to also limit the amount of soda and caffeine that you drink.

Are you eating enough fruits and vegetables? These foods have vitamins and minerals that are necessary for our body to function properly. If you aren’t eating enough of these, consider swapping out that processed snack for a bowl of fresh fruit or a plate of crispy veggies.

Are you getting enough sleep? Everything seems worse when we are tired – including our lack of healthy choices through the day. Make sure you are taking the time to actually give your body a rest with proper sleep.

Are you getting enough exercise? Daily exercise helps your body and your mind. Just make sure you stay active in ways you enjoy. You also will want to mix up your exercise routines so you don’t get bored.

Are you taking enough time to simply quiet your mind? Even a few minutes of quiet can calm you. Simply pause in your day, take in deep breaths and be in the moment.

Are you listening to your body when you eat? Try smaller meals throughout the day instead large meals just a couple times a day. Stop eating when you are full, and if something doesn’t make you feel good, take it out of your diet.

Are your friends adding joy to your life? If your friends are negative, they will only add negativity and stress into your life. It is OK to let a friend go or distance yourself from one for a while.

Are you saying no to those activities that don’t add to your life? It is OK to decline invitations to events or to say “No” when asked to take on more responsibilities. Make sure you are controlling your time and energy in ways that keep you healthy.

Here’s hoping that adopting even one or two of these changes may set you on the right course to a healthier you!