Think you don’t have time to exercise? Think again! If you want to be more productive, whether at home or at work, then you may want to make time each day to exercise. In fact, studies show that regular exercise can help boost productivity while a sedentary lifestyle can make people less productive in all areas of their lives.

One study of workplace productivity found that employees who added moderate exercise to their daily routine showed “a significant improvement in all aspects of employee psychological well-being (such as confidence, self-esteem, sleep and concentration levels) and a significant reduction in all types of stress.” Many employees who added exercise to their daily routine also experienced lower blood pressure and weight loss. But physical exercise also has mental benefits. Even short periods of exercise can improve brain function and memory.

Try walking for thirty minutes a day, even if you have to break it into smaller time spans throughout the day. Over time, try to sneak more exercise into your day.

If you’re like most parents, each of your children probably has a number of toys and books stashed in your vehicle. Plenty of your stuff is probably in there, too. With harried Moms and Dads racing through busy days, the family vehicle often becomes the “storage room” of last resort.

Some people are comfortable with a certain level of clutter. But when it comes to the family vehicle, clutter can become a huge safety issue. The more stuff you have in your car, the more potential flying projectiles you could have in the event of a sudden stop or car accident. Even things you think are perfectly safe, like a sippy cup, have the potential to become a projectile missile that can ruin a perfectly good day. Each year, tens of thousands of injuries, including head injuries, are attributed to objects in cars.

That’s why it’s a good idea to do a clean sweep of your vehicle once a week. If you have a passenger car, store extra items in your trunk. If you’re hauling the family pet along with you, make sure they are properly restrained with a seat belt. Animals can become flying projectiles, too! Keep heavy items stored and secured in a cargo net. And don’t forget unoccupied booster seats. If a child isn’t riding in a booster seat, put it in the trunk.

Warmer temperatures are one of spring’s great perks. They allow us to get outdoors, whether for exercise or an afternoon in the garden. Yet with warmer weather often comes itchy eyes, runny noses and scratchy throats.

The good news is that a few simple precautions can help you enjoy the great outdoors without suffering as much from allergies.

Did you know that the pollen counts vary depending on the time of the day? Outdoor exercise at pre-dawn, late afternoon or early evening is best because pollen counts are lowest at those times, notes the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.

Next, pay attention to pollen levels using media as a guide. Numerous websites list this information, which can alert you to times it might be best to stay indoors. Additionally, weather forecasts from local TV or radio outlets will notify you when conditions are windy, which can aggravate seasonal allergies.

Finally, consult your doctor about taking an over-the-counter allergy medication or whether you need something more tough on allergies that’s available only with a prescription.

Did you know that the average American gets more than 20 percent of their daily calories from beverages, including soda? With all of the calories, sugar, artificial colors and flavors and caffeine, soda is not ideal for a healthy lifestyle. Here are some ways to get starting on changing the daily soda habit.

Take it slow. If you’re used to drinking several cans of soda a day, start by reducing the amount you’re drinking over time. Set specific goals to get you to a point where you aren’t drinking it every day.

Drink water. Sparkling water can be a good substitute for water — you get the fizz without all of the extra ingredients.

Ask for support. Let your friends and family know about your new goal and ask them to keep you accountable. This can help build a support system and encourage you to stick to your word. Better yet, find someone who is willing to try and kick the soda habit with you.

Have a healthy snack on hand. We often turn to soda to fill us up when we should instead be eating real food to feel satisfied. If you keep a healthy snack with protein or fiber on hand, you can reach for that snack whenever you get that “empty” feeling. Mixed nuts, veggies and hummus, or string cheese are all great options.

Know your schedule. You probably have certain situations or environments where you’re more likely to drink soda. If you can identify when and where these soda triggers will happen, you can plan ahead and avoid falling back into your bad habit.

You’re young, healthy and don’t go to the doctor all that often. That means you don’t have to give much thought to health insurance, right? Consider this: Bankruptcies resulting from unpaid medical bills affect millions of people each year. Among those seeking credit counseling nationwide, most have some type of unpaid medical debt.

Did you know that the average cost of an emergency room visit for an adult is $700? That doesn’t include the costs of tests, additional medical procedures or if you have to be admitted to the hospital. Medical procedures that require hospitalization can run into the range of tens of thousands of dollars.

But not all insurance plans are created equal. One mistake young adults often make is selecting a health plan with the lowest possible premiums. Depending on your situation, that may or may not be the best way to go! When it comes to health insurance, you have a lot of options in terms of coverage and cost. We can help you evaluate your options and find the right plan for you and your family.