Most people think that as you get older so does your brain. You can now set aside everything you believe about how your brain works with age. A recent study on this subject is mind-boggling. "Long-standing wisdom has been that brain function is destined to decline as we age," says Elizabeth Zelinski, PhD, a professor at the University of Southern California. "The good news is, that's simply not true." In fact, research now suggest you have a good chance of keeping your brain sharp if you commit to the right kind of concentrated effort. Scientist have recently came up with the term "brain plasticity" which means you can improve your brain function at any age.
Since the science is still new and evolving there is some controversy over how to build and maintain your brain. However there is a common agreement that in order to enhance brain function, activities must be both stimulating and challenging. Exercise your brain by doing crossword puzzles, learning to play a new instrument, play catch, etc.
One of the daily life activities that can benefit significantly from enhanced brain fitness is driving. This is good news for both older drivings and concerned adult children of older drivers. A car can swerve into your lane or a driver in front of you can clam on the brakes. A few millisecond in your reaction time can make the difference between a scare and a bad crash. That is why it is important to take an active role in staying safe on the road as you age.
For more information on brain fitness including fun activities to test your brain power visit. http://www.hartfordbrainfitness.com/
At CIS we are committed to taking care of our clients and providing them with the most accurate and up to date information. This blog is just one small step to informing you as a driver on how to stay safe and sharpen your brain.
http://www.cisforyou.com/
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Product Shelf Life
Here is a quick guide to the shelf life of common items and when to change them. Here is a rundown of the goods most of us hang on to for far too long. Batteries and food aren't the only household items that have a limited shelf life. Check this list and if you need to, make the switch. Some items could cause an accident or serious damage.
Motor oil: 5,000 to 20,000 miles (or as recommended in your owner's manual)
Consider using synthetic oils. Yes, they are more expensive but they do a better job of protecting your engine from heat and wear on certain kinds of cars.
Smoke alarm: 10 years
The National Fire Protection Association recommends replacing your smoke alarms every 10 years. Make a hash mark on it every time you replace the batteries, which should be annually. If you have 10 marks, it's time to go shopping.
Vitamins: 3 years (if there's no expiration date on the bottle)
The active ingredients in vitamins break down over time, causing the pills to lose their potency.
Toothbrush: 3 to 4 months
Old brushes may harbor bacteria, increasing your risk of gingivitis. Plus, frayed and splayed bristles do an inferior job of scraping plaque. Also consider buying a new brush after you've had a cold or the flu.
Contact lens case: 3 months
You'll reduce your risk of eye infections from parasites and fungi that grow in the case.
Pillow: 1 year
Mattress: 9 to 10 years
You flatten the coils over time. A lumpy mattress can stress your back.
Bedsheets: 1 to 2 weeks (wash)
Germs from your skin, mouth, and nose multiply on dirty sheets and can cause respiratory, gastrointestinal, skin, and eye infections. It's best to wash linens in hot water.
Running shoes: 7 months (if running 10 to 19 miles a week)
Shoes lose their shock absorption and stability, putting you more at risk of knee and ankle injuries.
Passwords: 30 to 90 days
Hacking programs can zip through 30,000 words in one second. For a password that is tough to crack yet still easy to remember, convert a sentence into letters and numbers. For example, turn "I want to go to Maui in 2014" into "iw2g2m4"
Motor oil: 5,000 to 20,000 miles (or as recommended in your owner's manual)
Consider using synthetic oils. Yes, they are more expensive but they do a better job of protecting your engine from heat and wear on certain kinds of cars.
Smoke alarm: 10 years
The National Fire Protection Association recommends replacing your smoke alarms every 10 years. Make a hash mark on it every time you replace the batteries, which should be annually. If you have 10 marks, it's time to go shopping.
Vitamins: 3 years (if there's no expiration date on the bottle)
The active ingredients in vitamins break down over time, causing the pills to lose their potency.
Toothbrush: 3 to 4 months
Old brushes may harbor bacteria, increasing your risk of gingivitis. Plus, frayed and splayed bristles do an inferior job of scraping plaque. Also consider buying a new brush after you've had a cold or the flu.
Contact lens case: 3 months
You'll reduce your risk of eye infections from parasites and fungi that grow in the case.
Pillow: 1 year
Mattress: 9 to 10 years
You flatten the coils over time. A lumpy mattress can stress your back.
Bedsheets: 1 to 2 weeks (wash)
Germs from your skin, mouth, and nose multiply on dirty sheets and can cause respiratory, gastrointestinal, skin, and eye infections. It's best to wash linens in hot water.
Running shoes: 7 months (if running 10 to 19 miles a week)
Shoes lose their shock absorption and stability, putting you more at risk of knee and ankle injuries.
Passwords: 30 to 90 days
Hacking programs can zip through 30,000 words in one second. For a password that is tough to crack yet still easy to remember, convert a sentence into letters and numbers. For example, turn "I want to go to Maui in 2014" into "iw2g2m4"
Best Before When?
Food shoppers frequently believe "best before" "expires on" and "sell by" dates are one and the same. They're not. And much of the time, these dates are indicators of food quality, not safety. Here's what you need to know about the shelf life of your groceries.
Best Before and Use By:
Typically found on shelf'-stable products, such as condiments and canned food, these dates refer to how long the item will remain at its best quality when unopened. If the date has passed, look, sniff and taste the item to gauge its quality. Most items, once opened should be tightly sealed and stored in the refrigerator.
Sell By:
Found on perishables, the sell-by date lets grocers know how long they can keep items on their shelves. Consumers can safely store the product at home use the food after this time. For example, refrigerated poultry can be used up to two days past the sell-by date and milk may still be good up to a week later.
Expires On:
Toss any food item-unopened or not- after this expiration date has passed.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Be Prepared for Labor Day Weekend!
We want to wish everyone a fun and safe labor day weekend. We know many of you will be doing one last road trip or camping trip to wrap up the summer season. When taking long road trips or driving up the mountains it is important to be prepared for anything. At CIS we have come up with a car emergence kit. Having an emergency preparedness kit in your car is sort of like having good insurance. You hope you'll never need it-but boy are you glad it's there on road trips if you have an accident or need to help others.
Emergency kits with most essentials cost $30 to $100 at stores that sell auto accessories. You can also assemble your own kit in case of an emergency, heres what you should include.
Use a sturdy canvas bag with handles or a plastic bin to store your emergency preparedness kit and secure it so it doesn't roll or move when the car is moving. Include the following:
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Emergency kits with most essentials cost $30 to $100 at stores that sell auto accessories. You can also assemble your own kit in case of an emergency, heres what you should include.
Use a sturdy canvas bag with handles or a plastic bin to store your emergency preparedness kit and secure it so it doesn't roll or move when the car is moving. Include the following:
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Cloth or roll of paper towels
- Jumper cables
- Blankets
- Flares or warning triangles
- Nonperishable snacks, such as energy or granola bars
- Drinking water
- Extra clothes
- First-aid kit
- Basic tool kit that includes screwdrivers, pliers and adjustable wrench
- Phone charger
- Auto-safety hammer
- Copy of insurance ID card
http://www.cisforyou.com/
Thursday, August 25, 2011
August: Deadliest Month
It's true August is the deadliest month on the road. According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, going back to 1994 more Americans die in the month of August from car crashes than any other month of the year. In 2009 the agency says an average of 93 people die each day from motor vehicle crashes. That is one death every 16 minutes. However, the number of people killed in August 2009 dropped by almost 400 from 2008. August leads as the deadliest month, with September following in second, July is third and March as the safest.
Deadliest days of the week are weekends by no surprise. That is when Americans tend to run extra errands, visit family and when drunk driving increases. Saturdays are the deadliest day of the week averaging 123 deaths with Sundays coming in second with 107 deaths and Fridays following in third with 102 deaths on average. The safest day of the week are Tuesdays with an average of 69 deaths. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has also narrowed down the deadliest hours between 6 pm and 8:59 pm where they report more than four people die an hour.
Of course we do not advise for everyone to stay off of the road for the month of August. Nor do we think no one should drive on the weekends or during rush hour. We give this information so you can be aware and remember that more people are on the road during these times which means more distracted driving, more people not paying attention and more people in a hurry to get somewhere. Focus on the only on the road and solely on driving only when you are behind the wheel.
At CIS we understand that accidents DO happen. That is why it is important to be properly protected and have a company that looks out for you, your loved ones and your vehicle. Get a free no obligation quote today. We are not just insurance agents, we are specialists. www.cisforyou.com
Deadliest days of the week are weekends by no surprise. That is when Americans tend to run extra errands, visit family and when drunk driving increases. Saturdays are the deadliest day of the week averaging 123 deaths with Sundays coming in second with 107 deaths and Fridays following in third with 102 deaths on average. The safest day of the week are Tuesdays with an average of 69 deaths. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has also narrowed down the deadliest hours between 6 pm and 8:59 pm where they report more than four people die an hour.
Of course we do not advise for everyone to stay off of the road for the month of August. Nor do we think no one should drive on the weekends or during rush hour. We give this information so you can be aware and remember that more people are on the road during these times which means more distracted driving, more people not paying attention and more people in a hurry to get somewhere. Focus on the only on the road and solely on driving only when you are behind the wheel.
At CIS we understand that accidents DO happen. That is why it is important to be properly protected and have a company that looks out for you, your loved ones and your vehicle. Get a free no obligation quote today. We are not just insurance agents, we are specialists. www.cisforyou.com
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Go Green! For Your Wallet & The Environment
You do not need to spend a fortune on a hybrid to drive green. Making even a small improvement to your car's fuel efficiency can make a big difference to the environment. Here are a few green driving tips to reduce the carbon footprint of the car that's already sitting in your driveway-and in the process, save your money!
1. Get a tune-up for the environment
Proper maintenance can have a big impact on how much gas you use. The payback for repairs varies, but fixing a serious problem like a malfunctioning oxygen sensor can improve fuel efficiency by as much as 40%
2. Pay attention to your tires
The next time you need new tires, consider buying low rolling resistance (LRR) tires. Rolling resistance is essentially the energy that your tires consume as they compress under the weight of your vehicle. LRR tires can improve fuel efficiency by 1.5 to 4.5 %
Proper inflation can even make a big difference on regular tires. The Department of Energy estimates that under inflated tires waste 1.2 billion gallons of gas a year. Once a month you should check your tire's pressure, you can find the correct inflation number for your vehicle in the owner's manual. Do not go by the number listed on the tire itself, as that reflects the maximum pressure the tire can withstand.
3. Lose the junk in your trunk
Those miscellaneous items that we haul around can add up to lots of extra weight-a hundred pounds equals about 2 % reduction in gas mileage.
4. Update your oil
Engines on newer car models (those less than 10 years old) often require lightweight oil such as 0W20 or 0W30. (The lower the number before the W, the easier the engine will start in the cold weather, the number after the W represents the oil's thickness.) Not only does thicker oil reduce your car's fuel efficiency it can fail to lubricate the small spaces in a modern engine.
5. Adjust your octane
Many drivers (estimates of 9 million) mistakenly believe that pumping premium gasoline in their tank will help their engines run better; some drivers periodically opt for higher grades thinking it will help them clean out the car's fuel system. In both cases this is a wasted effort. If your car wasn't designed to run on high-octane gas then using it will cause more unburned fuel to get into the emissions system. Premium gas also requires more energy to refine, so buying it when you don't have to is bad for the environment at both the production and consumption ends of the market.
6. Go green when you need to cool off
On short trips and when driving around town, keeping your windows downs is more efficient than using the air conditioner. At highway speeds, use the air conditioner, as open windows create drag when moving fast. A green driving tip: Using the vents is the most fuel-efficient colling option of all.
7. Drive gently
Jackrabbit starts and screeching stops are hard on your vehicle and increase fuel consumption. Flooring the gas pedal just once can emit as much carbon monoxide as half an hour of normal driving. Every car has an optimal range for fuel economy (check your owner's manual for range.) For every 5 mph over this range you drive, you're reducing fuel efficiency by about 7%
8. Be eco-friendly, even when parked
Gas can evaporate even from a closed tank and heat speeds up the process so park in the shade when possible. By doing so, you will also reduce the amount of energy needed to cool your car when you start driving.
Hope these friendly tips will help your wallet and we know it will help the environment.
http://www.cisforyou.com/
1. Get a tune-up for the environment
Proper maintenance can have a big impact on how much gas you use. The payback for repairs varies, but fixing a serious problem like a malfunctioning oxygen sensor can improve fuel efficiency by as much as 40%
2. Pay attention to your tires
The next time you need new tires, consider buying low rolling resistance (LRR) tires. Rolling resistance is essentially the energy that your tires consume as they compress under the weight of your vehicle. LRR tires can improve fuel efficiency by 1.5 to 4.5 %
Proper inflation can even make a big difference on regular tires. The Department of Energy estimates that under inflated tires waste 1.2 billion gallons of gas a year. Once a month you should check your tire's pressure, you can find the correct inflation number for your vehicle in the owner's manual. Do not go by the number listed on the tire itself, as that reflects the maximum pressure the tire can withstand.
3. Lose the junk in your trunk
Those miscellaneous items that we haul around can add up to lots of extra weight-a hundred pounds equals about 2 % reduction in gas mileage.
4. Update your oil
Engines on newer car models (those less than 10 years old) often require lightweight oil such as 0W20 or 0W30. (The lower the number before the W, the easier the engine will start in the cold weather, the number after the W represents the oil's thickness.) Not only does thicker oil reduce your car's fuel efficiency it can fail to lubricate the small spaces in a modern engine.
5. Adjust your octane
Many drivers (estimates of 9 million) mistakenly believe that pumping premium gasoline in their tank will help their engines run better; some drivers periodically opt for higher grades thinking it will help them clean out the car's fuel system. In both cases this is a wasted effort. If your car wasn't designed to run on high-octane gas then using it will cause more unburned fuel to get into the emissions system. Premium gas also requires more energy to refine, so buying it when you don't have to is bad for the environment at both the production and consumption ends of the market.
6. Go green when you need to cool off
On short trips and when driving around town, keeping your windows downs is more efficient than using the air conditioner. At highway speeds, use the air conditioner, as open windows create drag when moving fast. A green driving tip: Using the vents is the most fuel-efficient colling option of all.
7. Drive gently
Jackrabbit starts and screeching stops are hard on your vehicle and increase fuel consumption. Flooring the gas pedal just once can emit as much carbon monoxide as half an hour of normal driving. Every car has an optimal range for fuel economy (check your owner's manual for range.) For every 5 mph over this range you drive, you're reducing fuel efficiency by about 7%
8. Be eco-friendly, even when parked
Gas can evaporate even from a closed tank and heat speeds up the process so park in the shade when possible. By doing so, you will also reduce the amount of energy needed to cool your car when you start driving.
Hope these friendly tips will help your wallet and we know it will help the environment.
http://www.cisforyou.com/
Friday, August 12, 2011
7 Simple Ways to Change Driving Habits
According to National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) Distracted driving has led to more than 5,400 highway deaths and 448,000 accidents this past year.
To keep your mind on the road and your care out of an accident, follow these 7 easy safe driving tips!
1. Stow all phones-even hand free ones
Talking or texting behind the wheel is perhaps one of the most
important driving habits to break. Of all highway deaths last year,
18% involved drivers using a cell phone before the crash. When
talking on a cell phone your risk of accident quadruples and texting
makes you eight times more likely to crash!
2. Listen to-don't watch GPS devices
High-tech gadgets are supposed to help you navigate unknown streets,
but if you fiddle with the controls or pay more attention to the
screen than the road, you jeopardize your car safety. Program your
destination before you start driving and rely on verbal cues from GPS
instead of the screen.
3. Go 3-D when looking for an address
Before you head out to an unfamiliar destination, review maps and
directions. One tool CIS finds helpful is Google Map's Street View.
The 3-D view gives you visual clues so you don't have to take your
eyes off the road to look for street signs or house addresses.
4. Adjust Controls and set the playlist before you roll
Don't fiddle with gadgets like the radio, iPod, or climate controls
while driving. Set up everything before you turn on the ignition. If
it takes more than a glance to adjust a control, wait until you're
stopped to fix it.
5. Ban conflict-inducing conversations
When you talk with others in the car, heated arguments may pull your
attention away from the traffic signals and pedestrians. Make it a
habit that you'll save deep discussions for outside the car. The same
can be said for handling a misbehaving child.
6. Buckle up Rex
Unpredictable, unsecured pets can cause major distracted driving
concerns. There are a variety of restraints suitable for your type of
pet and car; from a cage in the back to a harness that can be buckled
with the seat belt. The backseat is also the best place for pets,
that way you won't be tempted to pet or feed them.
7. Take breaks to avoid spacing out
Daydreaming in a car can end up as a nightmare. If your mind is
wandering pull over to jot it down or make a phone call. Don't let it
keep running through your head. Take regular breaks, one at least
every two hours.
Get a FREE no obligation quote today from CIS!
http://www.cisforyou.com/
To keep your mind on the road and your care out of an accident, follow these 7 easy safe driving tips!
1. Stow all phones-even hand free ones
Talking or texting behind the wheel is perhaps one of the most
important driving habits to break. Of all highway deaths last year,
18% involved drivers using a cell phone before the crash. When
talking on a cell phone your risk of accident quadruples and texting
makes you eight times more likely to crash!
2. Listen to-don't watch GPS devices
High-tech gadgets are supposed to help you navigate unknown streets,
but if you fiddle with the controls or pay more attention to the
screen than the road, you jeopardize your car safety. Program your
destination before you start driving and rely on verbal cues from GPS
instead of the screen.
3. Go 3-D when looking for an address
Before you head out to an unfamiliar destination, review maps and
directions. One tool CIS finds helpful is Google Map's Street View.
The 3-D view gives you visual clues so you don't have to take your
eyes off the road to look for street signs or house addresses.
4. Adjust Controls and set the playlist before you roll
Don't fiddle with gadgets like the radio, iPod, or climate controls
while driving. Set up everything before you turn on the ignition. If
it takes more than a glance to adjust a control, wait until you're
stopped to fix it.
5. Ban conflict-inducing conversations
When you talk with others in the car, heated arguments may pull your
attention away from the traffic signals and pedestrians. Make it a
habit that you'll save deep discussions for outside the car. The same
can be said for handling a misbehaving child.
6. Buckle up Rex
Unpredictable, unsecured pets can cause major distracted driving
concerns. There are a variety of restraints suitable for your type of
pet and car; from a cage in the back to a harness that can be buckled
with the seat belt. The backseat is also the best place for pets,
that way you won't be tempted to pet or feed them.
7. Take breaks to avoid spacing out
Daydreaming in a car can end up as a nightmare. If your mind is
wandering pull over to jot it down or make a phone call. Don't let it
keep running through your head. Take regular breaks, one at least
every two hours.
Get a FREE no obligation quote today from CIS!
http://www.cisforyou.com/
Thursday, July 28, 2011
DNT TXT N DRV
Those of you that know how to text, tweet, fb & email on your mobile phone are probably guilty of distractive driving. It is easy to think you can send a quick text, check your email inbox or tweet what you are doing while stopped at a light or sitting in traffic. Truth is, texting while driving can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence.
Car and Driver Magazine conducted a study to see which distraction influences the reaction time to braking while driving a vehicle. They rigged a car with a red light in the windshield to act like a brake light for a vehicle in front of them. When driving 70 mph it took .54 seconds for the unimpaired driver with no distractions to brake. When legally drunk (.08) it added an extra 4 feet, while reading an email it added 36 feet and when sending a text it added 70 feet!
America averages over 75 billion text messages a year. Over 50 percent of teen drivers admit to texting while driving and 40 percent of crashes in urban areas are related to distractive driving. According to The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration over 515,000 people have been injured because of distracted drivers and a startling 5,800 people were killed in 2008. Fatality Accident Reporting System concludes that between 2001 & 2007, 16,141 lives were taken because of cell phone use while driving.
Colorado State law prohibits drivers under age of 18 to use hand held cell phones at all. It is also a crime for any driver to text, email or tweet while driving. Governor Bill Ritter signed the bill in 2009 and assigned a $50 fine for first time offenders and $100 fine for second time offenders. It is important for parents to preach to their teen drivers about the dangers of distractive driving and of course lead by example. If you absolutely need to text, tweet, email or fb pull over and come to a complete stop before reaching for your hand held device. Also, those with Blackberries and Android phones can download an application that restricts you from texting while driving.
A text, tweet and email can wait so do not let your smart phone allow you to do something stupid. In one single second your whole life could change for the worse. A BRB, LOL & TTYL can wait.
Work Cited
Chester, S. (2010, September 24). Texting while driving responsible for 16,000 deaths in 6 years [Web log message]. Retrieved from http://techcrunch.com/2010/09/24/study-texting-while-driving-responsible-for-16000-deaths-in-6-years
Genachowskis, J. Federal Communications Commission, Testimony to Senate Commerce Committee. (2009). Texting while driving Washington, DC: Federal Communications Commission. Retrieved from http://www.fcc.gov/guides/texting-while-driving
LeBeau, P. (2009, June 25). Texting and driving worse than drinking and driving [Web log message]. Retrieved from http://www.cnbc.com/id/31545004/site/14081545
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