SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2017 · 11 5 ways to protect family Protecting your family and loved ones is one of your most important re-sponsibilities. Many people think about protection in terms of physical acts, such as practicing safe driving, but there are many more aspects of your lifestyle and home that affect your loved ones’ safety. Protect your family’s financial health Although it can be painful to consider, your untimely death may leave your family reeling — not only emo-tionally, but financially, too. Life insurance can help cover funeral costs, child care or act as income re-placement. It can also help pay off any debts you’ve ac-crued, such as a home mort-gage, car payment, credit card debt or student loans. If you don’t have life in-surance, it’s never too soon to explore your coverage op-tions. You might be able to save on premiums and get more coverage for your dol-lar by completing a health exam as part of your appli-cation, which helps build a more accurate assessment of your health. If you do have coverage, it’s a good idea to regularly review your coverage to ensure it still meets your needs. Also check your beneficiaries to ensure your policies are updated with your current information, especially if your family has grown. Ensure your family is breathing safe air One threat you might not be aware of is radon, a radioactive gas that occurs naturally in the environ-ment but can create signifi-cant health consequences in anyone exposed to unsafe levels. Radon is an odorless, col-orless and tasteless gas that can go undetected in homes until it is too late. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, radon is the leading cause of lung cancer deaths among non-smokers in America and claims the lives of nearly 21,000 Americans each year. January was National Radon Action Month, so now is a good time to learn more about radon testing and obtain a test kit for your home. To locate a qualified radon professional, visit epa.gov/radon. Know your own health status It is difficult to protect loved ones if you are not healthy yourself. Make sure you receive proper preven-tive care, such as regular health screenings and check-ups that are recom-mended for your gender and age. Many employers and health plans offer health screenings. If you have ap-plied for life insurance, many policies provide the laboratory results from your application that you can share with your physician. Find a checklist of important preventive screenings at CDC.gov/Prevention. Protect the home of your loved ones There are more than 2 million burglaries annu-ally in the United States, according to FBI statistics. Home security systems can help put your mind at ease, and having a security system can also decrease the premiums you pay for monthly homeowner’s in-surance. Studies have shown that homes with a security system see a 39 percent decrease in financial loss compared to homes with no security system. Safeguard your family from fire hazards The National Fire Protec-tion Association estimates that two-thirds of home fire deaths result from fires in homes with either no smoke alarms or non-working smoke alarms. Batteries wear out and might be taken out to cease persistent beeping then never replaced. Smoke alarms should be in every bedroom, outside every sleeping area and on each level of your home. In addition to regularly checking alarms and batter-ies, it’s a good idea to make a family escape plan in the event of a fire. Courtesy of Family Features Gym rat. Soy evangelist. Trophy collector. Well-known ringer. Up for a game of you name it. Feels healthier now than before he retired. where you live should perfectly fit the way you live. When it comes to a place to call home for your senior years, we realize that one size doesn’t fit all. That’s why Lutheran SeniorLife offers a wide array of options that fit your wants and needs—everything from manor homes, villas and cottages to apartments and assisted living residences. And all with ample opportunities to exercise your body, mind and soul. So that this stage of your life isn’t just as comfortable as possible, but as abundant as you want it to be. Live an Abundant Life.® For more information visit lutheranseniorlife.org adno=6422591 Residential Living | Skilled Nursing | Memory Support Services | LIFE Programs
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