Medical Insurance Tip: Outdoor Summer Exercise

Name: Vargas & Vargas Insurance
Address: 1133 Washington St, Dorchester, MA, 02124
Telephone: 617-298-0655

Posted on June 12, 2015April 2, 2017 by cvargas

outdoor summer exercise

Running and walking are great ways to get some exercise this time of year, especially if you are feeling cooped up and want to enjoy the beautiful summer weather. For those of you who may be thinking of taking part in outdoor summer exercise, make sure that you follow these five tips from the Massachusetts medical insurance experts in order to stay healthy and happy:

Exercise during Non-Peak Hours

We may live in the Northeast, but it can still get very hot here in Massachusetts. If you want to do your exercise outside and enjoy the nice weather, plan to do so in either the morning or the evening. This will ensure that you’re not outside at the hottest parts of the day (typically between 10 am and 3 pm), when heat exhaustion and heat stroke are more prevalent.

Studies have found that exercising first thing in the morning takes advantage of the early spike in hormones, and also will leave you more focused and energized for the rest of the day, as well as an improved mood.

Hydration is Key

It is easy to become dehydrated when exercising in the heat. To ensure that your body has enough water to accommodate your workout, drink plenty of water before, during, and after your time outdoors. While exercising, you should be taking a drink at least every 15 minutes, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Also make sure that your system is getting electrolytes, which can be found in many popular sports drinks.

Choose the Right Gear

When dressing for your workout, make sure that you wear loose clothing to aid the evaporation of sweat and keep you cool. Choosing to wear light colors will also aid in the reflection of heat. You may also want to try clothing specifically designed for workouts, which are often designed to keep you cool and dry.

Protect Your Skin

As top notch Massachusetts medical insurance providers, we know the importance of skin protection here at Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency. Whenever you are outside, you should be looking to protect your skin. Wearing shirts with sleeves will protect your shoulders, and a hat will protect your face. Also make sure to always wear high SPF sunscreen when you are outside, and make an effort to do your workout in a shady area or trail to avoid direct sun exposure.

Watch for Warning Signs

One of the best pieces of advice that you will receive in regards to exercising outdoors is this: listen to your body. If you ever feel nauseous, dizzy, or faint, stop your workout immediately and seek out shelter. If symptoms continue, see a medical professional for help.

If you’re serious about doing the best for your body, make sure that you have a top of the line medical insurance policy from Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency. One of our qualified and knowledgeable agents can provide a review of your current health insurance policy, or a quote for a new medical insurance policy with all the coverage you need. Just call 617-298-0655 to speak with a Vargas and Vargas Insurance representative.

FAQ: Why Buy Insurance Through an Independent Agent?

Posted on June 8, 2015April 2, 2017 by cvargas

buy insurance through an independent agent

Recently, you may have noticed (or even answered) a survey from Vargas and Vargas Insurance called “Help Me Help You” where we asked for your insurance questions. Well, we have collected all of the questions that were submitted and will start answering some of them here on the blog! The first question that we will tackle is a general insurance question from Terry:

Won’t I save a lot of money if I go directly to the insurance company? I see tons of ads on TV. Why shouldn’t I go directly to Geico, or Allstate, etc?

Selling Insurance – Then and Now

It used to be that insurance companies didn’t sell their policies directly to the public. At that time, an Independent Agent was the only way to get insurance. As insurance providers began to write their own policies and online purchases became popular, the independent insurance agencies never disappeared – they still offer many benefits that you can’t get otherwise.

Benefits of Having an Independent Agent

In most transactions, a “middle man” is something that you want to avoid at all costs, and buying directly from the manufacturer will save you money and hassle. In the insurance industry, though, this isn’t true! Here are a few facts regarding the benefits of purchasing your insurance coverage from a third party:

Independent agents are able to get quotes from dozens of insurance providers. Instead of you calling around to check coverage and prices, a Vargas and Vargas Insurance agent can do all the legwork for you, and then help you choose the policy that’s best for you.

Stay organized by having an independent agent handle all of your insurance policies – home, auto, life, business… Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency is a one stop shop for all of your insurance needs.

Insurance is complicated. A licensed independent agent can help you wade through all of the confusing jargon and will alert you to any potential issues that they identify. An independent agent doesn’t work for an insurance provider – they work for you! It is their job to ensure that you get the right policy, not the one with the largest commission.

Insurance providers are often nationwide. That means that they work with people from all 50 states. When each state has its own insurance laws and requirements, doesn’t it make sense that you should work with a Massachusetts insurance expert? Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency only writes insurance in Massachusetts, so we know what our local clients need when they’re looking for a policy!

If you’re looking for an Independent Agent in Massachusetts, give Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency a call at 617-298-0655. Our agency has been serving residents of the Greater Boston area since 1986, and we are committed to providing our clients with the policies that they need, as well as insurance education, and much more.

For answers to more insurance questions from our “Help Me Help You” survey, including questions about home insurance, auto insurance, flood insurance, business insurance, and much more, stay tuned to our blog!

What are Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke?

Posted on June 5, 2015April 2, 2017 by cvargas

heat exhaustion and heat stroke

Many people like to exercise outside once the weather begins to warm up. If you’re going to start taking your workout outdoors for the summer, or even going outdoors to play with your kids, make sure that you familiarize yourself with two common perils of exercising outdoors: heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Once you know the signs, keep reading to learn the steps that you can take to ‘beat the heat’ and help ensure that you are safe when participating in outdoor activities.

How to Identify Heat Exhaustion and Stroke

According to the American Heart Association, these are the common symptoms of each of these common summertime issues, along with treatment recommendations.

Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion:

Headaches
Heavy sweating
Cold, moist skin, chills
Dizziness or fainting
Weak or rapid pulse
Muscle cramps
Fast, shallow breathing
Nausea, vomiting or both

If you or someone else is suffering from either of these conditions, get out of the heat and into an air conditioned room or into the shade. Have the affected person drink fluids, and apply cooling techniques like fans or ice. If untreated, heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke.

Symptoms of Heat Stroke:

Warm, dry or moist skin
Strong and rapid pulse
Confusion and/or unconsciousness
High body temperature (above 103°F)
Throbbing headaches
Nausea, vomiting or both

If someone has suffered a heat stroke, call for medical attention immediately. While waiting for help to arrive, employ cooling strategies like applying ice packs to the neck, back, armpits, and groin, or immersing the affected person in cool water or an ice bath.

How to Beat the Heat

Here are some steps that you can take if you want to work out outdoors without letting the heat get to you. Following some or all of these tips will help to ensure that you will have a good time outdoors, without any medical emergencies.

Stay hydrated – Make sure that you drink plenty of hydrating fluids (preferably water) before, during, and after your time outside. Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol.

Avoid peak hours – If you’re going outside, be strategic with the time that you choose. Instead of going at the hottest part of the day (typically between 4 and 6 pm) go just after sunrise or just before sunset – when there is plenty of light, but the temperatures are milder.

Ease into the outdoors – Let your body adapt to being outdoors instead of rushing in. Your body will do better if it is allowed to gradually acclimate to the heat over several days instead of all at once.

Dress properly – When you prepare to head out the door, make sure that you’re dressed in clothing that will help facilitate the evaporation of sweat. This means lightweight, light colored clothing in breathable fabrics like cotton.

When you spend time outdoors, also make sure that you take someone with you. Travelling with a buddy is much safer, and can make your exercise more fun too! Also make sure that a loved one knows where you are going, and how to contact you for safety reasons. Make sure to share this blog post (and other Vargas and Vargas Insurance Blog posts) with your loved ones and exercise buddy, too! Knowing the symptoms of heat stroke and heat exhaustion are vitally important to anyone that will be spending time outdoors this summer.

Eight Essential Car Care Tips

Posted on May 29, 2015April 2, 2017 by cvargas

car care tips

You know how to take care of your body with good nutrition and regular exercise, but do you know these eight car care tips that will keep your vehicle healthy? Some of these maintenance tasks can even be done a home with some inexpensive materials and a little bit of training! If you make your car’s well-being a priority, it will continue to serve you for many years to come.

Regular Oil Changes – One of the best things that you can do for your vehicle is to ensure that it gets fresh oil on a regular basis. If you neglect your oil, it will begin to take a toll on your engine – something that no one wants to replace prematurely, especially when the preventative care is so cheap comparatively!

The Cooling System – Ensure that your coolant is changed annually. Make sure to follow your manufacturer’s instructions to do so, but a good rule of thumb is a 50/50 mix of coolant and distilled water. This will prevent corrosion and deposits from forming in your cooling system.

Transmission and Other Fluids – Your car requires several different types of fluids to run. Make sure that you are following your manufacturer’s recommendations for the types of fluids to use when it comes to things like the transmission fluids, and have them replaced regularly to keep your car healthy.

Lubrication is Key – Parts of your car need to move in sync in order to function. This is made possible with lubrication. Making sure that your engine is properly lubricated will help ensure that everything continues to move smoothly.

Wheel Bearing Service – Maintaining your wheel bearings is cheap and simple for most vehicles. What’s not cheap and easy is replacing your spindle and hub, or fixing your vehicle when a wheel detaches.

Brake Fluid Maintenance – Brake fluid is a peculiar substance because it’s attracted to water. Water is an enemy to metal, the main component of your vehicle. Replacing your brake fluid annually will keep moisture away from other parts of your car and prevent corrosion.

Wash Inside and Out – Your car deserves a good deep cleaning once in a while. Give everything a good vacuum and wipe down, and remember to rinse off the undercarriage (especially in the winter if there’s salt and debris under there).

Apply Wax Regularly – Keep your car looking shiny and new (and protect your paint) with a fresh coat of wax every six months. You can do this yourself at home, or opt for a car wash that includes wax the next time you go to a local car wash for a scrub!

The one main point to take away from these eight tips is that preventative maintenance is cheap and easy, but fixing the issues that could otherwise arise is a huge (and typically expensive) task. Learn how to do some car maintenance yourself, or make regular appointments with your service provider to keep your vehicle healthy for years to come.

And here’s a bonus tip for keeping your car in tip-top shape: get a car insurance policy from Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency! With a policy from our agency, you can rest assured knowing that you will be protected in case you get into an accident. Financial protection like that is hard to find, so call us at 617-298-0655 now to speak to a Massachusetts auto insurance expert about getting a free quote.

These Distracted Driving Activities Will Shock You!

Posted on May 27, 2015November 17, 2018 by cvargas

Distracted Driving Activities Everyone admits to taking their eyes off of the road or their hands off of the wheel at one time or another while driving. While we hope that all Vargas and Vargas Insurance customers only do this to occasionally adjust the radio, there are some pretty shocking actions people perform while driving that will blow you away.

In a recent survey by Erie Insurance in Pennsylvania, over two thousand adults over the age of 18 were polled, and the data that they found is below.

Texting While Driving

Distracted driving accounts for many accidents, and texting is one of the top causes of distracted driving in today’s world. Even though most states in the US (including Massachusetts) ban texting for all drivers, 30% of respondents to the Harris Poll by Erie Insurance admit to texting while driving, and a whopping 75% say that they have witnessed others text while driving.

Delving deeper into the data, you will find that men are more likely to text while behind the wheel than their female counterparts (32% and 28%, respectively). Also, it probably won’t surprise you to learn that younger drivers tend to text more. Here are the breakdowns of how many people admit to texting, by age group:

51% of 18-34 year olds

39% of 35-44 year olds

33% of 45-54 year olds

14% of 55-64 year olds

7% of drivers aged 65+

The survey also revealed one more tidbit about texting and driving that was slightly uplifting: when you divide the nation into regions, drivers in the Northeast text the least at 24%. Drivers in the South, however, tend to text the most at 35%.

Other Driving Distractions

While texting is undoubtedly one of the most prolific distractions that drivers engage in on the road, it is not the only one out there. In fact, the survey unearthed several other reasons for distracted driving that will probably leave you shocked, or, at the very least, puzzled:

15% of drivers admit to kissing or other PDA

15% of drivers admit to styling their hair

9% of drivers admit to changing clothes

8% of drivers admit to applying makeup

4% of drivers admit to brushing or flossing their teeth

4% of drivers admit to taking selfies

3% of drivers admit to changing drivers

3% of drivers admit to using the bathroom

Regardless of the motive, all distracted driving is dangerous. Here’s a fact that also may shock you: every day in the United States, approximately 1,153 people are injured and 9 people are killed because of distracted driving.

Please, put your safety (and the safety of others) first when you’re driving. Stay focused on the road, and make sure to speak up if you see a friend or family member taking part in distracted driving activities. Here at Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency, we work each and every day to make sure that you and your loved ones are protected, and putting a stop to distracted driving would mean a huge leap forward in safe driving practices in Massachusetts and nationwide.

Lawn Mower Injury Statistics and Safety Tips

Posted on May 22, 2015April 2, 2017 by cvargas

The winter snows have melted, and the grass is green again. That can only mean one thing – it’s time to resume your normal lawn maintenance routine. If this means dusting off a push or riding lawn mower, the insurance professionals here at Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency would like to remind you that these instruments can be very hazardous, and should be treated with care.

Before you begin mowing, familiarize yourself with the potential dangers of lawn mower operation, and remind yourself of how to properly operate your machine with the tips below:

Lawn mowers are dangerous

Before you begin to mow your lawn, you need to respect the inherent danger in operating a lawn mower. Here is a statistic from the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons that succinctly describes the danger of lawn mower operation: “The energy transferred by a typical lawn mower blade is equivalent to being shot in the hand with a .357 magnum pistol.” Worse yet, a lawn mower has the potential to turn any rock, stick, or debris into a dangerous projectile. In 2010 alone, over 250 thousand people were treated for injuries related to lawn mowers.

Maintaining a lawn mower

Make sure that you have a lawnmower serviced by a professional at least once a year. This is typically recommended before the first mow of the year. If there is an issue with your mower, make sure that the motor is off and that the mower is completely cooled off before inspecting the equipment.

If you find that there is a blockage in your mower, never use your hands (or any part of your body) to remove it. Put safety first, and remove the blockage with a stick or broom handle. Also never remove any guards or safety devices from your mower. Those objects are there for your safety!

Operating a lawn mower safely

When you’re getting ready to mow, make sure that you follow the proper procedure. Clear the area that you are going to mow of debris including rocks, sticks, toys, and furniture. Always add fuel before you start the engine, and wear protective gloves, goggles, and hearing protection for your safety. Also wear long pants and sturdy shoes (not sandals) when mowing.

Keep children away from the lawnmower at all times, and never allow a child to ride on the mower. Also make sure that you follow all of the instructions outlined in your lawn mower’s operations manual while it is in use. Above all, ensure that you and your family know the rules of lawn mower safety, and that you put safety first at all times while a mower is in use, whether it is a family member or a lawn service that’s doing the mowing.

If you decide that you’re not ready to shoulder the burden of operating a lawn mower safely, don’t put your health at risk. Instead, hire one of the many Massachusetts lawn mowing services available for your convenience. Just like Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency is the premier purveyor of Massachusetts insurance policies, a professional mowing service will provide customized services for your needs at the right price. Stay tuned to the Vargas and Vargas Insurance Blog for more summer safety tips, including pool safety, grilling tips and more!

Supplementing Employer-Sponsored Life Insurance

Posted on May 8, 2015April 2, 2017 by cvargas

Massachusetts life insurance policy There is a saying that we strongly believe in here in the insurance world. It’s “Plan for the worst and hope for the best.” While you’re always hoping that things will go smoothly, insurance policies like home insurance, life insurance, and business insurance help to ensure that you are protected if things get a little bumpy.

Life insurance may be the best example of this – while you probably don’t expect to leave this world anytime soon, a Massachusetts life insurance policy will ensure that your family is financially protected… just in case.

Once you are ready to purchase a life insurance policy, you have a few options: some employers offer life insurance policies to their employees. Otherwise, you can purchase a policy from an insurance agency directly. So which option is right for you? Read on to find out about your life insurance options:

How much life insurance is enough?

Every family’s life insurance needs are different. While a life insurance professional can work with you to determine your unique needs, it is possible to take an educated guess at how much life insurance you should have with one simple computation: a middle aged person with a spouse and children should have a life insurance policy worth about ten times their annual salary. This should be adjusted based on the age of each family member, whether the other spouse works, and other factors.

Unfortunately, employer-sponsored life insurance policies don’t tend to offer this amount of coverage. In fact, most employers only offer anywhere from six months to six years of annual salary in their life insurance policies. This means that your employer-sponsored life insurance policy may be a good start (especially if the coverage is free), but you should probably have another supplemental life insurance policy in order to guarantee enough coverage.

The drawbacks of employer-sponsored coverage

Having some extra coverage through your employer is great, but make sure that you read through the fine print of the life insurance policy that they offer. Sometimes, the restrictions on these policies are numerous, making them very difficult to use should the need arise. It is also worth noting that should you leave the job, your coverage will expire, which could leave you temporarily vulnerable.

What’s the bottom line?

For a person with grown children and no mortgage or outstanding debt, an employer-sponsored life insurance policy may be enough. For people with children, a mortgage, loans, or other financial burdens, a supplemental life insurance policy may be worth exploring to ensure full protection.

Getting a supplemental life insurance policy

If you’re beginning to think that your employer-sponsored life insurance policy isn’t enough to protect your loved ones, just give Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency a call at 617-298-0655. We can get you a quote for a life insurance policy to ensure that your loved ones will be financially protected in the worst case scenario. And remember – Vargas and Vargas Insurance is always here when you have something to protect, so call us or visit one of our offices whenever you need some help with your insurance.

Most Popular Dorchester Commercial Insurance Policies

Posted on January 9, 2015April 2, 2017 by cvargas

Every business is different. That’s why Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency offers several different types of commercial insurance policies! When you call our agency for business insurance, we will help you build a policy that perfectly fits the needs of your business. We can work with you to evaluate your needs and pick all the types of coverage that your business requires. The types of Dorchester commercial insurance policies options may seem endless, but these five types of coverage are our most popular:

Dorchester Commercial Insurance Policies

Commercial Property Coverage

All businesses have to start somewhere, and your business’s physical location is a very important part of its identity – that’s why you should make sure that it has great insurance protection. A commercial insurance policy with commercial property coverage will insure your business’s structure, as well as furniture and equipment that you have. In most cases, it will even cover signs and landscaping!

Commercial Vehicle Coverage

Does your business require the use of a vehicle? While not every business needs this specific coverage, it is important for all business that regularly transport or deliver goods or services. With this policy, your business will appear as the “principal insured” on the policy if it is the owner of the vehicle, and the policy is useful even if the vehicles in question are used for both business and personal travel.

Group Benefits

If your business has employees, you should really consider adding a strong group benefits policy to your commercial insurance. Depending on the policy that you choose, you can give your employees access to health and dental insurance, retirement plans, disability, and much more. Workers tend to look for employment at businesses with good benefits packages, so working on this policy with Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency can help you to attract a higher caliber of worker.

Workers Compensation

Unfortunately, accidents happen. To make sure that your business is ready for any accidents that may occur, make sure that you talk to us about adding a worker’s compensation policy to your commercial insurance policy. It can provide coverage for medical expenses, lost income, rehabilitation, death benefits, and more. While we hope that you never need to use it, you can’t be too careful when it comes to your employees.

General and Excess Liability

Would your business be able to pay for a liability issue related to personal or advertising injury? These cases can get very expensive, but the right liability insurance can make sure that your business is protected financially against these situations, and many more. Almost all types of businesses can benefit from liability protection, call us and speak to an agent today to find out why this is.

To get a personalized commercial insurance policies in Dorchester, Hyde Park, South Boston, West Roxbury, Mattapan, Jamaica Plain, Roxbury, Boston, Stoughton, Canton, Randolph, Brockton, Sharon, MA for your business, all you need to do is call Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency at 617-298-0655. We will get to work right away crafting a Massachusetts business insurance policy as unique as your company. The best part is that all of our insurance quotes are free, and you have no obligation to purchase, so you can call any time, even if you’re just seeing if you can get a better deal than you’re in now!

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