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THE SILVER LINING To Your Life & Health
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PATH TO SUCCESS Work Ethic and Work-Life Balance
Most of us go to work for the same reason: to support our family. If you or I did not have a responsibility to help provide for the ones we love, we probably would not dedicate as much time and effort to our professions. As a business owner, I give a lot to my work, the people who work with me, and the clients I work on behalf of. This means my work-life balance looks different than most, but I don’t think that’s a bad thing. I genuinely love what I do, and am thankful I am able to provide a valuable service to my clients. Moreover, tomorrow is not promised; today, I must handle the business and provide for the ones I love. A COMPLICATED INDUSTRY I don’t need to tell you that insurance is complicated. Because of the minutiae and paperwork involved, it can require a lot of hours to do the work to my satisfaction. That means staying late and coming in on the weekend if necessary. While that may sound like my work-life balance is non-existent, I would disagree. It’s just about prioritizing what needs to get done so I can enjoy time with my family without unfinished work burdening me. Whenever my family needs me, I can be there for them. I adapt my schedule to the needs of my family while still leaving ample time to perform my work at the highest possible level. The people in my life probably get tired of hearing it, but my business runs on one simple motto: “Excellence is not the goal. It’s the standard.” ENJOYING WHAT YOU DO For me, an important component of being successful in any industry is being invested in the service you provide. While I do not put business in front of my family, the two do go hand-in-hand. My clients allow me to provide for my family, and for that, I am eternally grateful. To repay them, I provide them with the best service I possibly can. Part of that is having a great team at my side to help me accomplish that goal. Rather than referring to them as “employees,” I prefer to call them what they really
are, “associates,” because it accurately reflects that they work with me, not for me. We work in lockstep with one another, and that is why we are successful. STRUGGLE AND PROGRESS I went to Frederick Douglass High School, named, of course, after the great Frederick Douglass. A quote of his could be found at the entrance, and I remember seeing it daily — “If there is no struggle, there is no progress.” Those words have stuck with me. I believe that in order to get from one level to another, life cannot be easy. We must make sacrifices and do the work that is, at times,
painful or uncomfortable. The hope is that after the steep climb, and you finally reach the mountaintop, the view is worth it.
–Duane Hamilton
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How Your Environment Shapes Your Well-Being Hidden Health Risks in Your Neighborhood
Have you ever wondered if your neighborhood might be impacting your health? According to a recent study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, where you live can significantly influence your risk of developing heart disease and stroke. Let’s examine how your surroundings might play a more significant role in your well-being than you think! NATURE’S MEDICINE — GREEN SPACES Imagine waking up and taking a stroll through a lush park. Sounds nice, right? Well, it turns out that having green spaces nearby is more than just pleasant — it’s good for your health! Dr. Sarju Ganatra from Beth Israel Lahey Hospital in Massachusetts shared with AARP that exposure to green spaces is linked to lower stress levels, better moods, and improved overall well-being. Parks also promote social interaction and community bonding, which are great for your emotional health! THE DANGERS OF ‘FOOD DESERTS’ Now, let’s talk about food. If your neighborhood has limited access to fresh produce and healthy food options, you might be living in what’s known as
a food desert. Research shows that people in food deserts are at a higher risk of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Our environment influences our health, including the availability of nutritious food. So, having a farmers market or a store with fresh produce nearby can make a huge difference. STEPPIN’ UP AND OUT Well-constructed and maintained sidewalks encourage walking, which is essential for maintaining heart health and overall fitness. A safe and walkable neighborhood can significantly impact your daily exercise routine. If your sidewalks are in bad shape, staying active and getting your steps in is harder, so reach out to local leaders or groups to advocate for their repair. Next time you step outside, take a moment to consider your surroundings. Does your neighborhood have plenty of green spaces, easy access to fresh food, and good walkability? These factors might seem small, but they significantly affect your health. Your neighborhood is more than just where you live — it’s vital to your overall well-being.
Find Your Balance
Prioritize Work Without Burning Out
For you to give your best, you have to be at your best. If you are burnt out or not enjoying what you do, then it will be nearly impossible to provide the service your clients deserve. Whether you are a business owner, self-employed, or work for someone else, you should consider a few factors to make your work enjoyable, effective, and sustainable for the long haul. Here are two tips I apply in my business that have helped me and my associates avoid burnout while performing at the highest level possible. KEEP THINGS LIGHT As a business owner, it is important to foster a work environment conducive to hard work and your team’s enjoyment. As an example: When my associates have to work on a Saturday, we listen to music. If you call the office on a weekend, and we happen to be working, our call is going to have a soundtrack, because odds are that we are
jamming out. This seems like a small detail, but it goes a long way to lighten the mood and make work more carefree and enjoyable when appropriate. MAKE TIME FOR FAMILY Did you know only 62% of American workers use all their PTO time every year? Taking the time necessary to recuperate and recharge will help you be a more effective advocate for your clients when you return. I believe family should come before work, and if at all possible, I afford my team the ability to maintain a healthy work-life balance. If my family life demands it, I will adapt my work schedule to ensure I am there when they need me. Likewise, we start every Monday by asking if anyone on the team has any commitments or occasions when their family or loved ones need them that week. If they do, we will accommodate them.
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Pancho’s Inspiring Story F rom R escue to R escuer
In a heartwarming story of canine courage, a rescue dog named Pancho has emerged as a hero after putting his life on the line to defend his family during a home invasion. The events unfolded on a fateful night in early June when an intruder broke into Pancho’s home in northern New Mexico. Pancho, an 8-year-old rescue pup, sprang into action the moment the intruder entered the home. Without hesitation, the brave dog leaped at the would-be criminal, determined to protect his family at all costs. In the ensuing struggle, Pancho suffered a deep neck wound that miraculously missed his vital organs. But the attack didn’t stop there — the intruder then proceeded to kick Pancho repeatedly. Undeterred by his injuries, Pancho managed to hold the intruder at
bay until others could intervene and restrain the criminal. Pancho’s family then embarked on a desperate two-hour journey to Albuquerque, searching for emergency veterinary care. Remarkably, the family ended up at the doorstep of Española Humane, the same rescue organization where they had adopted Pancho. The dedicated staff immediately sprang into action, performing extensive surgery to clean and repair Pancho’s traumatic neck wound. The brave pup stopped breathing at one point, but the veterinary team successfully revived him. Despite his severe injuries, Pancho has steadily regained his strength. His tail never stops wagging, and he responds enthusiastically whenever he hears the words “good boy.” Pancho’s
dad promised him a lifetime of rib-eye steaks to reward his heroic actions. Pancho’s story is a powerful reminder of the unwavering loyalty and bravery rescue animals can possess. If you’re considering adding a furry friend to your family, consider visiting your local animal shelter or rescue organization. You never know — you might just find your very own guardian angel, just like Pancho’s family did.
Open enrollment for Marketplace/ Affordable Care Act/Obamacare coverage opens up on Nov. 1 and continues until Jan. 15. This is a crucial opportunity if you don’t get health insurance through your employer. Just remember, in order to receive benefits starting in 2025, you’ll need to enroll before Dec. 15, 2024. OBAMACARE INFORMATION
Additionally, the Annual Election Period for Medicare begins on Oct. 15 and closes on Dec. 7. If you need to join, switch, or drop a plan, now is the time to do so. As long as you enroll before Dec. 7, you will have coverage starting on Jan. 1. If you like your current plan, we still need to talk about it. Everyone will see a lot of changes in 2025. Call today to schedule your 2025 benefit review. MEDICARE INFORMATION
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
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Work Ethic Necessary for Success
Is Your Neighborhood Affecting Your Health? Tips For a Healthy Work-Life Balance Loyal Pup Risks Life to Protect Loved Ones Important Open Enrollment Information
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A Diet for Healthier Skin
SUPERFOODS FOR MORE RADIANT SKIN
People have employed lasers, chemical peels, injections, and facelifts in the war against aging skin. While these more extreme measures can be temporarily effective, they can be hard on the wallet and much more cumbersome than natural remedies. Another tool in our arsenal against the effects of aging is our diet. Since our skin ages more like milk than wine, it only makes sense that we eat more fruit (as well as herbs and vegetables). Here are four skin care superfoods that can boost skin health! BLUEBERRIES One key ingredient to healthy skin is antioxidants, which help protect skin cells from aging and can even help minimize wrinkles. Fortunately, blueberries are full of antioxidants, such as anthocyanins and flavonoids. They also contain a healthy amount of
vitamin C, which has been proven to improve skin firmness. DARK CHOCOLATE Who knew delicious desserts could contribute to healthier skin? Unlike milk chocolate, dark chocolate contains antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals
that help improve the texture and radiance of your skin. I guess it’s time to give in to the dark side ! KALE It won’t kill you to eat kale. In fact, kale is one of the most nutritious foods out there! Best of all, it is full of antioxidants and vitamins to make your body’s biggest organ (your skin) look new again! If you have an aversion to eating greens, you should know that kale also comes in purple varieties. THYME Everyone has heard of herbal remedies, and one herb in particular has some proven benefits for rejuvenating skin. According to research published in the scientific journal Nutrients, thyme is full of antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins that can help contribute to healthier, smoother skin.
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