We’ve all heard way too much about bullying in the news. Young kids taking their own lives because of bullying is an almost unreal possibility to most of us. But it happens – and much too often.

Wednesday, October 9, 2013 is Unity Day 2013

It’s a day when the National Bullying Prevent Center encourages people around the country to help end bullying. Showing our true colors will help others see how important it is to stand up and protect our children (and adults!) against bullies.

Here’s what you can do to show your support:

• Make orange your color of the day.
• Wear something orange to signify your unity against bullying – orange t-shirt, hat, jewelry, or anything!
• ‘Attend’ and ‘Share’ the Unity Day Facebook event with family, friends, teachers, and others.
• Encourage your friends to participate in Unity Day by posting about it on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram with #UnityDay2013.
• Post pictures of anyone wearing ORANGE to the UNITY DAY Facebook Event page.
• Post photos of you wearing orange on October 9th on Instagram with #UnityDay2013.
• Update your Facebook status to “UNITY DAY, October 9th — Join the movement to make it ORANGE and make it end! If you are being bullied, you are not alone. Unite and be a champion against bullying!”
• Sign “The End of Bullying Begins With You” Petition.
• Stop bullying before it starts! Incorporate learning in the classroom, featuring a toolkit and activities from “The Legend of Spookley the Square Pumpkin” designed for early learners.

Let’s show bullies that we won’t put up with them – and help protect our children against them too. Stand up and stand out on Wednesday, October 9 and wear your ORANGE!

Source: http://www.lineleoff.com

Do you wish you could let the world know how you feel about parenting? Do you have very firm ideas about how to raise children? Are you open to different types of parenting – and tolerant of styles other than your own? Do you over- or under-parent? Then this might be what you’re looking for!

Located on 15812 WC Main Street, Midlothian, VA 23113 in Westchester Commons, Breathe Easy Salt Spa offers an alternative for relief from asthma, chronic sinus infection, cystic fibrosis, eczema, psoriasis and many other conditions. The new state-of-the-art, computer-controlled treatment rooms provide customers a relaxing, one-of-a-kind salt spa experience.

• Salt therapy, also known as Halotherapy, is a drug-free, non-invasive treatment that alleviates health problems or other symptoms related to respiratory issues.
• Each room is covered in Himalayan salt and rooms are available for both adults and children.
• During your salt therapy session, dry aerosol micron-sized particles of salt carrying a negative electrical charge are circulated throughout the room.
• Moving salt particles emit negative ions, which have been proven to help lower blood pressure and relieve stress.
• The ceiling, walls and floor are also covered with 100% Himalayan rock salt.
• Salt is anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory which helps reduce inflammation of the respiratory system and strengthens the immune system.

The Owners

Breathe Easy Salt Spa is locally owned by Rob and Stacy Gebhardt and actually began as a dream when their son, Myles was diagnosed at three weeks old with Cystic Fibrosis. The disease changed their lives and the life of their son forever. On that day in April 2009, the Gebhardt’s vowed they would do whatever it takes to give their son the best quality of life.

Although they currently work with an amazing team of physicians, they have researched additional therapies that might enhance Myles’ treatment. Their research pointed them in the direction of salt spas, which are a relatively new phenomenon in the States but widely used throughout Europe.  Now, three years later, their dream to provide salt treatment to those with respiratory issues, chronic sinus infections, or anyone with a desire to live a healthy lifestyle are a reality.

For more information and pictures of the spa, please visit the website or check them on Facebook.

Kim Woodson is a Farmers Insurance Agency Owner and an advertiser on Richmondmom.com. Contact her if you have any questions about insurance.

Reprinted with permission from Farmers Friendly Voice newsletter – Kimberly Woodson, Farmers Insurance Agency Owner

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless, toxic gas — and because it’s impossible to see, taste or smell, it can make you ill or even kill you before you are aware it’s in your home.

All people and animals are at risk for CO poisoning although certain groups — unborn babies, infants, and people with chronic heart disease, anemia, or respiratory problems — are more susceptible to its effects. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, each year more than 400 Americans die from unintentional CO poisoning, more than 20,000 visit the emergency room and more than 4,000 are hospitalized.¹

Sources of carbon monoxide include cigarette smoke, house fires, faulty furnaces, heaters, wood-burning stoves, internal-combustion vehicle exhaust, lawn mowers and so on.²

What to look for
There tend to be no noticeable symptoms if an individual’s CO levels are at less than 10 percent in the bloodstream. Above 10 percent, CO poisoning symptoms may mimic the flu or a cold and may include:

• Headache
• Fatigue
• Mild confusion
• Irregular breathing and heartbeat
• Nausea
• Coughing

What to do
If you suspect that you or members of your family are suffering from CO poisoning take action immediately:

• Evacuate your home.
• Call 911 from another location.
• Report it to the fire department.

Help to prevent CO poisoning

• Install a CO detector on each level of your home, and in or near each sleeping area.
• Keep gas appliances properly adjusted.
• Use proper fuel in kerosene space heaters.
• Over gas stoves, install and use an exhaust fan vented to the outdoors.
• Open flues when fireplaces are in use.
• Have a trained professional inspect, clean, and tune-up central heating systems (furnaces, flues, and chimneys) annually. Repair any leaks promptly.
• Do not idle the car inside the garage.
• If you’re working in the garage, open the door.

Take some time to manage your home’s risks — it may help to protect you and your family. Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about carbon monoxide poisoning. Share this information with friends and loved ones — it may help to protect them and their families.

If you have questions about home, life, car, or other insurance, contact Kimberly Woodson at Farmers Insurance Agency.

¹Source: http://www.cdc.gov/co/faqs.htm
²Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbon_monoxide_poisoning#Causes

Kimberly Woodson is a Farmers Insurance Agency Owner and is an advertiser on Richmondmom.com

By Kim Woodson, Guest Writer

Many of us don’t get enough sleep and as a result we may become moody, irritable and easily stressed. But if you’re behind the wheel, lack of sleep can also impair your driving which may lead to potentially dangerous consequences. In addition to accidents, sleepiness can lead to higher stress levels, slower reaction times and faster, more aggressive driving. According to the National Sleep Foundation, if you experience any of these warning signs, find a safe place to pull over and get help:

• Difficulty focusing, frequent blinking and/or heavy eyelids
• Difficulty keeping your mind on the road
• Trouble keeping your head up
• Drifting from your lane, swerving, tailgating and/or hitting rumble strips
• Inability to clearly remember the last few miles driven
• Missing exits or traffic signs
• Yawning repeatedly
• Feeling restless, irritable, or aggressive

Reduce your risk

• Get enough sleep at night — Try to get adequate sleep every night — seven to nine hours if possible. This is particularly important before a road trip.
• Watch what you consume — Avoid alcohol and heavy foods such as pastas. Try to eat food high in protein. If you take medications that may make you drowsy try to take them either early enough or late enough to avoid the effects while you’re on the road.
• Take a break, take a nap — If you begin to feel drowsy look for a safe place to take a 15- to 20-minute nap. When you wake up, refresh yourself with a snack or short walk before starting to drive again.
• Don’t drive alone — If you are going on a long road trip consider taking someone along with you. A companion who stays awake can provide interesting conversation, spot the warning signs of driver fatigue and relieve you at the wheel.

A worthwhile exercise
Try to think of a recent occasion when you experienced fatigue while driving. Now think about your mindset at the time. How did it affect your driving? Bottom line: Feeling drowsy? Stop driving!

For more information visit the National Sleep Foundation website. And call me at (804) 980-7353 to be sure you have the insurance you want and need. I’m happy to provide you with a free consultation.

Farmers Insurance Group is an advertiser on Richmondmom.com

Kimberly Woodson of Farmers Insurance Group is always looking for ways to make our community safer. Sure, she sells insurance — but she also gives great tips on safety for families even if you’re not in the market to purchase insurance!

Check this out.

By Kimberly Woodson

Spring and summer — time to appreciate the outdoors. And for many of us, time to do landscaping and yard work. Be careful though — your lawn mower can be a helpful tool or a dangerous weapon and your yard could become a “toe-away” zone.

Push or ride
There are two basic types of power lawn mowers: the kind you push and the kind you ride. And for both, the leading cause of accidents is contact with the rotating blade. Don’t ever place your fingers under the skirt of the mower near the blade, or let others do so, in an effort to clear away a clump of grass or other debris. Never reach into the discharge chute.

Dangerous projectiles
The tip of a lawn mower blade can be moving as fast as 200 miles per hour, and can project small, hard objects such as tiny stones, as far as 50 feet. These projectiles can travel in any direction, potentially injuring those nearby as well as the operator.

Roll-over and back-over risks
Riding mowers have some unique risks, such as the potential instability of the mower, which may cause it to overturn under certain conditions. The overturned mower may fall on the operator causing injury and/or contact with the blade. The gas tank may be damaged and rupture, presenting a fire risk.

Riding mowers are subject to back-over accidents because of the driver’s limited rear visibility. Keep children and other persons out of this “blind” zone.

The bottom line: When operating any type of lawn mower remain vigilant and calm. Know who is around you and what is in front of you and try to be aware of anything or anyone behind you.

And the doctor says …
“We still see too many foot injuries from power lawn mowers,” says foot and ankle surgeon James Thomas, DPM, FACFAS.¹ “The blades whirl at 3,000 revolutions per minute and produce three times the kinetic energy of a .357 handgun. Yet we see patients who have been hurt while operating a mower barefoot! Foot injuries range from dirty, infection-prone lacerations to severed tendons to amputated toes.”¹

He advises anyone who operates a power mower to take a few simple precautions:

• Don’t mow a wet lawn — one of the leading causes of lawn mower-related foot injuries is slipping on wet grass
• Wear heavy shoes or work boots — no sandals, flip flops or sneakers
• Mow slowly across slopes — never go up and down
• Never pull a running mower backward 
• Keep the clip bag attached — this may help prevent projectile injuries
• Always keep children away from the area

If you are injured by a lawn mower, seek medical attention immediately, even if you think the injury is minor. And always practice safety first.

Call me today so we can review your coverage if you need help or just friendly advice – 804-980-7353. Visit my website anytime.

¹FootHealthFacts.org

Kimberly Woodson is an advertiser on Richmondmom.com

Kim Woodson is a Richmond mom-of-two and a Farmers Insurance agency owner.

by Kimberly Wooden Woodson

Luxury vs. Necessity.

In challenging economic times, knowing the difference between “need” and “want” is important.

I’d like to suggest that life insurance is a “need.” It may be tempting to think of it as a luxury, especially when you’re trying to trim your budget, but I hope you resist temptation: What would happen to your family if something happened to you? Life insurance might determine whether your family can keep their home or whether your children can go to college. Please give me a call: I can show you several life insurance options that may fit your budget.

Don’t put your family at risk. Does your family depend on you financially? Do you have a mortgage? Do you own a small business? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, what would happen if you died unexpectedly?

It’s a great time for us to talk about the importance of reducing risk to your loved ones and/or your business.

Is your family covered? I saw in the 2010 LIMRA Life Insurance Ownership Study that 30 percent of U.S. households don’t have life insurance coverage. In fact, among households with children under 18, four in 10 say they would have trouble meeting daily expenses if the primary breadwinner died suddenly.

• Are you a two-income family? With both spouses now “bringing home the bacon” in many households, it’s good news that the gap in life insurance ownership between men and women is shrinking. In fact, women place more value on life insurance than men (70 percent vs. 62 percent).*
• Are you a small-business owner? Life insurance coverage could offer several benefits. For example, if you or your business partner died tomorrow, life insurance could help provide the funds for the surviving partner to purchase the deceased owner’s share of the business. Or if a key employee died, life insurance proceeds could offer financial flexibility to the owners.

Life happens: Are you ready for the unexpected? I encourage you to visit my website and contact me, or call (804) 980-7353 to discuss your life insurance program.

*Source: LIMRA, “Life Insurance Ownership Gap Closes Between Men and Women,” March 23, 2011, Life insurance issued by Farmers New World Life Insurance Company, Mercer Island, WA 98040. www.farmersagent.com/kwoodson.  

Kim Woodson is an advertiser of Richmondmom.com. She is offering a seminar, “Preserving your Family’s Legacy” Free of charge April 17th and 21st, 2012.

Kim Woodson is a Richmond mom-of-two and a Farmers Insurance agency owner.

By Kim Woodson

Thanks to Kimberly Woodson, Farmers Insurance Group agency owner, for this great article.

Summer is time for fun! Swimming, boating, and lots of water sports will be in full swing soon.

Boating is indeed a pleasure, but it’s important to be safe at the same time. And if you have a boat, be sure to consider the insurance needs. As a mom, I know how important it is to always take precautions to keep children and others safe. But sometimes the unexpected happens and that’s when insurance can save you lots of money and frustration.

For many of us, boating — under sail or power — is one of the best ways to get away from it all.  And if that’s your pleasure — whether you’re fishing, snorkeling or just relaxing — you love your boat. Like many activities, however, boating comes with risks, so make sure you have the coverage you want for your watercraft.

A wide range of coverage
Farmers boat policy was created for boats — power boats, small sailboats and other vessels — so you can make sure that your boat has the specialized coverage you want — coverage you can’t typically get by adding an endorsement to your homeowners policy. We offer a wide range of coverage* that typically includes:

• Physical Damage
• Increased Limits on Liability
• Medical Payments
• Uninsured Watercraft
• Total Loss Settlement Option (coverage varies by age of vessel)
• Personal Property
• Towing and Assistance
• Trailer Coverage

Call me
You may be eligible for discounts that can lower your marine coverage costs. For example, you may qualify for a discount if you have multiple policies with Farmers (such as auto and boat or home and boat). If you take a Boating Safety Course or insure more than one boat with Farmers, you may also be eligible for a discount.

Call me today and let’s discuss your boat coverage needs. I can also help you with coverage for personal watercraft, ATVs, RVs, and Travel Trailers.

By Kimberly Woodson

Many experts believe the housing market is getting ready to rebound — I hope they’re right! If you’re thinking about buying a home don’t forget to consider insurance. Would-be buyers often get pre-approved for mortgages, research school districts, and look at numerous houses before finding the “perfect” home for them. Often however, they don’t consider the insurance implications of buying a specific house. Insurance is not a one-time expense. If you have a mortgage it’s likely you will pay for insurance for the life of the mortgage, so keep insurance issues at the forefront of home-buying decisions.

Do some investigation
The following factors will typically impact the price and perhaps the availability of insurance for the home:

• Quality and location of the fire department
• Proximity to the coastline or floodplain and risk of flooding
• History of earthquakes
• Age of the home
• Condition of the roof
• Whether or not the home is well-built and up to code
• Swimming pool or other special features

Before you make an offer

• Get a CLUE —It’s important to learn about prior claims on the house — not that a prior claim is necessarily a barrier to securing insurance. In fact, sometimes it may be good news — for example, the roof was damaged by a wind storm and replaced with a new one. Ask the current owner for a copy of the insurance loss history report, such as a Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange (C.L.U.E.) report from ChoicePoint, or an A-PLUS report from ISO, a source of information about property/casualty insurance. A record of insurance claims on the house can provide answers to two important questions:
  • Have there been any past problems in the home?
  • If damage occurred, was it properly repaired?

  Note: If the home has been claim free for 5 years there will not be a loss history report on the home.

• Get the house inspected — The inspector should:
• Check the general condition of the home.
• Look for water damage, termites and other types of infestation.
• Check the electrical system, water heater and septic tank, if there is one.
• Show you where potential problems might develop.
• Make certain that past problems have been properly repaired.
• Suggest upgrades or replacements that may be needed.

Call me, sooner rather than later
Don’t wait until the last minute to think about insurance. Call me to learn about different coverage options so you can be sure you know what you want and have an idea of the cost. Happy house hunting!

Be sure to like Kim’s Facebook page for many more great tips.