Now that you have that hot new smartphone or tablet, you are going to do something more than play games and make calls, aren't you? They're called smartphones for a reason, you know. In fact, there are literally hundreds of programs or applications – apps for short – that can support and strengthen your knowledge, including many apps that deal with health and safety. Where you can find them depends on the type of device you have – iTunes exclusively for iPhones, and the Android Market (market.android.com) or the Amazon Apps Store for most others. Here's a sampling of some general health and safety apps that we like:

Nutrition: The best apps enable you to check the calorie and nutrient content of thousands of products and track your diet and weight-loss progress. Try the free MyFitnessPal, available for all devices.

Workout Programs: They can provide daily routines, measure progress, provide streaming video classes and even act as a pedometer using GPS to track your location. Try the free, Wall Street Journal recommended Cardio Trainer. (Remember to always consult a doctor before starting a new exercise program.)

First Aid Guides: For a good, all-around guide that includes advice on giving CPR, try Pocket First Aid and CPR from the American Heart Association. It's available on most platforms and costs 3-4 dollars. For a free alternative, consider WebMD or the well-rated Everyday First Aid.

Other Useful Apps: Whatever your safety need, there's almost certainly an app for it. For example:

• Safety Button (iPhone) or Emergency + (Android) sends a text message when you're in trouble or in danger
• Medscape (both platforms) – check interactions from a database of 8,000 drugs
• Recalls (iTunes) or Recalls.gov (Android) lists consumer products and drugs that have been recalled

And don't forget that most mobile devices also have reader apps that enable you to download and store digital books. They can hold thousands, so you can build up your own first aid or fitness library – and always have it with you! 

Now that you've gotten the best health and safety apps loaded on your new device, you can get back to Angry Birds!

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Every 30 seconds, a motor vehicle is stolen in the United States. Using Federal Bureau of Investigation statistics, the National Insurance Crime Bureau reports that annual property losses from these thefts are approximately $5 billion. Although technology and aggressive law enforcement actions have lowered the auto theft rate in recent years, you should still be cognizant of this loss exposure. The following tips may prove helpful in reducing the chances that your vehicle or property in it may be stolen.

• When temporarily leaving your vehicle, never leave it running or with the keys in the ignition.

• Always lock your car and roll up the windows, even if it is in your driveway. If you have a garage, park your car in it, and close and lock the garage door.

• Park in busy, well-lit areas.

• When purchasing auto stereo equipment, choose items that can be removed and locked in the trunk.

• When using valet parking or taking your car in for repairs, leave only the ignition key with the attendant.

• Turn your wheels sharply toward the curb when parking since this makes it extra difficult for thieves to tow the vehicle. Always use your emergency brake, and leave the transmission in park or in gear.

• Look into various antitheft devices for your auto. Ask about auto insurance discounts for antitheft devices, including alarms and window etchings.

Get more insurance and risk management tips and ideas from IRMI.

Copyright 2011
International Risk Management Institute, Inc.

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No one likes to think about it.  What if you were diagnosed with a terminal illness, or suffered a fatal accident?  What if your were suddenly gone and your family members had to manage on their own? Have you done the math to figure out what they would need to remain financially secure? When was the last time you reviewed your life insurance needs with your agent? 

Life insurance can provide substantial benefits to your family.  It can provide loved ones the time to grieve.  It can pay off outstanding debts, loans, and funeral costs.  It can allow a family to continue living its established lifestyle, and may be able to fund a child’s college education.   Unfortunately, many Americans do not carry enough life insurance to maintain their family’s financial security.  Recent research indicates that  30% of US households carry no life insurance whatsoever.  But you shouldn’t put it off any longer.  Life insurance is often more affordable than you’d think.  The sooner you evaluate your coverage needs, and attain the appropriate coverage, the more money you’ll save.

September is Life Insurance Awareness Month, and the perfect time to sit down and review your needs with an agent.  Forest Agency is a licensed life insurance provider and our agents can advise you on what coverage amount is appropriate for your family’s needs.  Contact your agent today to discuss your options: (708) 393-9000.

Wondering whether your family needs life insurance? Take a look at this short video NBA great Lamar Odom made for the LIFE Foundation.

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