Newsletter & Archives
Spring 2010 eNewsletter - Bencom goes green!
ISSUE #1 INCLUDES: Employee Benefits Group Retirement Wealth Management Life Insurance Living Benefits Bencare Suppliers Team Book Review Newsletter Arvchives Games
Rather than mail you a printed newsletter quarterly, we are going to send you an eNewsletter. The newletter will also serve as a connection to our updated website. Not only will our website have information about the products and services we offer, but, there will be many links to areas of interest to you and your employees. So feel free to pass it on! And, get others to subscribe. We feel that many of the items presented will be of interest to your employees.
We've started a Bencare section. This is an exciting area for you and your employees. It will grow over time as we identify more items to include. A focus of Bencare is to provide links to a variety of wellness educational links. We are not experts but we certainly believe that healthier employees are more productive (increase revenue) and don't claim as much, thus decreasing claims costs to your benefits package (decreasing expenses). We will provide these links in the hopes that you will introduce some of these ideas into your workplace (if you haven't already).
The format of the newsletter will be to provide insightful information on each of the green tabs in the navigation bar to your left. If the article tweaks an interest please feel free to contact us and discuss. We will also include some fun stuff to take your mind off of whatever your mind should be on!
We hope you enjoy it. If you have any feedback please send it to mark@bencomfsgi.com . If you wish to unsubscribe. click here.
Enjoy!!
Employee Benefits
Bananas consist mainly of sugars (glucose, fructose and sucrose) and fiber, which makes them ideal for an immediate and slightly prolonged source of energy.
However, did you know all of these attributes of the simple banana?
Reducing Depression
Bananas contain tryptophan, an aminoacid that can be converted to serotonin, leading to improved mood
Anemia
Bananas are relatively high in iron, which helps the body's hemoglobin function
Constipation and Diarrhea
Due to their content in fiber, they help restore a normal bowel function. In addition, diarrhea usually depletes your body of important electrolytes (of which the most important is potassium, contained in high amounts in bananas). They also contain pectin, a soluble fiber (hydrocolloid) that can help normalize movement through the digestive tract.
Eyesight Protection
Research published in the Archives of Ophthalmology has proven that adults consuming at least 3 servings of fruit per day have a reduced risk (by 36%) of developing age-related macular degeneration (ARMD), the primary cause of vision loss in older adults, compared to persons who consume less than 1.5 servings of fruit daily.
Healthy Bones
Bananas are an exceptionally rich source of fructooligosaccharide, a compound that nourishes probiotic (friendly) bacteria in the colon. These beneficial bacteria produce enzymes that increase our digestive ability and protect us from unhealthy bacteria infections. Thanks to fructooligosaccharides, probiotic bacteria can increase both in number and functionality, increasing our body's ability to absorb calcium.
In addition, green bananas contain indigestible short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) that are very nutrient to the cells that make up the mucosa of the stomach. These cells, when healthy, absorb calcium much more efficiently
Healthy Kidney
About 190,000 cases of kidney cancer are diagnosed each year.
Research published in the International Journal of Cancer has shown that daily consumption of whole fruits and vegetables, especially bananas, is highly protective to kidney health. The results show that, over a long timeframe (13.4 years), women eating more than 2.5 servings of fruits and vegetable per day cut their risk of kidney cancer by 40%. Among the fruits, bananas were especially protective. Women eating bananas four to six times a week halved their risk of developing the disease compared to those who did not eat this fruit. The conclusion of the study is that frequent consumption of fruits and vegetables, especially bananas, cabbage and root vegetables, may reduce risk of kidney cancer. This is because bananas and many root vegetables contain especially high amounts of antioxidant phenolic compounds, while cabbage is rich in sulfur, necessary for effective detoxification of potential carcinogens.
Blood Pressure
Bananas are extremely high in potassium (about 4673mg), yet very low in sodium (1mg), thus having a perfect ratio for preventing high blood pressure. So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.
Heartburn
Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.
Morning Sickness
Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood-sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.
Smoking
Bananas can also help people trying to give up smoking. They contain vitamins B6 and B12 they contain, as well as potassium and magnesium: these substances help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.
Ulcers
This is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chronicle cases. It also helps reduce acidity and reduces irritation. Bananas stimulate the cells on the internal stomach lining to produce a thicker mucus (which protects against acid). Additionally, bananas contain protease inhibitors that help eliminate bacteria in the stomach that have been pinpointed as a primary cause of ulcers.
Nerves
Bananas are high in B vitamins that have been shows to improve nerve function
Mosquito Bites
Many people report that rubbing the inside of a banana peel on a mosquito bite is very effective in reducing itching and swelling
Stress Relief
Bananas are high in potassium, which helps normalize the hearthbeat and regulate the body's water balance. During periods of high stress, our body's potassium levels tend to be rapidly depleted: eating bananas is a healthy way to rebalance them without using drugs
Stroke Risk
According to a study in The New England Journal of Medicine, eating bananas as part of a regular diet can reduce the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40%
Further, apparently the inside of the skin makes for a great shoe shine!
Its no wonder monkeys are so happy!
Read more on Employee Benefits.
Group Retirement
A little becomes a lot with a disciplined investment plan
It doesn't take high-risk investment or even a huge amount of money to achieve your retirement goals. If you have a long-term horizon and the discipline to keep investing regardless of market conditions, as little as $25 a week could set you on the road toward a sizeable retirement account.
How your money grows*
|
Years |
5 |
10 |
15 |
20 |
25 |
30 |
|
$25/wk |
$7,183 |
$16,351 |
$28,052 |
$42,986 |
$62,045 |
$86,371 |
|
$50/wk |
$14,367 |
$32,703 |
$56,104 |
$85,971 |
$124,090 |
$172,741 |
|
$100/wk |
$28,733 |
$65,405 |
$112,209 |
$171,943 |
$248,181 |
$345,482 |
*Assumes a 5% annual rate of return, compounded annually in a registered plan. Although the money is contributed weekly, the calculations are based on an annual contribution, made at the end of the year. This table is used only to illustrate the effects of annual compound growth and is not intended to reflect future values of any fund or returns on investment of any fund.
Read more on Group Retirement.
For more information on getting started or enhancing your plan contact: Vivian MacLean
Wealth Management
"Is Canada's Economy Poised to Take Off?"
The short answer is "Yes". Foreigners are buying up Canada. There should not be a "double dip (slump)" but the economy is not going to boomerang.
Unemployment rates in Canada are improving. Since last summer the economy has replaced over a third of jobs lost during the recession.
Quarter by quarter growth should stay strong following strong growth in Q4 of 2009.
Interest rates will most likely go back to normal by 2013 causing Canadians to focus on reducing debt then spending. Stimulus spending will also slow down after this year also putting the brakes on rapid growth in the Canadian economy.
The icing on the cake is that Canadian businesses have yet to ramp up on depleted inventories. That could happen in the second quarter giving us an additional boost.
Please go to this link for complete details:
http://www.advisor.ca/advisors/news/economic/article.jsp?content=20100318_163952_11460
Read more on Wealth Management.
Life Insurance
An inexpensive and valuable idea around estate preservation in these times of market challenges - Bob Ritzer
Covering the Estate Gap due to market volatility
Michael Groper, Manulife, Montreal - - People are talking about market losses and some see an impact on their estate.
How would you like to put everything back to what it was the moment before the fall in the market?
That is, ensure your estate is intact despite the market drop. Bridge the gap until the market recovers using 10 year term insurance. So if anything happens in the short term and you die prematurely before the market recovers sufficiently, you will be back to where you want to be.
It is cheap and gives you peace of mind for 1, 5 or 10 years. You won't have to worry about the market coming back or not. This will guarantee that your estate is there and your family is taken care of. Go on with daily life, and wait it out with peace of mind.
Review the coverage annually to see what needs to change, if anything. There may be conversion opportunities for some or all of the coverage. How about what happens if you suffer a critical illness when your assets are down?
Read more on Life Insurance.
Living Benefits
Many of us do not understand Critical Illness coverage. Basically, if you are diagnosed with one of the covered illnesses and survive 30 days, Critical Illness Insurance will provide you with a tax free lump sum of money. Studies have shown that the cost of out of pocket expenses to you to recover from a diagnosed illness can reach $70,000. This is due to lost income, travel costs, home modification costs, hotel, food, spouse taking a leave, etc.
Below are listed the top 10 Reasons to NOT buy Critical Illness:
10. "My spouse can go to work or I can get a second job to replace the income. It is easy to get
a job these days."
9. "My children can help by getting a paper route, working at a fast food restaurant or both."
8. "My mortgage lender or landlord will understand that I cannot pay and they will let us reside
free until I can work again."
7. "My city tax department will understand if I do not pay my property tax."
6. "Even if my car is repossessed, I can walk to wherever I need to go or better yet, neighbors
and friends can taxi me around.
5. "Doctors take an oath to care for people, so they won't mind if I cannot pay them."
4. " I pay taxes, so it is easy to qualify for government disability payments."
3. " I can live off my savings. Doesn't everyone have a year or more income stashed away?"
2. "I have disability insurance at work. I am certain it does not need supplementing since I will
always work there. Since they will always offer disability insurance, what's there to worry
about?"
1. "I am 100% certain I will never have a heart attack, stroke and cancer, require by-pass
surgery or be diagnosed with any of the covered illnesses!"
Although this top 10 list is somewhat exaggerated, it drives home the point. Canadians need
critical illness insurance not because they are going to die but because they are going to
live.
Bencare
Now that we are well into 2010, what ever happened to those New Years resolutions regarding exercise?
- Canadian Living article Read on....
Team Ideas
Food for thought....
The current economic climate has certainly made us all rethink every expense a Company makes. Benefits are not immune from this discussion. Plan design changes relating to cost containment are more important than ever. At Bencom, we review these alternatives with our Clients every year. We attempt, in the discussion to take the path of least resistance, as well as, ensuring the quality of care remains intact for the employee.
There are many things we can do. Let us help. One interesting concept is that of premium or cost sharing. In some situations, employees are more than prepared to pay a little more for their benefits rather than having them reduced. If you're looking to reduce costs by 15%, perhaps the employees are willing to pay 15% more per pay for the current design as opposed to reducing what they get covered. Just food for thought! - Dave Young, Managing partner
Book Review
I have read this book, but this review is far better at extolling its content and value than I could ever express. If you are serious about your health this is a great read. - Mark Beckham
Younger next Year by Chris Crowley and Henry S. Lodge, MD (Workman Publishing)
Newsletter Archives, from 2004 to 2008
Click on the links below to open the PDFs.
2008 - Spring
2007 - Spring Fall
2006 - Summer Fall Winter
2005 - Spring Fall Winter
2004 - Spring Fall Winter Top ^
Fun and Games - Don't get caught!!
At the end of this message, you are asked a question.
Answer it immediately Don't stop and think about it.
Just say the first thing that pops into your mind.
This is a fun 'test'... AND kind of spooky at the same time! Give it a try, then e-mail it around and you'll see how many people you know fall into the same percentage as you. Be sure to put in the subject line if you are among the 98% or the 2%. You'll understand what that means after you finish taking the 'test.'
Now - just follow the instructions as quickly as possible.
Do not go to the next calculation before you have finished the previous one...
You do not ever need to write or remember the answers, just do it using your mind.
You'll be surprised.
Start:
How much is:
15 + 6
3 + 56
89 + 2
12 + 53
75 + 26
25 + 52
63 + 32
I know! Calculations are hard work, but it's nearly over..
Come on, one more!
123 + 5
QUICK! THINK ABOUT A COLOR AND A TOOL!
Scroll further to the bottom!
A bit more....
You just thought about a red hammer , didn't you?
Yes
If this is not your answer, you are among 2% of people who have a different, if not abnormal, mind.
98% of the folks would answer a red hammer while doing this exercise.
If you do not believe this, pass it around and you'll see. Top ^
