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January is Eye Care Awareness Month

January is Eye Care Awareness Month

January is Eye Care Awareness month. Many think that eye exams and checkups are not as important as annual physicals from your primary doctor. That is not always the case.

It’s generally not necessary to see an eye doctor every 6 months for an eye exam, however, it is important to know when you should get your eyes checked. Age and medical conditions are two things to consider when making this choice.

Here are some other signs and symptoms that will let you know when it is time for an eye exam:

Sudden blurry vision or focus problems can be a sign of a larger health issue and should always be taken seriously. Even if it is happening in just one eye, play it safe and get it checked out.

Sudden appearances of visual disturbances such as floaters can be a sign of a retinal detachment, a retinal tear, or a retinal hole. If you experience this symptom, be sure to seek medical attention to avoid future vision loss or damage.

Gradual Blurring of Vision usually occurs over time or as we get older. If you have to move closer or further away from objects to have a better focus, it’s time to get a checkup.

Frequent or recurring headaches can be a closely related sign of a vision problem as well.

Having some infrequent eye pain or eye strain isn’t usually a big problem. However, if you are experiencing frequent eye pains or need to strain your eyes to focus, this could very well be a sign of a vision problem.

It is important that you and your family to get eyes checked today. Schedule an appointment with your eye care specialist for the New Year to avoid any future problems.

If you don’t have an eye doctor, find one at www.allaboutvision.com. This sight will help you locate an eye doctor in your area.

For more informational blogs like this one, visit our website at www.chedwards.net

Written by: Amanda Haase

A Little History Behind The Celebration of the New Year and New Year’s Resolutions

A Little History Behind The Celebration of the New Year and New Year’s Resolutions

2016 is here!  The holidays are over.  Winter has arrived with shorter days and dark and colder nights.    The tendency to review the prior year and create a plan for the year ahead is on most to-do lists.  This kind of thinking leads to the dreaded New Year’s resolution.  It could be to resolve to exercise more, eat better, or kick the habits that are preventing us from enhancing our lives as we choose.  All too often, these practices are short lived.  We fall back into the ways of the previous year within a few short months or even weeks.  Have you ever wondered where or why the idea of the New Year’s Resolution came from in the first place or why the New Year was decided to take place on January 1st?

Looking into this subject, I learned that the celebration of the New Year is one of the oldest holidays on record.  It observance dates back to Babylon about 4,000 years ago.  At that time the New Year was celebrated in late March and the celebration lasted 11 days.  January 1st became the New Year in 46 B.C. by Julius Caesar in Rome.  This was only true in cultures that used the 365 day solar calendar.  The Romans named the first month of the year after Janus, the God of beginnings and ends and the protector of doorways, arches and gates.  Janus had two faces, one on the front and one on the back of his head so he could simultaneously look into the past and the future.  After a few changes, by the sixteenth century  January 1st. was again decided on by Pope Gregory the XIII after his revision of the Julian Calendar.

Now that we know the origin of why the New Year is celebrated on January 1, let’s look at the concept of the New Year’s resolution.  The tradition of New Year’s resolutions began in Rome and had mostly to do with seeking forgiveness from their enemies and doing good for others in the new year.  The Romans also exchanged gifts on New Year’s Eve, usually gifting items that were believed to bring good fortune to the recipients.  As early as the 17thcentury, the Puritans would skip the festivities of the holiday, but participated in the practice of reflection over the past year and contemplation of the year ahead.  They then made resolutions like making better use of their talents, being charitable and avoiding sin.

The making of New Year’s resolutions today is one of personal choice. The historic reason behind them is far removed from the early days but nonetheless meaningful.  I like to resolve to grow in the next year, to educate myself to become more knowledgeable, to continue my quest for good health and to support my husband and children on their journey to achieve personal happiness.  What might yours be?  Whatever it is, make it meaningful and lasting.  A fresh start is offered to us at the beginning of every year.  Make the most of it!

If considering Life Insurance or making sure you are receiving the most insurance at a price that you can afford is on your list of resolutions, give C.H. Edwards, Inc. a call and let us assist you on this path to growth.  Call us at 516-249-5200. View our website at  www.chedwards.net learn about us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/chedwardsinsurance.

Happy New Year from your friends at C.H. Edwards, Inc., a family owned and operated  Independent Insurance Agency in Farmingdale, New York.

Written by: Denise A. Visco

The Tradition behind Milk and Cookies for Santa

The Tradition behind Milk and Cookies for Santa

Leaving milk and cookies for Santa Claus is a Christmas Eve tradition that goes as far back as any of us can remember. For generations, children regularly left a glass of milk and a plate of cookies for Santa so that he would have enough energy to complete his journey of gift giving before kids wake up on Christmas morning. Do you know the story behind this tradition?

The tradition of leaving cookies out on Christmas Eve may trace its origins to Saint Nicholas. On the feast of St. Nicholas (the patron saint of children) on December 6th, children would leave food and drink for the saint and any attendants. The treats would be exchanged for gifts.

That’s one theory behind the tradition. Others think the tradition is linked to the history of the Christmas tree and the edible decorations on it. Santa would snack on the ornaments. Even after edible decorations disappeared and inedible ornaments became popular, the tradition of leaving a snack for Santa remained.

Whatever the origins behind the tradition, millions of children leave milk and cookies For Santa on Christmas Eve like it’s a responsibility or simply the insurance that Santa will leave the gifts they asked for.

Just in case, don’t forget to leave milk and cookies for Santa this year. For all of your other Insurance needs, give C.H. Edwards, Inc. a call at 516-249-5200 and let one of Santa’s helpers assist you. If you happen to be up late waiting for Santa, our website is available to you at www.chedwards.net. On social media you can find us at www.facebook.com/chedwardsinsurance. Happy Holidays to all and to all a goodnight!

Written by: Denise Visco

Tips to help make Visiting Santa easier this Season

Tips to help make Visiting Santa easier this Season

Christmastime is filled with many different holiday traditions. While people are decorating their homes or going to holiday themed shows and activities, families with younger children may have a visit to a Santa on their holiday to do list. For some this is an exciting experience, for others this activity can be met with apprehension and even fear. Here are some tips to help make visiting Santa a more pleasurable experience for both children and parents.

Do a test run. If your child has never had a photo or visit with Santa before, they may be frightened. The successful photo visit may take more than one time. Try a walk by, or if the line is short, maybe just a quick hello and then build up to the big event. Observe how your child is reacting and if they are old enough to engage in conversation, talk about the experience. Younger children who are frightened and may be crying can actually be the source of anxiety for older ones. The beard and red coat coupled with the fact of sitting on a strangers lap may also be concerning to your child. Acclimate your child to the experience and let them become familiar with how Santa looks and acts.

Dress comfortably. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Consider not using this opportunity to dress up and wear the shiny new shoes. The new, dress holiday clothes may be another cause of discomfort. The goal is to look nice for the photo but not at the expense of your child’s experience.

Pack some supplies. Bring snacks and drinks for the kids so hunger isn’t the source of discomfort. Bring a change of clothes just in case.

Get Santa recommendations. Ask friends, neighbors or even teachers in the community about Santa visits. Many Santa’s are trained to help make the experience easier for children with anxiety or special needs. Not every Santa is adept at handling children. You want someone who is used to making children feel welcome and comfortable.

Try and have a good time. Don’t expect perfection. Focus on building memories. Sometimes the best moments are the ones that just happen. Enjoy this wonderful time with your children.

Happy Holidays from your Santa’s helpers here at C.H. Edwards, Inc. If we can assist you with your Insurance needs this holiday season, feel free to contact us at 516-249-5200. www.chedwards.net

Written by: Denise A. Visco

What To Say / What Not To Say At The Dinner Table

What To Say / What Not To Say At The Dinner Table

Thanksgiving dinner is a time for families to share thanks and reconnect. This is especially true when it comes to busy families. Life can be stressful, which can make it hard to keep up on all the things going on within your family, good or bad.

Keeping dinner discussions positive and saving the tough stuff for later is important, particularly with your children. Children who are faced with more positive interactions are happier, healthier and better learners in school.

Try a few of these positive swaps at your dinner table:

Instead of… “What homework do you have due on Monday?” Say… “What was the best part of your day today?”

Instead of…” Finish your carrots. There are starving children in the world” Say…” Did you know that carrots help keep your eyes healthy?”

Instead of…”Eat one more bite of your food” Say…”This is the last meal until dessert, ask your belly if it is really full!”

A positive life style is not only good for little ones but is good for everyone! Looking on the brighter side can help you become a better person, employee and friend.
Encourage positivity in your home today.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving from your friends at C.H. Edwards, Inc.

Written by: Amanda Haase

Life Insurance – Are You Ready To Have The Conversation?

Life Insurance – Are You Ready To Have The Conversation?

Life Insurance is often a difficult topic for many to discuss. It is not a conversation that anyone wants to start and is often put off until a life event forces you too. Maybe the conversation would be easier if you had someone outside of the family that you could discuss this with? Having the answers to the questions your family may have before they ask can put you at ease. Looking at Life Insurance as a life plan, a plan for your future and retirement is another way to present the conversation.

Making this topic easier is as simple as giving C.H. Edwards, Inc. a call. We will start by answering your questions, help you decide which policy is right for you and your family within your budget and offer a no obligation quote.

C. H. Edwards, Inc. has everything to assist you in making this uneasy topic easier. Still not sure, visit our website at www.chedwards.net and find out who we are. We have been working with clients since 1925, with their home, auto and life insurance as well as assisting commercial clients with their particular needs.

At C.H. Edwards, Inc., our clients are part of our extended family and who else would you trust with such a major life decision?

Written by: Denise Visco