Most of us follow general safety tips that have been drilled into our heads when it comes to being on the road, but what about out on the water? Boats are just as dangerous of a motor vehicle as a car or truck is, yet the good hearted fun nature of water transportation tends to make people forget that water accidents are no joke.

So let’s go over a few boating safety tips to make sure this summer out cruising stays stress free.

1. Vessel Safety Check

Especially important if your vessel is being taken out offshore, vessel safety checks are conducted by a certified examiner and will result in a VSC decal. The best part of all, it’s FREE! Setting up your appointment is as easy as filling out a request form online.

These examinations include safety regulations that need to be met according to federal and state laws. A few main checks would be on floatation devices, distress signals, fire extinguishers, and navigation lights. At the end of the exam there will be several suggestions made for additional safety measures, which should be carried out for extra protection.

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So, you have finally settled a pending lawsuit – whether through a long and intense legal battle or an out of court settlement. Now the question comes up with regards to the payment itself. You may have heard a lot on television about “structured settlements”, and you might be looking at it yourself. The ads promise to give you a large lump sum in exchange for selling out the structured settlement. However, what does it all mean for you and why should you consider structured settlements over a lump sum?

What is a Structured Settlement

A structured settlement is, put simply, payments over time. Like with a loan or credit card repayment, instead of having to pay everything out at once, the settlement is structured so that payments are made over time but without interest. This tends to work out best for both parties as the plaintiff doesn’t have to try to manage a sum of money they never had before, and the defendant can better plan and budget the amount due.

Why Should I Get a Structured Settlement

There are many advantages to opting for a structured settlement over one large lump sum. The first and most important advantage being that it is tax free. While any income from investments are taxable, the money itself is not, thus allowing you to keep every dime for medical expenses, missed time for work, or any other expenses that came about from the lawsuit.

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Traumatic brain injury is a term often used to describe injuries sustained by our soldiers in combat zones, but traumatic brain injury can occur from other situations. Researchers are finding new ways to treat traumatic brain injury to minimize damage and allow patients to manage symptoms.

What Is Traumatic Brain Injury?

Traumatic brain injury occurs when the brain suffers a bump, blow, severe jolt or penetrating wound that injures tissue inside the cranial cavity. When the head suffers a hard blow, the brain can hit the bony cavity of the skill, bruising and damaging brain tissue. Penetrating wounds can tear and even remove tissue causing severe trauma to the brain. Injuries can range from minor to severe, and cause a variety of effects.

Causes of Traumatic Brain Injury

Combat injuries are only one cause of traumatic brain injuries. Falls account for up to 35.2 percent of traumatic brain injuries. Automobile accidents account for another 17.3 percent. Ten percent of traumatic brain injuries are caused by physical assaults. Sports activities often cause concussions, which as also a type of traumatic brain injury. Any injury to the head should be looked at by a medical professional to ensure that brain injury has not occurred.

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Deciding to put a loved one in a nursing home is a difficult decision and one that often leaves families feeling guilty and confused. At the end of the day, however, it is about caring for them in the best way possible, and sometimes a nursing home is not only the best option but the only option. The most important thing however is to evaluate the needs of the senior in order to find the best match to meet their needs.

Talk to a Geriatric Manager.

One way to ease the process is by talking to a geriatric manager to help you decide on the best senior facility. Geriatric managers are often nurses, social workers and psychologists with an expertise in geriatrics. They will be able to explain the different levels of care to be considered such as continuing care retirement communities, assisted living facilities and skilled nursing facilities.

Find and Tour Multiple Options.

Use the internet or phone book and find five facilities close to you that offer the level of care needed. Call and make arrangements to visit the facilities. Make note of how the staff answers the phone and handles your questions. If at all possible, bring your loved one with you to tour the facility.

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