Exercise is beneficial for the body, the mind and the soul. But, According to Statistics Canada, only 15 per cent of Canadians meet the minimum recommended amount of exercise for the week. Exercise can improve your mood, fight chronic diseases, help manage your weight, lead to a better night’s sleep — the list goes on and on. In order to get the most from your regular workouts and decrease your risk of injury, it is very important to warm-up, cool down and stretch.

Tips for a Safer Workout

Warm-up

Warming up transitions your body from a resting state to more rigorous activity level. It increases blood flow to your muscles so they stretch easier and are less likely to tear. Warming up also lubricates your joints, reducing friction and unnecessary wear. While warming up:

• Move similar to how you will in your workout by walking briskly, jogging or biking at a slow pace.
• Increase the intensity gradually to reduce stress on your bones, muscles and heart.
• Warm up for approximately 15 minutes so that you break a light sweat. 

Cool Down

Cool Down:

Like warming up, cooling down should include movements similar to those in your workout, but they should decrease in intensity gradually.

• Cool down for at least 10 minutes so that blood returns from your muscles to your heart. If you do not cool down long enough, you may become dizzy, nauseated or even pass out.

Don't Forget to Stretch!

A lot of us will be embarking on a little Spring cleaning in the coming month. The days are longer and it's finally starting to get warm enough that you can open the windows and let some fresh air into your home or apartment. For some, spring cleaning comes naturally, but if you're anything like me, you don't know where to start.

Spring is here and, as soon as the snow melts, a lot of you will be getting your motorcycles back on the road. If you can wait until May 1, we have an exciting new policy for you. 

A dog may be considered man’s best friend, but unfortunately dog bites do happen.  But did you know, dog bites account for millions in homeowners insurance liability claims paid out each year?

Lessening Your Risk of Getting Bitten

• Never pet dogs without allowing them to smell you first.
• Do not approach a dog that you do not know.
• Do not turn your back to a dog and start to run away if you feel threatened, since their natural instinct is to chase and catch you.
• Avoid disturbing a sleeping or eating dog, as it may bite out of fear.
• Always leave dogs alone who are playing with toys or who are caring for their young.

Don't Buy a Lemon!

In the market for a new set of wheels, or, new to you, that is? If so, tread lightly because buyers can be taken for a ride if they are not careful. To avoid purchasing a car with hidden problems, consider the following buying precautions:

Times are changing and with them, so is the insurance industry.

A lot of us have credit cards with point programs, like Air Miles or Avion attached to them. These points can be used towards flights, products and my favourite: gift cards to Home Depot ;)

It's almost time to pack up the sleds and get the ATV's tuned up and ready for another season. As we know, Alberta see's a lot of injuries and fatalities from ATV accidents every year.

While computers have improved the speed and efficiency of how we work, they have also allowed thieves and con artists an easier avenue by which to steal from people and businesses. One of the ways these cyber criminals use computers to steal is through online fraud, one of the fastest-growing crimes today.

For those of you who have ever had your car stolen, you know that the likelihood of ever seeing it again can be quite low. Unfortunately, if the thief is experienced and intends to keep your vehicle, it can be very difficult for law enforcement to recover it. That's why we have car insurance ;)