Deck the halls ... carefully please

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Five tips to avoid being an identity theft victim while on vacation

(ARA) – Whether you are planning a trip over the holidays or looking ahead to the spring or summer for a family vacation, realize that identity theft can happen wherever you are and also where you’re not. More than 9 million Americans have their identities stolen each year, according to the Federal Trade Commission. When someone uses your personal information – your name, Social Security number or credit card number – without permission, they are stealing your identity.

How can you protect yourself while you’re away? Here are five tips to avoid being a victim:

1. Stop your mail. How many pieces of junk mail, including pre-approved credit card applications, do you get every day? If your mail is sitting at your curb, it can be easy for someone to go through, pick what they are looking for, and take off. You can stop your mail online at usps.com. Don’t worry if you forget until the last minute as it only needs to be done by 2 a.m. CST on the first day you want it held in order to take effect. Also, ask a trusted neighbor to watch for packages that may come from another source besides the Postal Service, and to hang on to them until you return.

2. Don’t advertise that you’re on vacation. Make sure if you are going to post vacation updates to social networking websites that your posts are secure – or better yet, don’t post anything about it until after your return. Put a few lights on a timer system so that your home doesn’t look unoccupied for the entire time you’re gone.

3. Enroll in a protection product that safeguards your most valuable asset, your identity. You may think you have all your bases covered, but it can be harder than you think. One way to make sure you’re protected against identity theft is by using a product that monitors if you are vulnerable to having your identity stolen. One offering, ProtectMyID, is a comprehensive identity theft detection, protection and resolution product designed to help people prevent the damages caused by identity theft. ProtectMyID, backed by Experian – a leader in protecting personal information – offers alerts via text or email of potentially suspicious activity as well as resolution assistance to help you cut through the red tape. Learn more at www.ProtectMyID.com.

4. Keep your checkbook at home. If you don’t want to use cash or credit cards, purchase traveler’s checks instead of bringing your checkbook. A stolen checkbook has your bank account number and routing number on the checks – valuable tools a thief can use to steal your identity or clean out your bank account. Traveler’s checks require a signature when you purchase them, and then another when you use them at a store or restaurant on your travels. And, usually a photo ID is required when you use them. A thief that steals them will find them much harder to use.

5. Give your credit card company a heads up. This is especially important if you are traveling internationally, because any activity that happens domestically will raise a red flag. If you don’t let them know, they may become concerned when they see overseas transactions and freeze your card. Few things will make your vacation turn sour faster than not being able to buy things.

Make sure you’re educated about what makes you vulnerable and how you can protect yourself. Holiday season is travel season, and identity thieves will be on the lookout for opportunities. A few steps will go a long way towards protecting your identity, and your peace of mind, while on vacation.

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Holiday travel and shopping season prompt increased concern for home safety

(ARA) – We all fondly remember it – young Macaulay Culkin defending his home from rough and tough burglars Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern with a fake dinner party, booby traps and even a hot iron. But while “Home Alone” is a fun holiday movie to watch, it’s also a good reminder of the dark side that the holiday travel and shopping season can bring: home robberies. With the extreme rush and excitement of the holiday season, homeowners focus on shopping and travel rather than the safety of their homes, and basic steps to protect households are often overlooked.

On average, 117 million Americans travel during the holidays, spending three to five days away from home while gone. According to resources like the Uniform Crime Reporting Program, studies show that lack of preparation or clear holes in security are the main causes of home invasion during this time. Victims of these holiday hoodlums say that they would have taken steps to improve the safety of their home had they been aware of its vulnerability. Dropcam, Inc., maker of the most versatile Wi-Fi video camera and intelligent streaming service, offers the following 10 tips to ensure home owners take the proper steps to keep their homes protected:

1. Leave a key with a friend or relative who can stop by to check that everything is in order; having someone regularly visit the house will deter home invaders.

2. Let close neighbors know how long you will be out of town so they can keep an eye out for suspicious activity or individuals.

3. Research and use “home safety” technology such as a Wi-Fi video camera to keep an eye on things while you’re gone, and smartphone apps such as ones that allow you to turn lights on and off remotely.

4. Ask a neighbor to shovel your driveway every few days and create tracks in the snow to show foot traffic to make it look like your home is lived-in.

5. If you have a neighborhood watch service, let them know the days you will be out of town and ask that they check in on your house and walk around the backyard.

6. Double-check that all doors, windows and pet exits are shut and locked before you leave.

7. Use a timer to switch on indoor lights at different times throughout the day to give the impression that someone is home.

8. Remove high value or attractive contents from windows, and bring any bicycles inside the house or garage.

9. Break down boxes of expensive gifts such as electronics, and carefully place them in trashcans so not to advertise to others the nice gifts under the tree.

10. Do not use social media like Facebook or Twitter to publicize that you will be out of town.

“We unfortunately see an increase of burglaries during the holidays, and many are simply the result of distraction and ill-preparedness,” says Gary Miller, former police chief of the Boerne Police Department in Texas. “There are about five million homes burglarized each year in the U.S. and it’s important to use common sense and understand it can happen to you. It only takes one time so you should keep home safety top of mind, especially in December when your home is not only more valuable, but also more vulnerable.”

Dropcam’s camera and streaming service is one product you can buy this season that can help you keep a watchful eye on your home. After setting up a Dropcam HD, you can access your real-time video stream on a computer, smartphone or tablet for on-the-go 24/7 viewing. You can also stay up to date with instant email and push alerts for motion and audio detection. With Dropcam DVR, you can record up to 30 days of moment-by-moment video. Personal video feeds can be safely and privately shared with friends and family. Some examples of how people are using their Wi-Fi video cameras can be found at www.dropcam.com/demo.

“Having a video monitoring system is a great way to increase your home security and ensure you don’t miss an important moment. Any extra measure you can take will pay off,” Miller says.

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Tips for staying fit through the holidays

(ARA) – The holiday season is a time for fun, family, and – let’s not forget – food. Between work functions, family get-togethers and endless holiday soirees, the sheer amount of cheesy appetizers, buttery entrees and sugar-laden desserts can be overwhelming – especially when you’re trying to maintain or lose weight.

Don’t let the holidays weigh you down; here are a few tips for how to stay fit and energized throughout the harried holiday season.

Smart snacking
The first rule to staying fit throughout the holidays is never arrive at a party hungry. With the abundance of tempting, fattening treats available, choosing an appetizer or dessert that fills you up and not out, can be a challenge. Satisfy your hunger beforehand with a protein-rich snack, like Jack Link’s Teriyaki Beef or Jack Link’s Cholula Hot Sauce Beef Jerky, to help you curb your desire for calorie-filled treats at the party. Made with premium cuts of beef, pork, turkey or chicken, these snacks are naturally high in protein and low in fat, calories and carbs, making it a smarter snacking choice. And because jerky requires no refrigeration, you can easily toss a bag in your purse or gym bag for on-the-go noshing or a pre- or post-workout snack.

Jack Link’s Jerky is available in grocery stores, mass retailers, convenience and drug stores nationwide or at Jacklinks.com. (Suggested retail price per 3.25-ounce bag: $5.99.)

Hit the gym
As any personal trainer or nutritionist would tell you, the key to seeing results with any diet is exercise. But, you don’t have to be a heavyweight champion or triathlete to stay fit. Fitness centers across the U.S. make fitness affordable and accessible to people of all abilities and fitness levels. Hit the treadmill for a long walk or run; strengthen your muscles through weight training; find your “zen” during yoga; or improve your cardio through conditioning while cycling. Whether you’re looking to tone up or slim down this holiday season, there is sure to be a fitness center near you that will meet all your exercise needs. Many fitness centers are open 24 hours a day, so you can slip in your 30-minute workout when it’s convenient for you. As always, check with your physician before starting a new exercise regimen.

Visit a fitness center near you for more information on how to become a member.

Drink up
Most holiday get-togethers offer a variety of beverages to satisfy every guest, such as wine, spirits, eggnog, soda or coffee. In moderation, these beverages can be a festive treat; however, they can also leave you dehydrated and consuming more calories than you intended. This year, pair your beverage of choice with a healthy glass of water. Recent research shows, drinking two 8-ounce glasses of water before breakfast, lunch, and dinner, while also cutting back on portions, can help you meet your weight loss goals. While each person’s hydration needs are different, the Institute of Medicine advises that men and women try to consume about 3.7 and 2.7 liters of water a day, including water that can be found in food and other beverages, such as fruit, vegetables or even coffee.

Tally it up
Wearing a heart rate monitor, fitness watch or pedometer is a great way to track your progress before, during and after your daily workout. In preparation for the holidays, choose a tool that allows you to track calories consumed and calories burned all day long. Personal calorie management devices are available at a variety of price points and offer a wide array of capabilities. For example, through the use of an armband and a compatible smartphone, many calorie management devices will allow you to log calories consumed, track calories counts and even track how many steps you take all day long. Tools like this are essential in maintaining your weight loss goals all the way through to the new year and beyond.

Visit a local or online sporting goods retailer for more information.

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Holiday shopping? How to deter identity thieves during the holidays

(ARA) – Like the song says, little things mean a lot, especially during the holidays. A greeting card with a heartfelt, handwritten note, a tin of homemade cookies – these simple gestures speak of the holiday spirit.

During the holidays, the little things you do – or don’t do – can also mean a lot when it comes to protecting yourself from identity theft. The holiday season is rife with opportunity for identity thieves, as shoppers swarm malls, stores and websites looking for the perfect gift. Unfortunately, holiday shopping and identity theft go together like holly and evergreen.

It may be hard to keep minutiae in mind when you’re in the middle of the holiday hustle and bustle, but small steps can help ensure identity thieves don’t enjoy the season at your expense. This season, ProtectMyID, Experian’s identity theft detection, protection and resolution service, offers a few tips for protecting your personal information while you shop:

At the mall

* Only carry in your wallet what you absolutely need. Take only the credit cards you will use and leave your Social Security card, library card and other potentially identifying personal information at home.

* Never leave your purse or wallet in the car and always conceal packages in the trunk. Avoid leaving anything in sight inside your vehicle that might tempt someone to break into it.

* When you hand over your credit card for a purchase, be aware of who’s around you. Check over your shoulder, because identity thieves can stand behind you and snap a picture of your credit card – with your name and account number on it – using a cell phone.

* Likewise, make sure the sales clerk doesn’t leave your sight with your credit card. Criminals have been known to make copies of cards.

Shopping online

* Know who you’re buying from. Conduct a Web search of the name of the vendor you’re thinking of buying from and see what others have to say about the company. Check the Better Business Bureau to find out whether the company has any complaints against it.

* Keep a record of basic information for every website you buy from. Be suspicious if you can’t find information like a physical address, phone number or email address. When you make a purchase, take a screenshot of the order page and save it for your records.

* Only do business with websites that have put security measures in place to protect customers from hacking and other types of Internet fraud. Look for the lock symbol on the bottom of the page and “https” in the url of the checkout page.

* When typing a Web address into your browser, double and triple check to ensure you’ve typed it correctly. Identity thieves have been known to create fake sites for commonly mistaken Web addresses to scam consumers into thinking they’re placing an order with their favorite website.

* Use a credit card, rather than a debit card, for online purchases. Debit cards link directly to your bank account. Credit cards come with an extra layer of protection.

After the holidays and all year round

When the holidays are over, it’s no time to let your guard down. Continue to check your bank and credit card statements every month. Consider enrolling in an identity protection product. ProtectMyID helps members detect, protect against and resolve identity theft.

After you’ve checked your statements and paid your bills, shred them before throwing them away. “Dumpster diving” – going through your trash to look for personal identifying information – is a prime method of operation for identity thieves.

Finally, review your credit report regularly, not just once a year when it’s free. By monitoring your credit report, you’ll be better able to detect unauthorized activity.

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Tips for mounting that greatest of holiday gifts: a flat screen TV

(ARA) – Flat screen TVs are sure to be a popular holiday gift this year, as they’ve been for the past several holiday seasons. Last year, flat screen prices tumbled before the holiday shopping season, and retailers are likely to offer deals again this year.

If a flat screen is on your wish list, or you’ll be giving one as a gift, you should keep in mind that how you mount a flat screen is almost as important as the quality of the unit itself. A properly mounted flat screen can offer many hours of safe, quality entertainment. Mounting your TV in the wrong location or at the wrong height could mean a poor viewing experience.

Fortunately, your mounting options are nearly as varied – and definitely as high quality – as your choices in TVs. So after the wrapping paper is tossed, and you’re ready to set up your flat screen, keep these mounting tips in mind:

* Don’t wing it. You may be tempted to try perching an ultra-slim flat screen on the mantle above your fireplace, or place a more compact model on top of your bedroom bureau. But even the lightest flat screen can pose a safety hazard if it’s not properly secured. Whether you’re wall mounting the TV or want to put it on top of a piece of furniture, stick with products that are made to accommodate a flat screen.

* Wall mounting is a great way to show off a flat screen, and one of the safest ways to reduce the risk of the TV falling on someone. For situations where you’ll be watching the TV from right in front of it, a stationery mount works well. If you need to expand your range of possible viewing angles, look for a full-motion mount that locks securely to the wall, like the Sanus VisionMount series, which are rated by Underwriters Laboratories.

* Consider the size of the TV and the size of the room where it will be used. You may fall in love with that 52-inch beauty, but is it really going to be that enjoyable crammed into a 10-by-12 bedroom? Keep scale in mind because the larger the TV, the more viewing distance you’ll need to have an optimum experience. You’ll need to consider this when choosing where and how to mount your TV.

* Avoid component chaos. Of course, you’ll want to connect your home theater system, Blu-ray player and game system to your new flat screen and that can lead to a mishmash of cables and components. Consider a specially designed storage unit for components and opt for cables, like the Sanus Elements ELM4308 Super Slim HDMI cable, that are specially designed to work in tight spaces while preserving a neat appearance.

For more ideas on how to mount your flat screen TV, visit www.sanus.com.

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Identity theft prevention tips for the holiday season

(ARA) – While you’re trekking through the malls or cruising websites looking for great holiday bargains, it may be difficult to remember that not everyone around you is as caught up in the holiday spirit as you are. Some of your fellow shoppers may actually be identity thieves looking to parlay the season’s hustle and bustle into an opportunity to steal your personal information and, ultimately, your money.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reported that identity theft – the unauthorized use of your personal identifying information, like your name, Social Security number or credit card number, to commit fraud or other crimes – is approaching 10 million incidents per year.

According to the FTC, on average, it takes a victim an estimated $500 and 30 hours to resolve each incidence of identity theft. No one wants to lose that kind of money at any time of year, but those time and monetary costs can be even more stressful during the holidays.

“The holidays present a wealth of opportunity for identity thieves,” says Heather Battison, TransUnion’s senior director responsible for consumer education. “The hectic holiday season can potentially expose our personal information to theft in both high-tech ways like phishing scams, and in traditional ones, such as a stolen wallet or mail theft.”

Fortunately, there are proactive steps you can take now, that will help minimize your exposure to identity theft. While these tips from TransUnion are useful year round, they’re especially important during the holiday season:

* When holiday shopping, only carry essential documents with you. Only take your driver’s license and the credit card or cards you intend to use that day. Do not carry your Social Security card, birth certificate or passport, and consider leaving at home other types of cards that may have identifying information on them, like wholesale club cards or library cards.

* The holidays mean plenty of extra trash. Shred everything that contains personal, identifying information before throwing it out.

* Keep a close eye on your credit card bills. This is especially important during the holidays, when close attention can help you catch any charges you don’t recognize on your statement. An added bonus – you’ll also be more aware of how much you’re spending and be better prepared to stay within your holiday spending budget.

* Monitor your credit. Consider enrolling in a credit monitoring service that will alert you via email to changes in your credit report. This way you will know quickly if someone else has tried to open a new credit account in your name.

* When shopping online, only do business with websites that have security measures in place to protect you. Before you provide any personal or payment information, look for a URL that begins with https (not http) and a lock emblem on the page, typically next to the address bar.

* Before you surf the “Net” on Cyber Monday, consider changing your account passwords and keep a list of them in a secure place. Passwords and PIN numbers should be a random mix of letters, numbers and special characters, which makes it harder for identity thieves to guess.

Preventing identity theft is important year round, and especially during the holidays. By taking steps to protect yourself, you can help ensure your holidays remain bright – and secure.

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Tips to keep the holidays happy and healthy for asthma and allergy sufferers

(ARA) – For millions of allergy sufferers, “allergy season” doesn’t really end when warm weather leaves. With more time spent indoors where allergens like pet dander and volatile organic compounds linger, cold weather months can be just as unpleasant for people with allergies as spring and summer when pollen fills the air.

The holidays can be particularly difficult, as we visit family and friends and welcome guests – and the allergens they bring with them – into our homes.

“The holidays can present a variety of challenges for asthma and allergy patients,” says New York City allergist Dr. Cliff Bassett, an ambassador for the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA). “Our indoor environment changes in many ways during the holidays, from having new people in our homes to bringing in potential airway irritants (exposure to potpourri, scented candles, etc.) as well as introduction of pine trees and dusty old holiday decorations.”

AAFA offers some advice for helping minimize allergy and asthma triggers in your home this holiday season:

* Most people store holiday decorations in attics, basements or garages and they can pick up dust, mold and other irritants while in storage. Thoroughly clean all stored decorations before using them in your home. If one or more of these irritants is a trigger for you, wear a mask while cleaning. When you’re done with the decorations this year, clean them again before you seal them in plastic bags and store them in airtight containers.

* If you or a loved one suffer from a tree or pollen allergy, artificial trees can be a less irritating substitute, provided you opt for one that’s not coated with sprayed-on “snow.” If you will be using a live tree, you can reduce mold problems by thoroughly wiping the trunk with a solution of lukewarm water and diluted bleach (one part bleach to 20 parts water). Before you bring the tree inside, use a leaf blower to remove pollen grains.

* Everyone loves the smell of the holiday, but scent-creating home accessories can be irritants. Limit the use of air fresheners like candles, oils and potpourri. If you really want to fill your home with a holiday aroma during a special occasion, try baking using naturally fragrant ingredients like vanilla, cinnamon or citrus.

* A crackling fire can create a warm, festive mood for holiday gatherings. To minimize potential irritation, don’t use wood-burning stoves or fireplaces at all. If you use a gas fireplace, check vents and use secured doors, rather than screens, to reduce smoke entering the room.

* When giving a gift to someone with allergies or asthma, keep their potential triggers in mind. For example, some children with asthma may be irritated by the materials commonly used in stuffed animals. Look for products that do not have sensitizing or allergenic chemicals such as formaldehyde. You can also find a list of allergy and asthma-friendly products on the AAFA website, www.aafa.org/certified.

* When welcoming guests who have allergies or asthma, take preventative steps to help minimize irritants. Give your home a thorough cleaning (you probably would anyway because of the holiday) using cleaning products that can reduce allergens from hard surfaces, but that do not use harsh, potentially irritating chemicals. Vacuum using a high quality vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to reduce the chance of disturbing dust into the air.

See an allergist for further advice about holiday allergy triggers, which may spoil your fun, during the holiday season. No one wants to experience an allergy or asthma attack. By taking steps to minimize irritants in your home environment, you can help ensure that everyone’s eyes are bright with holiday joy – and not because of allergies.

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How to mindfully indulge this holiday season

(NC)—Overindulging during the holidays is common for many of us, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Here are some tips to help you be mindful when enjoying all the holiday season has to offer.

• After a big holiday meal, suggest your family and friends take an evening walk. This will give you the chance to enjoy the winter wonderland and work off the holiday meal.

• Don’t hold back from festive treats, just enjoy them in moderation. Starbucks offers perfectly-sized treats under 200 calories so you don’t have to feel deprived, like thePeppermint Brownie Cake Pop or Chocolate Crème Whoopie Pie.

• Learn to say “no thank you”. Your holiday host may want you to enjoy every treat they’ve prepared, maybe even seconds, but don’t eat out of obligation. A simple compliment on how the food looks or how the one cookie you tasted was a satisfying treat will get you out of committing to extra calories that you aren’t craving.

• Eat a low-calorie snack before you head to a holiday party. Filling up on something healthy beforehand will keep you from overindulging on high-calorie holiday goodies later.

By making mindful choices, you don’t have to give up enjoying festive foods and treats this holiday season.

www.newscanada.com

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Five ways to stay upbeat and energized during the holidays

(ARA) – As Christmas carols hit the airwaves and the snow begins to fall, the joy of the holidays brings out the best in everyone – right? With a seemingly endless to-do list of shopping, cooking, entertaining and decorating, the holiday season can quickly become a recipe for anxiety. A recent study by the American Psychological Association shows that one-third of Americans are living with extreme stress.

The true meaning of the holiday season can be overshadowed by the demands of preparations, but it shouldn’t be. By planning ahead, taking care of yourself and making sure to spend quality time connecting with loved ones, you can stay upbeat and energized during the holidays.

Try these tips to make sure your mood is as bright as the lights on the Christmas tree.

Plan ahead: Instead of subjecting yourself to the last-minute trips to the mall, get shopping done earlier, and do what you can online. If you need to hit the mall, get there when it opens and develop a list beforehand so you can quickly check off what you need. Establish a schedule for the month of December and plan several days in advance for holiday meals and parties. Also, create a budget early in the season, and stick to it. Studies show that finances are often a major trigger of stress during the holidays.

Make meaningful connections the entire season long. Making time to connect with close family and friends – whether through a phone call, e-mail or Skype – will help you remember the true meaning of the holiday season. You can also let your loved ones know you’re thinking of them throughout the season by surprising them with the jacquielawson.com Advent Calendar. The animated e-calendar includes 25 holiday animations that transport recipients to a magical version of London. It’s a meaningful and unique gift for friends and family, near and far – you’ll love sharing stories with loved ones from that day’s holiday animation.

“We heard stories of extended families living thousands of miles apart yet sharing the daily ritual of watching the day’s animation and then talking with or emailing each other about it,” says jacquielawson.com co-founder Mike Hughes-Chamberlain, speaking about the company’s first-ever Advent Calendar last year. “Many customers asked us to keep making new calendars each year so it could become a new family tradition.”

Take time for yourself. Escape the hustle and bustle of the mall by going to a movie with a friend, or curling up by the fire with a bestseller. Taking a moment to breathe and focus on something unrelated to the holidays will give you a chance to regroup and more effectively tackle the next cookie recipe or holiday party on your schedule. Try spending a few quiet moments of alone time each morning to recharge for the day ahead. And, if you feel like splurging, enjoy a few hours at the spa while you’re picking up gift certificates for others on your list.

Avoid over-committing. With holiday parties to attend and host, cookies to bake and deliver, and tackling an ever-increasing Christmas card list, the holidays can easily swirl out of control. Decline the office cookie exchange this year, and cut down your gift list. You’ll be better able to savor the most important things of the holiday season when you’re not frantically running from one commitment to another.

Exercise and eat right. In a season where schedules get busier as the holidays get closer, make one thing a standard in your daily routine. A trip to the gym or an exercise class helps you relax and unwind. If you can’t make it to the gym, incorporate more walking into your daily routine. Park a little farther from the store entrance, or take a walk to see the neighborhood Christmas displays. Try to focus on your nutrition and avoid overeating, a major cause of holiday and post-holiday anxiety. Make sure to incorporate fruits and vegetables into your diet, and avoid that extra cookie when you can. Usually, one is enough to satisfy your sweet tooth.

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