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The 50 Best Places to Travel in 2022 - Shield Insurance Agency Blog

The 50 Best Places to Travel in 2022

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By Travel + Leisure | December 09, 2021 | Best Places To Travel | Travel Insurance | Start a Quote!

From far-flung destinations to hometown favorites, 2022 is the year to get back out there and turn your dream trips into reality.

Best Places to Travel

Planning new adventures as the new year approaches is always a thrill, but finding the best places to visit in 2022 is unique. After two years of border closures, cruise cancellations, and travel restrictions galore, 2022 is the year we hope to get back out there, uninhibited (albeit vaccinated and COVID tested), return to our favorite destinations, and cross new ones off our lists.

Though the hospitality industry was hit hard by the pandemic, many properties used the forced downtime to renovate rooms, add new amenities, and expand outdoor spaces to offer even more once guests return. 2022 is when many travelers will venture further from home, and even overseas, for the first time since the start of the pandemic, finally reaping the benefits of these valiant efforts.

Related: Where to Travel in 2021

Although COVID variants remain, regulations are still evolving, and precautions must still be taken, many of the destinations we chose for 2022 offer what we believe travelers are looking for in a post-pandemic world, from hotels with private accommodations to destinations teeming with fresh-air activities. Others, like Las Vegas, are for those who are ready and raring to make up for all the social time they missed — with a few splashy headliners, including Adele and the Raiders, thrown in for good measure. 

Related: The Top 100 Hotels in the World

As cruising makes its comeback, we included unforgettable places to see by water, from Antarctica to the Nile, and as hard-hit destinations like Italy and Asia recover, we found the buzziest reasons to return. Of course, we didn’t forget about all the stateside gems we got to know while domestic travel was surging, from Alaska and California to Florida and Michigan.

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4 Tips for National Bath Safety Month - Shield Insurance Agency Blog

4 Tips for National Bath Safety Month

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Keep the fun in the tub throughout the month of January.

Scholastic.com | BY SCHOLASTIC PARENTS STAFF | Shield Insurance Blog | Start A Quote Today!

Stay with her. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children 4 and under always have a parent or caregiver present when they are near water, including the tub. Accidents can happen in an instant.

Prevent slips. Young children do not have the coordination or strength to hold steady if they lose their balance. Affix a slip-resistant plastic mat that suctions to the bottom of the tub and make sure the throw rug outside the tub does not slide when stepped on. Consider installing a grab bar for kids to hold onto when stepping in and out of the bath.

Test the temperature. Always wait until the tub is finished filling up before placing your child in the water, as the temperature can change. Set your home’s water heater to deliver water no hotter than 120 degrees to lower the risk of scalding. If you don’t have control over the heater, buy an anti-scald device that attaches to the faucet.

Beware of sharp edges. 

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Flos Restaurant Gift Card given away from Shield Insurance Agency

Gift Card Winners Compliments of Shield Insurance Agency!

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Friday, December 31, 2021

Every week, Shield Insurance Agency draws a winner of a local gift card from its clients and social media followers.

Why? Because we love giving stuff away!

Be sure to LIKE our Facebook Page to get yourself entered to win and see who the winners are!

Shield Insurance Agency has given away thousands of dollars in local gift cards over the last 20 years serving Michigan.

Look who is winning!

Shield Insurance Weekly Gift Card Winner
Shield Insurance Weekly Winner
Target Gift Winner from Shield Insurance Agency in Michigan
Subway Giftcard Winner from Shield Insurance
Meijer gift card winner from Shield Insurance Agency
Shield Insurance Agency Lowes Gift Card Winner
Shield Insurance Agency Denny's Gift Card Winner
Shield Insurance Agency Cracker Barrel Gift Card Winner
Shield Insurance Agency Meijer Gift Card Winner
Shield Insurance Agency Lowes Gift Card Winner!
Shield Insurance Agency Target Gift Card Winner!
Shield Insurance Agency Red Robin Gift Card Winner
Panera Bread Gift Card Winner at Shield Insurance Agency
Subway Gift Card Winner at Shield Insurance Agency
Shield Insurance gives away another local gift card!
Target Shield Insurance Gift Card Give A Way
Red Robin Gift Card Winner at Shield Insurance Agency

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10 ordinary people who made 2021 extraordinary - Shield Insurance Agency Blog

10 ordinary people who made 2021 extraordinary

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PositiveNews.com | Robin Eveleigh | December 20, 2021| Ordinary People | Start A Quote Today!

From the pages of our print magazine this year, here are 10 people whose visionary thinking made a difference in 2021

Our alternative honors list celebrates the everyday heroism, incredible feats, and visionary thinking that made 2021 a standout year – for all the right reasons. In no particular order, from our coverage, this year, here are 10 ordinary people who made 2021 extraordinary

1. Justyna Green, the illustrator behind 100 Days of Gratitude

The great pandemic reset has provided time for grateful reflection on the simpler pleasures in life. London-based illustrator Justyna Green set out to capture 100 of the small mercies that helped us through these monumentally trying times – from beloved pets and family members to wild swimming, cheese, and yoga. Her series, 100 Days of Gratitude, is a heartwarming result.

2. Darren O’Brien and Rail to Refuge

Just making the decision to flee an abusive relationship can be daunting enough, without even considering the practicalities. But a journey of 1,000 miles begins with a single step, or – in this case – a train trip. The lifesaving Rail to Refuge scheme, which was dreamt up by station manager Darren O’Brien, was extended in March. It provides free travel for adults and children who are fleeing abuse and has helped more than 1,000 journeys into a brighter future.

3. Sol Escobar of Give Your Best

The gift of giving is forefront in our minds at Christmas, but Sol Escobar’s innovative online project extends the sentiment to bring about year-round cheer. A Calais refugee camp volunteer, Cambridge-based Escobar set up Give Your Best, an online fashion shop where the clothes are donations and the ‘customers’ are refugees and asylum seekers, who receive items for free (as well as – more often than not – a friendly note of welcome). Already, more than 6,000 fresh threads have been delivered along with a welcome confidence boost. Escobar told us how a priority of hers is to offer people not charity, but the dignity of choice.

Click here to learn more about ordinary people…

Shield Insurance Agency represents over 40 insurance companies and can help you find the right dental insurance plan for your needs and budget. Contact Shield Insurance Agency at (616) 896-4600 for a free quote today and protect your smile and your wallet.

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10 Ways to Make Your Loved One Feel at Home and Independent - Shield Insurance Agency Blog

10 Ways to Make Your Loved One Feel at Home and Independent

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Support an aging family member with household upgrades, new products

by Sarah Elizabeth Adler, AARP, December 15, 2021 | | Loved One| Shield Insurance Blog | Start A Quote Today!

Is your loved one aging in place? Part of helping someone do that successfully involves limiting risks — but at the same time allowing for Mom, Dad or another family member to maintain independence. Consider these smart choices around the house for added safety, autonomy and a sense of connection.

1. Smart speakers

These multipurpose devices function like voice-controlled virtual assistants: Ask to listen to music, set medication reminders, hear the weather forecast or even control compatible home fixtures such as a smart thermostat with the sound of your voice.

2. Nonslip rug grips

Slippery area rugs pose a fall risk and can be tricky to navigate for those who use mobility aids like a walker or cane. If you don’t want to remove area rugs altogether, consider adding a nonslip layer for safety: Opt for a nonskid carpet pad under each rug, or use adhesive corner grips or double-sided carpet tape to secure edges and keep corners from curling.

3. Digital photo frames

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Employers More Likely Than Not, You Have an Employee Suffering from a Mood Disorder. How You Respond Matters - Shield Insurance Agency Blog

Mood Disorder: Employers Have Employees Suffering

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RiskAndInsurance.com | By: Raquel Moreno | Mood Disorder | Dec 8, 2021| Shield Blog | Start A Quote

Employers: More Likely Than Not, You Have an Employee Suffering from a Mood Disorder. How You Respond Matters

With the pandemic negatively impacting the mental health of 36% of U.S. adults, according to a recent NAMI study, providing support at work is now a business imperative.

If a silver lining can be found in the collective impact the world has experienced throughout the pandemic, perhaps greater awareness around mental health would be it.

“One of the positive things that came out of the pandemic is the de-stigmatizing of mental health,” Dr. Geralyn Datz, president and clinical director for Southern Behavioral Medicine Associates confirmed.

“It’s become okay to talk about mental health; you’ll even hear people say, ‘I’m anxious today’ or ‘[I’m] down today’ or what have you.”

Having the space to be more open about our moods, especially in the workplace, can even be a step toward prevention, as Dr. Ann Hawkins, founder and chief innovation officer for 24hr Virtual Clinic, noted.

It’s not just a matter of occasionally feeling happy, sad, cranky or upbeat. Moods can be “the precursor for many behavioral or mental health situations,” Hawkins said.

Overwhelmingly, U.S. adults are aware of the impact that one’s mood and mental health has on various facets of life. Eighty-six percent of adults who participated in a recent study by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) agreed that “mood disorders can significantly interfere with thoughts, behavior, activity, and physical health.”

Examining the feedback from over 1,500 U.S. adults without a mood disorder, the study aimed at exploring today’s general perceptions on mood disorders, as well as the lived experiences of more than 2,000 U.S. adults diagnosed with a mood disorder and over 500 of their caregivers.

For over two decades, global and domestic studies have steadily confirmed that mood disorders, such as depression, account for the largest disease burden impacting workplace performance and safety.

The NAMI survey added to the body of evidence with 25% of adults with a mood disorder reporting a significant number of lost days at work or a loss of employment.

With 36% of U.S. adults confirming that the pandemic has had a negative impact on their overall mental health, and 25% reporting the pandemic having negatively impacted their productivity at work, helping people navigate their mental health at work is no longer optional for businesses looking to manage health-related costs.

“In this past year, mental health support went from a ‘nice-to-have’ to a business imperative,” Datz confirmed.

Costly Symptoms of Mood Disorders

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Teens Build Bus Stop Shelter for 5-Year-old Wheelchair User, Protecting Him From Harsh Weather - Shield Insurance Blog

Teens Build Bus Stop Shelter for 5-Year-old Wheelchair User, Protecting Him From Harsh Weather

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GoodNewsNetwork | By Ailsa Ross | Dec 20, 2021

Teenagers have built a bus stop shelter for a five-year-old boy who uses a wheelchair after noticing he got wet while waiting for the school bus in winter.

Five-year-old Ryder Killam has had to battle rain, wind, and snow for about 15 minutes every day, using only a patio umbrella as protection.

But after hearing about his problem, local students in Bradford, Rhode Island, got to work and built him his own bus shelter for the bottom of his driveway during their construction lessons.

Ryder’s father Tim said, “Ryder uses it every day before school and his nurses wait inside it every day while they await his return home.

“He does like to go hang out in it from time to time as his fort as well.

“This project brought out community together a bit, it showed that there is still so much good in this world and town!”

Bus Stop Shelter

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Shield Insurance is helping Roslyn & Maddox by donating $25 to the family for each non-client who gets a quote from Shield

Shield’s Referral Program is Changing Lives in the Local Community!

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Shield Referral Program Supports Local Sparta, Michigan Family

Your referral can make a difference for Roslyn and Maddox who both have a form of Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenital. Shield Insurance is helping this Sparta, MI family by donating $25 for each non-client who gets a quote from us.

No purchase is necessary!

CLICK HERE to get a quote and we’ll donate $25 to them! (Be sure to mention Roslyn and Maddox in the comment section!) You can also call or text the office (616) 896-4600 and one of our agents will take a few minutes of your time to offer up a quote. Don’t forget to mention Ros and Maddox

Your Referrals to Shield Insurance Agency Help a Local Family in Need

“The highest compliment we can receive is the referral of your friends, family & business associates. Thank you for your trust!”

Meet Roslyn
Roslyn and Shield Insurance Agency Referral Program

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They became like family, and she took a large pay cut to be his caretaker - Shield Insurance Blog

She became friends with her Uber passenger then, like family, took a large pay cut to be his caretaker.

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Washington Post | By Sydney Page | December 9, 2021 at 6:00 a.m. EST | Like Family | Shield Blog

She became friends with her Uber passenger. They became like family, and she took a large pay cut to be his caretaker.

All it took was a five-minute car ride for Jenni Tekletsion to foster a friendship with her 88-year-old Uber passenger.

She met Paul Webb in March 2020, when he called an Uber to take him to a nearby Verizon store to get his cellphone fixed.

Tekletsion, 52, picked him up in her gray Toyota RAV4 at his home in Columbus, Ohio, where he lives alone.

“From the start, we really connected,” she said.

The feeling was mutual: “She was very personable, easy to talk to,” said Webb, who was diagnosed with dementia several years ago and has been unable to drive since having a stroke in 2017.

Only a few minutes into their car ride that day, “I could tell how lonely he was,” Tekletsion said. “I had a feeling that he needed help. I told him I live nearby his house, so I said, ‘From now on, when you need a ride, just call me.’https://fbe8d7153d534fc1148fc787bcfc9583.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-38/html/container.html

“I will take care of you,” she told him, and gave the stranger her phone number. “He trusted me.”

Webb took her up on the offer and called the following day, asking for a ride to a nearby gas station to buy milk.

In a matter of weeks, he called more often, and she also came by to check on him.

“I started coming here every single day after work to take him out to eat,” said Tekletsion, who was working remotely as a banker for a financial institution while also working toward her doctoral degree in business administration at Franklin University, which she is still pursuing.

Like Family

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9 Things You MUST Do Today to Grow Your Small Business - Shield Insurance Agency Blog

9 Things You MUST Do Today to Grow Your Small Business

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SmallBizTrends.com | Published: Apr 29, 2018 Last Updated: Jan 22, 2021 | by Jeff Charles In Startup19

Growing a small business isn’t easy. It is one of the toughest challenges many face when they are looking to get out of the 9 – 5 daily grind.

The success of your small business depends on your efforts to grow profits using various methods. From employee training to marketing, every aspect of your business deserves attention.

Rapid growth doesn’t happen overnight, but there are several steps you must take to keep your business moving forward. It takes time and effort. However, when you start reaping the benefits, you will see that your effort is worth it. Here are some tips to consider if you wish to see your business grow.

How to Grow Your Small Business

Understand Your Customers

You can only develop products and services that will be a huge hit if you are attentive to the needs of your customers and prospects. One way to understand exactly what your customers want is through research and surveys.

You should be constantly inviting them to provide honest, even brutal feedback. Reviews and surveys are the best ways to get inside the mind of your customers. This makes it easier for you to develop products and services that are suitable to the current demands of the market. Moreover, it helps you understand the areas in which your company needs to improve.

Improve Customer Service

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