Category: Teen Life

3 Tips for Dealing with Insurance Companies After a Car Accident

As a teen driver, you might have discovered that your insurance rates are higher than your parents’. The primary reason for that has to do with experience. In the view of insurance companies, you haven’t driven long enough and therefore are more likely to be involved in an accident. Using that fact as a basis for setting premium prices isn’t a guarantee that the insurance company will be forthcoming with a benefits claim. They will be doing all they can to avoid paying out on that claim. That is why you need to be prepared to deal with insurance companies after a car accident in a way that is beneficial for your cause. Here are three tips to help you know how to deal with insurance companies if you get into a car accident.

Do Not Post on Social Media

After you file an insurance claim, you need to go on a self-imposed social media blackout. Next to recovering from actual injuries, this might be the hardest thing you have to do. The reason is that the insurance companies can use any of your postings as evidence against you. If you post vacation pictures or even a selfie from your favorite eatery, then you could be telling the insurance companies that you’re doing fine. That means your claims of suffering from an injury aren’t all that you’ve made them out to be.

Be Very Careful About What You Say

At some point, you will have to provide your version of the accident. This is information that the insurance adjuster will need to process the claim. It’s important to not say things that can be left to an insurance adjuster’s interpretation. For instance, you should never admit to guilt even if you think you were partially responsible for the accident. The best response to questions is “yes” or “no” without adding anything. Don’t assume the insurance adjuster is on your side even if they are your carrier. They all want to make a profit for the company and that can only happen if they deny claims.

Don’t Accept the First Offer

At some point in the claims process, the insurance company might make you a settlement offer. You shouldn’t automatically accept that first offer until you’ve thought things through. That offer might cover your immediate medical bills, but what about future bills? Will you need ongoing physical therapy? There is also the issue of lost wages to consider. How much more time might you miss from work because of the accident injury? Keep in mind, that an insurance company’s first offer is typically the lowest amount that they are willing to pay, but it might not be the only amount that they can offer.

All of these issues about dealing with an insurance company can be handled by working with an experienced attorney. They can be the person to answer questions and negotiate on your behalf. When dealing with an insurance company is it sometimes better to let an attorney do all the talking. By following these tips, you will be better prepared to deal with insurance companies when the occasion arises.

4 Education Tracks You Can Pursue to Enter the Medical Field

As the old saying goes: There is more than one way to skin a cat. Of course, you won’t actually need to skin any cats in the medical field, but the old wisdom still applies. As you consider your future after high school, you need to be aware that there is more than one road that leads to your destination. In this article, we will take a brief look at four of those paths that lead to careers in the medical field.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

For those who want to go into nursing, this is almost a requirement. You can choose to get an associate degree in nursing, but students with a BSN are usually going to be preferred. Johns-Hopkins and Duke University are known for their excellent BSN programs, but there are many potential options. The only downside is that you can expect to spend four years in school and this education will not be cheap. Your student loan debt will be significantly greater with a BSN, so you’ll need to get a job lined up as soon as possible after graduation. The most important qualities for a BSN student are critical thinking, professional conduct, and communication skills.

Associate Degree in Medical Assisting

An associate degree in medical assisting prepares students for careers in places such as hospitals, surgical centers, clinics, and medical offices. As you might guess from the name, this degree will prepare you to be an assistant to some other medical professional. This might sound kind of lame but bare in mind that you can always obtain additional certification at a later date. This degree gives you an excellent way to earn a living in the meantime. This degree takes only 1-2 years to obtain, so it’s a good option for those who are in a hurry to get out in the field and gain experience. You can get these kinds of degrees online with relative ease, but it’s probably not a good idea. In terms of education costs versus earning potential, this is a very good choice.

Healthcare IT Professional

If you want to get into the medical field, but don’t want to deal with blood, pus, and other such unpleasant things, you might consider a career in healthcare information technology. Hospitals are required by both law and common practice to keep records of virtually everything. This practice is unlikely to change anytime soon, which means that there will always be a significant demand for this kind of work. Educational requirements for this field are much less stringent than other medical professions. An associate degree in any IT-related field (medical or otherwise) should be sufficient. However, those who are considering this career should take at least a few medical courses to make themselves a more appealing hire.

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

Becoming an EMT is a much more hardcore option than the others, but it has several advantages. First of all, EMTs don’t have to worry about long-term care, making the job a little easier. As an EMT, your job would focus on rapid and efficient stabilization treatment. However, you also have to be able to handle the trauma and stress that naturally come with an emergency. Not everyone can handle this kind of thing, which creates more opportunities for those who can. You will only need about two years of school, and the pay is moderately good.

The above is only a small sampling of the many jobs that make up the medical field. Before setting your mind on any one profession, it pays to do your research and make sure that you have chosen the place where you will do your best work. We hope that this article has inspired you to do exactly that, and we wish you success in whatever career you choose.

If you’re graduating high school in the next year or so and are continuing your education, you’ll want to develop some good habits now before you start. Check out this article with some great habits you can start now to prepare!

3 Things Athletic Teens Need to Remember

There are so many benefits for teens to participate in athletics. High school athletes who participate in sports are less likely to indulge in alcohol and drugs. They are also more likely to graduate. But from a performance perspective, there are a few things that every teen athlete should understand.

Female athlete runner or sprinter on running track. Workout outdoor.

Focus on the Fundamentals

Everyone wants to be a winner when they compete in sports. However, according to Stack, focusing on fundamentals will benefit you much more in the long run. When you participate in high school sports, you should work to develop the skill set that will improve your performance in your sport of choice. For example, if you play basketball, you should work on things like ball handling, rebounding and shooting. In addition to sports-specific skills, you should also work to develop your physical abilities like strength, speed, endurance and coordination to your highest potential.

Always Use Safety Gear

While high school sports have proven to be beneficial to teens, there are always risks that come with participation. You should understand these risks and take precautions that will minimize them. According to Medic8, each sport has its essential safety gear that will keep you avoid injury while competing. These items include elbow and knee pads, helmets, goggles, and mouthguards. There are times when athletes choose not to wear needed safety equipment because it is uncomfortable or “uncool.” This is a mistake you should not make. Many injuries have been avoided by the proper use of safety equipment. According to Murfreesboro Family Dentistry, athletes who wear mouthguards during sports are at least 82 percent less likely to suffer foot and facial damage than those who do not. Proper mouth and headgear can protect your head from collisions with other players or the ball, falls and tackles.

Fuel Your Body with Proper Nutrition

Eating for teenage athletes should include more than scarfing down a high carb diet and drinking sports drinks. The nutritional needs you possess at this time are unlike those of other students and adults. Not only do you need to fuel the normal growth and muscle development of adolescence, but you also need more calories than less active people. The best way to make sure your diet meets your nutritional needs is to eat a variety of foods on a daily basis. Carbohydrates are important for fueling muscles but you will also need protein, minerals, vitamins, and fats to remain in peak athletic condition.

High school sports provide experiences that will benefit you for a lifetime and establish a habit of exercise and healthy living. The three tips above will help you maximize all your high school sports career has to offer you.

The Externship Advantage for Teens

Unlike a formal internship, an externship allows a teenage student to gain valuable work experience over a shorter, fixed period of time. Because externships are generally shorter in length, you’ll have more flexibility in fitting these valuable experiences into your busy schedule. Here are three benefits of making an externship part of your overall educational experience.

Explore Your Interests

As a teenager, you should not be expected to know exactly what you want to do with the rest of your life. An externship will give you the opportunity to explore your interests without committing to a full-time job. Some externships are designed to deliver a multitude of opportunities to interact with a myriad of people in different departments. Others allow you to closely follow the daily work of one professional in a specific field. This will help you to discern if that field of endeavor is compatible with your interests, your studies and your skills. Because externships are short in length, you get a taste of a discipline or occupation without having to commit to it on a long-term basis.

Shadowing Experts

Externships allow participants to meet professionals and begin to network with people who can help them get a job later. Shadowing experts gives you a good glimpse of the day-to-day work life of the professionals in your desired field. A good externship will also provide multiple learning opportunities, helping you to hone your skills and talents in a low-pressure situation. This type of hands-on learning cannot be replicated in a classroom, making an externship an advantageous part of any education.

Form a Strong Work Ethic

An externship gives a young person a glimpse into what life in the adult working world is like. This experience can help teens to form a strong work ethic as they learn ways to be more productive and efficient with their time. Externships instill responsibility, personal integrity and commitment to colleagues. This type of work experience teaches students how to be dependable and reliable while working as part of a team to achieve goals. The soft skills gained in an externship will translate to any further field of study, making it a good use of your time and effort as you strive to reach your career goals.

The right externship can help you to develop new skills, make important networking connections and cultivate the soft skills needed to be successful in any endeavor. The experience will put you ahead of the competition and pay off big dividends down the road.

4 Hormone Headaches That All Teen Boys Can Relate To

For most guys, puberty is tough. You begin to change physically and, unfortunately, it’s not all in one go either. During this time, the hormone levels in your body are continuously changing and you may feel like a complete buffoon at times. It is good to remember, however, that all of the changes you are experiencing are completely normal and have real biological explanations.

Getting Tongue-Tied When Talking to Your Crush

Have you ever wondered why you just can’t seem to say the right thing to your beautiful crush? Scientists say that during puberty there is actual change in the neurotransmission of the brain, aka how your brain communicates within itself. Most areas that change are linked to learning and attention span, explaining why it is difficult to concentrate and find the right words to say to a beautiful girl!

Uneven Beard Growth

One of the most noticeable traits of puberty is beard growth. During this time, your hair follicles are stimulated to begin growing at a faster rate but uneven rate. This is due to the fact that beard follicles are responsive to testosterone levels, which are all over the map during your adolescent years. It often takes years for your beard to start growing evenly, so you might want to hang on to your razor for now.

Pit Checks

Sweat is connected to odor so when you sweat more, you start to stink more. During puberty, you might realize that you stink way more than before and that is due to an increase in sweat. The hormones that are changing and increasing cause you to sweat more and therefore stink more. No matter how much body spray claims to help with this, most people do not like the smell—so steer away! Using deodorant and taking frequent showers is your best shot at smelling better and making you feel more confident as a result!

Taking a “Crack” at It!

Sometimes, voice changes might happen as your voice gets deeper. As you age, your larynx, the part of your throat holding the vocal cords, gets bigger and your vocal cords may thicken causing your voice to get deeper. Again, this does not happen all at once and sometimes these changes can cause your voice to crack. It can be embarrassing when it occurs, especially depending on who’s around to hear it. To help, when speaking try to relax, speak slowly and drink plenty of water to help!

All of these changes can be scary and frustrating to handle. Do your best to educate yourself on what might change and remember that it just takes time to take it all in and be confident!

3 Things to Do the Week Before a Sports Tournament

All of your training and hard work has been for this one big athletic competition. In the week before the event, you want to be sure that your body and your mind are sufficiently prepared for the challenge ahead. Here are three things to do the week before a sports tournament in order to deliver the most success.

Don’t Wear Yourself Out

Although it may be tempting to keep pushing your body, it is important to be mindful that you do not over train. The week before the tournament should be devoted to rest. While it is a good idea to do light exercise to keep your muscles fresh, you also do not want to wear yourself out. Fatigue Science suggests that knowing that you might be too nervous or excited to sleep soundly the night before the tournament, it is a good idea to bank some sleep leading up to the event. Be sure to turn off the television, smartphone, and all electronic devices so that your rest is not interrupted.

Make a Plan

Competitive Edge recommends to put your mind at ease before the tournament by making a plan and learning how to keep focus. If you are traveling for your tournament, be sure to make a packing list and doublecheck it so that you do not inadvertently leave something important behind. It is also a good idea to plan your meals in the days leading up to the event so that you are sure that your body has what it needs to perform. Take care to ensure that you also have adequate hydration levels by nourishing your body with water.

Take Your Vitamins

In addition to getting the recommended amount of protein and carbohydrates, it is also vital to nourish your body with vitamins. ASEA explains that cellular health is at the foundation of overall health and wellness, so targeting cellular health with your dietary supplements should be a priority. Months of hard training can deplete the body and put it at risk of contracting illnesses. Supplements such as zinc and vitamin C can help to boost the body’s immune system and keep it functioning at optimal performance levels.

You will head into your tournament with high confidence if you have taken the time to adequately prepare your body for the rigors ahead. Be kind to yourself in the week prior by taking in the nutrients, hydration, and rest that you need to be the best.

Read these other interesting articles on similar subjects!

3 Fields of Study for Science- and Solution-Oriented Students

Are you just about to graduate high school and panicking about what you’re going to study? Are you a person who loves science and solving problems? There are so many career paths to pursue—it’s no wonder you’re still undecided. But luckily for you, there are quite a few career fields that use science and problem solving all the time. Here are just three of these career fields you should consider:

Public Health

Public health is an excellent field to be in if you like to study science and solve problems. Jobs like occupational therapy, nursing, working for the health department, and working for water treatment facilities all fall under the public health category. If you choose this career path, you will need to study sciences such as biology, chemistry, physics, and even human anatomy. These are all important areas of study because careers in public health all deal with the safety of people, animals, and the earth.

To get an entry-level job in public health, you’ll need to get a bachelor’s degree in an area such as public health, environmental science, biology, or engineering. You will find that each of these degrees requires a lot of science and some math in order for you to graduate. However, if you really want to move up in this field, you should consider going to graduate school to get a master’s degree in public health (MPH) or, if you really want to move up, your DPH (Doctor of Public Health) or PhD degree.

Civil Engineering

Civil engineering is a job that is easily forgotten in a world with so many cars and roads. Oftentimes, we forget why a road curves the way it does or why a stoplight is placed where it is. Civil engineers are responsible for designing roads, bridges, railways, parking lots and more so that transportation can run smoothly every day. According to NJIT, some civil engineers apply their knowledge of science and technology to fix and improve many facets of transportation, such as dangerous intersections or unsafe bridges. Knowledge of various sciences (such as physics and physical science) and types of math (such as geometry and calculus) are all useful in these situations.

There are lots of specialty areas you can focus on in civil engineering, such as environmental engineering, architectural engineering, and engineering project management. A bachelor’s degree in civil engineering can get you general civil engineer training and some education in these specialty areas, but getting a master’s degree in civil engineering (MSCE) will help you to focus more directly on them and allow you to move up into more management positions (such as being an engineering manager).

Marine Biology

Marine Biology is a very fascinating field to study. According to EnvironmentalScience.org, the job of a marine biologist is to study the ocean and its inhabitants to make sure that everything is working together. They are responsible for researching and discovering new species of plants and animals as well as coming up with solutions to problems like species extinction. Making new discoveries is just one of the experiences you will have working in this field. If you love the ocean, animals, and science, then becoming a marine biologist may be what you are looking for.

To become a marine biologist, you don’t necessarily need to get a bachelor’s degree in marine biology. Some examples of good degrees that can help you get into marine biology are biology, zoology, physics, chemistry, and mathematics. A bachelor’s or master’s degree can usually get you a decent job doing marine biology research, but if you want to pursue your own independent research, you should get a doctorate degree.

Science keeps the earth working and its inhabitants safe from potential harm. Whether you are figuring out a career path or simply love science, use this list as your guide. Find a specific area of study, then decide the career of your choice.

Still can’t decide what you want to study? Check out these other college major ideas.

Teens — Learn These 3 Financial Skills and You’ll Be Set for Life

If you haven’t figured this out already, school doesn’t teach you all the things you need to know for life on your own. Sure, you’ll learn algebra and why mitochondria are the powerhouses of cells, but what about real-life skills like managing money, how to cook, and finding a job? Fortunately, you’ve got the internet at your fingertips, so use the time you have left living at home to start learning and experimenting with these three handy financial life skills.

Investing

Knowing general tips for investing is good, but there are also a few major strategies to know. Many teens don’t learn about investing until much later in life. That’s when they’ll often make several high-risk moves that may or may not pay off for them. Learning to save money and invest it wisely can make it easier to have a nest egg for later on as well as to be able to retire early. Mutual funds, 401(k) accounts, IRAs, and other investment tools can be advantageous. Teens should know what each one is, the pros and cons behind them, and how investing can help you in the future.

Global Economics

The world economy is just as important, if not more important than the local national economy. It has an impact on trade, finance, and much more. Knowing how global economics plays a role in the U.S. financial markets, insurance, stocks, and more will make it easier when investments are being made. This knowledge is so valuable it’s one of the main reasons that people take internships abroad. Additionally, anyone who’s going to work in business will be affected by the global economy in one way or another. Teens need to know which countries have economic stability and what it can mean when they don’t, especially if you dream of moving out of the country one day.

Budgeting

Every teen should know how to create a solid home budget. This includes balancing expenses against the income that they bring in. Plus, budgeting makes it easier to avoid the temptation of credit cards or high-interest loans. There are also plenty of other tips for avoiding bad credit loans and other risky ventures. If you nail down how to deal with your money responsibly now, you’re less likely to make poor decisions that can haunt you well into your adult years.

If investing, global economics, and budgeting are so important, why aren’t they taught in schools? That’s anyone’s guess, but you can take control of your own life and set yourself on the path to a more successful adult life by learning these things now. With even a basic grasp of these simple but essential concepts, you become more likely to experience success in both your bank account and future career.

Time-Tested Tactics for Tackling Tough Tests

Preparing for exams can be stressful. After all, there is a lot of material to learn and remember for the test. Doing your best is important, especially for finals or AP exams that carry a heavier weight on your academic record. Here are three time-tested tactics to help you master exam season.

Make a Study Schedule

When it comes to studying, scheduling your time is a must. Otherwise, it is too easy to put off studying until the last minute. The flip side of that issue is that you might worry that you have to spend every waking moment studying. There is a balance to be had, and building a study schedule will help ensure that you have enough time to review everything while still having time for guilt-free fun.

To make a study schedule, start from your test date and count back to today to determine how many days are left. On a calendar, block out any events or commitments that you already have, like classes, work or extracurricular activities. Then, break the subject down into individual topics and schedule specific topics into each study day. Alternatively, you can use an online tool or mobile app to create a study schedule.

Study Smarter

There are two main types of studying: passive and active. Passive studying involves activities like reading, highlighting or copying notes–essentially any activity where you are taking in the information that you are trying to learn. Active studying requires you to recall information without it being in front of you. This is the more effective method of studying as it reinforces neuron connections in your brain.

There are a lot of active studying techniques. Some common ones are drawing mind maps from memory on a piece of blank paper or using flashcards and practice tests. A practice test will help you identify any major weaknesses that you might have so you can study smarter. Instead of continuing to review everything, you can spend the rest of your study time focusing on any material that you are weak on.

Beat Test Anxiety

A major obstacle preventing a lot of students from doing their best on exams is test anxiety. One of the most common tips for reducing anxiety is to start studying early, which a study schedule will help with. It is also important to remember that a test does not define you nor dictate your entire academic future. Applying positive thoughts to the exam scenario can help alleviate some exam anxiety.

There are many resources available to help with reducing anxiety, including guided meditation. You can find resources online or through your school’s counseling office.

Applying these tips to your next exam preparation routine can help you excel and achieve your academic goals. Make sure to devote enough time to studying for the best results.

Resources:

3 Awesome Senior Trip Ideas

Senior year is full of excitement as you move toward the culmination of your high school career. What better way to celebrate your achievement than to go on an epic senior trip with your friends? Senior trips are a great way to hang out with old friends and make some lasting memories. With so many destinations to choose from, it can be hard to decide where to go, especially if you’re trip planning on a budget. So, here are three awesome senior trip ideas to consider.

Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal Studios Hollywood is a theme park that offers something for everyone. They even have yearly graduation celebrations you can join in on. There are plenty of movie-themed rides, such as Jurassic Park and Revenge of the Mummy, to get your adrenaline pumping. Make sure to try the studio tour, which takes visitors through scenes of iconic movies, including “Jaws” and “King Kong,” while the tour guide gives insider knowledge about the movies and filming. Admission to Universal Studios Hollywood is currently listed at $133 per person for a one-day pass. The theme park offers some great deals on admission and other options, so make sure to check the website before purchasing tickets.

Disneyland

Disneyland is considered the ‘”happiest place on earth” for good reason. Comprised of two parks, there’s something to do for everyone. The original Disneyland park is geared more toward families, and many of the rides aren’t as adrenaline-inducing as other theme parks. However, that doesn’t mean it’s not a fun place to visit. In addition to the rides, there are plenty of Disney characters to meet as well as shops and exhibits to visit. If you have time, head over to Disneyland California Adventure, which has rides to please any thrill seeker and great restaurants to eat at. When planning your Disneyland trip, be mindful of the timing when you buy tickets. With careful planning, you can get Disneyland tickets at a discount, so you don’t have to break the bank.

Cancun, Mexico

For a more chill experience, Cancun is the place to be. This beautiful Mexican city features great beaches with white sand and blue water, making this the perfect place for awesome Instagram photos and lasting memories with special friends. If you decide to go to Cancun, make sure to start planning early. It’s a popular graduation celebration destination, so you’ll want to book early to get prime accommodations. Also, since Cancun is located outside of the U.S., you’ll need to make sure you have a valid passport and travel documentation before venturing out.

An awesome trip is a perfect way to cap your senior year. With a little bit of planning, you can make sure to book a trip with memories to last a lifetime. Start planning early and make sure to have lots of fun!

Here are a couple articles on similar subjects we think you’ll find interesting!