Take Steps to Prevent the Flu

Do you remember the last time you caught the flu? You probably sneezed and coughed and ached all over, resting your stuffy head by a box of tissues and wishing you had the energy to do more than lie there.

Well, it’s time to watch out. The flu virus is preparing to pounce again. 

About one in five Americans catch the flu each year, but less than one percent have reported flu symptoms so far. That’s good news for you. There’s still time to get vaccinated before peak season arrives, plus encourage staff and volunteers to do the same. Flu season can peak anywhere between late November and March, so be sure you’re ready to keep people healthy. Here’s how:

 

Stay in Touch with Experts

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issues weekly updates about the spread of the flu in the United States. Use the CDC's FluView report to learn about the current situation in your area.

 

Take Commonsense Precautions

While a flu shot is generally the best defense, you can take other precautions to limit flu’s spread, such as these:

If you're sick:

  • Stay home and avoid close contact with others.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw it in the trash.
  • Clean your hands often.

 

If you’re well:

  • Limit contact with sick people.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
  • Practice healthy habits for eating, sleeping, and exercise.

You can be a positive force in helping people stay healthy, so they don’t endure what you did, the last time you caught the flu.

November 7, 2023
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One positive aspect of today’s challenged economy is the availability of underutilized or empty commercial space. Before your ministry takes the plunge into a lease agreement, we want to make sure you're well-informed and prepared to avoid some common pitfalls.

Tags: ministry, lease, property
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In this month's perspective on the insurance market, I wanted to talk about the massive upward trending we are seeing in cancellation of policies.  Our agency has observed a remarkable surge in inquiries from churches not currently under our insurance coverage. These churches are facing non-renewal by their existing carriers, a trend that has expanded beyond the norm of non-renewals due to excessive losses. Instead, carriers are now opting not to renew based on the risk profile of the ministry, which encompasses factors like geography, insured value, and construction type.

Tags: market strain, weather, catastrophic losses, renewal, risk
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There are so many insurance policies to consider when it comes to protecting your ministry, and keeping track of each one’s coverages can be a mind-numbing task. One that I often hear confusion about is the Excess Liability policy, more commonly referred to as an Umbrella. While these terms aren’t exactly interchangeable in the broader insurance world, they do have a lot of overlap. For purposes of understanding your Brotherhood Mutual policy, they are basically synonymous.

Tags: ministry protection, coverages, liability, umbrella policy
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In recent times, our team has observed a growing demand for key man life insurance, particularly within the realm of church leadership. Pastors are the spiritual pillars of their congregations, providing guidance, support, and a sense of community. While their spiritual contributions are invaluable, it's equally important to consider their financial well-being and the stability of the church should an unforeseen tragedy occur.

Tags: finance, security, church pastor, community
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The holiday season is fast approaching, and it's time to prepare for the festive cheer, delicious food, twinkling lights, and heartwarming gatherings. But amidst all the joy and celebration, let's take a moment to reflect on something essential - the well-being of our ministry leaders.

Tags: full strength network, counseling, church pastor, pastoral counseling
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Water damage due to plumbing leaks and frozen pipes is a leading cause of property claims for ministries. The damage is often made worse because ministry buildings are typically not in use every day. Last year, nearly 1,000 Brotherhood Mutual Insurance Company customers were impacted. To help protect ministries from experiencing costly water damage and disruptions, Brotherhood Mutual® recommends FloLogic, a comprehensive solution that can detect even the smallest water leak and automatically shut off the water to prevent flooding. 

Tags: flologic, leaks, water damage, prevention
September 8, 2023
Fluorescent Lighting: The End of An Era
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Let's take a stroll down memory lane to 1938 when General Electric made a groundbreaking move by introducing fluorescent tubes to the world. Even though the technology had been brewing since the late 1880s, it took time and the genius of several inventors to make it shine as a practical product.

Tags: church payroll, finance, IRS regulations, paying employees, tax code
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We are living in a day and age of tremendous uncertainty. Like Joseph in Egypt, the physical world is incredibly unpredictable.

Tags: church payroll, finance, IRS regulations, paying employees, tax code
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Why Some Churches are Rethinking their Financial Planning
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Tags: church payroll, finance, IRS regulations, paying employees, tax code
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HR360: Your Essential Guide to Navigating Ministry-Specific HR Challenges
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In the dynamic landscape of today's world, managing the HR needs of any ministry can be a complex and ever-changing endeavor. Whether you're dealing with sensitive situations that demand careful handling to avoid legal entanglements or aiming to proactively establish risk management strategies, the journey can be demanding.

Tags: church payroll, finance, IRS regulations, paying employees, tax code
August 8, 2023
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As we gear up for the upcoming school season, it's a fantastic opportunity to take a closer look at the coverage we offer to our beloved students and dedicated volunteers.

Tags: medical coverage, students, voluteers
August 8, 2023
Auto Insurance Trends: What Does that Mean for your Ministry?
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Are you tired of constantly hearing about rising expenses? It seems like every time I turn around, whether it's at the grocery store, the gas station, or even dealing with insurance, I'm faced with the reality of higher costs.

Tags: auto insurance, auto, coverage, ministry
August 8, 2023
Rethinking Insurance: Offering a Fresh Perspective
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Let's face it, the world is constantly changing, and it's fascinating to witness the rapid evolution happening around us. Some futurists even predict that in the next two decades, the rate of change could be four times what it is today, and an astounding 16 times in 40 years.

Tags: Rethinking insurance, insurance, PC, property, risk mitigation
July 7, 2023
Upcoming Security Trainings
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HR Document Library at your Fingertips
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