Cranberry juice far better than extracts at fighting urinary tract infections

A new study by researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute shows that cranberry juice is far better at preventing biofilm formation, the precursor of urinary tract infections, than an extract of proanthocyanidins, flavonoids found in cranberries

With scientific evidence now supporting the age-old wisdom that cranberries, whether in sauce or as juice, prevent urinary tract infections, people have wondered if there was an element of the berry that, if extracted and condensed, perhaps in pill form, would be as effective as drinking the juice or eating cranberry sauce.

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Tags: Infections, Tract Infections, Urinary Tract, Urinary Tract Infections   Posted in Insurance Quotes

Know your insurance coverage before deciding on an extended warranty

You’ve been eying that expensive flat-screen TV for months, and it finally went on a sale for an unbelievable price. As you rolled up to the cashier with a television the size of a bed sheet, you may have been faced with a question you weren’t prepared for: do you want to buy the extended warranty?

Checking your renters or home insurance policy probably wasn’t top of mind when you were dreaming about high-definition picture quality, but understanding your coverage is a good idea whenever you make big purchases.

Consider these three tips from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners to help you weigh the extended warranty decision:

  1. Know the difference between insurance and warranties. Manuf

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Posted in Insurance News

Landlords warned to examine insurance policies as residential cannibis farming increases

As the level of residential cannibis farming rises, Aviva is warning landlords to be extra vigilant.

There has been a 30 per cent year-on-year increase in claims relating to cannibis farming, according to a report from the insurer, which is consistent with a Home Office report that reveals there was an increase of 18 per cent in the number of cannibis plants seized in 2009/10 compared with 2008/9.

Matthew Gordon, underwriting manager, property owners, at Aviva said: “Despite the upgrade of cannabis to a class B drug two years ago the industry continues to grow. Read more…

Tags: Cannibis Farming, Farming, Residential Cannibis, Residential Cannibis Farming   Posted in Insurance Quotes

Insurers launch bid to ban use of referral fees in injury claims

The insurance industry is lobbying ministers to use the forthcoming legal aid bill to ban referral fees in personal injury litigation, amid concern that the practice has sent car insurance premiums soaring.

In road accidents, customer details are routinely sold by insurers, garages and even the police to personal injury lawyers or accident management companies who seek to ramp up customer claims and take a big cut. The business is estimated to be worth £3bn a year and has helped to push up the price of car insurance policies by 50% over the last 18 months.

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Tags: Injury, Referral Fees   Posted in Insurance Updates

Arkansas Insurance Commissioner seeks financial aid for insurance exchange while facing down opposition from lawmakers

Arkansas’ Insurance Commissioner is attempting to rally support from state lawmakers to help establish a health insurance exchange. Commissioner Jay Bradford is urging legislators to back a grant application that, if approved, would bring $3.8 million in federal funding to the state. Arkansas lawmakers have been leery of the federally mandated insurance exchanges due to their association with the controversial Affordable Care Act, which the state opposes. Governor Mike Beebe has said that he will not seek out federal funding unless the state’s Legislature shows support for an exchange.

The money would help the state construct an insurance exchange, which is meant to help residents find affordable health insurance that they may not have access to currently. Com

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Tags: Insurance Commissioner, Insurance Exchange, Lawmakers   Posted in Insurance News

Renovating your holiday home? Then tell your insurance

If you are planning to give your holiday home a major makeover in order to widen its appeal or increase its value, don’t forget to tell your second home insurance provider. Contact your insurer before work commences on any conversions, extensions or other structural work to the buildings – as this may change the conditions of the insurance.

Why improve?

Self catering holidays are popular not just because of the often lower costs compared to hotel-based holidays, but because holiday makers can also benefit from the flexibility of eating in and enjoy more freedom and space.

While the demand for self catering properties is high, which is great news for second home owners looking to let their property – the self-catering holiday market is very competitive. Gone

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Tags: Holiday Home, Insurance   Posted in Insurance Updates