protection – Beatitudes Community

Identity Theft: What It Is, How to Prevent It, Warning Signs and Tips

Mon, September 13, 2021 Published by Beatitudes Campus

The following information is provided to you from a third-party website called NerdWallet who provide financial advice from their long list of contributors. This information is provided for your education only and is not a direct post from Beatitudes Campus. We will regularly provide content involving scam awareness, fraud and other information to better educate and inform our residents to be on the alert at all times for these types of potential scams and fraudsters. You may find this original article here: https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/finance/how-to-prevent-identity-theft
– Korry Nelson, Media Design Specialist, Beatitudes Campus

Identity theft is when someone uses your personal data — your name, Social Security number, birthdate, etc. — to impersonate you, typically using that information to steal from you.

It’s a growing problem in the U.S., and pandemic relief made it worse as identity thieves targeted relief checks and unemployment benefits. Theft of benefits in 2020 was up a whopping 2,920% over 2019. Overall, the Federal Trade Commission received 1.4 million complaints of identity theft from consumers in 2020, up 113% from the year before.

Here’s what you need to know to reduce chances you’ll be a target, spot warning signs and take quick action to minimize damage.

• What is identity theft?
• 7 types of identity theft and warning signs
• 11 ways to prevent identity theft
• 10 ways identity theft happens
• How to report identity theft
• What happens when you report identity theft?
• What is the best identity theft protection service?

What is identity theft?

Identity theft happens when someone uses your sensitive data to pose as you or steal from you. Identity thieves may drain your bank and investment accounts, open new credit lines, get utility service, steal your tax refund, use your insurance information to get medical treatments, or give police your name and address when they are arrested.

Frequent data breaches mean your information may already be exposed. In this new reality, it’s smart to take steps to prevent malicious actors from using your personal information and ruining your financial life.

7 types of identity theft and the warning signs

Once a criminal has your info, here are common ways it may be exploited:

1. Credit identity theft

Credit identity theft happens when a criminal uses your personal information, such as birthdate and Social Security number, to apply for a new credit line.

Warning signs: You might see an unexpected change in your credit scores or an account you don’t recognize on your credit reports. You may get debt collection notices or a court judgment against you. The best way to prevent it is to freeze your credit.

2. Child identity theft

Criminals steal a child’s identity and apply for credit in that child’s name. Often it is not discovered until the victim applies for college loans or other credit.

Warning signs: If your child is getting offers of credit cards or phone calls about late payments or debt collections, investigate. You can freeze your child’s credit to prevent it.

3. Synthetic identity theft

Synthetic identity theft is when criminals use a patchwork of identity details to construct a fictitious consumer, using a Social Security number — often one of a minor child or one that is simply made up — that is not yet in the credit bureaus’ database and combining it with a name and address. They then apply for loans and credit cards, often making payments for years as the credit limits grow. Then comes a “bust out,” when cards are maxed out and the criminals disappear.

Warning signs: If you try to freeze your child’s credit and discover their Social Security number is already in use. Often it is not discovered until the child is applying for student loans. It is not always preventable, because sometimes criminals make up and use a Social Security number even before it’s assigned.

4. Taxpayer identity theft

Sometimes fraudsters use a Social Security number to file a tax return and steal your tax refund or tax credit.

Warning signs: You may be unable to e-file because someone else has already filed under that Social Security number, you get an IRS notice or letter referencing some activity you knew nothing about or IRS records suggest you worked for an employer that you did not. Filing early can help you beat criminals to filing in your name, and some states offer six-digit identity protection PINs (after a rigorous verification) with additional security.

5. Medical identity theft

Using someone else’s identity to get health care services is medical identity theft. It’s particularly dangerous because it can result in medical histories being mixed, giving doctors and hospitals wrong information as they are making health care decisions.

Warning signs: Claims or payments on your insurance explanation of benefits that you do not recognize can suggest that someone is using your health care benefits. If you’ve fallen victim, you’ll need to both report it to your insurance company and inform your health care team to be sure information in your health care records is actually yours.

6. Account takeover

Criminals use personal data to access your financial accounts, then change passwords or addresses so that you no longer have access.

Warning signs: An email, letter or text from your financial institution that refers to an action (like a password or email change) or transaction you don’t recognize.

7. Criminal identity theft

Criminal identity theft occurs when someone gives law authorities someone else’s name and address during an arrest or investigation. This is often done with false identification, such as a fake driver’s license.

Warning signs: You may be detained by a police officer for reasons that are unclear to you, or be denied employment or a promotion because of something found in a background check. Back to top

11 ways to prevent identity theft

You’re unlikely to find a fail-safe way to prevent identity theft, and monitoring services only let you know after something has gone wrong. But there are 11 things you can do to make it much harder for identity thieves.

1. Freeze your credit

Freezing your credit with all three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian and TransUnion — restricts access to your records so new credit files cannot be opened. It’s free to freeze your credit and unfreeze when you want to open an account, and it provides the best protection against an identity thief using your data to open a new account.

2. Safeguard your Social Security number

Your Social Security number is the master key to your personal data. Guard it as best you can. When you are asked for your number, ask why it is needed and how it will be protected. Don’t carry your card with you. Securely store or shred paperwork containing your Social Security number.

3. Be alert to phishing and spoofing

Scammers can make phone calls appear to come from government entities or businesses, and emails that appear to be legitimate may be attempts to steal your information. Initiate a callback or return email yourself, working from a known entity such as the official website, rather than responding to a call or email. And be wary of attachments — many contain malware.

4. Use strong passwords and add an authentication step

Use a password manager to create and store complex, unique passwords for your accounts. Don’t reuse passwords. Adding an authenticator app can reduce your risk. Don’t rely on security questions to keep your accounts safe; your mother’s maiden name and your pet’s name aren’t hard to find. Think carefully about what you post on social media so you don’t give away key data or clues about how you answer security questions.

5. Use alerts

Many financial institutions will text or email when transactions are made on your accounts. Sign up so that you know when and where your credit cards are used, when there are withdrawals or deposits to financial accounts and more.

6. Watch your mailbox

Stolen mail is one of the easiest paths to a stolen identity. Have your mail held if you’re out of town. Consider a U.S. Postal Service-approved lockable mailbox. You can also sign up for Informed Delivery through the USPS, which gives you a preview of your mail so you can tell if anything is missing.

7. Shred, shred, shred

Any credit card, bank or investment statements that someone could fish out of your garbage shouldn’t be there in the first place. Shred junk mail, too, especially preapproved offers of credit.

8. Use a digital wallet

If you’re paying online or in a store, use a digital wallet, an app containing secure, digital versions of credit and debit cards. You can use it to shop online or at a compatible checkout terminal. Transactions are tokenized and encrypted, which makes them safer. In addition, contactless transactions have fewer health risks.

9. Protect your mobile devices

Mobile devices can be a real risk. According to Javelin’s report, only 48% of us routinely lock our mobile devices. Use passwords on your electronic devices. Use a banking app rather than a mobile browser for banking.

10. Check your credit reports regularly

The three major credit reporting bureaus are giving consumers access to a free credit report weekly until April 20, 2022. Check to be sure that any accounts in forbearance or deferment are being reported properly, and to watch for signs of fraud. You can also sign up for a free credit report and score from NerdWallet to receive alerts when there are changes.

11. Monitor financial and medical statements

Read financial statements. Make sure you recognize every transaction. Know due dates and call to investigate if you do not receive an expected bill. Review “explanation of benefits” statements to make sure you recognize the services provided to guard against health care fraud. Back to top

10 ways identity theft happens

Here are some of the ways your personal information can be compromised:

1. Lost wallet

When your wallet is lost or stolen, someone else may gain access to all the information in it.

Don’t carry your Social Security card or more credit cards than you use regularly, and don’t keep a list of passwords and access codes in your wallet.
Make photocopies of your credit cards, front and back, and keep them in a secure location so that you can easily call the issuer if a card or your wallet is lost. Some issuers allow you to temporarily “turn off” a lost card; with others, you have to cancel and get a new card issued.

2. Mailbox theft

Someone simply takes your mail or forwards your mail to a different address, so that you suddenly stop getting most mail.

Sign up for USPS Informed Delivery. You’ll get an email with images of the items that should be delivered to you so you’ll know if things are missing.
Choose a secure mailbox and retrieve mail promptly.

3. Using public Wi-Fi

Hackers may be able to see what you are doing when you use free public Wi-Fi.

Don’t use public Wi-Fi for shopping, banking or other sensitive transactions.
If you choose to use public Wi-Fi, use a virtual private network service to create a secure connection.

4. Data breaches

Hackers invade databases holding sensitive information, such as in the Equifax credit bureau hack of 2017. Almost everyone has been affected by a data breach.

Assume that your data is already out there and take precautions accordingly.
Check your credit scores often — unexpected changes can be a clue — and read financial and insurance statements carefully. Monitor your credit reports, especially for new accounts or inquiries resulting from credit applications.

5. SIM card swap

This is when someone takes over your phone number. You may stop getting calls and texts, or you may get a notice that your phone has been activated.

Set up a PIN or password on your cellular account.
Consider using an authentication app for accounts with sensitive financial information.

6. Phishing or spoofing

Some fraudsters try to get you to disclose personal data, such as credit card numbers, Social Security numbers and banking information, by sending an official-looking email. Spoofing involves doing much the same thing with caller ID, so that the number appears to be that of a trusted company or government agency.

Do not give out personal data in response to an email or call.
Find contact information from a trusted source, such as your bank website, and use it to verify whether the call or email is legitimate.

7. Skimming

Skimming is getting credit card information, often from a small device, when a credit card is used at a brick-and-mortar location such as a gas pump or ATM.

Use cards with chips, which have added protections.
Pay inside at the gas station if you can, because skimming devices are more likely to be placed at unmonitored payment sites.
Detect fraudulent activity early by setting email or text alerts that let you know when your credit cards are used. If a card is used without your authorization, call the issuer immediately.

8. Phone scams

You may be told you have won something or even that you are in danger of being arrested. The caller claims to need personal, banking or credit information to verify your identity or to know where to send you money.

Don’t give personal information out over the phone.
Be aware of common phone scams. The IRS, for example, does not initiate contact with taxpayers by phone (or email or social media) to request personal or financial information, nor does it call with threats of arrest or lawsuits.

9. Looking over your shoulder

Fraudsters can learn a password just by watching your fingers as you key it in. The information on your credit card can be photographed with a smartphone while you shop online in a public place. A business might leave sensitive information where people can see it.

Be aware of your surroundings.
Don’t leave cards where they can be seen.
Cover your hand when you key in passwords or codes.

10. Malware

Opening an email attachment or visiting an infected website can install malicious software on your computer, such as a keylogger. That does what it sounds like — logs every keystroke, giving criminals access to passwords, account numbers and more.

Be cautious about clicking on attachments or links in emails and about the websites you visit.
Use a password manager, which lets you avoid keying in login credentials.

How to report identity theft

Identitytheft.gov is a one-stop shop for information and reporting identity theft. Start with that site, which is run by the Federal Trade Commission, and follow its recommended steps to make a recovery plan. You may also need to contact your police department, the Postal Service and the credit bureaus. The IRS has a phone line for identity theft, at 800-908-4490, and a taxpayer guide to identity theft on its website.

You can also go directly to your credit card issuer if your credit card was lost, stolen or used without your knowledge. If it appears someone else used your health benefit, contact your health insurer and consider contacting any involved providers to make sure someone else’s health history is not mixed with yours. Back to top

What happens when you report identity theft?

Reporting identity theft starts an investigation and the process of restoring your good name. The exact steps will depend on the type of identity theft.

Credit card issuers generally replace the cards with new ones with a different number, and you are back in business. Taxpayer identity theft or theft of benefits typically are resolved more slowly.

No matter which type of identity theft you experience, keep extensive notes about phone conversations and retain related emails. Back to top

What is the best identity theft protection service?

Identity theft protection services let you know that your identifying information has been used, or that it is at risk because it was exposed in a data breach. If you are a victim of identity theft, they may also guide you — and reimburse you for costs — through the process of cleaning up the mess and restoring your identity.

If you’re already doing all you can do to protect your identity or feel you don’t have time to do it, you may want to consider an identity theft protection service. Protections vary, and most offer additional ways to protect your privacy and other services. The best choice among the paid services is one that fits your budget and offers you the coverage you care about.

Before you pay for one, though, check to be sure you don’t have an identity theft benefit or discount you’re not using. For instance, if you were affected by the 2017 Equifax data breach, you are entitled to identity restoration services even if you did not file a claim.

State of the Campus

Fri, August 6, 2021 Published by Michelle Just

Since last Friday’s letter, two fully vaccinated Patio Home residents (living together) have tested positive for COVID-19 and one fully vaccinated staff (support staff in the Health Care Center) has tested positive, bringing our total active cases this week to six people, (3 residents and 3 staff) with two people recovered.

Scam Awareness Refresher

Mon, October 26, 2020 Published by Gabi Holberg

BEWARE – SCAMS are on the rise again! There are thousands of new SCAMS every year and there is no way to keep up with them all (we know, we try!). 2020 has been a most challenging year and scammers are looking to capitalize on every opportunity it presents. Elections, Social Security, IRS, Sweepstakes, Romance, Computer Hacking, Spoofing, Identity Theft, Golden Opportunity, Charity, Medical… the list of potential SCAMS goes on and on.

What You Should Know About Grease Fires

Sun, July 14, 2019 Published by Gabi Holberg

More than 50 percent of cooking fires are caused by grease, cooking oils or fats, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). A grease fire happens when your cooking oil becomes too hot. Heating oils first start to boil, then they’ll start smoking, and then they’ll catch on fire.

PUTTING OUT A GREASE FIRE

1) Evaluate the severity of the fire. If the fire is still small and contained to one pot, it is safe to extinguish it by yourself. If it’s beginning to spread to other parts of the kitchen, get everyone assembled outside and dial for emergency services. Do not place yourself in the way of harm.

Call emergency services if you’re too afraid to go near the fire or don’t know what to do. Do not risk life and limb to save a kitchen!

2) Turn off the heat on the stove immediately. This is your first priority, given that a grease fire needs heat to stay alive. Leave the pot where it is, and don’t attempt to move it, as you may accidentally splash oil on yourself or your kitchen.

If you have time, put on an oven mitt first to protect your skin.

3) Cover the flames with a metal lid. Fire needs oxygen to continue, so covering it with a metal lid will essentially smother the flame. Place a metal pan lid or a cookie sheet on top of the fire. Do not use glass lids; they can shatter when exposed to fire.

Also avoid using ceramic lids, bowls and plates for this purpose. These can explode and become dangerous shrapnel.

4) Dump baking soda on small fires. Baking soda will put out small grease fires, but won’t work as effectively on larger ones. It will take a large amount of baking soda to get the job done, so grab the whole box and dump it generously on the flames until they’re extinguished.

Table salt will also work. If you can get your hands on that faster, use salt.

Do not use baking powder, flour or anything other than baking soda or salt for this!

5) Use a chemical fire extinguisher as a last resort. If you have a Class B or K dry chemical fire extinguisher on hand, this can put out a grease fire. Since the chemicals will contaminate your kitchen and be tough to clean up, only do this as a last resort. However, if it’s the last line of defense before the fire gets out of control, don’t hesitate!

AVOIDING BAD PROCEDURES

1) Never throw water on the grease fire. This is the number one mistake many people make with a grease fire. Water and oil don’t mix, and throwing water on a grease fire can even cause the fire to spread.

2) Don’t swat at a fire with a towel, apron, or any other fabric. This will fan the flames and spread the fire. The fabric itself could also catch on fire. Don’t place a wet towel over a grease fire to snuff out the oxygen, either.

3) Do not throw any other baking product on the fire. Flour and baking powder may look similar to baking soda, but they won’t have the same effect. Only baking soda and salt are safe and effective on a grease fire.

4) Do not move the pot or take it outside. This is another common mistake people make and it may seem logical at the time. However, moving a pot of burning oil can cause it to spill, potentially burning you and any other flammable objects it comes into contact with.

PREVENTING GREASE FIRES

1) Never leave the stove unattended when cooking with oil (and in general). Unfortunately, most grease fires happen when someone steps away just for a moment. Grease fires can happen in less than 30 seconds, though. Don’t turn your back on hot grease.

2) Heat oil in a heavy pot with a metal lid. Cooking with a lid both contains the grease and cuts it off from its would-be oxygen supply. A grease fire can still erupt with the lid on the pot if the oil is hot enough, but it’s far less likely to happen.

3) Keep baking soda, salt and cookie sheets nearby. Get into the habit of making sure these items are within easy reach when you’re cooking with grease. If a fire erupts, you’ll have at least three different ways to immediately snuff it out.

4) Clip a thermometer to the side to monitor oil temperature. Find out the smoking point of the particular oil you’re using, then use a clip-on thermometer to monitor temperature as you cook. If it gets too close to the smoking point, turn off the heat.

5) Watch for smoke and be aware of acrid smells. If you see wisps of smoke or smell something acrid while you’re cooking with oil, immediately turn down the heat or remove the pot from the burner. The oil won’t immediately catch fire once it starts smoking, but smoke is a danger sign that it’s getting close to that point.

It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas…

Sun, December 2, 2018 Published by Cheryl Knupp

The end of November and early December tends to be the time of year when we start decorating for the holidays. It is also the time of the year in which we hear more about electrical fires caused by holiday decorations. Below are some tips from the Electrical Safety Foundation International to help make sure your home and building is safe for the holidays:

Inspect electrical decorations for damage before use. Cracked or damaged sockets, loose or bare wires, and loose connections may cause a serious shock or start a fire.

Do not overload electrical outlets. Overloaded electrical outlets and faulty wires are a common cause of holiday fires. Avoid overloading outlets and plug only one high-wattage into each outlet at a time.

Never connect more than three strings of incandescent lights. More than three strands may not only blow a fuse, but can also cause a fire.

Keep trees fresh by watering daily. Dry trees are a serious fire hazard.

Use battery-operated candles. Candles start almost half of home decoration fires (NFPA-National Fire Protection Association).

Keep combustibles at least three feet from heat sources. A heat sources that was too close to the decoration was a factor in half of home fires that began with decorations (NFPA).

Protect cords from damage. To avoid shock or fire hazards, cords should never be pinched by furniture, forced into small spaces such as doors and windows, placed under rugs, located near heat sources, or attached by nails or staples.

Check decorations for certification label. Decorations not bearing a label from an independent testing laboratory such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL), Canadian Standards Association (CSA), or Intertek (ETL) have not been tested for safety and could be hazardous.

Stay in the kitchen when something is cooking. Unattended cooking equipment is the leading cause of home cooking fires (NFPA).

Turn off, unplug, and extinguish all decorations when going to sleep or leaving the house. Unattended candles are the cause of one in five home candle fires. Half of home fire deaths occur between the hours of 11PM and 7AM (NFPA).

In addition to the tips from ESFI, please remember to ensure any cords and decorations are not tripping hazards or hazards for pets and children. We want you to enjoy the holidays and it never hurts to have reminders about safety. If you have any concerns about your holiday decorations, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Maintenance and place a work request to have them inspected.

Wishing you all safe and happy holidays!*

Protecting Yourself in the Sun

Fri, May 26, 2017 Published by Cheryl Knupp

Sunlight contains ultraviolet (UV) radiation which causes premature aging of the skin, wrinkles, cataracts, and skin cancer. The amount of damage from UV exposure depends on the strength of the light, the length of exposure, and whether the skin is protected. There are no safe UV rays or safe suntans. Sun exposure at any age can cause skin cancer. Be especially careful in the sun if you burn easily, spend a lot of time outdoors, or have any of the following physical features: sunsafety

Numerous, irregular, or large moles
Freckles
Fair skin
Blond, red, or light brown hair

It’s important to examine your body monthly because skin cancers detected early can almost always be cured. The most important warning sign is a spot on the skin that is changing in size, shape, or color during a period of 1 month to 1 or 2 years. Skin cancers often take the following forms:

Pale, wax-like, pearly nodules
Red, scaly, sharply outlines patches
Sores that don’t heal
Small, mole-like growths – melanoma the most serious type of skin cancer

If you find such unusual skin changes, see a health care professional immediately.

There are many ways to help block out the harmful UV rays.

Cover up. Wear tightly-woven clothing that blocks out light. Try this test: Place your hand between a single layer of clothing and a light source. If you can see your hand through the fabric, the garment offers little protection.
Use sunscreen. A sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 blocks 93% of UV rays. You want to block both UVA and UVB rays to guard against skin cancer. Be sure to follow application directions on the bottle.
Wear a hat. A wide brim hat (not a baseball cap) is ideal because it protects the neck, ears, eyes, forehead, nose, and scalp.
Wear UV-absorbent shades. Sunglasses don’t have to be expensive, but they should block 99 to 100% of UVA and UVB radiation.
Limit exposure. UV rays are most intense between 10AM and 4PM. If you’re unsure about the sun’s intensity, take the shadow test: If your shadow is shorter than you, the sun’s rays are the day’s strongest.

For more information or safety tips visit www.cancer.org or www.osha.gov.

Tips to Improve Your Health at Work

Tue, July 5, 2016 Published by Cheryl Knupp

Eight hours in a chair in front of a computer, five days a week can take a toll on your body. From avoiding eye strain and tension neck syndrome to passing on those extra calories that co-workers leave invitingly on their desks, experts give WebMD 10 tips that will help you stay healthy and in shape at work.

The snacks that your co-workers so nicely place on their desk can add a few hundred calories to your daily diet if you’re not careful, and they can leave you with unwanted pounds if you help yourself day after day. “If it’s out of sight, it’s out of mind, so if you know someone has a candy dish on their desk, walk around his or her desk so you don’t feel the temptation,” says Dawn Jackson, a registered dietitian and spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association. “Take a break, get a breath of fresh air, and skip the candy. Or, if you are hungry, have fruit at your desk, like cherries or grapes.” Three out of five Americans are overweight, explains Jackson, which means there is likely more than one person in your office who is dieting. “In most offices, people are trying to lose weight, so go in with people and get fruit bowls instead of candy bowls,” says Jackson. “And see if you can get people to replace their candy bowls with something healthier.”
Drinking an adequate amount of water — eight to 10 glasses every day — can help keep you hydrated. Many foods are also good sources of water; fruits like oranges, grapefruit, grapes, watermelon, and apples can help keep you healthy and hydrated. “The 3 o’clock lull that many people feel at work can be due to dehydration, so drink lots of water,” Jackson tells WebMD. “Set goals: Bring a 16 ounce bottle of water to work and try to finish it by lunch, and then fill it up again and finish that by 3 p.m. By 5 p.m., finish a third bottle.” Another tip from Jackson: Set your computer alarm to go off so you remember it’s time to refill.
One of the most important things you can do during the day to stay healthy and in shape is to exercise. “Walking during lunch is a great idea,” says Jackson. “Not only are you burning calories, but you’re de-stressing and refreshing.” Jackson recommends you find a walking partner whom you can depend on for a daily walk –someone who will drag you out even if you claim you’re too busy. If you really can’t get out during lunch, park farther away than you normally do so you have a short walk to work in the morning and evening, or make it a habit to take the stairs instead of the elevator.
Eating a healthy lunch is an important part of a balanced diet. But eating reasonable portions is an important part of your health. “Eat a healthy lunch at work, but also practice portion control so you aren’t consuming too many calories and then sitting in a chair all afternoon,” says Jackson. “Many times, it’s not that you are eating unhealthy food, it’s just that you are eating too much.” For instance, Jackson explains that pizza isn’t inherently bad, it’s just that a person will eat three or four slices too many, and that’s where the problem lies. Instead, share a large slice of piece of pizza with a co-worker, and then eat a salad that’s packed with veggies.
Tension neck syndrome (TNS) can occur when the neck and upper shoulders are held in a fixed, awkward position for long periods of time, according to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. It can happen to people in the workplace who talk on the phone for a most of the day or type a lot. “You want to make sure your neck isn’t bent to the side for long periods of time, ” says Alan Hedge, professor of ergonomics at Cornell University. “Tension neck syndrome can cause neck and shoulder pain, muscle tightness, and tenderness. So use a speakerphone, a shoulder cradle, or use a headset at work when you’re on the phone.”
Eyestrain is another problem that can be encountered in front of a computer. It can cause headaches, difficulty focusing, and increased sensitivity to light, according to the University of California at Davis. To prevent eyestrain, Hedge tells WebMD, “The distance to the screen from your eyes should be about an arms length away. You should also be able to comfortably read what’s on your screen at that distance, without having to squint.” If you can’t read your screen from an arm’s length away, simply increase the font size on your computer.
A healthy tip that all of us want to hear is that vacations are an important part of staying healthy at work. “It’s very beneficial to get away for a long vacation that will help you recharge your ‘batteries,'” says Jonathan Kramer, a clinical psychologist and president of Business Psychology Consulting. “Vacations help reduce stress and get your mind off work, especially if you’re having a conflict, such as a problem with your boss, a co-worker, or a project.” Stress can impair your immune system, increasing the risk of illness, explains Kramer, so minimizing it is essential — and fortunately, vacations are just the way to do that.
Another way to stay healthy at work is to avoid long stretches of long days. “Occasionally, people focus on the task at hand and getting a project done, and they aren’t aware of the impact it’s having on their health,” says Kramer. “They may not be aware of it until the stress is at a really high level, and it’s affecting their relationships and their moods.” This, explains Kramer, is another type of stress, commonly referred to as burnout. Burnout can also impair a person’s immune system, as well as interfere with sleep and his or her ability to concentrate.
Your keyboard, mouse, and phone can harbor thousands of germs that are just waiting to make you sick. So get out the disinfectant. According to Science Daily, researchers at the 100th General Meeting of the American Society for Microbiology reported, “We know that viruses can survive (remain infectious) for hours to days on a hard surface … if a virus such as the rotavirus (a diarrheal virus) were on the surface of a telephone receiver, infectious doses could easily be transferred to persons using the telephone.”
To clean these objects, the National Consumers League recommends using a disinfectant cleaner or spray that is registered with the Environmental Protection Agency and proven effective against a wide variety of viruses.
What’s the most important thing you can do to stay healthy at work? Kramer sums it up for WebMD. “The most important way to stay healthy at work starts with self-awareness,” says Kramer. “Know yourself and know your limits and do the best you can to stay within those limits given your job. Know when to take breaks and know when to take a vacation. And get plenty of exercise, which helps you both physically and mentally, both at work and at home.”

Hearing Safety

Fri, June 24, 2016 Published by Cheryl Knupp

Noise-related hearing loss is a major occupational health concern. Thousands of workers annually suffer from hearing loss because of high workplace noise levels.

Even when it is short-term, noise can cause a temporary change in hearing.

Noise is measured in decibels (dBA). A small increase in decibels results in huge change in the noise and the potential damage to a person’s hearing.

The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) sets legal limits of 90 dBA on workplace noise exposure. These limits are based on a worker’s time weighted average during an 8-hour day. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends that workers’ exposure be controlled below 85 dBA for 8 hours to minimize occupational noise-induced hearing loss, which limits your ability to hear high-frequency sounds, understand speech and seriously impairs your ability to communicate.

Noise may be a problem in the workplace if:

You hear ringing or humming in your ears when you leave work.
You have to shout to be heard by a co-worker an arm’s length away.
You experience temporary hearing loss when leaving work.

Here are some ways to reduce noise hazards

Engineering controls
- Low-noise tools and machinery
- Maintain and lubricate machinery and equipment
- Place a barrier between the noise source and employees
- Enclose or isolate the noise source
Administrative controls
- Operating noisy machines during shifts when fewer people are exposed
- Limiting the amount of time a person spends at a noise source
- Providing quiet areas where workers can gain relief from hazardous noise sources
- Restricting worker presence to a safe distance away from noisy equipment
Hearing protection devices (HPDs)
- Such as earmuffs and plugs (acceptable, but less effective)

To learn how to create and implement an effective hearing conservation program, visit www.osha.gov/dts/osta/otm/noise/hcp/ and copperpoint.com to view the videos “Hearing Safety I & II.”

Tech Tip Tuesday: Don’t Go Phishing

Tue, January 19, 2016 Published by Beatitudes Campus

The act of sending an email to a user falsely claiming to be an established legitimate enterprise in an attempt to scam the user into surrendering private information that will be used for identity theft. I’m sure you’ve seen them. And curiosity may have even prompted you to click on a few of these before. And with the millions of these types of emails sent out every day, you can imagine the potential success rate for these con artists. The most successful phishing emails are the ones received by people who actually have accounts with that company, so they blindly click on it thinking it may be something of interest. A global study released by the Anti-Phishing Working Group (APWG) in 2014 suggests that 54% of phishing emails targeted major bands including Apple, PayPal, and Chinese marketplace Taobao. I’ve even seen one from Bank Of America where at least 5 people on campus answered with their account information before anyone contacted us in IT. That can empty a bank account REAL fast.

Here’s a few things to look for if you ever get suspicious of an email:

Many phishing attempts originate from outside the U.S. so they often have misspellings and grammatical errors. Some have an urgent tone and they seek sensitive information that legitimate companies don’t typically ask for via e-mail.
Check the sender information to see if it looks legitimate. Criminals will choose addresses that are similar to the one they are faking. Google the real name of the sender and compare to their website. Maybe even give them a quick call to verify.
Legitimate companies tend to use customer names or user names in the e-mail, and banks often will include part of an account number. Phishing emails typically offer generic greetings, like “Dear PayPal customer.”
Inspect the hyperlinks inside the body of the e-mail. Phishers typically will use subdomains or letters or numbers before the company name, and sometimes the words in the links are misspelled. By mousing over the link you can see the real address on the bottom of most Web browsers.
Don’t open e-mail attachments that you did not expect to receive. Don’t open download links in IM. And don’t enter personal information in a pop-up window or e-mail.
Make sure you are using a secure Web site when submitting financial and sensitive information. That means https:// will be seen in the URL address bar instead of just http:// and usually there will be some other change in the address bar. For instance the first part of the URL will be highlighted green.

As a general rule, if you are entering sensitive, personal or financial information on the web, you should have been the one who initiated the process. If not, stop and re-establish communication on your own via publicly published means like the company website or phone numbers. Please be aware that the dangers are real. Identity theft can cause you major problems.

Tag: protection