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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.

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.

Healthy Holidays

Sun, December 23, 2018 Published by Beatitudes Campus

The holidays are often a time of joyful experiences, but they can also bring about unique health challenges. During the season of giving, it’s still important to take care of yourself; we hope to provide a few tips to stay healthy this winter.

Be Mindful of Medications: With winter cold and flu season upon us, be mindful of over the counter medications, which can have unintended side effects. For example, medications that have sedating or pain mediating effects, such as decongestants and cough syrups, can lead to confusion. Consult your doctor before taking beginning new over the counter medications for cold symptoms, and always being aware of multi-symptom products that treat coughing, sneezing, pain, etc. These medications can contain similar ingredients to medications you are already taking, which can put one at risk of overdose.

Healthy Healing Alternatives: Try alternatives to over the counter cold and allergy medications, such as resting, drinking more fluids, saline nasal sprays, and drinking honey in your tea for coughing.

Winter Workouts: It’s easy to fall away from your usual exercise routine during the holidays, but maintaining an exercise regime for 30 minutes a day helps boost your mood and energy levels. Try to carve out regular time for yourself to prioritize exercise even on busy days.

Seasonal Schedule: Keeping a usual medication and sleep schedule, especially if you are travelling, also boosts your immune system and energy levels. Aim to go to bed and wake up around the same time every day, and be consistent in taking your medications on time. If traveling, have an updated copy of your medication list with you, along with your labeled medications and pill organizer. Before you leave for a trip, make sure you have enough medications for the duration of the trip and for the days after you return, so you won’t need to rush to refill medications.

Holiday Food and Spirits: Maintaining a healthy diet can be challenging during the holidays, but it is important to stick to your regular diet as closely as possible. It’s okay to treat yourself, but eat rich, fatty and sugary foods in moderation and add more vegetables to your holiday plate. This season is also a time when people are more likely to drink alcohol at parties and gatherings. Studies show that regular drinkers have a tendency to over-imbibe during the holidays, while many holiday drinkers who do not drink regularly need to be aware of their lower alcohol tolerance. Be mindful of the risk of confusion and falls when drinking, and ask your physician or pharmacist about how alcohol interacts with your specific medications.

Keep these tips in mind and
enjoy a happy, healthy holiday
season this winter!! *

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!*

How to Avoid Slips, Trips & Falls

Mon, July 10, 2017 Published by Cheryl Knupp

Next to traffic collisions, falls kill more people than any other kind of accident. Nearly 6,000 people die each year as a result of falls on the job or someplace other than their home. Falls can become costly accidents when you consider the suffering, medical expenses, lost wages and lost production. At work, most falls result from slips or trips at floor level, not from high places.

Avoid slips. Keep an eye out for hazardous walking conditions including hidden steps, smooth surfaces, wet, icy or oily surfaces, and loose flooring, carpets or rugs. Avoid trips. Keep your work area neat and orderly, watch for things such as furniture in high traffic areas, items on floors, drawers left open, electrical cords in open areas, and objects left on stairways. Avoid falls. You can prevent falls by being aware of your environment and by removing potential hazards when you see them. Ensure lighting is sufficient in the area. Avoid “makeshift” step stools like boxes or furniture. Use a stepladder. Repair or replace worn stair treads or unraveled carpet. Lower yourself gently from high areas such as flatbeds or work stages. Never jump. Be aware of the length of your hems and cuffs so they don’t get caught while walking.

Know how to use a ladder. Follow these tips to prevent ladder falls:

Ensure ladder is in good condition and has safety feet.
Always face the ladder.
Remember 4-to-1 rule. For each four feet of height, set the base out one foot.
Do not carry anything in your hands while you climb the ladder. Hoist what you need.
Move the ladder if an item is out of your reach. Keep your body centered so your belt buckle is between side rails.

When it comes to preventing slips trips and falls, your state of mind in approaching a situation can make the difference. Falls occur because people don’t expect them. The more you anticipate and guard against falls, the fewer you’ll have.

Don’t Wait – Hydrate!

Mon, June 26, 2017 Published by Beatitudes Campus

As the temperatures in Phoenix continue to climb well over 100 degrees, it is particularly important for older adults to stay hydrated. Water represents an average of 55% of our body weight, and it assists in countless important bodily functions including: regulating our temperature and blood pressure, lubricating and cushioning our joints, and ridding our bodies of waste through urination, perspiration, and bowel movements.

Older adults can be at particular risk of dehydration for three key reasons:

A person’s sense of thirst decreases as they age.
Many older adults take medications that can cause them to sweat and urinate more.
As we age, our kidney function decreases, and our kidneys are less able to conserve fluid.

How can you tell when you’re dehydrated? While we’ve all been told we should drink 8 glasses of water a day, the actual amount of water each individual requires varies based on weight, external temperatures, how active we are, and a variety of other factors. As a general rule of thumb, if your urine is dark yellow, you should be drinking more water. Pale/light yellow urine typically indicates adequate hydration. It may also be a sign of dehydration if you get dizzy standing up, if you’re unusually confused, if you are constipated, if you have a headache, if you are experiencing dry mouth, or if you have muscle spasms.

Following these tips can help ensure you are well hydrated this summer:

Carry a water bottle around campus and on errands, so you remember to drink throughout the day.
Choose water when eating out. You will be better hydrated, save money, and reduce calories.
Eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables have a high water content, and they’re rich in vitamins and minerals.
Add a wedge of lime or lemon to your water. This can help improve the taste and help you drink more water than you usually do.
Take sips from a glass of water, milk or juice between bites during meals.
Drink a full glass of water if you need to take a pill.
Have a glass of water before you exercise or go outside to garden or walk, and another glass when you are done.
If you drink alcoholic beverages or coffee, do so sensibly and in moderation. Alcohol and caffeine can contribute to dehydration.
Don’t stop drinking liquids if you have a urinary control problem. Talk with your doctor about treatment.

With these tips in mind, you’re sure to have a happier, healthier, hydrated summer!

Safety Tip: Heat Exhaustion

Fri, May 19, 2017 Published by Cheryl Knupp

Heat exhaustion is most likely the culprit when a worker experiences an excessive loss of water and salt and is sweating profusely. Among those most prone to heat exhaustion are employees who work in hot environments such as laundry, grounds, cooks, and maintenance, or who have high blood pressure or who are elderly.

Heat exhaustion symptoms include:

Nausea
Heavy sweating
Muscle cramps
Dizziness, confusion
Clammy, moist skin
Pale or flushed complexion
Fast and shallow breathing
Extreme weakness or fatigue
Slightly elevated body temperature

According to the Arizona Department of Health Statistics, nearly 1,500 people in Arizona died between 1992 and 2009 from exposure to excessive natural heat due to weather conditions.

Employees working in hot environments should be trained in first-aid treatment of heat exhaustion. When workers succumb to heat exhaustion:

Place them in a cool, shaded or air conditioned are to rest.
Help them drink plenty of water or other cool non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated beverages.
If possible, have them take a cool shower, bath, or sponge bath.

Some common myths about heat stress are:

Medications and health conditions don’t affect one’s ability to work safely in the heat. Health and medication can affect how the body handles working in high temperatures. Workers at risk in high temperatures are those who are obese and/or have diabetes or cardiovascular disease. Medications to control these ailments can affect a body’s ability to cool down.
Unlike heat exhaustion, there is no sweating with heat stroke. Workers suffering from heat stroke may continue to produce sweat, as well as to show symptoms of confusion, loss of consciousness, seizures and high body temperature. Heat stroke is life-threatening and must be dealt with immediately: give first-aid treatment and call 911 for medical help.
Using salt tablets will restore electrolytes lost to sweating. Do not use salt tablets unless a doctor approves their use. Workers should drink small amounts of water (1 cup per 15-20 minutes) to maintain good hydration. Eating regular meals and snacks provides enough salt and electrolytes to replace those lost through sweating, as long as enough water is consumed. However, drinking extreme amounts of water is harmful; workers should generally not drink more than 12 quarts (48 cups) in a 24-hour period.
Taking a work break in an air-condition are will ruin workers’ acclimation. Air-conditioned break areas offer an effective way to cool down.

For more information and tips on how to avoid heat exhaustion visit www.copperpoint.com and search for “Heat Stress”.

Source: CDC, NIOSH

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.”

Passwords, Passwords, Passwords!!!

Tue, November 24, 2015 Published by Beatitudes Campus

Never before has so much information been so accessible to so many people electronically. Welcome to “The Internet”. In many ways the “Information Age” is a wonderful time to be alive. But as is often the case, there is a dark side. The same technology that makes it really easy to store, search and view all of this information also makes it possible for others to get hold of personal information. When it comes to using computers and the Internet, we are challenged to create a plethora of user names and passwords to protect our information. But how do you make up a username and password that will be easy for you to remember but impossible for anyone else to figure out? Here’s some advice…

First of all, there are good passwords and bad passwords? An example of a bad password is any word that is in the dictionary or a name. If someone wanted to “crack” your password using computer software they would probably start with lists of common passwords like that. So don’t make it easy for them. For the dedicated “password cracker” there are actually huge lists of common passwords available online. Also, when you hear on the news that the accounts of the XYZ Company or the ABC Website have been hacked, those passwords can end up on websites where other hackers can access them.

So what makes for a good password? Here are some basic suggestions:
DOs:

Avoid common names, dates, phone numbers or things easily associated with you.
Avoid common words or phrases as they would be the first thing checked by password cracking software.
Use a combination of numbers and letters. For example, substitute numbers for letters and letters for numbers in a word or phrase. “H!Th3r3!”
Make it something you can remember all by yourself. Think of a sequence or acronym.
Try to make it at least 8 – 16 characters long. Obviously the longer the better. Cracking gets exponentially harder with each additional character.
Plan on changing your password often. Experts suggest changing your passwords at least every 6 months. Your employer may require it more often.

DON’Ts:

Don’t use naturally occurring keyboard sequences like “qwerty” or adjacent combinations.
Never share your password! Protect them like you do your SSN. With either one, anyone can pose as you.
Don’t write it down anywhere! That’s just a given. Once again, don’t make it easy.
Avoid using the same password for multiple sites or applications. Cracked once and they have everything.
Avoid saving passwords. What’s convenient for you is convenient for a hacker.

Whether it’s about protecting the money in your bank account, restricting access to your email, or protecting employer information, you’ll need to have good usernames and passwords to protect yourself. Choose wisely.

Tag: tips