GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

No matter how prepared you are or how well planned your life is, there is always something that catches you by surprise. You could be out on a trek, visiting a wildlife sanctuary, or just simply walking in your garden when you spot a snake, and while your first instinct may be to run, it is said that snakes do not attack unless they feel threatened.

So staying calm and avoiding movement might be the best option you have. However, if you find yourself in a situation involving a snake bite, these are the few things that you could follow to ensure your or the victim's safety.

1. Staying calm:
This might seem like a banal comment during emergencies, but staying calm ensures that your heart is not pumping blood vigorously. Panicking leads to faster circulation, which means it will spread the venom.

2. Restrict movement:
This step is crucial, as the passage of the venom is not directly associated with blood flow. The venom flows through your lymph, which only moves when you do. So any calls that you need to make for the ambulance should be done by somebody else.

3. Pressure immobilization:
Bandage firmly, 'above' the area of the bite. Use a piece of cloth if a bandage is not available. Roll it around the lymph till whatever place it can reach. Now splint the affected area to keep it still. Use any stick, rolled-up layers of paper, etc., to support.

4. Do not wash the wound:
Washing the area gets rid of the venom that the doctors can use to identify the species of snake. Therefore, it is advised to leave the affected area as-is for the benefit of the doctors.

5. Rush to the nearest hospital:
The only remedy to a venomous snake bite is to get an anti-venom as soon as possible. Rush to the nearest medical facility to ensure that timely medication is provided before the patient's condition turns critical.

6. Keep the victim warm:
It is crucial to keep the patient warm and calm to keep their blood pressure under control. However, no caffeine or alcohol should be given. In addition, any food or beverage, including water, should not be provided since it will slow their metabolism.

7. No ice packs and self-medication:
Research shows that using an ice pack on snake bites is harmful and can add to your problems. Avoid the inspection and cleaning of the wound, and avoid using medicines that you might use for regular cuts and wounds. Don't take any action without proper knowledge. The hospital staff are trained to attend to the wound, the venom, and the medication for every circumstance.

Sticking to the steps mentioned above will buy the patient some time before the anti-venom can be injected. As mentioned, a snake bite can create a sense of panic and fear, but maintaining your calm and taking the first aid measures ensures that you have sufficient time before reaching the doctor or medical facility.

Life is full of surprises, some good and some bad. Being prepared always helps, which is why you should invest in good health insurance. With a plethora of options available in the market, you can sit back and not worry about the unnecessary expenses you might face in case of such emergencies.

Click HERE to find out more about health insurance plans that you can invest in.

Disclaimer: The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. To get more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before purchasing a policy.

Tobacco use is both a physical and mental addiction. This deadly habit has affected a vast population worldwide. Nowadays, smoking and chewing tobacco observe no age as the majority of the youth are trapped under the negative influence of excessive tobacco use, which becomes irresistible and difficult to quit.

Nicotine delivers a transient high. To quit smoking, you must prohibit both the addiction and the associated behaviours and routines. With the correct assistance and quitting strategy, smokers can overcome their habit even if they've tried and failed previously.

We're all aware of the harm caused by smoking and how it isn't easy to quit. When you stop getting your tobacco dose regularly, your body goes through physical withdrawal symptoms.

Following are ten tips that will guide you to quit smoking in no time.

1. Make a quitting strategy:
Following the "no puff" criterion is always beneficial. Consider challenging situations and prepare your moves. Promise yourself not to smoke and stick to this until the cravings pass.

2. Observe when you require a smoke:
Identify the times when your cravings are at peak and avoid those situations. Instead, engage yourself during this time to keep you from giving in.

3. Get going:
Exercising is a known way to reduce addiction. For example, a simple 5-minute walk or stretch helps your brain to release anti-craving hormones that further reduces cravings.

4. Maintaining proper hydration:
It's an excellent idea to keep track of what you drink, just as you do with what you eat. While it is necessary to drink enough water, certain beverages are not suggested since they encourage smoking.

5. Apply relaxing methods:
Relaxation methods, such as deep breathing exercises, muscular relaxation, yoga, massage, listening to calming music, or visualisation, may help take the edge off.

6. Keep your mouth engaged:
Whenever you feel the urge to smoke a cigarette, munch on some snacks. And remember, you don't always have to snack on junk food; snacks can be healthy too. You can even eat chewing gum to keep your mouth engaged and avoid cravings.

7. Think about your diet:
Some meals, especially meat, make cigarettes more enjoyable. Others, such as cheese, fruit, and vegetables, make the smoke less desirable. So rather than your typical steak or burger, try having veggies instead.

8. Get some help in quitting:
If you have people around you who wish to quit smoking, offer them to stop together. Your local ‘quit smoking club’ may also assist you. With professional guidance and advice, you're four times more likely to succeed in quitting.

9. Keep a positive attitude:
You may have tried and failed to stop smoking in the past, but don't let that discourage you. Instead, consider what your history has taught you and how you want to do things differently this time.

10. Reassure yourself of the advantages:
Remember the benefits of quitting, such as better health and relations, healthy resistance mechanisms, etc. Also, keep in mind that every time you fight a cigarette urge, you're one step closer to becoming smoke-free.

It's never too late to undo something. So, let this World Cancer Day motivate you to quit smoking and walk towards healthy living. Smoking might give you pleasure for a couple of minutes, but it takes away more than you realise. Not to mention the severe illness and ailments that come with it. So, make the wise decision to just give it up.

Besides quitting smoking, buying health insurance can be crucial to living a healthy and long life. Take account and responsibility for your health, and don't hide any information from your insurance company regarding your smoking or drinking habits. Be true to yourself and give all accurate details to get the best benefits of your health insurance at the time of need.

To buy health insurance, click HERE.

Disclaimer: The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. To get more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before purchasing a policy.

Cars have multiple indicators, all with specific functionalities. These indicators play a significant role in keeping you and your car safe, especially while driving. They exhibit deceleration, assist in showing the vehicle's change in direction and make the car's functionalities accessible. They help avoid collisions with other vehicles, thus protecting you from accidents and damages.

We need to understand car indicators in a better way. Let us discuss car indicators structurally, functionally, and common mistakes that can endanger you.

1. The structure of indicators:
Whether attached at the side, front, or rear of your vehicle, the car indicators on the exterior provide information to other people on the road via signals, thus maintaining a safe distance with other cars and pedestrians. These indicators are responsible for ensuring safety on the road.

Usually, a car's signal light consists of three parts assembled together-bulb holder, housing, and cover lens.

• The housing consists of moulded reflectors.

• The bulb holder places one or more light sources relative to the optical system of the light.

• The cover lens is in charge of the light distribution through patterned structures.

2. The functioning of indicators:
The rear light consists of several functions which work on the same brightness level during the day, fog, or night. But thanks to the Adaptive Signal System, the signal lights in the rear combination lamp can adapt to the weather conditions individually. The light intensity can be varied according to the weather and the visibility conditions.
More LEDs light up with more significant displays. Different braking signals meet their requirements in other ways, such as increased brightness or flash frequency, ensuring convenience.

3. Handling the indicators:
Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) controls the light sources in many vehicles. It has many advantages, one of which is using the same bulbs for different functions. This also increases the service life of the bulbs.

Note: The manufacturer's information and specifications should be strictly complied with while replacing the bulbs in the signal lights. An incorrect bulb replacement can create an issue regarding the light intensity.

4. The faults:
A faulty indicator signal light can be snuffed out before it becomes dangerous. Without a signal, or failing to use your turn signal while turning or changing lanes can cause confusion between you and the other vehicles. It can further lead to severe accidental circumstances.

Improper use of high beams or glare can cause poor visibility of the vehicles coming in your direction, resulting in collisions leading to severe damages. Avoid driving without headlights at night and use high beams only when there is light traffic or absolutely no cars on the road.

Now that we have discussed car indicators in detail, a wise option would be to understand how unprecedented circumstances can endanger your car's safety and efficiency. To further protect your vehicle, you can research multiple insurance options that provide all possible features required by you. And once you finalise, buy motor insurance online to avoid all the outdoors hassle and add value to your valuable possession.

Click HERE to know more about how you can buy motor insurance online

Disclaimer: The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. To get more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before purchasing a policy.

Riding a two-wheeler with an attached sidecar is a rarity these days. However, this combination is a classic. Besides giving your two-wheeler a quirky look, attaching a sidecar increases efficiency and enhances the functionalities of your vehicle. But a two-wheeler with an attached sidecar comes with its own challenges.

Adding a sidecar makes your vehicle transition from a two-wheeler to a three-wheeler. So, it would be best to adapt to the dynamics and difficulties of riding a three-wheeler to prevent road accidents and ensure safety.

Let’s discuss the best tips to ride a two-wheeler with an attached sidecar to help you overcome the obstacles you might face:

1. Although it is challenging to drive in a straight path as the wheels are fitted in three odd planes, keep a firm grip on the handlebars and put the required effort to ride in a straight line. You will need to constantly pull the handlebars and manoeuvre them accordingly to avoid any collisions on the road.

2. A bike with an attached sidecar moves differently when turned. In case of a left turn, permit the wheel on the rear end to spin slower than the sidecar wheel as you release the throttle. This will help you control the vehicle better.
In case of a right turn, allow the wheel on the rear end to spin faster than the sidecar’s wheel as you open the throttle. All in all, modulating the throttle will help you achieve better control of your two-wheeler.

3. Your sidecar has brakes. To use the front brake, you need to use the right-hand lever on your bike. If the sidecar has brakes on the rear end, you can use the right foot lever. To stop your motorcycle, you need to apply both brakes. In case of an emergency, apply the front brake.

4. Many sidecars have the provision of a steering wheel and an option to switch to the two-wheel-drive model. But make sure that you only use the two-wheel-drive function in emergencies (for example, if your motorcycle is stuck on a loose or slippery surface). Engaging the two-wheel-drive on a firm surface causes both sidecar’s and bike’s wheels to spin at the same speed, thus creating a risk of disbalancing the vehicle while making a turn.

5. Practice makes you perfect. The same applies when you learn the dynamics of riding a two-wheeler with an attached sidecar. Practising regularly in a safe environment with and without a pillion rider will help you learn efficiently. Take things at your own pace, don’t rush, and see the positive outcomes.

Sidecars ensure convenience and even allow families to spend quality time together. Now that we’ve shared the best tips to ride a two-wheeler with an attached sidecar, it is a wise thought to think about how to keep your two-wheeler safe on the roads. Along with taking good care of your bike, purchasing a bike insurance is your solution to safeguard your bike from unprecedented damages.

Click HERE to know more about bike insurance.

Disclaimer: The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. To get more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before purchasing a policy.