Family life insurance coverage is something that a lot of people don’t like to think about. Can you blame them? It’s probably not something you like to ponder yourself. But as unpleasant a thought as it is, there are some positive things that can come about from calmly facing the practical need for family life insurance coverage. One of those things is the decision to take action to ensure the long term health and well-being of yourself and your family. Avoiding risk caused by bad habits and lifestyle choices should be your chief concern.

Aside from the fear of high premiums, one of the reasons many Americans neglect to enroll for family life insurance policies is the thought of having to take physical health screenings in order to qualify. It seems that to some, the idea of being turned down for family insurance is a thought too painful to consider. But what would you do if you learned that you didn’t have to take a physical exam to qualify?

The fact is, full health screenings are not always required to be approved for a life insurance plan. And in some cases when it is required, the extent of the exam is limited to the taking of blood pressure, a little bit of blood work, and possibly a urine specimen. Whether a person is asked to take a physical exam is based on certain factors, including:

If you or the moms in your life are like many moms, the days start way too early and end way too late. Going from being chauffeur to maid to referee to chef, may make people wish for some time to rest. But when the day ends and it’s your time to fall asleep and recharge for the next day, you can’t actually fall asleep.

To avoid that frustration, try one of these take-me-to-dreamland tips for falling asleep.

• Cut the caffeine and sugar – This one can be really tough because you sometimes need a late-afternoon boost to get you through the day, but don’t have too much caffeine or sweets after lunch. After all, the last thing you want is extra energy after midnight.

Spring is a time for warmer weather, outdoor family fun and fl…fl…fl…[ah-CHOO!] flowers to bloom. It’s also a time to nip pesky allergies in the bud.

Getting your family through allergy season requires a watchful eye and staying in control. Here are some tips for how to stop allergy symptoms in your home:

Turn your home into an allergy-free castle – Curtains, carpets, upholstery, bedspreads, pillows, mattresses and soft toys are magnets for allergy-triggering dust mites. Frequent vacuuming and regular washing can help reduce dust. So can covering mattresses and pillows with zippered allergy covers. Keep an eye on local weather reports, too. When pollen or mold counts are high, keep windows and doors shut. Mold can hide on houseplants and show up on shower curtains, so check the plants and wash the curtains often. A dehumidifier can help lower moisture levels in your home and control mold, but remember to change the filters often.

We all want to stay fit and healthy, no matter our age. Luckily it doesn’t take a fad diet or adherence to the latest exercise craze to stay in shape and pass the dreaded annual physical with flying colors. All you have to do is follow one simple formula: daily exercise + healthy nutrition = a fit and healthy you.

If last year’s annual physical left you feeling depressed or hopeless, have no fear. It really doesn’t take much to whip yourself back into shape. Most doctors agree that 20 to 30 minutes of daily exercise is enough to decrease your risk of diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and cancer. Need workout suggestions? Consider a brisk evening walk or a quick swim in the morning before work.