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Creamer contains high quantities of sugar, sodium and corn syrup; ingredients that increase your fat and calorie intake. In place of creamer, use organic whole milk instead. Whole milk adds a richer flavour to your beverages. Better yet, it contains calcium and vitamins A, D and B12, which are important for keeping bones strong and healthy.

Believe it or not, manufactured fruit juice contains just as much sugar as soft drinks. Store-bought fruit juice also lacks the fibre present in whole fruit and is often filled with additives and preservatives. It’s simpler and healthier to opt for fresh fruit instead.

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Get regular medical check-ups

Along with maintaining a healthy diet and an active lifestyle, getting regular medical check-ups is just as important in preventing obesity and other illnesses. Early detection can help prevent future complications and ensure that you get the appropriate health insurance coverage according to your needs. Find out more about our health insurance plans here or reach out to us here.

*Source: https://www.thestar.com.my/news/regional/2019/07/21/vietnam-sees-rise-in-obesity

It could be due to unexpected bad weather. Or it could be the result of some mechanical issues. Whatever the reason is, having your flight delayed can be extremely frustrating—especially if you miss a connecting ferry or train to an important occasion such as a wedding or graduation ceremony. While you may still miss the event, having travel insurance can compensate for the delay or alternative travel arrangements that you make. That could at least allow you to give your loved ones a good treat to make up for your absence!

Ahh, Europe. Some of the most beautiful cities in the world reside on this continent. But did you know that these European cities are well-known for their pickpockets too?* With so many crowded tourist hotspots (and pickpocketing opportunities) littered across the different cities, it is no wonder that loss of personal belongings ranks as one of the most common claims for those travelling to Europe. Travel insurance is a great safeguard for travellers, but you should also instil good travelling habits such as keeping your bag close and not bringing tons of cash around. Being able to identify tell-tale signs of pickpocketing activity—such as being bumped or distracted by a nearby commotion—would also stand you in good stead.

Travelling to a foreign country means new experiences. And that also means being exposed to an environment which we may not be used to. Falling sick due to the local food or weather is a common scenario for travellers. In certain countries, medical expenses can cost a lot more than in your home country where you may have subsidies from the government. While bringing your personal stash of medication overseas may seem like a good idea, it is still wiser to have travel insurance at hand. That way, your medical expenses are covered and you can seek proper professional help.

Sometimes, there is simply no other option other than cancelling your trip. It could be due to an emergency in your family or at work. Or it could be due to an unfortunate injury that you sustained. The list is endless—and that could mean paying for a trip that you are not going to take. However, travel insurance does provide ample coverage for situations such as these. Our advice? Don’t wait until the last minute to purchase your travel insurance. Buy it right after your flight tickets are confirmed, because anything can happen in the days leading up to your flight.

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Going on a vacation to escape stress? Investing in a good travel insurance such as MSIG’s Travel Protector Insurance would go a long way in setting your mind at ease. Find out more here or reach out to us here.

*Source: https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/article/this-is-the-most-pickpocketed-city-in-the-world/ar-BBLVSlR#image=BBKufSl|5

Breast cancer

Even if you’re living a healthy lifestyle, cancer cells can develop in anyone. Breast cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer that affects women. When the cancer cells start their development in the breast, it can spread quickly to the rest of the body. It is one of the most fast-spreading diseases that affect women globally. Though uncommon, it is still possible to get breast cancer while in your 20s and 30s.^[1]

Cervical cancer

Cervical cancer is a sexually-transmitted disease that can occur in women who have the human papilloma virus (HPV).^[2] HPV infections are so common that many men and women experience it at least once in their lives. As HPV rarely shows any symptoms, it is harder to detect and hence more dangerous. If left unchecked, HPV can result in ovarian and cervical cancer.

Tackling these health risks

Stay ahead and avoid these risks from an early age. Going for regular health checks helps keep your mind at ease. Once you turn 40, it’s highly recommended to start going for yearly mammograms due to higher cancer risks. Drinking less alcohol,^[3] exercising regularly and smoking less will go a long way in protecting you against diseases. You can also stay vigilant by monitoring yourself for any unnatural lumps or pain.

The HPV vaccine is highly effective in preventing cervical cancer and precancerous growths. Getting the vaccine before turning 26 gives you extra protection. Ward off cancer by continuing to get regular pap smear tests from the ages of 21 to 29, and regular HPV tests after hitting 30.^[4]

Taking birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy could increase your risk of getting terminal illnesses. Long-term use of oral contraceptives may also increase risk of cervical cancer, so you should consult your doctor on any possible alternatives.

Hormone replacement therapy for a few years could also increase your risk of breast cancer. Opt for non-hormonal options or discuss with your doctor if you can lower your dosage.^[5]

Even antibiotics used to reduce acne and oily skin may result in harmful side effects, such as nausea and mild depression. Choose natural healing methods and reduce reliance on pills whenever you can.

Other than staying fit and healthy, getting health insurance should be part of your game plan. Should anything happen to you, health insurance can protect you from unprecedented medical costs.

Here’s some instances when you should get health insurance.

While you are still healthy

Insurance premiums increase after you are diagnosed with a serious illness. Most insurance plans do not even cover you for pre-existing medical conditions. Getting insurance while you’re healthy can hence help you to avoid high premiums. 

You have a family history of illnesses

Breast cancer, diabetes and other serious illnesses are often genetically inherited. If many of your relatives have these diseases, you’ll have a higher risk of getting them too. Health insurance can protect you from high treatment costs if you purchase it early. 

Before you start a family

Falling ill while you’re pregnant puts another life at risk. Asthma, diabetes and chickenpox

are just some examples of pre-existing conditions that can cause complications during pregnancy.
Getting insurance before you’re pregnant can help to cover medical costs for both you and your child.

Make the most of your best years without worrying about health issues. Find an insurance plan that suits you here or here.

^[1] https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/young_women/index.htm

^[2] https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/cervical-cancer/risk-factors

^[3] https://www.cancer.gov/types/breast/patient/breast-prevention-pdq#_12

^[4] https://www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Cervical-Cancer-Screening?IsMobileSet=false

^[5] https://www.breastcancer.org/risk/factors/hrt

Living in an area with constant natural disasters puts your home at risk of serious damage. Residents of Central Vietnam for instance, face heavy floods every July to late October. Staying in a landed property may also make your home extra susceptible to flooding. Basements have multiple entry points where water can easily gush in. Cracks in your ceiling, roof and walls, left untreated, could also fuel severe damage during a flood that can prove costly to fix. As natural disasters are unpredictable, you can stay prepared by getting home insurance.

When was the last time your child tripped over some toys that were left lying around? Falls are one of the most common home accidents that happen with children and the elderly. Other than installing anti-slip mats at home, you can further protect your family by getting home insurance. Home insurance covers your personal accident expenses from home-related injuries. This would be a huge relief in the event you are faced with unexpectedly high medical costs.

Whether you collect branded handbags or own the latest electronic gadget, home insurance comes in handy to cover these expensive home contents. In the event that your home is ransacked by burglars or a lightning strike wipes out your electronics, home insurance will cover the cost to replace or repair them. Note that there’s a limit for each item, so consider purchasing more insurance coverage if you own expensive items.

Home insurance can protect you with liability coverage during home rental. As a landlord, you could be held accountable for any injuries your tenants incur when living in your home. The right home insurance plan would help you to cover your tenant’s medical costs when this happens. With strangers residing in your house, there’s also a risk of theft. Homeowners insurance covers the cost of potential burglary or fires caused by your tenants.

Every homeowner can benefit from home insurance. If these scenarios apply to you, getting a comprehensive plan is all the more crucial. Need help finding a suitable plan? Connect with us here or here.

We know Paris as the City of Love, but who knew that it’s also a place to go if you love a little thrill. Under the romantic city’s streets, the famed Catacombs are lined with skulls as far as the eye can see. Holding the remains of over 6 million people, this underground labyrinth was built in the late 18th century to accommodate the city’s overflowing cemeteries. It even contains different sections dedicated to different bones and body parts. Explore all of them if you have the time, or the guts!

Fancy a homestay in a lovely Victorian-style house in the middle of nowhere? (Read: Perfect setting for a horror film.) Just under three hours’ drive from Canberra, you can tour this 1880's Victorian homestead. Hear stories of the past and present, while experiencing the energy of the house and its spirits. Who knows, you may just bump into the Crawley family who supposedly still walks the hallways of this magnificent mansion.

Step onto Hashima Island and you’ll feel like you’ve been transported into a post-apocalyptic town. A canvas of monochromatic grey paints the abandoned island with the creepiness of a ghost town. What was once a bustling coal mine and a brutal prisoner of war camp is now a dwelling of wandering souls and spirits. If this island gives you a feeling of déjà vu, that’s because it was the ominous setting for films like “Skyfall”, “Hashima Project” and “The Battleship island”. Now, it’s your turn to live to tell of your visit.

Fans of Count Dracula, get ready to sink your teeth into this one. We’re talking about Bran Castle, or more terrifyingly known as Dracula’s Castle. In the mysterious land of Transylvania well-known for tales of bloodthirsty and cape-wearing vampires, Bran Castle was made infamous by Irish author Bram Stoker's novel "Dracula," published in 1897. Today, the grand medieval castle continues to thrill those who come to seek an audience with the frightfully famed vampire.

Imagine hundreds of terrifying dolls with severed limbs, decapitated heads and blank eyes hanging from the trees, staring into your soul and beckoning you with moving arms. Legend has it that the dolls were hung by a caretaker, in respect of a young girl who had drowned. Apparently haunted by her spirit, he started hanging more dolls in an attempt to please her spirit. Witnesses claimed to have heard the dolls whispering to one another, but you’ll only really know after visiting this eerie island—if you dare.

Fancy a royal sighting of the supernatural kind? Head to one of the most haunted places in the UK—the Tower of London. The castle has a torrid reputation  torture, execution and murder in its nearly 1,000-year history, which probably explains why it is also the un-resting place of different classes of ghosts. Two allegedly murdered young princes, Edward V and Richard, were seen wearing nightgowns, clutching each other in terror in the castle’s rooms. And, watch out for the headless body of beheaded Queen Anne Boleyn floating by you.

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Excited to plan your trip? Don’t forget your travel insurance which can come in handy when you least expect it. Reach out to us here or find out more here.

Most people know that changing their diets is integral to leading a healthy lifestyle—so they try to switch it up completely. While some have found success, such a change may be drastic and difficult for most people, which leads them to give up completely. One way to get around this is to start small: choose a favourite healthy vegetable and include it in your diet daily. Our preferred choice? Kale, because it is filled with powerful antioxidants and is great for detoxifying your body.

In times of war, trenches are incredibly useful as a type of defensive position. If you’re committed to leading a healthy lifestyle, find a trench buddy whom you can go to war (against unfitness!) with. After all, a difficult plan often becomes easier when doing it with someone. It could be your spouse, your best friend, or even your colleague. A good workout partner can go a long way in ensuring that you are exercising frequently. That way, you can both keep each other accountable to a healthy regime and achieve health goals together.

One method to healthy living and combating stress is to exercise your mind through an activity that is separate from work. Find a regular pastime that requires some form of mental activity, such as reading a book or even playing chess on your phone when you’re traveling from one place to another. Such mental tasks help to strengthen your neural circuits and more importantly, allows for any accumulated stress to dissipate.