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The Illinois Department of Insurance issued Bulletin 2017-03 on July 17, 2017, regarding the flooding that has affected Cook, Kane, Lake, and McHenry counties in...

People often see dentists as professional, caring, ethical and honest individuals. However, there are employees and some dentists out there that can tarnish this image. An emerging issue that is growing is fraud in the dental practice.  According to the National Health Care Anti-Fraud Association, of the $250 billion spent on dental care procedures annually, an estimated $12.5 billion, or 5%, is lost to dental fraud and abuse.

Do you have cracks in your home’s foundation walls or floor?  Cracks in your foundation can allow water to seep in, causing damage to the interior of your home.  These cracks can also let in something you can’t even see-.  You may have a guest in your house and not even know it.  The name of this guest is Radon; a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas. Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer for non-smokers and the second leading cause of lung cancer for the general population. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that nearly 1 out of every 15 homes in the United States has elevated radon levels.  Radon is present outdoors and indoors.  It forms naturally from the breaking down of radioactive elements, such as uranium, which are found in different amounts in soil and rock throughout the world.   Radon gas in the soil and rock can move into the air and into underground and surface water.

Since the CDC declared an epidemic of prescription drug abuse in the United States in 2010, numerous programs and initiatives have been implemented to control access to narcotics. These have included prescription drug monitoring, increased DEA activity, addiction treatment funding, changes in prescription guidelines, drug take back programs, crackdowns on pill mills, and rescheduling of hydrocodone to schedule II. Unfortunately, despite the push to decrease access, the demand for prescription drugs remains high. In a climate where it is harder than ever to access narcotics and where demand remains high, it’s not surprising to see a continuing and growing problem with burglaries and robberies.  – Mike Warren, Risk Manager

To prevent a back up of your sewer and drain system, it is helpful for property owners to be aware of what might cause a back up, and what preventative measures can be taken. Whether you are purchasing a new home, or have owned your property for several years, it can provide great benefit to have a professional inspect your plumbing system and give feedback. Aging plumbing systems could have pipe collapses, misaligned pipes, offset joints or tree roots that might be the cause of future back ups of sewage or black water into your home. If your property is networked into a municipal waste facility, the sewer and storm drain system may be combined. During periods of heavy precipitation you could be more likely to experience the back-up of black water into your home through your drains. A professional can provide preventative options such as sump pumps, backwater prevention valves, and repairs.

Community pharmacists face a growing challenge: They are being asked to fill an increasing number of veterinary prescriptions. This trend is here to stay, and the challenges pharmacists face in filling pet prescriptions will be compounded if the Fairness to Pet Owners Act of 2015 is enacted as law. This Act would require veterinarians to provide a prescription, up front, for pet owners to fill either at their veterinary practice or at a pharmacy of their choice.

Looking for smart phone apps for Pharmacists? Type “smart phone apps for the pharmacist” in a Google search and you’ll get about 92,000,000 hits. We found it pretty easy to search through and find something for just about every aspect of pharmacy. Everything from drug guides to symptom checkers, apps about vacinations and even popular publications.We contacted two organizations that offered apps that might be of interest if you love animals or are concerned about encountering an armed criminal.

No businessowner wants to think about an employee stealing from them.  Nor does a businessowner want to think about their vendors stealing from them.  Even if we don’t want to think about these things happening, the reality is, it most likely has or will happen.  Do you really know what your business insurance covers or what different types of crimes are considered in your coverage package?

Insurance fraud − in the most simple of terms − is a lie told to steal the financial protections and benefits of insurance.

Have you ever made mental note of some paperwork you have at home which deserves special treatment and safety? Maybe it is an old love letter your parents exchanged, or a copy of a special photograph.  How about your social security card?  If any of these things has come to mind, a safe deposit box might be something to consider. Safe deposit boxes can ensure the safety of the item from theft or other damage.  Items you may want to consider placing in the box would be: