West Bend Provides a Silver Lining.

Service to you is a top priority

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to sweep through the country at an alarming rate, more businesses and individuals are financially impacted. To provide you with current and accurate information, West Bend has created a COVID-19 resource page with links to resources from such entities as the Small Business Administration, state departments of insurance, and state departments of commerce. We’ll continue to add appropriate resources as they become available.

Government experts have emphasized the importance and urgency of social distancing in order to slow the spread of the coronavirus and reduce the stress on the healthcare system. For the sake of our associates’ health, West Bend has asked all employees who can work from home to do so. Please rest assured that our customers remain a top priority and we will continue to provide the service you deserve and have come to expect from West Bend. Our experienced and knowledgeable associates are standing by to take your calls if you have a claim or need help with your invoice or policy.

And don’t forget customer service is just click away with the West Bend Mobile App and customer website.

Healthy Aging^® Month

September is Healthy Aging Month. Celebrated annually for more than 25 years, this observance emphasizes the positive aspects of growing older. Focused on adults 45 years old and older, the mission is, “to encourage local level Healthy Aging events that promote taking personal responsibility for one’s health … be it physically, socially, mentally, or financially.”

Now, probably more than any other time since this celebration was created in 1992, physical, social, mental, and financial health concerns are at the forefront for many Americans. As a result, organizers of this year’s observance stress that it’s more important than ever to follow a healthy lifestyle, remain positive, be passionate about life, and look forward to better days ahead.

Under the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s observance has shifted away from community-based events and focuses on ways to remain healthy and vibrant in a more virtual world. Check out these 10 tips for healthy aging, including suggestions for diet and nutrition, physical fitness, mental wellness, and social wellness.

Is your hand sanitizer safe and effective?

As we continue to combat COVID-19, one of the best ways to prevent the spread of the virus is to thoroughly wash our hands with soap and water. When soap and water aren’t available, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent ethanol (ethyl alcohol).

While hand sanitizers were difficult to find during the initial stages of the pandemic, stores are now stocked with a variety of options. If you’re wondering, “Does it matter which one I purchase?” it may surprise you to learn that not all hand sanitizes are the same. The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) regulates and tests hand sanitizes as over-the-counter drugs, available without a prescription. During recent testing they’ve discovered some serious safety concerns including:

• Contamination with potentially toxic types of alcohol
• Not enough active ingredient (ethyl alcohol or isopropyl alcohol)
• Labels with false, misleading, or unproven claims

As a result, some hand sanitizers have been recalled, and there are more than 150 hand sanitizers the FDA recommends consumers stop using. They’ve created this handy step-by-step guide for how to check if a sanitizer is on the do-not-use list.

You can also click here for more great information from the FDA that’ll help you select a hand sanitizer, understand sanitizer ingredients, and keep you and your loved ones safe.