STAYING SAFE & HEALTH DURING HARMATTAN

Harmattan is the season when dry and dusty wind blows from the Sahara to the western coast of Africa between the months of November and March. It is usually characterized by a cold, dry, dusty wind in the evenings until the early hours of the morning.

When the harmattan blows hard, the heavy amount of dust in the air can severely limit visibility and even block out the sun, comparable to a heavy fog.

During this period people experience cold especially in the morning while visibility is also affected because of the early morning haze making motorists wait sometimes for clear vision or drive with fog lights on while those who could not afford to wait drive at very low speed to avoid accidents.

The season comes with its own challenges on health, skin and also the hair. Due to the dusty wind, some diseases like conjunctivitis, asthma, cough and catarrh are more frequent most especially in the North.

However, here are proven basic remedies and tips to cope with the harshness of this season:

·         Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration

·         Wash your eyes regularly to avoid red eyes which is common during harmattan

·         Cover your nose and mouth with a mask or towel when it is dusty

·         Avoid or reduce outdoor activities, especially if you have allergies

·         Stay indoors to avoid dust inhalation of harmful particles coming with the wind

·         Wear clothes that keep your body warm

·       Get medical help if you have red, itchy, watery eyes, running, sneezing, and stuffy nose

·         Keep the doors and windows closed

·         Always use moisturizers to prevent dry skin and dry palms

·         Use lip balm to prevent cracked lips

·         Application of oily creams to the soles of the feet will prevent them from cracking.

·         Asthma patients should carry their inhalers with them at all times.

·       Picking your nose during harmattan may make it bleed, so avoid that as much as possible

·         Washing your face with clean water will also help reduce the exposure of your eyes to dust and germs.

“Finally, take in more fruits and vegetables to help boost immunity and also take enough time to rest.”

For more health information tips,

Follow us on - @con_hallmark & - conhallmark

Also visit our website for our tailor-made insurance covers at www.consolidatedhallmark.com

"Insure your assets now and leave the stress and risk to us".

Sources:

http://www.authorityngr.com/2015/12/How-to-stay-healthy-during-harmattan/

http://www.dailytrust.com.ng/daily/home-front/42883-how-to-protect-your-health-during-harmattan-season

http://www.aun.edu.ng/campus-life/health-safety/clinic/172-health-tips/1181-stay-healthy-harmattan

http://healthematics.com/stay-healthy-beautiful-harmattan/5/

2016 CONSOLIDATED HALLMARK TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS ESSAY COMPETITION

As part of our corporate social responsibility, we commissioned in 2011 an essay competition among tertiary institutions offering insurance courses at degree.

The essay topic for this year is “The Effect of Current Economic Downturn on Insurance Underwriting Performance”.

Eligibility:  The essay is open to all University/ Polytechnic students from 300 Level/HND 1 and above, studying Insurance and Actuarial Science.

Length of Essay - About 1000 words

Entry closes on December 31, 2016

Kindly forward essays on the given topic using the guidelines below:

• Essay must be original works of the student, with clearly acknowledged references.
• Essay should be typed written with double line spacing.
• Essay would be judged on content, Organization and mechanical accuracy
• The decision of the judges is final

Mode of Submission

Essay should be submitted to the Head of Insurance Department of the student. The respective HODs or their representative shall forward, with contact details of the students (Including phone numbers) to info@consolidatedhallmark.com

The hard copies should be posted to The Chairman Award Committee, Consolidated Hallmark Insurance Plc, 266 Ikorodu Road, Obanikoro, Lagos

Envelope/Parcel should be marked “CHI ESSAY COMPETITION” at the top left-hand corner.

All enteries shall be marked by an independent panels and assessed for the award of prizes.

As our tradition, cash and award plaque prizes shall be presented to the 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd winning essays each with media publicity. The author of the best essay shall be offered immediate employment (Post NYSC) by the Company.

Live Happy. We Care.

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HOW TO AVOID TRAFFIC GRIDLOCKS

What is it about Traffic jams and gridlocks that drive shivers down our spine?

What we find more terrifying is that according to some psychology studies, traffic jams, and especially sudden gridlocks are indirectly or partly responsible for a number of sanity-related problems in drivers who are frequently finding themselves in this dreadful situation.

Firstly, we should probably summarize what we know so far about traffic jams and it effects.

- It is one of the main reasons for city pollution in most large cities.

- It is a top reason for psychological problems when they are dealt with on regular basis.

- According to studies, travel delays due to traffic congestion caused drivers to waste billion litres of fuel and keep travellers stuck in their cars for nearly billion extra hours in a year. Should we talk about the cost for this horrifyingly high number of traffic jams? Surely around a million naira per each commuter in a year.

- Emergency vehicles are unable to reach their destinations as urgently as they could without being stuck in gridlock. 

Let’s think less about how bad traffic is in most cities in Nigeria and more about ways to improve our lives behind the wheel, starting of course with tips to avoid traffic jams.

The list is exhaustive but a short list of "dos" and "don'ts" on this subject, if read and put in action, will help.

1. Leave your car parked 

If you can use more efficient alternative modes of travel, like public transportation, leave your pride at home and do it. There's no shame in using the subway, the bus or the tram, despite being the proud owner of a luxurious sedan, SUV or a flashy sports car. 

2. Study the route and leave early. If you lose an hour, you can also win an hour

If you slightly change the schedule of your departure to and from work, you might circumvent the biggest traffic jams of the day.

3. Upgrade your knowledge of inner routes

The shortest distance between two points isn't always a straight line. So, instead of taking the most obvious route, which everyone else is already using, go against the flow by using smaller side streets to reach your destination inside the city. 

4. Get better informed even before jumping in your car

You should never rely just on your better judgement since you can't predict the future when leaving home. Always listen to the radio for any gridlock announcements so you can plan your route ahead, before actually arriving right in the middle of a traffic jam. 

5. Use Social Media

Technology has become a vital aspect of our lives. It has impacted our lives in various ways. Social media apps like twitter and facebook help with traffic updates. If you are on twitter, kindly follow @Gidi_traffic for current traffic updates. Confirming traffic updates before leaving for another location can help save time & unnecessary waste of fuel.

6. Avoid road where construction is ongoing Road Construction impacts free flow of traffic in no small way. With the right information, avoid roads undergoing repair or construction, especially at peak moments.

7. Make a mental note of weekly or monthly events in certain areas.

Certain areas are beset with heavy traffic because of social and religious events on weekly and bi-monthly basis. Note these events and seek alternatives.

Note these tips and do have a traffic-free ride always.

For necessary protection on your vehicle, contact us for great car insurance discounts.

Follow us on our twitter handle - @con_hallmark 

& facebook page - conhallmark

Visit our website for more tailor-made insurance covers at www.consolidatedhallmark.com

ARE YOU INSURED? FIND OUT IF YOUR INSURANCE IS ADEQUATE

The Nigerian law requires that every vehicle on the road must have the minimum of a third party auto insurance cover. This was enacted to solve the conflict that may arise when an accident occurs. This means that insurance will always step in if either or both parties involved in an accident have the minimum insurance.

What is auto insurance? Auto insurance is the insurance policy designed for vehicles. There are three (3) major forms of auto insurance. 

1. Third-party 

2. Third-party, fire and theft

3. Comprehensive 

As stated above the least auto insurance mandated by law is the third-party auto insurance. 

What is third-party insurance?

Third-party insurance is the policy designed to protect other people, vehicles and property in the event of an accident that was deemed to the fault of the insured.

Let say you drive into the rear of someone's car, causing damage to the bumper and injuring the driver. Third-party insurance would cover the cost of the other person's car and medical expenses. However, your own car damages will not be covered by the insurance.

Third-party, fire and theft insurance would also cover the same cost as third-party insurance with additional coverage as listed below;

ü  replacing your car if it's stolen

ü  fire damage to car

ü  damage because of an attempted theft e.g. broken window or stolen radio. 

Comprehensive insurance is the policy that covers the cost of your car from accidental damages and other damages outside an accident like theft, fire damages. The policy also protects the insured against damages to other people, vehicles and property if the accident is deemed your fault. This policy can also accommodate additional clauses to adequately protect the insured against unusual risks at additional cost. 

The policy also applies when fault can't be proven, e.g. if you return to your car after shopping to find that someone has hit you and driven off. The comprehensive auto insurance will compensate for the damage to your car.

How do you ensure your insurance is adequate? 

Drivers who bought any of the third-party auto insurance plan run the risk of being under-insured, that means the cover on their auto insurance policy are not adequate to cover the damages incurred from the unexpected accident.

That is because policies like third-party insurance and third-party, fire and theft insurance have limited coverage/compensation to the insured. 

However, with a comprehensive auto insurance cover you are completely and adequately protected from any extra liability or cost of damages you may have to bear either to your own car or to the third-party car or their properties.

Hence, we advise you to consider the complete protection of a comprehensive auto insurance cover and not just obey the law with the purchase of third party auto insurance cover. 

For more information, contact us on our twitter handle - @con_hallmark

                                                                                & facebook page – conhallmark

Visit our website for tailor-made insurance coverage at www.consolidatedhallmark.com

Enjoy 10% discount on every Quote

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Consolidated Hallmark excites clients with more claims payments

Customers of Consolidated Hallmark Insurance Plc had several reasons to be happy with the foremost underwriter during the Nine Months ended 30^th September 2016, as N1.296billion was expended on payment of claims to them during the period.

The amount paid out represents a 43% increase over the N902,208,592 paid out by the company during the corresponding financial period of 2015, a trend in line with the prompt claims settlement disposition of Consolidated Hallmark Insurance.

The Managing Director of the company, who is also the current chairman of the Nigerian Insurers Association, Mr. Eddie Efekoha has continually assured the numerous and rapidly growing clientele of Consolidated Hallmark of the very best in Customer Service delivery, culminating in prompt claims settlement.

A further glimpse at the results show a modest rise in Net underwriting income  from N2.558billion in 2015 to N3.02billion as at close of business on 30^th September, 2016.

The 18% increase (after provisions for reinsurance expenses and commissions/fees) is attributable to astute management by the firm, in spite of the prevailing economic situation in the country which has seen premium rates remaining stagnant or reducing while inflation spirals to double digit figures.

Consolidated Hallmark achieved a Gross Premium Income rise of N4.88bn when compared with the N4.65 recorded during the nine months period of 2015. 

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& facebook page - conhallmark

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We don’t Pay Lip Service to Customer Care - E.D Operations

Our Executive Director, Operations, Mrs. Mary Adeyanju who spoke as part of the company’s activities to mark this year’s Customer Service week in various offices across the country said “our customers are our heroes – that’s why we don’t just pay lip Service to Customer Satisfaction; we go all out to meet and surpass their expectations.’

Mrs Adeyanju asserted that Consolidated Hallmark has a policy of putting customers first. She said they are the reason the company is in, and remains in business, hence their satisfaction through prompt claims settlement cannot be compromised.

According to her, “our policy is simple, we place high premium on our Customers’ Satisfaction on all fronts. We put our Customers ahead because we can’t afford to kiss them goodbye. This year’s Customers Service Week is yet another opportunity to show our Customers how much they mean to us”, she said, adding that the rapidly expanding clientele base of the company over the years has drawn largely from various referrals from satisfied customers who continually pass the message on.

Our customers, Our Heroes.

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& facebook page - conhallmark

Visit our website for more tailor-made insurance covers at www.consolidatedhallmark.com

10 SAFE DRIVING STEPS YOU MUST KNOW.

The rainy season is back and the risk factor while driving on Nigeria road would increase significantly as records have shown that more vehicle accidents takes place due to the heavy flood and faulty cars.These are some General tips which can ensure you are safe while driving in this season, they are:

1.  Drive slow on rainy days when the roads are still wet as the stopping distance usually increases considerably on wet roads. Also, brakes may be slightly less effective on rainy days as water generally seeps into the brake pads and disks.

2.   In case it is raining heavily and you cannot see ahead, turn on the headlights and fog lights and drive at a cautious speed.

3.    The Air conditioner should be maintained properly and to use the demister, set the fan speed to low, turn the vent control to windscreen, set control to fresh outside air, and turn on the AC and it will help the car glasses from fogging up.

4.   If you are to drive through stagnant water, do not panic. Put the car in first gear and move ahead gently. Do not drive fast and once you step into stagnant water do not stop your car, just keep moving or water might get into the tail pipe.

5.  Battery condition should be checked, and a coat of petroleum jelly should be applied to the terminals.

6.   Drive only if it’s necessary - Yes, you’ve heard it on the weather forecast all the time, but people say it for a reason. Put simply, if you don’t go out, you can’t come to any harm on the road. Is your journey really that urgent or important?

7.  Maintain proper following distance (3 seconds rule). This needs to be increased in wet weather.

8.    Be more alert watching for brake lights in front of you.

9.   Don’t follow large trucks or buses too closely, because the spray created by their large tires can reduce vision.

10. Drive in the tracks of a vehicle ahead of you.

We wish you safe and comfortable driving during the rains. However for a more comprehensive protection during this season and all year round, check out our variant motor insurance products: goo.gl/Cvv29y & goo.gl/4bk3th

Follow us on our twitter handle - @con_hallmark 

& facebook page - conhallmark

Visit our website for more tailor-made insurance covers at www.consolidatedhallmark.com

RIDING SAFELY DURING THE LONG HOLIDAY

Riding bicycle is a healthy and fun way to exercise. During these long holiday, one of the fun activities that our children would love to engage in is riding their bicycle. Hence it is important to remember that a bicycle is not only a toy but a vehicle and needs to be ridden with care and safety.

Here are some cool and basic safety tips you and your children should know before riding:

Safe Riding Tips
Before using your bicycle, make sure it is ready to ride. You should always inspect your bike to make sure all parts are secure and working properly. 

Remember to:

• Wear a Properly Fitted Bicycle Helmet. Protect your brain, save your life.  
• Check your bicycle properly before riding. Inflate tires properly and check that brakes work perfectly. Do a Quick Bicycle Test; check your brakes and your wheels. Make sure that “quick release” wheels are properly secured.
• See and Be Seen. Whether daytime, dawn, dusk, or at night, you need to be seen by others. Wearing white has not been shown to make you more visible. Rather, always wear neon, fluorescent, or other bright colours when riding day or night. Also wear something that reflects light, such as reflective tape or markings, or flashing lights. Remember, just because you can see a driver doesn’t mean the driver can see you.
• Control Your Bicycle. Always ride with at least one hand on the handlebars.
• Stay Alert Keep a lookout for obstacles in your path.
• Obey all Traffic Laws & Lights
• Don’t Get Distracted Don’t listen to music or talk on the phone while riding.
• Watch for and Avoid Road Hazards. Be on the lookout for hazards such as potholes, broken glass, gravel, puddles, leaves, and dogs. All these hazards can cause a crash. If you are riding with friends and you are in the lead, yell out and point to the hazard to alert the riders behind you.
• Avoid Riding at Night. It is far more dangerous to ride at night than during the day because you are harder for others to see. If you have to ride at night, wear something that makes you more easily seen by others.
• Look, Signal & Look Again Use hand signals to let drivers and other bicyclists know where you’re going. Look and make eye contact. Don’t assume drivers will stop.

Many bicycle-related crashes resulting in injury or death are associated with the bicyclist’s behaviour, including such things as not wearing a bicycle helmet, riding into a street without stopping, turning left or swerving into traffic that is coming from behind, running a stop sign, and riding the wrong way in traffic. To maximize your safety, always wear a helmet AND follow the rules of the road.

Bicycle Safety for Children

The safest place for children riding bicycle is on the street and sidewalks, where bicycles are expected to stay safe with little or no traffic of motorist.

• Always wear a helmet and fasten it before riding.
• Ride on the right hand side of the road.
• Ride with friends.
• Always ensure that your tires have air in them.
• For riding on a sidewalk: 
• Watch for vehicles coming out of or turning into driveways.
• Stop at corners of sidewalks and streets to look for cars and to make sure the drivers see you before crossing. 
• Enter a street at a corner and not between parked cars. Alert pedestrians that you are near by saying, “Excuse me,” or, “Passing on your left,” or use a bell or horn.

Practicing these safe riding tips should guarantee you and your children a safe and incident-free riding activities during this holiday.

Follow us on our twitter handle - @con_hallmark 

& facebook page - conhallmark

Visit our website for our tailor-made insurance covers at www.consolidatedhallmark.com

Sources:

https://twitter.com/frscnigeria/status/451663661610708992

https://www.cityofmadison.com/bikeMadison/getBiking/10smartRules.cfm

http://www.nhtsa.gov/people/injury/pedbimot/bike/kidsandbikesafetyweb/

http://shoutslogans.com/biking-safety-slogans-and-sayings