Life Tips

Having tough conversations with the family can be difficult, but it’s important to do so when necessary.

In this blog post, we will provide some tips for how to have those tough conversations in a way that is respectful and productive. We hope that you find these tips helpful.

Ready? Let’s begin.

1. Pick the right time and place

Having tough conversations with family can be difficult, but it is often necessary in order to maintain healthy relationships. The first step is to pick the right time and place.

Choose a time when everyone is calm and relaxed, and there are no distractions. It is also important to be honest about what you want to discuss.

Be clear and concise, and avoid attacking or blaming anyone. Furthermore, be prepared to listen to what others have to say. Family dynamics are complex, and it is important to remember that everyone has a different perspective.

2. Establish ground rules

Family gatherings can be a minefield of potential conflict. With so many people in one place, it’s inevitable that someone will say or do something that rubs someone else the wrong way.

If you’re dreading an upcoming family gathering, there are some things you can do to make it go more smoothly.

One of the most important things is to establish ground rules for the conversation. This might mean setting a time limit for certain topics, or agreeing to disagree on certain issues.

By establishing ground rules, you can help to keep the conversation from spiraling out of control. You might also want to consider doing a little bit of research before the gathering.

If you know there are certain topics that are likely to be controversial, take some time to familiarize yourself with the basics of the issue. This will help you to be better prepared to engage in respectful discussion.

3. Keep emotions in check

When it comes to tough conversations with family, it’s important to keep your emotions in check. If you’re feeling overly emotional, it’s likely that the conversation will become heated and less productive.

Furthermore, try to avoid personal attacks and instead focus on the issue at hand. It can be helpful to come prepared with specific examples or evidence to back up your position.

And finally, remember that it’s okay to agree to disagree. Not every family discussion has to end in total agreement.

Sometimes, the most important thing is just that everyone was able to share their thoughts and feelings openly.

4. Avoid distractions

When it comes to communicating with loved ones, it’s important to be present and fully engaged. That means putting away any distractions, such as your phone, and making eye contact.

You also want to be clear and concise when you’re speaking.

Get to the point quickly, and resist the urge to monologue. Family conversations can be tricky, but if you’re honest, respectful, and open-minded, you can make real progress on even the most sensitive topics.

And if things start to get heated, take a break and come back to the discussion when everyone has had a chance to cool down. With a little care and effort, you can navigate even the toughest conversations with your family.

5. Listen more than you talk

Having tough conversations with family can be difficult, but it is often necessary in order to maintain relationships. One of the most important things to remember is to listen more than you talk.

It can be tempting to try to explain your own point of view or to interrupt when someone else is speaking, but it is important to allow everyone a chance to express themselves.

Additionally, it is important to be respectful and avoid raising your voice or speaking in a condescending tone. Try to keep an open mind and refrain from judging or criticizing the opinions of others.

6. Stay positive

It’s never easy having tough conversations with the family. Whether it’s discussing a sensitive topic or dealing with conflict, these conversations can often be fraught with emotion. However, there are some things you can do to help make the conversation go more smoothly.

First, try to stay positive. It can be tempting to focus on the negative aspects of the situation, but doing so is likely to make the conversation more heated. Instead, try to emphasize the positive outcomes that you hope to achieve by having the discussion. This will help to keep everyone calm and focused on finding a resolution.

Secondly, attempt to be respectful of everyone’s opinions. It can be easy to get defensive when someone disagrees with you, but it’s important to remember that everyone is entitled to their own opinions.

Finally, be patient. These conversations can often take time, and it’s important to allow everyone to express their thoughts and feelings. With a little effort, you can have a productive and positive conversation with your family.

Final words

We know that having tough conversations with the family can be difficult. But we hope that by following these tips, you will be able to have productive and respectful conversations with your loved ones. If you are struggling you can always find the help of a family therapist who is trained in helping families heal and become healthier units.

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Would you believe that there are around six million car accidents every year in America?

While being a safe driver can lower your risk of getting into a crash, it’s important to remember that the roads are dangerous for everyone. If other drivers engage in risky behaviors, you could become a victim at any time.

It’s helpful to learn about auto accident causes so you can be a mindful driver whenever you hit the roads. Keep reading this guide so you can understand the most common types of car accidents drivers experience.

Rear-End Accidents

Rear-end crashes are one of the most common types of auto accidents because people can crash into drivers in front of them for various reasons. Distracted driving, slippery roads, poor tires, and quick braking are a few of the many causes.

T-Bone Accidents

T-bone collisions are when cars form the letter T when they hit each other. The main reason why T-bones occur is that people run red lights and crash into others who have the right of way.

T-bone crashes are especially dangerous for the person who’s sitting on the side of the car that’s impacted, so you need to call for car accident help right away.

Head-On Accidents

When it comes to auto accident injuries, head-on accidents are often the most deadly collisions. The reason why is that the force of two drivers hitting each other from opposite directions is much higher than many other kinds of accidents.

Sideswipe Accidents

Sideswipe accidents happen all of the time because of blind spots and reckless drivers. These accidents can occur when people are changing lanes or merging and they bump into a driver who’s next to them.

Understanding the steps of documenting a car accident can help you prove you’re not at fault so you can get the compensation you deserve.

Single-Car Accidents

Most people imagine at least two drivers when they think about car accidents, but people can crash by themselves as well. If the roads are wet or you swerve to miss an animal, then you could hit a telephone pole or get stuck in a ditch.

Multi-Car Accidents

Car accidents with two drivers are bad enough, but sometimes the conditions are right for even more people to get involved. For example, if a car slams into another driver at a stoplight, then they may be able to push their car into the driver in front of them like dominoes.

In other cases where crashes occur on a busy road or highway, more drivers can hit the stationary vehicles.

These Are the Most Common Types of Car Accidents

Knowing what to do after a car accident can help keep you safe and get the money you deserve to fix your car and any injuries. Now that you’ve learned about the top types of car accidents, you can remind yourself to stay alert at all times when you drive.

Do you feel like your lifestyle could use some improvements? Check out our blog to get inspired.

Did you know the American essential oils market is currently at $18.6 billion?

This industry growth led to the popularity of aromatherapy. People can use essential oils as mood boosters for relaxation. Nowadays, manufacturers are developing oils for pets.

Be careful when giving essential oils to your animal companions. Otherwise, they could suffer from allergic reactions and other side effects.

One of the most popular essential oils around is Eucalyptus Oil. Are you wondering whether it’s harmful to your pets? Read on and find out below:

Eucalyptus Oil for Dogs: Is It Safe?

According to the ASPCA, eucalyptus is a toxic plant for dogs since it contains eucalyptol. Yet, the amount of eucalyptus oil that is toxic to dogs is still unclear. They may not be allergic to eucalyptus oil, but eucalyptol can damage their liver or kidneys.

Animals can absorb eucalyptol through their skin. Thus, essential oils applied to the skin can induce negative symptoms. It’s also true for diffusing eucalyptus oil if done wrong.

Can Dogs Benefit from Using Eucalyptus Oil?

No studies show that eucalyptus oil is beneficial to dogs. Lemon eucalyptus oil is likely to repel fleas and other biting insects in the proper amounts. But it’s unclear if those amounts of essential oils are safe for dogs.

There’s also evidence that eucalyptus oil can benefit mice with gout arthritis disease. If this holds for different types of arthritis and in other species is not yet known.

Apart from a minor repelling effect, eucalyptus oil has no evident benefits for dogs.

Pet Products Containing Eucalyptus Oil

Despite the lack of proof, eucalyptus oil is in many pet products. They use the oil as a deodorant in dog washes and sprays.

Eucalyptus oil is also sometimes found in cleaners and ear wipes. It’s unclear if this is for bug-repellent capabilities or a pleasant aroma.

Even though these products only contain a tiny amount of eucalyptus oil, they can still pose a risk to your pet.

Is It Safe to Diffuse Eucalyptus Oil Around Pets?

Essential oil diffusion is a technique for dispersing aromatic particles in the air. Its purpose is to reap the benefits of these types of oil by breathing them in.

Aromatherapy oils help with respiratory disinfection and decongestion. They also have psychological advantages besides creating a pleasant scent.

Inhaling essential oils stimulates our olfactory system. Particles that enter the body through the nose or mouth travel to the lungs. They then transport to other areas of the body.

As these particles reach the brain, they affect our limbic system. This system links our emotions, heart rate, blood pressure, and hormone balance. Essential oils can have a profound effect on the body in this way.

It’s beneficial for you to diffuse eucalyptus essential oil. But, it might not be so for your dog without the best diffuser.

There is a pet-friendly way of diffusing essential oils and known best diffusers to do it. Check out the AromaTech website to learn how.

Prevent Eucalyptus Oil Poisoning in Pets

Use essential oils with caution around pets. It’s better to practice and research how to use them without the risk of poisoning your fur buddy. Plus, exercise utmost caution when introducing new products like eucalyptus oil.

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Teaching high school age students can be immensely rewarding and challenging. During the course of a career in education, many teachers and staff decide to switch up their roles and apply for leadership positions. Educational leaders have the ability to make a difference – not just to individual students but to a community as a whole. There are many fascinating and fulfilling roles in secondary-level educational leadership. This article details just a few of these career opportunities.

District Superintendent

School superintendents oversee the long-term strategic management of a school district, including several secondary schools. They liaise with principals and parents, act as mediators between schools and funding bodies and conduct many other significant administrative tasks. They are required to consistently review the strategic aims of the school district and conduct transparent consultation work in order to improve performances. District superintendents need to have a history of teaching and teaching leadership, and most superintendents need to hold graduate certificates in education.

Juvenile Detention Educator

A staggering number of American children and teenagers are held in juvenile detention centers. As might be expected, many of these minors have acute educational needs. The educational needs of incarcerated children are diverse and require a great deal of highly focused attention. Juvenile detention educators and administrators have a significant role to play in the eventual rehabilitation of troubled children. All too often, efforts to help children reintegrate into society have failed, and cycles of abuse, neglect, and violence continue unbroken. A 2017 report researched in juvenile detention facilities in Washington outlined some of the issues facing educators working in the field.

Roles in incarcerated youth education are immensely challenging. They can, however, be very rewarding for educators looking to genuinely improve the lives of vulnerable children through their work. The United States has a huge problem with mass incarceration, and educators have a big role in trying to counter this.

Education Technology Specialist

The technology used in secondary education is always evolving alongside technology in society as a whole. Education technology specialists act as consulting staff – advising principles and superintendents on the technology that they should adopt. Some background in either the technology sector or at a senior level within a schooling system is necessary in order to find work as part of a technology consultancy. Developments in educational technology have been extremely rapid in the last two years as the COVID-19 pandemic has forced schools to adopt remote learning solutions in order to safely continue educating students.

The pandemic has undoubtedly changed the relationship between education and technology forever. It may have simply accelerated a trend that may have gradually spread to all areas of secondary education regardless. Remote learning, for instance, was already seeing high levels of adoption by secondary education administrations before the crisis. Additional technological updates to education that were advancing before the onset of the pandemic included the use of smartphones in classroom settings and the adoption of Computer-Aided Design into vocational courses.

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Sometimes, you want to get away from civilization and get back to the bare essentials. Several people love going to the forest, the mountains, or even the coastline to get this opportunity.

If you enjoy going to remote places for camping, there’s one primary concern to consider: how will you get food? Some people pack lots of snacks and eat light on the trail. Others may sleep in a remote spot but drive into town to eat.

However, there is a third option. To get the full outdoors experience, you can master outdoor cooking.

Outdoor cooking is a rustic and fun way to prepare your meals in the great outdoors. We’ll give you all the tips you need in this cooking guide!

Outdoor Cooking Tips: Cut Your Ingredients Before Heading Out

One of the best ways to cook outdoors is to start indoors. When you reach your campsite, preparing food can be challenging and annoying. The less work you have to do on arrival, the better.

So, chop your meats and vegetables before you head out. From there, store the ingredients in plastic bags to keep them sealed.

As a side note, remember to freeze your meat in a cooler. Otherwise, you’ll have to eat all your meat on day one. After that, it’s liable to expire.

Only Take the Cookware You’ll Use

When you go camping, it’s tempting to bring as much cookware as possible for the sake of having options. In reality, though, you’ll likely use a few core tools.

What sorts of items should you bring, then? We suggest a cast-iron skillet or Dutch oven.

Having some Barebones enamelware is another excellent option. From there, bring whatever pots, pans, skillets, and other cookware.

Some people think that the best way to cook outdoors is by cooking over an open fire. However, don’t do this directly. Doing so can make it nearly impossible to get an even cook.

Instead, leave your grill a little elevated over the fire. This allows for a much even crisp, giving a more desirable taste and texture.

Aluminum Foil Is Your Friend

When you go camping, aluminum foil is one of the best assets you can have. This material is perfect for wrapping food for later use and keeping your food warm. You can even use it as a cooking method for cooking the material over a fire.

Cover Food While Cooking

Covering pots and pans helps your meal cook faster, which any tired and hungry camper appreciates. However, it also helps keep your food clean of any insects that may creep into the grill.

Insects aren’t the only things that can make their way into your grill. Falling leaves, dust, and several other things might infiltrate the grill. Instead of dealing with this, cover your food as you cook.

Prepare for Your Trip!

Insects aren’t the only things that can make their way into your grill. Falling leaves, dust, and several other things might infiltrate the grill. Instead of dealing with this, cover your food as you cook.

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The elderly population in the UK has reached a record high. Figures have shown that the number of adults aged 100-years-old has increased by a massive 52 per cent. This naturally puts a bigger burden on those who need care, whether it’s care at home, or whether they need to find a care home to support their needs. Here, we take a look at the numbers in more depth.

In 2020, the number of adults in the UK aged 100-years-old and over reached a record high of 15,120, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). It is believed that this is an increase of around one-fifth in comparison to 2019. The 18 per cent increase was driven by a huge boost in the number of 100-year-olds specifically, which increased by 52 per cent, from 4,980 in 2019 to 7,590 in 2020.

What’s behind the numbers

One of the reasons for this is because of the sharp 45 per cent increase in the number of births that happened in the year after WW1, i.e. between 1919 and 1920, which was compounded by improvements in quality of life and healthcare. Throughout the United Kingdom, Wales has the highest proportion of both female and male centenarians. In Wales, there are 25 people aged 100 and over per every 100,000 of the population. This is in comparison to 18 per 100,000 in Northern Ireland and Scotland, as well as 23 per 100,000 in England.

In 2020, the population’s growth rate for those aged 90-years-old and above slowed down in comparison to previous years. For example, from 2019, it increased by just 0.7 per cent, in comparison with the 3.6 per cent increase from the year before. Experts believe that one of the reasons why there may have been a slow down in the growth is because of Covid-19, as the data covers the mid-part of the year all the way through until the 30th of June 2020, which includes the pandemic’s very early months. It was in April 2022 that the peak in the number of Covid-related deaths occurred. During this time, the highest mortality rate for coronavirus was those aged 90-years-old and above.

Angela Storey, of the Centre for Ageing and Demography at the ONS, has spoken on the issue, stating that the increase in the population aged 90-years-old and above slowed during the year prior to mid-2020, there has been a big increase in the number of people aged 100-years-old and higher. She stated the growth decline in those over 90-years-old was likely due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

When compared with the previous year, centenarians have increased by almost one-fifth. This has been driven by people who were born after World War One’s birth spike now turning 100-years-old. Of course, we must also cite living standards and public health improving over the past century as well.

Growing demand for better care services

As the population gets older, the demands on the elderly care market increase considerably. More and more people prefer to receive care in the comfort of their own homes if they need assistance as they get older, according to the 2021 “Better At Home” Report from the Live-In Care Hub. Either way it is important to receive the care and assistance required so you can live the best quality of life for as long as possible.

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Cats make excellent pets, and while they have a reputation for being aloof, they are very affectionate creatures. They can also make better pets for those who don’t have the same time to commit to looking after a dog as cats tend to be more independent, which is what makes them so attractive to people who are wanting to become pet owners. If you have recently brought a cat home to live with you, or are thinking about getting one, here are some tips to help you look after your cat properly.

Find a Reputable Vet Clinic

Just like you rely on doctors to help you maintain good health, pets need to see the vet for health checks and treatments when they are sick. One of the first things you need to do when you bring a cat into your home is to find a reputable vet clinic near you. Shop around to find the best rates and to make sure that your vet can offer a variety of treatments on-site as this will make your life easier in the long run. This vet McKinney Tx clinic is a great example of what you should look for when choosing one for your cat.

Microchipping or GPS Trackers

Cats tend to roam and if you’re planning to let your cat explore outside, then it’s smart to either have them microchipped or purchase a GPS tracker that you can put on their collars. The latter will link to an app on your smartphone so you can check in with your cat when they aren’t at home. This can be great for pet owners who want peace of mind that their furry friends are safe and won’t get lost.

Food

Your cat will need to be fed a nutritious diet if you want to keep them healthy, so you must be making sure they are having the right food. You can speak to the vet about what they would recommend as a balanced diet for your cat, as different species might have special dietary requirements. Your cat might also have a food allergy that is aggravated by certain brands of cat food, so that is something else to look out for. You should also avoid giving your cat cows milk, as this isn’t easy for them to digest, and try to avoid giving them food from your plate or letting them lick plates after you have eaten, as food that is OK for you won’t necessarily be OK for them.

Play with Them

Cats might spend a lot of their time napping throughout the day, but they still need to expend energy to burn calories and stay fit. Spending some time in the afternoons or evenings playing with your cat can help you bond with them, but it will also get them moving. Kittens, in particular, will want to play with you more so as they will consider you to be their playmate, and this is fun for them. If you don’t play with your cat, you might notice that they misbehave more to get your attention or due to frustration and boredom.

If you have recently become a cat owner or intend to become one soon, use these tips to help make sure your cat is getting all the love and care that they deserve.

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If you have some spare time and want to do something positive with it, volunteering is a fantastic choice. The best part is that there are so many volunteering opportunities out there that you’re almost guaranteed to find an option that suits your schedule, skills, and interests. Looking for some inspiration? Below are a few ideas to get you started, all of which should be possible for you to do in your local area. They’re divided into three broad categories – helping people, animals, and the environment – to make it easier to find one that genuinely appeals to you.

If you still can’t make up your mind, you could always try taking part in a few one-off events for different causes. Doing so will enable you to get a better feel for what each type of volunteering is like, before making a more significant commitment.

To help people

Volunteering to help a stranger is perhaps one of the most common options available, with a huge range in the sorts of jobs you can do. For instance, you could tutor a disadvantaged child, cook and serve food in a soup kitchen, give blood, teach English to refugees, or chat to lonely older people on the phone and help them with daily tasks. These are just a few ideas, but as you can see, there are chances to work with people of all different ages and backgrounds – meaning you can utilize your personal skills to the fullest. Great with tech? Teach senior citizens how to use their smartphones or iPads. Know a second language? Help with translation for people who don’t speak English. Contact local Houston charities or nonprofits in your city to find out more and get started.

To help animals

If your passion is working with animals, one of the most enjoyable volunteering opportunities for you could be to foster an unwanted cat or dog (or maybe a few!). This involves caring for them in your home until they are either old enough, healthy enough, or socialized enough to be placed in a forever home. Can’t have pets in your house? A fantastic alternative is to lend a hand at your local animal sanctuary. Here you’ll help to feed the cats and dogs, clean their kennels, groom them, walk the dogs, and maybe also administer certain basic medications. You could also make a difference by supporting campaigns that encourage people to adopt abandoned pets from shelters rather than buy animals from unethical breeders.

To help the environment

Climate change is a huge issue, so it’s natural to want to volunteer to help save the planet. One great way to do this is by helping out at an organized cleanup event at a local beach, park, or woodland area. Can’t find one in your region? Arrange your own event with a group of friends instead! Other options include joining schemes to plant trees, maintaining walking trails in rural locations, and conducting wildlife surveys. There’s normally a good selection of one-off events as well as regular ones, giving you plenty of flexibility in how often and where you volunteer.

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You’re probably planning to sell your home because you need urgent cash or you need a bigger house for your growing family. Whatever the reason is, investing some effort and time to prepare it for sale is something you should do. There are certain things you can do to sell it fast and at a higher price.

This article will be your guide as you prepare your home for sale.

Check parts that need repair

Before enhancing your home’s looks, the first thing you need to do is identify which part of your home needs immediate repair. This is an important step that you need to take, most especially if you have been living there for a very long time. From broken tiles and cabinets to leaks and other damages, you should be able to fix everything before you open your home to the public. Make sure that no door squeaks and all windows are opening and closing properly.

Also, make sure that you pay attention to your bathroom. The bathroom is usually the first area in the house that buyers check. Check your sink if there’s no leak, and also ensure that the bathroom has enough storage. If there’s a need to replace your old bathtub, do it. Consider getting a walk-in bath as this will give your bathroom a chic and modern look. You may be spending a bit, but this will give you more chances of making your home more appealing to prospective buyers.

Clean and keep the house clutter-free

Once you get all issues fixed, the next step would be to declutter. Decluttering can help make your home look and feel spacious. Get rid of things you don’t need and make room for new stuff to make the house look more inviting. Keep the house clean and do this regularly. Maintaining the cleanliness of the home will give buyers the impression that it is easy to manage.

Give it a fresh coat of paint

Paint is an essential aspect of any house. So, if you wish to make your home look more appealing, consider giving it a fresh coat of paint. New paint will make your home feel and look new. With the right choice of colour, every room in the house will look bigger and cosier. That’s why you need to be mindful of your choice of colour. It’s still best to go for neutral colours as these colours can go well with anything. The house will be easier to decorate when it’s painted beige and grey.

By following these simple tips, you will undoubtedly sell your home faster. As long as you keep your home clean, clutter-free, looking new, and free from any damages, you will undeniably impress potential buyers. Adding a little décor will also help make your home look better. Preparing your house for sale will require you to invest more time and effort, and money, as well, but you will get returns that are more than what you expected.

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If you work in the medical or healthcare sector, you may be aware of what medical indemnity is and what it entails. It is, in the very simplest of terms, insurance that relates to medical malpractice. It is designed to protect surgeons from claims made against them by former patients and covers the various legal costs involved. If you want to expand your existing knowledge, continue reading to familiarise yourself with the different types of medical indemnity.

Occurrence based

In order to gain a well-rounded understanding of medical indemnity, you must do your research. This includes researching the different types available to you and when you may need to opt for a particular type as opposed to another, for example. Occurrence based medical indemnity provides coverage for accidents or emergencies that occur during the length of time within which the policy or membership period is valid regardless of when the claim is made. This means that if you are paying the correct subscription rate at the time the incident occurred, you will be fully covered. If you are looking to brush up on your existing knowledge of the different types of medical indemnity as an employee of the medical or healthcare sector or former patient, it may also benefit you to familiarise yourself with a useful explanation of medical indemnity as well as when it may be necessary.

Claims based

In addition to occurrence based medical indemnity, claims based medical indemnity is also available. It differs from occurrence based medical indemnity in that it only provides coverage for accidents or emergencies that occur during the length of time within which the policy or membership period is valid provided that the claim is also made and reported during this time. If the policy or membership period has lapsed, however, you will not be covered and you will be forced to contend with the legal costs of a claim that is brought against you yourself. In order to protect yourself from further claims that were accrued but not reported during the period of time in which you were covered, you may require what is known as run-off coverage. It is a common belief that claims based medical indemnity provides robust protection and is pro-defence over pro-pay in the event of a claim. This is one of the main reasons why medical practitioners and business owners favour this type of medical indemnity over others.

Contractual and discretionary

As well as occurrence based and claims based medical indemnity, contractual and discretionary medical indemnity may also be valid options. Contractual medical indemnity is, as the name suggests, a contractual obligation to provide monetary compensation for loss or damage. Discretionary medical indemnity is, on the other hand, the provision of legal and financial assistance at the discretion of the provider. This may be necessary in the event that an insurance contract between the healthcare professional and the provider is not backed, for example. It is worth noting that with discretionary medical indemnity, however, the organisation can exercise discretion in refusing to assist you regardless of whether or not you have paid the correct fees and are in the appropriate subscription category.

If you are curious as to which type of medical indemnity you are entitled to or that is available to you as an employee in the medical or healthcare sector, you must do your research. By doing so, you can find out everything you need to know about occurrence based, claims based, and contractual and discretionary medical indemnity and weigh up the pros and cons of each before making an informed decision.

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