PHILADELPHIA, June 21, 2007 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- With the official
start of the summer season, people across the country are planning for "fun
in the sun," most commonly saying swimming and biking will be part of their
summer activities, according to a survey conducted by Harris Interactive on
behalf of CIGNA Group Insurance.
Along with planning summer activities, people should also plan to take
extra precautions to stay safe. A new report released by the National
Safety Council (NSC) earlier this month shows the nation's accidental death
rate is up more than 20 percent over a 10-year period. The NSC warns that
at the current rate, the nation's all-time high of 116,385 accidental
deaths, set in 1969, could be surpassed in the next few years. In fact,
accidents are the leading cause of death for Americans under the age of 44,
and the 5th leading cause for people of all ages.(1)
The NSC reports that drowning claims the lives of nearly 3,000 people
every year. Approximately 540,000 bicyclists visit emergency rooms with
injuries every year, as noted by the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute.
According to the U.S. Coast Guard, the 4,969 boating accidents reported in
2005 resulted in 697 fatalities and 3,451 injuries. Among those who
drowned, 87 percent weren't wearing a life jacket.
"Nobody likes to think about the possibility that they or a loved one
might be involved in a serious accident," said Dan Berenbaum, senior
director of accident and specialty products for CIGNA Group Insurance. "But
planning ahead can help people limit risks to both their physical and
financial well- being."
According to the survey conducted by Harris Interactive, almost 90
percent of adults with children between the ages of 13-17 plan on
participating in a seasonal sport this year and about two-thirds of adults
with children under the age of 18 said they are going swimming as a
seasonal activity this year.
June is National Safety Month, and CIGNA wants to remind families to
take the necessary precautions to stay safe. Edward W. Schwartz, MD.,
Medical Director Adult Medicine and Urgent Care of CIGNA Medical Group of
Arizona offers this advice:
* Always wear a personal flotation device when boating, even if you are a
good swimmer.
* Never leave children unsupervised near a pool or other body of water.
* Wear bike helmets that are fitted correctly and be sure to use the
chinstrap.
* Stay hydrated in the heat. Often you become under-hydrated before your
thirst mechanism kicks in.
In addition to safeguarding their physical well-being, families should
consider protecting their financial security. Personal accident insurance
can provide financial protection of up to 10 times a person's salary,
without people needing to provide medical evidence of insurability. In the
survey, only 35 percent of respondents with children reported they have
accidental death and dismemberment insurance.
"Accident coverage provides much more than a financial payout following
a fatal injury," said Berenbaum. "In the event of a severe accident, this
coverage can also fill the gap left after health and disability insurance
by providing a lump-sum payment to help defray the costs associated with
needs such as vehicle modifications, retrofitting a home for wheelchair
accessibility, or rehabilitation services. Accident insurance provides
peace of mind to ensure your family is financially protected for just a few
dollars per paycheck - roughly the cost of a cup of coffee."
The Harris Poll study was conducted online on behalf of CIGNA Group
Insurance from January 30 to February 1, 2007 among 2,423 U.S. adults.
Sampling error is +/3. A full methodology is available upon request.
About CIGNA Group Insurance
CIGNA Group Insurance is a top provider of group term life, group
universal life, and group accident insurance, including voluntary accident
and business travel accident insurance. CIGNA Group Insurance provides
group disability, life and accident coverage in the United States and is
one of the top five providers of disability management and insurance with
solutions that focus on helping employees return to a productive work life
as quickly and safely as possible.
"CIGNA" and "CIGNA Group Insurance" are registered service marks and
refer to various operating subsidiaries of CIGNA Corporation including Life
Insurance Company of North America, CIGNA Life Insurance Company of New
York, and Connecticut General Life Insurance Company. Products and services
are provided by these operating subsidiaries and other contracted
companies, not by CIGNA Corporation.
About Harris Interactive
Harris Interactive is the 12th largest and fastest-growing market
research firm in the world. The company provides innovative research,
insights and strategic advice to help its clients make more confident
decisions which lead to measurable and enduring improvements in
performance. Harris Interactive is widely known for The Harris Poll, one of
the longest running, independent opinion polls and for pioneering online
market research methods. The company has built what it believes to be the
world's largest panel of survey respondents, the Harris Poll Online. Harris
Interactive serves clients worldwide through its United States, Europe and
Asia offices, its wholly-owned subsidiaries Novatris in France and
MediaTransfer AG in Germany, and through a global network of independent
market research firms. More information about Harris Interactive may be
obtained at http://www.harrisinteractive.com.
To become a member of the Harris Poll Online and be invited to
participate in online surveys, register at http://www.harrispollonline.com.
(1) National Safety Council's "Injury Facts," 2005-2006 Edition
SOURCE CIGNA Group Insurance
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Related links:
http://www.cigna.com
http://www.harrisinteractive.com
http://www.harrispollonline.com/
http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/165050.html /
CONTACT:
Judy Hartling of CIGNA Group Insurance,
+1-860-226-6272, Judy.Hartling@cigna.com
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