We all at some time have to sort through our deceased parents or family papers and come across old insurance policies from companies we have never heard of. How can we find out if these companies still exist under another name and if the policies are worth anything. Some of these policies are still valid and held by companies who took over the original insurance company or merged.

There is a web site that can be of help www.policydetective.co.uk however whilst this site is free to use, you may well have to sign in as a user which could mean they will try to sell you insurance and other services at a later date. If you are strong willed enough to deala with pushy salemen why not give it a try.

It has been reported by a number of researchers that it only takes 30 minutes a day of brisk walking to cut the risk of falling victim to up to two dozen illnesses, including dimentia and cancer. Taking the time fora brisk daily walk could also have other major health benefits by slowing down the rate at which our bodies deteriorate with age.

Researchers made the dramatic claims after examining 40 previous studies over the last four years. They found that being fit and active ranks alongside not smoking as the most powerful choice we can make to stay healthy. The benefits are universal, helping men and women in all age groups. The study classed regular moderate physical activity as 150 minutes a week, like a 30 minute bike or a brisk walk lasting the same time, five days a week.

The researchers say this is associated with a decreased risk of heart disease and stroke. There is also growing evidence that this daily bout of exercise could also decrease the risk of dementia in older age. It is also suggested other benefits could include a reduced risk of a list of other conditions such as osteoporosis, type 2 diabetes, depression, obesity and high blood pressure. Research has also found that a simple half hour a day of exercise was associated with a reduction in the risk of cancer.

If the excercise can be stepped up to an hour a day, then the gains rise as well, with the incidence of cancer falling even more. Evidence, however, is mixed when it comes to specific cancers. Research has shown a strong relationship between increased physical activityand reduced colon cancer in both sexes.
Men who are more active at work rather than just sitting at a desk, have lower rates of prostate cancer, according to the report in the International Journal of Clinical Practice.

Other cancer studies have shown that physical activity after diagnosis can aid recovery and improve chances of survival. Physiotherapist Leslie Alford a lecturer at the University of East Anglia, said: “It appears our bodies have evolved to function optimally on a certain of physical activity that many of us simply do not achieve in our modern, sedentary lifestyles.”

“What is clear from the research is that men and women of all ages should be encouraged to be more physically active for the sake of their long term health”. He added that other factors can boost the effects of a daily walk, such as not smoking, eating healthily and not being overweight.