What Can I Do if I Miss Paying My Life Insurance Premium?

Life insurance or life assurance is a contract between the policy owner and the insurer, where the insurer agrees to pay a designated beneficiary a sum of money upon the occurrence of the insured individual's or individuals' death or other event, such as terminal illness or critical illness. In return, the policy owner agrees to pay a stipulated amount called a premium at regular intervals or in lump sums. There may be designs in some countries where bills and death expenses plus catering for after funeral expenses should be included in Policy Premium. In the United States, the predominant form simply specifies a lump sum to be paid on the insured's demise.





We all buy life insurance
to protect the people we love after we're gone. To maintain our coverage we must, of course, pay for our policies. Most people make monthly premium payments.

However, with the unemployment rolls increasing, more and more people miss an occasional payment. This article looks at how you can fix this problem.

If you miss paying any premiums your insurer will contact you and advise you that they haven't received your payment. They do this because it could be a banking error or a simple oversight on your part.

They'll also tell you that unless you pay your premium within a set amount of time - your grace period - they will automatically cancel your policy.

Pay Your Premium within the Grace Period

If you miss a life insurance payment most companies have a thirty to thirty-one day grace period within which you can make your payment and not suffer any negative consequences whatsoever. Even if you die within this grace period your beneficiaries will collect the death benefits. However whatever premium is due will first be deducted.

The bad news is that if the grace period ends and you still haven't made your premium payment your life insurance policy will lapse. Some life insurance companies will permit you to reinstate your lapsed policy within certain timeframes. However you will first have to prove that you are insurable, pay off any outstanding loans you might have against your policy, and pay them all of your overdue premiums plus whatever interest has accrued.

And if you are accepted your premium will probably be higher because you will be older. In addition, if your health has substantially deteriorated your premium may be considerable higher. If the situation is extreme you might be uninsurable.

A Possible Solution - Have Your Payment Withdrawn From Your Cash Value

1) You may be able to protect yourself against your policy lapsing if you own a cash value policy. With your authorization your insurance company can withdraw money from your insurance policy's cash value to take care of your payments. Keep in mind, though, that this will only keep your policy active if you have cash value.

An Additional Solution - Protect Yourself When You Buy Your Life Insurance Policy

2) If you want to preclude the possibility of losing your life insurance coverage you may be able to add a

"Waiver of Premium"

option to your policy. If you have this waiver and become unemployed or cannot work temporarily because of an accident or illness your insurer will take over the payments until you return to work once you have contacted them and informed them of the situation.

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A Cherry A Day Can Keep Diabetes Away. Can increase insulin production by fifty percent.

A Cherry A Day Can Keep Diabetes Away
Can increase insulin production by fifty percent.

Cherries may one day be part of diabetes treatment. The sweet and tart versions of the fruit contain chemicals that boost insulin, which helps control blood sugar levels.

The chemicals are called anthocyanins. They occur naturally in cherries, giving them their bright red color. Anthocyanins also tint other fruits, vegetables, and flowers with bright reds, blues, and purples. Fruit containing the chemicals has shown promise in reducing heart disease risk.

The same might also be true for diabetes. Michigan State University researchers recently isolated several anthocyanins from cherries, testing them on insulin-producing pancreatic cells taken from rodents.

The cells pumped up their insulin production by 50% when exposed to the anthocyanins. In one case, insulin production nearly doubled when exposed to the most active anthocyanin.

That's promising, but anthocyanins need to be tested on animals and humans before they're recommended for diabetes treatment. "We're excited with the laboratory results so far, but more studies are needed," says researcher Muralee Nair, PhD, in a news release.

More than just cherries are loaded with anthocyanins. The chemicals are also found in red grapes, strawberries, blueberries, vegetables, and wine, cider, and tea. However, the biggest insulin effects seem to come from the type of anthocyanins found in cherries.

One day, anthocyanins might be the building block for new diabetes treatments. Meanwhile, don't rely on cherries to control insulin problems. But since anthocyanins aren't toxic to humans, there's no harm in eating cherries as part of a healthy diet.
Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, Jan 5th, 2005

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Gout is an extremely painful form of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the system

Gout is an extremely painful form of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the system. It's most common in overweight men over age 40. Losing weight, eating right, reducing the amount of alcohol in your diet and drinking plenty of water help reduce uric acid levels, decreasing the frequency and intensity of flare-ups. The recommended diet for gout is low in purine-rich foods (purine is a protein byproduct) and high in anti-inflammatory foods, such as omega-3 fats, berries and cherries.
Uric Acid Metabolism

Uric acid is a normal part of metabolism, made by our bodies when purines are broken down (a byproduct of protein foods). Usually, uric acid is dissolved in the blood, filtered by the kidneys and excreted from the body through urine. Those suffering from gout either produce too much uric acid or are unable to efficiently excrete it. Over time, uric acid condenses and forms sharp crystals around joints, resulting in inflammation and severe pain. Attacks come and go but may last for weeks. Deposits of these crystals (tolphi) build up around joints and cartilage, increasing in size over time. Long-term results may be crippled joints and the development of uric acid kidney stones. Drug therapy and lifestyle modifications are beneficial for decreasing attacks.
Control Your Weight

Obese people have higher levels of uric acid in the bloodstream. Thus, staying in a healthy weight range offers protection against gout. Interestingly, even a slight weight gain (six to 10 lbs.) in early adulthood increases the risk of developing gout. Those who are able to control their weight typically eat a calorie-controlled diet that's low in total and saturated fats.
Avoid Purine-Rich Foods

Eliminate foods that are high in purines. These are typically protein-rich foods, but there are other foods and beverages that contain significant amounts of purines. Doing this helps prevent severe symptoms and may enhance the effectiveness of drug therapy. Foods to be avoided on a low-purine diet include: organ meats (liver, kidney and sweetbreads), sardines, anchovies, mackerel, canned fish, mussels, beef, pork roast, chocolate, beer, red wine and beans. Foods that offer a moderate amount of purines (eat less of these foods) include: peas, legumes, oatmeal, spinach, asparagus, mushrooms and luncheon meats.
Beverages

Drink alcohol in moderation. It can worsen gout in two ways. Alcohol increases the body's production of uric acid, and it impairs the kidney's ability to excrete the uric acid. Heavy red wines have the highest purine content. Drinking water, on the other hand, helps flush the kidneys and dilutes the uric acid in the bloodstream. Juices count as well. Aim for at least 10 cups daily. If you want to drink juice, choose black or tart cherry juice and/or pomegranate juice. Both of these contain phytonutrients (disease-fighting plant compounds) that are anti-inflammatory. Water them down to decrease sugar content. Try drinking non-fat milk as well. Non-fat milk (and low-fat yogurt) have health benefits that include decreasing elevated uric acid levels in the bloodstream.
Eat More Anti-Inflammatory Foods

Consume healthy fats, especially omega-3 fats, in moderation. This essential fatty acid has anti-inflammatory benefits. Choose vegan sources of omega-3 fats such as walnuts, flaxseeds, and flax and canola oil. Cherries and other dark red/blue berries are rich in compounds that protect collagen from being destroyed (an effect of gout). These berries contain an antioxidant flavonoid chemical group known as anthocyanins (that give them their bluish-red hue). Anthocyanins fight inflammation, characteristic of any type of arthritis. Tart cherries are also rich in one powerful antioxidant known as quercetin. Quercetin acts as an anti-inflammatory agent as well. Eating blueberries, strawberries and especially cherries daily may alleviate pain because of their powerful anti-inflammatory properties.


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Good foods for gout . whats should i eat i have gout?

Cherries have a natural anti-inflammation power.
Drink a Glass of cherry juice or 20 pieces of cherries
or 1 tablespoon of cherry concentrate.


What Should You Eat?

Dietary restrictions suggest what people should not eat, but what should people eat? What foods will help control gout attacks? The American Medical Association recommends the following dietary guidelines for people with gout, advising them to eat a diet:

* high in complex carbohydrates (fiber-rich whole grains, fruits, and vegetables)

* low in protein (15% of calories and sources should be soy, lean meats, or poultry)

* no more than 30% of calories in fat (with only 10% animal fats)

Recommended Foods To Eat

* Fresh cherries, strawberries, blueberries, and other red-blue berries
* Bananas
* Celery
* Tomatoes
* Vegetables including kale, cabbage, parsley, green-leafy vegetables
* Foods high in bromelain (pineapple)
* Foods high in vitamin C (red cabbage, red bell peppers, tangerines, mandarins, oranges, potatoes)
* Drink fruit juices and purified water (8 glasses of water per day)
* Low-fat dairy products
* Complex carbohydrates (breads, cereals, pasta, rice, as well as aforementioned vegetables and fruits)
* Chocolate, cocoa
* Coffee, tea
* Carbonated beverages
* Essential fatty acids (tuna and salmon, flaxseed, nuts, seeds)
* Tofu, although a legume and made from soybeans, may be a better choice than meat

Foods considered moderately high in purines but which may not raise the risk of gout include: asparagus, cauliflower, mushrooms, peas, spinach, whole grain breads and cereals, chicken, duck, ham, turkey, kidney and lima beans. It is important to remember that purines are found in all protein foods. All sources of purines should not be eliminated.

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Bad foods for gout . Foods to avoid for Gout:. I have gout what should i eat?

Foods and Other Things to Avoid

• Meat: organ meats, offal, meat extracts, veal, bacon, sweetbreads, meat gravies and broths, consommé/bullion
• Poultry: turkey, goose
• Seafood: salmon, mackerel, trout, cod, herring, sardines, anchovies, mussels, crab, shrimp
• Vegetables: peas, beans, lentils, asparagus, mushrooms, cooked spinach, rhubarb, cauliflower
• Yeast products: baked goods, beer
• Alcohol - it increases the production of uric acid and inhibits its excretion by the kidneys
• Coffee - it accelerates the breakdown of protein into uric acid
• All fried foods - they cause a depletion of vitamin E, which can cause uric acid to rise
• Cream and ice cream
• Rich desserts
• Spices
• Pastries
• Simple sugars, simple carbohydrates and saturated fats - they increase your body's production of uric acid and impair your kidneys' ability to get rid of it. Eliminate fructose (found in food and drinks, like sodas)
• White flour
• Aspirin can raise uric acid levels. If you need to use pain killers, only use ones with ibuprofen.
• Oatmeal
• Whole grains
• Caffeine - it impairs kidney function, which is needed to get uric acid out of the body.

Prevention

• One of the best ways to prevent gout is to drink at least 6-8 eight ounce glasses of water, fresh juices or herb tea daily, especially at the first signs of gout. This will keep your urine diluted and will help your body excrete uric acid and prevent crystals from forming.
* Eat foods high in potassium, as mentioned above.
• Eating generous amounts of other fruits and vegetables helps keep uric acid crystals in solution.
• Take the flavonoid quercetin - see below under Folk Remedies. This should be part of your permanent gout-prevention diet.
• Lemon juice prevents gout attacks by stimulating the formation of calcium carbonate in the body. Calcium carbonate neutralizes acids in the body, including uric acid that triggers gout attacks. After each meal drink the juice of one freshly squeezed lemon in a glass of lukewarm water. To get more juice out of the lemon, bring it to room temperature, then roll it around on the counter with the palm of your hand.
• Taking 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda with meals will prevent gout attacks. This will help alkalize the body.
• Keep the leg elevated.
• A high fiber diet also aids in the elimination of uric acid by absorbing bile acids formed in the liver. These bile acids can act as a precursor to uric acid.

Supplements

Low-purine diets are low in vitamins B, E and other antioxidants, so supplementation will be necessary to prevent damage from free radicals that can intensify gouty problems.

B complex One to three 50 mg tablets of the complete B complex daily, plus 500 mg of pantothenic acid (B5) in divided doses to assist the body's conversion of uric acid into harmless compounds.

Bromelain 500 mg twice daily as an anti-inflammatory.

Fish oil Take 2 grams of fish oil capsules 2x a day to reduce the chances of gouty inflammation.

L-glutamine 500 mg four times daily on an empty stomach - is an antacid.

L-glutathione 500 mg twice daily on an empty stomach - increases renal cleansing of uric acid.

L-glycine 500 mg four times daily between meals - acts as an antacid.

L-methionine 250 mg twice daily on an empty stomach - detoxifies purines.

Magnesium citrate 400 mg three times a day - an antispasmodic to relieve pain.

Shark cartilage used on a daily basis of 3-6 capsules/day can make the pain disappear and allow you to eat previously forbidden foods within one week without experiencing pain in the affected joint. After approximately one month of continuous use, you may stop taking the cartilage until the pain reoccurs. At this point you will probably only need to take the cartilage (3-6 capsules) for a week or two. You may continue this on/off cycle as needed. Your uric acid level may return to normal, but even if it doesn't, the pain will go away.

Tissue salts To prevent the formation of uric acid crystals, take two tablets of 6X Silicea three times a day. During a gout attack, increase the dosage to three tablets and add an equal amount of Nat. Phos. and Nat. Sulph.

Vitamin C 1,000 mg per hour at the very outset of a gout attack, then reduce to 500-3,000 mg daily for maintenance. Vitamin C helps lower serum uric acid levels.

Vitamin E Low-purine diets are low in vitamin E and fried foods deplete it, so supplementation will be necessary as a deficiency can contribute to the formation of excess uric acid. Begin with 100 IU of natural vitamin E, and slowly increase to 6-800 IU daily.


Acupressure

• Press just below the center of the nose toward the upper lip.

• Press and massage between the ball of the foot and the bottom of the big toe on each foot; then on the left foot only, stimulate a point halfway between the base of the little toe and the heel pad.

• Press inward and upward on the underside of the protuberance at the base of the skull.

• On both hands, press and massage a point on the inside of the pad at the base of the thumb directly beneath the index finger; then on the left palm only, stimulate a point halfway between the base of the little finger and the wrist.


Remedies
Folk

Alfalfa is a good source of minerals and other nutrients that help reduce serum uric acid.

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) Add some rose hips to vinegar and boil; dab on affected area. You may need to apply this mixture several times a day for a few weeks. The vinegar changes the blood pH so that the crystals will go into solution and be excreted.

• Mix two teaspoons each of apple cider vinegar and raw honey in a glass of water and drink at mealtime.

• Soak the foot in a mixture of 1/2 cup of ACV and three cups of hot water.

Bilberry is high in anthocyanosides and flavonoids, which are helpful in overcoming gout.

Black cherry juice Get some natural, concentrated black cherry juice and drink several tablespoons of the concentrate daily. You should expect relief in 48 hours.

Black cohash moderates blood acidity.

Blueberries are high in anti-inflammatory compounds called anthocyanins, which help ease the pain of gout.

Buchu tea helps dissolve and flush out uric acid crystals.

Castor oil packs Soak a piece of white flannel in warm castor oil, wring it out and place over the affected area; cover with plastic wrap and apply a heating pad. Do this for one hour twice daily.

Cayenne pepper Boil one tablespoon of pepper in 1 cup of vinegar and 1 cup of water and dab onto the painful joint.

• Mix cayenne with enough wintergreen oil to make a paste and apply to the affected area.

Celery seeds These seeds are quite effective in relieving gout by eliminating uric acid from the body. According to James Duke, Ph.D., a medical botanist formerly with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, celery seeds contain about twenty different anti-inflammatory agents. Although there is little scientific research on celery seeds, according to Kerry Bone, a leading expert on herbal remedies in Australia, "it (sic) works brilliantly in patients." Recommended dosage is 500 mg (standardized to 450 mg of celery seed extract) 2x daily. Note: This remedy is not to be used by pregnant women because of its diuretic effect and the fact that it can encourage uterine contractions, or those with kidney disease because of its potential diuretic effect and that the plant's oils can worsen kidney inflammation.

• Cook a tablespoon of celery seeds in two cups of water until they are soft; strain and drink 1/2 cup four times a day.

Charcoal Take 1/2 -1 teaspoon of activated charcoal daily.

• Make a poultice using 1/2 cup of activated charcoal, 3 tablespoons of ground flaxseed and warm water to draw out the toxins.

Cherries If you are lucky enough to have fresh cherries, eating 6-8 cherries daily will relieve the symptoms of gout. This remedy was reported in 1950 by Dr. Ludwig W. Blau who cured his own gout. Frozen and canned cherries may also be used. When you feel an attack coming on, eat 20-30 cherries immediately. Cherries are rich in compounds that prevent the destruction of collagen, which the body uses to form connective tissue. The connective tissue is damaged by gout. Cherries also have an enzyme that neutralizes uric acid and are high in anthocyanins which have high antioxidant properties as well as anti-inflammatory action. For greatest effectiveness eat them between meals.

Devil's claw reduces uric acid levels and is a natural cleansing agent for toxic impurities. Take 400 mg of the dried extract 3x a day for as long as desired.

DMSO (dimethylsulfoxide) is very effective in relieving pain and swelling caused by inflammation. It helps dissolve crystalline deposits.

Garlic Eat several cloves of raw garlic daily. Mince the garlic and add it to black cherry juice for a potent remedy.

Ginger Put 1/3 cup of ground ginger (buy in bulk to keep the cost down) in a bathtub of water and soak for 30 minutes. This will cause you to sweat (a good thing) which will help eliminate the uric acid from your tissues. When you are finished the bath be sure to rinse off thoroughly, as the ginger can cause skin irritation if it dries on your skin.

Grapes are high in alkalines which lessen the acidity of uric acid and aid in its elimination from the body.

Hawthorn is high in anthocyanosides and flavonoids, which are helpful in overcoming gout.

Hydrangea is an anti-inflammatory.

Ice Apply an ice pack for ten minutes, then alternate with a moist hot-towel compress, to soothe and numb the pain.

Mullein Soak mullein leaves in a hot vinegar/water mixture. Pack the leaves on the affected area.

Nettle contains alkaloids which neutralize uric acid.

Parsley acts as a natural diuretic.

Quercetin The flavonoid quercetin inhibits uric acid production in a similar fashion to commonly prescribed drugs for gout. Take 1000 mg of quercetin along with 1,000-1,500 mg of the enzyme bromelain (to enhance absorption) two to three times daily between meals. Bromelain also help reduce the inflammation.

Red clover has traditionally been one of the standard remedies for gout, as well as removing toxins from the body, and treating psoriasis, eczema, and hot flashes. Studies have shown that red clover may thin the blood, so it should not be used by patients who are also taking an anticoagulant medication. While red clover is high in isoflavones, the reason it is helpful in treating gout has not been studied.

Saffron neutralizes uric acid buildup.

Spearmint Make a poultice of spearmint leaves and wrap the affected area.

Strawberries Eating a cup of strawberries with each meal should bring quick relief. They neutralize uric acid.

Yarrow Make a tea by using equal parts of yarrow and stinging nettles; strain, cool and drink several cups a day.

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2009 H1N1 Flu by the Center for Disease Control

2009 H1N1 Flu

What is 2009 H1N1 (swine flu)?
2009 H1N1 (sometimes called “swine flu”) is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. This new virus was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009. This virus is spreading from person-to-person worldwide, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread. On June 11, 2009, the World Health OrganizationExternal Web Site Icon (WHO) signaled that a pandemic of 2009 H1N1 flu was underway.

H1N1 Influenza virus imageWhy is 2009 H1N1 virus sometimes called “swine flu”?
This virus was originally referred to as “swine flu” because laboratory testing showed that many of the genes in this new virus were very similar to influenza viruses that normally occur in pigs (swine) in North America. But further study has shown that this new virus is very different from what normally circulates in North American pigs. It has two genes from flu viruses that normally circulate in pigs in Europe and Asia and bird (avian) genes and human genes. Scientists call this a "quadruple reassortant" virus.

2009 H1N1 Flu in Humans

Are there human infections with 2009 H1N1 virus in the U.S.?
Yes. Human infections with 2009 H1N1 are ongoing in the United States. Most people who have become ill with this new virus have recovered without requiring medical treatment.
CDC routinely works with states to collect, compile and analyze information about influenza, and has done the same for the new H1N1 virus since the beginning of the outbreak. This information is presented in a weekly report, called FluView.

Is 2009 H1N1 virus contagious?
The 2009 H1N1 virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human.

How does 2009 H1N1 virus spread?
Spread of 2009 H1N1 virus is thought to occur in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something – such as a surface or object – with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

Can I get 2009 H1N1 more than once? Nov 5
Getting infected with any influenza virus, including 2009 H1N1, should cause your body to develop immune resistance to that virus so it's not likely that a person would be infected with the identical influenza virus more than once. (However, people with weakened immune systems might not develop full immunity after infection and might be more likely to get infected with the same influenza virus more than once.) However, it's also possible that a person could have a positive test result for flu infection more than once in an influenza season. This can occur for two reasons:

1. A person may be infected with different influenza viruses (for example, the first time with 2009 H1N1 and the second time with a regular seasonal flu virus. Most rapid tests cannot distinguish which influenza virus is responsible for the illness. And,
2. Influenza tests can occasionally give false positive and false negative results so it's possible that one of the test results were incorrect. This is more likely to happen when the diagnosis is made with the rapid flu tests. More information about flu diagnosis is available at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/diagnosis/.




What are the signs and symptoms of this virus in people?
The symptoms of 2009 H1N1 flu virus in people include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea. People may be infected with the flu, including 2009 H1N1 and have respiratory symptoms without a fever. Severe illnesses and deaths have occurred as a result of illness associated with this virus.

How severe is illness associated with 2009 H1N1 flu virus?
Illness with 2009 H1N1 virus has ranged from mild to severe. While most people who have been sick have recovered without needing medical treatment, hospitalizations and deaths from infection with this virus have occurred.

In seasonal flu, certain people are at “high risk” of serious complications. This includes people 65 years and older, children younger than five years old, pregnant women, and people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions. About 70 percent of people who have been hospitalized with this 2009 H1N1 virus have had one or more medical conditions previously recognized as placing people at “high risk” of serious seasonal flu-related complications. This includes pregnancy, diabetes, heart disease, asthma and kidney disease.

Young children are also at high risk of serious complications from 2009 H1N1, just as they are from seasonal flu. And while people 65 and older are the least likely to be infected with 2009 H1N1 flu, if they get sick, they are also at “high risk” of developing serious complications from their illness. See People at High Risk of Developing Flu-Related Complications for more information about who is more likely to get flu complications that result in being hospitalized and occasionally result in death.

CDC laboratory studies have shown that no children and very few adults younger than 60 years old have existing antibody to 2009 H1N1 flu virus; however, about one-third of adults older than 60 may have antibodies against this virus. It is unknown how much, if any, protection may be afforded against 2009 H1N1 flu by any existing antibody.

How does 2009 H1N1 flu compare to seasonal flu in terms of its severity and infection rates?
With seasonal flu, we know that seasons vary in terms of timing, duration and severity. Seasonal influenza can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Each year, in the United States, on average 36,000 people die from flu-related complications and more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu-related causes. Of those hospitalized, 20,000 are children younger than 5 years old. Over 90% of deaths and about 60 percent of hospitalization occur in people older than 65.

When the 2009 H1N1 outbreak was first detected in mid-April 2009, CDC began working with states to collect, compile and analyze information regarding the 2009 H1N1 flu outbreak, including the numbers of confirmed and probable cases and the ages of these people. The information analyzed by CDC supports the conclusion that 2009 H1N1 flu has caused greater disease burden in people younger than 25 years of age than older people. At this time, there are relatively fewer cases and deaths reported in people 65 years and older, which is unusual when compared with seasonal flu. However, pregnancy and other previously recognized high risk medical conditions from seasonal influenza appear to be associated with increased risk of complications from this 2009 H1N1. These underlying conditions include asthma, diabetes, suppressed immune systems, heart disease, kidney disease, neurocognitive and neuromuscular disorders and pregnancy.

How long can an infected person spread this virus to others?
People infected with seasonal and 2009 H1N1 flu shed virus and may be able to infect others from 1 day before getting sick to 5 to 7 days after. This can be longer in some people, especially children and people with weakened immune systems and in people infected with the new H1N1 virus.

New York Yankees Ticker Tape parade on November 6 2009

Yankees Ticker Tape Parade Today



Don't miss today's ticker-tape parade to celebrate the New York Yankees' World Series victory. Here's what you need to know about the Yankees parade in Lower Manhattan today:

* The parade will begin at Battery Place and Broadway at 11:00 a.m. and proceed northbound on Broadway, ending at Chambers Street/Worth Street.
* Large crowds will begin gathering along Broadway early on Friday morning (there were a few guys camped out already when I passed through at 10:30 last night). Give yourself time to navigate through the screaming mob.
* The NYPD may begin street closings on Broadway several hours prior to the 11:00 a.m. start of the parade. Pedestrians will be able to cross Broadway at the following locations: Exchange Alley, Wall Street, Cedar Street, Cortlandt Street, Fulton Street and Reade Street.
* Stick with public transportation if you're traveling to Lower Manhattan today. The following subway lines will get you to the parade: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, A, C, E, J, M, N, R, W, Z. Word from the MTA is that the 4,5,6 trains are likely to be packed and you may want to consider the 1, J, M, Z, R, or W for less crowded service.