Happy Wednesday! In this week's Big I Buzz, we are talking about how pickleball is affecting health insurers and the likelihood of experiencing a severe flood in the US. 

Pickleball Injuries Cost Americans Nearly $400 Million This Year - And Seniors Are Hit the Hardest

Pickleball, the mischievous sport beloved by seniors, is causing quite the pickle in the healthcare world. According to UBS analysts, it's not all fun and games on the pickleball court - this seemingly harmless pastime is responsible for a jaw-dropping $250 million to $500 million in medical costs this year. Who would have though that a sport involving paddles and balls could lead to such financial chaos? But UBS has the stats to back it up, revealing that seniors make up a significant portion of pickleball players, and their zest for the game combined with their high incomes has resulted in a surge of orthopedic procedures. The impact of pickleball on healthcare costs is no laughing matter, but perhaps we can chuckle at the unexpected havoc caused by this "pickleball pandemic." Stay safe out there and remember to watch your step on the court. 

Around 21% of the U.S. Can Expect '100-Year Flood' Events Every 25 Years

In a new study by the First Street Foundation, it has been revealed that the United States is facing a soggy future as severe 1-in-100-year flood events are becoming more frequent, occurring every 25 years for about 21% of the country. This unfortunate forecast is based on an updated precipitation model that considers climate-driven changes in heavy rainfall events. Dr. Jeremy Porter, head of climate implications research at the First Street Foundation, humorously stated that heavy rainfall flooding is becoming the "new normal" for most of the U.S. population. To make matters worse, the study shows that 51% o Americans now live in areas that are twice as likely to experience severe floods compared to previous projections. It seems like our odds of staying dry are rapidly diminishing, and even regions with historically solid flood protections are at risk of being drenched due to outdated standards. It's time to grab an umbrella and rethink our flood prevention strategies. Read more from propertycasualty360.com here. 

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