Description: This article discusses the use of product databases to increase response rates from direct mail campaigns. The concept includes renting name lists for a year, appending demographic information, and using a model to better target prospects.

Description: In this era of enterprise risk management, actuaries should reassess what we tell the public about what we provide. We should allow buyers to make informed choices based upon all the facts. We should recognize that regulatory and judicial forces will be focused on the products we produce for a very long time. This 2004 editorial from The Actuary Magazine discusses some common financial practices that are undergoing closer regulatory scrutiny.

Description: This is an article that highlights recommended reading by the Health Practice area communications committee. The readings cover a broad subject matter from risk assessment, medical technology to uninsured.

Description: Article from The Actuary regarding the medical malpractice crisis. could a macro system be the answer to a reduction in medical malpractice costs? Information in this article points in that direction.

Description: A focus on the capital markets perspective and some of the products dealers offer to hedge and help mitigate capital costs and tail exposure risks. From The Actuary Magazine, April/May 2005

Description: Discusses the growing and evolving field of pricing and valuing stock option plans, and makes the case that actuaries are the professionals best qualified to serve clients in the field.

Description: Table Of Content

Description: Non-actuary discusses how studying for the ASA exams has helped him to excel in his field.

Description: CBS has a new show in its lineup about an FBI agent who recruits his mathematical genius brother to help him fight crime. The show is called Numbers and although most things on TV don't really capture my imagination, I do enjoy this one. For one thing it gives my teenage daughters a point of reference with their friends. "Yes, my dad is an actuary. He's kind of like that crazy guy on numbers, saving the world, one math problem at a time." From The Actuary Magazine April 2006

Description: The topic of social and demographic changes has been included in the Emerging Issues Advisory Committee's screening because changes in demographics and social norms can directly impact products offered and how they are distributed by the life insurance industry. Also, changes in demographics can impact pricing and underwriting refinements within the industry. This article focuses on mortality from obesity and on mortality of the older population.