Our spring, here in Kentucky, has been pretty wet.  We’ve had a lot of rain, but the weather is beginning to come around.  And so are the allergies!  The temperature is ideal for opening the windows and letting the fresh air come in and chase out the old musty air that’s been locked up in your house all winter.  Not too cold, and not too hot.  Open at least a few windows in different parts of the house and run the fan on your funace to create a draft.  I like to leave them open at least half a day, but 30 minutes to an hour will work wonders as well.

In your cleaning, pay special attention to areas where dust and mold may build up. Behind appliances like the refrigerator or washer and dryer. Under the bed. Behind and around the toilet. Check everywhere.  Start in the bedroom and work your way through the entire house.

Your pillows and mattresses are havens for things that can cause breathing issues.  One of the greatest things you can do to relieve these problems is buy a dust-proof cover for your mattress.  Replace your pillows and put them with in dust-proof covers. You will also want to clean behind dressers and furniture, clean blinds and wash the curtains.If you have pillows or stuffed animals on beds, refresh them by putting them in the dryer with a damp towel. Also make sure to wash down the walls and baseboards.

If you follow these practices in all areas of your home, you will greatly reduce the presence of allergans. Mold is a serious issue that must be attended to if it returns after cleaning.  Check the internet for more information on how to properly clean and resolve mold growth. 

Laundry can be a huge catalyst for allergies if left sitting for too long.  When you have something really wet and leave it for a day or so, it is easy to smell the mildew that forms.  Leave it a couple more days, and you can see it as well.  Clothes that have been worn will grow mold in this same way.  It is often physically undetectable, but sets off the allergies instantly when stirred up.  I, personally, cannot do laundry more than a week old without taking Benadryl.

There are many more cleaning considerations, but this will get you started.  There is a wealth of information available on the internet to help with particular problems.  And if I can be of any help; please comment.

1)  Business must have less than 25 fill-time employees.

2) Average employee wage must be less than $50,000 per year.

3) Employer must pay a percentage of the employees’ premium.

If you meet these basic guidelines, look for more information in IRS Notice 2010-44, and also IRS Notice 2010-82. The credit will be worth as much as 35% of the health insurance premium. Form 8941 will be used to figure the credit.  However, the advise of a tax professional is recommended because the rules are very complicated.  Non-profit organizations are also eligible for this credit.

Plus adding Supplemental Benefits, Make Sense in This Economy?

Business owners have a more affordable option for employee health care plans. Pairing a high deductible health care plan (HDHP) with a Health Savings Account.  Plus adding Supplemental Benefits, can be the answer for both businesses and the staff they want to attract and retain in this economy.

HSAs offer security, affordability, flexibility, control, savings, portability, ownership … and, of course, tax-free savings.