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Spring in Wisconsin separates people into two categories: those who greet the arrival of fresh, new grasses and flowers with joy and enthusiasm, and those who dread the inconvenient and at times downright incapacitating allergies that can be brought on by springtime's blooming. Spring is a time for renewal, but for allergy sufferers, it's a time for perpetually sneezing, rubbing itchy eyes, swallowing to relieve the sore feeling in your throat, or feeling constantly on the verge of the flu. What causes spring allergies? And can they be conquered?

Spring Allergy Culprits:

• Mold: It's always present, both indoors and outdoors, but mold's effects on allergy sufferers are significantly worse in the spring, because that's when molds release their seeds-known as spores-and send them off into the air. In the springtime, these spores are omnipresent, and those who are sensitive to them suffer such symptoms as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy, watery eyes.
• Trees: Like mold, trees release small cells of pollen, which the gentle breezes of spring carry through the air and distribute everywhere. This tree pollen triggers what is commonly known as "hay fever." Trees such as oaks, poplar, hickory, walnut, and ash are just a few of the most notorious offenders. Their pollen can bring on congestion and an itchy feeling in the eyes, ears, nose, and mouth.
• Flowers: As if to prove that painful things come in pretty packages, flowers produce pollen that can overwhelm allergy sufferers. Some blooms, however, are worse than others: chamomile, daisies, goldenrod, and chrysanthemums are definitely to be avoided by those with seasonal allergies.

Conquering Spring Allergies:

• Install Filters: Did you know that you could install special allergy filters on your air conditioning unit? Doing so will help your indoor environment feel much more comfortable.
• Close 'Em Up: Keeping your doors and windows shut will lessen allergy symptoms when you're in the house. And don't forget about driving! Roll up your car windows when you're out for a cruise on a sunny springtime day.
• Keep Clean: Washing all of your clothes and showering after any exposure to pollen and mold spores will help to minimize allergy symptoms.
• Stay Indoors: Obviously, you don't want to spend all of spring like a shut-in, but it might be prudent to stay inside on days when pollen counts are especially high. Save your outdoor fun, and your yard work, for damp, still, and cloudy days when the wind won't blow spores and the moisture will keep them weighed down.
• Use Medication: There are many over-the-counter allergy remedies available. If these prove ineffective, talk to your doctor about prescribing a medication that is more tailored to your symptoms, and more powerful. Your health insurance policy may even cover doctor visits and allergy prescriptions

For questions about your health insurance policy and allergies, Contact Valeri Agency, Inc. today.

In February, a meteor-now known as the Chelyabinsk projectile-exploded over the Russian city of Chelyabinsk and the surrounding Ural region as it zoomed toward Earth. More than a thousand people were hurt by flying, broken glass. The meteor shattered countless windows, set off car alarms, and blew off doors. The energy of the blast was 40 times as powerful as the Hiroshima bomb! Though the whole thing happened in seconds-climaxing with a flash of blindingly bright light at the moment of impact-the effects of the incident were widespread. Footage of this event is readily visible online; check out the breathtaking-and terrifying-clips in this You Tube film:

Though this was the first instance of a portion of cosmic projectile striking Earth in contemporary times, it was certainly not the first time such an event has occurred. In 1908, part of an asteroid that was twice as big as the Chelyabinsk flattened over 1,000 square miles of forest in another area of Russia-proof that the notion of meteors and comets doing damage to planet Earth is not the stuff of science fiction. It is, indeed, reality, a reality for which some people are trying to become more prepared.

This April 2013, the International Academy of Astronautics Planetary Defense Conference took place in Flagstaff, Arizona. During the conference, which was called "Gathering for Impact!" experts from around the world gathered to share ideas about planetary defense. Participants discussed what they already know about the possible threats posed by comets and asteroids, as well as ways we might be able to protect ourselves from them. Participants also addressed political and policy issues. Some have asked for scientists to spend more time monitoring the area known as "near Earth space" in order to better anticipate approaching space rocks. Others argue that increased monitoring wouldn't make much of a difference, since small meteors such as Chelyabinsk projectile are darkly colored and can enter the Earth's atmosphere from a position called "day side," rendering them invisible.

So what's the best way to prepare for the most unpredictable of events? Naturally, we think it's insurance. Who knows? Someday, there might even be a homeowners' insurance rider designed to protect your property from comets!

For any of your insurance questions, Contact Valeri Agency, Inc. today.

Home sweet home is an obvious place to give a good scrubbing once springtime in Wisconsin arrives. It's time to wipe the grime out of every nook and cranny, wash the carpets and curtains, and pack away the space heaters and down blankets.

But what about your business? Have you considered giving it a spring-cleaning too?

Doing so can revitalize your business and put a new spring in the steps-no pun intended-of all your employees. Here are some tips:

• Declutter: Rid your business environment of all extraneous, unnecessary stuff: papers, broken supplies, ancient inventory that you can't seem to sell, etc. When doing so, remember to be earth conscious: recycle everything you can, dispose of all chemicals in the appropriate manner, and take used electronics to a facility that can repurpose or restore them, or make tax-deductible donations of still-useful items to your local Salvation Army or Goodwill.
• Liven Up the Landscaping: Consider planting some brightly colored flowers and lush plants around the exterior of your place of business. This may help to attract new customers, and is a natural mood-lifter. If you can't make these alterations to your business's outdoor environment, bring some potted plants and flowers inside. Let their fragrance and hues breathe new life into your business!
• Improve Functionality: Spring is a good time to upgrade and purchase tools, equipment, or technology for your business that is more functional and efficient. For example, consider replacing outdated cash registers or credit card machines with a multi-tasking computer system. Get rid of bulky file cabinets and scan all your documents into digital files that can be stored on a hard drive.
• Go Green: Spring is a time when we tend to appreciate the earth's beauty and bounty, so it makes sense to do what we can to preserve it. Consider making your place of business greener by installing a solar heating system, putting energy-efficient light bulbs in all fixtures, using recycled rainwater to hydrate your landscape, or designating special bins where employees can deposit their recyclable waste.
• Re-Evaluate Relationships: Relationships-between employees and between the business and its customers-are really what make a company thrive. This spring, re-evaluate the way your business approaches relationships. Do you have healthy relationships with your employees and do they get along well with each other? How do you maintain positive connections with your current clients? How to you attract new clients? Consider incorporating community-building activities into the workplace, such as potlucks, picnics, or sports events. Create a newsletter to stay in touch with your existing customer base, and try new forms of advertising to gain new customers.

For any of your insurance questions, Contact Valeri Agency, Inc. today.