The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) recently released a The Economics Daily (TED) report on civilian access to paid and unpaid family leave in 2018. These statistics provide insight into family leave benefits trends across the country. For this report, family leave included leave to care for family members, maternity and paternity leave.

Paid Family Leave Access

In March 2018, 16 percent of workers in the private sector and 17 percent of civilian workers had access to paid family leave. In the public sector, 25 percent of state and local government workers had access to this type of leave. Leave access varied by the size of the employer. Read More

More than 50 million Americans suffer from allergies every year. In particular, springtime allergies are an annual nuisance for many people. As plants begin to bloom and neighbors start to cut their grass more frequently, allergy sufferers nationwide start sniffling and sneezing. What’s more, mold growth blooms both indoors and outdoors, making it almost impossible to escape allergy triggers.

Spring Allergy Alleviation Tips

To reduce your allergies, be sure to take the following steps:

• • Wash your bedding every week in hot water to help keep pollen under control.
• • Wash your hair before going to bed, since pollen can accumulate in your hair.
• • Limit the number of throw rugs in your home to reduce dust and mold.
• • • Wear an inexpensive painter’s mask and gloves when cleaning, vacuuming or painting to limit skin exposure and dust and chemical inhalation.
  • • Vacuum twice a week.
  • • Make sure the rugs you have are washable.
  • • Change air conditioning and heating air filters often.

  Treating Allergies

  Treatment for most allergies is available both over-the-counter and by prescription. Talk to your doctor to find out what treatment method is right for you. If your allergy symptoms are severe or chronic, you may need a series of allergy shots. Contact your physician or allergist to determine which treatment option is best for you. Read More

Diet plays a big part in why some people suffer from high cholesterol. Modifying your diet even a little can lower your cholesterol – lowering your risk for heart disease and stroke.

Avoid Eating a Lot of Meat

• • Make meat a minor player in your meals and eat lots of fruits and vegetables instead.
• • Trim the fat and skin from meats and poultry.
• • Avoid eating fatty cuts of beef, pork and lamb.
• • When eating out, opt for a smaller portion of meat or choose to eat something vegetarian.

Eat Low-Fat Dairy Products

Avoid dairy containing whole milk and cream.

Snack Wisely

Opt for low-fat snacks such as unbuttered popcorn, dried fruits or fresh fruits and vegetables. Avoid high-fat, high-calorie options like chips and candy.

Reduce Saturated Fat in Food Preparation

• • Instead of butter or margarine, use a small amount of olive oil or cooking spray.
• • Avoid using palm and coconut oil; use canola, sunflower, safflower, corn, soybean, olive and peanut oils instead.
• • Bake, broil, roast, steam or stew food instead of frying.

• Reduce Your Dietary Cholesterol Intake

  • • Eat no more than four egg yolks per week. Replace one egg with two egg whites in most recipes.
  • • Eat no more than six ounces of lean meat, fish and poultry per day.
  • • Avoid eating cholesterol-rich meats such as liver, brains and kidneys.

  Eat Fiber-Rich Foods

  Opt for fruits and vegetables, whole grains and legumes that are low in calories and high in fiber and complex carbohydrates.

  Go for Nuts, Fruits and Vegetables

  Fruits and vegetables are water-dense, contain lots of nutrients and protect your heart. Nuts are a great source of protein, but should be eaten in moderation because they are high in calories.

  Eat Lots of Fish

  Fish have essential fatty acids (omega-3s and omega-6s).

  Reduce Your Salt Intake

  Use herbs and spices to flavor your food instead of table salt. Be aware of the sodium content in foods such as soups and sauces. Read More

Cultivating a culture of wellness at organizations is a common trend for employers across the country. In fact, according to the Employer Health Benefits 2018 Annual Survey, 82 percent of large firms and 53 percent of small firms offer some sort of wellness program.

Historically, many of these programs focus on physical well-being, with employers creating programs intended to encourage smoking cessation and exercising. Unfortunately, health-conscious employers and employees alike often overlook one important component to wellness: financial health.

The Hard Truth

A recent Bankrate survey revealed that 65 percent of

Americans save little or nothing at all from each paycheck. This, compounded with the fact that over 40 percent of Americans have less than $10,000 saved for when they retire, is alarming.

How You Can Help

When employees are stressed about money and saving for their long-term goals, the chronic stress can be detrimental to their overall health and workplace engagement. Investing in employee financial wellness can be beneficial to both you and your employees.

Consider implementing a financial wellness program that focuses on planning for the future and budgeting. You may want to bring in a financial expert or consultant for your employees as well.

Contact us today to learn more about our financial planning assistance resources. Read More