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No one revels in the delights of summer like a kid. Pennsylvania schools are out, the sun is high and hot, and the long days are filled with light and the prospect of innumerable adventures. In fact, because there is so much potential for adventure-much of it unsupervised-many parents opt to enroll their kids in one or more summer camps in hopes that having a set schedule and a series of planned activities in which to participate will keep the youngsters out of trouble and, most importantly, out of harm's way. But summer seems to invite as many childhood accidents as it does moments of bliss, and no matter how structured a kid's summer is, a certain amount of mishaps are inevitable. The warm weather inspires a whole new slew of activities, many of which require an increased attention to safety on the part of both kids and parents. Use the following three tips to keep kids safer this summer:

Have Helmets on Hand - Kids spend a lot of time outside in the summer, and much of that time is spent on bicycles, rollerblades, skateboards, scooters, and other wheeled contraptions. And don't forget about trampolines and pogo sticks-they, too, are popular with the rambunctious younger set. Consequently, there's an increased risk for head injuries in the summertime, when kids are outdoors doing things that can potentially result in crashes and falls. Have helmets on hand for all the kids in your life to don each and every time they use one of the above-mentioned items. Make sure every child has a helmet that is properly fitted to his or her head. Mark helmets with colored tape or children's names so they can readily identify which one is theirs, and store helmets in an easily accessible place, such as a chest near the front door, so kids never have an excuse (i.e. "I couldn't find it!") not to wear them.

Be Vigilant About Sun Protection - Severe burns, dehydration, and heat stroke all land kids in the emergency room during the summer months. Make a generous application of sunscreen part of the morning routine in your house, ensuring that every kid is covered in high SPF sun protection. Opt for a chemical-free, physical sunscreen (one that uses physical blockers such as titanium dioxide, rather than potentially toxic chemical screens) that offers broad-spectrum (both UVA and UVB) protection. Make sure kids have hats, as well as lightweight garments with built-in sunblocking capabilities that can offer further protection. In addition, encourage kids to stay hydrated throughout the day by providing each one with her own personalized, easily portable water container (choose a non-toxic metal model rather than a plastic one).

Revamp and Refresh Your First Aid Kit - If you haven't peeked into your first aid kit since last summer, now is the time to do so. Replace any expired products, such as aspirin and antibiotic creams. Consider revamping the kit's contents by adding the following: bee sting remedies, homeopathic remedies to aid in calming injured kids who are stressed or scared (chamomilla is a good start), essential oils like lavender, eucalyptus, and citrus to repel mosquitoes and ticks without the kid-hazardous toxic chemicals in commercial products, and a small bottle of hand sanitizer for you or your child to use before applying any first aid. Make a few versions of the same kit: one to keep at home, one for your vehicle, and a smaller one for the backpack your kid takes on outdoor adventures-even just the ones he takes in the neighborhood.

Call or contact Knies Insurance Group, Inc. today for any of your insurance-related questions.

To Pay Or Not To Pay? Make a Decision

There are pros and cons to both paid and unpaid internships for a business owner. For example, while an unpaid intern is obviously great because he won't cost you anything, the Department of Labor has some pretty constraining laws in place regarding just how much-and what type of-work unpaid interns can do. A paid intern comes as an expense to your business, but she will be free to make more substantial contributions to it. Do some research, learn about the Department of Labor's regulations, and decide which route seems best for you.

Make the Hiring Process Professional

Even though an internship seems so much more casual than a regular paid position, it's a mistake to take a casual approach when hiring an intern. As a business owner, you should take all the same steps that you would with potential paid employees. Write an official job description; request resumes and cover letters from all prospective interns, conduct in-person interviews with the most promising candidates, and contact their references. Doing this not only familiarizes your interns with the "real world" process of getting a job; it also helps to ensure that you bring the best possible people into your business, even if only for a summer!

Be an Involved Boss

Interns are generally younger and less experienced than your regular employees. Part of the trade-off of having their help is a slight increase in your own involvement. For example, while you may have a very hands-off approach with your employees, you'll need to take more time to mentor your interns. They're at your business to learn, and you're one of the most ideal people to teach them. Also, give them substantial tasks to complete-duties that will help them to learn and grow-rather than just basic chores like stuffing envelopes. Finally, be prepared to establish and enforce rules in ways you may not have to with your usual employees, especially when it comes to a dress code and internet usage.

For questions about your business insurance, Contact Knies Insurance Group, Inc. today.

Spring in Pennsylvania 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 Knies Insurance Group, Inc. today.