(StatePoint)

Cleaning your home from top to bottom this spring? Do so with care. From falls off ladders to muscle pain, heavy-duty chores can be hazardous to your health and wellness if you’re not careful.

So before you roll up your sleeves and get into the thick of it, take a moment to review some essential safety precautions:

Avoid Outdoor Mishaps

When mowing the lawn, wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes. Clear your lawn of stones, toys and other potentially hazardous debris before you begin, to prevent flying objects. Keep children away from your yard while you’re mowing. Reduce the risk of a ladder fall by always using a stable ladder. Be sure to use the correct height ladder for the job and follow all weight restrictions.  Only set ladders on level surfaces. Pay close attention to what you’re doing and climb up and down the ladder slowly and deliberately.

Treat Muscles Right

From lawn work to scrubbing floors, unusual repetitious motions can really take a toll, resulting in muscle pain or bruising. Treat your spring clean like a workout and stretch your major muscle groups before you get started. When lifting those boxes in your basement and any other objects with heft, bend at the knees to avoid throwing your back out. If a chore is causing you pain, stop what you’re doing. “Start out slowly to avoid placing a sudden demand on your muscles that are not use to this activity,” says Anne Meyer, MD who focuses on sports rehabilitation medicine. If you feel stiff or sore after a long day of reaching, bending and lifting, Dr. Meyer recommends minimizing physical activity, elevating an injured arm or leg, and treating the first sign of muscle pain by applying a quick absorbing topical muscle pain reliever like Arnicare Gel. Instead of masking pain, this homeopathic medicine works naturally with the body to relieve muscle pain and stiffness, as well as swelling from injuries and bruising. Pain management tips can be found at www.arnicare.com, where coupons are available to save $1.00 on pain relievers. Remember to take frequent breaks. And end your long day with a relaxing bath.

Clean Safely

Cleaning products can be extremely stringent, causing irritation to your eyes, nose and throat. If opting for natural alternatives, such as vinegar or lemons is not an option, use the harsher stuff with care. Open all windows when using harsh cleaning products, especially ammonia. Wear gloves and consider protecting your nose and mouth with a surgical mask. Place products out of reach when you’re not using them if you have pets or small children. By following a few safety measures, you can make your spring clean a rejuvenating experience.

(StatePoint)

If you’re like many Americans, you have concerns about funding your retirement. According to a recent survey conducted by Ally Bank, retirement planning tops Americans’ financial anxieties. Rather than take a head-in-the-sand approach to your future, be proactive. Wise investments can offer advantages like tax-free, aggressive growth. And experts say the best time to get started is now. “The first few months of 2013 will be ideal for opening IRAs, as contributions made in this timeframe may be counted on 2012 tax returns,” advises Diane Morais, Ally Bank Product & Innovation executive. “Existing savers looking to grow their retirement nest egg securely may want to consider a rollover of their existing IRAs or qualified retirement plans, and it is important to shop around for the most competitive interest rate to ensure the best return on their investments.” And the IRS announced in October 2012 that the limit on contributions to Traditional and Roth IRAs would rise for the first time since 2008, from $5,000 to $5,500. “The increased contribution limit for 2013 makes now a prime opportunity for people of all ages to contribute meaningfully to their retirement savings,” Morais emphasizes. Looking to boost your retirement readiness securely?

Here are some important things to consider:

• The most common IRA plans are Traditional, Roth and Simplified Employee Pension IRAs. Depending on age and taxable income, you could have more than one IRA plan to choose from to help you meet your goals.

• Once you choose an IRA plan, you can typically select from a variety of products, from lower risk savings accounts and certificates of deposit (CD) to higher risk stocks, bonds and mutual funds.

• For secure growth, consider CDs and online savings accounts. Such products are less risky than stocks. Or roll over existing IRAs, 401(k) or 403(b)s into one IRA with great, stable rates.

• Look beyond branch banks. For example, a bank with no physical locations, such as Ally Bank, can offer competitive rates, low fees, and round-the-clock, live customer support.

• Be advised, there are restrictions as to how you can add money to IRAs based on age and when you can use the money you’ve saved. Your tax professional can help you determine the best plan for your needs. Above all, look for straightforward retirement products that will help you get closer to your retirement savings goals.

• Don’t be afraid to move around your retirement money to make the most of it. A direct roll over is fairly easy and avoids the tax withholding and associated reporting requirements of a personal withdrawal transaction.

• You can convert your Traditional IRA to a Roth IRA. Beginning in 2010, eligibility requirements based on income and marital status have been eliminated. More information about retirement savings plans can be found at http://www.ally.com/bank/ira/.

Every day you wait is another day your retirement money isn’t actively growing. Whether you’re just getting started or building on your current savings, there’s no time like the present to make a contribution to your retirement account.