FEBRUARY 2020
"Diversity: the art of thinking independently together."— Malcolm Forbes
GetRuralLeaderMag.com | February 2020 1
Contents Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Kuanita E. Murphy, PhD Rural Leader Magazine, LLC is a digital publication that highlights every day people doing extraordinary things nationally and abroad. www.RuralLeaderMag.com www.GetRuralLeaderMag.com
About Us
Launched in March 2014, Rural Leader
Magazine, LLC is a digital publication with a mission to highlight every day people doing extraordinary things in business, education, music, community, art, sports, and leadership nationally and abroad. Rural Leader Magazine honors exemplary individuals on a variety of levels, such as the 20 under 20 Honors, 40 under 40 Honors, Best Small Town Restaurant, Small Town America’s 100 Most Influential People, the Scholars of Collegiate Distinction, Fifty under Fifty, and the Eagle Elite Club.— Reproduction in any manner, in whole or in part, in English, or other languages, is prohibited without written consent. Send editorial ideas to Kuanita Murphy, PhD, Editor-in-Chief editor@ruralleadermag.com Contact Us info@ruralleadermag.com editor@ruralleadermag.com
7 How to Break Through the Financial Conversation Barriers with Your Partner 9 Simple Ways to Help Caregivers Focus on Their Own Wellbeing 10 Simple Ways to Help Caregivers Focus on Their Own Wellbeing 12 Interested in a New Career? Four Reasons to Consider Nursing
13 Grow Your own Food in Small Spaces 14 Recognizing Heart Disease Symptoms Could Help Save Your Life 16 Inspiring Children and Young Adults to Try Computer Science 17 Financial Insight: Red Flags And Smart Steps to Avoid Scams
Tell us what you think about our publications, if you have a great idea for a story, or to just share. We may print your comments in Rural Leader Magazine. By sending us your comments, you’re giving permission to call you for an interview. Please be sure to include your name, address, email address, and phone number so we can reach you. Write to us at info@RuralLeaderMag.com— SUPPORT OUR VISION
$RuralLeaderMag
2
RuralLeaderMag.com | February 2020
Editor’s Note Dear Readers, Inside this issue, there are a number of great articles about leadership best practices, building positive self-esteem and productivity! We hope you enjoy this issue. As always, I hope you enjoy this issue and continue to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google +, and LinkedIn. Thanks again for your continual support! Sincerely,
Photo Courtesy of TieFotos
Kuanita E. Murphy, PhD Publisher/Editor-in-Chief
What you do matters. GetRuralLeaderMag.com | February 2020 @RuralLeaderMag
3
4
RuralLeaderMag.com | February 2020
GetRuralLeaderMag.com | February 2020 5
6
RuralLeaderMag.com | February 2020
How to Break Through the Financial Conversation Barriers with Your Partner For most people, personal finances are a private matter. When you are in a relationship, it can be difficult to discuss this typically taboo subject. Whether you have been married for years or are just beginning to date, fear of your partner judging your financial choices (big or small) runs deep. Money challenges can create stress and cause walls to form in a relationship. Financial conflicts have even worse repercussions. Tackling the topic head-on can lead to a deeper understanding of each other’s financial history, emotions and goals for the future. In fact, talking about personal finance, while not a particularly romantic topic of conversation, builds intimacy in any relationship, according to Amanda Clayman, financial therapist and Prudential’s financial wellness advocate. Amanda shares the following simple advice to help partners navigate this challenging conversation. Turn back the clock: Ask your partner about their earliest memories of money. Our relationship with money begins at a young age, and can shape a person’s feelings about wealth (or lack thereof). Talk about money related events
that took place in your childhood, the lessons you learned from your parents or other adults, and the way it made you feel. Explore your money languages: Most couples are familiar with the “Five Love Languages,” which explain how people interpret and show affection in different but equally valuable ways. The same goes for money styles. Everyone approaches spending, saving and managing their money uniquely. Learn about your partner’s preferred strategies without judgment and tell them about yours. Prepare for differences: Setting realistic expectations going into this conversation is vital for a positive outcome with your partner. You may discover your money style is entirely dissimilar from your partner, which is still progress because what we perceive as conflict is often a pathway toward greater understanding. Resist the urge to pressure your partner into seeing your own view of money and discuss how you can split responsibilities so that you are both comfortable with your financial responsibility. Don’t stop: This should be the first of many future conversations about money as a part of your overall wellness. Just as you’d
periodically check in about your partner’s work, family and health, make a point of asking how they feel financially. With time and consistency this conversation will get easier as your relationship grows. While it’s easier for many of us to avoid money conversations, it is actually one of the most intimate and emotional pillars in a relationship. When you take a proactive approach, you remove the taboo and help build a strong partnership and better understanding of each other’s finances. For more information, and tools for investing in your financial wellness and establishing healthy financial habits, visit Prudential. LINK by Prudential is an umbrella marketing name for Prudential Customer Solutions LLC (“PCS”), an SEC registered investment adviser, Prudential Annuities Distributors, Inc. and various subsidiaries of The Prudential Insurance Company of America (“PICA”). Prudential LINK and LINK by Prudential occasionally may be referred to as LINK.—
GetRuralLeaderMag.com | February 2020 7
8
RuralLeaderMag.com | February 2020
Simple Ways to Help Caregivers Focus on Their Own Wellbeing Caring for a loved one with a chronic illness is something millions of Americans do every day. Whether it is a parent, spouse, extended family member or friend, the stress of caring for another adult can take a toll. “I have to do absolutely everything for her,” explains Anthony Cowels, whose 71-year-old wife, Florence, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1986. As he watched her disease progress, his caregiver responsibilities grew. What’s more, for some of the years Cowels also cared for his elderly parents, compounding his responsibilities. “It has been a long journey of caregiving,” says Cowels, 70. “I try not to let it overwhelm me. I always look for ways to do better.” Cowels learned to care for both himself and his wife better through useful tools, education and friendship and by joining a caregiver support group. He says he can “interact with others who identify with my situation.” Family caregiving: A growing trend: Cowels represents a growing number of Americans who care for older or aging loved ones. About 41 million family caregivers in the United States provided an estimated 34 billion hours of care to an adult with limitations in daily activities in 2017, notes the AARP report Valuing the Invaluable: 2019 Update. What’s more, as the population ages, caregiving demands are increasing while the pool of potential caregivers is decreasing. As the Valuing report states, “Americans will have more older relatives or close friends to potentially care for than children in about 15 years. The U.S. Census Bureau projects that, by the year 2035, adults ages 65 and older will outnumber children under the age of 18 for the first time in U.S. history. This fundamental demographic shift is the result of the aging of the U.S. population, increasing longevity, and a declining birth rate. “ Caring for yourself: In addition to helping with self-care activities like bathing, dressing and going to the bathroom, family caregivers today often perform complex medical tasks, including wound care, giving injections and handling medical equipment. The tasks that were once provided in hospitals and health
care clinics are increasingly the responsibility of family and friends, who are often given little training or support. While many family caregivers often report positive feelings in their role such as a sense of purpose or connection with their loved one, it often comes with feelings of being overwhelmed. Exhaustion, worry, loneliness and financial stress are common challenges caregivers face. If you also work a full-time job, it can be even more difficult to balance your needs and responsibilities. While you may not achieve perfect balance, it is important to prioritize your physical and mental wellbeing, so you can be there for the person you care for. These first steps can help you find some balance as you navigate your caregiver journey: * Join a support group. Ask your health care provider about local options. Community centers are another good resource. If you live in a remote area or have difficulties commuting, online support groups are another useful way to connect with others in similar situations. * Make time for yourself. When you care for another person and have your own life demands, it can feel as though there is little time left in the day for yourself. Even if it is just 15 minutes, make time to do something you enjoy, such as walking or reading. * Don’t be afraid to ask for help. No one person can do it all. It takes a team to care for someone, especially those with complex medical conditions. You can start by asking your provider about local health care resources and reach out to family and friends for assistance. It is important for family caregivers to stay mentally and physically healthy so they can provide the best care possible to the growing number of people who need support. For helpful tips and caregiver resources, visit www.aarp.org/caregiving.—
GetRuralLeaderMag.com | February 2020 9
Simple Ways to Help Caregivers Focus on Their Own Wellbeing The pressure is on - with the big day approaching, you may feel like you’re not ready. Thanks to the latest technology, deciding on the perfect gift and making sure it gets to your special someone is easier than ever. Here are some of the problems you may be facing, and great solutions to help you deliver smiles in time for Valentine’s Day. Problem: You have no idea what the flowers you’re ordering look like Solution: 3D augmented visual reality: Thanks to a new 3D and augmented reality feature on 1-800-Flowers.com, you can use your mobile device to preview top-selling Valentine’s Day arrangements before you purchase them. Problem: You’re in a time crunch. Solution: Streamlined shopping experiences: Shopping online via your desktop, laptop or mobile device is easier than ever on 1-800-Flowers.com. The revamped checkout process makes online shopping quick and easy. You can also send complimentary e-cards to sweethearts and “galentines” via their desktop homepage. Choose from a wide variety of themed layouts and craft your own personalized message. Using the app to shop on-the-go, the new “Trending Gifts” section has a speedy one-tap buying experience that brings you directly to checkout. Problem: You need gift inspiration - now! Solution: Gift finder and SmartGift: The popular Gift finder tool from 1-800-Flowers.com is now available 10
RuralLeaderMag.com | February 2020
via their mobile app. You just input information such as the recipient, occasion and location for tailored gift recommendations. Feeling unsure of your gift choice? You can try SmartGift to get the gift just right. You simply choose a gift online and the gift link is sent to the gift recipient. They can then decide to swap out the gift for one that’s more their style, at an equal or lower price, and decide on the delivery date and address. There’s something available for everyone, from classic flower arrangements and chocolates to gift baskets, teddy bears, wine and jewelry - plus a wide choice of personalized gift ideas. Problem: I want to send something exciting and different this year. Solution: New, exclusive options for the perfect Valentine’s gift: How about flowers that represent your enduring love? You can order a beautiful container of specially preserved roses, selected for their size and perfection. These Magnificent Roses are gorgeous symbols of true romance. Make a unique statement with Conversation Roses, one dozen beautiful red roses, half embossed with “I Love You” and the other half with an interlocking heart design. This gift will speak volumes about your love. Give sweets to your sweetheart with a delicious variety of Chocolate Covered Strawberries. Your special someone may just find them - and you - irresistible. Enjoy the day, knowing that you’ve chosen a meaningful way to express your feelings and connect with the most important people in your life.—
GetRuralLeaderMag.com | February 2020 11
Interested in a New Career? Four Reasons to Consider Nursing As time and technology reshape the workforce, most professionals are not in the position to stick with one career until retirement. Nursing offers relevant, future-focused opportunities for people of all ages and experience levels, from those re-entering the workforce or making a career change, to registered nurses pursuing further education. Below, you’ll find four reasons students are pursuing licensure or a degree in nursing (from RN to BSN and beyond), shared by Dr. Bonnie Stegman of Maryville University. 1. Satisfaction: If you are interested in making a direct impact on the lives of individuals and communities, consider nursing. It’s a rewarding career, according to nurses themselves. Nurses provide personal contact and engagement with patients, which has only become more important in today’s often-hectic healthcare environment. At the same time, nursing is an exciting and expanding field with new areas of focus. You have more options than ever to pursue your interests and work at the cutting edge of healthcare. 2. Wide-ranging opportunities: Nursing often is associated with foundational healthcare settings such as primary care practices, hospitals or nursing homes. However, nursing offers many paths to develop the track that’s right for you. Specialties include areas relevant to our aging population, such as gerontology (focused on
12
elderly patients) and genetics (patients with or at risk of hereditary diseases). You also can specialize in public health, working in nonprofit organizations, community health centers or governmental agencies. And you can build on your experience caring for patients and transition into other areas, serving as an administrator or educator, for example. 3. Flexibility: The opportunities available within nursing let you pick what best fits your needs and preferences. For example, if family responsibilities mean you need to keep a 9-to-5, Monday-Friday schedule, some primary care or specialty practices can accommodate that. Through telehealth, you can provide patient care and education remotely, potentially creating opportunities across geographic areas and time zones. If you’re open to moving around, you might find work as a traveling nurse to be an interesting - and usually well paid - choice. This flexibility means you can adapt and shift your focus as you move through stages and phases of life. 4. Demand and compensation: Nurses are in high demand nationwide, a trend that shows no sign of slowing. That means you can expect competitive salaries and benefits. You’ll find that employers are getting creative in how they recruit and incentivize new hires. Mercy Children’s Hospital in St. Louis recently tested a seasonal staffing option, where nurses
RuralLeaderMag.com | February 2020
could opt to work a full-time schedule from September to June, then take time off in the summer while retaining their benefits - and a guaranteed job in the fall. Such initiatives represent a valuable offering for anyone with childcare considerations. Other employers are providing financial incentives such as signing bonuses and tuition reimbursement. Make it happen: Once you decide to pursue your licensure or earn a nursing degree, you have a variety of options. It starts with finding a program that offers a realistic path for your existing schedule and responsibilities. Online programs typically are designed for flexibility. The online nursing offerings at Maryville University include an RN to BSN program with multiple start dates throughout the year that can be completed 100% online to help students balance work and school. You also can find flexible options in on-campus programs. In addition to programs for full-time and transfer students, Maryville’s on-campus pre-licensure nursing options include a part-time evening and weekend program designed for working adults. As our population ages, career options in healthcare are predicted to expand. Nursing is a resilient and wide-ranging career field with significant opportunities, now and in the future.—
GetRuralLeaderMag.com | February 2020 13
Recognizing Heart Disease Symptoms Could Help Save Your Life Recognizing the symptoms of heart disease - and taking time from your busy life to see a doctor - could help to save your life, just as it did for Zbigniew “Ziggy” Banach. Banach is a 46-year-old husband and father of two teenage boys, living in Woodstock, Illinois. Banach began feeling chest congestion and shortness of breath in November 2018. On Dec. 17, he finally visited the emergency room, where he learned he had suffered a heart attack. A heart attack occurs when blocked arteries cut off the supply of blood to the heart. Banach had four stents placed in his arteries to restore blood flow. The heart attack had caused significant damage to Banach’s heart. As a result, Dr. Hetal Gandhi of the Advocate Heart Institute in Crystal Lake, Illinois, was concerned that Banach was at risk of dying from sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). Some people confuse SCA with a heart attack, but they are very different. A heart attack victim is likely to feel severe chest pain or other symptoms, just like Banach did. They usually remain awake and can call for help. Unlike a heart attack, SCA has no warning signs, and is likely to leave the victim unconscious and unable to call for help. SCA occurs when a failure of the heart’s electrical system triggers a dangerously fast heartbeat, causing the heart to quiver or shake instead of pumping blood to the body and brain. The most
14
effective treatment for SCA is an electrical shock (defibrillation). Without treatment, death from SCA can occur within minutes. For protection from SCA, Gandhi prescribed Banach with the LifeVest wearable defibrillator. “Major heart attacks weaken heart muscles and put patients at a higher risk of sudden cardiac arrest,” explained Gandhi. “Especially in the first 40 to 90 days of recovery, certain patients may need devices that can respond to and protect them from sudden cardiac arrest. This gives us time to determine a more permanent solution and allows the heart muscles to regain strength after a heart attack. Wearable defibrillators can provide protection and restore a normal heart beat even if a patient is alone or asleep.” LifeVest consists of a garment, an electrode belt and a monitor. It is designed to continuously monitor a patient’s heart, detect life-threatening rapid heart rhythms, and automatically deliver a treatment shock to restore normal heart rhythm and save a patient’s life. With only five days until Christmas, Banach left the hospital wearing it under his clothes day and night, only taking it off for a short shower. Just three days later, while asleep in his home, Banach suffered SCA. Within one minute, LifeVest delivered a treatment shock that saved his life. When he awoke the next morning, Banach saw Blue Gel deployed by the garment during treatment and
RuralLeaderMag.com | February 2020
realized what happened. His wife drove him to the hospital, where he received two more life-saving treatments from the vest. On Christmas Eve, Banach received an implantable defibrillator (ICD) for long-term protection. His family visited him in the hospital to spend the holiday together. Banach tries not to imagine how different a Christmas it could have been. “I don’t know what would happen if I didn’t have the LifeVest,” said Banach. “I’m grateful I had it and happy to be alive.” Researchers suggest delays in seeking medical treatment may contribute to heightened risk of heart-related death around the holidays. A person experiencing the symptoms of a heart attack should seek medical treatment right away. According to the American Heart Association, heart attack symptoms can range from slow and mild to sudden and intense, including discomfort in the chest, arms, back, neck, jaw or stomach, shortness of breath, nausea and sweating. If you or a loved one has experienced a recent heart attack, talk to your cardiologist about SCA and the treatment options available for those at risk.—
GetRuralLeaderMag.com | February 2020 15
Financial Insight: Red Flags And Smart Steps to Avoid Scams You work hard for your money. Unfortunately, crooks work hard as well, attempting various tactics to take your money. If you fall for a scam, little can be done to help you get your money back. In order to keep your financial and personal information safe, it’s necessary to look for red flags and be proactive about security. Know the red flags: From classic methods to using sophisticated technology, criminals will try a variety of strategies to gain access to your money. If you experience any of the following, consider it a red flag and pause before you act: * A person calls or emails, pretending to be someone you trust, such as a family member, government official or a well-known business or nonprofit organization. The intention is for you to let your guard down immediately. * They push you to make decisions in a hurry, ask for personal information such as an authorization code, often threatening legal action or using intimidation tactics to get you to act. They know fast action can mean you won’t think things through, causing you to make mistakes. * They will ask for money through undetectable methods such as wire transfers and gift cards, or they may even send a check and ask you to return some of the money through these methods. Learn the do’s and don’ts: The Bank of America Privacy and Security Center provides key actions you can take to help protect yourself from becoming the victim of a scam: * Don’t send money or give out your personal information in 16
response to an unsolicited text, phone call or email. Companies will never call you and ask you for an authorization code. * Don’t be rushed to respond to unexpected requests. If they tell you not to tell anyone or they provide you with talking points to say to your bank or family, you can be absolutely sure it is a scam. Research, validate or talk to someone you trust. Look up the business and phone number online and contact them directly. * Don’t trust caller ID. Scammers can fake caller ID information so don’t always trust the name and number that appears onscreen. If the caller asks for money or personal information, hang up and call back through a validated number. * Don’t deposit a check and immediately send back funds. Scammers will send a check and ask you to send a portion of it back by wire transfer, gift card codes or a form of cash payment. You might send the money back right away, but their check could still be returned unpaid, leaving you without any money. * Don’t fall for work from home scams. No legitimate company will require you to buy things or pay for equipment up front. Car logo, mystery shoppers, baby-sitting services are a few ways consumers are targeted. * Do protect your devices by keeping your phone, tablet and computer updated with the latest browser, operating system and antivirus software. If you see a Microsoft pop-up claiming you have a virus on your computer and receive a phone call stating they need to take control of your
RuralLeaderMag.com | February 2020
computer to get rid of the malware, absolutely DO NOT fall for it. Take your laptop to a trusted company to physically clean your device. * Do use secure methods of payment such as Zelle® and Bill Pay. Zelle is a fast, safe and easy way to send and receive money in minutes¹ with friends and family and others you trust. It only uses your U.S. mobile number or email so your account information remains private. Bill Pay allows you to manage all your bills securely in a single place online, so you can pay bills with confidence. * Do stay on top of account activity and ensure all contact information is up-to-date. With Bank of America’s mobile app, turn on alerts and enable security features such as Face ID or Fingerprint Scanner to allow for simple and secure login. * Do trust your gut. If it doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. Your intuition is usually correct, so take the time to pause and evaluate before sharing personal info, sending money or revealing private data. Learn more and find out about the latest scam and fraud prevention news by visiting www.bankofamerica.com/security. ¹Transactions typically occur in minutes when the recipient’s email address or U.S. mobile number is already enrolled with Zelle. Zelle and the Zelle-related marks are wholly owned by Early Warning Services, LLC and are used herein under license.—
GetRuralLeaderMag.com | February 2020 17
18
RuralLeaderMag.com | February 2020