JANUARY 2019
Whenever you have no blueprint to tell you in detail what to do, you must work artfully.— Robert D. Austin and Lee Devin
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5 Depression and How to Manage It Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Kuanita E. Murphy, PhD
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.—
Contents
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
7 2019: The Year of the Space-Age Home
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 Phone: 1-877-281-6505
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Remember the Dream and the Dreamer... January 21, RuralLeaderMag.com | January 20192019
8 Four ways to Reduce Stress 9 Three Tips for Making Gifting Easier this Holiday Season 10 Four Things You Should Do to Boost Your Fat IQ 11 A History of Cancer Breakthroughs 65 years in the Making 13 Three Technology Challenges for Entrepreneurs and How to Handle Them
14 YourCancer. org Movement Brings Community Together to Recognize Those Making a Difference 15 Florida’s Space Coast Could be Your Perfect Winter Getaway 17 How to Launch a Video Channel And Create a Community 19 Three Ways to Understand and Help Manage Rare Blood Cancers 21 Bullying Prevention: Five Tips to Encourage Parent-Child Conversation 23 Revolutionary Technology Is Coming to a Laboratory Near You
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
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—
What you do matters. GetRuralLeaderMag.com | January 2019 @RuralLeaderMag
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Depression and How to Manage It GetRuralLeaderMag.com | January 2019 5
Sadness and grief are normal human emotions. These feelings can often last for a short period of time. However, when these emotions last for many days or weeks, depression becomes a concern. According to the American Psychiatric Association, depression is a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think and how you act. Fortunately, depression is among the most treatable of mental disorders. Between 80 percent and 90 percent of people with depression eventually respond well to treatment. Almost all patients gain some relief from their symptoms. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, an estimated 16.2 million adults in the U.S. have had at least one major depressive episode in a given year. In fact, according to a report from the National Center for Health Statistics an estimated 8.1 percent of adults age 20 and older had depression in a given 2-week period during 2013-2016. Of those affected by depression, 80 percent reported having at least some difficulty managing work, home and social activities. In the past, stigma surrounding depression caused some people to avoid seeking help. As celebrities, musicians, and even politicians speak out about their own struggles with depression, people have felt empowered to take the steps to find the help they need. Symptoms of depression: It can be difficult to know when feeling down is turning into something more concerning. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, a major depressive episode may include some of these symptoms: * Persistent sad, anxious or “empty” mood * Feelings of hopelessness * Feelings of guilt, worthlessness or helplessness * Restlessness, irritability * Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies * Decreased energy * Difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions
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* Insomnia, early-morning awakening or oversleeping * Low appetite and weight loss, or, overeating and weight gain * Thoughts of death or suicide * Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment (such as headaches, digestive disorders and pain for which no other cause can be diagnosed) Three steps that can help:People experiencing some or all of these symptoms can take action by following these three steps. Step 1: Get screened by a qualified mental health expert. Depression can only be diagnosed by a health care professional who has special assessments and tools to make the appropriate diagnosis. Step 2: Talk to your healthcare provider about a treatment plan. Depression can be managed with the right treatment options. A healthcare provider can determine the strategy that works best for you. Common treatment plans may include psychotherapy and medication. Step 3: Follow a treatment plan closely and take medications as prescribed. Abruptly stopping medications may cause withdrawal symptoms that could worsen depression. If you are uninsured or your health insurance doesn’t cover the medications you need, there are programs that can help. For example, the Inside Rx program is a free prescription savings program that could save an average of 40 percent off select brand-name medications and 80 percent off retail price on generic medications. You can check the price of medications, and terms and restrictions like eligibility requirements, at InsideRx.com. Depression doesn’t discriminate. It impacts all races, ages and genders. Take these first steps to help manage your symptoms. Keep in mind, if you are ever feeling suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 immediately.—
2019: The Year of the Space-Age Home In 2019, the “space-age” home will become a reality with modern innovations that are poised to change the way we think about luxury, elegance and comfort. Incorporating advanced technology into your home is essential when elevating its overall style, design and functionality. What better way to create a futuristic environment than by living like an astronaut in your own home. You can do exactly that with the new Flotation Tub with ZERO DIMENSION from TOTO. Made from proprietary Galaline man-made marble, the stylish tub combines a luxury spa aesthetic with space-age technology that simulates zero gravity by offering bathers a weightless experience. After more than a decade’s research, TOTO discovered that a unique posture - with the reclining body stabilized and the hips, knees and ankles flexed - reduced the joints’ mechanical energy/load to nearly zero. Astronauts sleep in this position; it enables the most relaxing rest possible. Cerebral blood flow studies show activity in the left ventrolateral prefrontal cortex - the part of the brain responsible for language - is dramatically reduced, enabling a meditative state. With the TOTO Flotation Tub as a bathroom focal point that showcases luxurious design, add sleek accessories to enhance your space, such as a smart mirror that doubles as a TV monitor. Imagine checking the weather as you put on your makeup or watching the news as you shave, creating a dual functionality and must-have futuristic design component. Space-age aesthetic is all about blending minimal-
istic features with high-tech devices, allowing for a seamless transition between design and innovation. But why stop with just the bathroom? Consumers will continue to see a vast range of technological innovations throughout 2019, inspiring home transformations that are out of this world! To reach new worlds, innovation is key, especially when it comes to energy efficiency. For state-of-theart elements both inside and outside your home, consider installing the highly anticipated solar windows that will collect solar energy while remaining transparent. The windows utilize photovoltaic technology, similar to what’s being incorporated into solar blinds and solar roofs. These kinds of energy-conscious building materials will add a space-age look and functionality to your home, bringing you into the next century. Make everyday life more efficient with a home automation system, a rapidly growing innovative technology that allows users to manage various household settings with one single command. Users have control of their entire house at their fingertips including their security, lighting, climate and entertainment systems, even their household appliances. By incorporating an innovative and design-forward centerpiece like TOTO’s Flotation Tub, along with additional subtle, sleek tech accessories and gadgets into your living space, the space-age, futuristic home can become your reality.—
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Four Ways
to Reduce Your Stress
Stress. No one wants it but we all experience it from time to time. Higher levels of stress can cause problems at work and at home. But stress is not just hard on your mental well-being, it is hard on your body and can lead to many negative health outcomes. Stress levels can also increase significantly when economic times are tough. In England, the British Health and Social Care Information Centre found that stress had increased by 47 percent during that country’s recession and that stress was the single biggest cause of sickness in the UK, affecting 20 percent of the population. In the United States, a survey by the Anxiety and Depression Association of America found that seven out of 10 people reported feeling some stress daily. To help you stay calm and focused, consider these four ways to reduce stress. Smells: Certain smells can bring back very specific and detailed memories. These could be of a person, event or place. Most often the memory also has a deeply emotional feeling that is recalled. This is because smells are processed by a specific part of the brain that stores emotional memories. Taking the time to seek out the smells that bring back those happy memories can help reduce stress levels. Salt: Stress is characterized in the human body by high levels of the hormone cortisol, referred to as the “stress hormone.” Scientific research has shown, in animals and in humans, that increased levels of salt consumption are very effective in reducing levels of cortisol. Research from the University of Haifa, pub8 RuralLeaderMag.com | January 2019
lished in the science journal Appetite, confirmed the relationship between salt and stress in humans. Researchers found an inverse correlation between salt and depression/stress, especially in women. Craving salty foods may very well be a biological defense mechanism we evolved to cope with daily stress. Pets: Animal therapy has long been used to relieve stress, improve mood and treat anxiety. Some studies have also indicated that just being around an animal can reduce blood pressure. This pet therapy has been used in hospitals and nursing homes and even with military veterans suffering from depression. And it is not limited to dogs and cats. Rabbits, Guinea pigs and even horses are used. An added benefit is that having a pet encourages exercise. Exercise: Regular exercise, even if mild, may be the best stress reducer there is. When you are active the body releases endorphins, which produce a feeling of well-being. Regular activity can improve your concentration as well as your sleep, which can often be negatively affected by stress. Just going for a daily walk can help improve how you feel. And the results of exercise can also improve your self-image and confidence. Wintertime can be stressful for many people. The cold and shorter days mean less sunlight and fewer opportunities for outdoor activities. That is why it is important to take the time to take good care of yourself and your family by looking for ways to relax.—
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Four Things You Should Do to Boost Your Fat IQ
If you’ve struggled with your weight, you know that fat can be a bad three-letter word. You’ve warded against it, tried to reduce it and agonized over what fat can do to your self-esteem and your waist line. But how much do you really know about fat? And how much could you improve your life if you knew just a little bit more? According to the MDVIP Fat IQ Survey, most adults fail a basic quiz on fat facts. And a staggering 82 percent of adults are over their ideal weight. Whether you are one of them or you want to avoid weight problems in the future, it’s time to put fat in your crosshairs. Here are four things you need to do to boost your own fat IQ and live a healthier life. * Recognize your hang-ups. Everyone has them. Whether you’re busy caring for children or elderly parents and fast food is your go-to, you travel and can’t find healthy options on the road, or you’re a late-night snacker, your lifestyle is adding fat to your diet. Recognize where your weak spots are and take steps to correct them. Consider a meal delivery service that’s both healthy and convenient, pack nutritious snacks in your carry-on, or go for a walk when the urge to eat a cookie strikes. Just changing up your routine once or twice a week can make a difference. * Be open and honest with your doctor. Eightythree percent of adults said hearing from a doctor that they need to lose weight would motivate them to take action. Yet, most doctors aren’t able to spend enough time to really delve into your eating and other lifestyle habits. If you’re serious about managing your weight, you want a primary care doctor who
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will help uncover your personal obstacles and work with you on a plan to reach your goals. Physicians like those in the MDVIP network have more time to consult patients on diet and exercise and provide the coaching and follow-up they need to be successful. Talk to your doctor and find your motivation today. * Learn the difference between fats. Not all fats are created equal. In fact, did you know some fats are actually good for you? Unsaturated fats found in plants, for example, can improve your cholesterol level and lower your risk for heart disease. Saturated fats and especially trans fats, on the other hand, found in fried and processed foods, should be rarely eaten or avoided all together because they have the potential to promote heart disease. * Find the hidden “bad fat” in your food. Restaurant menus that include calorie counts have certainly been eye-opening for many people, but the food’s fat content is often missing or overlooked. The same applies when you’re at the grocery store. In addition to looking at the amount of fat on food labels, make sure you scrutinize the list of ingredients. You want to stay away from foods that have the words “hydrogenated” or “partially hydrogenated,” which are unhealthy trans fats. Start applying your higher fat IQ today. Having a strong understanding of fats is critical to achieving a healthy lifestyle, so don’t delay in giving yourself a boost. Apply these tips to raise your fat IQ. To take the MDVIP Fat IQ survey, visit www.mdvip.com/ fat-iq-quiz.—
A History of Cancer Breakthroughs 65 years in the Making When the Cancer Research Institute (CRI) was founded in 1953, little was known about cancer and even less about the immune system. CRI was the first - and for many decades the only - research funding organization that believed that we could one day harness the immune system as a powerful weapon against cancer. Since then, the field of cancer immunology has blossomed and immunotherapy has revolutionized how cancer is treated, thanks in part to work funded by CRI. This year marks CRI’s 65th anniversary. As part of the celebration, the nonprofit dedicated to cancer immunotherapy research released a list of 30 of the most important CRI-funded scientific breakthroughs. Each milestone can be traced directly back to CRI, which has supported more than 3,200 scientists and doctors at top institutions around the world. Though distinct, each of these breakthroughs provided crucial pieces to the complex puzzle that CRI has long sought to solve: how the immune system can be used to save the lives of those with cancer. Foundational discoveries Many CRI-funded foundational discoveries helped establish immunotherapy as a viable treatment approach for cancer. One particularly important discovery occurred in 1976, when a team led by Lloyd J. Old, M.D., CRI’s founding scientific and medical director, revealed the existence of spontaneously occurring anti-tumor immune responses in cancer patients. Many of today’s advancements in cancer treatment
are a direct of result of these foundational breakthroughs, made possible in part by the $384 million in donor support that CRI has invested in scientists over the last six decades. Checkpoint immunotherapy: Checkpoint inhibitors that target the PD-1/PD-L-1 pathway have been approved for eleven major cancer types in the United States and around the world, thanks in part to early work funded by CRI. While working in the Emory University lab of Rafi Ahmed, Ph.D., CRI-funded fellows E. John Wherry, Ph.D., and David Masopust, Ph.D., laid the groundwork for these therapies by showing that targeting this pathway could restore the activity of “exhausted” T cells. These treatments, however, weren’t the first checkpoint immunotherapies approved by the FDA. The first, which targets CTLA-4, was approved in 2011 after a breakthrough in a phase III clinical trial with advanced melanoma patients. CRI-funded postdoctoral fellow Dr. Frank Borriello was part of Dr. Arlene Sharpe’s team at Harvard Medical School that was one of the first to help clarify the role of CTLA4 in immune responses, while James P. Allison, Ph.D., 2018 Nobel Prize recipient, current director of CRI’s Scientific Advisory Council, and chair of the Department of Immunology and the executive director of the Immunotherapy Platform at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, is regarded as a pioneer and one of the driving forces behind the clinical development of anti-CTLA-4 immunotherapy. GetRuralLeaderMag.com | January 2019 11
Expanding immunotherapy’s applications: Beyond checkpoint inhibitors, immunotherapies like vaccines can educate patients’ immune systems about what cancer “looks like,” while others incorporate patients’ immune cells directly. These cell-based immunotherapies continue to show great promise and are improving survival for many patients, including children, living with cancer. In 2002, Dr. Cassian Yee, a CRI-funded clinical grantee at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle (now at MD Anderson Cancer Center), helped lead groundbreaking work that was among the first to show that cancer patients’ immune cells could be removed, enhanced in the lab, and then used to help fight their tumors. This work launched the development of many adoptive T cell immunotherapy approaches - including chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy, an approach recently approved by the FDA for the treatment of some types of leukemia and lymphoma. Bacteria and viruses: People often associate bacteria and viruses with the infections that can arise from these organisms. However, because of their ability to stimulate the immune system, bacteria and viruses can also promote immune responses against cancer. In fact, the first use of immunotherapy in the 1890s - by CRI’s “grandfather” Dr. William B. Coley - involved infecting cancer patients with bacteria to help stimulate their bodies to attack the cancer. Since then, we’ve learned much more about the roles these microorganisms play in the context of cancer immunotherapy. In 2015, CRI postdoctoral
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fellow Dr. Leticia Corrales, while working in the lab of the University of Chicago’s Dr. Thomas F. Gajewski - a member of CRI’s Scientific Advisory Council discovered that mice with “good” bacteria were better protected against tumor development and responded much better to checkpoint immunotherapy. Subsequent work by Dr. Gajewski showed that this same connection exists in human cancer patients too, spurring a number of bacteria-based prognostic and therapeutic approaches being evaluated right now. Looking to the future: Over the past 65 years, CRI has focused on cancer research with one goal in mind: to unleash the immune system’s power to cure all cancers. “Many people living with cancer today have been able to live longer, healthier lives thanks to the power of immunotherapy and we’re now seeing decades of research come to fruition,” said Dr. Jill O’Donnell-Tormey, chief executive officer and director of scientific affairs at the Cancer Research Institute. “We’re thrilled to have been a major part of the progress made to date, but more research needs to be done and that’s why those of us at the Cancer Research Institute will continue to fund the best, most promising scientists in cancer immunotherapy research until all cancer patients benefit from these treatments.” For more information on CRI’s impact on some of the most groundbreaking advances in cancer immunotherapy research, visit cancerresearch.org/ breakthroughs.—
Three Technology Challenges for Entrepreneurs and How to Handle Them
As a small business owner, you face many challenges. From stiff competition for customers to getting your name out there in a crowded marketplace and of course, balancing your budget, there’s always something new that needs your attention. Investing in technology can help alleviate many of the concerns your small business faces, but if not approached properly, a tech investment can open your company up to an entirely new set of problems. With that in mind, this article takes a strategic look at some of the most common technology problems small business owners face and provides you with tips to tackle them, and get back to running and growing your business to be everything you imagined. Challenge 1: Finding the right technology: The technology offerings available in today’s market have grown exponentially. That’s good news for your business but it can also make finding the right solution for your needs more challenging. To solve this problem, focus on tried-and-true methods. Read reviews, pay attention to professional reports and listen to what experts are saying on social media. You can also speak to current and former colleagues to learn more about what types of systems they utilize. And if you need comprehensive support beyond
those options, you can also partner with a technology advisor to outfit your business with the appropriate solutions. The right partner prioritizes and determines the necessary solutions that build a foundation for current growth and future innovation. Dell Small Business advisors, for example, are available to answer your questions and offer you advice, no matter the size of your company. Engage the team in a live chat on Dell’s Small Business website to find the right solution for your needs. Challenge 2: Solving the money issue: The financial implication of every decision is always a focal point for any small business, but this is especially true when it comes to your technology spend. After all, as technology improves, businesses need to know they are purchasing tech that will support their needs for as long as possible, helping them to remain relevant. In fact, a recent study from SMB Group found 72 percent of respondents felt that using new technology effectively is key to the company’s survival and growth. Partnering with an established small business advisor - as discussed above - can deliver on this need, but you can also ensure you’re using the latest tech by opting to utilize leasing solutions. Instead of buying in particular cases, leasing allows you to maintain the competitive advantage cutting-edge technology proGetRuralLeaderMag.com | January 2019 13
vides you at a fraction of the cost. And, when your lease ends, it’s easy to move on to the next solution. Challenge 3: Integrating a new solution with your existing systems. When you add a new employee to your staff there’s always a certain gelling period. The same is true with new technology. It isn’t always a given that a new solution will integrate with your older existing systems. Therefore, this digital transformation challenge is one many small businesses face. According to the same SMB Group study, only 21 percent of small businesses strongly agree that they have a well-defined strategy for digital transformation. To help simplify transformation in your company, Dell business
laptops, such as Latitude and Vostro, include a variety of connection ports, enabling them to work with more of your existing systems and streamline your company’s integration needs as much as possible. Finding solutions to your small business’s technology needs today In today’s highly competitive market, your small business can’t afford to ignore any potential advantage. While many of these are tied to technology, you don’t have to let concern over making the wrong decision bar you from exploring your options. Apply the tips above and don’t be afraid to seek professional advice. Your business and its tech will be better for it.—
YourCancer.org Movement Brings Community Together to Recognize Those Making a Difference If you or a loved one is living with cancer, always remember - there’s strength in numbers. In fact, there’s an entire community of patients, doctors, nurses, caregivers, researchers, payers, policy makers, advocacy groups and many, many others behind you - all working hard to help transform cancer care from one person’s disease into a true community effort. That’s the primary purpose of a new program called YOUR Cancer, to spotlight the countless individuals and organizations that have played crucial roles in supporting those facing cancer. It seeks to celebrate the advancements that personalize and improve treatment, access to care and patient support across the nation by bringing together the entire cancer community to pursue the common goal of eliminating cancer as a cause of death. And not just people living with cancer, but everyone helping to create a brighter future that ultimately makes YOUR Cancer, OUR Cancer. “A cancer diagnosis can be devastating, but it’s not a journey anyone should have to travel alone,” notes
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Rose Gerber, Director of Patient Advocacy and Education at the Community Oncology Alliance. “There’s strength in numbers, and in our case, that means bringing together the researchers, physicians, nurses and everyone who extends a supportive hand. Above all, knowledge is power. So it helps to highlight the incredible advancements being made that make a difference in the lives of people with cancer, as well as for their loved ones.” YOUR Cancer - a program by AstraZeneca - features a website (YourCancer.org) where visitors can listen to accounts from the many patients, caregivers and advocates making a difference in the cancer community. They can also access a list of resources, read about the inspiring work being done by The C2 (Cancer Community) Award winners, and learn more about the many partners who have already joined our community and dedicate their lives to making YOUR Cancer, OUR Cancer. Join the movement today and help recognize those making a difference by visiting www.YourCancer. org.—
Florida’s Space Coast Could be Your Perfect Winter Getaway
People who visit Florida’s Space Coast often end up making it their favorite vacation destination, mainly because it features such a wide range of enjoyable activities for all ages. Rich in entertainment and adventure, new learning experiences and natural beauty, the area is considered very affordable for tourists. If you’re already visiting the Central Florida area, the Space Coast is only a 45-minute drive due east from Orlando, making it an ideal option for extending your next wintertime getaway. There’s good reason for the popularity of Florida’s Space Coast, notes Gabe Saglie, the senior editor for Travelzoo, in a recent report he wrote for ABC News. Space fans flock here to visit the Kennedy Space Center, learn about NASA and watch rocket liftoffs in person. But this 72-mile stretch of beach along the Sunshine State’s Atlantic shores has so much more to offer, from gourmet discoveries and outdoor adventures to some of Florida’s most spectacular scenery. And did we mention the near-perfect wintertime weather, with an average high of 72 degrees during the cold months, along with minimal humidity? If you’ve never experienced this fun-filled destination, consider adding these Space Coast attractions to this winter’s itinerary. * To infinity and beyond. TripAdvisor calls Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex the only location worldwide where you can view the space shuttle Atlantis, touch a moon rock, meet NASA astronauts, tour a NASA spaceflight facility and get up close to a Saturn V moon rocket all in the same day. And that’s not counting the chance that you might also witness a spectacular rocket launch firsthand. Other prime spots along the Space Coast for viewing launches include the shores of the Indian River, Space View Park in Titusville, Playalinda Beach on the Canaveral National Seashore and Exploration Tower at Port Canaveral. * Big, beautiful beaches. Whether you seek a peaceful shoreline retreat, a surfing paradise, an oceanside oasis for family fun or a place near the sand that also has some decent nightlife, you’re likely to find the beach of your dreams here. Tourist
favorites include Cocoa Beach, a nostalgic coastal community featuring a historic pier and more than 50 locations for shopping, dining and enjoying the arts, and Sebastian Inlet State Park, which is great for surfing, canoeing, kayaking and camping. * Surfing Santas. For madcap holiday fun, this free event annually draws thousands of spectators to Cocoa Beach the morning of Christmas Eve to cheer on hundreds of surfers all decked out in their best Santa suits. An accompanying costume contest for the fans usually brings out the zaniest of Christmas outfits, as well. * Unparalleled fishing and boating. The Space Coast is dream territory for all kinds of angling. If you prefer the saltwater variety, Port Canaveral is your all-in-one resource for chartering an offshore fishing boat, trying your hand at bottom fishing or relaxing on a party barge with friends and family. Other locations along the coast offer dolphin watching, manatee viewing and the exploration of area islands. If freshwater fishing is your thing, the headwaters of the St. Johns River feature more than 6,500 acres of shallows harboring largemouth bass. * Animal encounters. The impressive Brevard Zoo in Melbourne is home to some 650 animals representing species from Florida, South America, Africa, Asia and Australia. Zoo visitors can kayak through the Africa exhibit; zipline over gators and crocs in the South America territory; hand-feed the giraffes; pet the rhinos; stroll the boardwalks that are surrounded by lush Florida fauna; paddleboat around some 22 acres of wetlands; and cool off in the Indian River Play Lagoon. For additional eye-opening encounters, more than 140,000 acres of natural habitat are yours to explore in the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which is home to at least 1,500 species of plants and animals. The pristine refuge is ideal for hiking, bird-watching, fishing and simply enjoying some of nature’s wonders. Think about it: Florida’s Space Coast could be the place you’ve been dreaming about for your next wintertime adventure. For more information, check out VisitSpaceCoast.com.— GetRuralLeaderMag.com | January 2019 15
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How to Launch a Video Channel And Create a Community Today’s teens can easily connect with like-minded people by making videos and sharing them. For some 85 percent of U.S. teens, a smartphone is their tool of choice to watch, share and publish videos, according to Pew Research Center. Video and social media platforms are great tools for teens to explore their interests, express themselves creatively and connect with communities around the world. Many creative teens have built personal brands and vibrant communities for people who like fashion, beauty products and video games. Some teens even partner with companies like Star Stable - makers of the world’s most popular online, horse adventure game - to create video channels for a global audience. The company credits the popularity of their video channel, Star Stable News, to the energy and ideas of the young hosts and the vibrant community they have built around the world. The Star Stable News hosts Ylva Potatoheart and Matilda Opalpie are happy to share tips to create your own video channel. If you’re not sure where to start, this guide can help you plan, film and promote your video content. But first, online safety is of utmost importance, so before filming and posting, make sure you talk to your parents about your plans and get their permission. 1. Determine the theme of your video channel. Ask yourself what makes you happy. You may know immediately or it may take some soul searching. If you’re unsure, grab a notepad and keep a list of things that catch your interest throughout the day. Ask yourself what kind of videos you like to watch? What would you love to discuss for hours on end? Talk about what matters to you, and your passion will show. 2. Pick your channel name with care. Your video channel will be your trademark, so select a name that reflects the content you want to create. Some influ-
encers use a nickname, some use their real name, some just pick a word, and some simply make up a name they like! Just make sure your channel name is easy to recognize and relates to you and your content. 3. Determine what action you want people to take. Ask yourself what you want your viewers to think, do or say after watching your videos. Can you help others? Or do you want to spark a discussion? Do you want to inspire them to make the world better? Do you want them to laugh and be happy? 4. Plan and record your topics and content. Plan ahead and map out content for the first five or six videos. Create and follow a basic structure so your viewers can follow your story. Each video needs a welcome message, an overview of the video’s content, a deep-dive into the topic you’re discussing and a conclusion. If it’s easy for you to speak off the cuff with a simple list of subtopics, go for it! Otherwise, an organized outline can keep the video on track. 5. Publish and enjoy. Once your video is complete and edited, it’s time to put it out into the world ... and see how people respond! Share the video on your social channels, tag influencers and use hashtags to reach a wider audience. Don’t forget the importance of a well-written title. To help people find your video, take time to come up with the right key words and be sure they appear in the title. 6. Engage your community. When people leave comments, respond as soon as you can - it’s a great way to build that community. Use your video and social channels to ask viewers for ideas for upcoming videos. Show your community that you care what they think and that you are listening to them. It’s never too late to tackle a new adventure, especially if you are up for the creative and artistic challenge. If you have an idea of what you want to do, grab your equipment, go out and start creating!—
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Three Ways to Understand and Help Manage Rare Blood Cancers Most people have a personal connection to cancer. In fact, an estimated 1.7 million people in the United States will be diagnosed with cancer this year. But there are several lesser-known types of cancer that many people do not know about which can make diagnosis and treatment decisions more challenging. One example is a closely related group of rare blood cancers known as myeloproliferative neoplasms, or MPNs. MPNs are rare blood cancers in which the bone marrow functions abnormally, affecting the body’s blood cells. There are several types of MPNs, including myelofibrosis (MF), polycythemia vera (PV), and essential thrombocythemia (ET). While MPNs are progressive blood cancers that can occur at any age, they tend to be more common in older adults. Estimates of the prevalence of MPNs vary, but data suggest there may be as many as 200,000 people in the United States living with these diseases. MPNs are serious, chronic, and progressive, but largely unknown, as most patients and caregivers have never even heard of an MPN prior to diagnosis. Since talking to a healthcare provider about MPNs can be overwhelming, here are three tips to help guide those challenging and important conversations: Review the NCCN Guidelines: The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN®) - an alliance of leading cancer centers devoted to patient care, research, and education - developed a set of guidelines that patients, caregivers, and doctors can reference for important MPN information such as disease explanations, symptoms and diagnosis details, disease monitoring and management information, supportive care techniques, and more. These guidelines, developed by experts in the field, can help enable people living with an MPN and their caregivers to
take a more active role in disease management and have informed conversations with their healthcare team. To read these guidelines, please visit NCCN. org/patients/MPNs. Connect with Others: “MPNs tend to be a misunderstood disease,” said Matthew W., who has been living with PV for more than 10 years. “Since MPNs are rare, it can be hard to connect with others who truly understand what you are going through.” Given his health history, Matt is passionate about advocating for the MPN community and even formed a support group in his area to help people diagnosed with MPNs. There are also support groups and online communities for people living with MPNs. Additionally, Voices of MPN offers information and resources on MPNs for people impacted by these diseases. Use MPN tracker tools: If you are living with an MPN, you may already know you have a progressive condition. Tracking your MPN on a regular basis can help you identify changes in your health and help ensure that you are having those important conversations with your healthcare professional. By using the Voices of MPN tracker tool, you can track your symptoms, blood counts, and past procedures. Following these three tips can help you take control of a disease that, at sometimes, can feel out of your control. To learn more about MPNs visit VoicesofMPN. com or “like” Voices of MPN on Facebook. Developed by Incyte Corporation.© 2018, Incyte Corporation. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. MAT-ÂHEM-Â00443 12/18—
Caption 1: MPNs can affect people at any age, but they are more common in older adults. GetRuralLeaderMag.com | January 2019 19
20 RuralLeaderMag.com | January 2019
Bullying Prevention: Five Tips to Encourage Parent-Child Conversation
If you’re a parent, you bring your kids to their annual checkups, get their teeth cleaned twice a year and help them eat well and get enough sleep. You do this to keep them physically healthy, but what about their mental health? For parents, it can sometimes seem difficult to monitor and gauge a child’s emotional well-being, which is affected by a number of things that parents and children may not discuss. Having conversations around these issues is the best way to keep them in check. One issue that is of particular concern is bullying. Bullying is a big problem today - fueled even more in the age of the internet. Often, troubles with classmates are hidden from parents’ view, whether they take place in the classroom, on the bus or online. Nearly half (47 percent) of parents confess that one of their greatest fears is that their child will be bullied, according to a survey by Planet Fitness. And while nearly one-quarter (24 percent) of parents admit their child has been the victim of bullying, only 8 percent have children that talk to them regularly about it. This is why it’s important for parents to stay in tune to their children’s behaviors and talk to them openly. If you notice your child acting differently, it may be because something is happening to them at school or a different setting. You can use your observations as an opportunity to start an important conversation about what’s going on. “Be careful with how you perceive your child’s behavior, as the way they are feeling on the inside might not be the emotion they show on the outside,” says Marc Brackett, PhD, director of Yale’s Center for Emotional Intelligence and lead developer of RULER, a school-based approach to teaching social emotional learning in classrooms that has been adopted by hundreds of schools and districts across the country, as well as adapted for after-school settings such as Boys & Girls Clubs. “If your child is acting out of the ordinary, for example, it’s best to speak with them about their day to help you identify the root cause of their actions.” Tips for meaningful conversation with your child : Fostering regular, meaningful conversation with your child helps build trust so that you can hear all about their experiences, both the good and the bad, and can weigh in with your loving support. Share common experiences: To show empathy and help your child to understand they aren’t alone,
Brackett suggests that if you have ever experienced something similar to what your child is going through, such as if you were ever bullied, share that experience with your child. When you relate your experiences to your child’s situation, it will encourage them to share what happened and how he or she feels about it. Brainstorm solutions: Ask your child what they want to do and how you can help, suggests Brackett. Come up with more than one option to deal with the situation. It’s important not to dictate, but suggest solutions and encourage them to come up with their own ways of dealing with the situation. Your child needs to feel like a part of the action plan for it to work. Utilizing proper tools will help you, your child and even your child’s school develop these action plans. PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center in partnership with Planet Fitness’ Judgement Free Generation, a philanthropic initiative that aims to prevent bullying and spark a pro-kindness movement, has created Bullying Prevention 101, a freeto-download resource designed to help elementary, middle and high schools build environments defined by kindness, acceptance and inclusion (by way of teachers, counselors and other educators). Experts from PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center also suggest parents: Listen to kids without judgement: Let kids do the talking and follow their lead. Discuss their experiences with an open mind and open heart. Then discuss their ideas on how they want to handle the situation and let them know that you’re there for them and will help no matter what. Be aware of being bullied and being the bully: Sometimes if a child is being bullied, they are more likely to replicate that behavior elsewhere. First, recognize that children bully for many reasons. Next, help them understand how that behavior affects others and encourage positive solutions. Encourage kindness: Help your child understand the importance of showing support and being kind to everyone, especially others who might be victims of bullying. Even if the crowd goes one way, it’s always important to stand up for what’s right. For more ideas about fostering positive and productive conversations with young people about bullying, as well as to access Bullying Prevention 101 resources, visit https://www.pacer.org/planetfitness.— GetRuralLeaderMag.com | January 2019 21
22 RuralLeaderMag.com | January 2019
Revolutionary Technology Is Coming to a Laboratory Near You Lab tests play a significant role in detecting, diagnosing and monitoring diseases. Clinical decisions are often guided by test results - results such as those that indicate whether a patient is having a heart attack or needs a medication adjustment, whether a patient is a candidate for surgery or chemotherapy, or results that determine whether a patient is healthy enough to return home from a hospital stay. Awaiting answers can scare and stress patients. Producing test results quickly is increasingly challenging for laboratories. The aging baby boomer population sends more samples to the laboratory than previous generations; yet, the number of workers available to process samples is decreasing. There is a critical shortage of skilled laboratory workers to process such samples. Lab managers consequently have to find new ways to deliver patient results efficiently. “Laboratories are facing major challenges: staffing shortages, budget constraints and consolidation with other laboratories as health systems grow - while the number of samples they’re expected to run is increasing rapidly,” said Andy Olen, senior vice president of Laboratory Diagnostics for North America at Siemens Healthineers. “The Atellica Solution was engineered with advancements never before seen in the clinical laboratory to address testing challenges with greater speed and efficiency to improve productivity so physicians can have their patients’ results faster.” The Atellica Solution produces results for the most common tests run in the laboratory: pregnancy tests, blood glucose, electrolytes, hormones, lipids and many more. Laboratory staff now spends less time maintaining the analyzers thanks to built-in quality control features that are important for delivering accurate results. This solution is a significant innovation for laboratories that frequently run emergency samples such as those used for cardiac emergencies. Laboratories will often dedicate staff and instruments to priority
samples to expedite results. Staff can now process patient samples by priority order with technology that transports each sample individually so that emergency samples can cut to the front of the line. Dedicated equipment and staff to process emergency samples quickly is no longer necessary. For some patients, the amount of blood that needs to be drawn to run a test is more important than the speed of their results. Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, one of the oldest and most distinguished pediatric hospitals in the United States, became the first children’s hospital worldwide to install the Atellica Solution. As one of the nation’s most well-respected children’s hospitals, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center must continue to look at ways that the laboratory can improve a patient’s experience. This solution will allow the hospital to complete its routine testing panels while using a smaller sample size. Smaller sample sizes also are of significance to patients with compromised bone marrow function, such as cancer patients. Young red blood cells are released from bone marrow. Patients undergoing extended hospital stays sometimes have their blood drawn daily, which in many cases for these sick patients is more frequently than their bodies can replenish. Siemens Healthineers designed this solution with the patient in mind, incorporating technologies that produce sensitive and precise results from very small sample volumes. Siemens Healthineers provides more than 10 billion diagnostic tests to labs globally each year and built the Atellica Solution to deliver what laboratories worldwide need to modernize their operations. Laboratories across the U.S. are resoundingly enthusiastic about implementing the state-of-the-art technology.—
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24 RuralLeaderMag.com | January 2019
