Rural Leader Magazine JANUARY 2025

JANUARY 2025

Cover Story How this award-winning TV host is setting the stage to help protect her health, pg. 7 COVER STORY

Looking to Up Your Fitness in the New Year? This Expert Says Tech Can Help, pg. 6 GetRuralLeaderMag.com | JANUARY 2025 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 ruralleadermagazine@gmail.com

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COVER STORY 6 Looking to Up Your Fitness in the New Year? This Expert Says Tech Can Help 8 Two Crucial New Year’s tasks to help protect your home and belongings

11 How to know if you can trust your supplement: 4 things to look for 14 Five Ways to Ease Your Retirement Worries

15 Older adults at higher risk of confusion, memory problems after surgery: anesthesiologists and patients should partner to protect brain health 17 Why men should consider filling the nation’s need for nurses 20 Alzheimer’s Disease Therapy Provides Patients With Hope 23 How to help prevent the spread of germs this cold and flu season

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—

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, and LinkedIn. Thanks again for your continual support!

Sincerely, Kuanita E. Murphy, PhD Publisher/Editor-in-Chief

What you do matters. @RuralLeaderMag

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•Eligible employers can apply for funding for up to ten (10) apprentices •Contract completion award $5,000 per apprentice, regardless of the length of the RAP

Connect with us to learn how a Registered Apprenticeship Program can help serve your workforce development and hiring needs!

CareerRise is hosting one-on-one exploration meeting to explore the value of Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs), an employer-led workforce development model and strategy designed to provide employers with additional support to train skilled workers and meet growing workforce needs.

Questions? Contact Keren Cadet kcadet@careerriseatlanta.org

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COVER STORY

Looking to Up Your Fitness in the New Year?

This Expert Says Tech Can Help

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From wearables to apps, New Year’s fitness resolutions are getting a tech boost that’s catching on, with T-Mobile customers spending 23% more time on average on fitness-related apps in the last year.

At midnight on New Year’s Eve, many make a familiar pledge: to get fit. For the nearly half of all U.S. adults who make fitness-related resolutions, technology such as wearable devices and apps can be key to keeping this pledge, said A’Naja Newsome, Ph.D., a Researcher and Assistant Professor at the University of Central Florida who has written about fitness technology. Newsome also hosts a podcast, Strength in the Details, on which she talks about the impact of mental health, nutrition and leadership on strength training.

“Technology has really been adapted and modified to be appealing to a wide genre of exercisers,” Newsome said. “People just really have to prioritize what’s going to be important to them right now and invest in that.”

Your Goals, Your Way. There’s no one-size-fitsall for fitness technology. Start with an assessment of what you value and what your fitness goals are, Newsome says. Whether you’re planning to run an ultramarathon or signing up for your first gym membership, there’s something for everyone to keep their resolutions.

“We have so many of these wearable devices that can track things like heart rate, calories, steps and more,” Newsome said. “And then we have things like mobile apps where people can use paid or free services to track their daily physical activity behaviors.”

Beginners can start with mobile apps that come with quick and simple workouts - and if they value aesthetics, they can invest in wearables that also serve as a fashion piece, she says.

Physical activity tracking devices have historically been geared to sport-specific athletes, particularly in running and cycling. However, “we’re also seeing it expand to outdoor sports like hiking, climbing and swimming, and we’re even starting to see tech for things like flexibility and mobility training and special populations like pre- and postnatal individuals,” Newsome said.

The expansion of these technologies is leading to a shift back to basic fitness practices, she says, with a focus on everyday activities and movements such as time spent standing, daily steps, breathing and meditation rather than specific, structured exercise routines.

“Wearable technology now is telling us what is happening with the rest of our day,” Newsome said.

“What is happening with our sleep? What is happening with our steps? What is happening with our sedentary behavior?”

The fitness technology market has grown as more people turn to apps to support their goals. Among T-Mobile customers, the average time spent per month using fitness-related apps - such as running, weight and fitness trackers - increased by 23% between 2023 and 2024.

And on America’s largest, fastest and most awarded 5G network, customers can get uninterrupted streaming for their workout videos and real-time data feeds on their performance.

Newsome said she expects the mobile apps and wearable device markets to continue to grow in 2025.

The next frontier is integrating these technologies into healthcare in the future, allowing for more holistic treatment plans and monitoring capabilities, she added.

Make It Personal. Choosing new fitness technology is a personal decision based on individual values and priorities. Now, artificial intelligence is taking personalization even further by creating workout plans tailored to an individual’s unique data, Newsome said.

“AI is generating these customizable workouts for your home gym, for on-the-go, your travel, for those that are short on time,” she said. “That’s going to reach a demographic of people who maybe thought that they didn’t have the time to exercise or for those that just didn’t have the know-how to exercise.”

Wearable tech, mobile apps and AI can be even more supercharged with human input, Newsome said. She advised people to consult with an exercise professional or their medical provider before embarking on a new fitness regimen or making significant changes based on their wearable technology data.

Social support is the key factor in helping people change their behavior, she said, so supplement the benefits from wearable devices and mobile apps by seeking out peers and professionals. She also advises to not rely on technology so much that it creates a barrier to reaching your goals, like skipping a workout because your smart watch ran out of battery.

With all the innovations that promise to up performance and get people moving, there’s never been a better time to conquer your fitness goals. So as the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve, remember: Fitness technology can give you a push, but the most important piece of equipment is your willpower, and all it takes is the first step. You’ve got this!— GetRuralLeaderMag.com | JANUARY 2025 7

Two Crucial New Year’s tasks to help protect your home and belongings The beginning of a new year is a time when many people take stock of their lives, addressing important tasks like getting wellness exams or scheduling home maintenance. To help protect your home and property, these two steps should be at the top of your list: Getting an annual insurance check, and taking a home inventory. These steps can help you have peace of mind that you’ve got the coverage you need, should the unthinkable happen.

Here’s why it’s so important to do these tasks on an annual basis, from the experts at State Farm Insurance.

Annual insurance checks. Scheduling an annual insurance conversation with your insurance agent gives you the opportunity to ask questions about your home coverage, as well as ensure that all your vehicles are adequately covered - and new drivers are added to your coverage.

During your annual check, your agent can help you estimate the replacement cost of your home.

While the amount of coverage you select is ultimately your choice, your agent can explain your options so you’ll make an informed decision based on the amount of coverage to rebuild if necessary. This is also a good time to ensure that you’ve told your agent about changes to your home that may impact your coverage needs, such as additions or remodeling.

It’s critical to understand the difference between the market value of your home and the replacement cost: * Market value: the amount a buyer would pay for 8

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your home, including the land, regardless of how much it would cost to rebuild the home. * Replacement cost: the rebuilding cost necessary to replace your entire home.

Insurance agents recommend purchasing an amount of coverage at least equal to the estimated replacement cost, but the choice is yours. To determine the most accurate current replacement cost for your home, you could ask if a replacement cost estimate is available during a home appraisal, or consult a local builders association or reputable builder for an estimate. Building contractors or professional replacement cost appraisers are good sources for determining the estimated replacement cost of your home.

When you upgrade or improve your home, you may need to increase your home’s estimated replacement cost, which is another good reason to reevaluate this regularly. Replacement cost estimates are also influenced by labor and materials costs that are subject to change, so keeping up with the current market conditions in your area and changing your home insurance coverage amount accordingly will help you maintain coverage that’s at least equal to 100% of your estimated replacement cost.

Since it’s impossible to predict what the exact cost will be to replace your home in the future, assessing this amount annually means you’ll be more likely to have enough coverage to account for unforeseen circumstances.

Why a home inventory is crucial

Before scheduling your annual insurance check, take a complete home inventory so your records are up to date. It’s easy to be unaware of how many belongings accumulate in your home over time, which is why it’s key for homeowners to conduct a home and personal property inventory before a catastrophe or unexpected damage might occur. A home inventory is an excellent way to make sure you will be able to replace things in your home including furniture, home essentials, clothing and more.

Whether you live in an apartment or a house, a home inventory is an excellent way to help you make the best homeowners or renters insurance decisions.

This will also expedite insurance claims in the event of theft, damage or loss. While it may sound daunting, there are three ways to make your inventory, so choose the method that seems easiest to you. * Written inventory: List your belongings, including item descriptions (make, model and serial number, if applicable), value and purchase date. Create your list using a spreadsheet, or fill out a home inventory checklist that’s ready to go, like a checklist from State Farm Insurance. Gather documents like receipts or photos that support your inventory. * Digital inventory: If you have a smart phone, there are downloadable apps, some of them free, to help you make a digital inventory. Home inventory apps let you record a photo of each item along with

its description, value and purchase date. * Visual record: You can use a visual record of your possessions to show proof of ownership with a video walk-through of your home, or through a series of photographs.

Another option is combining a couple of these methods, if that works best for you. Making an accurate, up-to-date record of your insurable assets will help you determine the right amount of insurance coverage you need.

For additional tips and to help you get started, check out the blog “How to Create a Home Inventory” at StateFarm.com/simple-insights.

This content sponsored by State Farm.—

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How to know if you can trust your supplement: 4 things to look for

A multivitamin. Calcium. Vitamin C. Chances are, you’ve taken at least one of these today, along with three-quarters of American adults.

There are hundreds of brands and thousands of products to choose from. So, how do you choose a quality vitamin, mineral or botanical supplement, and how do you know whether it will do what you hope?

You may be shocked to learn that the FDA does not approve dietary supplements that are on your store shelf. In fact, according to the new “Habits and Healthspan” survey, sponsored by Amway, 47% of U.S. adults ages 18 to 70 mistakenly believe their supplements are FDA-approved.

The good news? Thanks to the internet, it’s easier than ever to research products and there are four easy ways to ensure you are putting a high-quality product into your body.

1. Do you recognize the ingredients? * 87% of Americans want to know exactly what they’re putting into their bodies.

Although manufacturers are legally required to use safe ingredients, the FDA does not approve dietary supplements. The bottom line? It’s up to consumers

to research and know what they’re putting in their bodies. This is where ingredient traceability - the process of tracing the origin and journey of ingredients through the supply chain to ensure safety, quality and transparency - comes in. * 67% are more likely to purchase dietary supplements that are traceable from the seed to the shelf.

2. Do you understand where the ingredients are grown? * Over half (60%) of consumers agree it’s important to know the seed-to-production path to ensure quality.

Consumers are looking for products they can trust. Thanks to the internet, it’s easier than ever to dig into product ingredients and see the seed-to-supplement pathway. This has led to consumer demand for product transparency where companies are being pushed to be more open not just about their ingredients, but their production practices as well. This extends beyond supplements, too: * 87% of consumers agree that clean and sustainably made skincare and cosmetic products are superior.

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3. Is the company you’re purchasing from environmentally conscious? In addition to what’s in the products they consume, there is a growing concern amongst Americans about how products are made and what impact is made on the environment. * 78% say they’re concerned about how pollution and chemicals can affect their health, with 29% “very” concerned. With that, consumers are opting for products that are both good for their health and wellbeing as well as the planet.

One way companies can be more environmentally conscious is by practicing regenerative agriculture, using farming methods that conserve water and protect the soil. Companies like Amway, which owns and operates nearly 6,000 acres of certified organic farmland in the U.S., take pride in: * Avoiding the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides * Saving energy and water 4. Does the product have a certification or seal of approval? Having an objective, third-party assurance that the product you are using meets quality standards is another way to ensure reliability.

Only 6% of consumers do not prefer using a sunscreen that is certified with a third-party assurance. When it comes to personal care products like

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sunscreen, you can check the packaging to note which ones have certifications such as the Seal of Recommendation from the Skin Care Foundation, which provides assurance that the product meets a third-party’s criteria for safe and effective protection.

Setting the bar for quality, sustainability and integrity. Ultimately, consumers are driving the shift toward higher quality, more sustainable products. The expectation falls on companies to change their ways and meet expectations. Americans want products that not only work but also align with their sustainability values. The brands that rise to the occasion and meet these demands stand to create deeper, more loyal relationships with their customers.

As a health and well-being industry leader, Amway is working to set the bar high for quality, sustainability and product integrity. By forging partnerships down its supply chain and making strong commitments to transparency, Amway is among many other companies leading the charge in corporate responsibility and environmental stewardship.—

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Five Ways to Ease Your Retirement Worries

By Rob Williams, Managing Director, Financial Planning, Retirement Income and Wealth Management, Schwab Center for Financial Research There are a lot of cautionary tales in the news these days about how unprepared people are for retirement, painting a rather bleak picture of widespread financial insecurity. But the reality is quite different.

We recently surveyed more than 1,000 Americans and found they actually feel pretty optimistic about their retirement plans. Six in 10 people say they are not concerned about having enough money to live off of in retirement, and most also feel financially prepared. The numbers are even better for people who are already retired or semi-retired. Over 90% say they’ve saved enough to live comfortably and are confident about their overall financial situation.

None of this means people aren’t worried at all.

What we found is that most retirement anxiety centers around things beyond people’s control, like inflation, market fluctuations, rising health care costs and potential changes in government policy. If you fall into that category, here are five practical strategies to help ease those concerns and provide greater peace of mind.

1. Make sure your portfolio reflects your current risk capacity. While “risk tolerance” refers to the amount of market volatility you can stomach, “risk capacity” is about determining how much money you’ll definitely need over the next one to four years.

Think of it as the financial buffer required to cover your short-term expenses without being affected by market and economic swings. Once you know your risk capacity, set aside the appropriate cash and split it into two types of cushions: * Money you know you’ll need in the next year - Consider putting this into high-yield checking or savings accounts, money market funds, or CDs with maturities under 12 months. * Money you’ll need in the next two to four years - Consider putting this into high-quality short-term bonds, bond funds, or CDs with maturities between two to four years.

2. Stay Invested and Diversified. A diversified portfolio could potentially help navigate the ups and downs of the economy. And spreading your investments across various asset classes - like stocks, bonds and real estate - may create a cushion against market volatility. Stocks, in particular, have historically outpaced inflation over the long term, helping to preserve your purchasing power. Overall, staying invested through market cycles rather than reacting to short-term fluctuations can be one of the best strategies for maintaining your wealth in retirement.

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3. Revisit Your Emergency Fund. An emergency fund is crucial at any stage of life, but it becomes especially vital in retirement when income is often more fixed. In addition to your cash cushions, aim to keep enough in your emergency fund to cover about a year’s worth of expenses, minus any guaranteed income from sources like Social Security or pensions.

A high-yield checking or money market account can be a great place to store these funds, allowing for easy access in an emergency without penalties or delays.

4. Plan for Long-Term Care Costs. One of retirees’ biggest worries is the potential cost of health care, especially long-term care. To prepare, start by answering three fundamental questions: * Who will provide care if needed? * Where do you want that care to be provided? * How will you pay for it?

From there, consider consulting with a financial planner to explore options that align with your needs. This might include long-term care insurance or other strategies to ensure your assets are protected. Addressing these concerns proactively can reduce stress about unexpected health costs in the future.

5. Keep Perspective on Changes in Washington.

Political shifts, such as a new administration or changes in Congress, can create anxiety about taxes, Medicare, Social Security and the markets. However, it’s important to remember that market movements are more often driven by corporate earnings, economic data and central bank policies than by political changes.

Additionally, there’s usually a significant gap between campaign promises and actual policy changes.

Legislative processes are slow and often result in watered-down versions of initial proposals, so avoid jumping to conclusions based on political rhetoric.

Stick to your long-term investing plan and avoid making emotional decisions based on the latest headlines.

Retirement is a major life change, and even if you’re generally confident about your retirement savings, it is normal to be anxious about factors outside of your control. If you’re feeling that, you’re not alone. And although you can’t control inflation or the markets, health care costs, or the economy in general, there are steps you can take to regain a sense of control. For more information, visit Schwab.com/ retirement for a wide range of resources and help.—

Older adults at higher risk of confusion, memory problems after surgery: anesthesiologists and patients should partner to protect brain health The “silver tsunami” of people 65 and older combined with the uptick in surgeries during the winter months is creating the perfect storm for a sometimes-overlooked issue - postoperative delirium.

More common in older people, postoperative delirium can cause symptoms such as confusion, memory problems or agitation that are usually temporary, but can lead to longer hospital stays and is associated with postoperative cognitive decline. However, if you or a loved one are 65 or older and having sur-

gery, there are ways to reduce the risk, starting with talking to your anesthesiologist before the procedure.

Various factors can increase the risk of postoperative delirium, including the body’s response to surgery, frailty and underlying medical conditions.

This condition is a growing problem, considering the aging population and older adults account for more than 40% of surgeries. It affects anywhere from 5% to 52% of older adults, depending on the type of surgery and the patient’s age, and the rate increases GetRuralLeaderMag.com | JANUARY 2025 15

steadily with age, nearly doubling every 15 years.

“Anesthesiologists play a key role in bringing awareness to postoperative delirium and discovering ways to reduce it,” said Donald E. Arnold, M.D., FACHE, FASA, president of the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA). “Partnering with your anesthesiologist to let them know if you have health issues or other concerns is an important first step to reducing your risk.”

ASA is dedicated to safeguarding patients from delirium after procedures requiring anesthesia, through its Perioperative Brain Health Initiative and by providing evidence-based strategies for health professionals and recommendations for patients.

Anesthesiologists Lead the Way in the Prevention of Postoperative Delirium As the physician leaders in your care before, during and after surgery, anesthesiologists play a crucial role in preventing postoperative delirium.

Launched by ASA in 2015, the Perioperative Brain Health Initiative focuses on improving care for older adults with memory or thinking problems by supporting better brain recovery after surgery. It offers best practices, guidelines, a frailty toolkit for care teams, and patient education on postoperative delirium, including suggestions for talking to your anesthesiologist and advice for preparing for surgery.

Additionally, ASA’s journal, Anesthesiology, recently published new evidence-based recommendations for strategies that health care professionals may consider, including: * Expanding preoperative evaluation. Older adults scheduled for inpatient surgery may benefit from preoperative evaluation to assess for frailty or cognitive impairment. At-risk patients can receive care in advance of the surgery from a multidisciplinary care team, visits from a geriatric doctor or nurse and education on postoperative delirium. * Choosing the type of anesthesia. Anesthesiologists and patients should work together to determine the most appropriate type of anesthesia for that patient based on the surgery they’re having. * Prescribing medication to reduce risk. Anesthesiologists may consider prescribing the sedative dexmedetomidine to older patients having inpatient procedures, because it’s less likely to cause postoperative delirium than other commonly used sedatives. * Minimizing the use of other medications. Anesthesiologists should evaluate the risks and benefits 16

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of medications for anxiety, mental health issues and pain that may cause central nervous system effects in older adults, since they may increase the likelihood of postoperative delirium.

Patients Can Help Reduce Their Risk Too. While anesthesiologists are factoring in those strategies, you can reduce the risk that you (or your loved one) will have postoperative delirium by: * Partnering with your anesthesiologist. When meeting with your anesthesiologist before surgery, be sure to discuss the following, which will help them create the best care plan for you:* Any health problems or pre-existing conditions should be communicated to the anesthesia care team. * The medications you are taking, including vitamins, herbal supplements or those for anxiety, seizures, muscle spasms or sleep, which can affect your nervous system. * If you have cognitive issues such as memory or thinking problems, including if you have ever experienced these issues after anesthesia. * Undergoing a pre-surgery cognitive test. Ask the doctor to conduct a pre-surgery cognitive test, which can be used to determine your risks for developing ongoing cognitive problems after surgery. * Having a recovery pal. A family member or friend should stay with you during recovery to help orient you and report any signs of postoperative delirium to your doctor right away. * Making the recovery environment as familiar as possible. Ask that your hearing aids or glasses be given to you as soon as you are in recovery. If you are staying overnight in the hospital, bring a family photo or favorite item to help you feel more connected as you recover. Learn more about how age can affect surgery and anesthesia, and how you can reduce your risk.—

Why men should consider filling the nation’s need for nurses If you had told me at 16 years old, a recent high school drop-out, that I would one day have a successful career with a C-suite title, I wouldn’t have believed you. I spent years struggling to figure out my path - completing my GED, serving in the Army and working as a police officer - until tragedy struck.

Following the sudden death of my sister, I knew I wanted to do more with my life and needed a career that provided more opportunity, which is when I turned to nursing.

Despite my previous academic difficulties, I passed the nursing school entrance exam and gained admission, using the $10,000 from my sister’s life insurance to earn my associate degree. While becoming a registered nurse might have seemed like an unconventional pivot at the time, given that as recently as 2023 only 12% of registered nurses were male, I absolutely loved it. In my role today as the Chief Nursing Officer at Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center in North Houston, I hope to serve as a role model to others, especially men, considering becoming nurses.

Careers in nursing are on the rise, and it remains a very stable and desirable profession, especially in

states like Texas that are facing severe nursing shortages. Besides the flexibility and competitive pay, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for registered nurses in the U.S. will grow 6% between 2023 and 2033, faster than the average of other professions.

But we don’t just need more nurses; we need a more diverse nursing workforce. Because nurses have more touchpoints with patients than other caregivers, research shows how important it is to have nurses of all ages and identities, as it can narrow disparities and improve patient satisfaction and outcomes.

Male nurses play a pivotal role in that diversification, as the gender of a healthcare provider can make a difference. For example, male patients may prefer a male nurse to perform more sensitive procedures or feel more comfortable disclosing personal information to them.

Although the number of male nurses is ten times what it was in the 1970s, the percentage of male nurses and the number of male nursing students have remained stagnant over the past few years.

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to attract men to the field, I tell them nursing is not just a caring profession. Now, it’s a very technical job, particularly in specialties like emergency medicine and surgery.

There seems to be a common misconception that, as a nurse, your track is limited to the traditional clinical setting. While nurses can start practicing with an associate or bachelor’s degree, there are paths to go on to a career in education, leadership or advanced clinical practice. For example, I started in infectious diseases before I moved to emergency medicine, and now I’m a chief nursing officer at a Level II Trauma Center. It’s up to you to decide how far you want to go, and you can chart your own course. You can benefit from whatever pathway you choose whether you are already a registered nurse looking to move up the professional ladder or considering nursing as a second career.

However, going back to school can understandably seem scary or nearly impossible. I was sure that earning my associate degree would be the end of my formal education, but after managing two emergency departments, I realized creating budgets and hiring

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staff was difficult to learn on the fly. That led me to Walden University, a top conferrer of nursing master’s degrees in the U.S. The online curriculum made it easy to balance my studies with an already full schedule, and allowed me to gain valuable, real-life experience that immediately translated into my work.

Earning my degrees while juggling a full-time job certainly hasn’t been easy, but I’m so glad I did. I’m living proof that it’s never too late to pursue your passion and successfully make a difference, but I’m certainly not the only person to do so. In fact, the average American will change careers three to seven times over their lifetime. You can achieve great things once you take the first step, and I hope more people, especially men, will take that first step towards a rewarding career in nursing.

John Voight, MSN, RN, NEA-BC is Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) at Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center, where he leads a staff of 1,200 nurses. Previously, he served as CNO at HCA Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center in Idaho Falls. He is a graduate of Walden University’s College of Nursing.—

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Alzheimer’s Disease Therapy Provides Patients With Hope (In Partnership with Eli Lilly and Company) Are you forgetting your words or losing your train of thought more than usual? Memory and thinking issues can be easily dismissed as signs of normal aging, though they could point to a more serious disease. Experts believe excessive amyloid plaque buildup may cause changes in the brain that make it difficult to do things such as retain new information, remember important dates or find the right words or names.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 6.9 million Americans aged 65 or older are living with Alzheimer’s dementia in 2024. While symptoms may be recognizable, patients may avoid reaching out to their doctors or even hide symptoms due to fear of the stigma associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

But Carole, 72, says that not letting herself or others dismiss her symptoms as normal aging was critical to get the diagnosis and help she needed.

“Try to stay positive,” Carole advises folks who notice memory and thinking issues. “Be honest with yourself. There’s help out there, but you have to sometimes seek it out yourself.”

Subtle changes speak volumes. After decades of living, working, and raising kids in Kentucky, Carole and her husband Hank decided to spend their golden years in the Sunshine State. They moved to Punta Gorda, Florida, and have been enjoying retirement there for the past 11 years.

As the years passed by, Hank noticed changes in his wife. Carole began regularly repeating herself without realizing it and misplacing items around their home. Having helped care for his mother and Carole’s, who both faced the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease, he was familiar with some of the early signs and symptoms of the disease. Hank also knew Carole’s family history with the disease meant she had an increased chance of developing it herself.

“All of a sudden, you’re seeing this person is struggling to get some things done that would have just been no big deal,” said Hank. “One of the key things to managing Alzheimer’s disease is recognition. You just have to get in there and be supportive of your loved ones.”

Self-advocacy paves a brighter future. It is estimated that about one-third of people with MCI due to Alzheimer’s disease progress to a later stage within five years. Once Hank recognized the symptoms, he knew it was important to ask Carole’s doctor for a cognitive screening because diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease earlier has the potential to provide an op20

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portunity for advanced care planning in collaboration with your doctor. With the availability of disease-modifying treatments and the potential to slow disease progression, an early diagnosis may allow patients to continue to do the things they enjoy for a longer time.

When Hank gently voiced his concerns about her behavior, the couple decided Carole needed to see her doctor as soon as possible. After a visit to her doctor - who said Carole’s symptoms were normal for her age - Carole began doing additional research.

While Carole’s symptoms can be associated with normal aging, she remembered her symptoms were different than her mother’s.

With Hank’s support, Carole continued seeking out testing options and potential therapies. Eventually she was diagnosed with early symptomatic Alzheimer’s disease and was accepted into a late-phase clinical trial for Kisunlaâ„¢ (donanemab-azbt) injection for IV infusion (350 mg/20 mL). Kisunla is an amyloid-targeting therapy the FDA approved to treat early symptomatic Alzheimer’s disease (mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia stage of disease) with confirmed amyloid pathology.

“I just thought, wow, I’m so lucky to get into a clinical trial,” Carole said. “And it helped me. It gave me hope.”

SELECT SAFETY INFORMATION. Kisunla can cause Amyloid-Related Imaging Abnormalities, or “ARIA.” ARIA is a common but serious side effect that does not usually cause any symptoms, but can be serious. ARIA can be fatal. ARIA is most commonly seen as temporary swelling in an area or areas of the brain that usually goes away over time. Some people may also have spots of bleeding on the surface of or in the brain and infrequently, larger areas of bleeding in the brain can occur. Please see Indication and Safety Summary with Warnings below for additional safety information for Kisunla.

Carole’s Treatment Journey. During the 18-month study, Carole and Hank say her cognitive health appeared to remain steady. Carole credits her early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, optimism and hope to her self-advocacy and treatment with Kisunla. In the 18-month study, Kisunla slowed the progression of memory and thinking issues that are due to early symptomatic Alzheimer’s disease compared to placebo.

Kisunla is a therapy that has been shown in clinical studies to reduce amyloid plaques. Kisunla is an important advancement, since doctors can consider

stopping Kisunla treatment based on the reduction of amyloid plaques to minimal levels on amyloid positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. That means some patients might not have to go in for infusions for an unlimited period of time*. [*Please note: Kisunla is administered every 4 weeks through IV infusion for 30 minutes. The long-term clinical benefit of Kisunla after stopping treatment has not been studied.]

Today, Carole spends most of her time with family.

Carole and Hank have two children, one in Atlanta and one in Baltimore, and two grandchildren. When she isn’t with extended family, Carole largely spends most of her time with Hank at home in Florida or traveling to her favorite destinations like the Great Smokey Mountains.

“Things might be different if I didn’t first admit I had this problem or tried to get help or hadn’t been in the study,” she said.

Don’t ignore the signs If you or a loved one are experiencing memory or thinking issues, it’s important to discuss these issues with your physician along with the potential for cognitive screening and other tests to help determine if the underlying cause of the memory and thinking issues could be due to early symptomatic Alzheimer’s disease. Learn about treatment with Kisunla by visiting www.kisunla.lilly.com.

Lilly Support Servicesâ„¢ for Kisunla is a free support program committed to help patients navigating treatment with Kisunla. The program includes offerings such as coverage determination assistance, care coordination, nurse navigator support, and customized support and resources. For more information about Lilly Support Services and Kisunla, call 1-800-LillyRx (1-800-545-5979) or visit www.kisunla.lilly.com.

INDICATION AND SAFETY SUMMARY WITH WARNINGS. Kisunlaâ„¢ (kih-SUHN-lah) is used GetRuralLeaderMag.com | JANUARY 2025 21

to treat adults with early symptomatic Alzheimer’s disease (AD), which includes mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or mild dementia stage of disease.

Warnings - Kisunla can cause Amyloid-Related Imaging Abnormalities or “ARIA.” This is a common side effect that does not usually cause any symptoms, but serious symptoms can occur. ARIA can be fatal.

ARIA is most commonly seen as temporary swelling in an area or areas of the brain that usually goes away over time. Some people may also have spots of bleeding on the surface of or in the brain and infrequently, larger areas of bleeding in the brain can occur. Although most people do not have symptoms, some people have:

pain. You will be monitored for at least 30 minutes after you receive Kisunla for any reaction. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have these symptoms or any reaction during or after a Kisunla infusion.

Other common side effects * Headache Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any side effects. These are not all of the possible side effects of Kisunla. You can report side effects at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Before you receive Kisunla, tell your healthcare provider: * About all medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, as well as * Headache vitamins and herbal supplements. Especially tell your * Dizziness healthcare provider if you have medicines to reduce * Nausea blood clots from forming (antithrombotic medicines, * Difficulty walking including aspirin). * Confusion * About all of your medical conditions including * Vision changes if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or plan to become * Seizures pregnant or breastfeed. Kisunla has not been studied in people who were pregnant or breastfeeding. It is Some people have a genetic risk factor (homonot known if Kisunla could harm your unborn or zygous apolipoprotein E ε4 gene carriers) that breastfeeding baby. may cause an increased risk for ARIA. Talk to your How to receive Kisunla healthcare provider about testing to see if you have Kisunla is a prescription medicine given through this risk factor. an intravenous (IV) infusion using a needle inserted You may be at higher risk of developing bleeding into a vein in your arm. Kisunla is given once every 4 in the brain if you take medicines to reduce blood weeks. Each infusion will last about 30 minutes. clots from forming (antithrombotic medicines) while Learn more: For more information about Kisunla, receiving Kisunla. Talk to your healthcare provider to call 1-800-LillyRx (1-800-545-5979) or go to kisunla. see if you are on any medicines that increase this risk. lilly.com.

Your healthcare provider will do magnetic resoThis summary provides basic information about nance imaging (MRI) brain scans before and during Kisunla. It does not include all information known your treatment with Kisunla to check you for ARIA. about this medicine. Read the information given to You should carry information that you are receivyou about Kisunla. This information does not take ing Kisunla, which can cause ARIA, and that ARIA the place of talking with your healthcare provider. Be symptoms can look like stroke symptoms. Call your sure to talk to your healthcare provider about Kisunhealthcare provider or go to the nearest hospital la. Your healthcare provider is the best person to help emergency room right away if you have any of the you decide if Kisunla is right for you. symptoms listed above.

DN CON BS APP. Kisunlaâ„¢ and Lilly Support There are registries that collect information on Services are trademarks owned or licensed by Eli treatments for Alzheimer’s disease. Your healthcare Lilly and Company, its subsidiaries, or affiliates.— provider can help you become enrolled in these registries.

PP-DN-US-0402 11/2024 ©Lilly USA, LLC 2024.

Warnings - Kisunla can cause serious allergic and All rights reserved. infusion-related reactions. Do not receive Kisunla if you have serious allergic reactions to donanemab-azbt or any of the ingredients in Kisunla. Symptoms may include swelling of the face, lips, mouth, or eyelids, problems breathing, hives, chills, irritation of skin, nausea, vomiting, sweating, headache, or chest 22

RuralLeaderMag.com | JANUARY 2025

How to help prevent the spread of germs this cold and flu season Chilly temperatures and winter weather aren’t the only burden that comes with this time of year - it’s also the peak of cold and flu season. Cold and flu germs can lurk on hundreds of common surfaces we encounter daily, and according to the CDC, the flu virus can live and potentially infect a person for up to 48 hours after being deposited on a surface.

“Respiratory illnesses like common colds and the flu can stop families in their tracks, leading to sick days and missed school or work,” said Dr. Mona Amin, Board Certified Pediatrician, IBCLC and Clorox spokesperson. “A holistic germ prevention strategy is one of the most effective ways to help stop the spread of illness-causing germs.”

Here are a few simple steps:. Disinfect high-touch and high-traffic surfaces You likely come into contact with certain hightouch and high-traffic areas in your home multiple times daily that can harbor germs. Think of countertops, doorknobs, light switches and toilet handles, for example. Disinfect these areas regularly with a disinfectant like Clorox® Disinfecting Wipes to kill 99.9% of bacteria and viruses when used as directed on hard, non-porous surfaces. With any disinfecting product, make sure you follow the product label instructions to ensure you’re using it correctly and effectively.

Establish a “drop zone”. Along with high-touch surfaces, germs can be brought home from work and school on items like lunchboxes, reusable water bottles and work bags traveling back and forth. To help mitigate bringing germs home, establish a “drop zone” or a designated place to leave shoes, backpacks and other outside items so that germs don’t get tracked through the house.

Practice good hand hygiene. Washing your hands is a simple and effective way to help stay healthy.

Make sure to wash your hands often, especially when you are likely to get and spread germs after being in a public place, before or after preparing or eating food, going to the bathroom or coughing and sneezing into your hands. To make sure you’re washing your hands thoroughly, lather your hands including your fingers and under your nails with soap and scrub with warm water for at least 20 seconds - or the amount of time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” twice.

Take care of your holistic health. Maintaining a balanced diet, staying hydrated and exercising regularly all contribute to your overall immune system.

Prioritizing sleep is also an important part of maintaining your immune system, especially when you feel under the weather, because it helps the immune system to repair and rest.

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Reset after someone in your household is sick If you or someone in your household is sick, stay home from work or school to help reduce the chance of others getting sick and prioritize rest and fluids to recuperate. “When someone in your household gets sick, it can feel inevitable that your home will get caught in a ‘sick cycle’ or a seemingly never-ending loop of getting one another sick,” Dr. Amin said. “As a parent with a sick kid, try your best to get a good night’s sleep as much as you’re able, wash your hands after providing care and disinfect communal surfaces that can harbor germs.”

Once your household has recovered, reset your home. Disinfect hot spots in shared spaces and in the infected individual’s room such as doorknobs, light switches and faucet handles. Wash dirty clothing and linens, and to sanitize - or reduce bacteria in laundry - you can add bleach to your wash load of bleachsafe clothing, towels and linens. You can also sanitize dishes after washing them with a bleach and water solution.

Follow CDC guidance. Lastly, the CDC provides up-to-date guidance on vaccines like the flu shot,

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prevention tactics and different virus trends in your area. Check the CDC’s website to stay up to date on the latest information and guidance.

Maintaining a holistic strategy can help you and your household navigate cold and flu season with ease. To find more tips and product recommendations like these, visit Clorox.com.—

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