MARCH 2024
Cover Story
The Rising Prevalence of Type 1 Diabetes in Minority Populations pg. 13
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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
7 Just 3 in 10 Americans say they aspire to the C-suite: New study 9 New study: 2 in 5 Americans define ‘making it’ as achieving financial independence 11 Don’t have health insurance coverage for an updated COVID-19 vaccine? Here’s how to get one for free
COVER STORY 13 The Rising Prevalence of Type 1 Diabetes in Minority Populations 16 Five Tips for Planning the Perfect Vacation in 2024 18 Planning home improvements in 2024? Start at the top
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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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
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Just 3 in 10 Americans say they aspire to the C-suite: New study Who wants to be the boss? Just 3 in 10 Americans say they aspire to hold a C-suite role, according to new research from Empower, a leader in financial planning, investing, and advice. Out of all generations, millennials show the highest interest in becoming a top executive (39%), though nearly a third of people don’t want their job description to change - even if it means sacrificing a promotion or raise. The study reveals that the number one driver of job satisfaction is money (67%), which Americans say trumps being rewarded for loyalty and longevity at a company (40%), recognition for the job performed (34%) and being an inspiring leader or leading by example (32%). The paycheck paradox. For some, there may be a paycheck paradox - a chicken or the egg dilemma: 38% (and 55% of Gen Z) believe they don’t get paid enough to go above and beyond their current job description. At the same time, nearly 1 in 4 people say they’re not working at full capacity, and nothing will motivate them to work harder (23% overall, 37% Gen Z). More Americans plan to increase their contributions to their retirement savings in 2024 (34%) than ask for a promotion (23%) or quit to find a higher paying job (14%). Of all generations, Gen Z is looking to make more money by “job zwitching” (16%). So, if people are placing less focus on rising through the ranks, what do people value at work? Let’s take a closer look. What’s on the Workplace Wishlist? Respondents point to greater access to financial advice and benefits as topping the list; over 2 in 5 Americans (44%) wish their employer offered more one-on-one financial help. * Advice advantage: 39% say their employer doesn’t offer enough financial planning support. Half (48%) say financial coaching is a major must-have and 52% wish their job would provide more financial literacy opportunities. * Retirement roll: 71% of Americans say retirement plan matching is an important employee benefit and over half (54%) wish their job automatically enrolled them into a 401(k) plan. 6
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* Betting on a bonus: Bonuses are important to 75% of Americans, though nearly 1 in 5 respondents (17%) say their employer doesn’t offer one. One in 4 put their annual bonus toward essential items (24%), savings (44%), and retirement (28%), though 32% plan to spend it on a vacation. * The big flex: 48% say they’d be willing to go back to the office if their employer offered a four-day work week - just 6% would be willing to take a pay cut to go remote. On the flip side, 1 in 4 Americans (26%) say if their employer asks them to go back to the office more this year, they’ll quit. * Paycheck principles: When it comes to salary/ compensation goals in 2024, Americans are focused on making enough money to pay their bills on time (45%) and to retire when they want to (39%). Over 1 in 4 want to make enough to avoid working multiple jobs. Top money goals for the year ahead. Inflation and cost of living continue to be top concerns for Americans, as 6 in 10 say their income isn’t keeping up with rising prices. These economic concerns far outweigh worries about the job market (7%) or career growth (4%). Despite these challenges, just a third (31%) plan on asking for a raise this year, and the trend of “quiet quitting” seems to be waning: 9% plan to employ this strategy in the year ahead. Some 44% feel they make enough money to live comfortably, and overall, Americans feel optimistic, with 58% of respondents believing they will continue to make more money in the future. Access the full report on The Currency. Methodology: This study is based on online survey responses from 1,117 Americans ages 18+ commissioned by Empower and fielded by Morning Consult from January 3-4, 2024.—
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New study: 2 in 5 Americans define ‘making it’ as achieving financial independence Financial independence is important to 67% of Americans, though nearly a quarter (24%) say they haven’t yet achieved it, according to new research from Empower, a leader in financial planning, investing, and advice. The definition of “making it” financially varies among spenders and savers, though many equate it with resilience and independence: 44% of Americans say it’s synonymous with not needing to rely on anyone else for money, 39% say it’s career advancement and one quarter say it’s reaching a certain net worth. To put a dollar value on it: $94,000 per year is the magic number average Americans feel they need to earn to achieve financial freedom, and 60% feel optimistic they can reach this money milestone. Top signs you’ve financially “made it” in life: * Being financially independent/not relying on anyone else for money - 44% * Moving up in my career/getting promoted - 39% * Having a job I love - 37% * Making a certain amount of money - 25% * Not having to work at all - 25% * Being able to spend money without worrying - 22% * Being able to pay my bills on time - 9% * Buying luxury items I want - 7% * Being able to retire comfortably - 7% * Buying a home - 6% Set clear financial goals. Despite having financial aspirations for the future, a majority of people (72%) admit they currently stress over their finances at least once per month and nearly 1 in 5 (17%) say they worry about money daily. Getting on track doesn’t have a time limit, but it does require a honed focus. “No matter your age, financial independence starts with clarity,” underscores Keith Jones, senior financial professional with Empower. “Ask yourself what you want and why you want it. Establishing clear financial goals provides both direction and purpose, motivating you to 8
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work towards a more secure and satisfying financial future.” The journey looks different for everyone. Over half (57%) of Americans say they still rely on their family and friends for financial support, especially for help paying their rent (62%), internet and streaming services (56%), and their phone bill (54%). Of those who don’t feel financially independent, 3 in 10 (31%) are optimistic they will be in the future, while 54% don’t think they’ll ever be able to pay their bills without help. The majority (92%) of financially independent Americans say they only started to feel that way once they reached the age of 36. Money talks are important. Among parents surveyed, many linked communicating about finances to achieving financial independence, with 57% saying they regret not having more money conversations with their children while they were growing up. In fact, 3 in 5 parents (60%) say if they could turn back the clock and do things differently, they would have made financial literacy a priority. Although many believe their kids should be able to pay their own bills and expenses by age 23, 40% of parents with adult children aged 20 or older currently support them financially. More than half (53%) are dipping into their retirement savings to do so and 49% say they live with their children to help manage expenses. Methodology: This random double-opt-in survey of 2,000 general population Americans was commissioned by Empower and fielded by market research company OnePoll between December 11 and December 12, 2023.— RO3385810-0224
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Don’t have health insurance coverage for an updated COVID-19 vaccine? Here’s how to get one for free
While COVID-19 activity is still below the levels seen last year at this time, COVID-19 hospitalizations are rising quickly. There is still time to get yourself and your loved ones vaccinated. Getting an updated COVID-19 vaccine is the best way to stay protected against serious illness from COVID-19. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone 6 months and older stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccination. Vaccination also lowers your risk of getting long COVID - a wide range of health problems that can last weeks, months or even years after COVID-19 infection. Most adults can get a free updated COVID-19 vaccine through their private health insurance, Medicare or Medicaid plans. However, some health insurance plans don’t fully cover the cost of a COVID-19 vaccine, and an estimated 25-30 million people living in the U.S. don’t have health insurance. To address this concern, CDC’s Bridge Access Program is offering adults who are uninsured or whose insurance doesn’t fully cover COVID-19 vaccination a free, updated COVID-19 vaccine. This program will end by Dec. 31, 2024. To date, more than a million COVID-19 vaccine doses have been provided through the program. Bridge Access Program. There is no enrollment process or application to qualify, and you don’t need to provide identification or proof of insurance to get a vaccine through the Bridge Access Program. If you are 18 years or older and don’t have health insurance, or your plan doesn’t fully cover an updated COVID-19 vaccine, the Bridge Access Program can provide one for free at participating CVS, Walgreens and eTrueNorth-partnering pharmacies, local health centers and health providers. How to find a vaccine through the Bridge Access Program: Follow these steps to find pharmacies and
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health care providers participating in the Bridge Access Program near you: * Visit Vaccines.gov. * Select “Find COVID-19 Vaccines.” * Enter your 5-digit ZIP code in the search bar and select which vaccine option(s) you’re interested in finding. * Select “Search for COVID-19 Vaccines.” * Select the option “Bridge Access Program Participant” to show participating providers and pharmacies. When you find a convenient location, call ahead to confirm that they can provide you with a free updated COVID-19 vaccine through the Bridge Access Program. If you can’t find a participating pharmacy or provider near you, check back later because new locations are still being added. Why get vaccinated now? Viruses constantly change through mutation and sometimes these mutations result in a new strain (or variant) of the virus. It’s important to know that the updated COVID-19 vaccines offer protection against the variants spreading throughout our communities right now. The cold winter months are a time when people spend more time in crowded indoor settings, where respiratory viruses, including COVID-19, may be more readily transmitted. Getting an updated COVID-19 vaccine will help protect you from serious illness. Don’t let cost stop you from getting an updated COVID-19 vaccine this year. Free COVID-19 vaccines are still available. If you are uninsured or your plan won’t fully cover it, visit Vaccines.gov today to find a Bridge Access Program provider near you.—
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COVER STORY
The Rising Prevalence of Type 1 Diabetes in Minority Populations Ariel (Lawrence) Sarpeh was first diagnosed with type 1 diabetes right before her 16th birthday - a realization she describes as being both intimidating and clarifying. “At first, I thought ‘OK, I got this. It’s relatively straightforward and I am a good student. I just have to remember that my doctor told me to be mindful of my blood sugar and what I consume,’” Sarpeh explains of her early years living with type 1 diabetes. “It wasn’t until much later that the reality of type 1 diabetes really set in.” Sarpeh had no family history of type 1 diabetes and no one in her circle of friends had it, either. So, like many, she turned to the internet for information - and for connection. However, as a Black woman, Sarpeh often struggled to connect with people who she could truly relate to and who could empathize with her experience. “I noticed there weren’t a lot of people of color being vocal about their journey with type 1 diabetes,” she notes. “Particularly as a Black woman, I’m part of a community where type 2 diabetes is very prevalent and better understood, but I struggled to see my own story being reflected.” While type 1 diabetes is still the most common among White people under the age of 20, it is on the rise across many age and ethnic groups. In fact, the steepest increases in annual incidences of the disease among people under the age of 20 in the U.S. between 2002 and 2015 were among non-Hispanic Blacks (2.7%). Also compelling, non-Hispanic Black children under the age of 18 specifically were found to have higher instances of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) at diagnosis, compared to other cohorts. DKA is a serious, sometimes life-threatening complication that can have a severe and sudden onset. While type 1 diabetes can’t be prevented, it can be detected early through autoantibody screenings - underscoring the importance of disease awareness to reduce the likelihood of serious, sometimes
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life-threatening complications at diagnosis. This was exactly the ethos behind Sarpeh’s blog and Instagram page “Just a Little Suga’” - and why she got involved in The 1 Pledge with Sanofi. As Sarpeh mentions, “I knew I wanted to tell my story as a Black woman with type 1 diabetes and speak out about the importance of disease awareness. While I was fortunate to recognize my symptoms early, more must be done to reach Black and Brown communities that are often overlooked, especially when it comes to type 1 diabetes.” Now is the time to work to increase the understanding of type 1 diabetes in minority populations by underscoring the importance of early screening for the disease. “Information is a tool of empowerment,” Sarpeh explains. “By spreading the word about type 1 diabetes screenings, we can help others gain early insight into their disease, allowing them time to better prepare and make well-informed choices about how to proceed.” To learn more about how you and your family can get screened for type 1 diabetes, visit The1Pledge. com. Sanofi does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment-information is provided for educational purposes only. Your doctor is the best source of health information. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions about your health or treatment. Ariel (Lawrence) Sarpeh is a paid spokesperson for Sanofi. — *Sponsored by Sanofi *Photo courtesy Alfred Sarpeh]
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5 Tips for Planning the Perfect Vacation in 2024 Research reveals a fascinating truth: The anticipation of a vacation can boost your happiness, perhaps even as much as the vacation itself. Whether you’re seeking serenity on sun-kissed beaches or cultural immersion and adventures in exotic locales, planning a stay full of memories is an integral part of the overall experience. Here are 5 tips to guide you in planning a vacation in 2024 that turns your travel dreams into a reality. 1. Define your ideal vacation Start by envisioning what you want from your vacation and stay experience. Is it lounging on a beach with a cocktail in hand, local cultural experiences such as exploring ancient ruins, or indulging in gourmet dining? Let your passions guide your destination choice. For a hassle-free, elevated experience, consider all-inclusive resorts that cater to a variety of ages and interests, ensuring that every day of your stay is as relaxing or as adventurous as you desire. 2. Choose the right resort. The secret to an extraordinary vacation lies in where you stay, as it can make or break any trip. Families might seek resorts with kids’ clubs and activities that can keep little ones engaged and entertained, while couples might prefer quiet pools and intimate dining. Hilton All-Inclusive Resorts, for example, offer family-friendly properties and adult-only retreats with unique experiences that align with your vacation goals, such as cultural immersion programs like mezcal tastings and salsa lessons, to wellness options like yoga and meditation classes. 3. Consider timing and duration. The timing of your vacation is another key aspect to consider. Offpeak travel can provide more tranquility and booking options. Equally important is the length of your stay. Opting for a longer stay allows you to fully embrace a resort’s offerings, from leisurely enjoying extensive amenities and activities to exploring the local culture and surroundings without feeling hurried. But don’t overlook the appeal of a quick getaway to an all-inclusive resort, even in off-peak season. These resorts are adept at helping you get the most out of your hard-earned vacation time, regardless of your length of stay. 4. Seek all-in vacation experiences. Nothing says vacation like a stay that offers everything you desire, and all-inclusive resorts provide just that through a seamless and simplified experience. Hilton’s all-inclusive resorts around the globe combine gorgeous accommodations, gourmet meals, unlimited bever16
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ages, and a wide array of activities like water sports and premium entertainment. If taking in all of these experiences isn’t enough, by ensuring you’re signed up for Hilton’s award-winning guest loyalty program, Hilton Honors, you can earn Points for future stays and experiences while going all-in on your current stay.
5. Leave room for spontaneity. While planning is important, flexibility can add a layer of excitement to your vacation. For example, all-inclusive resorts offer a range of activities and excursions available on demand. You could wake up and decide to join a fitness class by the beach, partake in a cooking workshop, or embark on a last-minute snorkeling adventure. This flexibility can add an element of surprise to your vacation, making your stay even more memorable. Additionally, all-inclusive resorts often boast an array of dining venues, each offering distinct international and gourmet experiences. This variety allows you to be spontaneous with your dining choices, deciding on a whim whether to indulge in Italian delicacies one night or savor local seafood the next. There is a whole calendar ahead of you, beckoning for new discoveries and moments that turn into cherished memories. Remember, where you stay is just as important as the destination, and with these tips as your guide, go ahead, mark your calendar, and start planning your all-inclusive all-extraordinary getaway at Hilton.com.—
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Planning home improvements in 2024? Start at the top At first glance, the value of some home improvements can be hard to see - particularly when the improvements are in the attic. While a gleaming kitchen backsplash, an expansive patio deck or luxury spa bath are all pleasing to the eye, the value of other home improvements may best be appreciated through improved indoor comfort. Installed in the attic area, insulation and ductwork are two examples of often overlooked upgrades that can impact comfort as well as energy savings. Case in point: EPA estimates that homeowners can save up to 15% on heating and cooling costs (or an average of 11% on total energy costs) by air sealing their homes and adding insulation in attics, floors over crawl spaces, and accessible basement rim joists.1 Installing adequate levels of attic insulation and repairing or replacing attic ductwork can help address the root cause of problems such as increased dust, hot/cold rooms or high energy bills. But as the attic area is infrequently accessed, how do you know if a problem exists? Let’s start with insulation. Simply confirming its presence in the attic is not enough. Following are some signs that your home’s attic may need additional insulation: * Hot or cold ceilings, walls or rooms * Uneven temperatures in a home that cause HVAC systems to run more frequently * High heating or cooling bills compared to similarly sized homes in the area A sufficient amount of attic insulation, typically measured in inches, is necessary to help protect against warm air moving into colder parts of the building envelope. A qualified HVAC technician should be able to evaluate your attic and help you understand how much energy you could conserve by insulating to a specified thickness. For example, contractors designated as AirCare® Professionals are trained by Owens Corning and equipped with tools to assess insulation levels and explain how your home’s attic insulation compares to recommended standards. Leaks and poor connections in attic ductwork can also lead to problems in other parts of the home. According to ENERGY STAR about 20% of the air that 18
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moves through the duct system is lost due to leaks, holes and poorly connected ducts.2 ENERGY STAR also notes that tightly sealed and well-insulated ducts found in qualified homes can reduce annual utility bills by $120 or more.2 Following are some indicators of a problem with a home’s attic ductwork: * Spikes in energy bills * Rooms that are too hot or too cold * Rooms that have a musty odor * Heating or cooling equipment that cycles on/off more frequently as the system works harder to heat/ cool spaces due to lost air * Increased levels of dust An AirCare® Professional is trained to evaluate the pressure of air running through your home’s ductwork and may use special thermal technology tools that allow you to “see” where air is escaping. He or she also will evaluate the system for loose connections or areas where air may be leaking out of the system. Joints and connections will be evaluated to ensure the ductwork is properly sealed to keep conditioned air inside and help prevent particulates in the attic from entering ducts. To find an AirCare® Professional please visit the online locator at HVAC Contractor Locator | Insulation | Owens Corning. Ready to get a start on your 2024 home improvements? Don’t lose sight of opportunities in the attic to boost comfort and energy savings.— Savings may vary. Find out why at EnergyStar.gov. 1 Energy Star. (n.d.) Methodology for estimated energy savings from cost-effective air sealing and insulating. U.S. EPA. Methodology for Estimated Energy Savings from Cost-Effective Air Sealing and Insulating | ENERGY STAR 2 Energy Star. (n.d.) Efficient Duct Systems. U.S. EPA. Microsoft Word - Duct Systems_072307.doc (energystar.gov) ©2024. Owens Corning. All rights reserved.
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