Rural Leader Magazine November 2021

NOVEMBER 2021

COVER STORY

How Farmers can Plan to Increase Income Potential, pg. 11

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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

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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5 Looking for a more meaningful career? Educators are needed.

7 Five Tips for Staying Healthy When You Return to a ‘new normal’ routine 9 Top Five Trends Bringing Animation to Life

COVER STORY 11 How Farmers can Plan to Increase Income Potential 13 High-quality Online STEM Education

Resources at Students’ Fingertips 14 One Man’s Search for Relief from Painful Diabetic Neuropathy 15 Four Latino Entrepreneurs Ehare Tips for Success Inspired

by Unique Cultural Experiences 17 CDC’s New Education Campaigns Address Increasing Drug Overdose Deaths 20 Five ways to enjoy the Holidays without Breaking your Budget

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, Google +, 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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Looking for a more meaningful career? Educators are needed.

At age 62, Sandy Weber became unemployed when her customer service job was eliminated during the COVID pandemic. A friend encouraged her to give substitute teaching a try. “I didn’t realize I could work in a classroom without a teaching background,” Weber said. “It was the best decision I’ve made in years.”

U.S. workers faced unprecedented challenges this past year. Millions of Americans lost their jobs, were forced out of the labor force to care for dependents or resigned to re-evaluate what kind of career they really want. About 7.5 million workers quit their jobs in April and May, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Those who have lost, have left or are thinking of leaving their job might want to consider a career in the classroom. Schools and daycares everywhere need new talent, as a record number of educators are among those who have left their jobs to care for their own children or choose early retirement. While this puts the education system under pressure, it presents an ideal opportunity for career changers wanting to make a difference in children’s lives.

“Because of this pandemic, people have had time to reassess what’s really important to them,” said Nicola Soares, president of Kelly Education. “The need for a career change, plus the desire to find greater purpose and flexibility are driving workers to seek meaningful employment in schools.”

Launching a fulfilling education career is easier than you might think. There are many ways to begin, even without teaching credentials. Schools are wel-

coming more candidates with diverse backgrounds, perspectives and work experiences than ever before.

Weber was able to transfer her customer service skills to managing the classroom.

Options for starting a new position in the classroom. Here are four opportunities that could lead to a lifetime career.

1. Substitute teachers. Every school district needs hundreds of substitute teachers during a normal school year. Post-pandemic, that number is even higher. Credentials for substitutes vary by state, so job seekers should check their state’s department of education or local school district website. Pay varies according to levels of education and experience and can range anywhere from $100 to $200 a day.

2. Paraeducators. Even with virtual schooling, there is a strong demand for paraeducators across all grade levels. Also known as paraprofessionals, they often work with children who have special needs by providing support to students in and out of the classroom. Successful paraeducators are those who are team players, have good communication skills and are knowledgeable about children.

3. Tutors. The ongoing need for learning recovery from the pandemic is creating a surge in demand for tutors. Pay ranges from $20 to $50 an hour for math and science tutors. Tutoring is a great option for people with a variety of professional experiences and allows for flexibility with scheduling (more evening and weekend hours).

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4. Early childhood educators. Working with infants and young children is fun and creative. While early childhood teacher positions may require certifications (varying by state), assistant, substitute or aide roles are accessible in these settings, offering steady part-time or full-time work with infants, toddlers and preschoolers.

How to get started. Many positions demand a high school diploma or G.E.D., but any work environment featuring children will also require a background check. Employers provide information about the vetting process or may arrange it for candidates.

Here are two resources to get started: KellyEducation.com connects job seekers with classroom positions primarily in the Northeast, Southeast and Southwest, offering full-time opportunities and flex-

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ible schedules in early childhood settings and Pre-K12th grade. Kelly Education also assists with alternative pathways to a long-term career in education, and hours worked in the classroom can be included toward future certification or degree programs.

In the western U.S., TeachersOnCall.com is a service that hires substitute teachers, paraeducators, tutors and early childhood education staff. Job seekers can choose their grade level, schools and days they want to work.

“Making a career change to help out in schools has been really satisfying,” said Weber. “And I feel like I’m making a difference.—

Five Tips for Staying Healthy When You Return to a ‘new normal’ routine As work and school routines begin to shift again, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. After a long time avoiding social activity, everyone’s lives are being upended once more. Without knowing what the “new normal” really means, it’s harder than ever to keep your family’s wellness on the front burner. Beginning to re-enter society, going back into the workplace and into the classroom, and interacting with groups of people as you shift into higher gear can be stressful, which can impact your overall well-being.

Registered dietitian nutritionist and certified yoga eacher Keri Gans, author of “The Small Change Diet” and an EpiCor ambassador, offers practical tips to help you navigate your wellness in the midst of all this change.

“The main thing while you get back to a ‘normal’ routine is to find a balance that keeps your immune system working at its best,” said Gans. “The key is to support your gut health, which influences your immune system, because the majority of immune cells originate from the gut.”

1. Focus on work-life balance. As you begin changing your routines, build in opportunities to relax and center yourself. Whether that means listening to an inspiring podcast during your commute, making time for yoga or meditation or taking a moment to connect with your loved ones, don’t let your to-do list

run your life.

“Scheduling time for self-care is really important,” recommended Gans. “Whether it’s first thing in the morning, during your lunch hour or after work, finding a half hour to do whatever you need to feel balanced is crucial, especially during challenging times.”

2. Rethink your diet. While creating a healthy diet may seem overwhelming, it doesn’t have to be. Gans advises building meals around whole, unprocessed foods like fresh produce, as well as adding fermented foods.

“Fermented foods offer cultures - beneficial live bacteria or microorganisms - as well as metabolites and compounds produced by those cultures during the fermentation process,” said Gans. “These metabolites are part of the foundation for a healthy gut microbiome.”

Examples of fermented foods that may help support your gut health include: * Yogurt * Kombucha * Kefir * Miso * Sauerkraut * Kimchi * Sourdough bread GetRuralLeaderMag.com | NOVEMBER 2021 7

3. Reach for supplements to support gut health.

Fermented foods are a good way to get metabolites as we mentioned above. However, if you want to be sure you’re getting those metabolites that are clinically shown to support specific health benefits, look for postbiotics. Postbiotics contain those beneficial metabolites and compounds that have been shown through research to support your health. For immune and gut support, look for supplements containing the leading postbiotic brand EpiCor®. It is a first-of-its-kind, whole food ingredient that taps the natural power of fermented foods to positively modulate the gut microbiome.

“Think of EpiCor Postbiotic as a multivitamin for your immune system, which helps you take care of your health every day,” said Gans. “Clinical studies have shown that it can help support your immune system for coping with everyday challenges.”

This postbiotic can be found in a number of vitamin and supplement products, like Healthy Origins EpiCor. For a full list of products, visit EpiCorImmune.com.

4. Stay hydrated. Make sure you and your family always have water with you, especially when you’re 8

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active outdoors. “Drinking water throughout the day is crucial for keeping your body in balance,” said Gans. “Fill reusable water bottles for every family member before heading out and encourage water as the first choice of beverages with meals.”

Water helps your body function at its best by: * Keeping your digestive system working smoothly * Lubricating and protecting your joints, spinal cord and tissues * Regulating your internal temperature 5. Prioritize sleep. Sticking to the same routine for waking and sleeping times, even on weekends and school vacations, can help everyone in your family get the restorative sleep they need for optimal health.

“Make sure everybody has time to wind down and slow down before bedtime,” said Gans. “And that goes for parents as well as kids.”

Finding balance and prioritizing wellness isn’t always easy, especially during stressful times. Focus on the basics, like these tips, to ensure that your body’s natural defenses - your immune system - are supporting your overall well-being.—

Top Five Trends Bringing Animation to Life Thanks to new technology, animation is evolving at lightspeed. From High Dynamic Range imaging and faster internet speeds to software that brings 3D capability and Virtual Reality to their fingertips, animators can create almost anything they imagine. The evolution of animation also reflects how consumers view content - on smart TVs, phones, computers and tablets. However, just as animation has continued to evolve throughout the pandemic, so too have the technological tools and tricks of the trade employed by animators and graphic designers.

Here are top trends appearing in animation, along with ways designers can make the most of them.

1. Bold color use. Better technology allows designers and animators increased precision and a wider range of options when it comes to color usage. To make color stand out, many artists and animators are choosing a limited color palette - then highlighting a couple of bold, even unexpected colors within that palette.

It’s only possible to realize a creative vision based on very specific color choices if you have the right tools to bring your vision to life. For example, the LG UltraFine Display OLED Pro monitor was designed with creators in mind, providing best-in-class picture quality, with precise detail and color. Covering 99% of the DCI-P3 and Adobe RGB color spectrum, the monitor achieves true-to-life color without a backlight - which also helps create a true black.

Additional support with LG Calibration Studio’s convenient auto-calibration software ensures consistent top-quality color display. The monitor’s more

than 8 million pixels deliver deeper contrast, with a 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio for incredibly lifelike images.

This level of image accuracy is needed by professional animators, especially those who must be physically apart while collaborating. Animators at Pixar partnered with LG, using the company’s UltraFine OLED Pro monitor, to create the visually stunning film “Luca” during the pandemic.

“Dynamic range and color accuracy are critical to our filmmaking process, and LG’s OLED desktop display allowed us to bring that process into creators’ homes for the finishing of Luca,” said Dominic Glynn, senior scientist, studio mastering and operations at Pixar.

2. Hybrid techniques. One hot trend is combining different media to create layered, textured and complex worlds, such as blending animation with live video footage or photography - like a mixed-media collage.

Another intriguing hybrid style juxtaposes 2D and 3D imaging. While 3D imaging blasts open the limits of what 2D animation can do, combining the two creates a new level of visual experiences. You can move viewers through 2D frames that showcase 3D objects within them, creating depth and movement in fascinating ways.

To create a complex hybrid style, the UltraFine OLED Pro pivots easily from landscape to portrait orientation and allows designers to see more clearly the timeline and layers for editing and animating software.

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3. Thin line style. Contrasting with rich 2D and/or 3D world-building in many video games and movies, a minimalist style using thin lines is on trend - creating the appearance of hand-drawn art. This effect allows animators to direct the viewer’s eye, making it seem like a drawing is being brought to life in an elegant, fluid style. You can also use this style to evoke earlier periods of animation in a cool, retro kind of way.

4. Vertical orientation. Animation is also adapting to the formats consumers use to engage with social media, advertising and entertainment. Most mobile phone users tend to hold their phones vertically most of the time, and designers are catching on, creating more content specifically designed for a vertical format.

A monitor that easily adjusts to landscape or portrait orientation makes creating vertical content that much easier. For example, the LG 32UN880-B 32 Inch UltraFine Display Ergo 4K HDR10 Monitor has a highly flexibly desktop setup and innovative, ergonomic arm to fit your needs. You can even more easily adjust the pivot, height and tilt to exactly match your requirements.

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5. Virtual Reality (VR). While VR is popular in gaming, video animation is also jumping aboard the Virtual Reality train, thanks to more VR software becoming available. This allows animators to create everything to scale within the digital environment, rather than doing 3D modeling on screen separately.

Some programs allow animators to create frame by frame, so scenes and animations transfer to other 3D programs seamlessly.

Whether you’re a designer, photographer or animator, knowing the latest trends and tools can put you further along in your career. And when connectivity makes all the difference for collaboration, you’ll want a monitor like the OLED Pro, which comes equipped with compatibility for a variety of devices: * USB Type-C (PD90W) port * 2 display ports * HDMI port * 3 USB ports Staying connected, instantly sharing and clearly communicating ideas and images with your team is essential, whether you’re working on a small project or a major motion picture. Visit LG.com to see what the LG UltraFine OLED can do for your creations.—

COVER STORY

How Farmers can Plan to Increase Income Potential Post-harvest gives farmers a chance to finally sit down and take a break after a busy season. It gives them the time to track their inputs, meet with their trusted advisers, evaluate the decisions they made this year and see how those decisions ultimately affected their return on investment. Farmers must be both forward thinking and retrospective, understanding the big picture while still digging into the nitty gritty of each field, to produce the highest potential yield and drive profit.

According to Mark Callender, farm manager at Farmers National Company in Dighton, Kansas, optimistic growers have shifted from saving to spending - investing now to drive profits higher on good land.

Callender encourages farmers to review input costs every year as they develop their plans. “We analyze all our farms annually for cost per acre and per bushel,” Callender explained. “By comparing production numbers with seed, fertilizer, weed control and other costs, growers learn their return on investment for

quality products versus generics, for example.”

Callender said farmers know their break-even costs, using the data available today to provide better insight into individual fields. “Top producers spend more to achieve better weed control to drive top yields. By examining costs on a per-bushel basis, they can justify higher costs per acre when an agronomic practice delivers more bushels.”

Preparing for 2022. Many producers budget per acre for the whole operation, notes Lynn Sandlin, ag economist and business intelligence lead at Syngenta, but opportunity exists during more profitable times to budget directly at the field level - to maximize profit at the bushel level.

Sometimes it requires better tools, sound advice and a shift in thinking to manage each field’s potential at the bushel level. “Trusted advisers help growers increase field productivity with an eye on profit per bushel,” Sandlin said.

Fortunately, new tools are available to help farmGetRuralLeaderMag.com | NOVEMBER 2021 11

ers find growth opportunities. “Years of depressed prices pushed some growers to try to save their way to prosperity with cheaper inputs and generics,” says Paul Backman, commercial unit head for the West Heartland region, Syngenta. “Our Syngenta AgriEdge whole-farm management program lets growers see how better products can deliver higher productivity on a cost-per-bushel level.”

Reviewing 2021 decisions against actual yield helps growers understand real costs - shifting from a cost mindset to an investment mindset.

“Retailers also play vital roles across farm input decisions,” Backman says. “Our sales reps and AgriEdge specialists help growers see small gains in each field, adding up to more bushels. Good management plans evolve as more data drives greater fieldby-field profits.”

Retailers trust agronomics. Syngenta sales representative Mark Dozler explained the input-costper-bushel method of thinking: “I worked with a retailer in Nebraska to build an input-cost-value spreadsheet, showing that if a grower removes a $30 fungicide from their plan, cost per bushel increases -

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because removing that fungicide reduces yield by at least 10 bushels per acre. The data proving that was eye-opening.”

Defining more yield-for-weed control challenges everyday thinking and requires digging into details beyond a $40-50 per acre herbicide budget.

Field-by-field profit. Technical advancements in corn and soybean genetics also play a critical role in productivity per field and cost per bushel.

“Many retailers take pride in knowing agronomic details so they can recommend the best hybrid for each field,” said Brent Rockers, a Syngenta district manager in Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma.

“Our research provides growers with seeding rates, fertility and plant health advice that improves their ability to strategize and budget,” Rockers said. “And our Cropwise Seed Selector tool provides growers with a list of hybrids matching their soil classifications by field.”

Advisers help growers fine-tune their selections, following the crop through harvest - and use that data to help build more profitability.—

High-quality Online STEM Education Resources at Students’ Fingertips

Despite schools returning to full-time in-person learning, for many students living in rural and underserved communities, access to high-quality science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education resources remains a challenge.

Following a year in which the surge in remote learning resulted in K-12 students experiencing an academic slide across subject areas, STEM - which traditionally requires more hands-on, interactive instruction - was among the hardest hit. In fact, The Center for School and Student Progress estimates math scores dropped 8% to 12% by the end of last school year.

With the 2021-2022 school year underway, teachers and parents alike are focused on finding new ways and tools to help young people with an academic rebound. To help reverse the effects of the pandemic slide no matter where students live, HughesNet, the world’s largest high-speed satellite Internet provider, joined forces with 4-H, America’s largest youth organization. Together, they are providing youth with fun, high-quality STEM education via 4-H at Home - a free online platform comprised of interactive K-12 activities. 4-H at Home is designed to supplement students’ existing STEM education, reinforce rudimentary lessons and inspire a lifelong love of learning for the next generation of STEM leaders.

Parents and teachers can complement students’ in-class curriculum this year with these STEM Lab at-home activities. Plus, adding to the simplicity of the experience, each STEM exercise can be completed using readily available household items. This is a great way for students to stay engaged and on track

in their daily development while recovering from or preventing further academic slide. * Get in Gear! teaches students about the power and mathematics of gears, allowing them to assemble and test different gear sets to see how small actions can create big movements. * Solar Oven S’mores is a tasty activity that teaches students how to harness the sun’s energy to cook delicious s’mores in a tin foil-lined cardboard box. * Popsicle Paddle Boat challenges students to build a self-propelled boat using popsicle sticks and rubber bands to learn basic physics, 3-D printing and modeling skills. * DIY Flashlight introduces students to the basics of electrical engineering by having them create a working battery-powered flashlight.

“Education doesn’t stop when children leave the classroom. When you engage children in STEM activities they can relate to, you give them knowledge that can spill into every aspect of their lives,” said Peter Gulla, senior vice president of marketing at Hughes. “HughesNet is dedicated to making sure every child has access to quality STEM education no matter where they live.”

For people who live in an area where reliable fiber or cable internet service is not available, HughesNet may be right for you. Named the Best Satellite Internet Provider of 2021-22 by U.S. News & World Report 360 Reviews, HughesNet high-speed satellite Internet service connects more than 1.5 million families and businesses to STEM education and much more. Check out 4-H.org and hughesnet.com to learn more.— GetRuralLeaderMag.com | NOVEMBER 2021 13

One Man’s Search for Relief from Painful Diabetic Neuropathy The pain was so bad, James Smith couldn’t sleep.

With what felt like a thousand bees stinging his legs, he spent hours at the computer searching for: “Treatment options for painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN).”

“When I couldn’t sleep, I’d find myself searching online,” said Smith. “I wanted to try something safe to control my pain, and preferably not a drug. Every day I wished I could live my life the way I used to.”

Since his diabetes diagnosis, Smith’s numbers were under control, but this was different - the newly developed leg pain made normal activities like walking, gardening, sitting and sleeping almost intolerable.

Something had to change. Then, a Facebook ad for a clinical trial led him to HFX for PDN,* a new device to help treat painful diabetic neuropathy.

In July 2021, Nevro became the first company to receive FDA approval of a spinal cord stimulation (SCS) system for the treatment of PDN. The approval of HFX for PDN (which includes all Nevro Senza Systems) followed the successful completion of the randomized clinical trial in which Smith participated. This was the largest-scale study to date by a company establishing evidence for the safety and efficacy of SCS to treat PDN. “I was not very hopeful when I first enrolled in the clinical trial. I was in so much pain, doing basic things felt impossible,” said Smith. “My doctor told me we’d know soon after my initial test with the technology if I’d be a candidate for the implant. Then I was amazed by how quickly I felt relief. This device changed my life.”

Diabetes and painful diabetic neuropathy. About 10.5% of the U.S. population, or 34.2 million people, have diabetes. While there are many complications associated with the condition, diabetic neuropathy is the most prevalent and chronic complication. PDN most often damages nerves in legs and feet.

Although each person may experience it differently, the symptoms of PDN are often worse at night, and may include: * Tingling, burning or freezing sensation * Sharp stabbing, shooting pains or cramps * Hypersensitivity to touch - even a bedsheet’s weight can be painful * A deep, persistent ache As reported in an FDA patient panel, people with PDN often have trouble achieving pain relief. Once diagnosed, it is typical to try standard treatment options such as physical therapy, injections, overthe-counter medications and prescription medications including opioids. Opioids are used to manage 14

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chronic pain in the U.S., but their addiction potential can lead to long-term dependence and show little evidence of improving function. In academic and medical communities, opioids are referenced as a last resort for treating PDN. Prior to learning about the new treatment, Smith’s chronic pain meant missing out on participating in his daughter’s wedding. Standing and participating in a ceremony may not seem daunting for some, but people living with PDN often miss life’s most precious moments. New options for patients were needed.

New treatment, new day. Nevro’s HFX for PDN provides an alternative to conventional therapies, using Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS): mild electrical pulses to disrupt pain signals before they reach the brain.

HFX for PDN is currently the only SCS system with an FDA indication to treat PDN. Unlike other systems, its proprietary, high-frequency 10 kHz waveform doesn’t rely on an uncomfortable tingling sensation (known as paresthesia) to override pain. By “tricking” the brain, patients experience pain relief allowing them to pursue activities they enjoy and live independently.

Rather than long-term therapy and unwanted side effects, HFX for PDN provides an exciting new option through a quick, minimally invasive procedure to implant a small device under the skin near the spine.

Care improvement. For doctors and patients, HFX for PDN provides versatility for optimal chronic pain relief. The HFX system now delivers more versatility, without in-person visits, and patients can access innovative technologies, advanced therapies and patient support through a dedicated HFX Coach.

“Our PDN study showed that HFX and 10 kHz Therapy can help so many people suffering from PDN,” said Dr. Cong Yu of Swedish Pain Services in Seattle. “HFX for PDN can reduce patients’ medication use, likely preventing deterioration of their pain condition.”

To learn more about new treatments for painful diabetic neuropathy, visit HFXForPDN.com.— *HFX is a comprehensive solution that includes a Senza spinal cord stimulation system and support services for the treatment of chronic pain. HFX for PDN means that a patient has been implanted with a Senza System and programmed to include a frequency of 10 kHz.

Four Latino Entrepreneurs Ehare Tips for Success Inspired

by Unique Cultural Experiences Passion and drive are key to starting any new business. However, personal experiences often provide foundational elements that ultimately support success. This is notable for four Latino entrepreneurs Cecilia Panichelli and Federico Carrillo, Mike Alfaro and Julissa Prado - who say their culture is a key part of who they are and why their businesses have thrived.

During Latino Heritage Month, Target celebrated the Latino community’s cultural influence and contributions by spotlighting these Latino-owned brands and founders and showing that Latino culture is more than meets the eye.Consider Argentinian immigrants Cecilia Panichelli and Federico Carrillo. A desire to share the culture and flavors of their home country with others is the reason they formed Cocina 54, a frozen empanada business that was founded in 2017.

“We made sure to figure out a way to produce empanadas that still had fresh ingredients and a madefrom-scratch recipe,” said Panichelli. “The culture was our biggest inspiration. To create a connection between what people in Argentina eat and what peo-

ple in America eat, we married various ingredients together to create truly heritage-inspired flavors.”

Cocina 54 is one of more than 80 cross-category products being featured as part of the first-ever Latino Heritage Month product assortment, available now at Target. Imagined and designed by Latino team members, artists and creators, this year’s product assortment features apparel, accessories, beauty and more that highlights themes of family, Latina empowerment and Latino pride.

If you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, Panichelli and Carrillo share their top tips for success: 1. Do not quit your day job immediately. Hard work makes you nimble and resilient.

2. Talk to other entrepreneurs in the industry and learn from them.

3. Remember to balance family needs and business needs.

Another example of the Latino-owned brands and entrepreneurs featured in the collection is Mike Alfaro, creator of Millennial Lotería, a modern take on the classic Lotería Mexican bingo game. Born and raised in Guatemala City, Guatemala, Alfaro came to GetRuralLeaderMag.com | NOVEMBER 2021 15

the U.S. alone. The first time he shopped in a Target store, he admits it felt “foreign and a bit scary.” Alfaro connected with Target at the LatinXpo, an event that helps Target explore new partnerships with diverse entrepreneurs and businesses.

“I think about going back and seeing my game and it feels like home,” said Alfaro. “And if I had seen products that represented me [when I first immigrated to America], I would have felt less alone.”

Alfaro is achieving his dreams and he wants to encourage others to dream big, too. His tips for entrepreneurs include: 1. Differentiate your product and make sure your consumers know what the difference is at first glance.

2. Take advantage of social media to test out different strategies and messaging.

3. Don’t be afraid to ask for suggestions from your customers or followers.

For Julissa Prado, her Mexican roots are always a personal and business influence, and it was a fundamental driver behind the creation of her brand, Rizos Curls.

“The inspiration to create Rizos Curls was my own personal [hair] curl journey to learn how to love my natural curl texture,” said Prado. “Latino Heritage Month is every day for me to be honest. So much of

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the work I do and what motivates my business decisions are rooted in my culture. I am incredibly proud of my roots and family - these are what I love most about my life.”

Prado’s top tips for success include: 1. Everything is negotiable. Challenge outdated rules and don’t be afraid to push back.

2. Make up in creativity what you lack in marketing dollars. Use social media to be a storyteller.

3. Be agile. As a small business you’re able to pivot faster than most larger businesses.

These business owners credit much of their success to their Latino heritage and strive to uplift and inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs. They demonstrate that a drive for success is fueled by personal experience and cultural values.

To learn more about these and other Latino entrepreneurs, you can visit Target’s Más Que Hub for inspirational moments of success and resilience from creators, team members and business owners through storytelling and art. You can also learn about Target’s investment of more than $1.1 billion in Latino-owned suppliers, media, strategic partnerships and organizations over the past five years to continue uplifting the community not only during Latino Heritage Month, but year-round.—

CDC’s New Education Campaigns Address Increasing Drug Overdose Deaths Drug overdoses have claimed nearly 900,000 lives over the past 20 years in the United States. Recent studies show that drug overdose deaths accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic, outpacing overdose death rates from any previous year. Illegal drugs are more potent than ever before as many can be mixed or laced with fentanyl, an extremely powerful synthetic opioid, without a person’s knowledge.

To save more lives from drug overdose, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is launching four complementary education campaigns intended to reach young adults ages 18-34 who use drugs. The campaigns aim to increase awareness about the dangers of fentanyl, the risks and consequences of mixing drugs, the life-saving power of naloxone, and the importance of reducing stigma to support treatment and recovery. The campaigns also promote actions that young adults can take to help reduce their risk of overdose, such as testing their drugs for fentanyl and talking with their healthcare provider about treatment options for substance use disorder.

Fentanyl can be hidden in drugs. Since 2013, the

United States has seen dramatic increases in deaths due to synthetic opioids, such as illegally made fentanyl. Up to 50-100 times stronger than morphine, fentanyl can cause an overdose, even in small amounts. Illegally made fentanyl is increasingly found in counterfeit prescription opioid pills, heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine and ecstasy. It is nearly impossible to tell if drugs have been laced with fentanyl without the use of fentanyl test strips because you can’t see, smell or taste it.

Mixing drugs can cause overdoses. People who use drugs may mix different substances, which can be even more harmful than when drugs are used separately. Mixing stimulants - like ecstasy and cocaine - increases the risk of stroke and heart attack, while mixing opioids with other depressants - like benzodiazepines (“benzos”) and/or alcohol - can slow breathing, which may lead to severe brain damage or death. According to Dr. Grant Baldwin, Director of the Division of Overdose Prevention at CDC, “There is no safe way to mix drugs. Even if you have mixed drugs before, your body could react differently every time.”

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Naloxone saves lives. Naloxone is a life-saving medicine that can reverse an opioid overdose. Often given as a nasal spray, naloxone can restore normal breathing to a person whose breathing has slowed or stopped due to opioids, including fentanyl, if given in time. Anyone can carry naloxone, give it to someone experiencing an overdose, and potentially save a life.

Naloxone won’t harm someone if they’re overdosing on drugs other than opioids, so it’s always best to use it if you think someone is overdosing.

Naloxone is available in all 50 states, and it is available at local pharmacies without a prescription in most states. Most states also have laws that may protect the person who overdosed and the person who called for help from legal trouble.

People in treatment and recovery need support.

One in 14 Americans reports experiencing a substance use disorder. But unfortunately, the stigma related to using drugs can be a significant barrier to getting treatment. Showing compassion for people who use drugs and offering support during their treatment and recovery journey are ways to help reduce stigma. Paths to recovery include treatment

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with medications for opioid use disorder as well as behavioral therapies. Treatment is available in many settings - in person, online, telehealth and in group formats. “Addiction is a treatable disease,” Baldwin said. “And while recovery is not always a straight path forward, it is possible. Sometimes that means talking with a healthcare provider to develop a treatment plan that works best for that individual and connecting to other services and supports that can aid recovery.”

Campaign information and resources. CDC spoke directly with young adults who reported using drugs, as well as peer recovery professionals, to develop the campaigns. Each campaign includes new resources on all four topics to help reduce the rise in drug overdoses and overdose deaths. “This critical information can help all of us save a life from overdose and support people who use drugs in treatment and recovery,” Baldwin said.

To learn more about CDC’s drug overdose prevention efforts, visit www.cdc.gov/stopoverdose. To request materials, email oreinfo@cdc.gov.—

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Five ways to enjoy the Holidays without Breaking your Budget A new survey reveals that Americans say the holidays will give them something positive to look forward to, after many people had to curtail last year’s holiday celebrations due to the pandemic. In the new 2021 Coinstar Holiday Survey, respondents said that while gift buying may go down this year (one-third plan to buy fewer gifts), people overall are looking for more activities that bring them holiday joy - as they still manage their budgets.

Here are tips to help boost your holiday spirit, without breaking the bank.

1. Embrace regifting. If you’ve ever thought about regifting a present to someone who might actually enjoy it, you’re not alone. According to the survey, more than one-fourth (28%) said they’re likely to regift something this holiday season.

There’s nothing wrong with regifting, and here’s why: * It saves you money * Reusing is good for the environment * Your closet gets a little less cluttered * You may be giving the absolute perfect gift to someone else Be sure to regift with care, and not give the gift back to the same person who gave it to you!

2. Use spare change to stretch your budget When finances are tight, you may be surprised to 20

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learn that you have more spare change lying around than you think! Check your purse, couch cushions, car or change jar for loose change. Survey respondents estimate they have approximately $123 in spare change at home, and over half (52%) said they are likely to cash in or use their spare change this holiday season. This newfound cash can be used for buying gifts, decorations or donating to others.

It’s easy to cash in your spare change at a Coinstar kiosk in your local supermarket. At the kiosk, you can convert your spare change to cash, a no-fee eGift card - or even donate to charity, which makes it perfect for boosting the spirit of giving.

3. Deck the halls with holiday spirit. Nothing brings back your childhood sense of holiday wonder and magic better than beautiful colored lights and holiday decorations, whether at your own home or around your neighborhood. Over 90% of the people surveyed plan to decorate their homes this season, and three out of four say they will start or increase their tradition of driving around to enjoy decorations and lights nearby - a fun and no-cost activity to delight your whole family.

4. Bake a little joy for the holidays. Baking is one of the most fun and inexpensive ways to spend time with your family, as well as being a great way to create giftable treats. In the survey, 80% of Americans

said they will start or increase their home baking this holiday season. Find festive tins, jars or holiday-themed plates to load up with goodies, wrap in foil, then stick on a colorful ribbon and voila! A tasty gift anyone would love to receive.

Baking not your strong suit? No worries. You can find pre-made refrigerated or frozen cookie dough in most stores, so you can still have the fun - and delicious aroma - of homemade cookies without all the fuss and muss.

5. Bring joy to others by giving. Giving to others can bring unexpected holiday joy. After more than a year of challenges, nearly two-thirds of Americans (61%) say they’ll start or increase their donations of money or volunteering time to charity this holiday season.

Another way to feel the warm glow of giving to others is by tipping service providers who help you

throughout the year, from your childcare provider to your mail carrier. Well over half (57%) of Americans say they tip service providers during the holidays.

It doesn’t take a lot of cash to make the season bright. Revisit the traditions you have with friends and family and perhaps create a few new ones to make this year memorable. Approaching the holiday with an attitude of creativity and gratitude will go a long way toward capturing the joy of the holiday season.—

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