Rural Leadear Magazine March 2019

MARCH 2019

Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.— Ralph Waldo Emerson

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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.—

Contents

Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Kuanita E. Murphy, PhD

6 American Workers Seek Learning and Development Programs to Close Skills Gap 7 Heroes Helping Heroes: Shining a Light on Military Caregivers 8 Student Loan Debt Growth Fastest Among Boomers 10 Four Things You Should Do to Boost Your Fat IQ

14 Four Ways Female Founders Turbocharge Their Businesses 16 Five Futuristic Concepts Drivers Want Most 17 Championing Girls’ Confidence Through Puberty and Beyond 18 Eight Ways to Banish Spring Allergies

13 Old phone, new service?

Upgrade your wireless with a SIM card swap

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

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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,

Photo Courtesy of TieFotos

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

What you do matters.

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American Workers Seek Learning and Development Programs to Close Skills Gap Unemployment is at its lowest point since 1969 and job openings are at a 17-year high, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. With a tightened labor market the competition for candidates with the right skill set is soaring. Yet, many workers lack the skills necessary to pursue new opportunities, suggests a new survey from Prudential Financial, Inc. The fifth American Workers Survey, conducted in November on behalf of Prudential by Morning Consult, found that more than one in four American Workers say opportunities for career advancement are available to them - but they lack the skills and training for these positions.

The skills gap is even more concerning for millennials - 51 percent say they’re worried a lack of skills or education will negatively impact their career in the next five years.

The biggest barriers to building those skills? According to American workers, access to educational opportunities and financial concerns rank at the top.

For millennials, most likely to be new parents, more than half say learning and developing new skills will require access to affordable childcare.

American workers expect the private sector to take the lead in their personal development - nearly four in five say the private sector has responsibility for retraining, and nearly six in 10 expect their employer to help pay for training and new skills.

“Jobs are core to the foundation of American workers’ financial well-being,” said Rob Falzon, vice chairman of Prudential. “Right now, there’s a skills gap emerging. There’s competition for talent, but at

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the same time, the jobs are changing as a result of disruption. Ensuring workers have the right skill sets to fill these jobs will be paramount for their future financial wellness.”

Companies including Prudential have been addressing this challenge through investments in the National Fund for Workforce Solutions and partnerships with local universities that help shape educational experiences and mentor students for careers in financial services and information technology.

Companies are also looking for ways to help tap into new talent pools. For example, Prudential’s program with Workplace Opportunity Services is designed to train and prepare veterans and military spouses for the civilian workforce.

“The future of work is already here,” Falzon said.

“Employers need to create opportunities to strengthen our workforce by increasing worker flexibility and mobility.”

Please visit news.prudential.com to learn more about this survey.

The American Workers Survey is the fifth in a series conducted on behalf of Prudential by Morning Consult from Nov. 13 to 16, 2018, among a national sample of 1,919 self-identified part-time and full-time employed adults (age 18 and over). The interviews were conducted online, and the data was weighted to approximate a target sample of adults based on age, race/ethnicity and gender. Results from the full survey have a margin of error of ±2 percentage points. Percentages may not total 100 percent due to rounding.—

Heroes Helping Heroes: Shining a Light on Military Caregivers “You’re sitting at home one night and get a phone call that your husband is being medevaced and he’s coming home. They said it was for spinal injuries,” recalled Mandy Spooneybarger, 36, caregiver to her husband, Charles, an Army veteran. “You have to live in your new normal. It’s stressful. It’s isolating. You have to let go of what you had. That is the hardest part. Sometimes it takes years. You can find strength from the person you are caring for. If you can, find other support.”

The American Legion Auxiliary (ALA), the world’s largest women’s patriotic service organization, is among 13 groups nationwide that received a grant from the Elizabeth Dole Foundation’s Hidden Heroes Campaign for innovative and evidence-based programs that address the long-term needs of military caregivers, the spouses, parents and loved ones caring for servicemembers and veterans at home, helping to fill the gap that exists for this population.”

The ALA recognizes that many veterans depend daily on their dedicated caregivers,” said Kathy Dungan, national president of the organization. “We recognize how important it is to support caregivers and address the unique stresses they face to help ensure our nation’s heroes are supported for years to come.”At the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival (NVCAF) last fall, the Elizabeth Dole Foundation grant provided several opportunities to empower caregivers and provide social support. Respite bags were handed out to each caregiver at registration.

Although the event is centered around veterans, the bags and warm welcomes from Auxiliary volunteers and staff made the caregivers feel special. Programs relevant to the needs of military caregivers are typically focused on the servicemember or veteran, and only incidentally related to the caregiver’s role.

There are specific gaps in needed programs, which the grant helped to address. In addition, the funding provided the opportunity to build skills and confidence as caregivers.”He was hurt in the service ...

He had some issues, but not like he does now. Now I consider myself really a caregiver,” said Dolores Kostiw, 71, caregiver to her husband, Steve, an Air Force veteran. “I retired two years ago. I’m around to help do what he needs to do, make sure he gets in and out of the shower OK. If he needs help with his shoes or dressing of any sort, I can try and help him with that. It’s very hard because he’s first - I have to make sure he’s OK and everything before I can take care of myself. It’s very, very hard. It’s a lot of work.

You don’t think of yourself first, and you do let yourself go. I did that.”

According to a Rand Corp. study, there are more than 5.5 million military and veteran caregivers in the United States. They spend many hours tending to the visible and invisible injuries or illnesses of their loved ones. In the study, 17 percent of civilian caregivers reported spending more than 40 hours per week providing care; 12 percent of post-9/11 Continued on Page 8 GetRuralLeaderMag.com | March 2019 7

Heroes, Continued from page 7 military caregivers and 10 percent of pre-9/11 military caregivers spent more than 40 hours per week.”Anger is a big thing. Address that as soon as you can,” said Spooneybarger. “Because that’s the biggest reason I see why people leave their spouses - unresolved anger. They take it out on the only safe place they know - the person holding their hand through the whole process.”For Kostiw, it’s about finding time for herself.”More than once, you think, I can’t do this anymore, I want to get out of it, but then he needs something, and I have to be there for him to give it to him,” she said. “Do what you can and if you can’t do it, ask for help.” Through the educational program

and social support opportunities that were offered at the NVCAF, Kostiw and others learned it was OK to not be OK and to ask for help as a caregiver.

They had the opportunity to show their emotions in a welcoming environment with others in similar situations. Some also offered suggestions on how to cope, based on their own experiences.The work of the American Legion Auxiliary for caregivers has just begun, but can continue to be supported through the organization, which helps veterans, military and their families. To learn more about how to get involved or give back, visit www.ALAforVeterans.org.—

Student Loan Debt Growth Fastest Among Boomers Student loan debt in the U.S. has been skyrocketing for years, recently topping $1.5 trillion, and now surpassing automobile loans and credit cards to become the largest source of personal debt, aside from mortgages. Millennials bear the brunt of that burden, with 75 percent of the generation carrying some form of college debt. But the problem isn’t contained to the younger generation. According to a new white paper from The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America(R) (Guardian), baby boomers are increasingly feeling the strain of student loan debt - and it’s having a major impact on their overall well-being.

While much of the conversation about student loan debt has centered around millennials, proportionally, boomers have actually experienced a larger 8 RuralLeaderMag.com | March 2019

share of the nation’s ballooning student debt. Over the last five years, the largest increase in student loan debt in the U.S. is among 60- to 69-year-olds, who have experienced a 72 percent increase in their loan balances, often leaving boomers with no choice but to tap into their retirement savings or Social Security payments to pay off the debt.

Impact on well-being While many baby boomers took out these student loans for their children and grandchildren, it’s the older generation that is feeling the impact. More than 50 percent of baby boomers say that college debt is negatively impacting their ability to meet financial goals, such as maintaining their lifestyle in Continued on page 11

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Student Loan Debt, continued from page 8 retirement or being able to afford adequate health insurance. As a result, some baby boomers have been unable to retire, and more retirees are having their Social Security payments garnished, mostly to pay for student loans they took out for their families.

“These consequences are affecting the quality of life for boomers who are nearing or in retirement and adding financial stress,” said Guardian Director, Product Management Andrew Hutchison. “Boomers have stretched their financial resources to fulfill their children’s or grandchildren’s college dreams, severely impacting their ability to meet their financial goals or maintain their lifestyles.”

Paying down student debt with help from employers: With mounting student debt totals and the high-stakes impact on financial and retirement goals, employers are taking notice and exploring new benefits focused on financial wellness that workers of all ages and their families can utilize to help ease the stress of having debt. Whether it’s boomers, Gen Xers or millennials, more are increasingly turning to these three methods for student debt relief: * Student loan repayment plans - A growing number of employers offer student loan assistance plans.

Eventually, with passage of more favorable tax laws, employers could tie a student loan repayment plan to their 401(k) and allow workers with college debt to re-direct contributions to help them pay down their loan. * College tuition rewards - Some boomers and millennials alike are finding much-needed relief through their college savings plans at work. For example, Guardian now offers a college tuition benefit where members enrolled in a Guardian plan can earn $2,000 in annual tuition rewards that can be used at nearly 400 institutions. The annual rewards can be transferred to eligible relatives, a huge benefit considering seven in 10 parents say they plan to use some

of their retirement savings and investments to pay for their children’s college education. * Debt management resources - Refinancing your student loan debt can be one way to mitigate the impact on your lifestyle. Many employers offer access to third-party debt management firms that offer options such as guidance on loan consolidation, income-driven repayment plans and loan forgiveness that can ease the burden of student loans.

Breaking the debt cycle: Resolving the student debt crisis will likely require a joint effort between colleges and universities, the federal government and employers. As boomers grapple with the impact of student loan debt, perhaps their experience can motivate younger generations to overcome their own debt so they can create savings plans and financial strategies to avoid falling back into debt as they age. A new wave of student loan and college education benefits is arriving, and workplace solutions and offerings are expanding to assist with these shifting financial needs for workers of all backgrounds.

The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America, New York, NY. Guardian(R) is a registered trademark of The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America. The Tuition Rewards program is provided

by SAGE CTB, LLC. Guardian does not provide any services related to this program. SAGE CTB, LLC is not a subsidiary or an affiliate of Guardian. Guardian reserves the right to discontinue the College Tuition Benefit program at any time without notice. The College Tuition Benefit is not an insurance benefit and may not be available in all states.

Unless otherwise noted, the source of all information here is Guardian’s 6th Annual Workplace Benefits Study, Financial Wellness Series, Part 1; Group & Worksite Marketing Study, “College Debt in America: The Case for Loan Repayment Benefits”2019-72897 (exp. 1/21)— GetRuralLeaderMag.com | March 2019 11

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Old phone, new service?

Upgrade your wireless with a SIM card swap Americans are holding onto their smartphones for longer than ever. Pricier smartphones have led consumers to wait an average of nearly three years before upgrading their device. Fortunately, smartphones today are so good, and so powerful, that they simply don’t need to be replaced nearly as often as in the past.

But does holding onto your phone mean you also have to stick with your current wireless carrier? In many cases, the answer is no.

Many smartphones connect to a carrier’s network through a small chip inserted into the device called a SIM (for ‘Subscriber Identity Module’) card. The SIM card holds your identity, location, network data, security keys, contacts and saved text messages. Each carrier has a unique SIM card, so the process of activating your phone with a different carrier can be as simple as swapping to the new provider’s SIM. Know your network There are some important nuances you’ll need to be aware of before you can switch, though. The biggest is that different carriers use different types of network technology to convert incoming data into radio waves for making and receiving calls.

Verizon, Sprint and U.S. Cellular networks connect using a CDMA (for Code Division Multiple Access) network. AT&T and T-Mobile use a different type, called GSM (Global System for Mobiles).

What this means is that your smartphone will only work with a carrier that uses the same type of network that it is designed for. So if, for instance, you wanted to use your Verizon phone with AT&T service, it’s simply not possible. The GSM network won’t be able to connect to a phone designed for a CDMA network.

Unlock your device The other key is that your phone must be “unlocked” from your current carrier before it can be activated with a new provider. The lock is a software

code that’s put on the phone by the manufacturer per the requirement of the carrier that sells the device.

The lock is meant to ensure that the phone can’t be used on any other operator’s network until a different software code is entered to unlock the device.

If you have a device that is locked, you can get it unlocked from your wireless carrier if you meet certain criteria, like paying the full price of your device or ending your contract and being in good standing with your current provider. If you meet these requirements, having your device unlocked can usually be done simply by making a call to your carrier’s customer service department and requesting it.

Make the switch Once you’ve confirmed that your new provider’s network is compatible with your phone, and that your phone is unlocked, switching is simple. You’ll get a SIM card from your new carrier, and insert it into the proper slot on your device. The process will vary depending on the type of device you have. SIM cards come in three different sizes (nano, micro and standard) and the location of the SIM slot is not uniform, though most are located on the side of your phone.

Carriers today make it easy to switch. Consumer Cellular, for instance, provides the SIM card and activation on their networks for free when you sign up using a compatible GSM phone. In addition, they offer no-contract monthly plans which include talk, text and data for as low as $20 a month.

If you’re using a cellphone that still works great for you, there’s no reason to take on the expense of a new device. Instead, find a carrier that fits your tastes, needs and budget. If your phone is compatible with their networks, a new SIM card will deliver everything you need to keep your phone and improve your service.—

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Four Ways Female Founders Turbocharge Their Businesses Women are starting businesses at a record pace - motivated to pursue passions, financial independence and the flexibility that eludes most traditional jobs.

In the U.S. alone, women entrepreneurs generate $1.1 million in revenue on average across retail, professional and personal service businesses that have operated for 11 years. This stat comes from Visa’s new ‘State of Female Entrepreneurship’ report, which informed their recently announced program, She’s Next, Empowered by Visa, a global initiative to support and champion women in their efforts to grow their small businesses.

That’s powerful stuff, highlighting the important role women entrepreneurs play in the prosperity and economic development of local communities. The typical entrepreneur is 42 years old and earns nearly $110,000 in household income a year, making a profound difference in building and supporting families in the community.

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Clearly, female founders are coming into their own. In fact, the Visa study found that 79 percent of American women entrepreneurs feel more empowered now than they did five years ago.

Still, key challenges exist: 73 percent say funding does not come easily, and nearly 2/3 use their own funds to get started. Assembling a good team, finding the right tools and dealing with competitors are among the biggest challenges keeping women entrepreneurs up at night.

For any entrepreneur, it can feel like there’s never enough time or resources to grow a business. To help other entrepreneurs and based on insights from the ‘State of Female Entrepreneurship’ report, Visa polled four areas women entrepreneurs focus on to turbocharge success: Find mentors: More than two-thirds said they wanted advice from fellow entrepreneurs. Relatable role models and mentors are invaluable when you’re making the leap to starting or building your own

business.

Find your feet: Strategy development is critical for women starting up their own company. Assembling a good team was a challenge encountered by 37 percent of women founders. Other challenges include: finding the tools to grow and manage their business (36 percent), competition (36 percent) and growing as quickly as they need to (33 percent). Have a plan and pursue your vision.

Gather capital to invest in your business: Cash flow is the lifeblood of any business. Respondents cited profits and revenue growth as the top two priorities for improvement. Thirty-two percent of women would direct additional funding toward newer technology.

Put in overtime: When building a business, time is precious. Given the investment and high stakes that come with the territory, it comes as little surprise that a majority of women entrepreneurs (56 percent) are putting in more work hours than before they started their business.

If you’ve joined the ranks of female entrepreneurs, find support and resources by signing up for the Female Founder Collective, and visit She’s Next, Empowered by Visa where you can download and print a toolkit with tips and advice to help build and sustain your company.—

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Five Futuristic Concepts Drivers Want Most Do you remember being a child, sitting in front of a glowing television? The familiar theme song would play, color would fill the screen and there they’d be - that futuristic family in a flying cartoon car. It was an incredible sight, one that filled us with wonder and excitement, and the hope of having our very own airborne automobile by 2020.

Sixty-eight percent of Americans believed that dream would turn into reality, according to Hankook Tire’s Gauge Index Survey. While we wait for that innovation to come to the mass market, the reality of putting your car on autopilot is right around the corner.

Here are five more futuristic expectations drivers have as they look down the road: 1. Expectation: Tires that never go flat. According to the survey, more than one third (35 percent) of Americans consider the run-flat tire to be the biggest tire technology achievement in recent history. Another 44 percent see self-repairing tires as an imminent innovation. The reality is, as automotive technology continues to drive forward, tire technology is rolling along right beside it. Tire manufacturers are looking to improve performance and sustainability through inventive designs like the Hankook Kinergy AS EV, engineered to accommodate the complexities of modern electric vehicles.

2. Expectation: A distraction-less drive.

There has been advancement in tools to downplay distracted driving - think Bluetooth, “Do Not Disturb” and similar functions for our mobile devices.

It’s too bad there hasn’t been a way to keep our eyes off the other drivers. More than half (58 percent) say that other people’s bad driving is their top distraction on the road. Autonomous technology such as lanekeep assistance and automatic emergency braking help compensate for those distractions.

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3. Expectation: Cars that can take care of themselves. Nearly half of Americans (48 percent) would love to see their cars equipped with self-maintenance capabilities. Today’s maintenance technology is sophisticated and can predict things like how far you can go until your next oil change. Of course, there’s an app for everything. Now just imagine how easy it would be if your car couldn’t just tell you it’s time to take it in, but could get the job done for you.

4. Expectation: Driverless vehicles for everyone.

Autonomous vehicle technology is certainly speeding forward, and there are some who argue it will help create a safer drive down the road. The survey found that men are nearly twice as likely to opt for self-driving capabilities as women (40 percent versus 24 percent). Those who aren’t looking for cars to drive themselves may like their vehicle to be smart in other ways - like when it comes to their coffee order. Millennials, for example, are significantly more interested in seeing cars be able to automatically order their morning coffee than other age groups (15 percent).

5. Expectation: Lots of legroom.

As we look toward future car autonomy, it’s clear that Americans would love to kick back and occupy themselves when driving is no longer a responsibility. According to the survey, would-be drivers would spend their commutes sightseeing (39 percent), taking a phone call (33 percent) or eating (28 percent).

While today’s reality might not include a table in the car, futuristic concepts may include just that.

There’s no telling how long it will take to get us to a flying future, or even a fully self-driving one. There’s also no denying that vehicle and tire technology has come a long way from the days of the horseless buggy and wooden tires, and we can expect some fascinating futuristic tech to come.—

Championing Girls’ Confidence Through Puberty and Beyond

Puberty is a transformational time for girls that comes with unique challenges in physical, mental and emotional forms. Between trying to manage increasingly complex emotions, adjusting to their evolving bodies and navigating social changes, it’s no wonder half of girls lose confidence at this moment in life - and many never fully recover. This is why it’s crucial to not only educate girls about the changes they’re experiencing, but to actively support them as they develop their confidence.

This drop in confidence can be even more significant when girls are not prepared. A recent Always Confidence & Puberty Survey revealed that nearly 1 in 5 girls miss school because they do not have the proper access to period products. And it’s not just school they miss, it also means they miss out on activities they love like sports and clubs. These activities help build her confidence and skills, and missing out can limit a girl’s potential and opportunities far beyond puberty.

There are many ways that individuals can help champion girls, and the impact can be even greater when larger organizations also come together in support. For example, Always and Walmart have joined forces via the Live #LikeAGirl program,

which is aimed at helping #EndPeriodPoverty for puberty-aged girls so they can stay in extracurricular activities. Together, these two companies are making pad donations to 50 teams in 50 states, and offering access to puberty and confidence education and tips from key experts. The program kicked off in Florida, where a local martial arts studio that serves girls in need became a recipient of the program. The girls on the team talk about their experience here: https:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZBrna5E0u4&feature=youtu.be.

Live #LikeAGirl program experts include New York Times bestselling author and confidence expert and co-founder of Girls Leadership, Rachel Simmons, and Girlology Co-founder Dr. Melisa Holmes who will provide information and coaching to the activity leaders helping support girls through this life stage. According to Simmons and Holmes, these easy-to-action tips can help you become a champion of girls’ confidence and provide the best support system for the girls in your life: 1. Consistently support them through successes and failures: Whether it is persevering through a tough class in school or getting enough practice in Continued on page 19

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Eight Ways to Banish Spring Allergies Spring. The time of year when, as poet Alfred Lord Tennyson famously said, a young man’s (and woman’s) fancy “lightly turns to thoughts of love.”

That is, of course, if you’re not sneezing, coughing or dealing with itchy eyes. Spring allergies seem to get worse every year. Is there anything you can do to avoid them?

Yes, says allergist Todd Mahr, MD, president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI). “You might feel like suffering from allergies is going to happen every spring no matter what, but there are ways to help alleviate your symptoms.”

These 8 ACAAI tips will help you enjoy the season instead of sitting it out indoors. 1. See an allergist.

Before the season kicks in, make an appointment with an allergist to find out exactly what is causing those itchy, watery eyes. Discovering the allergen that you’re reacting to is the first step in treating it.

The ACAAI’s Allergist Locator can help you find a board-certified allergist in your area.

2. Find out if it’s allergies or asthma. Or both. The symptoms from asthma can be similar to those of allergies. To make matters worse, allergies plus asthma can be a one-two punch for some allergy sufferers.

Almost 75 percent of asthma sufferers also have allergies. Your allergist can diagnose what’s causing your symptoms and offer suggestions for treatment so you 18 RuralLeaderMag.com | March 2019

can start living the life you want to live.

3. Consider allergy shots... They may be the best way to treat tree, grass, mold, dust mite, cat and dog allergies. Allergy shots are immunotherapy. That means your allergist will gradually give you increasingly larger doses of whatever you’re allergic to.

There are also tablets that melt under your tongue to treat allergies to ragweed, grass pollen and dust mites. Both forms create a tolerance within your immune system.

4. ...or get a prescription. Research has shown that most allergy sufferers find prescription medications more effective than those they can get over the counter. But most people don’t go in search of a prescription. An allergist can discover exactly what you’re allergic to and prescribe the right medication to ease your symptoms.

5. Start medication before the season hits. Don’t wait. Much like successful pain management involves getting in front of pain before it kicks into high gear, by taking your allergy medications before the worst symptoms develop, you’ll be doing a lot to alleviate those symptoms. If you usually start feeling it in March or April, start taking your medications in February.

6. Commit to a thorough spring cleaning. It’s not just to give the house a fresh look after the long winter. A deep clean will reduce allergens like mold,

which build up in basements and other areas where you might not go every day. It’s also a great way to get rid of the pet hair and dander that have built up in places like your sofa. Wash throw rugs regularly, too, in hot water.

7. Wash the day away before going to bed. Take a shower and wash your hair before hitting the hay to rinse away pollen and other allergens you’ve picked up during the day. Similarly, wash your sheets and bedding once a week in hot water.

8. Use the AC. It’s tempting to throw open the windows and let that fresh spring air waft into the house.

The only problem is, pollen and other allergens will waft in with it. Instead, use your air conditioner and make sure the filter is clean. Change your filter every three months and use one with a MERV rating of 11 or 12.

With a few commonsense tactics, you can get ahead of your allergies and keep them in the rearview mirror all season long.— About ACAAI: The ACAAI is a professional medical organization of more than 6,000 allergists-immunologists and allied health professionals, headquartered in Arlington Heights, Ill. The College fosters a culture of collaboration and congeniality in which its members work together and with others toward the common goals of patient care, education, advocacy and research. ACAAI allergists are board-certified physicians trained to diagnose allergies and asthma, administer immunotherapy and provide patients with the best treatment outcomes. For more information and to find relief, visit AllergyandAsthmaRelief. org. Join us on Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter.

Championing Girls' Confidence, Continued from page 17 before the talent show, being part of their daily accomplishments makes these moments more enjoyable for girls. Consistently being there and cheering them on is one of the most important things you can do for them, especially at puberty. Expressing praise and noticing how hard they’ve worked for something, even if they fail, will help boost their confidence in more ways than you may know.

2. Keep them involved in extracurricular activities: As girls develop their confidence, it’s important to help them discover their true passions in life - whether it’s art club, martial arts or softball.

Create opportunities for girls to try new activities and expand their skills. Rachel Simmons advises that when girls are part of a bigger team, whether sports, service or the arts, they learn to work cooperatively and persevere through setbacks. Learning new skills will help them grow in confidence.

3. Have open and frequent discussions about puberty: At puberty, it can be nerve-wracking to speak openly about the physical changes we all experience.

Preparing for “the talk” can feel like a daunting task, but to help girls better understand what is going on, Holmes advises keeping an open and positive dialogue about what to expect. Start the conversations early and use the correct terms for body parts.

Remind them often that the changes they’re experiencing are completely normal. Additionally, it’s important to let girls know the importance of using safe and hygienic period protection. For example, if not all girls have access to proper period products, some may have to resort to using non-pad materials such as toilet paper or paper towels which may result in

irritation and rashes. She also shares that some girls and their families may not be aware of additional resources to get the period protection they need. Talk to your daughter about the resources that exist in your community, whether it’s a school nurse, a school pantry or local shelter.

4. Teach her to bounce right back: Girls can learn the importance of perseverance from you, so let her see how you dust yourself off after a setback. Failure is part of the learning process and role modeling the right behavior can give her a clear script for her own positive self-talk. When she judges herself harshly, remind her of all she’s accomplished already. After a misstep, help her to regroup and plan her next move by asking her to write down some next steps. Focus on small goals. For example, if she makes a bad grade in chemistry, encourage her to aim for a grade letter higher the next time around and formulate a study plan to help her meet that goal.

5. Prepare yourself with the right information, guidance and advice: Utilizing the proper resources as a guide to care for girls during these years will not only benefit the girls, but also parents, caretakers, mentors and coaches in providing the stability they need for a growth in their confidence during puberty and beyond. There are multiple resources to rely on in local communities that can make sure you’re helping girls navigate in the best way possible, including recreation centers, community centers, educational classes and online resources like www.Always.com.

By following these steps, you can help the girls in your life navigate puberty with greater ease and create a strong foundation for their confidence throughout life.— GetRuralLeaderMag.com | March 2019 19

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How to Improve Your Financial Health in 2019 Healthy credit habits for the new year: What you need to know to improve your financial health in 2019 It’s always a good time to reassess financial goals and work toward improving your overall financial health. No matter what your financial goals may be, having the right information and tools in place is key to getting you on track to take control of your credit.

Taking the first step towards financial wellness can provide a sense of empowerment as you get rid of everyday financial stressors, which is why many see a positive connection between financial control and self-perception. Though increasing your credit score might seem daunting, following these healthy credit behaviors can help you make positive changes to your financial health and even your personal well-being.

Understand your credit: When starting on your journey to better financial health, begin by familiarizing yourself with your current credit standing, as well as understanding what factors may be negatively impacting your credit score. A great place to start is with your Annual Credit Report, which provides one free credit report each year from all three nationwide credit reporting agencies. The information in these reports directly impacts credit scores, so it’s important to carefully review for any factors that could cause your score to be lower than it should be. This TransUnion Credit Score Overview is also a helpful educational resource and provides tips towards building a healthier credit standing.

Review your report and take action: While assessing your credit report, carefully review for any inaccuracies or problem areas that may negatively affect your credit score. For instance, high accumulations of debt such as maxed out credits cards and unpaid bills will likely be reflected in your credit report.

Unpaid collections are also commonly reported delinquencies that can cause a big hit, even when as low as $100 or less. Prioritize addressing these smaller problem areas first before they get worse. Inaccurate information caused by identity theft can also lower your credit score and should be disputed online.

Create a plan for better credit: After resolving any outstanding issues identified while reviewing your

credit report, create a plan towards improving your financial health, which should include: 1) On-time payments: Paying your bills on time and in full each month is key as it builds a positive history of on-time payments and responsible credit use.

2) Credit utilization: It is recommended to maintain a low credit utilization ratio, that is, how much of your available credit you’re using at any given time. It is recommended that you use no more than 30 percent of the available credit, otherwise, your score could be suffering.

3) Evaluate your credit cards: Before opening or closing any credit cards, do your research on the different types of credit cards and the benefits they have.

Do one or more of your cards have an annual fee that you could live without? Strategize which cards you use regularly and keep daily spending concentrated to one or two cards total. However, don’t close an old account just because you aren’t using it. Longstanding credit accounts are vital for building credit as this demonstrates a responsible credit history.

Remain vigilant about credit monitoring and protection: Once you’re in control of your credit, the next step is to be diligent about monitoring your credit and cautious about your personal information, which includes fraud protection. Fraudsters may take out loans, lines of credit, or rent apartments in your name, which can negatively affect your credit if it results in a non-payment. If you think your information has been compromised, you can protect your credit by freezing it at all three credit reporting agencies. With TransUnion, you can simply freeze and unfreeze your credit with the touch of a button through the myTransUnion app at any time.

Understanding and managing personal information is vital to achieving life goals such as owning a home, financing your education or having the convenience of credit cards for everyday purchases.

With responsible financial behaviors, discipline and consistency, you’ll be on your way to improving your credit, and in turn, feeling more confident about your overall financial health. For more information, visit TransUnion.com.— GetRuralLeaderMag.com | March 2019 21

22 RuralLeaderMag.com | March 2019