KNIGHT......PG 8
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Vol 19, No. 12 • May 2020
News You Can Use
Nursing is the dream job that Alexander never knew she wanted By Lucy Weber Cindy Alexander never dreamed of becoming a nurse. As a student struggling at the University of Southern Mississippi, the Iuka native found herself mentally exhausted and needing a break. Her parents told her she could sit out a semester but she had to be responsible for all her expenses. To pay her bills, Alexander interviewed for a job as a certified nursing assistant at Forrest General Hospital "even though I had no idea what the job of a CNA consisted of. I just knew I needed a job," she said. Hired as a tech in the surgical neurology floor, she met her manager Serena Carpenter. "I tell anyone who asks, she is the reason I became a nurse." Six months into the job, Alexander was called in by Ms. Carpenter, who had Return Address: P.O. Box 1292 Corinth, MS
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a reputation for breaking careers, not making them. The supervisor told Alexander she could
Cindy Alexander
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Nurse takes her skills to New York to offer badly needed help during pandemic By Lucy Weber Roshonda Turner, uplifted by her faith, is a frontline hero in the faceto-face fight against the Covid-19 pandemic. The Selmer native, who works as a trauma nurse at Regional One Health in Memphis, headed to New York City on April 15 to volunteer her skills and services for three weeks. "I came to help my fellow nurses fight this pandemic," she said. "I prayed about it and asked God that if it's for me to go, he will send me. And here I am. "The nurses here are exhausted mentally, physically, and emotional-
ly so being able to help them is a great feeling. They are very thankful," said Turner, the mother of four-year-old Ashton. "New York is filled with Covid compared to Memphis. The hospital where I'm working is 99 percent filled with Covid patients. I never had a patient with Covid in Memphis." see TURNER pg 4
Roshonda Turner
Through nursing, Foster returns the care shown to her family
become an exceptional nurse and she needed to go back to school to study nursing. "It was what she saw in me and the way I treated patients. It's almost like she didn't give me a choice" but to become a nurse, Alexander said. Now, with 11 years as a 38835 registered nurse, Alexander is showing patients and others how good a nurse she is. She works full time at North Mississippi Medical Hospital - seven days on see ALEXANDER pg 4
By Lucy Weber One nurse can make a big impact. Just ask Marly Kate Foster. Foster grew up hearing about the care, concern and compassion a nurse showed to her grandfather after he left the hospital and came home on hospice. Although she was only four when Roy C. Isbell, the grandfather she called her best friend, died, Foster said the family has always Marly Kate Foster
been grateful to that unnamed nurse. "My family tells the stories. I don't know how many times I've heard them," said Foster, who 21 years later works at Magnolia Regional Health Center, the same hospital where her grandfather and her grandmother Jackie Isbell spent time in their later years. "That one person made a difference to my family," said Foster, who grew up in Corinth. "She gave us hope and she gave us peace." Since graduating cum laude from MUW with her nursing degree in 2017, Foster has loved every minute of working at the Corith hospital. "I'm doing something I know my grandparents would be proud of," she said. "I do try to make connections with my patients and their families. see FOSTER pg 4
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May 2020
The Community News Flash
Editor’s Corner
Jerry W. Porter CEO/Publisher PO Box 1292, Corinth, MS 38835-1292 Cell: 662-643-6842 Email: read.newsflash@gmail.com
Staying Mentally Balanced As we continue to navigate these uncharted waters, this editorial will focus on continuing to live a balanced life. I have talked about the aspect of living a spiritually balanced life. Now I would like to focus on living a mentally balanced life. Living a mentally balanced life involves focusing on several things I have already discussed. Eating a healthy diet, getting the appropriate amount of sleep, and exercise are all necessary things to focus on for an overall balanced life. But what can you specifically do for your mental well being? What is mental health? According to MentalHealth.gov, "Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well being. It affects how
Becoming Balanced: A Seven Part Series on Becoming a Better You we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices." Our mental health is just as important to our overall health as a healthy diet is. And as so many of us are stuck at home, how can we keep our mental health in check? Stay mindful. If you're like me, whatever you are doing at a given moment, your mind is probably elsewhere. How many times have you been driving and thinking about that problem at work, or those dishes piling up in the sink at home? Do you ever just enjoy the scenery a drive has to offer? Do you ever just roll down the window and feel the breeze? I have been on the phone with friends and family many times and after I hang up often wonder what the conversation was about. It is easy to get distracted in today's world. Staying mindful of where you are at in the present moment may help you stay mentally healthy. Learn new things. Many of us have plenty of spare time. Use this time now to learn something new, read a new book, or learn a new recipe. Instead of listening to and watching endless news updates, watch a documentary or a "how-to" video on YouTube. Many universities are now offer-
ing free courses online. Sign up and learn something new..These activities may distract you from the negativity in the world and help improve your mental well being. Go outside. A "Safer at Home" order may be in place, but that doesn't mean you can't step outside and walk around your yard or down the street. Being outside may boost not only your mood, but your selfesteem as well. According to research published in Environmental Science and Technology, "Sun exposure will help your brain release the hormone serotonin, which is a natural mood booster." Do something nice. Acts of kindness not only benefit others, but they benefit the giver's mental health as well. "Research from the University of British Columbia found that people who regularly do nice little things for people such as holding the door experience reduced anxiety." So take a few minutes out of your day and provide someone with a few kind words of encouragement, or simply say, "I love you," you may be benefitting yourself as well. Practicing these techniques among others may help you stay mentally healthy, but that doesn't mean everyday of your life is going to be filled with sunshine
The Community News Flash is published monthly by Porter Publishing, Inc., with all rights reserved – © 2001 Reproduction or use without permission of editorial on graphic contents in any manner is prohibited by law. This newspaper is designed to exhibit the positive by publishing only positive and uplifting personal profiles. The annual subscription rate is Twenty four dollars and forty eight cents ($26.00). Information is gathered from sources considered to be reliable and accurate. Thoughts expressed in letters to the editor and commentaries are those of the authors and not necessarily those of The Community News Flash staff. Equal Opportunity. It is policy of the newspaper. 1. To employ people on the basis of their qualification and with assurance of equal opportunity and treatment regardless of race, color, creed, sex, age, sexual orientation, religion, national origin or handicap. 2. To not knowingly accept any advertisement, which implies and preferences limitation or discrimination based on race, color, creed, sex, age, sexual orientation, religion, national origin or handicap.
anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." Whoo! Whoo! Until next time! All aboard!
and happiness. We all have days where we don't feel quite like ourselves. But staying mentally healthy may help you overcome those less than stellar days you might have. Stay positive, stay encouraged, and continue to stay safe during this pandemic. Philippians 4:6-7 states, "Be
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Monthly Meditation But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Matthew 6:33-34
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Notable Quote “A balanced inner calmness radiates from a peaceful centre. It neither craves others' approval nor rejects others' presence. It neither pulls towards nor pushes away. It has a reverent attitude towards life and all its inhabitants.” - Donna Goddard
May 2020
Happy Mother’s Day!
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The Community News Flash
MAY BIBLE TRIVIA Love Little brother
Dorris Porter Curry is the mother of four children Dee Dee, Marlon, Rica and Jonathan
1. What woman was capable enough to instruct the brilliant Apollos in theology? 2. Who was probably the carrier of Paul's epistle to the Romans? 3. What pastor was the son of the devout Eunice? 4. Who was with David when Bathsheba and Nathan pleaded with him to designate Solomon as his successor? 5. Who was given by her Egyptian father as a reward to a Hebrew servant? 6. What evil woman lived in the Valley of Sorek? 7. Who was Timothy's devout grandmother? 8. What woman, wife of the wicked king Amon, gave birth to the future godly king Josiah? 9. What courageous woman risked her life to keep her royal nephew alive? 10. What Jewish-Christian woman had lived at Rome, Corinth, and Ephesus? 11. Who called herself Mara, a name meaning "bitter"? 12. Who asked her royal son to surrender his father's concubine to another son? 13. What wealthy woman made her living selling purple dye? 14. What woman had such an influential life that Israel had 40 years of peace? 15. Who was better to her widowed mother-in-law than any seven sons could be? 16. Who bore three sons and two daughters after giving up her first son to serve the Lord at Shiloh? 17. What wife of David had no children because she had criticized her husband's jubilant dancing? 18. Who married David after her stupid husband died out of fear? 19. Who was the last woman to have dinner with King Saul? Send in your answers to the following Bible Trivia Questions and take a chance at winning a complimentary bible from the Community News Flash. Random drawing will be held monthly
April Answers 1. Miriam (Numbers 12) 2. The five daughters of Zelophehad (Numbers 26-27) 3. Rehab (Joshua 6:17) 4. The Levite's concubine (Judges 19-20) 5. Delilah (Judges 6:17) 6. The high priest's (Matthew 26:69-71; Mark 14:66-69) 7. Ruth (1:2-5) 8. Miriam, who sang a patriotic song after the crossing of the Red Sea (Exodus 15:21) 9. Hannah (1 Samuel 1:13-14) 10. Michal (1 Samuel 18:27) 11. Abishag (1 Kings 1:3, 15) 12. Ahinoam (1 Samuel 14:50; 25:43) 13. Miriam (Numbers 12) 14. Deborah (Judges 4:4) 15. Jochebed (Exodus 6:20) 16. Jochebed, Moses' mother (Exodus 2:8-10 17. Zipporah, Moses' wife (Exodus 2:21) 18. Rehab (Joshua 2:6) 19. Ruth (4:17) 20. Hanna (1 Samuel 1:20-25) 21. Abigail (1 Samuel 25:23-35)
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TURNER....from page 1 Turner comes from a family of nurses and a nurse practitioner and was inspired by all of them to go into nursing as a career. "I have always wanted to be a nurse since a young age," she said. "My son Ashton inspired me to go to school to further my education. He made me want more for myself and him," the devoted mom said. Turner first became a licensed practical nurse, getting her degree at Tennessee College of Applied Technology. She got her RN degree at Southwest Tennessee Community College. "I chose to go into the nursing field because I love helping people. I felt it was my calling," Turner said of her challenging career. "You have to critically think, and I like that. I tried not to have an expectation coming into nursing because it changes so much daily it's hard, but it's worth the blood, sweat and tears." In trauma, Turner can deal with traumatic situations like gunshots, car wrecks, stabbings and falls from buildings at any moment during her shifts. "There's never an average day in nursing so you never know what you're walking into. That's what I love about nursing. I love intense and fast-paced environments." She encountered all that and more working in ICU in New York. Being away
FOSTER..........from page 1 "I've grown close to patients and their families while taking care of them. It can be very emotional. It helps to know you are there for them," she said. "It's very rewarding when patients get well and leave." Foster, who is the daughter of Tim and Stacy Foster and who now lives outside Selmer, said she originally went into college thinking she would become a teacher. However, the draw of helping people through nursing made her switch career choices. "I have never regretted switching to nursing from education," she said. The intense nursing courses " all made sense once I hit the nursing floor," she said. "I found my happy place. Foster works as a nurse in the ICU during the night shift and earlier
The Community News Flash
from her son and other friends and family is really hard, Turner said she has stayed busy to keep her mind off of it. "I'm holding up pretty good better than I thought I would the first day. My family and friends are really supportive. They text and call every day checking on me, which helps with my mental state because I can cry or vent to them and continue to do my job," Turner said. "My faith as really grown actually I know God has my back so I take it one day at a time." Because of the pandemic, Turner said she realized how under-estimated nursing is. "Right now, we are the front-liners and have finally got the recognition we earned years and years ago. My nursing mindset will continue to grow even when this is over. I love what I do." Turner said she feels immense gratitude to so many during this pandemic. "I would like to thank all my family, friends, previous professors and others for standing with me during this time. A big thank you to my son Ashton for lending his mommy to New York for a few weeks to help with this pandemic. He has been dealing with me being away very well." Always in nurse mode, Turner offers guidance from New York to people everywhere: "My advice to everyone is to just stay as safe as possible. Wash your hands, and take all the precautions because this is real." worked in the hospital's cardiac care unit. Both her grandparents spent time in both those units, and she said she appreciates being able to take care of patients there like nurses before her did for her beloved grandparents. Away from work, Foster enjoys reading and spending time with her family. "I've got my parents, two older brothers, an excellent sister-in-aw and two nieces. I grew up in a close-knit family," she said. Growing up, Foster said she was homeschooled by her mother for all 12 years of school. "I loved being home schooled."
May 2020
How to Manage Stress Through Music (StatePoint) With routines upturned and health concerns top of mind, many people are feeling an extra amount of stress these days, too much of which can be bad for one’s mental and physical health. However, music has many mood-boosting, stress-relieving benefits. Here are four ways to incorporate more of it into your life without even leaving the house: • Too much time spent scrolling through social media can induce anxious feelings. Allow music to provide a healthy distraction from digital devices. Carve out a block of time each day to practice your instrument. • Get a fun, easy and most importantly, stress-free introduction to music-making with the right tools. By connecting a Casio keyboard with lighted keys to the Chordana Play App or using the app’s keyboard, beginners can gain a better understanding of music study. The app displays the music score and piano roll notation for built-in songs and MIDI files, allowing you to select which tracks to play with your left and right hands. With the ability to slow the tempo and transpose to a key that’s easier to play, you can practice at your own pace. Plus, a scoring system lets track your progress. • Social distancing doesn’t have to be
ALEXANDER...from page 1 and then seven days off - and works part-time at Select Specialty in Memphis. At the Memphis hospital that specializes in long-term care, Alexander works with getting patients weaned off ventilators. At NMMC, she works in acute care with patients admitted through the emergency room. She also works in the Covid unit, dealing with patients admitted due to the pandemic, a job she volunteered for. "I don't mind," she said. Alexander, who has an 8-year-old son, said dealing with diseases like the coronavirus is all a part of the job. She said she's never nervous about her own
antisocial. Connect with fellow musicians from the comfort and safety at home by hosting a virtual jam session for the added stress-relieving benefits of socializing with friends, old and new. • Expressing yourself creatively is one of the best tools for kicking stress to the curb, and making music in no exception. Once you feel comfortable with the basics, you may feel empowered to write your own melodies or even develop them fully into songs. In these unusual times, music can benefit your mood and mental health by serving as a valuable creative outlet, a means for practicing mindfulness and a great way to connect with others. health and safety in the hospital environment. "There's not a whole lot out there that scares me. My biggest fear is how the virus can spread rapidly among a population." Her passion for nursing has only grown through her career. "I don't see myself doing anything else. I feel like this is my purpose. Why I'm so good at this is I know what I'm doing, and I've got knowledge that is powerful." A people person, Alexander said that geriatric nursing, where she gets to tend to senior adults, is her favorite. "I love hearing their stories. Patients come in as strangers but when they leave they're family."
May 2020
No COLA for 2012 Either? Those in the know are already predicting what will happen with our Social Security Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) in 2012. They’re consulting charts and graphics, sharpening their pencils and guesstimating. At this point there’s good and bad news, assuming the experts are correct. The good: We’ll likely get an increase of 1.1 percent to 1.2 percent, the first increase since 2009. The bad: All of it likely will be eaten up by increases in Medicare Part B, which is deducted from our Social Security checks before we receive them. On the other hand, if the Part B increase is larger than the Social Security increase, they won’t take the difference out of our checks. Supposedly when consumer prices go up, so does our monthly check. A tiny increase apparently means our daily costs haven’t gone up much. For those who haven’t applied for Social Security yet: If you take Social Security before your Normal Retirement Age, you get dinged for the money you make. You are penalized $1 for every $2 you make above $14,160. That goes up to $1 for every $3 above $37,680. Income from pensions, capital gains and annuities is not counted. Still, if you’re “under age” and still working, yet you want to collect Social Security, do the calculations carefully. Call Social Security at 1800-772-1213 to have it do the calculations as well. This is no time to be wrong. Remember, too, that you’ll pay taxes on Social Security if your income exceeds a certain amount: $25,000 if you’re single, and $32,000 if you file jointly. The COLA figures for 2012 will be finalized in October. Cross your fingers. Matilda Charles regrets that she cannot personally answer reader questions, but will incorporate them into her column whenever possible. Write to her in care of King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475, or send email to columnreply@gmail.com.
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The Community News Flash
Stop Muscle Loss Due to Aging DEAR DR. DONOHUE: Can I reverse sarcopenia, or just slow it down? What I would like to know is what can I do for my thighs? How often should I do it? And I’d like something for my stomach. — J.H. ANSWER: For readers: Sarcopenia is muscle shrinkage that comes with age. Weightlifting stops the wasting away of muscles and builds them up. Older people are not going to develop the same muscle size that a 20-yearold can, but they can see a marked improvement in their strength and an increase in muscle size through weightlifting. For your specific thigh problem, the squat is a good exercise. From the standing position, you bend your knees until your thighs are parallel to the ground. You don’t have to touch your heels with your buttocks. Lower yourself only to the position I mentioned. Farther than that can hurt the knees. Start out doing the exercise with no additional weight. Your body weight is enough at first. As you gain experience and strength, you can use additional weight, either a barbell supported behind your neck and on your shoulders, or you can hold on to weights. When you start using weights, exercise three times a week with a full day’s rest between exercise sessions. For your abdomen, the bicycle maneuver is one of the best exercises. Lie on the floor and raise your legs straight up. Then bend the knees to a
right angle so your lower legs are parallel to the floor. Now start pedaling as though you were riding a bike. Readers interested in starting an exercise program can obtain the booklet on exercise by writing to: Dr. Donohue — No. 1301W, Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. Enclose a check or money order (no cash) for $4.75 U.S./$6 Canada with the recipient’s printed name and address. Please allow four weeks for delivery. *** DEAR DR. DONOHUE: When you and others tell people to walk for exercise, exactly what does that mean in terms of speed? — L.M. ANSWER: The ideal walking speed is 3 to 3.5 miles an hour or 1 mile in 17 to 20 minutes. If that’s too fast a pace for you, walk at a speed you can maintain for at least 10 minutes. Every week try to increase the tempo and the time spent walking. The ultimate goal is to walk for 30 minutes every day of the week — if possible. *** DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I’m 61, and I don’t take medicines. I feel good. I have been exercising for two years. I would like to increase my activity. What’s considered a safe way to do so? — L.P. ANSWER: Follow the 10 percent rule. It’s safe to increase exercise by 10 percent each week. Increase means increasing exercise speed, exercise duration, the number of repetitions you lift a weight or the number of pounds you lift. Don’t increase all aspects. Take one at a time. If you jog, increase either the distance or the time by 10 percent. One week make it distance; the next, speed. *** Dr. Donohue regrets that he is unable to answer individual letters, but he will incorporate them in his column whenever possible. Readers may write him or request an order form of available health newsletters at P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. © 2011 North America Synd., Inc. All Rights Reserved
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May 2020
The Community News Flash
PERSONAL FINANCE
Protecting Your Financial Health in These Uncertain Times
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(StatePoint) With expected delays in bill payments, unprecedented layoffs, hiring freezes and related hardships, many Americans are facing new financial challenges. “COVID-19 has impacted all industries and individuals from all walks of life,” says Rod Griffin, senior director of Consumer Education and Advocacy for Experian. “With all of these rapid changes, you might not be thinking about how your credit report may be impacted yet, but you likely will soon.” As you adapt to life in this unprecedented time, the experts at Experian are sharing strategies and resources for protecting your financial health and credit history. • Check your credit report. While checking your credit report regularly is always a good idea, this is especially true now. You can get a free copy of your report from Experian every 30 days with a free account. In addition, you can get a free credit report from each of the three national credit reporting agencies annually by visiting annualcreditreport.com.
• Maintain your score. Making credit payments on time and in-full and keeping your utilization rate (balance-to-limit ratio) as low as possible are the best ways to maintain your credit score. At a maximum, you should try to keep your credit card balances below 30 percent in total and for each individual card. For many reasons, maintaining these habits might not be possible right now. However, paying your minimum monthly payments and anything additional you can afford will go a long way. • Talk to your lenders. Keep in mind, lenders don’t want you to fall behind on your payments any more than you do. If you’re facing trouble making monthly payments, contact your lender or creditor. They may have options for helping you cope with COVID-19-related financial hardships. For example, lenders can place your accounts in forbearance or deferment for a period of time. • Use credit as a financial tool. While debt is a problem, credit can be a financial tool that can help
improve your overall financial health in the long run. As always, avoid making rash decisions when it comes to credit and your financial health. • Check out resources. Use new educational resources that can help you protect your financial health in these uncertain times. For example, Experian is hosting a series of #CreditChat conversations surrounding COVID19 on Wednesdays at 3 p.m. ET on Twitter. The program covers important personal finance topics. The next several #CreditChats will be dedicated to items like methods and strategies for bill repayment, paying down debt, emergency financial assistance and preparing for retirement during COVID-19. You can also visit Experian’s blog post, “COVID-19 and Your Credit Report,” for updated information pertaining to how COVID-19 may impact your creditworthiness. Additionally, the “Ask Experian” blog shares immediate and evolving resources on its COVID-19 Updates page. To obtain a free Experian credit report and other free services, enroll at Experian.com. While staying safe and healthy should be everyone’s number one priority, it is also important to protect your financial health at the same time. Be sure to leverage all the resources available to you that can help you emerge from this crisis in good financial standing.
700 Taylor Street
May 2020
The Community News Flash
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Creative Ways to Go Beyond the Curriculum While Home Schooling (StatePoint) Today many parents are seeking ways to keep their kids engaged and learning beyond the schoolwork remotely assigned by teachers. Many of the team members at Pilot Pen are parents, too. Below, they share some fun and creative ways you can use the power of the written word to help create special moments for kids while imparting valuable lessons. Share Life Skills Adjusting to this new normal has found parents wearing even more hats than usual. Many are simultaneously tackling work responsibilities, navigating home schooling and taking care of chores. Make the most of this time by showing kids how to be more organized. It’s a valuable lesson they can learn by watching you. The Pilot team recommends teaching kids to keep a daily schedule using erasable FriXion ColorSticks, which allow for color coding activities and staying organized with 16 ink shades to choose from. The unique, thermo-sensitive ink means there’s no need to worry about mistakes -- simply erase and revise. Adding a creative twist to daily tasks is also a great way to teach children life skills. Sorting laundry can be a fun color-matching game for toddlers, while older kids can learn valuable kitchen skills with a family recipe challenge. These practical life skills can help kids develop confidence and independence, while providing quality time together. Focus on Family Having children connect with loved ones can have significant benefits. Start a multi-generational gratitude journal
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together to create a tangible reminder of what’s truly important. Add context to your kids’ history lessons by sharing and writing down real stories of relatives’ lives during key historical periods. This can help children grasp the lasting importance of these events, while enhancing their sense of
family pride. The Pilot team recommends G2 gel ink pens, which come in more than 25 smooth-writing shades to bring color to family stories or color-code the family tree to see one person’s impact through the generations. Take the time to video chat with relatives and get them involved in the project. You can make the most of the present while creating a lasting memory of your family’s unique legacy. Experiment With Creativity For parents looking for creative activities outside the curriculum, consider exploring cursive writing, lettering or drawing. These activities stimulate the brain in ways digital devices cannot and increase kids’ ability to retain information, giving them a sense of accomplishment. Use Pilot’s new ultra-vibrant Juice Paint Markers for imaginative projects or to personalize household items. Ideal for a variety of surfaces like paper, wood, glass, plastic, fabric and stone, it’s a great opportunity to customize everything from canvas shoes to reusable water bottles while giving kids a hands-on lesson on surface porosity (Juice Paint can be easily wiped clean from non-porous surfaces!). Who says you can’t mix art with science? To learn more and for more inspiration, visit PowertothePen.com and instagram.com/pilotpenusa. Adjusting to this new normal is challenging. However, there are many creative ways families can go above and beyond the school curriculum to learn, explore and stay both positive and productive.
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May 2020
Hero on the front lines/Selmer native braving the pandemic as nurse in New York
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have four to five ICU patients all By Lucy Weber critically ill. One patient alone can Brianne Knight traveled to be on 10 different IV drips. Just the epicenter of the panimagine all of that times four or demic in New York City five. All of that requires close for the same reason she monitoring, and all of your became a registered nurse: patients may not be in the same To give care to those who room. Some days all four patients need it most. are in the same room.” Knight, a native of New York has suffered more Selmer, is a highly trained deaths from the coronavirus and more registered nurse who is cases than anywhere else. “My specific working as a travel nurse out duties are to keep these patients alive, of her home base in Houston, and sometimes that doesn’t Texas. “My last permanent happen,” Knight said. “Since ICU position was at that first day, I’ve seen a large Memorial Hermann in amount of people pass. I’ve the Medical Center in taken care of doctors and Houston. I took a leap nurses as patients. I’ve seen a of faith and took my doctor pass and nurses pass. first travel assignment But, in the heroic nature of in New York City,” she nurses, Knight continues her said. “I’m currently hard work each day. “I have working in the ICU at to continue on because I still a hospital in Queens, have other patients that need New York.” me. As an ICU nurse, I don’t She started work in Brianne Knight get to see these patients’ New York on April 6 slow steps of walking out of these hospitals. I as a crisis Covid-19 ICU nurse, and immedionly see them at their worst. I wish I could ately jumped into the battle. On her first day, because maybe it would help me mentally.” she worked 16 hours after her orientation to Knight has nothing but praise for the nursthe job was cut short after 10 minutes because es she is works side-by-side with. “We are all one of the regular ICU nurses was notified doing what we can to take care of these her mother had just died of the disease. Daily, she and the other nurses working in patients,” she said. “The good thing is that there are more brave travel nurses coming in ICU each tend to four or five patients when to help. So shortage will be fixed soon. typically the ratio is one nurse to two ICU There’s a lot of stress in what we are doing, patients, and they’re doing it all in less than but we have each other to get through it. We ideal circumstances. The work is draining, are here for each other, a bond that I will Knight said. “It’s very tough to take care of never forget.” that many critically ill patients. Knight received her bachelor of nursing “The hospital I am currently at has three levels of Intensive Care Units. CU). Only one degree from Middle Tennessee State University in 2017. She is also a certified floor was originally made for ICU patients. critical care nurse and a board-certified carThe other two floors were Medical Surgical diovascular nurse. She said she became a floors turned into ICUs, which meant the two nurse after watching her dad enter the hospiMedical Surgical floors do not have the same setup. There aren’t any ICU monitors to prop- tal with multiple pulmonary embolisms surrounding his heart in 2010. erly monitor your patients,” she said. “I thought that morning heading to Without ICU monitors on those two floors, Knight said she and other nurses have to enter Adamsville Jr./Sr. High School was the last time I was going to speak to my dad. My dad the rooms every 15 minutes to make sure tremendously recovered, and I have God, each patient’s heart is still beating and each one’s blood pressure is at an acceptable level. those amazing nurses, and doctors to thank for that. That day when my dad was able to She also has to check on the drips to make walk out of Jackson General Hospital, I knew sure they’re not running out of life-saving then I wanted to be a nurse.” medicines. “It may seem easy right, but not when you
May 2020
The Community News Flash
9
Coping With Stress During Uncertain Times
Frankie
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(StatePoint) Stress is an important and natural stimulant that compels us to adapt to a new environment or lifestyle change. It causes a physiological response that helps us either flee or fight the threat or stressor. But spending too much time on high alert can have damaging health effects. Prolonged, unwanted and unmanageable stresses like the ones so many people are facing during the pandemic can take a toll, causing anxiety, irritability, nervousness, sleeplessness and digestive upsets. Stress can also aggravate or even trigger chronic diseases. Here are some easy, natural ways to cope: 1. Write a gratitude list. Grab a blank piece of paper and write down a list of things that you are grateful for. This has been proven to drastically improve one’s mood and completely change their perspective. You might even consider making this a daily habit and keeping a journal. 2. Do a random act of kindness. Consider donating to an organization feeding those in need or asking an elderly neighbor if you can pick anything up for them at the store. Give a colleague a compliment. It feels good to do good. 3. Reach out to someone you haven’t talked to in a while. Think about that person you used to be close to but just haven’t had the time to catch up with. Go ahead and give them a call or arrange to video chat! They will appreciate hearing from you, and reconnecting can put you both in a much better mood.
4. Go for a walk. Step outside and enjoy the fresh air. Going for a walk can help to clear your head. 5. Meditate. You don’t need to invest a lot of time. Meditating for even just five to 10 minutes can reduce stress and anxiety. 6. Use homeopathy. Homeopathic medicines offer a simple, low-risk solution as they do not suppress the cause of stress itself, but provide enough relief to help you face it and react appropriately. “Solutions are not always simple. Stress pills, or anxiolytics, relieve tension and some physical symptoms of stress, but unfortunately, they have unwanted side effects, like drowsiness, and can be habitforming,” says Dr. Ken Redcross, author of “Bond: The 4 Cornerstones of a Lasting and Caring Relationship with Your Doctor,” and founder of Redcross Concierge. “However, homeopathic medicines provide an easy, lower-risk treatment option.” Consider using Sedalia from Boiron to relieve nervousness, hypersensitivity and fatigue due to everyday stress, and Quietude to address occasional sleeplessness or restless sleep. Claims for these products are based on traditional homeopathic practice, not accepted medical evidence. They are not FDA evaluated. To learn more, visit shop.BoironUSA.com. While a certain amount of stress is normal and natural, too much of it for too long can have harmful health impacts. To cope safely, take natural steps to relieve tension and worry.
Jones
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May 2020
The Community News Flash
Learning at Home: 5 Tips for Teaching Children Financial Literacy (StatePoint) If you have school-age children, you are probably one of the many parents facing the challenge of educating your kids at home. While there are countless learning options available—from virtual music classes to videos about zoo animals—financial literacy is one important subject that should not be overlooked. Teaching your children financial literacy gives them the knowledge, skills and motivation to responsibly manage their money and achieve their future goals. Learning fundamental financial concepts is not always easy, so experts recommend that you start with the basics. Here are a few ideas to get you started: • Explain that there are three things you can do with money: spend it, save it or give it away. To illustrate the point and introduce them to budgeting, have your child divide up money they receive from gifts or an
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allowance. Have them pay themselves first by putting a certain amount into savings. Then teach them the importance of giving by having them donate a portion of their funds to a charity of their choosing. Allow them to spend the rest. • Help them distinguish
between needs and wants. With older children, you can do this by giving them shopping practice. You could give them a list of things they need, like new clothes, and a budget to shop for these items online. They will have to decide how best to use their limited resources. Should
they buy the designer jeans they really want or a lower-priced option that lets them get everything on their list? With younger children, you might instead have them compare the costs of preparing meals at home (food being a need) to ordering from a restaurant (a want). • Give them firsthand experience with saving money. Many banks let you open savings accounts online. Set one up in your child’s name and have them monitor it. By the time they become teenagers, the benefit of saving regularly will be apparent because they will have some money to spend on clothes, food and experiences with friends— and still save for college. • Involve them in creating a financial mission statement for your family. Ask them what they think is important: Is it planning for a future vacation, saving for college or other goals? Having an open conversation with your chil-
dren encourages them to think about the meaning of money, the challenge of earning it and the importance of saving for what they truly value. • Underscore the importance of giving. Explaining to children that other people have less than they do and teaching them to give and volunteer helps develop financial discipline as well as empathy toward others. This will help them stay focused on what is truly important, which can have a profound impact on their finances and every other aspect of their lives. For more tips like these, visit letsmakeaplan.org. Your Certified Financial Planner professional can also suggest educational resources for teaching your children financial literacy. To make the most of your time with your children while they are at home, reinforce the practical life skill of good money management.
May 2020
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The Community News Flash
NEWS FLASH
Kids Zone
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May 2020
The Community News Flash
Open in Case of Emergency
When I recently received a spur-of-themoment dinner invitation, I politely asked if my hostess wanted me to bring along a dessert. She was grateful for the offer and said that anything I wanted to bring would be great. I went home thinking I had the basic ingredients to put together a quick dessert, but I found the cupboard was bare. I'd just given a dinner party and, evidently, I'd forgotten to re-stock my go-to dessert components. That's the beauty of a box cake mix.
You can open up a box of cake mix and turn it into almost anything. By making a few changes to the basic recipe, I've used the same box cake mix to make everything from a quick crust for a fruit dessert to a pan of brownies. I've even used recipes from the back of the box when I was at a lost for inspiration. This recipe for Quick Chocolate Carmel Cake is a great "open in case of emergency" dessert. Now that I've used my last box of cake mix, I need to go to the store and re-stock my pantry! QUICK CHOCOLATE CARMEL CAKE 1 box German chocolate cake mix (extra-moist type, or with pudding)
Water, vegetable oil and eggs called for on cake-mix box 1 can (14 ounce) sweetened condensed milk 1 jar (16 to 17 ounce) caramel, butterscotch or fudge topping 1 container (8 ounce) frozen whipped topping, thawed 1 bag (8 ounce) toffee chips or bits 1. Heat oven to 350 F (325 F for dark or nonstick pan). Bake cake as directed on box for 13-by9-inch pan. 2. Poke top of warm cake every 1/2 inch with handle of wooden spoon. Drizzle milk evenly over top of cake; let stand until milk has been absorbed into cake. Drizzle with caramel topping. Run knife around sides of pan
to loosen cake. Cover and refrigerate about 2 hours or until chilled. 3. Spread whipped topping over top of cake. Sprinkle with toffee chips. Store covered in refrigerator. TIPS: The cake may stick to the wooden spoon handle while you're using it to make the holes, so occasionally wipe off the handle. The caramel topping will be easier to drizzle if it has been kept at room temperature. If refrigerated, remove the lid and microwave on High about 15 seconds. Instead of the toffee chips or bits, coarsely chop 5 bars (1.4 oz each) chocolate-covered English toffee candy, and sprinkle on top of the cake.
May 2020
The Community News Flash
By Samantha Weaver
• Make children’s pills easier to swallow by crushing them and putting them in a bit of jelly or applesauce. Make sure, especially if it’s a prescription medicine, that it can be crushed. — U.L. in Minnesota • To keep kids from running into a closed sliding-glass door, cut out a small picture of something that’s brightly colored, “laminate” it by taping it across both sides and then tape it to the door at children’s eye level. — E.R. in New York • Painting season is in full swing at my house, and here are my two favorite painting tips: One is to lightly soap the windows (glass only) and let it dry. Any paint splatters will land on the soap, which can be easily wiped away when the paint is dry. The other is to give locks, hinges and doorknobs a light coat of petroleum jelly. It works the same way, and when polished away, it leaves a nice shine to hardware. • Here’s a great spring facial: Split an avocado, mash half of it and use it as a mask. Let sit for up to five minutes, then rinse away with warm water. • Cleaning windows? Use a nylon net scrubbie from the kitchen to remove bugs from screens. It also works really well to scrub bugs off the car grille or windshield. • Here’s a great tip you can use when parallel parking in front of a storefront. Check the reflection to see if it looks like there’s room when backing in or pulling forward. — O.W. in California Send your tips to Now Here’s a Tip, c/o King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475 or e-mail JoAnn at heresatip@yahoo.com. © 2011
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• It was American novelist and editor Edgar Watson Howe who made the following sage observation: “Americans detest all lies except lies spoken in public or printed lies.” • Those who study such things say that ancient Egyptians had bowling alleys. • In 1980 a woman named Rosie Ruiz appeared to have won the Boston Marathon in the fastest time ever recorded for a woman in that race. However, after a number of suspicions surfaced (including a strange lack of fatigue at the end of the long race), it was found that she hadn’t actually run the entire race and was stripped of her medal. The tale doesn’t end there, though. Once word got out about her fraud, people came forward with information regarding her recent running of the New York Marathon. It seems that Ms. Ruiz started the race and then took the subway to a spot 2 miles from the finish line. And in a further note, she didn’t come to a good end: Two years later she was arrested for embezzling $60,000 from her employer, and she was later arrested again for allegedly trying to sell two kilos of cocaine to a Miami police officer. • If you’re afraid of lightning, you might want to skip over this next tidbit: At any given time around the world, there are 1,800 thunderstorms taking place. • You may have heard that the air that leaves your body when you sneeze can reach speeds of up to 115 mph, but you may not know that ordinary exhalations travel at about 15 mph. *** Thought for the Day: “When a man says he approves of something in principle, it means he hasn’t the slightest intention of putting it into practice.” — Otto von Bismarck
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May 2020
The Community News Flash
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Thank You!!!! We salute nurse, Jessica Walker for 9 years of service in the field of nursing. She is employed at Magnolia Regional Hospital as a Labor & Delivery nurse.
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Spring Garden Sauté
American Cheese Meatloaf If you ask the average person to list his favorite comfort foods, chances are that meatloaf would be on that list. Here is a wonderful new version to try. I predict that it will become a new favorite in your family. 16 ounces extra-lean ground turkey or beef 1 cup plus 1 tablespoon dried fine breadcrumbs 1 cup finely chopped onion 1/4 cup finely chopped green bell pepper 1 (10 3/4-ounce) can reducedfat tomato soup 1 teaspoon prepared yellow mustard 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes 1/8 teaspoon black pepper 3 (3/4-ounce) slices reducedfat American cheese 1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Spray a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan with butterflavored cooking spray. In a large bowl, combine meat, breadcrumbs, onion, green pepper and 1/3 cup tomato soup. Mix well to combine. Pat mixture into prepared loaf pan. Bake for 45 minutes. 2. Stir mustard, parsley flakes and black pepper into remaining tomato soup. Spread soup mixture evenly over partially baked meatloaf. Evenly arrange cheese slices over top. Bake for an additional 15 minutes or until meatloaf is cooked through and cheese is melted. Place loaf pan on a wire rack and let set for 5 minutes. Cut into 6 servings. Freezes well. • Each serving equals: 200 calories, 8g fat, 17g protein, 15g carb., 484mg sodium, 1g fiber; Diabetic Exchanges: 2 Meat, 1 Starch.
With its bright colors and flavors, this warm dish of spring vegetables tastes even better than it looks. 2 pounds asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces 8 ounces sugar snap peas, strings removed 1 tablespoon margarine or butter 1 pound radishes, each cut into quarters Salt and pepper 4 tablespoons snipped fresh chives 1. Heat large covered saucepot of salted water to boiling on high. Fill large bowl with ice water; set aside. To saucepot, add asparagus and snap peas; cook 4 minutes. Drain vegetables; cool in bowl of ice water. Drain vegetables well. 2. Meanwhile, in 12-inch skillet, heat margarine on medium until melted. Add radishes, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; cook 10 minutes or until tender-crisp. Transfer to bowl; keep warm. To same skillet, add asparagus, snap peas, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; cook 5 minutes or until tender-crisp, stirring occasionally. Stir in 2 tablespoons chives. Transfer to serving bowl; arrange radishes around edge. Sprinkle with remaining chives. Makes 10 sidedish servings. TIP: Asparagus and snap peas can be cooked through step 1 up to one day ahead. Place in plastic storage bag and refrigerate until ready to use. • Each serving: About 45 calories, 2g total fat, 185mg sodium, 5g total carbs, 2g dietary fiber, 3g protein. For thousands of triple-tested recipes, visit our website at www.goodhousekeeping.com/recipefinder/.
1. ASTRONOMY: The star called Rigel is part of which constellation? 2. MYTHOLOGY: What did the god Frey represent in Norse mythology? 3. CHEMISTRY: What gas has the chemical symbol of CH4? 4. MOVIES: Who directed “The Magnificent Ambersons” and “Touch of Evil”? 5. HISTORY: Who was the first English king to hold the title “Prince of Wales”? 6. INVENTIONS: What was the name of the first submarine commissioned by the U.S. Navy? 7. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: Who drew the famous image of Uncle Sam proclaiming, “I Want You”? 8. GEOGRAPHY: To what island group in the Caribbean does St. Croix belong? 9. LITERATURE: Which writer’s autobiography is called “Black Boy”? 10. POLITICS: Who was Adlai Stevenson’s vice-presidential running mate in 1956? Answers 1. Orion 2. Frey is the Norse god of fertility 3. Methane 4. Orson Welles 5. Edward II 6. U.S.S. Holland 7. James Montgomery Flagg 8. U.S. Virgin Islands 9. Richard Wright 10. Estes Kefauver
1. Name the last baseball team before LSU in 2008-10 to win three consecutive SEC tournaments. 2. In 2009, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim set a major-league record for most hitters in one season having at least 50 RBIs. How many were there? 3. Who was the first player in NFL history to earn a Pro Bowl selection at two positions in the same season? 4. In 2011, David Lighty became the third Ohio State men’s basketball player to tally 1,000 points, 500 rebounds and 300 assists for his career. Name the first two to do it? 5. In 2009-10, Tampa Bay’s Steven Stamkos, at 20, became the thirdyoungest NHL player to hit the 50goal mark for a season. Who were the two younger players? 6. Who won the first gold medal in the Olympic men’s speed skating team pursuit in 2006? 7. Name the last European golfer before Lee Westwood in 2010 to be No. 1 in the Official World Golf Rankings. Answers 1. Alabama, 1995-97. 2. Eleven players. 3. Philadelphia’s DeSean Jackson, in 2009. 4. Jim Jackson (1989-92) and Evan Turner (2007-10). 5. Wayne Gretzky and Jimmy Carson, both 19 years old. 6. Italy. 7. Nick Faldo, in 1994.
May 2020
The Community News Flash
15
MONEY
How to Make the CARES Act Part of Your Financial Plan Mortgage Relief and COVID-19 (StatePoint) For many Americans, the current state of the economy is creating real financial challenges and concerns. However, the federal government’s recently enacted CARES Act is intended to provide some financial relief to families and business owners who may be struggling to manage their finances, using cash disbursements, expanded unemployment benefits, and different loans and tax credits. In addition to reading up on CARES Act programs, experts say there are several ways to make sure you get as much financial support from the bill as possible. Here are three things to think about: • Estimate the value of your economic impact check and plan how you will use the money. The Internal Revenue Service may send up to $1,200 to individual taxpayers and $2,400 to married couples, plus another $500 for each qualifying child. Tools such as The Washington Post’s stimulus check calculator can help you determine the amount you may receive. Then you can decide what to do with your check: e.g., pay your bills, buy essential goods, save it or even invest it. • Check your eligibility for unemployment benefits. The CARES Act created a new Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program to provide benefits to people who lost their jobs, had their hours reduced
Scams: What You Need to Know
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or are unable to work for reasons related to COVID-19. You may qualify for these benefits even if you are selfemployed or an independent contractor. Unemployment benefits have also been increased by $600 a week and extended to up to 39 weeks of coverage. The Department of Labor’s website (www.dol.gov/coronavirus) has more information on these changes, as well as guidance on applying for unemployment. • If you own a small business, consider applying for a federal loan. The CARES Act set aside hundreds of billions of dollars for the Small Business Administration and the Treasury Department to provide financial relief to business owners and their employees. Loan options include the Paycheck Protection Program to help businesses keep workers on their payrolls and the
Economic Injury Disaster Loan to help cover a temporary dip in revenue. Visit the SBA’s website (www.sba.gov/fundingprograms/loans/coronavirus-relief-options) to learn more and apply. A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) professional can help you understand these programs and make sound decisions about how to use your stimulus funds. A CFP professional can also provide competent, ethical advice on maintaining your financial well-being during this period of uncertainty. And, this advice can be provided remotely via phone calls, emails and video conferencing technology. To find a CFP professional near you, visit www.letsmakeaplan.org. With thoughtful planning, you can make the most of these and other financial resources to weather the economic storm.
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(StatePoint) Unfortunately, during times of hardship, families are often targeted by fraud artists attempting to take advantage of those needing assistance. The COVID-19 crisis is no exception, with many scammers pretending to extend a critical lifeline to struggling homeowners through so-called “foreclosure rescue fraud.” According to Freddie Mac, this scheme involves bad actors offering false promises of being able to save your home from foreclosure. Common elements of this fraud include the following: • Requiring you to sign over the title to your home. • Asking you to sign unfamiliar documents and/or share your personal information. • Charging you rent to stay in your home and/or potentially promising that you can purchase your
home back when your financial situation improves. Another common fraud involves a third party guaranteeing you a loan modification with a reduced mortgage payment. Such scams may operate similarly as foreclosure rescue fraud, as fraudsters collect an upfront fee and promise to work with your loan servicer on your behalf. So what can you do to protect yourself? • Don’t disclose. Never provide your information via phone or internet until after you have verified the caller or company’s identity. • Be suspicious. If someone has contacted you asking for personal or sensitive information, do your homework to verify the validity of the request before providing any information. Contact your servicer (the company listed on your mortgage
statement) and confirm that they called you asking for information. • Spot imposters. Scammers across the globe can make any name or number appear on your caller ID or email. Protect yourself from spoofing by letting calls go to voicemail first. If a call is important, the caller will leave a message. If you do answer and it is a robocall, don’t press any numbers. Just hang up. • Report fraud. Freddie Mac will never reach out to offer a refinancing opportunity or new loan over the phone. If you have been contacted by someone claiming to represent Freddie Mac, you can report it by visiting sf.freddiemac.com/working-with-us/fraud-prevention/feedback. While there are fraudsters out there offering false promises, know that there is real assistance on offer during this crisis, too. Contact your loan servicer to discuss your options. If Freddie Mac owns your mortgage and you are a homeowner unable to make you mortgage payments due to a decline in income resulting from COVID-19, you can learn more about available mortgage relief options by visiting MyHome.FreddieMac.co m. Your family’s health is no doubt top-of-mind these days. However, it’s also important to remember that fraudsters are out in full-force, making your financial vigilance a crucial priority as well.
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May 2020
The Community News Flash
Salute the Seniors
BUSINESS
Small Business Owners Say Continual Tech Investments Are Critical
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(StatePoint) A new survey of small business executives reveals key insights of what it takes to stay competitive today -- and technology and attracting top talent are crucial. The survey, conducted by The Harris Poll and sponsored by CIT Group Inc. (NYSE:CIT), explores the intersection of technology and talent to identify small business executives’ top priorities for investment and growth. Among those surveyed, 37% plan to invest even more in their businesses during the next 12 months compared to the past 12 months, and of those planning to invest, cloud computing systems, customer relationship management tools and cyber security/data privacy are key priorities. “Understanding these key insights and trends can help small businesses maintain a competitive edge and also drive growth,” says Ken Martin
managing director of CIT’s Small Business Solutions unit, which offers lending options that give small businesses the financial agility needed to adopt advanced technology-enabled solutions. The survey also revealed that earlier technology investments have already paid off for small businesses, with more than 40% crediting tech spending as a top driver of growth over the past 12 months. Additionally, 84% of survey respondents agreed that continuous technological investment is a business need. 79% agree that it’s critical in helping to attract and retain customers. At the same time, small business leaders recognize that their workforce will play a major role in implementing technology investments and addressing the risks that may come with them. While 82% of survey respondents say their current workforce is tech-
savvy enough to keep up with the pace of digital transformation, 69% also say they focus on hiring tech-savvy employees. “Technology is only as effective as the employees that implement it and the customers that benefit from it,” says Denise Menelly, CIT executive vice president and head of Technology and Operations, “Our own successful integration of technology and talent has been instrumental in empowering both our clients and employees.” Cybersecurity and data privacy are top of mind for small business executives, as 56% say that the risk of security or data breaches are among the top concerns when it comes to technological changes. Other concerns include not knowing how new technology will work with current tools or systems and not having enough capital to invest in the latest technology. Less than a third of small business executives are currently outsourcing financial aspects of their business, such as payroll, credit protection, talent acquisition and accounts receivables management. However, as companies add more employees, it’s more likely that they’ll consider outsourcing these various services. As small businesses beef up their investments, they are focusing on technology and talent, which experts say is a formula for success in a competitive market.