Beating Spring Allergies

Eyes itching and watering? Have a cold that just won’t go away?  It could be allergies.  People can develop allergies at any time in their lives, but many don’t realize they have them.  An early spring brought symptoms to allergy sufferers much earlier than usual this year, and relief won’t be in sight until the first hard freeze this fall.  If you are tired of being inside after a long winter, but you are plagued by allergies, don’t worry — there are lots of things you can do to feel better.

If your allergies are severe, it may be worth a trip to an allergist.  Finding out exactly what you’re allergic to will help your doctor determine the type of treatment that is best for you. Your doctor also may suggest that you begin immunotherapy treatment, a.k.a. allergy shots.  Although allergy shots can be inconvenient and take time to produce results, in the end your allergy triggers will not be as bothersome.

Whether you decide to get allergy shots or not, your doctor will probably give you a prescription allergy medication or suggest an over-the-counter medication to treat and prevent symptoms.  Although one allergy medication may work for some people, it may not work for others.  Some are formulated for indoor allergies, some for outdoor allergies and some for both — yet another reason to visit your doctor when your allergy symptoms are at their worst!

There are also other things you can do to feel better.  Because most spring allergens are pollens, molds, trees and ragweed, it’s best to keep the windows in your house closed to block these allergens from entering.  Allergens will be on your shoes and clothing, but why let an open window invite more?  If your allergies are severe, it’s better to have hard-surface flooring in your house than carpet.  However, if you have carpet, frequent vacuuming can help prevent symptoms.

Indoor allergies typically come from molds, house dust and pets.  You may not be able to identify molds, but keeping the air conditioner on will help control humidity and moisture that allows allergens to thrive.  Use the bathroom fan to help control moisture.  If you have pets, be sure to vacuum your carpet and furniture frequently.  Also, try to keep house dust under control.

Finally — if you’re allergic to bees and you know it, watch out!  Bees, wasps and hornets are out in full force this year.  They are attracted to bright colors (which are very much in style this season) and perfume, so if you find yourself all dressed up, make sure your “someplace to go” is inside.

Summer Safety

Being outside is the best part of summer!  To make sure your summer is full of memories of happy times, rather than memories of sunburns and food poisoning, make sure you protect yourself from the dangers that can accompany your fun.

Sunscreen Tips

For starters, outdoor activities will likely be in the sun.  Even if you try to stay in shaded areas and wear a hat, it’s still important to remember to wear sunscreen — and not just any sunscreen.  The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using sunscreen that is water-resistant with an SPF of 30 or higher.  In addition, be sure the words “broad-spectrum” appear on the label.  Broad-spectrum sunscreens protect against UVA and UVB rays, both of which are damaging.  (UVB rays cause sunburn, and that’s what most sunscreens are formulated to guard against.  UVA rays are the ones that go deeper and cause wrinkles.)  Sunscreen should be applied even on cloudy days because 80% of the sun’s rays can pass through the clouds.

Application is also important.  As a rule of thumb, it’s best to apply sunscreen 15 minutes before exposure.  And don’t forget to apply it to ears, lips and feet, as well.

Food Safety

Burgers, beans, hot dogs, potato salad, macaroni salad, dips — all the makings of a great barbeque!  But don’t forget these important food safety tips:

• When packing raw meats in a cooler, be sure they are wrapped well, so the juices don’t leak.
• When transferring raw meat to the grill from a plate, be sure to wash or discard anything that comes in contact with raw meat.
• Most foods, particularly meats and anything made with mayonnaise or eggs, should be refrigerated after two hours.  If it’s over 90 degrees, refrigerate these items after one hour.
• Make sure your meat is cooked to the proper temperature.  A great chart can be found at http://whatscookingamerica.net/Information/MeatTemperatureChart.htm

Heat

If you have to be outdoors on hot days, particularly if you will be involved in physical activity, be sure you stay hydrated.  In addition to preventing dehydration, drinking lots of water can help prevent heat stroke.  Watch for the signs of heat stroke, which include:

• High body temperature
• Hot red or flushed skin with no sweating
• Rapid pulse
• Difficult breathing
• Strange behavior, confusion, agitation, disorientation
• Hallucinations
• Seizures

Anyone exhibiting these symptoms should get to a cool or shady area, apply cool water and ice packs, and sit in front of a fan or have someone fan them.  They should also drink cool water or other non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated beverages.  In severe cases, call 911.

Water Safety

Adults know their comfort level with water.  Those who cannot swim well tend to avoid water or at least stay in the shallows.   But children tend to be fearless.  Make sure they have swimming lessons, and never leave them unattended near a pool or water.  If you have a pool, be sure there’s a safety fence around it that is locked.  Finally, if you are boating, always wear a life jacket, and have your family do the same.

Here’s to a happy and healthy summer!

Deidra came to the seminar because she was between jobs.  She thought it would be a great opportunity to make connections and build her skills.  She enjoyed hearing from woman from so many different backgrounds. The attendees spoke about changing jobs several times throughout their careers.  Deidra felt comforted by their stories and it gave her hope that she would find the career she is looking for.

During the seminar, Changing the Odds’ committee members sat with the participants to discuss activities and answer questions.  Nellie Sym Gruender was the committee member who sat at Deidra’s table.  During their discussion, Deidra made an observation that struck a chord with Nellie.  This led Nellie to share some information about her business and prompted Nellie to tell Deidra about a job opportunity.   Deidra excitedly accepted the job opportunity from Nellie.

When asked about her new job, Deidra said that having a job gives her more self-worth and makes her feel like she is contributing to something. The seminar, meeting Nellie, and listening to the other seminar participants has been such a positive experience for Deidra that she has become an advocate for the Changing the Odds Seminar.  She has referred several of her friends to attend the next event.

The seminar gives you different ideas of jobs that are out there. It gives you more self-confidence and good tips on interviews. People get stuck feeling like ‘this is all I can do.’ The seminar gives you the feeling that you can do something better, said Deidra.  Deidra also thanked the Assistance League of Mid-Missouri for their gift certificate to Upscale Resale.  She has found several professional outfits at the store and in constantly taking her friends to the shop.

Deidra is just one of many women affected by Changing the Odds.  Each seminar sees women of different backgrounds and needs come together to learn about themselves, share stories, support one another and Change the Odds.  The committee and Women’s Network are very proud of Deidra and the other participants.

When my good friend Jennifer Thoma and I sat down to discuss the transition of her duties as Women’s Network president, we both seemed to be having a day on the edge.  Between the two of us, we were dealing with major family changes, moving/selling houses, taking care of children, and new job and volunteer responsibilities, just to name a few.

I’m sure you can remember a time in your life when keeping everything going in the right direction did not seem to be working well.  I know I’m not alone when I admit that the work/life balance continues to be a struggle.  And if you are like me, you don’t want to do anything that you cannot do well.  So, giving 100% to each of our endeavors can be quite a challenge.   I think about how each of us has our own way of dealing with so many life challenges at once.  The coping mechanisms are varied, but my favorites include seeking the help of family and friends, focusing on life’s blessings, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, saying “no” when I need to, and allowing time for fun and laughter.

The good thing about being on the edge is that when you look back at those moments, you realize how strong you are when faced with seemingly overwhelming challenges.  This leads to learning the ways that help you to manage.  Occasional visits to the spa seem to help, too.

I am excited to step into the role of Women’s Network president.  I am very inspired by the members of our organization, who face similar challenges every day and encourage me to do my best.  Thank you for allowing me to serve you and this great organization!

Kate Grant
Women’s Network President
Fresh Ideas Food Service

You have to accept whatever comes and the only important thing is that you meet it with courage and with the best that you have to give. – Eleanor Roosevelt

My family relocated to the St. Louis area in mid-March and although I am excited about the new adventures and opportunities, I will miss the community and organizations I have been involved in for this first half of my career.  I have been a Women’s Network member since 2002 and I know I will be lost in St. Louis without you.

I cannot express to you how much I have enjoyed being the Women’s Network President for the past nine months.  I have experienced new things, met new people, learned things about myself and others, and grown personally and professionally.  I truly enjoy spending time with each and every one of you and appreciate the faith you have put in me as the Women’s Network President.

Thank you for continuing to inspire and encourage me to be the best that I can be.  Thank you for sharing your joys, trials, lessons, and wisdom.  Thank you for the hope and passion you have for Women’s Network, I know it will continue to thrive because of members like you.

Keep Moving Forward!!

Jennifer Thoma

Women’s Network President
Boone County National Bank

Have you ever reported to a manager that was a real hard worker and produced measurable results, but was just not a great leader?  Maybe she did not know how to handle conflict within the department, or she rarely gave you praise for a job well done?  Not everyone is a born leader, but with Leader Effectiveness Training, they can become one!

Any leader worth her salt knows that it takes more than technical ability to be successful in the business world today. The ability to effectively communicate and deal with conflict is every bit as important, perhaps even more so.  L.E.T. is a “How To” book that teaches the leader how to manage the delicate intricacies of leading employees and reduce conflict in the workplace, as well as increase time spent on actual work.

L.E.T. provides specific skills so you can:

• get people to work with you, not just for you
• motivate your group members to work independently and responsibly
• evaluate the performance of others (or deal with their unacceptable behavior) without creating resentment or damaging their self esteem

And that’s just to name a few things!  I am fortunate that my employer provided L.E.T. to me some years ago.  I thought I was a decent manager, but during the training I realized there were (and still are!) many, many ways for me to improve.  I’m a natural-born “fixer.”  If a member of my team came to me with a question or a problem, I would just give them the answer; I thought I was helping.  “Helping” them would have been showing them how or where to find the answer themselves, or getting their input about how they best thought the problem could be solved!

Here’s a bonus for you – many of the skills taught in L.E.T. can also be used in your personal life.  Leading your work team is much like leading your home team. It’s all about effective communication, problem solving, and working together .  .  . check it out; it just might change your life!

What if you were told the people inside your organization most resistant to your ideas could also be your greatest allies in their implementation?

Tim Miles returns as our May 17th presenter with a topic that can resonate with anyone:  Managing Change.  Whether you’re dealing with change in your professional or personal life, Tim can help you assess your capabilities, develop skills and manage change in the most effective way possible.  He’ll share ideas about how to handle the peaks and valleys of innovation and change.  Tim provides an interactive experience about the fundamentals of personality differences, how to quickly recognize a person’s characteristics, and how to get people on board with a new way of thinking, based on their own preferences.

Tim received high praise from attendees for his previous presentation for the Women’s Network, so don’t miss this chance to hear him.  Tim runs The Imagination Advisory Group — a communications company — and regularly speaks to companies, conferences and colleges about more powerful communication.  He’s the author of Your Customers Like This – a guide to delivering share-worthy customer service.  His next book — Good Company: Making It, Keeping It & Being It – is set to come out on May 9^th.  You can learn more about him and his ideas at TheDailyBlur.com.  Be sure to register for the May meeting.

Sponsors:

Presenting: Boone Hospital Center

Gold: University of Missouri Health Care

Silver: Women’s Wellness Center

The registration deadline is Friday, April 15.  Registration is $30 per person.  Save $3 per person by registering online.  For additional information, contact Elizabeth Tate at (573) 817-9119 or etate@ColumbiaMOChamber.com.

Thank you to our sponsors:

Presenting Sponsor Joe Machens Dealerships;

Production Sponsor KOMU 8; Awards Sponsor

University of Missouri Health Care;

Gold Sponsors Cumulus Broadcasting and Dave Griggs’ Flooring America;

Silver Sponsors RE/MAX Boone Realty – Elizabeth Mendenhall and Slumberland Furniture;

Location & Catering Sponsor Stephens College;

Floral Sponsor Ambrosia Custom Floral Design & Gift;

Print Services Sponsor Shelter Insurance;

Design Services Sponsor Visionworks Marketing Group

Click here to download the 2012 Leadership Application

Looking for ways to increase your visibility in the community?  Want to showcase your leadership skills in a meaningful way? Thinking about getting more out of your Chamber and Women’s Network membership?  If you are interested in being a Committee Chair or being on the Steering Committee, no time is better than NOW!  Apply for a leadership position in Women’s Network for the upcoming Women’s Network year starting July 1, 2012.

Applying for a leadership position is very easy.  Simply fill out the enclosed application and either drop it off or mail it to Elizabeth Tate, Columbia Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 1016, Columbia, MO 65205.  You may also fax to 573-443-3986.

Please submit your application by Friday, April 20, 2012.  We look forward to hearing from you!

• 71% said they visit at least 1-3 times a month
• 94% said they found what they were looking for on the site
• 96% said they like the format and find it easy to follow
• 76% said their personal information was correct — Hats Off to Elizabeth Tate and Kate Stull on that one
  • 63% said they found the WN site by linking from the Chamber website

Other interesting feedback included:

• 71% of respondents were using Internet Explorer
• 31% of respondents were 41-50 years old
• The next largest group, 31-40, had 25%

An overwhelming number of people cited scheduled events…49 of 71 as their reason for using the site.  The second most frequent response was looking at contact information for WN members.

Two people said they would go, to the website once the printed newsletter goes away.

Thanks to everyone for their participation.

On race day, I was so excited to run, reach the finish line, and accomplish my goal.  I had not studied the map, so I wasn’t exactly sure where the finish was, but I knew when it was getting close.  The crowd was getting thicker and started encouraging the runners by saying “one more corner”.  I turned the corner excited and expecting to see the finish line, but it wasn’t there.  All I saw was a block of people cheering me on shouting “one more corner”.  It turned out that the finish line was three corners after I heard “one more corner” the first time!  It was so disappointing, it made the last half mile of my race so long and difficult.

It seems like this happens to me all the time, in both my personal and professional life.  I get so close to a goal only to have a new challenge thrown in my path.  Or, I feel like I’ve finally developed a skill I needed only to have my job change and a new skill set is required.  But, my perspective has changed.  Instead of being disappointed with my moving target, I have decided to start focusing on the path that gets me there.

Now I am hoping that I never reach the finish line.  I have my sights set on where I want to go, but I’m not stressed out about getting there anytime soon.  I am going to Keep Moving Forward and enjoy the journey and challenges along the way.