UEM October 2024 : simplebooklet.com

3WRITERS & STAFFMAGAZINE OUTLETSCONTRIBUTORSAnkeny Kirkendall Library1250 SW District DriveAnkeny, Iowa 50023Altoona Public Library700 Eighth Street SWAltoona, Iowa 50009Central Library1000 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309DMACC Urban Campus1100 7th Street, Des Moines, IA 50314Eastside Library2559 Hubbell Ave. Des Moines, Iowa 50317Evelyn Davis Center801 Suite #3, University Ave, Des Moines IA 50314Forest Library1326 Forest Ave, Des Moines, IA 50314Franklin Library5000 Franklin Ave. Des Moines, Iowa 50310Johnston Library6700 Merle Hay Rd. Johnston, Iowa 50131Northside Library3516 5th Ave. Des Moines, Iowa 50313Neighborhood Finance4908 Franklin AvenueDes Moines, Iowa 50310Senior Polk County2008 Forest Ave, Des Moines IA 50314Slow Down Coffee Co.3613 6th Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa 50313Southside Library 1111 Porter Ave. Des Moines, Iowa 50315The Playhouse831 42nd Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50312The Zone of Comfort- Life Balance Center3829 71st Street B-1, Urbandale, Iowa 50322Urbandale Public Library3520 86th Street, Urbandale, IA 50322West Des Moines Library4000 Mills Clive Pkwy,West Des Moines, Iowa 50365Henderson's Highland Park Funeral Home3500 6th AvenueDes Moines. Iowa 50313Celeste LawsonDonnetta AustinCaleb Thomas Lenore Metrick-Chen Gianni BerryCourageous FireDebra Carr Gary LawsonBert Moody33295ContentLori Young46 1620263032*PHOTO CREDIT FOR STOCK PHOTOS THROUGHOUT THE PUBLICATION - PEXELS AND FREEPIKCreative Director Nikki Goldman LosRos GraphixLosRos.comEditor-In-Chief Dwana Bradley EDITORS MESSAGEHOW TO FIGHT RISING IMPOSTER SCAMS IOWA AFRICAN AMERICAN HALL OF FAME OF FAME RECIPIENTS ADULTS NEED SHOTS TOODEMENTIA AND DRIVINGAND TOGETHER WE CAN STOP THE BULLYING PERFECT PEACE

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5GET THEURBANEXPERIENCE"We the People" are the opening words of the U.S. Constitution. According to the U.S. Senate: Constitution of the United States these words underscore that the government of the United States exists to serve its citizens. For the citizens to be effectively served, unity is essential. Change necessitates a collective effort to achieve a greater goal. In my view, that goal is a world where disagreements occur without resorting to insults or belittling others for their beliefs and principles.Every four years, we have the incredible chance to elect the President of the United States. My role is not to influence your choice or to insist that you vote, although I do believe in the importance of exercising this right.In the upcoming month, as the presidential campaign unfolds, I encourage you to scrutinize the candidates' values. How do they treat others? Conduct your own research to determine if they reflect your moral compass and principles.I am confident that regardless of the election outcome, the United States will persevere as it always has. History shows that even in tough times, our collective strength as a people is formidable. Let's continue to support and uplift each other.Blessings, Dwana Bradley

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7AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATIONBy: American Heart Association NewsAdults need shots, too: Find out which vaccines are important for heart health38%50+18%While most parents are good at keeping track of vaccines kids need to stay healthy, many people don’t realize there are immunizations important to keeping adults heart-healthy, as well. The American Heart Association urges all adults, especially those already with a history of heart disease or stroke, to take a look at their immunization status, and stay up-to-date on preventive vaccines, particularly for u and COVID-19.Inuenza/Flu – Flu season begins in early fall and extends into early spring. Many people may experience just a few days of aches and chills, but the u can be deadly for some, including the very young, people who are older and those with chronic health conditions like heart disease, stroke and diabetes. There has been some research linking u infection to cardiovascular disease (CVD). Getting a u shot can not only prevent the u, it may also reduce the risk of have a heart attack or stroke.A study published earlier this year in the American Heart Association journal, Stroke, found that, among a group of people hospitalized for various reasons, those who experienced a u-like illness within a month of their hospitalization were 38% more likely to have a stroke, compared to those who didn’t have a similar illness. Receiving a u vaccine within the year prior to hospitalization lowered a person’s stroke risk to 11%. People over the age of 50 who were hospitalized and those in nursing homes who were at high risk for inuenza had lower rates of death, heart attack, mini-stroke and cardiac arrest if they were vaccinated against u, according to a study presented at the American Heart Association’s Basic Cardiovascular Sciences 2020 meeting.And a study published in the American Heart Association’s agship journal, Circulation, found that people living with heart failure who got an annual u shot had an 18% lower chance of dying from CVD or any other cause, compared to those who did not get a u shot.“Getting an annual u shot should be part of routine health care for all individuals and especially for people who are already living with chronic health conditions that put them at higher risk for heart attacks or strokes,” said Eduardo Sanchez, M.D., M.P.H., FAHA, American Heart Association chief medical ofcer for prevention. “The potentially serious complications of the u are far, far greater for those with chronic diseases. This is true not just for older people but even those age 50 and younger who have a history of high blood pressure, heart disease or diabetes. Most adults can get a u vaccine at no out-of-pocket cost at a local pharmacy or through their local health department.”

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91/20More4 riskA study from the registry and published earlier this month in the American Heart Association journal Circulation: Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology found new-onset atrial brillation (AFib) in 1 in 20 patients hospitalized with COVID-19.Research from the registry presented at the American Heart Association’s International Stroke Conference earlier this year found that people hospitalized with COVID-19 had a higher risk of stroke, compared with people who had similar infectious conditions such as inuenza or sepsisA study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association in February 2021 found that obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes and heart failure – all risk factors related to CVD – were four of the top risks for COVID-19 complications.COVID-19 – The American Heart Association established the COVID-19 Cardiovascular Disease Registry at the onset of the pandemic and the registry has produced a number of studies reporting that people with or at risk for cardiovascular disease were more likely to become infected with and die from COVID-19. Additionally, the research has found many people are experiencing new heart and vascular disease after they get COVID-19. “We can’t stress enough the connections between COVID-19 and cardiovascular disease. There is clear evidence that people who have heart and vascular disease and even those with CVD risk factors are more likely to get COVID and to have more severe complications from the virus. We also know that COVID is not just a respiratory disease, it can cause heart-related diseases and blood clotting issues in people who have never had those before.,” Sanchez said. “We urge everyone who is eligible to get the vaccine and all recommended boosters. The side effects of the vaccine have proven to be minimal and far outweigh the greater risk of getting COVID.”While u and COVID-19 vaccines are of the utmost importance, there are also a number of other immunizations that can help keep people heart-healthy.The pneumococcal vaccination protects against a common cause of severe pneumonia and is especially important in people 65 and older and others with certain underlying medical conditions. This type of pneumonia can be deadly, especially for people already at high risk for health complications, including CVD. One shot is usually good for several years, although depending on how old you are when you get your rst shot, you may need a second one later.Shingles, a viral infection caused by the chickenpox virus, has been linked to an increased risk of stroke. More than 99% of people aged 40 or older in the United States may carry the dormant chickenpox virus, also known as the varicella-zoster virus, and not even realize it. A study presented at the American Heart Association’s International Stroke Conference in 2021 found that the shingles vaccine may reduce stroke risk by about 16% in older adults.There is also research that links human papillomavirus, or HPV, a common sexually transmitted infection, to cardiovascular disease. A 2019 study published in the American Heart Association journal Circulation Research found that Korean women infected with high-risk strains of HPV were 22% more likely to develop heart disease or have a stroke than women not infected with the virus. While this vaccine is not currently among those recommended by the Association for cardiovascular benets, the research points to growing evidence about the connections between viral infections and cardiovascular disease.“There is still much to learn about how infection and inammation can impact the cardiovascular and cerebrovascular systems of the body. What we do know is that preventive care, including regular immunizations as appropriate, can save lives,” Sanchez said. “And even if you don’t think you are at high risk for infectious diseases such as the u or COVID-19, it’s important to think about others you come in contact with who are at risk – your older relatives, your young children, people in your family with a history of heart disease and stroke. By getting vaccinated yourself, you can reduce the spread of these deadly infections to others.”Learn more about important immunizations and other preventive health tips at heart.org.

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11Sports betting has changed. Could it affect your health?CYCLENATION10/10 | 4:30 P.M.COWLES COMMONSDES MOINESANGELAStroke SurvivorRIDE THE REVOLUTION.REGISTER TODAY!www.cyclenation.org/dsmLOCALLY SPONSORED BYCycleNation is more than a day – it’s a movement empowering people to be healthy while funding vitalresearch to eradicate stroke. We ride for those who can’t. For those who have lost their lives and for thosewho are still writing their comeback stories. And we ride together. With each push of the pedal, we areconnecting hearts, minds and bodies for one purpose - to save lives. "I HAD A STROKE AT 37."AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATIONBy: American Heart Association NewsIf you've watched a sporting event lately – and especially if you've ever bet on one – odds are you already know how radically sports gambling has changed in recent years."It's not even the same world," said Dr. Timothy Fong, a professor of psychiatry at the University of California, Los Angeles.Twenty years ago, if you wanted to legally bet on sports, you'd have to go to a casino in Las Vegas or Atlantic City, "and that's about it," said Fong, co-director of the UCLA Gambling Studies Program. Today, thanks to legal changes and mobile tech, "you never have to leave your couch."Thanks to the hundreds of millions of dollars the gambling industry has spent on advertising, even casual sports fans know where to place a bet. But few are probably aware of the ways such gambling could be connected to their health."We just think, 'Oh, it's completely separate,'" Fong said. "It's not separate. It's completely intertwined with our physical health states."The research isn't extensive, and the connections are not always clear-cut. Most adults in the U.S. have gambled, and most people gamble without developing problems, said Dr. Marc Potenza, a professor of psychiatry at Yale University School of Medicine. "So we want to be careful not to stigmatize everyday behavior or to overly pathologize what people enjoy doing."What is clear is that the United States has experienced a sports-betting boom since a 2018 Supreme Court ruling struck down the federal law restricting such gambling. Today, 38 states and the District of Columbia have legalized it in some form, according to the American Gaming Association, which said a record $119.8 billion was legally wagered on sports in 2023.Some of those bets would have been unimaginable a generation ago, Fong said. Back then, if he'd wanted to place a legal bet on a baseball game at a casino, he could have wagered on whether his team won or lost, or perhaps how many runs would be scored. "Now, I can bet on every single pitch. Is it a ball? Is it a strike? I can bet on the total number of bases the player achieves in one game. I can bet on whether the ball in between innings lands on the mound or on the grass."And instead of having to wait for the weekend's football games, anybody can be a click away from betting on Polish table tennis, British darts or Japanese badminton.That's exciting for gamblers and great news for the industry in the U.S., which reported $10.9 billion in revenue in 2023. But there's a troubling side to all

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13that access, said Potenza, who also is director of Yale's Center of Excellence in Gambling Research and a professor in the Child Study Center and of neuroscience."The ways in which people gamble have changed substantially, and we're concerned that this may have an impact on people gambling problematically," he said. As a sign of such problems, he noted that in Connecticut, requests to the state's gambling helpline jumped 91% in the year after sports betting was legalized there in 2021. Most of the requests were from college-age men betting on sports, or from their families.Other states have reported similar experiences.Much of the research on how health and gambling are linked involves people designated as problem gamblers. According to the National Council on Problem Gambling, about 1% of U.S. adults would meet the criteria for a severe gambling problem each year, and an additional 2% to 3% have a mild or moderate problem.Fong said researchers were seeing that if you have a gambling disorder, "it's clear you've got other medical problems. You don't sleep as well. You go to the ER more. You're less likely to have insurance, or you're less likely to do the healthy self-care stuff, like exercise and eat healthy foods." People with gambling problems also are more likely to smoke tobacco, drink excessive amounts of alcohol or use cannabis.Potenza was co-author of a study, published in the Journal of Addiction Medicine in 2013, that looked at data from 10,231 people 55 or older, of whom 2.8%, or 269, were considered at-risk, problem or pathological gamblers. They had shared information as part of a large study conducted in the early 2000s.After three years of follow-up and adjusting for factors such as sociodemographic characteristics and body mass index, people with gambling problems were more than twice as likely to develop arteriosclerosis, where plaque builds up on artery walls. They were 53% more likely to develop any type of heart condition.A 2023 study on Swedish gamblers found that problem gamblers had higher rates of cardiovascular and respiratory problems, as well as higher rates of diabetes than participants without a gambling disorder.Much of the research on gambling's health effects predates the current sports-betting boom, and few studies have looked at the effects of different types of gambling. Researchers are just starting to collect data on that, Potenza said, and "there are reasons to suspect that it might be different in some important ways." , a study published earlier this year in JAMA Network Open found that people who bet on sports were more likely than non-gamblers and non-sports gamblers to be binge drinkers.Fong agreed that research hasn't parsed out details about sports betting. "We haven't taken people into the lab and hooked them up to machines and brain scans to say, 'Is there a different part of your brain getting activated with the betting on sports versus when you're playing poker?'"But the underlying processes and effects would be the same, he said.At its root, gambling is about taking risks and getting rewards. Weighing risks is a basic human activity, Fong said. "Do I take this job? Do I date this girl? What TV show do I watch tonight? Those are all just different types of gambling behavior."The excitement of gambling triggers the release of brain chemicals that bring pleasure. In problem gamblers, the response is akin to what's seen in people with an addiction to alcohol.It also is inherently stressful. Stress has been 53% MORE LIKELY TO DEVELOP ANY TYPE OF HEART CONDITION

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15associated with health issues, and Fong said it can affect gamblers of any kind. "A lot of my patients say, 'I've never been inside a casino.' But they tell me they still have the same kind of stress-related physical damage – they don't sleep, don't eat wellor are constantly preoccupied bythe need to gamble," he said.Modern sports betting, Fong said, can be similar to playing a slot machine, where people sit motionless for hours on end, anticipating the next bet.Potenza noted research that has found higher levels of stress-related chemicals in the blood of people who are gambling in casinos, and people with gambling problems show differences from people without gambling problems with respect to how their stress systems are affected.The response to that feeling helps delineate a problem gambler from a casual one, Fong said.Think of roller coasters. They are, by design, stressful, even for the people who love them. If you visit an amusement park occasionally and ride the roller coaster once or twice, that's probably ne, Fong said. But if you did it all day, every day, even after it starts to hurt, "that's not entertainment anymore. That's a harmful compulsion. That's an addictive behavior."Most people who gamble see it as a form of entertainment. Some use it as a way to socialize. In a 2022 Harris Poll, 42% of sports bettors did so because their friends were doing it.A 2004 study in the American Journal of Psychiatry even associated recreational gambling with better health in older adults, although Potenza said it wasn't clear whether that might have been because people who were healthier were simply more likely to have been able to go out to a casino, for example.But while Fong said "there's never been a case that I'm aware of where someone's death certicate listed death by gambling," he also has had patients whose gambling disorder was so severe that they reached a point of crisis and died of suicide.Data he provided from the California Gambling Education and Treatment Services (CalGETS), which offers help to people with gambling problems, showed that among gamblers entering outpatient care, about 19% reported suicidal thoughts in the previous week. That's 10 times higher than the rate of other Californians who reported having such thoughts in the previous year.Fong and Potenza said that gambling can be safe for people who can regulate their betting. "If they see gambling as a form of entertainment, like going out to the movies, and bring a certain amount of money and say, 'This is the amount of money that I'm going to spend, this is the amount of time that I'm going to spend,' that's not a problem," Potenza said.But if someone is gambling in a secretive fashion or lying to themselves or loved ones about how much they are spending, "those are all signs of concern," he said."It's important to, at the early stages, reach out for help," Potenza said, and Fong agreed."By the time people come see providers like me, things are really, really severe," when thousands of dollars have been lost or a crime was committed, Fong said.Many questions remain unanswered about how sports betting affects health, he said. "We've learned quite a bit in just four or ve years. But there's certainly a lot more to uncover."For people who need help with problem gambling, the National Council on Problem Gambling has a helpline that can be reached by calling 800-GAMBLER (800-426-2537), by texting 800GAM or through chat at ncpgambling.org. If you're having suicidal thoughts, call or text 988 for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline....they don't sleep, don't eat well or are constantly preoccupied by the need to gamble,"

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17Did you know October is Anti-Bullying month? This is often overlooked because the awareness isn’t as well-known as breast cancer awareness month. However, both are very important and deserve recognition. As a reminder it is recommended that women at the age of 40 should have a mammogram screening according to; The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, so if you are 40 yrs old or above, please make sure you’re getting screened. For parents who have kids in school (elementary to college) never assume the older they get the less bullying they will face. Now that your child is in the third month of the school year you and your child should have a better feel for school and how things are progressing, not just in their academic performance but also mentally and socially. This is a good time to do a check-in and to see how they are doing, like making friends, getting settled as well as checking to see if they are experiencing any bullying. A few things to consider when talking to your child about bullying as there are various types of bullying that can take place and what that may look like. In today’s world of modern technology and social media bullying doesn’t have to be physical nor done at school, nor on the school bus or walking to and from school. Today’s technology allows bullying to invade what many would think of as “their safe place”. Technology being what it is, the use of cell phones and computers are constant. From a child’s perspective, doing homework on computers and laptops is easy access to the internet, Facebook and other social media platforms which has changed the landscape of communication. As a parent it is important to have these relevant conversations and inform your school-age child of your responsibility as a parent is to keep them safe. This means having full access to their cell phone. To make sure they are not engaging in any activities that would put them at risk or in harm’s way. This means monitoring what social medial platforms they visit, conversations that may be very concerning and unsafe. Just as much as it is important to ensure your child is not being bullied it is equally important to know they are not bullying others. As the Founder and Director of Simply Nerdie an anti-bullying awareness brand, I’d like to inform parents about the 4 B’s of Bullying. We all ﬁt into one of the categories of the 4 B’s of Bullying. What does that mean? It means you can be the Bully, which is the individual who picks on other people, or AND TOGETHER WE CAN STOP THE BULLYING Mental HealthWritten by: Caleb Thomas, M.A. LMHC

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19you can be the Bullied, which is the individual who is being picked on, or you can be the By-stander which means you see the bullying taking place but afraid to say anything or get involved. Then you have the Bully Blocker, and I hope each of you can be a bully blocker. Why? Because any one of us can cause a distraction to temporarily avert the bullying taking place (this allows the person being bullied to get away from the situation at that moment). Be sure to talk with your son/daughter about bullying and what they can do to help stop bullying and be safe in the process. No one wants to walk in fear, bullying interrupts good study habits, learning and social interactions. You want to encourage your son/daughter to be a Bully-Blocker, this is the person who stands up against the bully, and no it doesn’t mean being physical, but it means being smart. It can be as easy as reporting the bullying that is taking place to the teacher, counselor or school nurse. Safety is paramount. They can also help the individual who is being bullied by encouraging them not to give up or inviting them to sit with them and others for lunch. Include the person being bullied with other activities such as or walking together after school, or on the bus. Please don’t neglect this conversation as your child can fall into any one of the 4 B’s. According to a Yale University study 14 percent of high school students have considered suicide and almost 7 percent have attempted suicide due to bullying. Bullied victims are 2-9 times more likely to consider suicide than non-victims. As a parent, please understand your son/daughter can be on either side, and as parents we hate to think that bullying can be taken so far to the point a child would take his or her life. Unfortunately, the data proves otherwise. Although October is Anti-Bullying Awareness month as parents, we must be aware of the 4 B’s of Bullying every month. I think we can all agree that we want our kids to be healthy, safe and educated. We can never assume anything, we must engage our kids in sometimes what we consider “dicult discussions” so let’s never assume but take some time to investigate, even if that means checking phones and social media. Let’s continue to spread anti-bullying awareness, and please be sure to visit the SimplyNerdie website: simplynerdie.com for helpful tools and articles. If you know your son/daughter is experiencing bullying be sure to reach out and inform their principal, teacher, and counselor. If you need more support because your child is being bullied or is the bully, please know you can always reach out to our oce.Blessings,Caleb Thomas M.A. LMHC319 206-0651caleb@thomasacc.comthomasacc.comThomas & Associates Counseling & ConsultingCounseling with a God given purpose!graphixLosRosgINFO@LOSROS.COM • LOSROS.COMServicesPhoto EditingApparel DesignMemorial PhotosLogo & BrandingMagazine DesignCustom Design

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23Of the millions of scam reports the Federal Trade Commission gets each year — 2.6 million in 2023 — the most common type by far are imposter scams, where scammers impersonate an entity, usually a business or government agency.The first half of 2024 alone saw 360,000 impersonation scam reports, with $1.3 billion in reported losses and a median loss of $800.Less than 5% of scam victims report at all, according to FTC and Better Business Bureau estimates.“This is just the tip of the iceberg,” said Emma Fletcher, senior data researcher at the FTC at a Friday, September 20 Ethnic Media Services briefing about imposter scams. “Behind those numbers are people who’ve lost tens and hundreds of thousands of dollars. We’re really concerned about the volume of reports we’re getting on scams that take it all. People have emptied their bank accounts, even their retirement accounts.”Over the past few years, reported losses to business and government impersonation scams have skyrocketed nearly fourfold. $175 million was lost to government impersonators in 2020 compared to $618 million in 2023, and $195 million was lost to business impersonators in 2020 compared to $751 million in 2023SCAM TACTICS AND STORIES“This tremendous increase in reports from people who’ve lost enormous sums of money is tied to very concerning changes in the tactics these scammers are using,” said Fletcher. These scams often involve bank transfer methods like Zelle, or cryptocurrency payment methods like Bitcoin ATMs, which are referred to by many scammers as “federal safety lockers.”The Challenges of Tracing Money After a ScamKati Daffan, Assistant Director, Division of Marketing Practices at the Federal Trade Commission, Washington, District of Columbia, explains why it is so difficult to trace money after a fraudulent transaction.One reporter attending the briefing, Sunita Sohrabji, shared a personal example.“My daughter tried to sell her bike via Facebook Marketplace,” Sohrabji said. “It was her first time selling anything, and someone messaged her saying they wanted to buy the bike, and that they’d pay through Zelle, but that she first had to establish a Zelle business account and put $400 in an account they’d sent her, which would be refunded once the transaction was made. Of course, that never happened.”“With the endless daily time-sensitive messages, emails, deliveries, due dates and service invoices we already get, especially in the media, there are so many you have to resist and double-check nowadays,” added Elena Kuznetsova, a reporter for Slavic Sacramento.”“There have been congressional hearings about Zelle and the role of financial institutions when fraud occurs,” said Kati Daffan, assistant director of the FTC Division of Marketing Practices. “It’s an open question right now. We encourage people to report it to us and their bank. If they’re unhappy with how their bank handles it, they can also file a report with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.”Per a new FTC Impersonation Rule in effect since April, pretending to represent or be endorsed by a government or business is explicitly a violation, enabling the FTC to file federal court cases seeking to return money to victims and enact civil penalties against scammers.Recognizing the Lies Fraudsters Use to Scam PeopleKati Daffan, Assistant Director, Division of Marketing Practices at the Federal Trade Commission, Washington, District of Columbia, shares tips on recognizing fraud, including identifying the lines only scammers use.“In our first case using the new rule, somebody pretending to be affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education would tell people: ‘This is a time scams

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25sensitive notice, and you can get tax-free loan forgiveness,’ to entice consumers to call them,” said Daffan.“Then the telemarketers, claiming to be affiliated with the government, would convince people to sign up for a debt relief program and collect hundreds of dollars in illegal upfront fees,” she continued. “Our case is ongoing.”Daffan added that telltale signs of a scammer include urging the victim to act immediately; asking them to lie to someone, like a bank teller or broker; threatening them with arrest or deportation; and telling them not to hang up before money is withdrawn or transferred.Also trending are “tag-team” scams blurring the line between business and government impersonation.“These scams typically start out impersonating a business; say, your bank saying there’s suspicious charges on your account,” said Fletcher. “But when you respond, the situation escalates rapidly. Your accounts are at risk, so they connect you with a government agency. The aim is to create a sense of heightened alarm, to make it difficult to think clearly, recognize the scam, and hang up the phone.”Americans Lost $1.3 Billion to Impersonation Scams in the First Half of 2024Emma Fletcher, Senior Data Researcher, Federal Trade Commission, Washington DC-Baltimore Area, gives an overview of impersonation scams, which have led to a reported 1.3 billion dollars in losses.Furthermore, many scams now involve victims who believe they’re protecting their money from entities who want it.“If you believe you’re paying someone, you’re going to be cautious about giving all you have. But if you believe you’re protecting your money, you’re more likely to empty your account, and these scammers will position themselves as someone informing you of this problem and helping you resolve it,” Fletcher continued. “They’re not necessarily posing as the aggressor anymore.”There are many misconceptions about who’s impacted by scams,” she added. “They’re not, say, less intelligent or greedy. It’s really important to put those ideas to rest, because they’re barriers to people being receptive to messages about how to avoid scams … It’s people of all ages, people you know in your community.”The FTC found in 2021 that adults aged 18 to 59 were 34% more likely to report losing money to fraud than older adults, with a median loss of $500.However, older adults reported much higher median losses: $800 for those in their 70s, and $1,500 for those 80 and over.Student Debt Relief Scammers Promise Complete Loan Forgiveness, Steal Hundreds in Illegal FeesKati Daffan, Assistant Director, Division of Marketing Practices at the Federal Trade Commission, Washington, District of Columbia, shares details on a recent student loan forgiveness scam.“I’m always telling my audience: please be aware. Don’t do this. I’m 69 with 43 years of experience in journalism, and I fell in their hands completely,” said Celina Rodríguez, a journalist who got a call two years ago from scammers impersonating Bank of America.“They said I bought an iPhone, and was it really me? It was so embarrassing having to explain ‘No,’” she said. “I was in a rush, I had to do a radio program, and I was panicking. I let them into my computer and sent money to them … Fortunately, Bank of America helped me shut my computer down, had IT come turn it on in a safe way and I changed my passwords.” “The way they get you involved is amazing,” Rodriguez added. “We’re so vulnerable now. Even though we’re on top of things every day, we are human beings and any of us can become psychological targets.”Those experiencing fraud can report it and find next steps at reportfraud.ftc.gov.Robin McEnanyMortgage Loan Officer563-235-2418RobinMcEnany@GreenState.orgGreenState.org/RobinMcEnanyChoose an automatic transfer from your checking account, a debit card round-up, or both!makes it easy to build your emergency savings.SavingsStop by a branch, call 844-300-5810 or visit GreenState.org to learn more.

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27ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION: IOWA CHAPTERBy Alzheimer’s AssociationDEMENTIA AND DRIVINGDriving requires the ability to react quickly to a variety of circumstances. Because of this, a person living with Alzheimer’s will, at some point, be unable to drive. It may not be an easy conversation, but planning ahead can help ease the transition and keep your loved ones, and others on the road, safe.HAVING THE CONVERSATION:Plan to discuss how retirement from driving will be handled before it becomes an issue. Be sympathetic as you address the topic because giving up driving and the perceived loss of independence is difficult for many. It is important to acknowledge a person's feelings and preserve his or her independence, while ensuring the person's safety and the safety of others.STARTING THE CONVERSATION: Here are a few ways to break the ice and get the conversation going. It will likely be difficult and may be met with frustration, denial or anger, but always keep in mind that prioritizing safety is the most important thing. Initiate a dialogue to express your concerns. Stress the positive and offer alternatives. Address resistance while reaffirming your unconditional love and support. Appeal to the person's sense of responsibility. Ask your physician to advise the person not to drive. Involving your physician in a family conference on driving may be more effective than trying to persuade the person not to drive by yourself. Ask the physician to write a letter or prescription stating that the person with Alzheimer’s must not drive. You can then use the document to remind your family member what’s been decided. Consider an evaluation by an objective third party. Understand that this may be the first of many conversations about driving.IF THE CONVERSATION DOES NOT GO WELL:Some people give up driving easily, but for others this transition can be very difficult. Be prepared for the person to become angry with you, due to the memory and insight issues that are part of Alzheimer's. Be patient and firm. Demonstrate understanding and empathy. Acknowledge the pain of this change and appeal to the person's desire to act responsibly. Ask a respected family authority figure or your attorney to reinforce the message about not driving. If the conversation does not go well, do not blame yourself. The disease can impair insight and judgment, making it difficult for people to understand that their driving is no longer safe. Also, the disease can cause mood and personality changes that make reactions more pronounced.ALZHEIMER ASSOCIATION As a last resort, take away the car keys, disable the car or consider selling the car. When you do any of these things, be sure to provide safe, reliable alternative transportation.PLANNING AHEADFor people in the early stages of Alzheimer's, it is never too soon to plan for how you will get around when you can no longer drive. Putting a plan in place can be an empowering way to make your voice heard. TIPS FOR PLANNING AHEAD: Remember that each situation is unique. What works for one person may be different from what works for another. You can get the information and support you need from the Alzheimer's Association at 800.272.3900. Involve family and close friends in the plan. Confront resistance. Empathize with those who are uncomfortable having the conversation and stress the importance of preparing for the future. When the person is still in the early stage of Alzheimer’s, ask them to sign a driving contract (see page 3) that gives you his or her permission to help them stop driving when the time comes.TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS:Driving is not the only transportaon opon available. There are many opons people can explore that will allow them to connue to travel independently and remain in control of their mobility. Transion driving responsibilies to others. Arrange for family members and friends to provide transportaon. Arrange a taxi service.  Use special transportaon services for older adults. Access local resources using our free Community Resource Finder or Eldercare Locator to search for transportaon services. Reduce the need to drive by having prescripon medicines, groceries or meals delivered.

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29SIGNS OF UNSAFE DRIVING:Determining when someone can no longer safely drive requires careful observaon by family and caregivers. The following list provides warning signs that it's me to stop driving: Forgeng how to locate familiar places Failing to observe trac signs Making slow or poor decisions in trac Driving at an inappropriate speed Becoming angry or confused while driving Hing curbs Using poor lane control Making errors at intersecons Confusing the brake and gas pedals Returning from a roune drive later than usual Forgeng the desnaon you are driving to during the tripGET A DRIVING EVALUATIONAt the earliest stages, a person with Alzheimer's disease may begin to have diculty with complex tasks such as driving. Although family and caregivers can watch for signs of unsafe driving, a proacve strategy would be to get a comprehensive driving evaluaon by an occupaonal therapy driving rehabilitaon specialist.The evaluaon provides a more objecve understanding of the current impact of the disease on driving capacity and results in a plan of opons. The goal is always to retain the highest level of independence and mobility in the community. Inial recommendaons may include strategies to reduce driving risk during the early part of the disease.The occupaonal therapist can oer strategies specic to the individual's goals and needs. The American Occupaonal Therapy Associaon website includes a naonal database of driving specialists as well as a wealth of resources for both persons with Alzheimer's disease and their families. Learn more about keep your loved one with demena safe and navigang dicult situaons at alz.org/caregiving.Determining when someone can no longer safely drive requires careful observaon by family and caregivers.

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31 Perfect peaceWritten By: Donnetta AustinSpiritualityMetaphor for the word “PEACE”P- stands for: purpose, God has purpose & a plan for your life. Jeremiah 29:11 KJV, For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.E- stands for: equipped, God has equipped and given you all you’ll ever need for such a time as this. He gives each of us talents and gifts to serve for Him & be a blessing towards others.A- stands for: And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 KJVC- stands for: control, God is in control of all things.E- stands for: ease yourself by being renewed by the mind. Ephesians 4:23 niv to be made new in the attitude of your minds, and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.It is hard to tell what life will throw your way. How to handle situations that are devastating, challenging, or facing a difcult hardship. When all odds are against you the only way to win or nd a solution to perfect peace is “GOD”. Almighty God, our Lord and Savior. He is the answer, the truth, the way that sheds light through the darkness. He is the one that remains steadfast and unchanged.Faith requires action.Wait on the Lord: Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord. Psalms 27:14

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33Spotligththall of fameIowa African AmericanSpotlightCommunityIowa African American Hall of FameIowa African American Hall of Fame2024 RecipientsOn Saturday, September 21st, at the State Historical Building four African Americans were inducted into the Iowa African American Hall of Fame. Read more about the four honorees. Barbara WoodsI am Barbara Woods with some people addressing me as Doc, Dr. Woods, Barbara and hopefully not Barb. I just retired after working 42 years from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and worked most recently in program evaluation for the Extension Human Sciences Unit.I think of myself as a problem solver with the ability to look at people, ideas, and issues through a wide lens. These traits come from an early life with my grandfather who had a third-grade education. In some ways, these early experiences were unique for a female born in the deep South in the early 1950s. From a small child, I was known for having my own thoughts and speaking my mind. In doing this, I learned early how to speak with truth yet understanding that people had feelings and my see things differently than I did.My long work history included professional work experiences in the Alabama Cooperative Extension Service as a County Home Economist and Head of the Computers Systems Unit and Special Projects Manager in the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.Throughout my work experiences, I have received federal funding to provide technical assistance to 25 states’ projects related to educational programming and support to Children, Youth and Families at- Risk. Other federal funding has included opportunities to provide technology support to multiple projects.Through my technical work, I have worked with Extension staff and people in all 99 Iowa counties. I have been able to work one-on-one and with groups. I have work with learners where they were in their knowledge and skill levels.Photography Credit: Bert Moody

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35SpotligthtThroughout my professional and community work, people have always come first with me. I have made it a practice to work with people regardless of who they are and what they believe. I have found that being respectful has made it easier to work in difficult situations.I have been blessed with recognitions for my commitment to serving people and providing support beyond what was expected. Some of the recognition was national and some brought financial resources as part of the award.Although, my comments have been mostly from my professional experiences, my community and religious involvements have been approached with the same understanding and engagement of working with and supporting people where they are.From my earliest experiences and continuing now, people matter to me. When I look into another’s face, I look into the face of God.Celeste M. LawsonCeleste M. Lawson volunteered with the Iowa Juneteenth Observance from the time that it was founded by her father, Gary Lawson, during 1990, and continued serving until 2015. For a quarter-century, she served in a variety of leadership capacities to help execute the Iowa Juneteenth Observance’s mission, which was to educate Iowans on the history of Juneteenth, preserve Juneteenth history for future generations, and present activities via platforms that promote freedom, liberty and responsible citizenship.As a direct result of the work that Celeste did with others on the Iowa Juneteenth Observance’s leadership team, Governor Tom Vilsack signed a bill into law on April 11, 2002, designating the third Saturday in June as Juneteenth National Freedom Day in Iowa, thus making Iowa the seventh state to make Juneteenth an ‘official’ state holiday. Celeste also played a leadership role in the placement of the book, Juneteenth: A Celebration of Freedom, in public libraries in all of Iowa’s 99 counties, and in every middle and junior high school library in Iowa. She also assisted with leading efforts that resulted in the establishment of an annual ‘Juneteenth in Iowa’ exhibit within the State Historical Museum of Iowa. Additionally, during 2012, in recognitionof the work of the Iowa Juneteenth Observance leadership team, on which Celeste served, theIowa Juneteenth Observance received the President’s Volunteer Service Award, and a congratulatory letter, from then President of the United States, the Honorable Barack Obama.Following her mother’s death from metastatic breast cancer during 2019, Celeste began, and presently continues, to volunteer independently in order to bring a greater public awareness of metastatic breast cancer, and the need to increase funding for metastatic breast cancer research in hopes of finding a cure.As a result of Celeste’s metastatic breast cancer advocacy, Iowa Governor, Kim Reynolds, issuedthe first Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day proclamation in Iowa on October 13, 2020.Then, on February 23, 2022, the Iowa House of Representatives passed a resolution in whichthey committed to annually recognizing Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day in Iowa on October 13. Not only is Celeste’s name and contribution incorporated within that resolution, but she was also called before the Iowa House of Representatives, greeted with a standing ovation, and acknowledged for her volunteered advocacy.Furthermore, during Iowa’s 2024 legislative session, Celeste’s continued independent, and volunteered, advocacy resulted in the introduction of a bill designating October 13 of each year as Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness and Action Day in Iowa. On March 6, 2024, the Iowa House of Representatives unanimously passed that bill.With intentions of garnering support for new legislation for metastatic breast cancer at thenational level, Celeste has reached out to numerous elected officials, which resulted in her receiving responses from prominent political figures such as the President of the United States, the Honorable Joe Biden, and United States Senator Chuck Grassley.Moreover, Celeste has also voluntarily contributed her time to writing magazine articles, whereby she focuses on informing the public about various aspects of cultural diversity, education, health, and political issues, on the local, state, and national levels. Her published articles have featured individual interviews, as well as joint interviews, with notable individuals such as the Honorable Kamala Harris, Pete Buttigieg, Julián Castro, and United States Senators Kirsten Gillibrand, Amy Klobuchar, and Elizabeth Warren.On April 30, 2024, Celeste was recognized by Iowa Governor, Kim Reynolds, for her volunteered service, and inducted into the 2024 Iowa Volunteer Hall of Fame. Her name is engraved on the Iowa Volunteer Hall of Fame plaque, which is on permanent display within the State Historical Museum of Iowa.Celeste is also President of the Connect Foundation, which is a nonprofit organization that has a history of increasing statewide community education and action in Iowa via projects and other activities, such as the Iowa Juneteenth Observance, the Iowa African American Hall of Fame, and the Urban Scouting Project.In addition, she has devoted more than '20 years' to being an Iowa educator, having taughtstudents at the elementary, secondary, and postsecondary levels.Communityhall of fameIowa African American

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37SpotligthtBridget Reed Bridget Reed is a registered nurse, clinic administrator and executive director of Focus on Diabetes. Witnessing health disparities daily, she co-founded Focus on Diabetes and began hosting community events such as the Cedar Valley Focus on Diabetes (CVFD), the largest patient education community engagement event in eastern Iowa. The CVFD connects diabetic patients, their families, and the community to free screenings, education and local health systems. When she learned that black men are dying from a disease that white men are living with, she launched Project Health, a groundbreaking, statewide, prostate cancer research study. Prostate Cancer is the most common cancer in men and is the second highest diagnosed cancer in the State of Iowa.Bridget is leading a new conversation about patient care and outreach. Healthcare is the defining issue of our generation. The burden of health disparities is a shared cost and health education is a shared responsibility. It is a public health crisis that Bridget has answered the call to serve. She was raised in a family that served the community as her parents Geneva and Walter Reed Jr. played a leading role in the Gates Park Basketball league, Gates Park youth education and activity center and several other civic organizations in the Cedar Valley and the state of Iowa. Most importantly, she knows what it means when you need just a little bit of help. Photography Credit: Bert MoodyEdith Renfrow SmithBorn on July 14, 1914, in Grinnell, just two weeks before the outbreak of World War 1, Edith Renfrow Smith is a second-generation Iowan. Nurtured in one of the oldest Black families in town, she was raised with her mother’s motto, “No one is better than you.” Because of this affirmation, the example of her mother Eva Pearl Craig Renfrow (1875-1962), and the support of her family, Mrs. Renfrow Smith made history in 1937 as the first Black woman to graduate from Grinnell College. Over her lifetime, Edith Renfrow Smith has been a memory keeper, an educator, and a community builder. As a girl, she learned her family’s stories of coming to Iowa in the 1850s and she remains the primary teller of her extended family history. As a new college graduate, Mrs. Renfrow Smith worked for the YWCA in Chicago, a critical organization founded to help young women make their way in America’s cities. She married Henry T. Smith in 1940 and had two daughters, Virginia Edith and Alice Frances. While raising her children, Mrs. Renfrow Smith earned her teaching certification and then her Master's degree in education from Chicago Teachers College. From 1954 to 1976, she taught elementary school in the Chicago Public Schools and became a master teacher who enjoyed educating children of different abilities and strengths.Service to others is a core value for Mrs. Renfrow Smith. As she explains, “We didn’t get where we are by ourselves. We had the help of all those who came before us.” When she retired after nearly a quarter century of teaching 5th and 6th grade, Mrs. Renfrow Smith devoted herself to volunteering. Into her late 90s, Mrs. Renfrow Smith was a docent for the Art Institute of Chicago, volunteered at Goodwill, and gave her time as a chauffeur and caregiver to other seniors. For her decades of service to others, she was inducted into the Chicago Senior Citizens Hall of Fame in 2009. Mrs. Renfrow Smith is the namesake of Renfrow Hall, Grinnell College’s newest and largest student residence, opening fall 2024. To Mrs. Renfrow Smith, the building honors her and “all the people who will come after me. But that’s the important thing…. They’ll learn about a person who started small and came out big.” With a persistent love for her hometown, her family’s deep intergenerational roots in Iowa, her decades of teaching and volunteering, the now 110-year-old Mrs. Renfrow Smith still embodies the resilience, defiant belonging, and community building of her freedom-seeking forebears.

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39Vaccines are your best shot at preventionOver time, protection from childhood vaccines can wear o leaving adults at risk for diseases.Vaccines are not just for kids.3.The United States has the safest, most eective vaccine supply.Vaccines are safe.2.Vaccines protect not only yourself but also your friends, families and communities.Vaccines protect.1.1.2.3.Most childhood vaccines are 90% to 99% eective in preventing Talk to yourhealthcare providerabout vaccines today.TICKETS, AUDITIONS, CLASSES, & VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES AT: DMPlayhouse.com831 42nd Street | Des Moines | 515.277.6261 TICKETS AT:OCT. 18–NOV. 3, 2024“I long for blood and love, but only if they’re SUPER hot!”• 1-on-1 goal setting• Accounts with downpayment assistance• Debt repayment advice• Credit score improvement strategiesSchedule your free 1-on-1 session today! veridiancu.org/educationWe can help you own your homeDo you want to be on the cover or centerfold? Sponsor an edition of Urban Experience MaGazine!Contact US TODAY: iaurbanmedia18@gmail.com

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41We can stop HIV, Iowa—by staying up-to-date on recommended screenings!Health screenings help to identify diseases and chronic conditions before symptoms occur. The CDC recommends:All people ages 13-64 should be screened for HIV at least once in their lifetime.All people ages 18 and over should be screened for hepatitis B at least once in their lifetime.All people ages 18 and over should be screened for hepatitis C at least once in their lifetime.Pregnant women should be screened for HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C during each pregnancy.Talk to your healthcare provider about getting screened! Forgot if you’ve had a screening? Ask them to check your records! Screenings are important because HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C don’t always have noticeable signs or symptoms. Some people should be tested more often—visit the web resources below to learn more! Or visit https://cdc.gov/hiv/testing/Scan here to learn more about HIV screening recommendations—Scan here to learn more about hepatitis B screening recommendations—Or visit https://cdc.gov/hepatitis-b/testing/Scan here to learn more about hepatitis C screening recommendations—Or visit https://cdc.gov/hepatitis-c/testing/2024-25JOIN US FOR ANOTHER FUN-FILLED SEASON!DMPA.org515-246-2322SETTING THE STAGE FOR MEMORIES THAT LAST A LIFETIME! The Wellmark Family Series returns for another amazing season, with three all-new productions taking the Civic Center stage. Each one-hour performance is designed to bring young minds on incredible adventures, while educating audiences of all ages and making memories that last a lifetime.Join us one hour prior to each performance at the Civic Center for a FREE DISCOVERY PARTY! This pre-show event is ﬁlled with art-making activities, demonstrations, music and other fun experiences!OTHER UPCOMING FAMILY SERIES EVENTS:ADD-ONADD-ON360 ALLSTARSApril 27, 2025Des Moines Civic CenterFiesta Con Sonia De Los Santos February 22, 2025Des Moines Civic CenterThe Remember BalloonsMarch 29, 2025Des Moines Civic CenterUnderneath A Magical MoonApril 19, 2025Temple Theater3-SHOW PACKAGE STARTS AT $24!LEONARDO! A WONDERFUL SHOW ABOUT A TERRIBLE MONSTER Des Moines Civic Center | Nov. 2, 2024Leonardo is a terrible monster. He tries so hard to be scary, but he just… isn’t. Then Leonardo ﬁnds Sam, the most scaredy-cat kid in the world. Will Leonardo ﬁnally get to scare someone? Or will it be the start of an unlikely friendship? This performance uses paper puppets, book pages, props, furry monster puppets, and songs to bring Mo Willems’ books to life.COMING SOON:

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43BE INFORMEDBE AN ADVOCATESURVIVEWhy is Cardiovascular Genetic Screening Important?Everyone has a heart: Take Care of Yours & Live Your Best Life!More than 1 in every 200 people have an inherited heart disease.Inherited heart diseases are the leading causes of sudden death in young people.Inherited gene abnormality does not automatically result in heart disease. Knowing your risk can help you understand and manage your health.! ! !Learn your risk for heart diseaseIf any family member experienced heart disease or any of the below health issues, consider genetic and clinical screening.Beneﬁts of Genetic & Clinical ScreeningHeart failure (younger than 60 years old)Implantable cardioverter deﬁbrillator (ICD) or pacemaker implant (younger than 50 years old)Heart transplant (younger than 60 years old)Unexplained seizures or seizures with normal neurological evaluationUnexplained cardiac arrest(s) or sudden deathExercise intoleranceSudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)Untreated LDL (low-density lipoprotein) known as bad cholesterol ≥ 190Multiple family members with congenital heart defectsWest African Ancestry in your familyDiagnosed with carpel tunnel syndromeDetect heart disease that did not show up in routine health exams. Early detection may prevent heart complications.Make informed decisions about heart health, including treament options.Help identify the cause of a heart condition or other health issues.Educate family members who may be at risk of heart disease.Learn about the chance that a pregnancy will lead to genetic condition.The average cost of genetic testing is $250The average out-of-pocket cost is $100This work was supported through theMIHF HealthConnect Fellowship.JOIN UNITED 55+JOIN UNITED 55+LIVEUNITEDBook BuddyA reading program that pairs volunteers with preschoolers for regular reading. The caring adult reads in person to the student at a local childcare center. You may pair up with a friend to share this weekly volunteer opportunity. Orientation & training provided.Power ReadVolunteer reading mentors are matched one-to-one with a student for about an hour each week and together they read and engage in conversation. Programs take place during the student’s lunch period at various Des Moines elementary schools. Orientation & training provided.Not New ShopCharity shop volunteers needed to Sort, size, and mark donated items according to suggested price list, using good judgment regarding discards. Assist customers with purchases, ring up sales, keep shop in order. Training provided.HOPE for the Holidays Donation DriveThe holidays are upon us! We are collecting cleaning products and gift cards for HOPE for Stable Families. This program works with families to set goals, remove barriers, and use available community resources to create long-term ﬁnancial stability for them and their children. For information about the program or how to donate, visit https://www.unitedwaydm.org/hope-for-the-holidaysHoliday Helping HandLooking for ways to give back this holiday season? Check out United Way of Central Iowa’s Volunteer hub. Head to the Holiday Helping Hand Guide tab to see opportunities around Central Iowa. Check back often as opportunities will continually be added through the end of the year. Visit https://volunteer.unitedwaydm.org/need/ for more information.Current & UpcomingVolunteer OpportunitiesTo register, scan the QR codeor visit:unitedwaydm.org/united55 Contact, Lynne MelssenAmeriCorps Seniors Program Directorat lynne.melssen@unitedwaydm.orgor 515-246-6544 Many believe that a meaningful life is not complete without the fulﬁllment that comes from helping others. If you're ready to take your commitment to the community to the next level, while meeting new people and gaining new experiences, UNITED 55+ is for you!

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UEM October 2024

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