Health and Fitness : Learn how to manage the day-to-day stresses of rural life

Rural residents and those who associate with them are encouraged to partake in a webinar series called "Rural Resiliency: Caring for You and Yours," 7:30-8:45 p.m. on four consecutive Tuesday evenings, March 2, 9, 16 and 23.

The series is sponsored by the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach dairy team, university extensions in Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota, Texas, Vermont, West Virginia and Wisconsin; and in cooperation with the Dioceses of Madison, Rockford, St. Cloud, Sioux City, New Ulm, Davenport, and the Archdiocese of Dubuque; the Synods of Northeastern, Southeastern, and Western Iowa, ELCA; the Wisconsin Council of Churches; and other rural church organizations.

"This webinar series is a discussion starter and healthy mindset promoter for dealing with rural behavioral and brain health, communication skills and relationship enrichment for self, marriage and families," according to program speaker Larry Tranel, a pastoral psychologist and ISU Extension and Outreach dairy specialist.

Farm families and those who work with them as consultants or neighbors are encouraged to attend. Local churches or ag businesses are encouraged to host a community site, following COVID restrictions, to allow farmers and interested rural associates to come together for group discussion and support.

"Attention to simple, but proven, relationship behaviors and mindset tactics can truly elevate our personal and family well-being to better deal with whatever life sends our way," Tranel said.

This material is based upon work supported by USDA/NIFA under Award Number 2018-70027-28586.

Sessions are as follows:

• March 2 - Farm Stress Resiliency and Grief
• March 9 - Personality Keys When "Married" to Farm Stress
• March 16 - Dealing with the Stresses of Men, Women and Children
• March 23 - Brain and Behavioral Health "Hacks" to Mitigate Distress

Register for the series at http://www.aep.iastate.edu/stress . Questions about the program can be directed to Larry Tranel at 563-583-6496 or tranel@iastate.edu.

Other Resources

Iowa Concern, offered by ISU Extension and Outreach, provides confidential access to stress counselors and an attorney for legal education, as well as information and referral services for a wide variety of topics. With a toll-free phone number, live chat capabilities and a website, Iowa Concern services are available 24 hours a day, seven days per week at no charge. To reach Iowa Concern, call 800-447-1985; language interpretation services are available. Or visit the Iowa Concern website to live chat with a stress counselor one-on-one in a secure environment. Or email an expert regarding legal, finance, stress, or crisis and disaster issues.

211 is a free, comprehensive information and referral line linking Iowa residents to health and human service programs, community services, disaster services and governmental programs. This service is collaborating with the Iowa Department of Public Health to provide confidential assistance, stress counseling, education and referral services related to COVID-19 concerns.