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Developing Leaders in Akron

It’s an old debate — can great leaders be made or are they just born that way?  While there are some people who’re born with natural leadership talent, the majority aren’t.  But, being born with the talent doesn’t mean it’ll be used effectively or guarantee success.  We all know a charismatic slacker, who “wasted his potential”.

A natural aptitude is not enough to become an effective leader; even those who have it must learn how to use it. They sharpen their skills through trial and error, just like the people who don’t have an innate ability.  Successful leadership is achieved through intentional focus and the willingness to learn.  Here are 3 things to focus on and practice.

Build a base of supporters

Good leaders commit to a long-term strategy which builds support and connections before they need them.  They create allies both within and outside the organization.  We’ve all had the experience of feeling used and resentful when someone suddenly notices us because they want something.  At best they get begrudging help and at worst can be sabotaged.

Build credibility

Do the work, there are no shortcuts.  On-going, long lasting successful leadership is built on the firm foundation of good execution and taking responsibility, which earns other’s trust and respect.  The capital you accrue is what you spend when (not if) you make mistakes.  It’s the difference between “He messed up, we need to get rid of that guy” and “Well at least he was trying to do his best, he’ll do better next time”.

Build others interest in your success

People respond to winners — they want to help, be around and work with them.  They respond to them for the most human of reasons, “What’s in it for me?”.  If you learn to listen to and act on what’s important to others, they’ll become invested in your success.  They’ll actively promote your ideas and support your power when they see how it’ll benefit them.

There’s this belief that leadership should be organic, people either got it or they don’t.  This simply isn’t so.  Successful leadership is achieved through intentional focus, a lifelong willingness to learn and practice, practice, practice.  Being born with the gift of natural leadership is the least of the skills you’ll need.

Cold Weather Activities To Keep Kids Active

You need to get creative when cold weather hits so your kids don’t just sit in front of a device all day long.

One of the hardest things about a four season climate like Akron, Ohio is the changes in season disrupt good habits.  Maybe in the warm months you hike, and in the cold months you binge on Netflix.  Maybe not.  But kids need to have good cold weather habits to stay healthy and be social.  Sure, school has gym for the younger kids but are you providing enough additional activities to keep the colder months active and engaging?

We assembled this list of possible things you can have your kids do during colder months.  Enjoy.

  • Swimming – Many indoor pools have swim teams during the Winter months, including the Kent Seariders.
  • Indoor Tennis – available in many locations such as Stow, Fairlawn, Medina, Hudson, Aurora and Green.
  • Karate – Lots of local martial arts studios.
  • Basketball – This time of year most community centers and YMCA’s are going to have Basketball going on.
  • Dance – year round exercise in every town.
  • Theater – You might not think of this as a physical activity but if it is a musical they will spend hours a week working on dance moves, as well as singing and memorizing lines.  Many community theaters exist around Akron.
  • Indoor Volleyball – popular with adults and older kids.
  • Pickle-ball – Sure there is going to be an older crowd, but they usually love getting younger people in there too.  Pickle-ball is all over the Akron area.
  • Gymnastics – There are many gymnastics centers in the Akron area, including Flytz in Cuyahoga Falls.  They not only have more advanced gymnastics training but also tumbling classes for the younger kids.
  • Yoga and Zumba – Classes kids can participate in are all around.
  • And finally, there is always the option of hooking your laptop to the computer, going on YouTube and finding workout videos the whole family, or a group of friends together after school, can do together.  A great workout and zero cost.

Whatever you decide, now is the time to develop good cold weather habits so you maintain good health and fitness all Winter long.

Lawn Cleanup Tips

What you do to clean up your lawn in the fall depends on a few factors.

  1. Do you have a large or small yard?
  2. Do you have many or a few trees?
  3. Do you have kids that like to help?
  4. Does your Akron area home provide curb side leaf pickup?

There are a variety of techniques to clean the yard.  In Kent, where I like, we have trees that keep their leaves until Spring in some cases.  That means we are picking up leaves throughout the Fall, Winter (if warmer) and Spring.  Because of this I like to pick them up in batches and not try to do the entire lawn at once.

30 Years ago you saw people raking and bagging the leaves.  Now the manual way to get it done is to rake leaves onto a tarp and drag the tarp to the front of the house and dump them along the curb and they will get cleaned up by your city in many cases.

Other options include leaf blowers.  Electric leaf blowers are inexpensive, but will only work well for modest amounts of leaves that are dry.  A gas leaf blower will be able to handle more leaves and damp leaves much better.  Make sure you wear ear plugs to protect your hearing.

Another option is simply to mow the leaves if they are few and scattered.  Mulching them into the yard with your lawnmower set low is good if there are not too many.

Lastly, hire a company to come and clean your yard.  If you are older or too busy, having a landscape company come and use blowers to clean your yard well will save you the hassle and difficulty.

Remember, just like shoveling snow, raking leaves is not an activity your body is most likely used to and it can be dangerous if you push too hard or try to do too much.  You will likely be sore for days and you could hurt your back or suffer other injuries, so make a smart choice to remove your leaves and cleaning your yard.

 

Car Winterization Tips

The average temperatures in Akron and throughout Northeast Ohio have been incredibly good this year.  The lowest temperature has been around 53 degrees Fahrenheit this November, and on thanksgiving week, the temperatures are supposed to dip a bit, but nothing too bad for this part of the country.   Taking that into consideration, we are having better weather than other years, and that means we have more time to take care of our cars’ “health” before winter truly arrives. Here is list of 5 things you should be checking out to ensure your car is running smoothly and won’t let you stranded.

  1. Battery – If starting your car seems to be getting sluggish, and your car’s battery is older than three years, it is a good time to get it checked and make sure it is still in working condition. If your engine light is on, sometimes the battery is the one responsible for it, and you need to replace it as soon as you can.
  1. Coolant – also known as antifreeze, can help your car’s engine stay at optimal condition in cold weather. Coolant can keep your engine from freezing during those single digit temperatures in the northeast Ohio area, and you can get a gallon of antifreeze for less than $15 dollars
  1. Tires – We usually replace the tires in our car by the pair.  During cold weather, and when there is snow on the ground, having good tires can be the difference between having an accident or not.  Making sure your car has good tires, and that they have the right pressure, is very important for you and the life of your car.
  1. Lighting – By 5:15 p.m. we are experience the sunset in northeast Ohio, sunlight is no longer there when we leave work, and during this time of the year, it is very important the light bulbs in our cars are all in optimal condition. The visibility we have during the winter months is much less, and we need to be prepared for it.
  1. Washer Fluid – during a snow storm, it is very frightening to find yourself with no washer fluid in your car. Visibility is null, and a Walmart is nowhere in sight, what do you do? Make sure the fluids in your car are checked before winter arrives, and not only the washer fluid.

By taking care of your car, you  can prevent accidents, avoid unnecessary expenses like towing services, and maximize the life of your vehicle.

Outdoor Activities for Snowy Time – Prepare Now

This Fall it is critical to be building up your endurance and your skills in one of these activities if you plan to do it in the Winter weather as well.  It turns out, a lot of people run, bike and hike in the snow.  It can be a lot of fun but it is not the time to start those kinds of activities.  Instead, start doing them now and gradually work your way into the snowy Winter months to get the most enjoyment.

I took the time to find a good article on each of these activities for further reference along with the summaries below.

The first thing I have to confess though is that I am a little bit of a worry wart myself.  I like safety and at first blush, these do not seem like the safest things to do.  But like any activity, if you take safety precautions and build up your skill level, these can be fun year round.

1) Running in snow in Akron – I know someone who is part of a group of people in Peninsula who run in all weather year round.  And the person I know is very fit.  She told me the only days they do not run are when there is lighting.  So they run in snow, rain and extreme heat.  According to this webpage on Running World, you can buy things for running directly on snow and ice.  They suggest running in soft snow when possible and not on hard packed snow and ice.  The interesting part of this article is the advice that you will get a great workout because of the difficulty, although you will not beat your best time.  https://www.runnersworld.com/ask-coach-jenny/running-on-snow-and-ice

2) Biking in snow in Akron – With all the great bike trails throughout NE Ohio, it is a shame we cannot use them year round.  But of course you can if you are brave enough to go biking in the s

now.  My first impression is that you are going to be sliding a lot and some days that will certainly be true, but according to this article on bicycling, you can use any bike although mountain bikes and fat bikes will give you better stability.  As I mentioned, you should be biking regularly before the snow hits, and not trying to practice a new skill in the worst possible weather.  Find out more here. https://www.bicycling.com/training/tips/9-dos-and-donts-of-winter-cycling

3) Hiking in snow in Akron – Lastly, going hiking in the many Metro Parks in Northeast Ohio can be done all year long.  Just like running, you are going to get a more physical workout because of the added challenge.  Depending on the weather, you may want some more gear and even possibly some snow shoes to get around.  Also, if you are hiking back into deeper places, be sure to go with a friend and mark your location on your mobile phone when you start in case you lose the path.  Some of the paths that are easy to follow in the Summer may be nearly invisible when covered by snow.  For more on hiking in the snow read this article on Hike It Baby.  https://hikeitbaby.com/blog/hiking-in-the-snow/

You can play it safe in the Winter and go to the gym.  But you do not have to do that and you can always mix up your routine with a nice winter hike, bike or run.

 

 

Fall Car Maintenance for Akron Residents

As Summer ends and Fall begins, you want to take a look at several things with your car before the weather gets too cold.  Some of these things are basic and can be done at a local parts store and some of these things you might need a mechanic to check, maybe at your next oil change.

Wipers and Fluid are something to get replaced and filled up before you start getting into sleet and snow.  That is no time to not be able to see well.  And do not add water to your wiper fluid as it could freeze.

Next look closely at your tire treads.  If they are worn too far down it is time to get new tires before the slick roads pose a bigger risk.  Shopping around in local Akron tire stores before you need to rush and find replacement tires will help you get the best price.

Next consider having your battery tested.  Once it gets cold you may find a marginal battery is no longer turning over the car and you are stuck someplace and cannot get the car started.  Last year we had a fairly new car not able to start because one cell of the battery was bad.  This was odd as we knew a newer car should not have a battery issue that early but it was important to figure out the issue and replace it because we got stranded several times.

Heating is also something to take a look at.  Once you start using the heater again, there are a number of things that can go wrong and make the heating less efficient or even overheat the car.  At the very least make sure if you have had your radiator flushed and it has the proper level of coolant if it is time for that.

Check all of your lights as well.  If you are going to replace burned out lights yourself it is a lot more pleasant to do it in 50 degree weather than 30 degree weather.  Might as well do it now.

Lastly, a common issue is brakes.  If your brakes are worn and you have not replaced the brake pads yet, it will only be worse as the road conditions get worse.  It is important that you can stop well and that everything has been checked out.

Does Your Cat Need To See The Vet?

Cats can be great pets.  Less fuss and often fairly hands off.  But how do you know when they need to go to a veterinarian if they are not obviously sick?  We went to a local Medina veterinarian to find out what to look for.  Here is what he had to say.

These are the signs your cat needs to go to the vet:

1. If your cat is experiencing chronic weight loss. (in older cats, could be a sign of kidney disease or thyroid disease)

2. No longer grooming itself.

3. Hiding, sleeping in strange places

4. Not using the litter box

Dr. Steve Hicks - Akron Medina Veterinary HospitalChanges in a cat's patterns can be cause for alarm. Your cat should be very predictable and you will notice changes in behavior.

Dr. Steve Hicks - Akron Medina Veterinary Hospital

5. Increased amounts of urine in litter box (occurs with diabetes and kidney disease)

6. Increase in vomiting (most cats vomit occasionally, especially hairballs, but an increase in the pattern could be a sign of a bigger problem)

7. Decreased appetite

8. Drooling, rubbing face (could be a sign of dental disease)

Our cat has done some of these things for years and it is often not a sign to panic.  For example, our cat stopped using the litter box for a bit, we took it to a vet in Kent and it turned out to be because we changed which litter we use.  I learned that cats are very picky about changes and something as small as changing brands can cause this.  We switched back and the problem was solved.

Our cat also has always liked to go up in the basement ceiling when it gets sick of us and wants to get away.  Now that she is older she has stopped, but it was an issue for years but never meant we needed to take her to the vet.  Just her personal space I guess.

The key is being aware of the signs and not hesitating to take your cat to a veterinarian if you notice these kinds of issues arising and worrying you because they are not a one-time thing.

Don’t Clean Your Gutters Yourself – Dangerous!

Here in Akron, gutters start filling up with leaves in Fall. What most don’t realize is that cleaning gutters alone is hazardous and homeowners are safer hiring contractors to do this job. It’s just dangerous to clean gutters yourself. People think it is not a big deal, but it is. Many don’t want to hire a professional to clean their gutters and think it is easy to clean the gutters themselves. Many are uncomfortable inviting strangers into their home to work on their property, but hiring a professional is important for work like this. It can be awfully dangerous to try it yourself.

Cleaning your gutters yourself has a lot of inherent dangers to it. You can be working on a ladder which may be an old ladder from the garage, and every step the frame shakes and wiggles.. It can be hard to get it to work right and stand up properly. However, if you are working with a contractor, they will have a brand new ladder to work with. They can stand it up correctly, and will handle the cleaning of the gutters easily. All of the contractor’s equipment will be up to date and of professional quality, so homeowner’s need not worry about rookies.

If you are cleaning your gutters yourself, you can also get exposed to dangerous stuff inside the gutters. You never know what it is in your gutters, and you have to be prepared for just about anything Including gross debris from who knows how long, combined with twigs, leaves and pine needles. Anything can fall into the gutter and touching it with bare hands is never recommended. Professionals will come ready with equipment and heavy gloves gutter cleaner will be able to clean them safely , because they will have a face mask on, which will prevent them from breathing in chemicals or flinging a twig into an eye when they get the gutter cleaned. It can be really difficult to have someone clean out your gutter if you are accustomed to doing it.

You should be prepared to offer them your best support for when they clean it, though. Horror stories of critters living in the gutters aren’t made up and if there’s been a history of them at your home, let your contractor know. Tell them about all the intricacies and details of the gutter. It could be dangerous for a worker if they find out a surprise while gutter cleaning. You want them to be prepared for every eventuality when they are cleaning your gutter. Contractors are good at what they do, but they still need your support to succeed.

Home Ownership in The Akron and Surrounding Areas

According to a recent study conducted by Harvard University found that almost 40 million Americans can’t afford their homes.  Mortgage, insurance, and taxes have become a heavy burden for many people that bought too much house, to begin with, and now are financially distressed.  The study also found that people that want to buy are unable to, due to the high cost of homes.

Wages have not kept up with inflation, while the increase in rent has risen considerably over the last few years making the dream of owning a home a bit less unattainable.

In the Akron and surrounding areas, the cost of a home is affordable depending on the neighborhood. A quick search can give you 2,752 homes for sale in less than a minute, with prices ranging from the low 20’s to the 250s. Homes in cities like Los Angeles and New York seem pretty impossible to own.  The median house value of a home in Los Angeles is approximate $633,000 according to the website Zillow.

What to do then if you really want to own a home?  You have to ask yourself several questions before you decide. 

  1. Have you saved enough for a down payment?  Banks and mortgage lenders’ interest rates and options for a loan change if you have a nice downpayment for a home.  It is also good for you to know you can be disciplined enough to save as the costs associated with keeping a home after you buy it can be shocking for first-time buyers.
  2. How much house can you afford? You can go to any mortgage calculator on the web and enter your income. It will give you different options depending on what you enter, but it should not exceed more than 35% of your debt. Your monthly mortgage payment, car payments, child support payment, credit card and student loan payments should not exceed that amount. Remember you CAN buy too much home and eventually lose it, don’t fall into that trap.
  3. Is this your dream home, or only a home for a few years? Many people buy a first home planning to eventually get their dream home.  If that is your case, planning where and what to buy is extremely important.  You don’t want a neighborhood where home values are decreasing yearly, or if you have children, where the school district is not up to standard. Take your time and choose well.
  4. How do you feel about buying a fixer-upper? If you or your spouse are handy and enthusiastic about fixing a home, why not buy a fixer-upper?  Depending on the problems with a fixer-upper, you can really have a beautiful home without having a crippling mortgage.  Pay attention to the foundation of the home first and foremost. The foundation’s structural integrity is too important to the home for you to leave it up to chance.  If there is a problem with the foundation, call a foundation repair specialist for a quote and professional advice.
  5. Will your family keep the standard of living they were accustomed to? Buying a home does not mean you have to sit around staring at the walls of your home for years because you did not anticipate the cost associated with keeping up the home. The mortgage payment, taxes, and insurance you calculated before buying the home does not take into account the upkeep of the home.  As a rule, you need to save 1% of the cost of the home for the upkeep every single year.  Sometimes, we do not anticipate this and it can be a bit painful if we are already stretched too thin.

Most people would like to own their homes, it is the American dream after all, but don’t fall into the trap of buying too much house that you are always afraid of losing it.

Extreme Fitness Safety

Exercise is a great way to get into shape or to stay in shape. One trend for a while now has been extreme fitness, where people push themselves to the limit.  However, this is only for people who have consulted doctors and are already in good shape and knowledgeable about fitness and their body.  You have to be good at listening to your body and keeping careful track of your workouts and how they effect you to go down this road.
When preparing for an extreme fitness routine there are many safety precaution a person needs to take in order to stay healthy and to keep from becoming sick.  Before starting the exercise routine a person should wait at least one hour after they have finished their last meal. This will allow oxygen and nutrients to circulate throughout the body and for digestion to be completed. If a person ate a large amount of food they should wait an even longer period of time before exercising. During the summer months the hottest part of the day is between 10am and 4pm. When possible a person should avoid a workout outdoors during this time when the sun is the strongest. If a person does want to work out then they should stay indoors and in the air conditioning.
When working out it is important to drink plenty of water. Four to six ounces is recommended for every 20 minutes of the workout. This will keep the body from dehydrating and will help cool the body down. Loose fitting clothing should also be worn. This will allow the sweat to evaporate off of the body. For every hour that a person plans on working out they should take a fifteen minute break. This will give the body a chance to cool down and rest before continuing on with the workout. When doing an intense workout program a person should monitor their heart rate. When a person exercises their heart rate will increase but they need to make sure they are still within a healthy range. The heart should not go above fifty percent of its normal resting rate even when involved in an intense workout.
Examples of more extreme exercise are Crossfit, Spinning, Boxing, Weight Lifting, Spartan Training, Marathon Training and anything HIIT oriented.  HIIT – High Intensity Interval Training is a system of planned cardio respiratory training which requires repeated bouts of short duration, high-intensity exercise intervals combined with periods of lower intensity intervals of recovery. You want to look into any of these types of fitness regimes because there can be dangers.  Just take a look at what has been found out about spinning – which you would think is super low impact and safe.
Do a search around Akron and you will find many types of more intense fitness programs.  Many Akron gyms have programs for more advanced people looking for a challenge and to push themselves.
When looking for an intense workout a person should combine walking, jogging, and cardiovascular training. This will help the body get into shape and be able to handle the intensity of the workout. Like all exercise programs be sure to consult with a doctor before starting.