News – Miss Thief River Falls Pageant

Here is a copy of the article I submitted to local newspapers to promote “Better Hearing & Speech Month”–a perfect opportunity to raise awareness of my platform of preventing noise-induced hearing loss.  

Right now, you are utilizing your written language skills and cognitive abilities to read this message. You may also be listening to the radio or your iPod/MP3 player. Throughout the day you talk to family, friends, and colleagues. You use your hearing and speech all the time. However, you probably take them for granted. 

An illness or accidental injury can impair your ability to hear and talk. Your ability to process verbal or written information, reason, and organize your ideas may also be significantly impacted.  A head injury incurred in a motor vehicle accident and many health conditions such as strokes, brain tumors, laryngeal cancer, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, dementia, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and cerebral palsy may cause swallowing difficulties, which prevent us from enjoying our favorite foods and beverages.  Anyone, of any age, can be affected at any time. 

Since 1927, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) has celebrated “Better Hearing and Speech Month” each May to raise public awareness of speech and language disorders that affect 14 million Americans and hearing loss that currently impacts more than 28 million Americans.

Speech and language disorders can take many forms and can limit academic achievement, social adjustment, and career advancement. An individual may be born with a speech or language disorder, or it may be caused by accidental injury or illness. 

“Fortunately, most people with speech and language problems can be helped,” said Meghan Kuznia, Miss Thief River Falls 2010, a member of ASHA, and a graduate of the Communication Sciences and Disorders Master’s program at the University of Minnesota Duluth. “Even if the problem cannot be eliminated, we can teach people with speech and language problems specific strategies to help them cope and improve their current quality of life.  People may not fully regain their capacity to speak and receptively understand, but a speech-language pathologist can help them live more independently.”

Speech-language pathologists are the professionals who treat all types of speech, language, swallowing and related disorders.  They hold at least a master’s degree and are certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.  In Minnesota, they also are licensed by the state. Speech-language pathologists work in schools, private practice, hospitals, clinics, and other health and education settings.

This month of awareness is also a good time to analyze your own hearing and determine if you have a hearing loss that can be treated. You may have a hearing loss if you:

      *  frequently ask people to repeat themselves
      *  often turn your ear toward a sound to hear it better
     *   understand people better when you wear your glasses or look directly at their faces
      *  lose your place in group conversations
      *  keep the volume on your radio or TV at a level that others say is too loud
      *  have pain or ringing in your ears

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is recommended that you contact 1-800-638-8255 to find a certified audiologist in your area.

Scheduling annual hearing checkups is a good practice for individuals age 45 and up, according to audiologists, the professionals who specialize in preventing, identifying, assessing, and treating hearing disorders.  Audiologists can prescribe hearing aids and assistive listening devices, and they can teach people with hearing loss how to concentrate on hearing all sounds.  Audiologists are certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and are licensed by the state in Minnesota.

“Even a very slight hearing loss can have an impact on your daily life,” said Kuznia “Hearing loss is treatable, and there is no reason for anyone to miss all the important sounds of life.  An individual’s hearing loss has negative consequences that extend beyond their inability to hear properly.  A person with a hearing loss often experiences communication, socialization, academic, and emotional challenges.  A hearing loss may also cause concentration, sleep, and other health issues including high blood pressure and stress.”  In order to protect your hearing and maintain your quality of life, Kuznia encourages you to take her “sound” advice and actively follow steps to safeguard your hearing.      

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) is the national professional, scientific and credentialing association for more than 145,000 audiologists, speech-language pathologists and speech, language, and hearing scientists.  For more information, visit:  www.asha.org.  For more information regarding hearing and hearing safety, please visit Meghan’s website, www.meghakuznia.weebly.com, to read about her Miss TRF personal platform, “Sound Advice:  Preventing Noise-Induced Hearing Loss.”    

On Saturday, April 2, the 2011 Miss Minnesota Contestant Forum was held at the Crowne Plaza Suites in Bloomington.  I attended the workshop with my parents, Gayle and Annette, and the Miss Thief River Falls pageant director, Olive Goldesberry.  It was so nice to see my mom and dad and Olive again, as I have been busy working at my full-time speech-language pathology externship at Miller-Dwan Rehabilitation (a division of Essentia Health) in Duluth, completing my graduate research project paper, and studying for my speech-language pathologist licensing exam.  It had been a while since I was last able to go home, so it was great to meet in the cities for the weekend.  

At the Contestant Forum, the 21 Miss Minnesota local titleholders submitted the last of their Miss MN paperwork, attended an informational meeting regarding pageant-week events, selected their contestant number, and learned some new skin-care/make-up and fitness tips from Miss MN sponsors (Eileen Clift of Arbonne, Jason Young of Youngquest Fitness, and Shanon Murphy of The Hair District) and Miss Minnesota, Kathryn Knuttila.  A great highlight of the event was learning that I had collected the most Miss Minnesota program book personal salute pages!  The local titleholder who collected the most pages for the program book received her introduction number dress for free and had first choice at contestant number.  I selected contestant #9, which means I will be participating in the on-stage question and talent portions of the first night of preliminary competition (Thursday, June 16) and the swimwear and evening gown portions of the second night of preliminary competition (Friday, June 17).  I am very appreciative of the great perks and for all those who made it possible.  Thank you to all those who sponsored salute  pages:  Digi-Key Corporation in Thief River Falls, Northland Community and Technical College in TRF, Central Boiler in Greenbush, Kimball Midwest, Thief River Falls Chamber of Commerce, Thief River Falls Convention and Visitors Bureau, Kuznia Farms of Argyle, Dale’s Foods in Warren, the University of Minnesota Duluth’s College of Education & Human Service Professions, Dr. Paul Deputy – Dean of UMD’s College of Education & Human Service Professions, and all my wonderful and supportive family members (my amazing parents, Richard & Veronica Knoll, Dianna Helm, Patrick & Megan Knoll, Jim & JoAnne Ranstrom and family, Richard & Jennifer Kuznia, RJ Kuznia, Heather & Roland Buller and girls, Tony & Danielle Kuznia and family, and Ralph & Jean Edgar).  Thank you, all, so much for your thoughtfulness and consideration!

Later that Saturday evening, the 2011 Miss Minnesota Outstanding Teen (MMOT) pageant was held at the Eden Prairie High School.  The MMOT pageant is Miss Minnesota’s “little sister” pageant and is also affiliated with the Miss America Organization.  Ten, talented young ladies participated in the pageant that evening, including Miss Red River Valley Outstanding Teen, Brianna Drevlow (granddaughter of the Miss TRF director, Olive Goldesberry, and daughter of Jodi and Joe Drevlow from Joe Drevlow Insurance Agency, my Miss TRF sponsor).  I truly enjoyed watching each of the ladies showcase their many talents on stage during each phase of competition.  Alexis Houule of Duluth received the title of MMOT 2011.  Bailey Wacholz, Miss North Metro Outstanding Teen, was named first runner-up, and Brianna Drevlow was named second runner-up and received the overall talent award for her outstanding piano performance.  Congratulations to all the young women who participated in the MMOT pageant.  You should all be very proud of your accomplishments!  
      

On Saturday, February 26, the final two Miss Minnesota local titles of the year were awarded during the Miss West Metro and Miss City of the Lakes pageant (a dual “sweeps” pageant) held at the Hopkins High School.  Nine talented ladies competed for the two titles.  Allison Lordbock was named Miss City of Lakes 2011 and Samantha Phillippi received the title of Miss West Metro 2011. Tanya Whitcomb was named first runner-up.  I had a great time attending the pageant and watching all the great entertainment on stage that evening.  Miss Minnesota, Kathryn Knuttila, co-emceed the pageant and performed two or her original composition piano selections for the audience.  Congratulations to Allison, Samantha, and each of the women who participated in the sweeps pageant!  Best wishes to you all!  

On Sunday, February 13, the Thief River Falls Girl Scouts celebrated “World Thinking Day.”  The theme for the Girl Scout Organization’s World Thinking Day 2011 (which, officially, is on February 22) is “empowering girls will change our world.”  I had the great opportunity of being invited to speak to the TRF Girl Scout members about how my involvement in pageants and other activities has empowered me. Brianna Drevlow, Miss Red River Valley Outstanding Teen 2010, was also invited to the event to share her experiences with the girls.  We spoke to four groups of over 70 young ladies total that afternoon.  

I told a short, personal story of how my past participation in 4-H and community service activities while I was in elementary and Jr./Sr. high school and then my later involvement in pageant competitions were keys that unlocked my “closed doors.”  Even though I was still the same person with the same thoughts, perceptions, and attitude throughout those years, I became empowered to do more and meet my full potential.  4-H first helped me by giving me opportunities in public speaking and working with others.  Pageants empowered me by giving me the authority to accomplish more things than I otherwise could have.  For example, my personal platform of Miss TRF is spreading awareness of preventing noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL).  Without the opportunity to be involved in the Miss TRF organization and have this platform, I still would have practiced safe hearing behaviors and shared information regarding NIHL with my family members.  However, I probably wouldn’t have made NIHL public service announcements or gone into local schools to share information with students.  Who would want to listen to Meghan Kuznia?  Someone may be more willing to consider the message of Meghan Kuznia, Miss TRF.

I described to the girls that sometimes we need external things like activities we are involved in (i.e., church groups, sports, playing instruments, school activities, etc.) or even our friends to bring out the best in us.  When we feel safe and supported we are empowered and can freely express ourselves.  I shared with the girls the message that they should support each other and not put each other down.  The green-eyed monster may take over all of us from time to time as we witness the accomplishments of others.  However, instead of saying something negative and having a poor attitude, we should congratulate others and support them.  A kind gesture of saying “great job!” not only makes the receiver feel good, but may also make the one who says it feel good too.

Following Brianna’s and my short presentation, I handed out “Girl Power!” coloring pages to each of the girls.  They were encouraged to remember their true worth and find their own source of empowerment.

I enjoyed getting the time to talk with the TRF Girl Scouts and participate in their Thinking Day.  

On Saturday, February 5, the 2011 Miss Coon Rapids pageant was held at the Coon Rapids High School.  I attended the pageant  that evening with my sister-in-law.  Ten, talented, young ladies competed in the pageant.  It was fun to watch  the contestants showcase their talents during each phase of the competition.  At then end of the evening, Megan Ehlert received the title of Miss Coon Rapids 2011.  Congratulations, Megan!  Best wishes to Megan and each of the other ladies that competed in the pageant.  They should all be proud of their many accomplishments!     

On Thursday, January 13, I was invited to share information regarding my personal platform, “Sound Advice:  Preventing Noise-Indued Hearing Loss”, to students at St. Bernard’s Catholic School in TRF.  I had the great opportunity to speak to 80 kindergarten through 5th grade students about the dangers of being exposed to loud sounds and how we can prevent the harmful consequences of NIHL.  Since education surrounding NIHL is not often provided to young children, it is crucial that our youth learn how to protect their hearing before it it too late.  The students at St. Bernard’s School were such great listeners to my “sound advice” and asked many important questions and offered smart suggestions on what they can do to take steps in preventing NIHL.

Following the presentation teachers were provided with NIHL booklets and pamphlets, “Sound Advice – Preventing NIHL” wristbands, earplugs, and bookmarks to give to each of the 120 children that attend the school.  NIHL prevention posters were also distributed to school officials to be placed around the St. Bernard’s school.  

I really enjoyed my morning with the students at St. Bernard’s!   

On Tuesday, January 11, I had the opportunity to share my “sound advice” with six different sections of 6th and 7th grade classes at Franklin Middle School in Thief River Falls.  The 170 students were very respectful and receptive to the information regarding noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) that was provided to them.  As I discussed what NIHL is, what causes it, what happens to our hearing structures when we acquire NIHL, the statistics surrounding NIHL, NIHL symptoms, and the easy tips for preventing NIHL, the students shared many great personal stories and comments on NIHL-related issues and asked very intelligent questions.  The students mentioned that their school was hosting a dance that week and how they were concerned with protecting their hearing while participating in the fun activity.  The students were advised to stand away from the speakers and take “listening breaks” at the dance by stepping out of the gym (where the dance was being held) for a few minutes throughout the course of the event to give their ears some rest and help prevent severe damage to hearing structures. 

Following  discussions of how a snowmobile typically emits a decibel (dB) volume level of 100 dB and how we can only be exposed to this intense volume for no longer than 15 minutes without hearing protection before hearing damage can occur, many students raised their concern for what they can do to safeguard their hearing when they participate in the common pastime.  Students offered some great suggestions.  New snowmobiling helmets as they protect our head also help to protect our hearing with additional padding around the ear areas.  For additional protection, individuals who ride snowmobiles may also wear earplugs along with their helmets.  However, when wearing hearing protecting, one must be aware that his or her ability to hear other individuals or automobiles is greatly reduced.  So, individuals must truly take precaution and be aware of their surroundings to make sure they don’t put themselves or others in harm’s way.  

The students were given NIHL informational brochures, a sample of ear plugs, and “Sound Advice – Prevent NIHL” wristbands.  School officials were provided with NIHL prevention posters to put up around Franklin Middle School.  I also spent some time on Thursday, January, 13, consulting with the school principal on what could be done to protect the students’ hearing during the upcoming dance.  Principal Wayne was very receptive to the information and was concerned for the students’ and chaperones’ hearing during the dance.  I showed Principal Wayne how to use my decibel level meter and described what an appropriate, non-damaging volume would be for the dance.  He asked if he could borrow the decibel level meter so he could test the dance music’s volume to make sure that it would be set at a safe listening level.  It was so great to see Principal Wayne taking these measures to protect his students’ and other adults’ hearing!

I really enjoyed speaking with the middle school students and providing them with the necessary education on how to protect their hearing and prevent NIHL.