DiBartolomeo Law Offices - June 2019

FAST FACTS ABOUT HICCUPS What Causes Them and Which Remedies Actually Work?

Everyone knows the feeling of impending dread that arises when a hiccup first escapes your throat. While hiccups usually go away on their own within a few minutes, they can interfere with eating and talking in a frustrating way. As a result, many people have come up with creative tricks to get rid of them. With common solutions like having a friend scare you or eating a heaping spoonful of sugar, how can you tell which of these remedies actually works? Hiccups occur when your diaphragm — a thin muscle in your chest that assists with breathing — spasms involuntarily, causing you to suddenly inhale. When this happens, your vocal cords snap shut, resulting in the hiccup’s distinctive guttural sound. While many household remedies are supported by centuries of anecdotal evidence, only a handful of studies have evaluated their effectiveness. Here are three natural methods backed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). BREATHING While there are countless remedies that involve holding your breath, only one is encouraged by the CDC. Place a paper bag over your nose and mouth and breathe in and out deeply and slowly. This increases the carbon

dioxide levels in your blood, which is thought to calm nerves and relax the diaphragm. PRESSURE POINTS Applying pressure to certain points on your body may relax your diaphragm or stimulate your vagus and phrenic nerves. The CDC recommends gently pulling your tongue forward once or twice to stimulate the nerves and muscles in your throat. If that doesn’t help, you can try plugging both your nostrils and ears while simultaneously drinking a glass of water. EATING AND DRINKING Some remedies include ingesting strange products through even stranger means, but only a few food- or drink-based remedies are actually touted by experts. While your favorite uncle might argue that a tablespoon of mustard, honey, or peanut butter does the trick, the CDC suggests that you gargle with iced water, suck on a thin slice of lemon, or drink an entire glass of warm water very slowly without breathing. Similar to the pressure point remedies, these methods are thought to relax your diaphragmatic nerves. While everyone seems to have a tried-and-true method they swear by, the next time you’re plagued with the hiccups, perhaps you should consider one of the CDC’s official solutions.

3 THINGS TO KEEP INMIND BEFORE FILING FORWORKERS’ COMP

There are many misconceptions about workers’ compensation. Like any kind of insurance, it’s often left up to the individual receiving workers’ comp to understand the fine print — this is one huge reason why working with a workers’ comp attorney can be beneficial. The saying “knowledge is power” very much applies to workers’ comp. Here are three misconceptions to think about if you or a loved one needs to receive workers’ comp. Your employer is on your side, and they’ll be with you every step of the way. Some employers do genuinely care about their employees, and some don’t. But when it comes to workers’ comp, this often doesn’t matter. When you’re injured on the job, your claim will find its way in front of an insurance adjuster. The adjuster has one primary goal: to pay you as little as possible. They aren’t empathetic. When you work with the insurance company on your own or with your employer — and

your compensation is far less than you need or deserve — it’s out of the hands of your employer. Your insurance will acknowledge your injury and claim as completely legitimate and pay your wages and benefits immediately. Again, insurance adjusters are not empathetic. They are trained to question everything, and they often assume you are trying to get your hands on money you may not really deserve. This means they will do what they can to delay payments. They want you to give up and return to work so they

can close the case and end payments — regardless of your true situation. Even if you hire an attorney specializing in workers’ comp, you cannot get more than precisely what you are due. Every situation is different. Insurance companies want to be in control of the situation and will do what they can to make that happen. Working with an experienced attorney is the best way to navigate the maze of red tape laid out by the insurance companies. An attorney is there to make sure you aren’t taken advantage of and to help you get the compensation you really need.

The Di Bartolomeo Law Office, P.C. 1139 Exchange Street | Astoria, Oregon | 503-325-8600 | www.JoeDiBartolomeo.com

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When you’re involved in an accident, the moments directly after may be confusing and scary. After all, your world was thrown into absolute chaos before you even knew what was going on. If you ever find yourself in an accident and don’t know what to do, here are a few helpful tips. 1. ATTEND TO THE SAFETY OF YOUR PASSENGERS Check to see if anyone at the site of the accident is hurt. If there are injuries, contact 911 immediately. Be sure not to move anyone who is seriously injured, as this can make their injuries worse. 2. CALL THE POLICE Even in a minor accident, involving the police is very important. When they arrive on the scene, they will keep a record of the incident, which will help you if you ever need to file an insurance claim or go to court. Keep in mind that the sooner they arrive, the more details they will have about the accident. 3. GATHER INTEL AND PHOTOS One of the most important things you should do after an accident is gather information. Take pictures of the damage to your car and other vehicles involved, or have someone else do it for you if you are unable. Be sure to get a few pictures of any visible injury you sustained in the accident, as well. Go around and ask for the addresses, names, and telephone numbers of everyone

involved, including eyewitnesses. While you’re gathering info, make sure not to interfere with any emergency personnel at the scene. 4. CONTACT YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY Informing your insurance company of the accident as soon as you can, even on-site, will help keep you updated about the process. Remember to submit your claim shortly after the accident as well to ensure you receive the money you need to cover your expenses. 5. REACH OUT TO AN ATTORNEY Many people think they don’t need to talk to a lawyer about their accident, but it can be an important step. Attorneys can advise you on where to receive the best medical treatment and what to do if an insurance company starts to push back against your claim. An attorney has your best interests in mind and will do everything they can to ensure your rights are protected.

GRILLED BEEF RIBS

Inspired by PaleoLeap.com

Ingredients

• 1 5-lb. rack of beef ribs • Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Heat a charcoal, wood-burning, or gas grill to medium high. Once heated, move heat source to one side or turn off half of the burners to create an indirect heat zone. 2. Season ribs with salt and pepper and char on the hotter side of the grill, turning occasionally, for 12–15 minutes. Once charred, transfer to the other side of grill and cook until the thickest part of the rib reaches 130 F, about 2 1/2–3 hours.

3. Let meat rest for 15 minutes. If desired, serve alongside grilled veggies.

The Di Bartolomeo Law Office, P.C. 1139 Exchange Street | Astoria, Oregon | 503-325-8600 | www.JoeDiBartolomeo.com

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What’s Inside

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The First American Road Trip

How Do You Get Rid of the Hiccups?

3 Things to Know About Workers’ Comp

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5 Important Steps to Take

Grilled Beef Ribs

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Google Changes the Game

GOOGLE CHANGES THE GAME WILL STADIA MAKE CONSOLES OBSOLETE?

CLOUDS ON THE HORIZON Using this new technology, Stadia users are essentially “renting” processing power from Google server banks. While this means you could hypothetically play your games from anywhere with an internet connection, there is a question as to whether you can really call them your games. After all, the >Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4

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