Dickerson Oxton - March 2021

Dickerson Oxton - March 2021

816-268-1960 | 913-428-8220 www.dickersonoxton.com

MAR 2021

ANIMAL BITES

CAR ACCIDENTS

MEDICAL MALPRACTICE

Family Work Hour Keeping the House Clean and Spirits Lifted Back when Tom and I were studying for the bar years ago, we were fortunate enough to live with Tom’s mentor, Nancy. Their generosity allowed us to focus more on our studies than our living situation. That’s not to say we didn’t help around the house, though. For the time we stayed with Nancy, this system worked well for us. Tom

BICYCLE/ MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS

“While it was a great idea for keeping the house clean, Family Work Hour was more than just a method for organizing household chores.”

BRAIN & SPINAL CORD INJURIES

and I liked this system so much that when we started a family of our own, we

Nancy created a system, which we called Family Work Hour. Every weekend, Tom, Nancy, her husband, and I would have one specific cleaning task assigned to us that we were responsible for. The idea behind this was that the four of us could accomplish a task far faster and more efficiently than one person over a two-day weekend. Additionally, it didn’t force all the house chores on just one person. Family Work Hour ensured the house was cleaned and everyone worked together to complete that task. I remember one of our tasks was cleaning the baseboards of the house. The baseboards, being so close to the ground and out of sight, are easily overlooked, until it comes time to clean them, which can be a little daunting. The idea of getting down on your hands and knees, moving from room to room throughout the whole house could take an entire afternoon. With our cleaning strategy in place, however, it took us around 20–30 minutes.

BURN INJURIES

tried to use Family Work Hour. Unfortunately, with the kids as young as they are, it hasn’t been as effective. Once they’re a little older, I think we’ll try it again. While it was a great idea for keeping the house clean, Family Work Hour was more than just a method for organizing household chores. It kept the house clean, and in turn, kept our spirits up, too — nothing makes you more motivated than a clean home. It’s that same feeling spring-cleaning — and spring itself — brings each year. After living with gloomy, dark, and wet weather for the past several months, it’s not hard to view spring as the first refreshing start of the year. Spring-cleaning helps us chase out the lingering effects of winter and boosts our spirits. To me, that’s what I look forward to most this time of year; it’s so refreshing to finally be out of winter. I can open up my windows again and let in fresh air. We can finally head outside to go for walks and enjoy the flowering trees or take the kids to a park to spend an afternoon playing. That renewal is crucial whenever March and the first of spring comes around. This year, March 20 is the first of spring, and I’m looking forward to the better weather heading our way, and everything it promises, too. However you celebrate the spring — either by spring-cleaning or enjoying the warmer weather — I hope you can chase off the last dregs of winter weather and feel refreshed and ready to take on the months ahead.

CONSTRUCTION INJURIES

NURSING HOME ABUSE

SLIP & FALL ACCIDENTS

BOATING ACCIDENTS

TRUCK ACCIDENTS

–Chelsea Dickerson

PHARMACEUTICAL & DRUG INJURIES

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MARCH MADNESS THROWB ‘The Shot’ of 199 Over the years, there have been many momentous plays in the NCAA tournament. Fans will remember the near-perfect performance of Bill Walton as he played through the championships in 1973. There was the game in 1996, where Darvin Ham shattered the backboard by recovering a rebound and slamming it into the hoop. But, here at Dickerson Oxton Law, we enjoy the plays made by the teams we cheer on year after year. Chelsea Dickerson, who went to Valparaiso University for her undergraduate degree, has cheered the Valparaiso Crusaders every year. The Crusaders, known to have their ups and downs every season, are known most for their tournament run in the late 1990s, particularly their game in 1998. That year, the Crusaders were No. 13 and found themselves facing a daunting adversary, the No. 4 seed Ole Miss in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. With 4.1 seconds left in the game, the Crusaders were down 69-67 with Mississippi’s Ansu Sesay at the free-throw line. Though he missed both shots, it shaved off two valuable seconds from the clock, leaving only 2.5 left in the game. Valparaiso came up with possession of the ball, 94 feet from their basket. Yet, that was when, as the commentators would later remark, “a miracle” happened. With the weather becoming warmer, more and more people want to go outside. Children, in particular, will be eager to get out their bikes after a long winter and enjoy cycling around the neighborhood. These bicycle safety tips can help keep you and your family safe in these coming warmer months. WEAR A HELMET. Kids on Bicycles KEEP YOUR FAMILY SAFE THIS SPRING

When Life Gives You Lemons ... Scrub the Microwave Lemons don’t just add a tart flavor to your favorite desserts or cool you down in a refreshing drink on a hot summer day. In addition to bold flavors, lemons also have powerful cleaning properties. Their acidity and oils cut through grease and can sanitize many of your household items. The best place to clean with a lemon is in the kitchen. For the microwave, simply juice a whole lemon into a bowl of water, then plop the used peels into the bowl. Microwave the mixture for a few minutes, let the bowl cool before removing it, then wipe away the grease in the microwave. You can also use this method for your oven. For odor-blocking properties, you can use a lemon as an air freshener. Leave half of a lemon in your refrigerator to trap and block potential smells and toss old lemon rinds down the garbage disposal. Run the disposal to clean the blades and freshen up the sink. As for your kitchen tools, don’t toss them out without trying this lemon trick first. Start by sprinkling salt on a wooden cutting board, then slice a lemon in half. Using half the lemon (flesh-side down) like a sponge, scrub the board really well. Wipe and remove the leftover lemon juice and rinse the board before using it again. Not only will the board appear cleaner, but it also won’t smell as bad, and the bacteria will be gone. You can also use this method to polish dining ware, spruce up copper, and even remove stuck-on food from plates. Now, here’s the real secret: Once you master kitchen cleaning a la lemon, you can use these same principles to clean other parts of your house. For example, salt and lemon can be used to scrub grimy sinks and faucets, while a few squeezes of lemon juice in a cup of water makes an excellent cleaning solution for mirrors and windows. You can even make your own reusable cleaning spray by fermenting lemon peels — and the peels of other citrus fruits — in white vinegar for two weeks. Remove the peels after two weeks and spritz the mixture over surfaces you need to clean!

Helmets are an essential part of safety, whether you are rollerblading, skateboarding, or bicycling. Their role is to protect the brain. They can save a person’s life if they are in an accident. However, not all helmets are the same. To ensure your head is fully protected, you will need to find a helmet that properly fits your head and to wear it correctly. CHECK EQUIPMENT. Before you start cycling away, you’ll need to check to see if it’s in working condition. Make sure the tires are inflated, the bike chain is where it should be, and the

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TAKE A BREAK

BACK

98

Valparaiso’s Jamie Sykes

inbounded the ball to Bill Jenkins at mid-court. Jenkins

caught and passed the ball in one motion to a wide-open Bryce Drew streaking down the right sideline, and Drew sank the 23-

foot 3-point shot at the buzzer. The arena erupted as the ball passed smoothly through the hoop. The Valparaiso Crusaders won the game 70-69. For many fans, this play was later called “The Shot” and is often used to highlight the jubilation that March Madness brings each year to fans and players alike. Last year, basketball fans across the country were dismayed when March Madness was canceled for the first time since it was first held in 1939. Luckily, the NCAA announced in January that the tournament will take place once again! With March here at last, fans everywhere are eager to once again cheer their teams on and, perhaps, witness a miracle game of their own. brakes work. If you notice anything that seems out of place, take it to a bike maintenance and repair shop to fix any issues and guarantee its safety. Once you’ve determined the bike is safe, be sure to adjust the seat so your feet fit comfortably against the pedals as well as the handlebars. BE SEEN. The most important aspect of bicycling is that the cyclist must be seen. While wearing lighter clothing can make it easier to be seen, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends wearing bright neon or fluorescent colors, regardless of the time of day. During darker parts of the day — early dawn, dusk,

If you’re looking to get your green on, why not try this light smoothie? Green Goddess Smoothie

INGREDIENTS

or night — wear reflective tape or use flashing lights. These steps will significantly increase the chance of your being seen by drivers. BE SAFE ON THE ROAD. Knowing which side of the road to be on, what certain traffic signs mean, and your role as a cyclist on the street will help keep you safe. It’s crucial that everyone knows and obeys the traffic laws and stays alert at all times. Before you and your family first get on your bikes this year, sit down together and discuss these safety measures.

• 1 1/4 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk • 1 organic apple, peeled and chopped • 1 medium frozen banana • 1 1/2 cups fresh organic spinach • 1 tbsp chia seeds • 1/2 medium avocado

DIRECTIONS

1. In a large, high-powered blender, add all ingredients. 2. Blend on high for 1–2 minutes, or until all ingredients are well combined. 3. If necessary, add more almond milk to thin the smoothie. 4. Serve immediately and enjoy!

For more information regarding bicycle safety and useful resources and informative videos, visit NHTSA.gov.

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INSIDE

THIS ISSUE

The First of Spring: Feeling Refreshed The Best Cleaning Tool Can Be Found in Your Kitchen 2 Seconds Left: What Could Happen? Bicycle Tips: Safety First! Take a Break Green Goddess Smoothie Get Your Seasonal Allergies Before They Get You!

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Get Your Seasonal Allergies Before They Get You! Spring brings with it many wonderful things, like longer days, picturesque scenery, and spring break, but right alongside those good things is something most people suffer from: allergies. While beautiful, the blooming trees and flowers make you want to stay away from the great outdoors for fear of nonstop sneezing or puffy, watery eyes. If you suffer

If you do find yourself inundated with pollen or other allergens, your next best bet is to establish an at-home decontamination protocol. Take your shoes off at the door and make sure your clothes don’t come in contact with soft surfaces such as carpet, upholstery, or bedding. Take care to wash your “pollinated” clothes as soon as possible and wash your sheets and pillowcases weekly. Next, head for the shower. The sooner you can wash away the allergens, the better. Finally, don’t forget to replace the air filter in your home’s air system in the spring. Consider using an air filter designed to capture allergens. If your allergies are particularly troublesome, invest in a dedicated air filtration system or unit. While you can opt for portable, stand- alone air purifiers, there are larger systems that can be incorporated into your heating and air system that keep your entire home’s air free from most, if not all, common allergens.

from allergies caused by pollen, grass, or other spring plants, take these steps to breathe a little easier. When outside, avoid walking through areas with weeds, shrubbery, or lots of trees as much as possible. Grass and weeds are notably problematic. The slightest breeze can send particles flying through the air in the blink of an eye. When you walk through grassy areas, pollen will get on you, your clothes, and your hair. It’s best to stick to trails, sidewalks, and other paved areas.

ADVERTISING MATERIAL: The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely on advertisements. This newsletter is provided to former clients, individuals who have contacted the firm regarding representation, and individuals who have requested to be on the newsletter mailing list. This newsletter is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or direct solicitation for employment of the firm on any particular legal matter.

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