Dickerson Oxton - March 2022

Dickerson Oxton - March 2022

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

MAR 2022

ANIMAL BITES

CAR ACCIDENTS

MEDICAL MALPRACTICE

Read All About It Why It Pays to Have Your Nose in a Book

BICYCLE/ MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS

BRAIN & SPINAL CORD INJURIES

My children’s teachers always make a point to remind us of the importance of reading. They expect the kids, ages 9 and 7, to read for at least 20 minutes every evening to help hone their skills and build a habit. Every time I get one of those reminder emails, I realize what a good idea it is — and there’s no reason for the rule to apply to children alone. Of course, as an attorney, I read all day. But reading legal documents isn’t the same as curling up with a good book. March 2 is Read Across America Day, which aims to bring the joy and value of reading to all ages. After all, you’re never too old (or too young) to be swept away by a captivating story. One of the books that helped develop my love of reading was “Great Expectations” by Charles Dickens. I’d always enjoyed reading and writing as a kid. But when I read that book in high school, it helped inspire me to become an English major in college. A good book has the power to change your life, and it changed mine. So, Tom and I work to instill a love of reading in the kids, and I always make it a point to buy them books. My daughter loves female biographies, and we’re currently reading the autobiography of Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor. In it, she talks about her own love of reading she cultivated through her local library as a child. Sotomayor grew up poor, but she used reading to escape the more challenging aspects of her life. This habit served her well when she went to Princeton. Sotomayor couldn’t relate much to the rich kids she went to school with, so the library again became her escape. Her reading helped her catch up to her classmates, who’d had so many more opportunities in life. My son isn’t as big of a reader, but you can always interest him in anything to do with Minecraft, and there are plenty of books on the topic. He also enjoys reading kid-sized Spiderman books, which keep him entertained and remind

BURN INJURIES

him that reading can be fun. What the kids read matters less than whether they find it engaging or exciting. Finding books on things that already interest them goes a long way. As for me, these days I tend to spend more time reading nonfiction. A few years ago, Tom decided to buy a giant stack of self-improvement books, and among them were several by Brian Tracy. In my opinion, he’s one of the better authors writing in this genre, and books like “No Excuses,” “Eat That Frog,” and “Million Dollar Habits” provide grounded, practical advice. One of the things Tracy recommends is reading a book for at least 10 minutes each day. He encourages us to think of how many books we’ll complete in a year with this method and, by extension, how much knowledge and wisdom we’ll have given ourselves. Fiction or other fun books count because they help to keep your mind and imagination fresh. Multiple studies have even found that people who read the most have the lowest risk of developing dementia — that’s pretty powerful stuff. Whether it’s for 10, 20, or 30 minutes a day, I encourage you to make time in your schedule to read. The benefits are endless. Better yet, pick up a book with your child and read together. You’ll help inspire a lifelong habit and maybe even find a shared passion.

CONSTRUCTION INJURIES

NURSING HOME ABUSE

SLIP & FALL ACCIDENTS

BOATING ACCIDENTS

TRUCK ACCIDENTS

–Chelsea Dickerson

PHARMACEUTICAL & DRUG INJURIES

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DOG AND CAT GADGETS ARE HITTING THE MARKET Wearable Tech … for Your Pet?

Shamrock and Roll HOWTO SPEND ST. PATRICK’S DAY IN KANSAS CITY

If you don’t have a smartwatch or fitness tracker, you almost certainly know someone who does. Wearable tech is big business. Companies have already introduced options for adults and kids, and the next frontier is tech for your pet. Pet wearables are already on the market, and consumers have shown a willingness to spend money on their furry companions. So, what does pet tech do — and is it worth your money?

Kansas City has a long and rich connection to the Irish, dating back to the 1800s. During the 19th century, millions of Irish citizens migrated to the U.S., and many of them ended up right here in KC. It’s therefore fitting that our town knows how to do St. Patrick’s Day right. If you’re looking to wet your whistle, you probably don’t need our help finding one of the many local Irish pubs where you can get a drink. But what if you’re looking for more family-friendly fare? We’ve got you covered. SNAKE SATURDAY Kick off the festivities early with this North Kansas City tradition. This annual parade has long been a hub of family fun. The event, planned for March 12 (the week before St. Patrick’s Day), was on hiatus for the A traumatic brain injury (TBI) often upends a person’s life after an accident. These injuries can happen due to a car accident, blow to the head, fall, act of violence, or many other circumstances. TBIs can also result in secondary brain injuries, which may not emerge until hours or days after the original injury. They are invisible to the naked eye but can cause just as much damage. A primary brain injury occurs as a direct result of trauma. TBIs can result from a blow to the head or a rapid forward and backward movement that shakes the brain inside the skull. Some TBIs are closed brain Their Causes and Lo SECONDARY BR

A missing pet is every owner’s worst nightmare, and sadly, many animals don’t make it home safe. Microchipping has become common, but a standard chip only assists if someone else finds your pet and brings them to a vet or shelter. Wearable GPS technology, however, tells you how to find Fido now. With a small device, owners can constantly monitor their pets’ locations and quickly find their whereabouts if they get lost. Most pet GPS trackers also serve as activity monitors. Owners of outdoor cats can keep tabs on where they’re spending their time and whether they might be encountering dangerous situations. You can also learn whether your pet is getting enough exercise or if you need to increase their playtime. It’s fun to see a map of where your cat has been — but seeing the world through their eyes is even better. Pet cameras attach to animals’ collars and record everything from their point of view. If you regularly leave your pet in someone else’s care, the camera can function as a safety device to ensure they’re being treated properly — and that you’re getting your money’s worth. Wearables for your pet also provide convenience. For households with multiple pets, there are now food and water bowls that dispense only when a certain microchip is present. And a pet sensor for your doggie door is practical if you want the dog to go in and out of the house without bringing along other animals. If you’re worried about your pet’s safety, investing in one of these devices can give you peace of mind — money well spent. But if you’re just curious about how many steps your cat takes each day or hate getting up to feed the dog, it might be worth waiting. As they become more commonplace, pet wearables, like their human counterparts, will eventually decrease in price.

injuries, where the cranium is not pierced, while others are penetrating brain injuries, which create an open head wound. All TBIs can have profound effects. Some may be temporary, while others may be permanent.

A secondary brain injury is a side effect of the primary brain injury. TBIs can cause swelling, bleeding, or bruising. These responses can generate additional damage to the brain, resulting in secondary injury. Some symptoms include vision problems, memory loss, personality changes, seizures, persistent and severe headaches, and trouble sleeping.

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past two years, but it is back now and better than ever. The theme of this year’s festivities will be Lucky to Be in NKC, and there will even be a festival on site. Learn more — including how to enter the Charity Cook-Off or Lads & Lasses contest — at SnakeSaturday.com . KANSAS CITY ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE If you’re looking to celebrate the day of the holiday, there’s no better event to check out than the KC St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Held on March 17, the parade travels down Broadway for the enjoyment of thousands of spectators and usually lasts more than two hours. Refreshments will be available to purchase on-site, and there’s a special kids’ area set up to keep the young ones entertained. Plan your trip by visiting KCIrishParade.com . ST. PATRICK’S DAY RUN Do parades involve too much standing around for your liking? The Kansas City Running Club’s St. Patrick’s Day 4-Miler might be more your speed. Dress up in your greenest apparel and get a move on! Both groups and individuals are welcome to participate, and you might even win a medal. If you’ve got little ones who won’t make it 4 miles, the Little Leprechaun Run provides an opportunity to get in on the fun. Registration fees go up the longer you wait, so sign up now for the March 12 event at StPatricksDay4MileRun.com . This St. Paddy’s Day, make a plan the whole family can enjoy. You’ll all have fun — and be much less likely to wake up the next morning with a strong case of regret. While not all TBIs result in secondary brain injuries, you won’t be able to tell on your own whether or not you’re at risk. If you’ve experienced a head injury, always consult your doctor immediately for a comprehensive exam. Your physician can look for signs of swelling, bleeding, or other problems and take action to reduce their impacts. Some secondary brain injuries may require surgery, so don’t wait. Visiting your doctor also has a secondary benefit — it creates medical records that detail the extent and effects of your injuries. If someone else’s negligence caused your brain injury, you may be ong-Lasting Effects RAIN INJURIES

TAKE A BREAK

Simple Bok Choy Chicken Soup

Inspired by TheSpruceEats.com

Is the chill of winter lingering? A hot bowl of this Asian-inspired soup will warm you right up! Our recipe makes 4–5 servings.

INGREDIENTS

• 3 cups chicken broth • 1 tsp red pepper flakes

• 1 garlic clove, chopped • 10 leaves bok choy, thinly sliced • 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken

entitled to receive damages for what you’ve lost. The paper trail created by your doctor will be extremely useful in court. A secondary brain injury will only worsen the impacts of a TBI. If another person caused your brain injury, you may have the right to file a personal injury claim for your medical bills, lost wages, and future care needs. Our lawyers are experienced in these cases and know what it takes to win what you deserve. Contact Dickerson Oxton today for a free consultation.

• 2 tsp soy sauce • 2 tsp sesame oil

DIRECTIONS

1. In a medium saucepan, bring chicken broth to a boil. 2. Stir in red pepper flakes, soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic. 3. Add bok choy leaves and rotisserie chicken. Simmer for 10 minutes or until the bok choy is dark green and tender. 4. Enjoy with slices of your favorite whole-wheat bread!

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Advertising Material

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

INSIDE

THIS ISSUE

Celebrating Read Across America Day

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Inside the Hot New Pet Tech Market

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Family-Friendly St. Patrick’s Day Events

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What Are Secondary Brain Injuries?

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Simple Bok Choy Chicken Soup

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Get Healthy While Spring-Cleaning!

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IT’S MORE THAN JUST TIDYING UP 4 HEALTH BENEFITS OF SPRING-CLEANING

SPRING-CLEANING HELPS YOU BREATHE BETTER. Spring often brings pollen that triggers allergies for

Sunday, March 20, is the first day of spring — which means it’s time for some spring-cleaning. Did you know that cleaning is not just about tidying up a physical space? It’s also about improving overall well-being. Here’s how organization and cleanliness can help you in more ways than you might expect. SPRING-CLEANING REDUCES STRESS AND DEPRESSION. Tidiness and mental health are actually connected. Studies have found that having a clean home is directly correlated to happiness and your ability to focus. Anxiety can spike when laundry is piling up, items are strewn everywhere, and papers get scattered on various surfaces within the home. Clearing the clutter is a great way to boost your mood and increase those feel-good hormones. IT PREVENTS ILLNESSES. Doorknobs, refrigerator handles, light switches, countertops, and remote controls are all things we touch many times a day. Cleaning anything that’s used often is one way to reduce the spread of germs. By keeping household surfaces clean, we help thwart the spread of viruses and illnesses.

many. But pollen isn’t the only thing to blame when people have difficulty breathing. When dust and pet dander build up in

your home, your respiratory system is greatly affected too. Deep- cleaning your air filters and vents can make breathing effortless — and it’s truly amazing how this can improve your well-being. IT KEEPS YOU MORE ACTIVE. Off the couch and on your feet! Even just running the vacuum and clearing the clutter from the dining room table will get you up and moving, which is healthy for your heart and body.

This spring season, putting some elbow grease into your cleaning will benefit you in more ways than one. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later!

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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