Dickerson Oxton - November 2021

Dickerson Oxton - November 2021

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

NOV 2021

ANIMAL BITES

CAR ACCIDENTS

MEDICAL MALPRACTICE

Kid Safety Is Child’s Play Ways to Prevent an Accidental Injury

BICYCLE/ MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS

Even one serious childhood injury is too many, and at the firm, we see significantly more than that. While no one wants to think of something bad happening to their child, the truth is approximately 12,000 children die every year from accidental injuries. There are ways to keep your child safe and avoid an accident. November is Child Safety and Protection Month, so I want to share a few common causes of injury and how you can prevent them. FALLS Falling down is just part of being a kid, but some spills are more serious than others. Falls are the No. 1 cause of non- fatal childhood injuries and result in approximately 8,000 emergency room visits every day. While most kids will make a full recovery from their injuries, others won’t be as lucky, so taking reasonable measures is vital to prevent your child from falling in the first place. If you have young children, installing safety gates at the top of the stairs is one of the easiest ways to prevent injury. Not all safety gates are designed for this type of use, so

make sure to research the gate before purchasing and carefully read all the installation instructions. You should also remember that screens in windows are designed to keep bugs and birds outside, not to keep your baby inside. If your child can reach an upstairs window, install window guards with a fire safety release to prevent serious accidents. Tip-over accidents are also major hazards, and heavy furniture and televisions should always be properly anchored to the wall. About 10 children each day go to the emergency room due to television tip-overs, so taking a few minutes for safety will bring you long-term peace of mind. WATER Though summer is long over, it’s always a good time to think about water safety. Drowning is the top cause of accidental death among children ages 1–4, and a child can drown in as little as 1 inch of water. Never leave small children unattended near water, whether that be a pond, kiddie pool, bathtub, or bucket. Drowning happens in minutes, so turning away even briefly can result in tragedy. If you have a pool, make sure it’s entirely enclosed by a fence and has a self-latching childproof gate. Don’t let children swim unattended and keep a close eye on them while they’re in the water. Real-life drowning doesn’t involve splashing or screaming, so you should stay focused on what they’re doing at all times. Due to both the risk of drowning (and choking incidents), I always recommend that parents hire a child care provider who is CPR-certified. Hopefully, your day care, babysitter, or nanny will never actually use these skills, but they can prove invaluable if the worst happens. As a parent, it’s also a good idea to take one of these courses yourself. It only takes a few hours to learn, and it never hurts to be prepared.

BRAIN & SPINAL CORD INJURIES

BURN INJURIES

CONSTRUCTION INJURIES

NURSING HOME ABUSE

SLIP & FALL ACCIDENTS

BOATING ACCIDENTS

TRUCK ACCIDENTS

PHARMACEUTICAL & DRUG INJURIES

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Car collision accident injuries can be devastating for a person of any age, but children are especially vulnerable in the event of a crash. In 2018, 97,000 children under age 12 were injured in a car accident and, tragically, 636 died. That’s why it’s so important to ensure your child is properly restrained in a vehicle by a safety seat. GIVE YOUR K THE IMPORTANCE OF

Connecting with other humans in a positive way is one of the most profound experiences we have. That positivity is one of the greatest virtues — it’s contagious, and engaging in happy relationships with others is extremely important not only for our minds but also for our health. LONGER LIVES Studies have actually shown that when people are involved in positive relationships, they live longer. This is likely attributed to decreased stress, as stress can exact a toll on the entire body. Positive relationships can also encourage us to give up negative habits such as drinking or smoking, which cause many health problems and concerns. Healthy habits can help people live longer lives. QUICKER HEALING Positive people in our lives can distract us from pain, remind us to take medication, be our advocates, and simply reduce stress. And less stress means healing takes place faster. Those who have a support person feel more confident and prepared to undergo surgeries and fight illnesses as well. BOOSTED IMMUNE SYSTEMS It makes sense — people who have less stress have stronger immune systems. During times of high stress, our bodies are more susceptible to illnesses because our immune system’s ability to fight off antigens is reduced. The stress hormone corticosteroid can also lower the number of lymphocytes available to fight infection. However, when we are in a happy and loving relationship, our bodies produce oxytocin, and we are less likely to get sick. BETTER PHYSICAL SHAPE Being in a positive relationship, especially a romantic one, can provide the motivation to be the best version of ourselves. This includes our physical condition, too! Having a friend or workout partner to encourage accountability and even push us out of our comfort zone a bit at the gym can keep us motivated. Being in a positive, healthy, and happy relationship means we listen to each other, offer advice, openly communicate without judgment, practice respect and trust, and engage in healthy activities together. So, it’s no surprise that positive relationships work wonders for our health and happiness. The Benefits of Positive Relationships Good for Mind and Health

The customary safety devices installed in vehicles are designed for adults, which means they can do unintentional damage to children during a collision. A lap seatbelt is designed to sit across the upper thighs, so if it rests across a child’s stomach, it can cause lacerations or even damage their internal organs or spinal cord. Similarly, the shoulder belt riding too high can cause serious injury to a child’s head or neck if they’re too small for a proper fit. Child restraint systems — also known as car seats and booster seats — correct this problem and save countless lives. Every state has car safety seat laws, and Missouri’s laws are:

Thanksgiving is a time when most Americans reflect on their blessings and practice gratitude, which in turn inspires many to give back to their communities. If you’re looking for ways to help neighbors who experience food insecurity, Kansas City has many great organizations to choose from. We’ve listed three organizations below that welcome local volunteers. Act soon, because spots can fill up fast! NOURISH KC Nourish KC is committed to ensuring that all members of the community have access to nutritious food. Knowing that people who seek food assistance frequently have little choice in what they’re provided, Nourish KC hosts a free community kitchen that serves patrons in a restaurant-style fashion. All are welcome with no questions asked, and guests are given the opportunity to choose their meal from a menu. Nourish KC needs kitchen volunteer staff as well as help with their food rescue program. Learn more at NourishKC.org . DELLA LAMB Every year, Della Lamb Community Services hosts a four-day event called Operation Holidays, which provides Thanksgiving meals and Christmas presents to local families in Kansas City that need assistance. In 2020, Operation Holidays provided meals for 1,462 Giving Back

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KIDS A BOOST CAR BOOSTER SEATS

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DOGS

About half of all dog bite victims are children, and due to their size, they’re more likely to suffer serious injury than an adult. In fact, while only 12% of adults who are bitten by a dog need to visit the emergency room, 26% of children do. Dogs primarily bite out of fear, and they are naturally wary of people they don’t recognize and dislike unpredictable behavior. Since children are known for their low inhibitions and high energy, kids and dogs can be a bad mix. Teach kids to not approach unfamiliar dogs, run toward them, or interrupt them while they’re eating. While it can be hard for kids to be gentle, they also need to know to not tease dogs, climb on top of them, or pull their tails. If a dog bites a child, you should always call animal control so they can investigate the incident further and verify with the owner if the dog has had appropriate vaccinations. Not all dogs will have all of their vaccines, so if your child’s skin is broken and there is any doubt on the dog’s vaccination status, take your child to a doctor to determine if a rabies shot is needed. As a mother, I know it’s impossible to keep your eyes on your kids at all times. But by understanding the biggest risks and enacting safety measures, you can still let kids be kids while you keep them happy, safe, and thriving. Baked Cornbread and Chorizo Stuffing –Chelsea Dickerson

• A child under 4 years old or weighing less than 40 pounds must be secured in a rear-facing car seat with a five-point harness.

• Children between the ages of 4–8, weighing between 40–80 pounds and measuring less than 4 feet, 9 inches tall, must use a front-facing car seat or booster seat. • A child should only use a normal vehicle safety belt without a restraint system once they weigh at least 80 pounds and are more than 4 feet, 9 inches tall. Missouri’s booster seat laws are not designed to be punitive, only to keep children safe. Failure to obey the booster seat law can be punished by a fine up to $50, but the charges may be dismissed if the driver can prove they’ve since obtained the correct restraining device before the hearing. In most cases, the objective is simply to ensure the child is restrained properly in the future. Remember that no one plans for a collision to happen, so you shouldn’t let your guard down. About 52% of all car crashes happen within 5 miles of a person’s home — a scary and sobering thought. Make sure to always properly restrain your child when they’re riding in a car, no matter how short the trip. people and Christmas gifts for 1,287! This year, Operation Holidays will be held on Nov. 19–20 and Nov. 22–23, and they welcome all volunteers: individuals, corporate volunteer groups, sports teams, and church groups. Find out how you can give back at DellaLamb.org/oh . HARVESTERS Local food bank Harvesters gives free groceries to families in need for at-home use. Each year, they provide millions of meals to families in Greater Kansas City, in addition to personal care items like soap, deodorant, and toilet paper. The need is constant, and Harvesters is 3 WAYS TO HELP OTHERS THIS THANKSGIVING

Inspired by FoodNetwork.com

Spicy, savory, and sweet, this unique stuffing will level up your Thanksgiving table.

INGREDIENTS • 1 lb Mexican chorizo • 1 white onion, chopped • 1 carrot, chopped • 1 celery rib, chopped • 3 garlic cloves, chopped • 2 cups premade cornbread, crumbled

• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped • 1/2 cup chicken stock • 1 tbsp unsalted butter, for greasing • Cilantro, for garnish • Cotija cheese, for garnish

always looking for assistance with sorting, packing, and distributing food. They also welcome community members to set up both fund and food drives on their

DIRECTIONS

behalf. Find out more about how you can help at Harvesters.org .

1. Preheat your oven to 350 F. 2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chorizo for 5 minutes. Add the onion, carrot, celery, and garlic. Cook for 10 additional minutes. Stir in the cornbread and cilantro. 3. While stirring, slowly add the chicken stock. Stir until absorbed. 4. Butter a small casserole dish, then add the stuffing in an even layer. Bake for 20 minutes, garnish as desired, and serve!

No matter how you choose to give back this Thanksgiving, you’ll give both yourself and someone else a holiday to remember. You might also find yourself inspired to do more for your community the whole year-round!

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Advertising Material

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INSIDE

THIS ISSUE

Chelsea Shares Safety Tips for Parents

PG1

The Benefits of Positive Relationships

PG2

Protecting Your Child With a Car Booster Seat

PG2

Local Ways to Give Back This Thanksgiving

PG3

Oktoberfest Soft Pretzels

PG3

Football and Thanksgiving: A Match Made in Marketing Heaven

PG4

Football and Thanksgiving: A Match Made in Marketing Heaven

Last year, 30.3 million people tuned in to watch the NFL’s Thanksgiving showdown between the Washington Football Team and the Dallas Cowboys. For those Americans (and probably for you if you’re reading this article), football is as essential to Thanksgiving as turkey and stuffing — but why? As it turns out, there are two answers to that question. The first is that games have been played on the holiday for almost as long as it has officially existed. Thanksgiving became a holiday in 1863, and just six years later, the third American football game in history was played on it. According to SB Nation, the Young America Cricket Club and the Germantown Cricket Club faced off in that inaugural Thanksgiving game in Philadelphia, and football has been played on Thanksgiving pretty much ever since! When the

NFL was founded in 1920, the Thanksgiving game was official from the get-go.

The second reason we watch football on Thanksgiving is more about money than tradition. In 1934, a Detroit Lions coach, George A. Richards, decided that in order to attract more fans, his team would make a point to always play on Thanksgiving when most people were off work. To sweeten the pot, he committed his radio station (an affiliate of the NBC Blue Network) to broadcasting the Thanksgiving game live on 94 different stations across America. This idea was a hit from day one! According to Sporting News, the long-unloved Lions “not only sold out the stadium, they also had to turn people away at the gates.” In 1966, the Dallas Cowboys signed on to play every Thanksgiving, too, for similar publicity reasons.

Since those early days, football-themed traditions have flourished in American families. Apart from watching games on TV, one of the most popular is organizing a pre- turkey game of family touch football a la the sitcom “Friends.” (Its famed episode “The One With the Football” aired Nov. 21, 1996.) If you’ve never organized a game, this could be your year! To get started, Google “Scott’s Family-Friendly Touch Football” and click the first link.

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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