Gillette Law - July 2018

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ILLETTE

GAZETTE

JULY 2018

DOING WHAT YOU CAN WHAT I LEARNED FROM CROSSFIT

In last month’s edition, I mentioned that I have begun working out at a CrossFit “box.” The workouts are intense, but I can’t deny that I’m seeing results. In fact, I’ve gone down from a 42-inch waist to a 36-inch waist since starting. A few months ago, my team at the law office was very surprised to see me walk into the office in jeans for the first time. Casual Fridays success story aside, I’m not one of those athletes you see competing in the CrossFit Games on CBS. My one and only goal is to keep going, day in and day out. While I initially started this workout regimen to see if I could handle it, I’ve since come to see it as a truly positive outlet — one I would suggest to my readers if you are up to the task. First and foremost, you should always talk with your doctor before beginning any exercise regimen. Get the opinion of a medical professional who understands your fitness goals and any ongoing disabilities you have. Everyone’s needs are different, which is why it’s important to find a flexible workout regime that works for you.

the regimen is that it’s scalable, meaning workouts can be adjusted to fit your abilities, enabling you to “use what you have.” This is why everyone, from Navy SEALs to 70-year-old women, can work out in the same gym. I know from firsthand experience that the coaches at the gym can work with you to accommodate your individual needs. This May, I tweaked my shoulder while lifting sandbags, and I had to avoid overhead exercises. Thanks to the flexibility of my gym, I was able to still participate in group workouts with a modified exercise routine that took my injury into account. Regardless of whether you are interested in signing up for a gym or picking up another exercise activity, I strongly recommend finding a supportive group setting. Having the camaraderie and support system at my gym has played a big part in helping me reach my goals. I’ve deeply enjoyed becoming a member of this community, and I have gained a lot of satisfaction from getting into shape. Believe it or not, I’ve actually gained weight, despite dropping pants sizes, thanks to the extra muscle I’ve put on. Taking Arthur Ashe’s words to heart, I’ve been

“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.”

–Arthur Ashe

In giving this advice, I am reminded of the words of legendary tennis star Arthur Ashe. When reflecting on his career, the Wimbledon champion shared a humble, straight-forward mantra. “Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” It’s a great reminder that we don’t exercise to outperform other people; we do it for ourselves.

N e x t D o o r Bu

using what I have to do what I can, and it turns out that I can do more than I expected. I’m sure the same can be true for you, as well.

Some people I talk to are surprised I do CrossFit because of their perception that it’s for high-level athletes. But part of the strength of

–Brian Gillette

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THESE MALLS WERE MADE FOR WALKING The Exercise Venue That Will Keep You Cool and Fit

Squeeze in Some Shopping

If you’re young at heart and looking to stay (or get) in shape this summer, consider taking a trip to the mall. No, not to pick up some hot new exercise product or dietary supplement, but to walk a few laps. Safe and convenient, “mall walking” has become one of the biggest trends in senior fitness. Cool in the Summer, Warm in the Winter This time of year, heatstroke can be a real concern when exercising outside. But that doesn’t mean you have to be a homebody. Because malls are spacious and climate-controlled, they make great year-round walking venues, especially when summer temperatures spike. You don’t even need to put on sunscreen! Rest Stops Abound While the average American shopping center isn’t as scenic as the Appalachian Trail, they are far more convenient. Replete with bathrooms, cool drinking water, and plenty of benches, the mall lets you focus on exercising and removes all of the “what ifs” that come with aging. Most malls are also outfitted with EMT kits in the event of a medical emergency.

It is still a mall, after all. Why not check a few items off your shopping list or reward yourself with a new pair of sneakers? Getting things done as you exercise makes the experience that much more rewarding. Just remember not to overdo it. Carrying too many shopping bags can place undue stress on your back — and your wallet. You Won’t Be Alone

Today, malls are the second-most popular places to walk in America, after neighborhoods. Mall walking has become so big that many communities and senior living centers have put together official groups to stride together. Your local mall may already open early to accommodate walkers. So if you’re looking to make friends in an active, fun-loving community, do some research. Chances are there’s a mall-walking club near you!

AN AVENUE FOR CARE

Uninsured? You Have Options

At the Gillette Law Group, we firmly believe that a person’s income should not affect their ability to get the care they need. Every day, we work with clients who are faced with severe, often long-term medical challenges they can’t afford. To those facing these challenges without the aid of insurance, we want you to know you have options. For the uninsured in Virginia, there are a variety of community clinics that offer care to those who would otherwise be unable to afford it. While these care facilities provide many essential medical needs, they often lack resources for more advanced treatment. For serious, ongoing medical issues, the best-equipped option for the uninsured is at the Medical College of Virginia. As part of Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), the care facilities of the medical college are on par with any hospital. In fact, they are recognized internationally for their treatment of organ transplantation, head and spinal cord trauma, burn healing, and cancer treatment. Many of our state’s community clinics refer patients to VCU for care.

Best of all, they are committed to getting uninsured people the care they need. VCU is the largest provider of indigent health care in the commonwealth, offering a host of financial-assistance programs to the uninsured. In fact, they offer free care to patients whose income falls below the federal poverty level. They also offer discounts on a sliding scale to those with incomes up to 200 percent above the federal poverty level. For a complete picture of the financial-assistance programs available from VCU, visit VCUHealth.org/vcu-medical-center/ billing-and-insurance/financial-assistance/financial-assistance- vcu-med-ctr. If you or a loved one is unable to afford care, ask your clinician to refer you to VCU, or call the medical center’s financial assistance line at 804-828-0966. You may need to fill out an application with VCU Medical Center’s Financial Counseling Department before you can be approved for care. It’s important to us that you get the care you need. You don’t have to suffer in silence; there is help out there. If you are uninsured, please consider reaching out to VCU and getting the medical assistance you need.

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DO YOU KNOW THE DANGERS OF METAL-ON- METAL HIP IMPLANTS?

If you or a loved one has received a metal-on-metal (MOM) hip implant, we strongly urge you to read the following information. These implants have recently been linked to serious health risks you may not have been aware of. If you have received a hip implant in your lifetime but are unsure if it is a MOM design, contact the orthopedic surgeon who performed your implant surgery. What’s the Concern? At the end of last year, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published concerns over the risks posed by MOM hip implants. A MOM implant uses both a metal ball and socket in its design. The FDA warned that “wear and corrosion” from these parts sliding together could occur, meaning “metal particles will enter the bloodstream.” This dire prediction turned out to be correct. Citing its concerns, the FDA called on manufacturers to study MOM implants more closely. These studies have since found that MOMs have a far higher fail rate than ceramic or plastic implants, causing pain in the implanted person and requiring them to be replaced much earlier. Furthermore, the implants were linked to high levels of metals in the bloodstream.

To make matters worse, an investigation by BBC News found that these potentially toxic metals can be absorbed by your body, possibly damaging bones, muscles, and organs. The FDA now warns that “extensive damage” to nerve endings can also occur. What Should I Do? First and foremost, do not panic. Just because you have a MOM implant, does not mean that it has begun to fail or deteriorate. With that said, you need to take precautions to catch these health risks early. The FDA recommends you follow up with your orthopedic surgeon to see if you may be in need of regular blood tests and imaging procedures. For specifics, visit FDA.gov/ medicaldevices and search “metal-on-metal hip implants.” After taking these steps to look after your health, you should move to defend your rights. These devices expose you to serious health risks and may require expensive medical testing and procedures. If you have received a MOM implant, you may be entitled to compensation. Give us a call at 757-220-4529. Our legal experts will listen to the unique aspects of your case to help you find the best course of action for seeking compensation.

MRS. LEWIS’ BANANA PUDDING

DAD JOKE

What did one flag say to the other flag? Nothing. It just waved.

Ingredients

• One 14-ounce can of

• 2 cups whipping cream, whipped (Cool Whip)

sweetened condensed milk (not evaporated milk)

• 36 vanilla wafers

• 1.09 ounce package instant vanilla pudding mix

• 3 medium bananas, sliced

• 1 1/2 cups cold water

Directions

1. Combine sweetened condensed milk and cold water in a large bowl. 2. Add pudding mix. Beat well. Chill for 5 minutes.

5. Top with 1/3 each of the wafers, bananas, and pudding.

6. Cover and chill.

7. Garnish as desired.

3. Fold in whipped cream.

8. Refrigerate leftovers.

4. Spoon 1 cup of pudding mixture into 2 1/2 quart serving bowl.

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GILLETTE LAW GROUP, PLLC

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INSIDE This Issue

What I Learned From CrossFit page 1 The Benefits of Mall Walking page 2 Uninsured? You Have Options page 2

The Risks of Metal- on-Metal Implants page 3 Mrs. Lewis’ Banana Pudding page 3 Hip Replacement Complications? page 4

SERIOUS COMPLICATIONS From Your Hip Replacement Implant?

• Hip pain • Groin pain • Pain when standing or weight bearing • Low back pain • Buttock pain If you or a loved one are suffering from:

• Start up pain when walking • Inability to resist during straight leg raise test • Audible clicking sounds • Sensing that hip is not “in place” • High chromium/cobalt levels

You may be entitled to compensation, but your time to collect may be running out. Give us a call and learn how we can help. 757-220-4529

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