Hamilton Insurance Group July 2018

THE SILVER LINING To Your Life & Health

770-744-1855

F reedom and the 4 th of J uly

Limitations Don’t Own You

Once the Fourth of July came around, we tried our best to have fun without injuring ourselves with firecrackers. I remember doing silly things that our parents didn’t exactly approve of. We had bottle-rocket wars by shooting them at each other. When we ran out of those, we lit up M-60s and threw those at each other. There were even times when firecrackers went off in my hands, but they were legal in Tennessee, so we flirted with danger every possible moment. When my wife and I had children, our family traditions for the Fourth changed a bit. Ever since the year 2000, I’ve been doing the Peachtree Road Race. It has turned into a family tradition. My wife, my son, and I run It’s amazing how your views on freedom change as you get older. When I was a kid, my sister and I would ship out to Chattanooga, Tennessee, for the summer because that’s where our parents are from. I remember being with my extended family and spending plenty of time with those closest to me. We had barbecues and hung out together in one big group. Sometimes we headed over to this place we called “The Lake,” where there was a huge pool. We spent time out in the sun, loving life.

it, my sister runs it, and our friends started to run it too. My daughters haven’t quite decided to take on the challenge just yet, but I can tell they’re interested. Afterward, we go to Willy’s Mexican Grill right there near the finish line to relax. It’s always a great time, but this year will be a bit different. For the last three years, I’ve only been able to walk the race due to health conditions. I’ve had to learn to live my life while recognizing my limitations, and it’s been a real struggle. You don’t know what it’s like to carry that burden until you experience physical restrictions for yourself. My condition may not be significant, but sometimes the smallest things can throw you off your game. My limitations aren’t all bad news, however. They’ve helped me relate to my clients because I know they

go through the same experiences. Just as feeling held down has been disheartening for me, it’s been even worse for them. Over these last three years, I’ve become much more empathetic, and in a roundabout way, it’s been a blessing. The better I can relate to my clients, the better I can serve them. Independence Day on its own means a lot to me, but it’s also near another very important date. My wedding anniversary is on July 6, so my wife and I spend part of the Fourth in anticipation of that day. We find someone to take the children and usually either go out of town or staycation locally to invest time with each other. It’s a perfect time of year because I get to be with my beautiful wife and the rest of my family. That’s what freedom means to me now, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. –Duane Hamilton 1 770-744-1855

Cause Proceeds from the Peachtree Road Race benefit the Atlanta Track Club. It’s unreal what this organization does for our city. Your money from registering for the event goes directly to outreach activities aimed at serving underprivileged youth in the Atlanta metro area. They truly build a culture that benefits others. Camaraderie One of the best parts of the race has nothing to do with running. When you cross that finish line with everyone there cheering you on, it’s always a great feeling. Perhaps the only thing better is the meal afterward with great company. In many cases, enjoying some delicious Mexican food and cold beverages at 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. Squeeze in Some Shopping 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!

The Exercise Venue That Will Keep You Cool and Fit

Why I Love the Peachtree Road Race The Best Community Event of the Year

The Peachtree Road Race is an Atlanta tradition that you simply cannot ignore. It’s one of the most popular Fourth of July Races around. I love it so much that it’s become a family tradition, but do you know why I love it? Well, here are three reasons. Community I enjoy being able to join together with others and see the beautiful diversity this city and this country has all in one place. Regardless of size, ethnicity, gender, or any other classification, nearly everyone in our community comes out to the Peachtree Road Race. Just as America was formed into a great melting pot of people, so is the race. I see people from church, find old friends, and make new ones too. It’s a community event unlike any other.

Willy’s Mexican Grill is better than the event itself. If you see me out at the race, come to say hi. I’d love to see you and share in fellowship with y’all!

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D o Y ou H ave a L imitation T hat H olds Y ou B ack ? Try These 2 Activities for Fulfillment

On the cover, I discussed how difficult it can be to live a life when you’re inhibited by limitations. Unfortunately, some disabilities are so debilitating that individuals living with them feel as though they are constantly restrained and often yearn for something to fill the void. These suggestions may not be cure-alls, but here are two activities you can do that might help. Word Puzzles The brain craves active engagement, and the more you present it with stimulation, the healthier it becomes. Simple tasks like sudoku, crossword puzzles, word searches, or other similar ventures are easy to do and great for captivating the mind. If

you’re worried it won’t pack a big enough punch, there are a wide variety of skill levels and challenges to help push your cognitive ability to new heights. Social Groups Human engagement is another way to get the brain’s synapses firing. It can be challenging to find a group of people who share in activities you enjoy, but the internet provides multiple avenues for you to find groups of people just like yourself. Simple conversations and deep intellectual battles aren’t just healthy for you — they are necessities for both your emotional and mental health.

Your physical limitations don’t have to seep into other areas of your life. Having a fulfilled life comes down to exploring new and unique ways to activate your mind. Give these two options a try today, and if you’re ready for more ideas, reach out to me.

You’ll find all of the flavors of elote, Mexican street corn, in this dish, without any of the mess. It’s the rare side that can outshine any main course. C harred C hili -C heese C orn

INGREDIENTS

• 4 ears of corn, husked • 4 tablespoons

or jalapeño, thinly sliced • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice • 2 ounces fresh

high-smoke-point oil, such as canola or vegetable

cotija cheese (or feta), crumbled

• 1 large shallot, thinly sliced • 1/2 red chili (such as Fresno)

• 1/4 cup cilantro • Salt and pepper, to taste

Inspired by Bon Appetit magazine

DIRECTIONS

1. Heat grill to medium. 2. Brush corn with 2 tablespoons oil and grill until visibly charred, 10–12 minutes. 3. Cut kernels off cob and combine with shallots,

chilis, lime juice, cheese, and remaining oil. 4. Season with salt and pepper, garnish with cilantro, and serve.

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1170 Peachtree Street NE Suite 1200 Atlanta, GA 30309

PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

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How I Spend the 4th of July The Benefits of Mall Walking Come Say Hi at the Peachtree Road Race 2 Activities to Keep Your Brain Active Charred Chili-Cheese Corn Take Your S’mores to the Next Level

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C an I H ave S’ more ?

Creative Twists on the Campfire Classic

S’mOreo A simple but memorable twist on the campfire classic. Grab a box of Oreo cookies, pull a cookie apart, and use that in place of your graham cracker. The cream filling will pair nicely with the chocolate and toasted marshmallow. S’mores Milkshake Too hot for a campfire? Cool down with a s’mores milkshake! The trick is to lightly toast the marshmallows in the oven so they mix well with the other ingredients in the blender. Get the recipe at spoonfulofflavor. com/2013/08/30/smores-milkshake to enjoy this sweet treat even in the heat of summer. It’s the simple recipe that opens the door for creative interpretations of the classic s’more. Be adventurous this summer and see what great new s’mores you can create!

You’re just three ingredients away from the perfect summertime treat: chocolate, graham crackers, and marshmallows. The s’more is a fan favorite on camping trips and at backyard bonfires alike. Though they say you can’t improve perfection, we’ve found a few creative twists on the classic treat that will make your summer a little sweeter.

into a great dessert! Learn how to make the perfect s’mores on the go at family.disney.com/recipe/smores- in-a-jar. Strawberry S’more-cake If you really want to wow your guests at the next bonfire, try your hand at this creative take on the summertime classic. Gooey s’mores meet fresh strawberry shortcake in a dessert that’s as delicious as it is original. Find the whole recipe, including tips on making the perfect shortcake, at aspicyperspective.com/smores- strawberry-shortcake-recipe.

The Elvis A campfire snack fit for a king — of rock ’n’ roll, that is. This s’more pays homage to Elvis Presley’s love of peanut butter and banana sandwiches. Swap out the chocolate bar for a peanut butter cup candy and add a few slices of fresh banana between the graham cracker and marshmallow. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you can even add some bacon. S’mores in a Jar Here are s’mores you can enjoy all year long. Layers of crushed graham cracker, melted marshmallow, and creamy chocolate turn a simple jar

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