Di Bartolomeo Law Office - July 2022

Di Bartolomeo Law Office - July 2022

Makin’ It Better NEWSLETTER

July 2022

Oregon Workers’ Compensation | Personal Injury | Social Security Disability

1139 Exchange St., Astoria, OR 97103 • 503-325-8600 • JoeDiBartolomeo.com

If you didn’t read Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird” in high school or have yet to see the movie, then you’ve surely heard it referenced in conversation — I know I have! After all, it’s a classic! Whether you’re familiar with the story or not, I want to share a few of the many useful lessons it teaches. DON’T JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER. Throughout the novel, we see Atticus Finch, the noble Southern lawyer with a passion for justice, constantly reminding others, including his daughter Scout, to see things through the perspective of others. “You never really understand a person until you consider things from their point of view — until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it,” Atticus tells Scout in the novel. Before forming opinions about others, it’s important to try to understand where they are coming from, where they’ve been, and where they’re going. Whether it’s in personal or professional relationships, Atticus teaches us to learn about the lives of others. FOLLOW YOUR MORAL COMPASS. Throughout the story, Atticus acts upon his own beliefs and values, despite what others think and believe, which allows him to make a difference and give others a fighting chance. As Atticus says, “They’re certainly entitled to think that, and they’re entitled to full respect for their opinions … but before I can live with other folks, I’ve got to live with myself. The one thing that doesn’t abide by majority rule is a person’s conscience.” Thus, you are the only person who can tell you how to think, act, and live your life. Allow your morals and values to guide you. ATTICUS FINCH HAS MUCH TO SHARE 5 TAKEAWAYS FROM ‘TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD’

COURAGE ISN’T ABOUT WINNING FIGHTS. Scout gets into a fight at school over Atticus’ work. In speaking to his daughter about the incident, he stresses how resisting the urge to fight is braver than throwing punches. “You just hold your head high and keep those fists down. No matter what anybody says to you, don’t you let ‘em get your goat. Try fighting with your head for a change,” Atticus tells Scout. It’s more noble to fight with your mind than your fists. READING IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT. In the novel, Scout admits she took reading for granted. She says, “Until I feared I would lose it, I never loved to read. One does not love breathing.” Atticus is an avid reader and ensured his children were strong and capable readers as well. Reading is a timeless form of education and a great way to cultivate wisdom. IT’S A SIN TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD. Always protect those who are innocent. As Atticus Finch says, “Mockingbirds don’t do one thing but make music for us to enjoy. They don’t eat up people’s gardens, don’t nest in corncribs, they don’t do one thing but sing their hearts out for us. That’s why it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird.” In today’s world, we need to be kind to others and stand up for what is right. Far too often, innocent people are bullied and shamed. “To Kill a Mockingbird” is an absolute classic. Even if you’ve read the novel, I suggest rereading it because, sometimes, you have to look twice to find the deeper messages! And these are but a few. –Joe Di Bartolomeo | 1

The Di Bartolomeo Law Office, P.C. 1139 Exchange Street | Astoria, Oregon | 503-325-8600 | www.JoeDiBartolomeo.com

IS IT TIME FOR A DIGITAL DETOX? School’s Out! What Can You Do?

When you need a break from your busy life, you probably look at your cellphone. And when you need a break from your cellphone, you might watch TV or browse social media on other devices. This cycle of never-ending screens can be taxing on your mental health. Everyone hits their breaking point at a different time, and you may not even realize when you’ve reached your limit. If you find yourself getting angry or upset at posted content, consistently comparing yourself to others, or feeling depressed, it may be time for a digital detox. But what is a digital detox? It’s taking a break from electronic devices, such as your cellphone or tablet, and mindlessly scrolling through social media or news stories.

Another benefit is that you’ll feel less stressed, especially if you compare yourself to others on social media or get lost in negative news cycles. Perhaps the most notable benefit of a digital detox is reclaiming your own time. Checking your cellphone and scrolling through social media can quickly become a subconscious habit. Before you know it, an hour or two has passed. Even watching television can take up huge chunks of your day.

Now that you know what it is, how can you detox yourself?

With a digital detox, you get that time back, and you can reallocate it to healthier activities. If you feel like you need a break from your electronic devices, take one. It could lead to a healthier and happier life.

• Schedule a break from your devices. Even if it’s just for a half-hour, use the time to do other activities, such as exercise, household chores, or even gardening. • Turn off notifications. Constant notifications can be incredibly distracting, so silencing them allows us to focus more on our surroundings.

• Disconnect before bedtime. Turn off all electronics an hour before you go to sleep to relax your body and mind.

Can You Receive SSDI for Mental Illness?

Mental illness is no less real or painful than a debilitating physical condition. While society has come a long way in recognizing how poor mental health can affect people’s lives, our institutions haven’t always followed. Mental illness is a qualifying condition for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), but the process can be an uphill battle. The Social Security Administration (SSA) recognizes multiple mental health conditions that may qualify for benefits. They include depression, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and numerous other diagnoses. As long as a doctor has diagnosed the SSDI applicant, the SSA does not usually dispute the condition. The next step in the process, however, can prove much more difficult. The SSA will assess how much a diagnosis impairs three aspects of the claimant’s life: activities of daily living, social functioning, and the ability to maintain appropriate concentration, persistence, or pace. Each function is ranked mild, moderate, marked, or severe. The SSA must find a person has “marked” or higher impairment on 2 of the 3 criteria to approve SSDI payments.

Activities of daily living are things like cleaning, bathing, shopping, cooking, and paying bills. Social functioning refers to a person’s ability to interact with others effectively and appropriately without outside assistance. Someone whose condition causes fear of other people or aggressive behaviors may struggle with social functioning. Finally, appropriate concentration, persistence, or pace refers to the applicant’s work abilities and whether they have the focus and stamina to complete tasks. If the SSA does not find marked impairment in at least 2 of 3 areas of function, there may be an additional option. An applicant can also qualify based on decompensation, which refers to temporary increases in symptoms and reductions in functioning. For example, people hospitalized due to their mental illnesses often qualify for benefits under decompensation. SSDI applicants with mental illness who don’t meet the above criteria may still qualify based on their “residual mental functional capacity.” That’s one of many reasons it’s unwise to go through this process without expert counsel. People with mental impairments have unique challenges when applying for SSDI, and Di Bartolomeo Law Office is here to help. Contact us today for a case evaluation!

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The Di Bartolomeo Law Office, P.C. 1139 Exchange Street | Astoria, Oregon | 503-325-8600 | www.JoeDiBartolomeo.com

Summer is all about the good times and the grill lines. As the weather gets warmer, nothing beats the smell of good food on the grill. In the U.S., 7 out of every 10 adults own a grill or smoker, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Though you are making plenty of delicious meals, be aware of the increased risk for home fires. Here are five tips to make sure you have the best and safest grilling experience this summer. GRILL IT UP OUTSIDE. Whether you use a charcoal or gas grill, stay away from any structures! It’s tempting to set up your grill inside an open garage or under a covered balcony, but grills and smokers are strictly designed to be placed outside with plenty of ventilation. Anything hanging over a grill when it’s in use can easily catch fire and spread quickly. STABILIZE THE GRILL. Always make sure your grill is on a flat, leveled surface. A grill on a slope or uneven surface can easily tip over and cause a fire. You can even purchase a grill pad or splatter mat to place underneath the grill to protect your open deck or patio. CHECK FOR LEAKS. If your grill has been hibernating for the winter months, check it over thoroughly and carefully before the grilling season begins. Prior to igniting your propane grill, be sure to check the gas hose for any leaks, and always keep the lid open when you light it. Grilling Is Thrilling Get the Best on Your Plate

KEEP YOUR GRILL CLEAN. Always clean your grill after every use. Grease builds up on both the grill and the tray located below. If not cleaned, the grease acts as fuel and catches fire when the grill is in use. For charcoal grills, allow the coals to cool down before disposing of them in a metal container, and use a grill brush to clean thoroughly. ALWAYS BE READY TO PUT OUT A FIRE. In the event a fire does happen to break out, always have a fire extinguisher on hand. For grease fires specifically, keep baking soda or a bucket of sand on standby to control it. Never use water to put out a grease fire! Grilling is a popular way to enjoy the hot weather, but staying safe is paramount when you’re cooking up a good meal. Following these safety tips will ensure you enjoy a safe grilling season all summer long!

PUZZLE

Easy Vegan Baked Beans Inspired by NoraCooks.com

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil • 1 yellow onion, chopped • 4 cloves garlic, minced • 3/4 cup molasses • 1/2 cup brown sugar • 3/4 cup ketchup • 3/4 tsp salt

• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar • 1 1/2 tbsp vegan Worcestershire sauce • 2 tsp Sriracha • 4 15-oz cans navy beans, drained and rinsed • 1/2 tbsp liquid smoke (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 F. 2. In a large pot over medium heat,

3. Add all of the remaining

ingredients except the beans into the pot. Mix the sauce well, then stir in the beans. 4. Ladle the beans into a 9x13-inch pan and bake for 1 hour. Serve warm and enjoy!

warm olive oil. Add the onion and sauté for 5 minutes, then add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute.

The Di Bartolomeo Law Office, P.C. 1139 Exchange Street | Astoria, Oregon | 503-325-8600 | www.JoeDiBartolomeo.com

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503-325-8600 JoeDiBartolomeo.com

PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

1139 Exchange St. Astoria, OR 97103

What’s Inside

1

Life Lessons From ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’

2

The Benefits of a Digital Detox

The Facts on SSDI and Mental Illness

3

5 BBQ Grilling Safety Tips

Easy Vegan Baked Beans

4

Are Household Robots Within Our Reach?

Forget the Flying Cars — Where Are the Robots?

For decades, science fiction has been obsessed with the concept of a household robot that can ease the burdens of our daily lives. We now have smart speakers, televisions, and vacuums, but we’re still a long way off from robots that can understand and cater to our every whim. But technology advances all the time. Could it put you closer to your own Rosie from “The Jetsons”? Movies have given us high expectations that are currently impossible to replicate. There’s a reason why almost all household robots on the market only perform one task, like mowing the lawn. Even these products require highly advanced technology to “visualize” a space and competently complete their job. It gets a lot more complicated when a robot needs

the versatility to respond to a host of commands or the dexterity to retrieve and pick up any object. And that’s before we even consider security concerns. Virtual assistants like Alexa or Siri make many people’s everyday lives easier. At the same time, they allow corporations to compile our >Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4

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