Summertime is perfect for experiencing new things, but a pedestrian accident shouldn’t be one of them. Whether you’re driving through your neighborhood or crossing a street on foot, being mindful of your surroundings can go a long way toward preventing a serious accident. Here are our tips for safer driving and walking this summer. SENSE AND SAFETY Before hitting the road this summer, ensure your ride is in proper post-winter working order. Check your tires, mirrors, and lights, and replace anything showing wear and tear. If your vehicle is new, ensure you’re aware of any blind spots caused by its design and familiarize yourself with any dashboard warnings and safety features not included in your previous car. Always pay close attention to walk signals, crosswalks, and intersections, and give yourself plenty of time to stop for pedestrians. Above all, never multitask; even a second of distracted driving can lead to fatal consequences. Naturally, pedestrians also need to do their part. When you jaywalk instead of using designated crosswalks, you make it difficult for drivers to understand or anticipate when to stop for you. When you do arrive at a proper crossing area, put away your phone and focus on what’s in front of you and at your sides — and never assume you’re safe to The Risk of Pedestrian A WALKING W In our work representing personal injury claims, we encounter individuals who live with chronic pain. Here are two tips that may assist anyone experiencing ongoing discomfort to feel better physically and emotionally. MENDING YOUR MIND The first step to alleviating pain is understanding why it exists. Our bodies are designed to make us feel pain to help us steer clear of danger and harm, triggering the classic “fight or flight” reaction that prompts us to, say, move our hand off the stove when our hand starts to burn. Unfortunately, in the case of chronic pain, this feeling rarely subsides, keeping victims’ stress levels in a perpetual state of high alert. Being in constant pain can lead to anxiety, isolation, depression, and other mental conditions beyond the injury’s physical impact. FROM SETBACK KEYS TO HANDLIN
Few outdoor activities are more fun to do as a family than beating the heat in the water. A facility as simple as a community pool can offer fun for all ages, including wading, diving, and lap swimming. As summer gets underway, consider making plans to try more complex aquatic sports as a family. Here are four exciting options that will inspire the whole family to take the plunge. STAND-UP PADDLEBOARDING This sport originated among Hawaiian surfers and began gaining momentum nationwide about a decade ago. Participants stand upright on a flat, buoyant board and propel themselves over lakes, rivers, and oceans with a single paddle. Paddleboards are bigger than surfboards and are stable enough to hold a picnic in a waterproof bag! SNORKELING Snorkeling is a great family activity for all ages if you’re vacationing near an ocean. Flippers, watertight goggles, and snorkels are easy to rent or buy. Exploring the wonders beneath the waves is as easy as floating on the surface and paddling your flippers. While any clear ocean waters can be fun to explore, consider trekking to Hawaii or Cozumel to see spectacular schools of fish and rock formations. CANOEING AND KAYAKING Few aquatic activities offer more opportunities for reflection and quiet conversation than paddling a canoe or kayak. These watercraft are usually available to rent near lakes and rivers, and, barring rough weather, navigating with them is relatively safe and easy. Pack a picnic, explore, and see what you can find along a river or lakeshore. WATERSKIING While this sport requires access to a speedboat and a skilled operator, arranging to try it can offer unforgettable thrills. Nothing can compare to the exhilaration as you first rise above the waves and stand on your skis; participants also get a full-body workout! Waterskiing poses a challenge for beginners when crossing the wake and keeping their legs beneath them, but the rewards are worth the effort! This summer, consider vacationing near a body of water to explore these aquatic activities or others, such as sailing or bodyboarding. You will create lasting memories and may ignite passions your kids will enjoy for years! WATER FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY Make a Splash!
In working to better function in the presence of chronic pain, focusing on improving one’s mindset is often the most critical step.
“When we’re ill, we often tend to become fixated on what we aren’t able to do,” notes Dr. Ellen Slawsby, an assistant clinical professor at Harvard Medical School. “Retraining your focus on what you can do instead of what you can’t will give you a more accurate view of yourself and the world at large.”
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