Dickerson Oxton - April 2025

Nobody — not even the world’s most experienced and skilled doctor — is always perfect, but you or your loved ones shouldn't suffer the consequences of this fact. A GUIDE THROUGH THE WHEN DOCTOR

The U.S. market for soda is worth over $200 billion, fueled by the average American's annual consumption of nearly 40 gallons of soft drinks — including diet soda. While staying hydrated is good, sending lots of chemical sweeteners into our digestive tracts may not be. Concern for serious health issues started in the early 1970s when scientists linked cyclamate and saccharine, popular synthetic sweeteners, to cancer. Congress banned cyclamate but wouldn’t ban saccharine. More recent studies determined that obesity is related to many types of cancer, and obese people are more likely to consume lots of diet soda. Similarly, high blood pressure, diabetes, and strokes are more likely due to underlying health issues like excessive weight than consuming artificial sweeteners. In the last decade, more natural sugar alternatives have become available, like stevia, agave, monk fruit, and allulose. Diet soda manufacturers have yet to incorporate these into their soft drinks, but they are experimenting. The Coca-Cola Company uses stevia along with erythritol (another new sugar substitute) in its Vitamin Water Zero. Artificial sweeteners do provide some benefits, including fewer cavities, lower blood sugar, and less weight gain. However, some people still suffer side effects from drinking diet soda. The sugar alcohols in diet sodas are linked to intestinal distress, and one scientist points to a potential link between laboratory-created sweeteners and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The importance of our stomach’s microbiome is new to science, and all impacts are under intense scrutiny. ARE SUGAR SUBSTITUTES WORTH THE TRADEOFF? KNOW THE FACTS ABOUT ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS

Representing clients in medical malpractice cases is among our most frequently requested services at Dickerson Oxton. Although we never want to see anyone experience a serious or fatal injury due to a medical professional’s negligence or mistake, malpractice is increasingly common in the United States — with approximately 20,000 cases filed annually nationwide. Additionally, researchers at Johns Hopkins University in Maryland concluded that nearly 800,000 citizens have either died or sustained permanent disabilities as a result of incorrect medical diagnoses.

As experienced personal injury attorneys, the Dickerson Oxton team has the expertise to identify and pursue various options to ensure clients receive appropriate compensation for their medical negligence claims. Our process involves thoroughly

Vehicles and CLEVER TIPS FOR CORRECT COLL In addition to addressing medical and logistical concerns, the everyday frustrations surrounding a vehicle accident involve getting your automobile repaired. Here are two little-known but essential tips when selecting the best facility to get your damaged ride back on the road. WHERE TO GO When contacting your insurer to file an accident claim, that company might suggest repair shops in your area over the phone or refer you to an online shop locator, especially if you don’t have a specific shop in mind. These businesses partner with the insurer to get work by agreeing to charge the company less for repairs, provide policyholders with faster turnarounds, or perform other services. Although you have the right to go anywhere you’d like to have your vehicle returned to its pre-accident condition, you may need to pay out of pocket for specific repairs and procedures if that facility isn’t partnered with your insurer. It is wise to read online reviews and research whether the shop is trained and certified to work on your specific make or model before accepting your insurer’s preferred provider or selecting one independently.

Sugar-free beverages may be a better choice than sugar-infused drinks because they don’t cause insulin spikes, but the Mayo Clinic warns that frequent consumption of any type of sweetened

drink can become habit- forming, making it hard to return to drinking plain water, which is the optimal choice for health. As with most food trends, we should be informed, listen to our bodies, and make wise choices about what we drink and eat.

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