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740-314-4829 • LittlejohnLawLLC.com
February/March 2023
ONE ACT OF KINDNESS AT A TIME Making the World a Better Place
Sir John Templeton once said, “It’s nice to be important but more important to be nice.” This is a message that has stuck with me over the years. I’m regularly going out of my way to show someone kindness or compassion because those are the things that really matter in this world. The world becomes a much better place when we’re kind to others. There are many ways to show kindness to others, and on Feb. 17, we recognize Random Acts of Kindness Day, which encourages us all to be kindhearted in everything we do. I put a lot of effort into teaching my daughter about kindness. I know that if I don’t teach her about it, nobody else will. The world can be a cold place and beat you down if you’re not expecting it. I want my children to be the light of the world and be able to share that light with everyone they meet. I want them to let that light shine! One of my daughter’s favorite songs is “This Little Light of Mine,” and we often sing it together. One way that my daughter and I both like to share kindness is by giving gifts to others. Right before Christmas, we went out and picked up treat bags for all her classmates. We just thought it would be something nice that would help lift their spirits, and that’s one of the main reasons that kindness is so important. Kindness has the power to change someone’s perspective and flip their mood. Everyone is going through something challenging in their lives at any given moment. This provides us with an excellent opportunity to bring the light into their lives. We don’t know what others are going through. Sometimes they may be dealing with
something incredibly difficult in their personal life, and it shows through their expressions or attitude. They may appear angry or solemn, and it can be easy to avoid these people or even put them down. Instead, we should be showering them with kindness in an effort to pick them up and lift their spirits. We don’t even have to know these people well to make a difference. That’s where random acts of kindness come into play. Random acts of kindness are any unpremeditated actions that lift the spirits of someone around you. There are various examples of random acts of kindness and infinite ways to incorporate them into your daily life. Over the next few months, I challenge you to perform as many random acts of kindness as possible. Pay for someone else’s meal or coffee in the drive- thru line, leave money in a vending machine for the next user, call an old friend and take them out to dinner, bake cookies for your coworker, or compliment a stranger. There are countless ways to show kindness to others. When you show kindness to others or practice random acts of kindness, you’re positively impacting someone else’s life. It could even turn their bad day into a good one. And you’ll feel better about yourself too. We can all make an effort to distribute and foster kindness. If each of us makes continual efforts to be kind, the world will become a much more enjoyable place for all.
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Medicare, Medicaid, or Private Insurance? Making Long-Term Care More Affordable 10 People to Thank
Known for its slow, gentle, and simple movements, tai chi is exploding in popularity among adults over 65. Studies have shown significant benefits for all ages, but its accessibility and low impact have made it the martial art of choice among people of retirement age. As a form of exercise, it positively impacts participants’ physical and mental health. Unlike many other martial arts, tai chi does not usually involve physical fighting or attempting to defeat an opponent. It is sometimes referred to as an “internal” martial art or “meditation in motion” due to its focus on developing mental and spiritual strength alongside physical strength. It has much in common with yoga but involves fluid movement instead of static poses. Tai chi draws heavily upon the Chinese philosophy of Taoism, most commonly understood through the yin and yang. Taoism promotes balancing our more feminine and masculine features (yin and yang) to become peaceful and balanced people. Tai chi aims to help restore that balance through relaxation, exercise, and breathing. You don’t have to accept the philosophical tenets of Taoism to gain benefits from practicing tai chi. Through its use of soft, deliberate movements, it helps many people restore their physical stability and prevent falls in their golden years. And unlike many high-intensity exercises that encourage participants to work through pain to meet goals, tai chi discourages pushing oneself to the limit and encourages people to modify movements to meet their capabilities. A MEDITATION ON MOVEMENT THE BENEFITS OF TAI CHI FOR SENIORS
Many of us will have to consider the
possibility of needing long-term care as we grow older. Some of us will move to nursing homes while others receive rehab care at an assisted
living facility. The truth is that these long-term care facilities are unbelievably expensive. It takes proper planning to ensure you can afford to receive care from one, and you should start preparing well before you reach an age when it’s necessary.
On average, nursing homes and assisted living facilities can cost
anywhere from $5,000 to $9,000 a month. Without the proper insurance or a
foolproof plan, you could eat through your life savings before you know it, preventing you from leaving money to your family in your estate plan. Thankfully, you can consider a few options when planning for long-term care. If you need long-term care, private insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid can help pay for the costs. Private insurance can be expensive, and not everyone can afford it in the later years of their lives. Medicare could be beneficial, but there’s a catch many people don’t realize. Medicare only pays for the first 100 days you’re in a nursing home, so when day 101 hits, someone else needs to pay the bill. You could be out of luck if you don’t have the funds to cover the cost. Thankfully, Medicaid could be an option that will help you live comfortably without breaking the bank. Medicaid is only available to those 65 years of age or older who qualify. A financial threshold determines if you are eligible for Medicaid or not. You should look for an alternative option if you make too much per month. If you’re unsure if you qualify for Medicaid or are curious about your other options, we’re available to help. Give us a call, and we’ll provide a free needs assessment to see if you qualify for a Medicaid asset protection trust. A little planning goes a long way. Where there’s a will, there’s a way. And where there’s no will, there’s probate. We’re available to help with any of your estate planning needs.
The health benefits of tai chi are impressive. Medical research indicates that tai chi can reduce a person’s fall risk by up to 50%. A great deal of evidence also suggests that tai chi can help with arthritis and
back pain. Like other exercises, tai chi helps promote weight loss and better sleep. Participants also show improved cardiovascular health, and people with heart failure, breast cancer, and other conditions see increased overall wellness. Some studies even show that tai chi can improve memory!
Those who want to try tai chi for themselves will find many online courses. Watching the videos
will help you get a better feel for the martial art, but it’s best to seek a professional before you begin practicing. Look for classes in your area (many senior centers offer them). You’ll receive support, coaching, and company while doing your health a favor.
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We are excited to announce Littlejohn Law now offers gun trusts to our clients. A gun trust is a legal entity created to hold firearms. Gun owners typically use this trust to ensure their firearms are managed and distributed in accordance with their wishes after they die. This is a wise and beneficial addition to any estate plan. Someone might want to use a gun trust for several reasons. For example, these trusts can make it easier for owners to share firearms with other people, such as family members or hunting partners. This can be particularly useful if the owner wants to allow others to use the guns during their lifetime but does not want to transfer ownership of the firearms outright. This is especially true for National Firearms Act (NFA)/Title II firearms or even suppressors. Another reason to use a gun trust is to avoid any regulations and potential new laws that may apply to the transfer of firearms. Although this hasn’t happened anywhere in the U.S., some are concerned that governments may make it illegal to leave guns to their heirs or even transfer them during life. Using a gun trust allows a gun owner to be sure their firearms can be transferred despite any new legislation limiting or even taking away this right. Learn How to Protect Your Guns
Additionally, gun trusts can provide legal protections for the gun owner and their beneficiaries. For example, the trust can specify how the firearms are to be used and who can use them, which can help prevent accidents or misuse of the guns. The trust can also include provisions for how the guns are to be managed if the owner becomes incapacitated or dies. If you are a gun owner and want to learn more about how a gun trust can benefit you, please contact our law firm to schedule a consultation. We will be happy to answer any questions and help you set up a gun trust that meets your needs and protects your rights. P.S. Many websites offer “gun trusts” for $59.95 or some other low price. Don’t fall for these! These “do-it-yourself” forms may or may not contain all the language you need for your particular situation. Mishandling or possessing certain firearms can be a serious crime, so you will definitely want to consult with Attorney Jeff Menoski now.
FETA CHICKEN BURGERS
TAKE A BREAK
Inspired by TasteOfHome.com
Try these delicious chicken burgers with a Mediterranean spin on the classic sandwich we all love. Featuring Greek-style toppings and seasonings, this recipe is refreshing and super healthy, too.
INGREDIENTS
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1/4 cup finely chopped cucumber 1/4 cup reduced-fat mayonnaise 1/2 cup chopped roasted sweet red pepper
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1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp Greek seasoning 1/4 tsp black pepper 1 1/2 lbs lean ground chicken 1 cup crumbled feta cheese 6 whole wheat hamburger buns, split and toasted
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1. Preheat broiler and mix chopped cucumber and mayonnaise. 2. For the burgers, mix the red pepper, garlic powder, Greek seasoning, and black pepper. Add chicken and cheese; mix lightly but thoroughly (the mixture will be sticky). Shape into 6 patties about 1/2-inch thick. 3. Broil burgers, remembering to cook both sides thoroughly. Serve on buns with cucumber sauce. If desired, top with lettuce and tomato. Enjoy! DIRECTIONS
AQUARIUS BICYCLE DREAM EQUALITY
FESTIVAL GROUNDHOG KING LINCOLN
MUFFIN PANCAKE RABBIT ROSES
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740-314-4829
352 Frank Layman Blvd. • Wintersville, OH 43953 740-314-4829 • LittlejohnLawLLC.com
INSIDE
THIS ISSUE
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Sharing Kindness With Those Around Us
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How Medicaid Can Help With Long-Term Care
Why Tai Chi Is Perfect for Retirees
3
We Now Offer Gun Trusts!
Feta Chicken Burgers
Take a Break
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3 Ways to Show Love to the Community
MAKE THE MOST OF THE HOLIDAY Spread the Love This Valentine’s Day!
Valentine’s Day is all about showing your dear ones extra love. But you don’t always have to focus on those close to you. Love can be shared with everyone — friends, coworkers, or the community! Here are some ways you and your family can spread the love this holiday. Make a homemade meal or some goodies. They always say a way to a person’s heart is through their stomach! Everyone loves a warm, homemade meal, and it can be fun to get the entire family involved. Gather the ingredients of your favorite dish and make something tasty for your local fire or police department. These people work daily to keep us safe, and a simple gesture like this may bring a smile to their faces and remind them they are appreciated. Also, kids love helping out in the kitchen, so consider baking homemade cookies — or the store-bought kind; we don’t judge! Let the kids decorate them with festive Valentine’s designs to bring to school for their classmates and teachers! Get crafty. Nothing is more special than a one-of-a-kind card. Grab some construction paper, markers, glitter, stickers — the works — and
have the kids make Valentine’s Day cards! You can work with various organizations to send letters to U.S. troops serving overseas, veteran hospitals, or nursing facilities that would enjoy receiving a handmade card. Fill them with positive words, smiley faces, hearts, and lots of love! You could even send their cards in a Valentine’s Day-themed care package. But be sure to follow the rules of the organizations you work with. Volunteer or donate. Do you have any gently used clothing, shoes, blankets, or extra personal hygiene items? Make your way to the local Goodwill, church, or shelter that accepts donations. You could call around to see if any shelters or organizations need helping hands! This is also a great way to spread the love your kids can participate in. Check to see if they need help serving food or if you can prepare or drop off warm meals to those who need them most. You can find many ways to express love and kindness to those you love or complete strangers. No matter how you spend this day, remember to spread the love to everyone!
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