Take a look at our February newsletter!
Makin’ It Better NEWSLETTER
February 2023
Oregon Workers’ Compensation | Personal Injury | Social Security Disability
1139 Exchange St., Astoria, OR 97103 • 503-325-8600 • JoeDiBartolomeo.com
Going Beyond Dinner and a Movie 9 Unique Ideas for Valentine’s Day Activities
Flowers and chocolates and dinner, oh my! Valentine’s Day has arrived, and that calls for all of the traditional gifts and activities for couples. However, when it comes to creating a memorable day for your loved one, the planning can be difficult and stressful — it can sometimes create even more anxiety than first dates!
the flame that brought you to where you are today and to reminisce on where it all began. PULL AN ALL-NIGHTER. Sure, it sounds like a “teenager” thing to do, but if it’s the weekend or you have the next day off, it can be fun and romantic to stay up all night enjoying each other’s company
But fear not; here are some creative ideas to make this year’s Valentine’s Day the best yet!
BOOK A COOKING CLASS. If food is the way to your lover’s heart, look beyond a night out at their favorite restaurant for your next date. Instead, sign up for a cooking class for both of you — it’ll be a memorable night full of fun, creativity, and delicious dishes. TAKE BREAKFAST IN BED. Trade in dining out for staying in bed and creating a memorable breakfast for two. Que the bottomless mimosas, endless pancakes, and bacon and eggs! After all, nothing beats a kick-butt meal in your pajamas! HAVE A ROMANTIC MOVIE MARATHON. Move over, night out at the movies, because you can create your own romantic movie marathon at home where it’s acceptable to talk loudly in between scenes and hit the pause button for a bathroom break. Best of all, you don’t have to sneak your favorite snacks into the theater! PLAN A STAYCATION. While getting out of town for one day on the fly can be tricky, how about a staycation? Book a romantic night at a local hotel and order room service for dinner. What could be better than eating dinner in bed while wearing fancy robes? RE-CREATE YOUR FIRST DATE. Whether your first date was at the local coffee shop, pub, or skydiving, get ready to do it all over again! It can be fun to rekindle
like the old days. You can chat, laugh, watch movies, take a late-night walk, or spend the night under the stars!
BUILD A BONFIRE. If you live in the suburbs and it’s a safe location, build a bonfire and break out the marshmallows. Cuddling next to a fire is one of the most romantic ways to spend an evening! TAKE A PAINTING CLASS. Those couples’ painting classes aren’t just for the movies — it’s a great date night idea, especially for Valentine’s Day. Get ready to bond over your artistic abilities or lack thereof! GO ICE SKATING. Break out your ice skates and awaken your younger spirit because the local ice skating rink is calling your name. This Valentine’s Day, get ready to create some lasting memories out on the ice! Now that you have Valentine’s Day 2023 planned out with a creative, thoughtful, fun, and romantic idea, your worries are gone — until it’s time to figure out how to top it next year!
–Joe Di Bartolomeo
The Di Bartolomeo Law Office, P.C. 1139 Exchange Street | Astoria, Oregon | 503-325-8600 | www.JoeDiBartolomeo.com
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In today’s world of constant typing or holding cellphones, our hands and wrists take a lot of abuse. Many of us are probably familiar with wrist pain that accompanies using a computer all day or the awkward stiffness in our fingers from typing a message on our phones. According to Princeton University Health Services, the most common hand-related issue is tendinitis, which is “tendon inflammation and localized pain in the elbow, forearm, wrist, or hand.” These hand-related injuries are on the rise for people of all ages, which is a problem since they’re the extremity we use the most. So to help prevent or find relief from these hand-health issues, try these stretches at home. WRIST BEND MOVEMENT For this stretch, you’ll need a flat surface, like a table, to rest your forearm. Place one arm on the table with the hand hanging over the edge. Bend the hand up and down while applying gentle pressure, and hold for a few seconds. Repeat this stretch 10 times with each hand. PUSHING HANDS On a flat surface in front of you, clasp your hands together so your fingers are interlaced. Then, slowly push with your right hand so your left hand bends backward. Hold for a few seconds before using 3 EASY STRETCHES TO PROMOTE HAND AND WRIST HEALTH Lend Yourself a Hand!
your right hand to pull your clasped hands back to a neutral, center position. Then, push with your left hand so your right wrist is forced to bend backward gently, hold for a few seconds, and pull your hands back to the center. Repeat this 10 times. PINCH AND RELEASE Hold one hand up, bent at the elbow, so your fingers point toward the ceiling. Then, with all of your fingers, pretend you are pinching something against your thumb. Press down firmly and hold for 5-10 seconds. After squeezing, relax and open your hand so your fingers are again pointed at the ceiling. Repeat this five times with each hand. For best results, complete these exercises every day. Consider starting and ending your day with these stretches to prepare your hands for stressors and release any tension built up after a long day.
WHY SSDI BENEFITS CAN END 3 Potential Reasons You Should Consider
Some people may think SSDI benefits will last a lifetime — but that’s not the case. While many people will continue to receive their benefits until they are 65, some will see their benefits stop. But why do these benefits come to an end for some? One of the main reasons SSDI benefits end is because your disability has improved. The Social Security Administration has a review session called the Continuing Disability Review (CDR), which goes over your medical records to determine if you still have your disability. These review periods can happen every 18 months, three years, or seven years. Another reason you could lose your benefits is if you go to jail. If you’re incarcerated for more than 30 days, your SSDI benefits will stop. However, you can have your benefits reinstated once you’re out of jail.
won’t stop right away. You can earn your income for nine months before your benefits end. You can also regain your benefits through Social Security when you reach the retirement age of 65. Some may worry they will quit receiving benefits after they turn 65. Luckily, your SSDI benefits will convert into Social Security Retirement benefits. But to ensure you keep your SSDI benefits before you’re 65, stay on top of your disability by having regular doctor visits. Also, reply to the CDR notices as soon as possible because you could lose your benefits if you refuse to respond. SSDI benefits can end for many reasons depending on your situation. Don’t hesitate to contact us for more information on SSDI and how you can keep your benefits in effect. We will be happy to answer any questions and ease your concerns.
If you decide to go back to work, your SSDI benefits will end. However, your benefits
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The Di Bartolomeo Law Office, P.C. 1139 Exchange Street | Astoria, Oregon | 503-325-8600 | www.JoeDiBartolomeo.com
Did you know 4,965 people died in 2020 from large truck crashes? When you’re around big trucks, paying extra attention is vital. Due to the size of the vehicle, large trucks have limitations that can put other drivers on the road in danger. Here are three tips for sharing the road with a big truck. STAY OUT OF THEIR BLIND SPOTS. Big trucks have four main blind spots: directly in front and behind their truck and on both sides of the vehicle. The way to determine if a truck driver sees you is if you can see the truck’s side mirrors. Additionally, be extra cautious when merging near a big truck — you may be in their blind spot. DON’T CUT TOO CLOSE. If you switch lanes and are directly in front of a large truck, you’re most likely in their blind spot. They can’t see you when you’re that close to them. If you touch your brakes, the truck driver may not have enough time to slow down to avoid a crash. WATCH FOR WIDE TURNS. Because of the massive size of big trucks and their trailers, they need more time and room to maneuver. A truck may need to swing to the right to make room for a left turn. Therefore, don’t take a turn simultaneously with a big truck. You will most likely be in their blind spot if you try to do so. Trucking accidents are more deadly than regular vehicle accidents. Therefore, leaving lots of room while sharing the road with a big truck is best. If you or a loved one has been in a car or truck accident, please give us a call. Let us help you during this time and take some additional stress off your shoulders.
BE CAREFUL DRIVING AROUND BIG TRUCKS! Keep These 3 Tips in Mind
PUZZLE
Inspired by MarthaStewart.com Curried Steak With Scallion Rice and Peas
Ingredients
Directions
• 1 lb flank steak,
1. Season steak with salt and pepper. Brush with 1 tbsp curry paste, and let stand 10 minutes. 2. In a saucepan, combine rice, 1 3/4 cups water, 1 tbsp oil, and 3/4 tsp salt. Bring to a boil, then
room temperature
• Kosher salt and ground pepper • 3 tbsp massaman curry paste, divided • 1 1/4 cups white rice • 2 1/2 cups water, divided • 4 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided • 1 bunch scallions, thinly sliced, white and light- green parts separated from dark-green tops • 8 oz sugar snap
stir, cover, and reduce heat to low. Simmer about 15 minutes before adding white and light-green scallions. Cover to steam.
3. Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Swirl in 1 tbsp oil. Add the steak, flipping once; cook this for 7–9 minutes, then transfer to a carving board. 4. Reduce the skillet to medium heat, then add 1 tbsp oil and the remaining 2 tbsp curry paste. Cook this for 1 minute. Add 3/4 cup water and cook until reduced, about 30 seconds. Transfer to a bowl and cover. 5. Wipe skillet clean, then add remaining 1 tbsp oil. While stirring, add snap peas. Season with salt and cook this until crisp-tender, about 2–3 minutes. 6. Fluff rice before stirring in scallion tops. Slice steak against the grain, then serve with rice, peas, and curry sauce.
peas, trimmed and halved on the bias
The Di Bartolomeo Law Office, P.C. 1139 Exchange Street | Astoria, Oregon | 503-325-8600 | www.JoeDiBartolomeo.com
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What’s Inside
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Unique Valentine’s Day Ideas
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3 At-Home Stretches to Help Your Hands Why Can My SSDI Benefits End?
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Avoid an Accident With a Big Truck! Curried Steak With Scallion Rice and Peas
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‘Black Mirror’ Comes to Life in Detroit
THE LATEST TREND IN BIOHACKING WILL ‘KEY IMPLANTS’ BECOME THE NEW NORMAL?
Fox 2 spoke with Dalaly, who said the chips also have other perks: “I can walk up to people and have them tap their phone to [the house key in] my hand and instantly transfer my contact information in my portfolio, my COVID vaccine card,” he told the news station. He added that purchasing and implanting the Tesla “digital key” cost just $400. Dalaly didn’t develop this idea alone — at least not the Tesla part. According to the New York Post, he’s one of 100 beta testers for VivoKey Apex (VivoKey.com), which makes “Apex Flex subdermal security keys” using the same technology that powers contactless credit cards. The brand claims the implants protect users’ data from hackers, phishers, scammers, loss, and theft. “Apex can free your digital identity and make it part of the one thing that matters most — you,” its website claims.
Dalaly and his fellow beta testers aren’t the first to jump on the “digital key” bandwagon. Back in 2019, NBC News reported that people in Sweden were implanting the digital equivalent of their keys, wallets, and IDs in the backs of their hands using similar technology. The news site followed one man through his daily routine, watching him unlock his office door and access the company fridge with a wave of his wrist. These forays into biohacking — a term used to describe the “augmentation” or “enhancement” of the human body and brain — are generating public pushback. Some people think hiding data under their skin sounds too much like something out of “Black Mirror.” But for others, like Dalaly, convenience wins out over privacy concerns. “[The chip] is a perfect backup,” he told Fox 2. “You can never forget it, it never breaks, something that won’t fail you.”
If you could unlock your house with a wave of your hand, would you ditch your keys forever? In 2022, a Detroit tech worker named Brandon Dalaly pondered this question — and said yes. Dalaly partnered with a local piercing shop, which agreed to implant two microchips in his palm: one in his left hand to unlock his house and the other in his right to open his Tesla!
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The Di Bartolomeo Law Office, P.C. 1139 Exchange Street | Astoria, Oregon | 503-325-8600 | www.JoeDiBartolomeo.com
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