ROAD TRIPS DON’T HAVE TO BE PAINFUL Try Games, Audiobooks, and Podcasts to Pass the Time
INCLUDE THE WHOLE FAMILY
Once the travel games no longer pique anyone’s interest, try an activity that can be fun for the whole family: a traditional road trip game. If you have a car full of storytellers, try “Fortunately, Unfortunately.” The rules are simple. The first person starts by saying, “fortunately,” and mentioning something good about the road trip or the destination. The next person (moving clockwise) then follows by saying something “unfortunate” about the previous person’s statement. Take turns with every passenger in the car. If someone stumbles, they get a strike; three strikes and you’re out. The last passenger standing wins. We get it. Sometimes passengers don’t want to play games. Occasionally, they’d rather relax or take a nap. However, your listening material doesn’t have to be limited to Dad’s favorite music. Instead, consider listening to a family-friendly audiobook or podcast, which can make the longest and most boring parts of your trip an entertaining or educational experience. Almost any popular book is available in audio form, but it can be hard to find an enjoyable podcast. “Transistor” is a science-focused podcast that explores subjects kids and adults will find fascinating. Or if you’re looking for something fictional, try “Storynory,” in which the narrator tells fairy tales and legends from all over the globe. PLAY AN AUDIOBOOK OR PODCAST
Summer is right around the corner, which means you’ll soon pile the whole family into the car, ready to brave the road for a vacation. Everyone knows that riding in the car for hours can be torture. But with a little creativity, you can turn the worst part of a long trip into a fun event.
PACK A TRAVEL GAME
When the excitement of the family vacation starts to wear off, keep the peace and entertain your kids with a travel game. Many board game manufacturers offer travel-sized versions that are easy to pack and play in the car. Before your next road trip, consider purchasing digital Yahtzee, which packs all the fun of the classic game without the dice, or IQ Fit, a logic game with over 100 challenges. Both games cost around $10 and can provide hours of entertainment. Without Ever Looking at Medical Records The Doctor Who Denied Care In February, it was disclosed that Aetna’s medical director had been denying medical claims without ever looking at patients’ records. Thanks to a lawsuit, this negligence was brought to the public’s attention. In his deposition, former medical director Dr. Jay Ken Linuma said he was simply following the training guidelines of the insurance giant. According to Dr. Linuma, this meant nurses would review a patient’s records and make recommendations to him based on their review. Aetna refuted the doctor’s statement, reporting that their medical directors are trained to review all medical information that is available about a patient. Dr. Linuma has admitted, under oath, that not once in his three-year tenure as medical director did he look at patients’ records. It’s shocking that this was happening within one of the world’s largest insurance companies.
denied Washington’s claims, and Washington’s condition deteriorated to the point where his lung collapsed. Soon after, the doctor’s testimony revealed the shocking truth — the ignorant denial of claims may have happened on a much grander scale. Washington has brought a lawsuit against Aetna, and the case will likely be far from the first of its kind. Commissioner Jones is encouraging anyone with a similar story to come forward. This type of injustice should never happen; yet, all too often, we see insurance companies denying claims and keeping benefits from the people who should be getting them. If you or a loved one have had a claim denied by a workers’ compensation carrier or auto insurance carrier, call the law firm of Pezzano Mickey & Bornstein to find out if you have a case.
California Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones was outraged, and he’s not the only one.
The injustice was brought to the state’s attention after a young man, Gillan Washington, was denied treatment for lifesaving blood transfusions that he needed due to an autoimmune illness. Dr. Linuma
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