Stubbins Watson Bryan & Witucky Co. - December 2023

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THE LEGAL NAVIGATOR DECEMBER 2023

Keep Sore Throats at Bay With These Proven Remedies

Winter brings the joys of snow, holiday festivities, and cozy evenings by the fire. Unfortunately, it also heralds the arrival of common ailments, such as a sore throat. A sore throat can quickly put a damper on your winter plans, whether it’s due to the dry, cold air, seasonal illnesses, or other factors. But with these tried-and-true tips and tricks, you can relieve that pesky sore throat and get back to enjoying your holidays! Stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of fluid helps keep your throat moist, soothe irritation, and thin mucus if you’re dealing with congestion. Opt for warm herbal teas, water, and broths, and avoid beverages that can irritate your throat, such as caffeine, soft drinks, and alcohol. Gargle with salt water. This age-old remedy can work wonders for a sore throat. Mix 1 teaspoon of salt into an 8-ounce glass of warm water and gargle for about 30 seconds. The salt helps reduce inflammation and loosen mucus, providing relief. Give honey and lemon a whirl. Honey and lemon are a dynamic duo for soothing sore throats. Honey has natural antibacterial properties, while lemon offers vitamin C and acidity to help break up mucus. Mix 1 tablespoon of honey with the juice of half a lemon in warm water or tea for a throat-soothing drink. Increase the humidity. Dry indoor air can exacerbate a sore throat, especially during winter when heating systems are constantly running. Use a humidifier in your bedroom to add moisture to the air, or take a few hot showers a day. Steam will help loosen mucus in your throat and relieve the pain by moisturizing your throat and nasal passages. Try hard candy or lozenges. Throat lozenges or hard candy can provide temporary relief by moistening your throat and stimulating saliva production. Look for varieties with ingredients such as menthol or honey for added soothing

effects. If you choose hard candy, be sure to eat it in moderation! Rest your voice and body. Give your vocal cords a break by limiting

unnecessary talking and avoiding shouting or whispering, which can strain your throat further. Resting your voice and getting extra shut- eye can help speed up healing. Consider over-the-counter pain relievers. Nonprescription pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help reduce throat pain and inflammation. Always follow the recommended dosage instructions and consult a health care professional with any concerns. Try herbal remedies. Several herbal remedies, such as slippery elm, marshmallow root, and licorice root, have been traditionally used to alleviate sore throat symptoms. These herbs can be found in various forms, including teas, lozenges, and supplements. Always consult a health care provider before trying new herbal remedies, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications. Maintain a balanced diet. A nutritious and balanced diet can help support your immune system and aid healing. Opt for foods rich in vitamins and minerals, such as fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. Avoid extremely hot foods. Very hot foods and drinks can further irritate your sore throat and may extend your healing process. Instead, choose meals and beverages that are room temperature or cold to soothe the pain.

Sore throat season may be an unwelcome visitor during the winter months, but now that you’re armed with these helpful tips and tricks, I hope you’ll navigate it with confidence and nip a sore throat in the bud if one presents itself!

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Winter Travel Tips, Hacks, and Reminders! MAKE YOUR JOURNEY MERRY AND BRIGHT

Now that Thanksgiving is in the rearview mirror, we can turn our attention toward Christmas and New Year’s Day! Over the next few weeks, many of us will travel across the country to visit loved ones to celebrate the holidays. This is easily one of the busiest times of year for travel, as AAA estimated that more than 112 million Americans traveled during last year’s holiday season. This year looks to be equally busy. Traveling during the holidays can be hectic and frustrating. It takes planning and a little luck to ensure everything goes as smoothly as possible. You might need to deal with more traffic or longer lines at airport security, but you can make the situation easier by implementing some helpful strategies.

early enough to check your bags, make it through TSA, and board your flight with ease.

One of the most frustrating situations any frequent flyer can experience is lost or damaged luggage. Suitcases aren’t cheap! If you ever grab your luggage from the carousel and notice it’s damaged or scuffed, do not leave the airport. Instead, go to baggage services and explain the situation. They will gather your information before directing you to a link where you can choose a new suitcase to replace the broken one. If the bag is lost, you will need to fill out a claim as well, although it will likely be a couple of weeks before the airline considers your bag truly lost. Traveling by Car For many families, it’s tradition to pack the car full of gifts and visit the grandparents for the week or a long weekend. It’s a family road trip! Driving in the winter comes with more challenges than any other time of year. Before leaving the house, pack an emergency kit to keep you and your family safe if you get caught in a blizzard. Stock your vehicle with blankets, flashlights, water bottles, basic car maintenance tools, and kitty litter to help free your car from the snow. If you get stuck, turn on your ignition every hour for 10 minutes to warm up the car, and switch on your lights for visibility. Do not get out of your vehicle to look for help! You could get lost and end up in more danger. Brighten Someone’s Day Traveling during the holidays isn’t only stressful for the travelers but for everyone working as well. Whether you’re traveling by plane, train, or automobile, consider purchasing some treats or gifts to give to those who are working the holidays. Sharing them with your flight crew or the attendant at the terminal will bring a smile to their face and could even result in them doing something nice for you. Hotel workers, gas station attendants, and retail employees are some of the many people who work diligently throughout the holidays and could use some extra recognition.

Here are some tips to help you reach your destination with as little stress and trouble as possible, regardless of your mode of transport.

Heading to the Airport There’s no secret strategy to help you get to your terminal quicker or ensure you make your connecting flights on time. You could enroll in TSA precheck, but there’s no guarantee it will be faster during the holidays. Your best bet is to arrive at the airport

The holiday season is full of joy and excitement. Don’t let traveling take the fun out of your experience!

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The story of how Michael Oher went from a young homeless boy to an NFL star captured the hearts of many and inspired the critically acclaimed 2009 film “The Blind Side.” However, behind the heartwarming tale lies a complex legal battle between Michael Oher and the Tuohy family, who adopted him during his teenage years. Oher alleges that Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy misled him into accepting a conservatorship instead of adoption and that he never received fair compensation for his portrayal in the movie. In his petition filed in a Tennessee court, Oher seeks to end the Tuohy family’s conservatorship over him and requests a full accounting of any funds he should have received. In response to the petition, the Tuohys expressed their heartbreak over the situation while accusing Oher of demanding $15 million and threatening negative press coverage if they didn’t comply. Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy claim they have always been upfront with Oher about the conservatorship and that they have split all profits from “The Blind Side” equally with Oher. Still, the heart of Oher’s lawsuit lies in the claim that they led him to believe he was signing adoption papers when, in reality, they were for a conservatorship. This legal arrangement gave the Tuohys significant control over Oher’s life, his story, and the substantial financial gains resulting from it. Oher asserts he did not receive what he was rightfully owed. TAKE A BREAK THE TUOHY FAMILY VS. MICHAEL OHER: A Legal Showdown

Oher’s lawsuit is not only about financial matters but also the emotional stress that came with recently learning he was not legally a member of the Tuohy family, which he had believed for years. Furthermore, the case brings into question the safeguards for young individuals who may enter into legal agreements without a complete understanding of their implications. Seeing how this blockbuster lawsuit shakes out in the coming months and what the verdict means for other young people in similar situations will be interesting.

Skillet Chicken Pot Pie Inspired by TheModernProper.com

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter • 1 cup chopped onion • 1 cup sliced celery • 2 cups sliced carrots • 1/2 cup flour • 1 tsp salt • 1/2 tsp pepper • 1/2 tsp celery seed

• 1 tsp garlic powder • 1 cup milk • 2 cups chicken stock • 2 cups peas • 4 cups cooked chicken • 1 package frozen puff pastry, thawed • 1 egg

Directions

1. Heat oven to 425 F. 2. In 12-inch cast-iron skillet over medium heat, melt butter, then add onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté for 5 minutes. 3. Add flour, salt, pepper, celery seed, and garlic powder to pan and stir. Sauté for 2 minutes. Slowly incorporate milk. 4. Add stock and bring to a simmer, whisking until mixture thickens. Add peas and chicken. 5. Roll out pastry sheet into 16-inch square on floured surface. Cut into 3-inch squares and place overlapping onto chicken mixture. 6. In a small bowl, whisk egg with 1 tbsp water. Brush egg over pastry and place in oven for 25 minutes or until golden and bubbling.

Chimney Christmas

Mistletoe Ornament Parka Reindeer

Sleigh Snowman Wreath Yuletide

Gifts Igloo

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Expert Tips to Tackle Sore Throats This Winter

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Your Ultimate Holiday Travel Guide

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Michael Oher’s Fight for Justice in ‘The Blind Side’ Controversy Skillet Chicken Pot Pie Guard Squirrel on Duty: The Rodent Who Sent a Burglar Running

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Anyone robbing a house must know they’re getting into a dangerous situation. But the teenager who burgled Adam Pearl’s Meridian, Idaho, home had no idea what consequences were in store. Many homeowners have a guard dog, but Pearl got his home security from Joey, his pet squirrel. One day in 2017, Pearl came home and saw that something seemed amiss. Joey was excited, and the doors he’d left closed were now open. After finding scratches on the lock of his gun safe, Pearl knew there’d been a robbery and called the police. Officer Ashley Turner couldn’t help but notice Joey’s presence in the house but didn’t believe he was connected with the case — at first. A few hours later, Turner returned to Pearl’s house with his missing belongings and a story to tell. She’d partially identified the perpetrator by the suspicious scratches on his hands. During questioning, Turner said the burglar confessed to the home invasion and explained why he’d left sooner than intended: Joey attacked while he was attempting to break into the gun safe. Unsurprisingly, the rodent’s violence was frightening. “He wasn’t expecting to have, you know, a squirrel come flying out of nowhere at him,” Officer Turner said. The thief reported that leaving was the only way to stop Joey’s aggression. After learning of his bravery, Pearl rewarded Joey with his favorite candy, Whoppers. But he then had a difficult choice ahead. When Joey was still a tiny baby, Pearl and his wife had taken in the abandoned squirrel. They had intended The Guard Squirrel Who Went Nuts on a Burglar

to release Joey back into the wild when spring came, but they were no longer sure. Ultimately, they let Joey decide. After he started playing with other squirrels through the home’s sliding glass door, the Pearls installed a cat door so he could come and go as he pleased. Joey spent several weeks outdoors with other squirrels by day and returned to the Pearls by night. Eventually, he requested one final scratch behind the ears before disappearing into an apple tree and leaving the Pearls’ house behind forever. Though Joey returned to the great outdoors to live with his kind, his legend is a warning to humans. When you break into someone’s home, you never know what you might find.

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