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The Bledsoe Firm JustFamilyLaw.com | 949.363.5551 MAY | 2025
A SLICE OF FREEDOM THE UPS AND DOWNS OF EATING WHATEVER YOU FANCY!
We all know the joy of sinking your teeth into a greasy slice of pizza or devouring that chocolate bar in record time. There’s a certain thrill in eating exactly what you crave, especially when those
functions and memory. Yes, that’s right. That side order of fries might be messing with more than just your waistline — it could be fogging up your brain, too!
Fast food, loaded with fat and lacking in fiber, often causes digestive discomfort. That extra-large serving of onion rings or fries may result in bloating, indigestion, and even increased risks of digestive disorders. However, it’s not all doom and gloom. National Eat What You Want Day isn’t just a cruel joke to make us all feel guilty. It’s a reminder that balance is possible and that indulgence, in moderation, is part of a healthy lifestyle. Psychologists note that occasional treats can actually help us stick to a balanced diet long term. Deprivation can lead to cravings and possibly overeating. The key is moderation. A slice of cake on your birthday or a fancy dinner on an anniversary can actually be beneficial. These moments give us something to look forward to or a reward for staying on track. The trick is to keep them as treats we enjoy every now and then.
cravings lean toward the naughty list — that’s why National Eat What You Want Day on May 11 earned a spot on the calendar. But what happens when every day starts feeling like a food free-for-all?
Eating what we want, whenever we want, is the ultimate culinary freedom, but it certainly has a few drawbacks. As much as we’d love to believe in the magic of an all-you-can- eat candy buffet with zero consequences, reality (and our bodies) often has other plans. Various studies have proven the negative impacts of
consistently indulging in poor food choices, especially fast food or heavily processed items.
A study by the American Heart Association suggests that diets high in fatty, sugary, and overly processed foods can lead to increased risks of heart disease, diabetes, and obesity — all serious health issues that can reduce quality of life and lead to long-term complications.
So, by all means, celebrate National Eat What You Want Day when it rolls around! But let’s not make it a monthlong event. Our
bodies will thank us, and honestly, so will our minds. After all, there’s something satisfying about craving something and then, at just the right moment, giving in ... just a little bit. —John Bledsoe
For the brain, research shows that diets high in unhealthy fats and sugars can impair cognitive
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INJURY-FREE RUNNING NAVIGATING THE TOUGH TALK WITH YOUR KIDS
TIME YOUR DIVORCE DISCUSSION RIGHT
spouse. Presenting a united front provides reassurance and security. Decide on the main points you want to cover and ensure you are both on the same page about what you will say. This is not the time for blame or airing grievances but instead a moment to focus on your children’s emotional needs. CHOOSE THE RIGHT TIME AND PLACE. Timing and setting are essential. Choose a moment when you won’t be rushed and a place where your children feel comfortable and safe. It’s best to have this conversation when they don’t have any immediate pressures, like right before school or a major exam.
need reassurance about their immediate needs, like who will take them to school, where they will live, and so on. Older children and teenagers might ask more detailed questions and may need reassurance about not being at fault. BE HONEST BUT REASSURING. It’s vital to be honest with your children about the situation and reassure them both parents will always love and provide for them. Avoid placing any blame on one another and focus on the changes that will occur, emphasizing that some things — like your love for them — will remain the same. ENCOURAGE QUESTIONS. Invite your children to ask questions and express their feelings. They might need time to process the information, so give them the space to come back with questions later. Validate their feelings by letting them know it’s okay to feel sad, confused, or even angry.
Telling your children about your divorce is likely one of the most challenging conversations you’ll encounter as a parent. How you deliver this message can impact how they cope with the news. While there’s no one-size-fits-all script, adopting a thoughtful, sensitive approach can help soften the blow. Here are some guidelines on how to navigate this delicate discussion. PLAN THE CONVERSATION. Before sitting down with your children, it is important to plan the conversation with your
KEEP THE MESSAGE AGE- APPROPRIATE.
Be sure the conversation meets your children’s ages and maturity levels. Younger children might not need detailed explanations, as they can be overwhelmed by too much information. They
Supplements That Support Your Smile Protect Your Gums With These Essential Nutrients
VITAMIN D FOR GUM AND IMMUNE SUPPORT Vitamin D plays a central role in keeping gums strong and fighting infections. It supports the immune system, helping your body combat bacteria that cause gum disease. It also reduces inflammation and keeps gum tissue healthy. If you don’t get enough sunlight or vitamin D-rich foods, a supplement can help maintain healthy gums. OMEGA-3S TO REDUCE INFLAMMATION Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA and EPA, have potent anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that benefit gum health. Eating fatty fish at least twice a week or adding an omega-3 supplement to your diet can help protect against gum disease and keep inflammation under control. A little extra care goes a long way when it comes to gum health. Adding these supplements to your routine can help keep your gums strong, fight off harmful bacteria, and prevent disease. Pair these with regular dental visits and a solid brushing routine, and you’ll be flashing a healthy, confident smile for years!
Brushing and flossing are a must, but did you know what you eat (and what you might be missing) can make or break your gum health? Giving your gums the right nutrients can mean the difference between a strong, vibrant mouth and one wracked with inflammation and gum disease. Luckily, with a few simple additions to your diet, you can give your gums the boost they need! VITAMIN C FOR STRONGER GUMS Vitamin C is essential for creating collagen, which helps maintain firm and healthy gums. A deficiency can lead to inflammation, bleeding, and discomfort. Studies show that people with low vitamin C levels are more prone to gum disease. Eating citrus fruits (in moderation) can help boost vitamin C intake, and taking a supplement ensures you’re getting enough to support your gum health. PROBIOTICS TO FIGHT HARMFUL BACTERIA Probiotics aren’t just for gut health — they can also benefit your gums. Gum disease often results from an overgrowth of harmful bacteria in the mouth. Probiotic supplements introduce beneficial bacteria that help keep these harmful strains in check. Adding probiotics to your routine can also help prevent bad breath and tooth decay.
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W ord S earch
Navigating Gray Divorce
Bloom
Cinco
Derby
Emerald
ESSENTIAL TIPS FOR OLDER COUPLES
Gemini
Graduation
Lily
Memorial
Divorce among older couples, often referred to as “gray divorce,” has become increasingly common in recent years. While the emotional and logistical challenges of ending a marriage later in life can be unique, specific strategies can help couples navigate this difficult transition more smoothly. CONSIDER THE FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS. One of the most significant aspects of a gray divorce is the financial impact. After years of building a life together, couples often have intertwined assets such as retirement accounts, investments, shared real estate, and other complex financial arrangements. Getting a clear picture of individual and joint finance is essential. Hiring a financial advisor who specializes in divorce can help you understand the long-term effects of your financial decisions during the divorce process. UPDATE YOUR ESTATE PLANS. Updating your will, trust, and other estate planning documents is vital following a divorce. This ensures your assets are distributed according to your new wishes and beneficiary designations on retirement accounts, and life insurance policies are current to protect your interests and prevent potential conflicts among surviving family members in the future. PRIORITIZE ADULT CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN. While adult children and grandchildren may not need the same type of reassurance that young children do, they can still be affected by their parents’ or grandparents’ divorce. Be open and honest with your family about the situation. Encourage questions, express your thoughts and feelings, and emphasize that family relationships will always be a top priority. SEEK EMOTIONAL SUPPORT. Ending a long-term marriage can bring a profound sense of loss and uncertainty. It’s important to find support through counseling, whether individually or in groups, to manage the emotional aspects of your divorce. Therapists who specialize in adult transitions can provide valuable guidance and coping strategies. PLAN FOR SINGLE RETIREMENT. After divorce later in life, it’s essential to reassess your plans. This might mean adjusting where you live, how much money you need to save, and how you spend your time. Embrace this as an opportunity to focus on your hobbies, create new friendships, and maybe even explore interests you didn’t have time for before. STAY LEGALLY PROTECTED. Legal advice is crucial in gray divorces. Laws regarding spousal support, asset division, and retirement benefits can be complex. That’s where we come in! We have decades of experience to support you legally and emotionally during the process. Give us a call today to set up your consultation.
Mother
Roses
Teacher
Veterans
Inspired by TheKitchn.com
Creamy Chicken Carbonara
With delicious vegetables seasoned with tangy ginger, this recipe is sure to please vegans and meat-eaters alike!
INGREDIENTS •
12 oz spaghetti or linguine 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced (8 oz)
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3 oz Parmesan cheese
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4 oz pancetta or bacon, diced
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•
2 cloves garlic, minced
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1/2 cup pasta water
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Salt and pepper
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1 tbsp chopped parsley, optional
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1 tbsp olive oil
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4 large eggs
DIRECTIONS
1. Cook pasta in boiling water until al dente. Save 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain. 2. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat, and cook chicken until golden and fully cooked. Remove chicken. 3. In a bowl, mix eggs and Parmesan cheese until smooth. 4. Add pancetta to chicken pan, cook until crispy, then stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds. 5. Toss pasta with pancetta, then remove from heat. Stir in egg mixture, adding reserved pasta water gradually until creamy. 6. Mix in chicken and garnish with parsley before serving.
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Inside
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Finding the Balance in Our Diet Delights
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Guide Your Kids Through Your Divorce Nourish Your Smile With These Gum-Strengthening Supplements
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Protect Your Rights During a Gray Divorce
Creamy Chicken Carbonara
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Tips for Engaging Your Kids in a Nature Hike
Help Your Kids Fall in Love With Hiking STEP BY STEP
Getting your kids outdoors to enjoy nature is a goal worth pursuing, but smartphones, video games, and social media have made it far more challenging in recent years.
Challenge your kids to make a list of all the plants or animals they can identify while they walk. Apps like Leafsnap help you identify
plants using photos of their leaves or other parts. Additionally, the Arbor Day Foundation offers an online step-by-step guide at ArborDay.org for identifying a tree by its leaves.
We celebrated Earth Day on April 22, and a nature walk is a great way to keep the appreciation for nature going. Planning games, creative projects, and other challenges to engage them during your hike can get kids involved from the start. Choose a trail that isn’t too difficult, and allow your children to wander and explore. If your children have a creative flair, encourage them to collect dried leaves, pieces of bark, seed pods, sticks, and other items to use in a collage.
Keep the learning going by having your kids record their distance based on trail signs or a map app on their phones and calculate their average speed. You could also invite your youngsters to become cartographers, tracing the trail and surroundings on paper, including landmarks, rivers, and lakes. Older kids can add topographical information using their phones or an altitude app such as Altimeter or My Altitude.
For adventurous kids, you can draft an age- appropriate list for a scavenger hunt to keep them from growing bored on the walk. You can include different insects native to your area, specific colors of leaves, and types of flowers, and you can even have them keep an ear out for different bird calls.
Hiking is a fantastic activity to help your kids appreciate the outdoors rather than their phone screens, but being in nature takes energy. Remember to pack snacks and a water bottle before you leave, or pack a favorite picnic meal to savor the rewards of exploring the outdoors!
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