Law Office of Elliott Kanter APC - August 2018

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August 2018

EMPATHY WORK LESSONS IN SUMMER JOBS

As the dog days of summer continue, there’s nothing I like more than a scoop of ice cream (or two) to cool off. Sitting back and indulging my sweet tooth, I can’t help but think back to one of my first jobs, all those summers ago, working in a little ice cream factory in Pennsylvania. Beyond being a pretty sweet gig, that job and others helped shape who I am today. When I was just 15 years old, I went to work for the local ice cream factory. There were about 20 of us, mixing the cream and packing it into 20-quart metal drums (this was before cardboard became the industry standard). Sometimes it was my job to wash out these containers after the ice cream trucks brought them back. This really got in the way of my athletics. As I’ve mentioned in past articles, baseball has always been an important part of my life. I would eventually come to terms with the fact that I just wasn’t cut out to be a pitcher, but at age 15, in the Babe Ruth league, I was still trying my darndest. But on the days I had to wash those ice cream drums, my hands would get so pruny I couldn’t grip the ball! The first night this happened, I couldn’t throw over the plate to save my life. I explained these woes to my boss, asking if I could please be taken off dish duties on days I had a game. Nope. Tough

luck, Elliott; your team at work needs you cleaning those tubs more than your baseball team needs you pitching. Lesson learned. When I went off to college, I found work at a different ice cream place, Greenwood Dairy. It was a very popular spot, and they made their own ice cream from their brand of milk. The owner was a great guy who made a point to hire a college kid every summer to help support their education. To this day, the way that owner was able to use his small business to foster higher education in the community is an inspiration to me. I was very lucky to get that spot my freshmen year, though I gained weight thanks to the ice cream.

happy to leave the pallet work to the college kids during their breaks. I didn’t mind — I got to swap out my ice cream weight for muscle. Over my school career, I had just about every job under the sun. I learned to drive a stick shift working for a glass repair company and I cultivated my love of music working at a stereo shop, and throughout all these jobs I was working shoulder to shoulder with folks from just about every walk of life imaginable. We often praise these kinds of jobs for the work ethic and personal responsibility they teach. But what often gets overlooked are the lessons in empathy and understanding we gain from our coworkers along the way. As a trial lawyer, my job largely revolves around connecting with people with different backgrounds and being trusted to tell their story before a courtroom. I have no doubt these lessons in empathy throughout the summers of my life have made me a better lawyer and a better man.

I HAVE NO DOUBT THESE LESSONS IN EMPATHY THROUGHOUT THE SUMMERS OF MY LIFE HAVE MADE ME A BETTER LAWYER AND A BETTER MAN.

The next year took care of that, when I got to work at the Champale Brewery in Trenton, New Jersey. I’ve never been much of a beer drinker myself, but it was a fun union job with plenty of heavy lifting. The older guys were more than

-Elliott Kanter

Law Office of Elliott Kanter APC | (619) 231-1883

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3 WAYS TO MENTALLY PREPARE YOUR KIDS FOR THE SCHOOL YEAR

It may not feel like it yet, but summer is coming to a close, and summer break is ending along with it. Soon, the kids will be back to early morning breakfasts before the school bus arrives and late-night study sessions. Thankfully, there are some steps your family can take during these closing weeks of summer to ensure your kids hit the ground running this school year. For many kids, summer schedules are flexible. They may have become accustomed to sleeping in and staying up late without any obligations. Getting back into the rhythm of the school year can take some getting used to. In fact, according to psychologist Cherie Valeithian, it can take upward of two weeks to properly adjust to a new sleep- SET AN EARLY BEDTIME

wake cycle. So why not give your kids a head start and ensure they begin the school year bright-eyed and bushy-tailed?

Your kids may find that last year’s schedule doesn’t work for them this year. Emphasize that this is okay; part of growing up is learning how and when you work most effectively. Don’t be afraid to help them switch things up as the school year progresses. Maybe your kids are excited about the school year. Maybe they are anxious, or perhaps they’re just disappointed to see summer vacation come to an end. Starting a dialogue about the aspects of school your kids are looking forward to and those they’re dreading can help you dispel myths and identify problem areas. More than anything else, this can help your kids feel at ease about the coming year. ASK YOUR KIDS HOW THEY FEEL

OUTLINE A HOMEWORK SCHEDULE

Resuming a homework regimen can be a difficult transition for some kids. Late summer, when they don’t have assignments to worry about yet, can be a great opportunity to help them prepare a study schedule. Ask the following questions to help them get started: “Do you want to dive right into homework when you get home? Do you need to accommodate for a sport or extracurricular activity? Do you work best when doing your assignments in one large chunk, or would you prefer taking breaks in between assignments?”

OPIOIDS AND INJURY KNOW YOUR OPTIONS

With our country still grappling with a nationwide opioid crisis, it has never been more important to be aware of the risks associated with these addictive drugs. While the media has said much about how this national public health emergency is ravaging communities in West Virginia and New Hampshire, it’s important to note that our friends and neighbors right here in San Diego are facing the same tidal wave of overprescribed painkillers. The California Department of Public Health estimates that 6.7 per 100,000 residents died of an overdose in San Diego county last year. But what if you are injured and need pain management to recover? Only you can know your own level of pain, but working with a doctor and being aware of alternative avenues for pain management can help you find the safest path to recovery. Here are three things every injured person should be aware of in light of this crisis. PHYSICAL THERAPY MAY BE AN OPTION Recently, the CDC issued new guidelines to doctors on pain management plans, highlighting various alternatives to opioid treatments. The document cites “high-quality evidence” that shows various forms of physical therapy “reduces pain and improves function immediately after

treatment and that the improvements are sustained for at least 2–6 months,” in the case of knee or hip problems. Speaking on lower back injuries, the CDC noted, “Exercise therapy also can help reduce pain and improve function in low back pain and can improve global well-being and physical function.” This form of treatment may not be right for you or your injury, but it’s worth broaching the subject with your doctor if you want an alternative or supplement to pharmaceutical pain management. CONSIDER A PAIN MANAGEMENT CONTRACT In light of the opioid crisis, many doctors offer to sign pain management contracts with patients who do need painkillers to function. These contracts act as a two-way street, helping ensure that you only take the amount you are supposed to and protecting you from being overprescribed. KNOW WHERE YOU CAN GET HELP There are many rehab centers throughout San Diego county that can help in the event that you or a loved one becomes addicted to opiates. Our team would be happy to direct you to a nearby resource. You can also call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s national hotline at (800) 662-HELP (4357).

Law Office of Elliott Kanter APC | www.enkanter.com

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OPIOIDS AND THE LAW

While opioids are a threat to your physical and mental health, they also carry the added risk of incarceration. Being charged with possession of medical opioids without a prescription or with street opiates like heroin could get you up to three years in prison. If you find yourself in an unfortunate situation involving these controlled substances, it’s critical that you take steps to protect your legal rights. DO NOT DISCARD THE OPIATES Attempting to evade law enforcement or to quickly dispose of any controlled substance is a surefire way to make you appear guilty in the eyes of the law. Furthermore, these actions may land you with additional charges, like resisting arrest or tampering with evidence. The best you can do in the moment is accept the charges, knowing you will get your day in court. DO NOT ADMIT GUILT Under the Constitution, all citizens are innocent until proven guilty. Therefore, the police bear the burden of proving that you were aware of your possession of opiates. Admitting guilt closes off many legal avenues for your defense and amounts to you surrendering your right to avoid self-incrimination. REMEMBER THE ACTIONS OF LAW ENFORCEMENT Always cooperate with police officers in the moment, but keep an eye on how they conduct themselves as well. They may overstep their bounds by illegally searching your vehicle or your person, or they may use coercion tactics to entrap you. This sort of police misconduct throws the facts of the entire case into question. Opiate possession charges are serious, and finding the best possible legal defense depends on the unique circumstances of your case. An experienced criminal defense attorney can help you examine the facts and find your best path forward. Elliot Kantor is an expert lawyer for those charged with drug possession. Our team will do everything we can to get your charges minimized or dropped entirely. We can also connect you with medical resources to help with any substance abuse problems you may be battling, empowering you to take positive steps toward the future. Give us a call at (619) 231-1883. CONTACT AN EXPERIENCED CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY

GREEN BEAN AND SESAME SALAD

Inspired by Delicious magazine

If you need an easy, healthy side dish with plenty of flavor, this green bean salad will be the perfect addition to your summer menu.

INGREDIENTS

• • • •

3 cups green beans, ends trimmed

• • • •

1 small red onion, finely chopped

1 teaspoon white wine vinegar

Small bunch of fresh mint

1 tablespoon olive oil

Small bunch of flat-leaf parsley

2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted

Salt and pepper, to taste

DIRECTIONS

1. Bring a large saucepan of water to boil; cook green beans for 4–5 minutes; drain well.

2. In a blender, mix finely chopped mint and parsley with olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Blend until combined. 3. Add dressing, onion, and sesame seeds to beans. Toss together. Cool dish, then refrigerate until ready to serve.

Law Office of Elliott Kanter APC | (619) 231-1883

Published by The Newsletter Pro | www.TheNewsletterPro.com

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Law Office of Elliott Kanter APC 2445 Fifth Ave. #350 San Diego, CA 92101 (619) 231-1883

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

1 2

ELLIOTT’S FIRST JOB

HOW TO PREPARE YOUR KIDS FOR SCHOOL

WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU ARE PRESCRIBED OPIOIDS?

GREEN BEAN AND SESAME SALAD

WHEN YOU’RE CHARGED WITH OPIOID POSSESSION

THE STRANGEST HOLIDAYS IN AUGUST

AUGUST’S SILLIEST HOLIDAYS

February has Valentine’s Day; September has Labor Day; December, of course, has Christmas; and August has, um, National Raspberry Cream Pie Day. August may not host any major holidays, but it doesn’t lack for some of the goofiest on the calendar. ARE THESE ON YOUR CALENDAR?

Just don’t expect to see any Hallmark cards devoted to National Wiggle Your Toes Day anytime soon. AUGUST 13: LEFT-HANDERS DAY About 10 percent of the population is left- handed. Lefties may be stuck in a right-hand- dominant world, but on August 13, they rule the roost. Originally founded in England, Left- Handers Day has taken off in the U.S. Righties are encouraged to try out a left-handed approach for the day. Lefties, for their part, are free to be themselves. AUGUST 17: NATIONAL THRIFT SHOP DAY Thrift shops are a staple of American commerce, so it makes sense that there is a day devoted to them. Take the day to hunt for lost treasures and screaming deals.

Many thrift shops also benefit nonprofit organizations, giving you even more reason to frequent them. AUGUST 27: NATIONAL ‘JUST BECAUSE’ DAY This celebration is really scratching the bottom of the holiday barrel. Joseph J. Goodwin created National “Just Because” Day in the 1950s. It’s a day to do something “just because.” Be spontaneous and have a little fun. There’s no one way to celebrate, which is fitting, given that the existence of the holiday seems to defy logic altogether.

AUGUST 6: NATIONAL WIGGLE YOUR TOES DAY

While the origin of this holiday is uncertain, it’s held every year on August 6. To celebrate, people are encouraged to wear sandals, flip flops, or other toe-exposing footwear. You can also frolic barefoot in the grass or simply stretch those digits throughout the day.