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W hen C ancer H its H ome
OCTOBER 2024
When we’re planning our life goals and thinking about the future, we don’t anticipate receiving a cancer diagnosis. According to the National Cancer Institute, over 40% of Americans will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lives. That’s a large chunk of the population, yet most people live with the mentality that it won’t happen to them. It’s a similar thought process people have regarding car accidents and addiction, but that optimism bias doesn’t protect us from experiencing hardships. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a cause dedicated to spreading information and encouraging women to get screened for breast cancer. Although I’ve never had breast cancer myself, I’ve had loved ones experience it. My aunt and my close friend both had breast cancer, but the diagnosis that rocked me the hardest was my mother’s. We had no family history of breast cancer, so the diagnosis came as a considerable shock. While we don’t imagine that this difficult situation will affect us, we also live under the assumption it won’t affect our families, either. We want to believe that it just happens to other people until it finally strikes close to home.
I’ll never forget the day I learned of my mom’s diagnosis. It was August, right as I was starting my first year of law school. I was in my apartment with my husband, who was my boyfriend at the time, when I received the call. Nothing can prepare you to hear someone say your mom has breast cancer. It’s hard to process, and my initial response involved shock and tears. That same year, my dad was diagnosed with melanoma, and my grandfather was diagnosed with kidney cancer. It is safe to say that this was not an ideal way to start law school. It was a lot all at once! Thankfully, doctors caught my mother’s cancer early, but she still had to undergo chemotherapy and radiation. Her hair started falling out once she began treatment, and it was painful, so she shaved her head. There was something about seeing her without hair that was challenging for me. It was a visual sign that she was sick, and it didn’t matter if she had a wig on or her head wrapped. It didn’t feel like my mom, and I had to overcome those thoughts. I tried not to show my concern or worry as it wouldn’t help my mom get better. I wanted to remain a calm and happy presence to ensure she wouldn’t feel sad. There were changes to my mom’s life due to her diagnosis. She was a very hard worker but couldn’t keep working as a pediatrician while sick, as it would jeopardize her recovery. She actually watched “The Oprah Winfrey Show” for the first time while undergoing chemo, as she had never missed work previously, and this was her first opportunity to watch a daytime talk show. She was worried about losing patients since she couldn’t be there, but she had to put her own health first and fight it. However, my mom stayed optimistic and continued to push past any obstacle in her path. My mom survived breast cancer and is doing very well these days. She stayed strong even when times were tough. She was only 49 when she received her diagnosis. My sister and I have had early screenings to help us catch a potential diagnosis since breast cancer can be hereditary. Approximately 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in their lives, so it’s essential to get our screenings and understand the warning signs. A breast cancer diagnosis can change your life and your family’s lives, but catching it early will give you the best chance at recovery.
- Esther Vayman
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T asty T akeout T ransformation
or grilled, as they are healthier alternatives. Fried foods are high in calories and trans fat, which could negatively impact your health. Simple swaps like choosing a veggie burger instead of a regular burger with bacon or a baked potato instead of fries can make all the difference. MANAGE YOUR PORTION SIZES. Many fast food joints serve big portions you can split into two meals, so always watch how much food you order. Avoid supersizing your meal and stick to the smallest serving sizes for sides, drinks, and main entrees. Our favorite takeout hack is to check out the kid’s menu. The children- size hamburgers at most restaurants typically contain only 250–300 calories, so you will still get a solid serving of protein with less fat — and save a little money. SKIP THE ADD-ONS. When you crave fast food, every calorie counts. Say no to add-ons or extras for your meal, like bacon or cheese. Sauces and dressings often have extra calories and sugar, so avoiding them or asking for them on the side is best. If you want condiments on your food, like mayonnaise, ask them to add only a light amount or ask for sauce packets so you can control those extra calories. Some healthy and tasty swaps for flavor are avocado, hummus, or salsa. So, remember these tips to keep your meal delicious and healthier next time you’re in the drive-thru line. You can enjoy a world of flavors without sacrificing your well-being by making mindful choices and small swaps.
YOUR GO-TO GUIDE FOR HEALTHY FAST-FOOD CHOICES
Are you hungry for some delicious takeout but want to keep it healthy? Whether you’re craving spicy Szechuan or dreaming of a cheesy slice of pizza, we’ve got your back with the ultimate guide to guilt-free takeout! From swapping out egg rolls for lighter spring rolls to skipping your hamburger bun, discover how to indulge in your favorite cuisines without compromising health. So, grab your fork, and let’s dive into the menu of nutritious takeout options that will satisfy your cravings and keep you healthy. AVOID FRIED FOODS. Many of the most popular dishes at fast-food restaurants are battered and fried. Look for items on the menu that are baked, steamed, roasted,
W hen an A micable D ivorce M atters FOR THE SAKE OF THE KIDS It’s not uncommon for divorce proceedings to get messy when one member of the relationship feels they were wronged. However, depending on the circumstances, being amicable throughout the divorce process can benefit everyone involved. This becomes even more important if children are involved. When parents fight and say negative things about each other during and after the divorce, it can negatively impact their children. They might feel as if their world is crumbling around them and may grow uncomfortable about attending events where both parents will be present. As difficult as it might be for you to be in the same location as someone who wronged you, you need to put on your best face for your kids. We have worked on cases where we have to figure out which parent can attend each event. This is frustrating for the parents but affects the children more than anything else. The children want their parents to be there supporting them, but they miss out when their parents can’t both be at the same event. Sometimes, hiring with an attorney who is willing to work with the opposition helps parents adopt the same mindset. You have to find common ground; often, that common ground is the children. Focusing on them will help you realize what’s important and get you through the process. This doesn’t mean you must be friends with your ex, but avoiding disagreements and arguments will benefit your kids in the long run.
When you’re walking down the aisle, preparing to say your vows and get married, you never expect the marriage to fail. However, things that are completely out of our control can happen in marriage. With time, your views, opinions, and personality traits can change, causing you to drift apart from someone you once loved dearly. In other cases, individuals realize that the person they married is not who they thought they were.
Do you love your children more than you hate the other spouse? If so, staying amicable throughout the divorce process and beyond is likely in your best interest.
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Amanda D. Queen Nefertiti of Egypt Amanda H. Taco Bell Sauce Packet ‑ Verde Abby An Undead Mime (trapped in the box) Mari Pennywise the Clown Ryan Sally from “Nightmare Before Christmas” Ashlyn Wanda Maximoff
Maggie Carole Baskin from “Tiger King” Grace “Probono” Katie
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVORITE HALLOWEEN COSTUME THAT YOU’VE WORN?
Elle Woods Madison The Countess from “American Horror Story” Andrea Ted from “Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure”
V egan S ingapore N oodles
ingredients Sauce • 2 garlic cloves, minced • 2 tbsp tamari • 2 tbsp maple syrup • 2 tbsp lime juice
Noodles • 6 oz thin rice noodles • 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil, divided • 1/2 white onion, thinly sliced • 3/4 red bell pepper, thinly sliced • 12 whole snow peas • 1 tbsp tamari • 2 tsp curry powder
BRAIN BREAK
Inspired by MinimalistBaker.com
directions 1. Make the sauce by whisking together all ingredients in a small mixing bowl, then set aside. 2. Place rice noodles in a large bowl and cover with boiling water. 3. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, then drain and set aside. 4. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tbsp sesame oil, onion, and bell pepper. Sauté for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently. 5. Add snow peas, tamari, and curry powder to the skillet, sauté for 2–3 minutes, then remove from skillet and set aside. 6. Add remaining sesame oil, cooked rice noodles, and sauce to the skillet, and sauté for 1 minute, tossing frequently with tongs. 7. Add vegetables back into the skillet. Cook for 1–2 minutes, then remove from heat.
AUTUMN BOO CANDY COFFEE FOLIAGE GHOST
GOURD MOON SPOOKY SOUP TAILGATE TOUCHDOWN
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THE UNEXPECTED TOLL OF BREAST CANCER
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ENJOY YOUR FAVORITE ORDERS WITHOUT THE GUILT
HOW AN AMICABLE DIVORCE BENEFITS YOUR KIDS
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QUESTION AND ANSWERS
VEGAN SINGAPORE NOODLES
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THE NFL’S MASSIVE ANTITRUST FINE
W hat L ed to the H istoric F ine O ver S unday T icket NFL’S RECENT ANTITRUST RULING
NFL Sunday Ticket, also known as Sunday Ticket, is a sports package allowing purchasers to view regular season NFL games not carried by local broadcasts in their area. Sunday Ticket has been around since 1994, with DirecTV offering it exclusively until 2022 when the NFL signed a seven-year, $14 billion deal with Google’s YouTube TV. However, the NFL’s exclusive deals for Sunday Ticket have come at a cost. After a trial in June that lasted just three weeks, a jury in Los Angeles awarded over $4.7 billion in damages to the plaintiffs in an antitrust class-action lawsuit against the NFL. THE TRIAL The Mucky Duck sports bar in San Francisco initially filed the suit in 2015; an appeals court dismissed then reinstated the case in 2017 before it became a class-action lawsuit. The lawsuit now covers about 2.4 million residential subscribers and 48,000 business subscribers. The plaintiffs alleged that the NFL’s agreement with DirecTV, and now YouTube TV, violated antitrust laws. Not only did the NFL allegedly overcharge both residential and commercial subscribers, but it also removed competition. It forced fans to purchase access to all games rather than offering the ability to purchase only the games they were interested in. For instance, if you are a Philadelphia Eagles fan but live in Florida, your local on-air broadcasts are unlikely to show Eagles games.
In that case, if you wanted to watch all the Eagles’ games, you’d have to shell out a good chunk of change to access those games. As of 2024, a subscription to NFL Sunday Ticket costs $449 per year.
After five hours of deliberation, the jury agreed with the plaintiffs and awarded $4.7 billion in damages to the residential subscribers and $96 million to the business subscribers. Due to federal antitrust laws, those damages can be tripled. That means the NFL may be liable for up to $14.39 billion in damages. The NFL has appealed the decision, but if upheld, each NFL team could be forced to pay nearly $450 million in damages.
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