Take a look at the latest edition of the Makin' It Better Newsletter!
Makin’ It Better NEWSLETTER
August 2021
Oregon Workers’ Compensation | Personal Injury | Social Security Disability
1139 Exchange St., Astoria, OR 97103 • 503-325-8600 • JoeDiBartolomeo.com
Bringing in the Mental Health Benefits of the Outdoors
“Anyone who’s spent some time outside after a long day of being cooped up indoors will probably attest to feeling more rested and at peace.”
You’ve probably seen articles and studies that talk about why regularly spending time outdoors can lead to a variety of health benefits, including lower blood pressure, reduced depression, and even more creativity. I doubt that will come as a surprise — anyone who’s spent some time outside after a long day of being cooped up indoors will probably attest to feeling more rested and at peace. However, one problem with these particular studies is that some of them dangle spending time in nature as the solution without addressing a key issue: Some people just don’t have access to the kind of nature that benefits our health. Whether they live in a city where nature and greenery are hard to come by or because a disability keeps them from getting outside much, some people can’t pop over to the nearest group of trees for a quick pick-me-up. That’s why I’m glad there are a few ways you can bring the great outdoors to you, along with its health benefits.
hospital rooms can help patients feel better; so imagine what having a home brimming with leaves, stems and flowers could do for you! If you have a condition that makes constantly watering plants difficult, you can try getting some plants that don’t need much watering, like succulents, ZZ plants, pothos, or ponytail palms. START A GARDEN. If you’re a little more active but not within a convenient distance from a park or outdoor area, gardening might be the best way to get the benefits of time in nature without having to leave your property. In fact, it can lead to a whole host of other benefits that deserve their own article. Nurturing plants can produce endorphins in the brain, which have positive effects on our mental health. Plus, activities like weeding and sowing seeds can have the same calming effect that meditation has on the brain. Sunflowers, marigolds, and morning glories are just a few flowers that gardeners can easily start planting. PAINT YOUR WALLS GREEN. Apparently, the peace we feel in nature is so ingrained in our psyche that even just being around the color green can lead us to feel more at peace. So, if you’re not interested in taking care of houseplants or tending a garden, you can at least paint some of the walls in your house a soothing green. It’s been shown to lessen anxiety, so even just having a backsplash or accent wall with some green on it could have positive effects on your mental health. As summer continues, I hope you’ll find somewhere you can be at peace in nature, whether in the mountains, at the park, in your backyard, or in your living room.
FILL YOUR HOUSE WITH PLANTS. Aegis Living Bellevue Overlake in Bellevue, Washington, took plants and greenery into account when designing the layout of the building to reduce the number of illnesses among their patients. This practice is called “biophilic design,” and while you might not be able to rebuild your home in accordance with its principles, adding some greenery to the rooms in your house can similarly benefit your health. One study found that simply having plants in
–Joe Di Bartolomeo
The Di Bartolomeo Law Office, P.C. 1139 Exchange Street | Astoria, Oregon | 503-325-8600 | www.JoeDiBartolomeo.com
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Fight SAD Early! START TAKING VITAMIN D NOW, BEFORE THE SUN GOES AWAY
Do you get SAD? We’re talking about seasonal
circumstances. Unfortunately, very few foods are good sources of vitamin D. The best source is sunlight itself.
affective disorder, which affects 1%–10% of the population depending
There are a few ways to combat wintertime SAD. Establishing a regular sleep schedule is important, as is an exercise routine and healthy diet. As mentioned, it’s hard to find vitamin D in foods, but milk and other food products are often intentionally enriched with it during processing. The most common solution, however, is taking a vitamin D supplement, which can be purchased over the counter at drugstores and grocery stores. It is commonly recommended for people living in places with harsher winters, and although there are negative side effects if taken in excess, a regular daily dose of vitamin D is a healthy way to ensure you have the right levels in your system. This month is the perfect time to begin that process. Vitamin D can take several months to build up to effective levels in our bodies. It may be the hottest time of the year in many places, but it’s also the ideal time to start fighting SAD early!
on the state you live in. Symptoms of SAD are similar to symptoms of depression, but unlike chronic depression, which can occur at any time, people with SAD only experience symptoms
during a certain time of year, usually winter.
SAD has been strongly linked with shorter days and less sun — although summertime SAD can result from long days that make sleep difficult, resulting in irritability and mood swings. In most cases, however, winter is the problem season, likely due to a link between less sun and a vitamin D deficiency.
Depression is one common symptom of vitamin D deficiency, especially in patients who aren’t prone to depression due to other
Watch Out for These Adjuster Tactics Being in an auto accident is scary. On top of getting any necessary medical attention and dealing with your vehicle and accept the settlement offer after which time, they’ll claim that the file will be closed if the offer isn’t accepted. they offer than hiring an attorney. They’ll claim lawyer fees eat away at your HURT IN A CAR ACCIDENT?
settlement amount, so hiring legal help isn’t worth it. At the same time, adjusters will be working to resolve your case by offering you the lowest amount possible. Often this initial settlement offer is a fraction of what the insurance company can actually afford to pay out on your claim. The truth is that personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. We do not collect on your case unless you do, and we charge a set fee for our work. It’s a percentage of the amount we recover, which is often more than you’re able to recover working with the insurance adjuster on your own. However, sometimes legal help isn’t necessary. We offer consultations to evaluate each case to see if and how we can help.
necessary repairs, you’ll also need to deal with the insurance adjuster for your claim to get the compensation you deserve for the accident. Unfortunately, insurance companies do not make this easy. Hiring a qualified attorney like Joe Di Bartolomeo can help make the process easier. However, some adjusters will try to deter you. Here are a few tactics they use to keep you from hiring an attorney and getting the compensation you deserve: THEY SET A FALSE DEADLINE. You may receive a letter from an adjuster following your accident that includes an offer of settlement. In the letter, the adjuster may include a strict deadline to
The truth is, however, that state law sets the statute of limitations, or timeline, for how long you have to settle your auto injury claim. These state laws take into consideration the time needed to figure out the extent of your injuries and what long-term medical needs you may have as a result of the accident. The bottom line is that state law, not insurance adjusters, sets the time limit for your claim. THEY TELL YOU A LAWYER WILL TAKE ALL YOUR SETTLEMENT MONEY. If you speak with an adjuster, they may say you are better off taking the settlement
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The Di Bartolomeo Law Office, P.C. 1139 Exchange Street | Astoria, Oregon | 503-325-8600 | www.JoeDiBartolomeo.com
A FEWCONSIDERATIONS When to Apply for Disability Benefits
If you have an injury or medical condition preventing you from working regularly, you may be considering applying for disability benefits. There is often confusion about when the right time to apply is. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you go through the process. LENGTH OF DISABILITY To qualify for disability benefits, you’ll have to show proof of your disability and that it is expected to last a year or more. If you anticipate your disability will prevent you from working long term, don’t wait too long to apply. You may be missing out on benefits you’re entitled to. DOCTOR’S ASSESSMENT When a representative reviews your disability application, they’ll be looking at your medical records and your doctor’s assessment of how severe your condition is and how much it impacts your ability to work. Your doctor will provide their opinion on certain physical work functions, like sitting, standing, or walking and how much you can lift and carry. They may also provide their opinion on the state of your mental health if a mental health issue is what’s keeping you from being able to work regularly. GAINFUL EMPLOYMENT When evaluating your claim, representatives will first want to know if you have gainful employment, which means you are working and earning money. To be
considered “gainful,” the amount you earn must be higher than the monthly income the Social Security disability organization publishes each year. Currently, that’s about $1,070 a month. If you make more than this each month, your claim will likely be denied. APPLICANT AGE When it comes to filing for disability benefits, applicants who are under 50 years of age will have a harder time getting approved. They are required to prove they have a serious enough medical issue that they cannot do their prior work, nor can they do any other form of work available to them. Unfortunately, if you’re injured and unable to return to your previous line of work but you can still work in a lower-earning industry, you will be expected to do that rather than be approved for disability benefits. If you’re considering applying for disability benefits and have questions about your eligibility, contact us at 503-325-8600. We’ve helped hundreds of people navigate the claims process successfully.
PUZZLE
Tomato and Watermelon Salad (Yes, Really!) Inspired by BonAppetit.com
Bon Appétit magazine calls tomato and watermelon “soul mates,” and they’re right! This surprising gourmet salad will be a hit at your next barbecue. Ingredients Directions
• 1 tsp peppercorns, coarsely crushed • 1 tsp coriander seeds, coarsely crushed • 1/2 tsp cumin seeds • 1/2 tsp turmeric • 1/4 cup coconut oil • 4 cups seedless watermelon, rind removed and cut into 1/2-inch cubes • 2 heirloom tomatoes, cut into 1/2‑inch cubes • 8 oz feta cheese, cut into 1/2-inch cubes • Sea salt, to taste
1. In a small saucepan, sauté spices and herbs in the coconut oil for 3 minutes over medium heat to create turmeric oil. Take the pan off of the heat, then let it cool. 2. Combine the watermelon, tomatoes, and feta on a large platter or in a bowl. Drizzle with cooled turmeric oil. Now, simply sprinkle with sea salt and enjoy!
The Di Bartolomeo Law Office, P.C. 1139 Exchange Street | Astoria, Oregon | 503-325-8600 | www.JoeDiBartolomeo.com
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503-325-8600 JoeDiBartolomeo.com
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
1139 Exchange St. Astoria, OR 97103
What’s Inside
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Bringing in the Mental Health Benefits of the Outdoors
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Fight SAD Early! Insurance Adjuster Tactics to Watch Out For
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When to Apply for Disability Benefits Tomato and Watermelon Salad (Yes, Really!)
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Want to Save on Your Next Vacation?
5 Tips for Your Next Affordable Getaway Are you excited to explore the world again? Or maybe you've just gotten back from your latest vacation! In either case, the economic challenges of the pandemic might require travelers to plan their trips a little smarter. Here are five tricks to do just that.
1. CONSIDER YOUR BUDGET WHILE CHOOSING YOUR DESTINATION.
— renting a swanky cabin at $200 a night will only cost around $33 per person. Plus, you will create some amazing memories together!
Any destination heavily impacted by tourists is going to be more expensive to visit. So, consider taking a tour through various French countryside towns instead of Paris! Not only could it be more culturally immersing, but it may even be more relaxing and less stressful than visiting a dense area. 2. SIGN UP FOR SCOTT’S CHEAP FLIGHTS. One of the most important parts of booking an affordable vacation is booking it at the right time. Scott’s Cheap Flights will track all the cheapest flights at an airport of your choice — you’ll get over 50%–75% savings on highly rated airlines. This will get you stress-free travel for a much lower price! 3. TRAVEL IN A GROUP. If you travel with friends, your expenses become a lot more manageable. Let’s say you and a partner travel with two other couples
4. PLAN YOUR MEAL BUDGET AHEAD OF TIME. Looking forward to eating certain dishes? Find local menus and prices to ensure you don’t spend more than you planned. If you want an authentic and homestyle culinary experience, consider signing up for a peer-to-peer dining experience through Traveling Spoon or Bon Appetour, which is tax-free as well! 5. CONSIDER VOLUNTEERING FOR VACATION. Want to go on a self-discovery trip? Why not cut your expenses in half by volunteering? For example, Habitat for Humanity offers a nine-day Mexico trip for $1,200 with lodging, food, and activities included. You’ll get to build structures and create something permanent for the local community.
Traveling on a dime is no sweat with the right tools. Best of luck, traveler!
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The Di Bartolomeo Law Office, P.C. 1139 Exchange Street | Astoria, Oregon | 503-325-8600 | www.JoeDiBartolomeo.com
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