Check out our December newsletter!
December 2024
718-948-3500 | OConnorLawFirm.net
Start Your New Year’s Resolutions Early! As the end of the year approaches, it’s the perfect time to think about New Year’s resolutions. Rather than leaving these goals to the last minute, why not get a head start? With the holidays here, many of us indulge in treats and gatherings that add to our waistlines — especially after enjoying Halloween candy, Thanksgiving, and all the holiday celebrations. So, whether your goals are based on your health, finances, or relationships, here are seven tips for setting, planning, and achieving your resolutions. 1. Reflect on what really matters. three times a week.” Breaking down goals into manageable steps gives a sense of progress and makes each feel more achievable. 4. Create a realistic plan. For every resolution, outline the actions you’ll take to reach it. Think through the resources you’ll need, the time commitment,
and any challenges you might face. For a health goal, this could include planning weekly workouts or meals and budgeting time for preparation. A well-thought-out plan can keep you on track when life gets busy. 5. Check in regularly. Accountability is essential. Set up a monthly review to see how you’re doing and adjust as needed. You might also consider enlisting an accountability partner, whether it’s a friend, family member, or even a supportive online group. Regular check-ins help keep you motivated and remind you of the progress you’re making. 6. Celebrate the small wins. Don’t forget to celebrate the progress you make along the way. Acknowledging small milestones can keep you motivated and remind you of how far you’ve come. Even if your progress is slower than anticipated, every step forward is still progress. Whether it’s treating yourself to something special or simply pausing to recognize your progress, celebrating small wins is essential to staying positive and focused. 7. Be kind to yourself. It’s easy to be critical when things don’t go as planned, but setbacks are part of growth. If you stray from your goals, don’t be discouraged — acknowledge the challenge, refocus, and keep moving forward. Resolutions are about progress, not perfection, so a little self-compassion goes a long way. A Strong Start to 2025 Starting early on our resolutions gives us time to lay a strong foundation for the new year. So, take some time this December to reflect, plan, and prepare for what lies ahead. The New Year will arrive in no time, and with some effort and intention, it can be one of growth, health, and joy for us all. Here’s to making this our best year yet!
The foundation of any lasting change is identifying what truly matters to you. Instead of picking goals like “exercise more” or “save money” just because they’re common, ask yourself:
• What brought me the most satisfaction this year?
• What would I like to improve or change in my life?
Writing down these reflections can help you focus on resolutions that resonate deeply and are more likely to stick. Aim to set goals that truly align with your values and your personal vision for the future. 2. Keep your list manageable. While it’s tempting to aim for a complete overhaul, too many goals can lead to burnout. Focusing on 2–3 meaningful resolutions allows for a balanced approach, improving the odds of sticking with each one. If health is a priority, consider balancing it with a resolution to improve relationships or pursue a hobby you’ve neglected. 3. Use the SMART method. Setting clear goals is essential. The SMART method — Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound — provides structure. For example, if you want to improve your health, a SMART goal might be: “Lose 10 pounds by April by exercising
We Would LOVE To Receive A Review From You! Your reviews help members of the community who need our services find us. Simply scan the QR code to leave a review today!
Happy holidays and cheers to a wonderful New Year filled with meaningful accomplishments!
-Brian O’Connor
OConnorLawFirm.net | 1
Published by Newsletter Pro • NewsletterPro.com
HELPI
CANINE COUNSELORS THE ROLE OF COURTHOUSE DOGS
they also greatly emphasize how schools treat their puppy pupils. To become accredited, a school must also employ humane training methods, have a valid health care regimen, and employ well-trained and evaluated trainers. The accreditation process is essential because courthouse dogs are only assigned to a handler after at least two years of training. If you think in dog years, that’s the equivalent of a Ph.D. in being a fluffy, adorable companion. Handling Business Once a dog has graduated from an accredited dog school, it is ready to be assigned a handler. The handler essentially adopts the dog and is responsible for housing, feeding, and caring for the professional pup. The handler is typically a victim advocate, forensic interviewer, police officer, or attorney, as they most often interact with people needing the dog’s expert care. Handlers also can’t have other dogs in the home who are overly aggressive, and most handlers provide support to the courthouse dog during off-hours. A secondary handler is typically necessary, as they can accompany the dog when the primary handler is required elsewhere. The Drawbacks Issues can arise if court employees or participants are allergic to dogs. Dog dander, a common allergen, can be on handlers’ clothing, making them a hazard to those with strong allergies. Care must be taken to avoid contact between handlers, their dogs, and those allergic to the animals. Similarly, some people have intense phobias of dogs; in this case, similar measures should be taken to avoid contact between the dogs and these individuals. The Benefits Courthouse dogs can seem alien in the stuffy courtroom environment, but their benefits greatly outweigh any breach in tradition or hindrance allergies or phobias may cause. They can help vulnerable witnesses regain the confidence to share their stories, no matter how difficult, and persevere through a challenging situation.
The courtroom can be an intimidating place. The formality, seriousness, and importance of our legal system — paired with potential trauma — can make it a challenging environment for those called to testify. Scared witnesses, victims of crime, and experts who are just having a down day can all have trouble when taking the stand. However, recalling a traumatic event can be easier with the help of a well-trained dog snuggled up against you on the witness stand, providing the mental nourishment to get through it. Courthouse dogs are used throughout the United States, providing an invaluable service often overlooked or unknown despite their noble purpose. They are professionally trained animals chosen from the most friendly and compassionate pool of dogs to provide reassurance in high-stress situations. Here is what you should know about these unsung heroes. Accredited Companions Not just any dog can become a successful courthouse dog. First, it needs to meet the professional standards. Only the friendliest and most adaptable dogs can cut it in an accredited assistance dog school. These hallowed nonprofit institutions are accredited by Assistance Dogs International (ADI), the world’s leading authority in the industry. ADI has been an integral part of the process since 1986 and only awards accreditation to organizations that meet its rigorous standards. While the ADI evaluates a dog school’s organizational operations, treatment of clients, safety, cleanliness, and compliance with legal regulations, “Courthouse dogs are used throughout the United States, providing an invaluable service often overlooked or unknown despite their noble purpose.”
2 | 718-948-3500 HELPING INJURED NEW YORKERS
Published by Newsletter Pro • NewsletterPro.com
TAKE A BREAK
No matter where you go in the world, most kids are picky eaters. According to a study published in Frontier, about 54% of kids are reluctant to try new foods. In the U.S., many kids will scoff at anything but peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. In France, it’s probably peanut butter and creme fraiche. And good luck getting Scandinavian kids to eat anything that doesn’t taste like black licorice or pickled herring! In all seriousness, parents everywhere have a similar problem. So, what’s the solution? Small Steps Kids go through many different dietary phases as they grow up. While frustrating, it is common for young kids to go through their “picky eater” phase. Some common tactics parents employ to counter this, however, are counterproductive . For instance, making kids eat everything on their plates can be stressful and make them even pickier than before. Instead, serving smaller portions is more helpful, especially when the foods are unfamiliar. Role Models When it comes to food, parents should lead by example. Eating together as a family and demonstrating how you enjoy the foods you are trying to introduce to your kids can go a long way to getting them to try new cuisine. While you’re at it, describing what you’re serving is a good idea so the textures and flavors don’t catch them off-guard. Introducing New Foods Building on the previous tips, introducing new foods, even in very small amounts, can help expand a child’s culinary boundaries over time. Even if the child does not eat the food the first time you put it on their plate, or even the fifth time, they will naturally become more familiar and comfortable with it. Studies show that you may need to feature new foods on their plates up to 15 times before kids are willing to try them! Picky Eaters HOW TO HELP KIDS ENJOY MORE FOODS
Creamy Thai Carrot and Sweet Potato Soup Inspired by CookieAndKate.com
Ingredients
• 1/4 cup almond butter • 3 cups diced carrots • 3 cups peeled, diced sweet potatoes • Salt and pepper to taste • Cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 tbsp coconut oil • 2 cups chopped yellow onion • 2 cloves garlic, minced • 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger • 2 tbsp red curry paste • 4 cups vegetable broth, divided
Directions 1. Melt coconut oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and ginger and sauté for 5–6 minutes. Stir in curry paste. 2. In a small bowl, whisk 1/3 cup broth with the almond butter until smooth. Add the mixture to the pot, along with the carrots, sweet potatoes, salt and pepper, and remaining vegetable broth. Stir to combine. 3. Bring soup to a low boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes or until the potatoes and carrots are fork-tender. 4. Blend with an immersion blender until the soup is smooth. 5. Season with salt and pepper. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for more spice if desired.
OConnorLawFirm.net | 3
Published by Newsletter Pro • NewsletterPro.com
HELPI
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
HELPING INJURED NEW YORKERS
718-948-3500 OConnorLawFirm.net 651 Willowbrook Road, Suite 104 Staten Island, New York 10314
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1
Start Your New Year’s Resolutions Early!
How Canines Bring Comfort to the Courtroom
2
Creamy Thai Carrot and Sweet Potato Soup
3
Conquer Picky Eating
Hospital Loses Part of Patient’s Skull
4
ANYONE SEEN A SKULL? Hospital Misplaces Patient’s Body Part
hospital scheduled the procedure to repair Fernando’s skull for November 2022, issues arose that made it impossible for the hospital to fulfill its end of the bargain. The hospital made errors when identifying the bone flaps and had no idea which skull fragments belonged to Fernando. Eventually, hospital staff
All of us have had to search underneath the couch cushions for a missing wallet or TV remote, or we’ve had to scour the mall parking lot in search of our somehow misplaced car keys. I would almost certainly lose my head if it were not attached to my body. Which, as it turns out, is why I definitely should not work
informed the patient they could not find his bone flap and, as a result, they would be unable to put the missing pieces back in his skull. Suing Over a Skull Consequently, Fernando and Melinda
at one particular Atlanta hospital. In September 2022, the Emory University Hospital Midtown staff allegedly misplaced something more important than the contents of a patient’s pants pocket. Following his brain surgery, Fernando Cluster was horrified to discover that the hospital had misplaced part of his skull . What a Headache Fernando underwent emergency brain surgery after suffering a stroke and subsequent cranial bleeding. As part of the surgery, surgeons removed a portion of Fernando’s skull, known as a bone flap, with plans to reattach that portion of his skull after he healed from his surgery. While the
Cluster have filed a civil lawsuit against the hospital. The Clusters claim the hospital’s failure to find his bone flap led to an extended hospital stay, increased medical debt, and undue pain and suffering. Not to mention, of course, the alleged negligence in misplacing a patient’s skull . If nothing else, the Clusters have a remarkable story to tell and, most probably, a large settlement headed their way instead of a fully functional brain cage.
4 | 718-948-3500 HELPING INJURED NEW YORKERS
Published by Newsletter Pro • NewsletterPro.com
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator