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Louisiana Trial Attorneys
New Orleans • Covington
www.ScottVicknair.com (504) 500-1111
May 2023
Want to Improve Your Mental Health?
Try These Tips
gratitude journal. Sitting and writing about my gratitude helps me start on the right path every day. I genuinely believe in the power of positive thinking, and practicing gratitude puts us in the best state of mind. Disconnect from your devices. Technology is a huge part of our lives, but using it too much can damage our mental health. From time to time, we need to disconnect from our TVs, smartphones, social media, the 24-hour news cycles, and other distractions that rob us of our time and mental focus. Set some time aside every day when you can unplug from your devices. Go for a walk without your earbuds or practice meditation. Try to be in the moment during every interaction. Don’t let technology constantly take your mind elsewhere when you must focus on what’s in front of you. Revisit your routines. Create routines beneficial for your health. If you’ve gotten into the habit of eating unhealthily or going to bed at varying times throughout the week, now is the time to readjust. Develop solid morning and bedtime routines that work for you. That goes for eating and exercise as well. Our sleep schedule, diet, and exercise routines all affect our mental health. Seek professional help. You may have moments when it feels like you can do nothing to help yourself and your mental health. That’s when you need to consider seeing a mental health professional. Doing so is easier now than ever before, thanks to virtual appointments. Talking with someone else who will listen to you and address your concerns can be beneficial to your mental health. Don’t be afraid to explore and use these services.
My daughter is graduating from high school and plans to study psychology in college. Over the past few months, we’ve discussed her interests in the field and why she wants to pursue a career in psychology. I’m sure many of you are already familiar with a phrase that has repeatedly come up in conversation: mental health. We’ve seen increased attention recently on the importance of mental health. Many of us focus on diet and exercise but seldom pay attention to our mental health or make adjustments to see improvement. That all changes in May as we recognize Mental Health Awareness Month. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that 1 in 5 Americans will experience a mental illness in a given year. At the same time, 50% of Americans will be diagnosed with a mental illness or disorder at some point in their lives. Some of us may actively struggle with our mental health and not even realize it. If you experience difficulties with sleep, low energy or motivation, nervousness, problems focusing or concentrating, or frequent irritability, you may need to address some mental health struggles. Sometimes, stress brings on these symptoms, and it’s just something we have to overcome. Thankfully, we can do a few things to relieve stress and improve our mental health. Here are a few of my favorite tips. Practice gratitude exercises. Make time to think about what you’re grateful for. This is something I do daily. It’s easy to overlook the positive things we often take for granted, such as our family, friends,
free time, and living situation. The saying, “Stop and smell the roses,” is incredibly applicable here. Take some time daily to practice a gratitude exercise, or you can do what I do and keep a
Our mental health is likely the most significant factor in our happiness. It’s also one of the easiest to ignore. Find some time this month to prioritize your mental health and explore ways to improve it. You won’t regret it!
www.ScottVicknair.com | 1 –Brad Scott
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Bad Grade? Sue Your Professor!
the professor remarked, “I believed she received the grade she earned.” In fact, Eckhardt testified that Thode had explosive behavior in class, acted unprofessionally, seemed emotionally unstable, and didn’t even heed a warning letter. As expected, a judge quickly rejected this case in court. NPR announced that, after only four days of testimony in the civil trial, the judge determined the university never breached any contract and did not owe Thode a dime. In the end, Thode changed her master’s degree to human development. She won’t be anyone’s therapist any time soon!
During your school career, you probably got at least one grade that was less than you deserved. Maybe you painfully accepted the grade or confronted your instructor for an explanation. Most people choose one of those two options — but have you ever heard of a student taking their professor to court? That’s precisely what this Pennsylvanian student did when she discovered her C+ grade wouldn’t let her graduate. Megan Thode, a Lehigh University graduate student, sued her professor and school for the mediocre grade that would ultimately cost her a degree. Thode reported that due to the incorrect grade, she couldn’t graduate and, therefore, couldn’t pursue a career as a licensed therapist. Thode demanded a grade change from this lawsuit as well as monetary damages. How much exactly? She wanted $1.3 million. According to Thode, this represented the money she would lose from not earning her graduate degree and starting her desired career. We should note that since Thode was the daughter of Stephen Thode, a finance professor at Leigh University, she attended the school for free. Her professor, Amanda Eckhardt, gave Thode a zero in class participation, lowering her overall grade to a C. And Eckhardt stood by her evaluation. According to USA Today, when questioned,
Cinco de Mayo: More Than a Drinking Holiday Celebrate Mexican Culture All Year Long
can support plenty of Mexican businesses. You’ll uplift the owner and the Mexican community whose culture we all love. Most of us understand that small businesses have it rough. So, take the time to shop for hand-crafted Mexican jewelry or pottery — and dine at a Mexican restaurant you’ve never been to. Experiencing Mexican Museums and Art From Frida Kahlo to Diego Rivera, Mexican art has offered countless masterpieces and colorful works. Take some time to visit a nearby Mexican museum or art gallery to witness some authentic Mexican art and history. A country’s artwork often reflects its culture, so explore nearby venues that spotlight Mexican artists. Cooking Authentic Mexican Cuisine Have you ever heard someone say, “I don’t like Mexican food”? Neither have we! This month, skip Taco Bell and try cooking an authentic Mexican dish. Enchiladas, tortas, flautas, pozole, and more authentic recipes are at your fingertips (on your smartphone). When you taste a nation’s popular meals, you can better grasp its unique culture. If you missed Cinco de Mayo this year, don’t worry; you can embrace Mexican culture all year long. Remember the true story of the Battle of Puebla and uplift the Mexican community in your area.
While Cinco de Mayo may have already passed, there’s never a wrong time to celebrate Mexican history. Cinco de Mayo fiestas have certainly taken on a life of their own in the
U.S., but we should honor the holiday with appreciation, not just margaritas. Not everyone knows that Cinco de Mayo marks Mexico’s victory in the Battle of Puebla — it’s a reminder to embrace the beauty and power of the Mexican culture. On May 5, 1862, French troops outnumbered Mexican forces, yet the latter persevered. The Battle of Puebla remains an astounding historical victory for Mexico and gives us the celebration of Cinco de Mayo. So, maybe it’s time to discover how you can honor this vibrant culture in your own community. Supporting Mexican Businesses Whether it’s a local Mexican artisan or a family-owned Mexican restaurant, you
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After any divorce, if you have lingering feelings of resentment or anger toward your ex-spouse, co-parenting might seem incredibly daunting. Yet, it doesn’t have to be a bitter relationship between you and your ex. While it does take two to tango, and each parent needs to put in the effort, there are ways to ensure you create the best possible family environment for your children. While co-parenting may be challenging, don’t be discouraged. We’ll share why co- parenting is essential and tips for healthy co-parenting. How Co-Parenting Affects Kids The American Psychological Association found that children who spent time with both parents after a divorce experienced fewer emotional and behavioral issues and were as well-adjusted as children whose parents never divorced. The following co-parenting tips can help prevent conflicts so you can focus on caring for your children. • Separating Emotions From Behaviors Negative emotions about your ex-spouse should never affect your actions, especially in front of your children. Arguing in front of your kids will harm them emotionally. • Avoiding the Temptation of Venting to Your Kids Prevent complaints from reaching your children’s ears. Instead of voicing negative comments about your ex-spouse to your child, you should vent to a friend or counselor. • Letting Everyone Have a Say While you may always want to be in charge, you should allow your ex-spouse to participate in your children’s daily lives. • Maintaining Respect Think of co-parenting as a business relationship where disrespect is never allowed. When you remain respectful, you can avoid heated conflicts. While it may be difficult, proper co-parenting can ensure your child feels loved by both parents. When done with your children’s best interest in mind, this will boost their confidence and help them better acclimate to the divorce. Their well-being should always be both parents’ top priority. KEEP YOUR FAMILY HAPPY AFTER A DIVORCE With These Co-Parenting Tips
Are You Prepared for Hurricane Season?
Hurricane season begins June 1. BEFORE hurricane season starts, it’s important to make sure you’re properly insured. Many insurance companies won’t let coastal residents in impacted states update or purchase coverage once a tropical storm is officially named by the National Hurricane Center.
Natural disasters can cause major damage and make recovery difficult, so having the right coverage is essential. Make sure your policy covers areas like wind, flooding, and storm surge damage. It’s also a good idea to get an updated appraisal of the value of your home and its contents. Updating your insurance today will help you stay prepared and protected if disaster strikes.
Inspired by Epicurious.com SALMON CROQUETTES WITH DILL SAUCE
This dish is light and refreshing, making it perfect for spring! The crispy salmon patties pair perfectly with the cool dill sauce dolloped on top.
Ingredients
• 1 large white onion, finely chopped • 4 large eggs, beaten • 1/2 tbsp salt
• 1 1/2 cups plain yogurt or fat- free sour cream • 1/4 cup Dijon mustard • 6 sprigs fresh dill, chopped • 2 14.75-oz cans salmon packed in water • 4 celery stalks, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp pepper • 2 tbsp olive oil
Directions
1. In a small bowl, whisk together yogurt, Dijon mustard, and dill to make the dill sauce. Set aside. 2. Drain the salmon, then remove and discard the bones and skin. In a large bowl, mix the salmon, celery, onion, eggs, salt, and pepper. Form the mixture into 8 patties. Coat a medium skillet with olive oil and heat it over medium-high heat. Cook the patties until browned on both sides, about 5 minutes per side. 3. Put a dollop of the dill sauce on top of each patty and serve.
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(504) 500-1111 www.ScottVicknair.com 909 Poydras St., Suite 2025 New Orleans, LA 70112 INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Don’t Let Your Mental Health Decline
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Student Takes C+ to Court Rethinking Cinco de Mayo
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Salmon Croquettes With Dill Sauce Tips for Co-Parenting After a Divorce
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Stargaze This May
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Why You Need to See Eta Aquariids DON’T MISS THIS ASTRAL EVENT
All month long, countless astronomy aficionados will be camping out in the dead of night to catch a glimpse of an annual meteor shower. First discovered in 1870, the meteor shower known as Eta Aquariids can be seen from Earth every May. This stellar space show moves as fast as 44 miles per second and leaves a bright, glowing trail behind it. Eta Aquariids is visible to both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, making it an optimal summer night event. However, this one might be for the night owls since it peaks past midnight. Curious to know more about this mysterious annual meteor shower? Let’s discover the origins of Eta Aquariids and how you can catch a glimpse of this galactic sight. The meteor shower was made from Halley’s Comet. Eta Aquariids is a collection of leftover space debris from the famous Halley’s Comet — mostly ice and dust. As these meteors pass through the Earth’s atmosphere, they heat up and glow bright enough for you to see. Every year, you can watch as these small chunks of Halley’s Comet burn and leave shining streaks in the night sky. It takes nearly 76 years for Halley’s Comet to orbit the Sun just once, and the last time we saw this iconic comet was in 1986. It won’t even reenter our solar system again until 2061, but luckily it left us the yearly gift of Eta Aquariids.
Here’s how to best view the Eta Aquariids. There’s no specific date to see Eta Aquariids, and we only know the time range of early to mid-May. Your last chance to witness this spectacular sight in 2023 is May 27. Yet, 2023 is said to be an exceptionally bright year for this meteor shower. According to Bill Cooke, the lead for the Meteoroid Environment Office at NASA, the meteor rates will be over two times the average speed which will cause an abnormally vibrant glow. For specific stargazing dates, check the American Meteor Society’s official calendar (AMSMeteors.org/meteor-showers/meteor-shower- calendar). To best view this magnificent meteor shower, you’ll need to get cozy in your lawn chair around 2 a.m. It’s crucial that you give your eyes at least a half hour to adapt to the darkness so you can see the shower. There’s no need for binoculars or telescopes since Eta Aquariids is visible to the naked eye. Simply find a dark spot away from city lights and wait for the show!
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