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The Medlin News
APRIL 2023
WHEN YOU REACH YOUR BREAKING POINT Encouragement Goes a Long Way
Have you ever faced a challenge you thought was impossible? Or have you experienced difficulty you thought you couldn’t overcome? A few years ago, I asked myself these same questions. I participated in my first-ever 150-mile bike ride — a two-day event where I had to bike 75 miles each day. I didn’t think I could complete the ride. But that all changed after a kind stranger gave me the encouragement I needed. I was part of a local board for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. The organization created a fundraiser event for the cause: the 150-mile bike ride. I knew this ride would be a challenge, but I was looking forward to it because it would allow me to see the hidden strength in my tank. On the first day, I was doing really well! That lasted until mile 60. I was approaching a small town and had to make a sharp turn. I went a little too wide and fell into the gravel — the bike went out from under me and hit my hip pretty hard.
I was really proud of my perseverance. But that night, my hip began to ache and stiffen up. We were camping outside that night, so sleeping on the ground in a sleeping bag didn’t help my recovery at all. However, I was determined to accomplish the 150-mile bike ride challenge! The second day was a bit tougher due to my injured hip. So, I decided to ride a tad slower — I wouldn’t give up! However, at several points throughout the day, I had to stop to rest my hip. But I had this feeling in the back of my head that I wouldn’t be able to finish the ride. I thought I would have to pull over on the side of the road and have a truck pull me the rest of the way. Moments before I was close to defeat, another cyclist came up beside me and asked how I was doing. I told him about my injury and the pain I was enduring. Instead of continuing his journey, he never left my side. He told me he would finish the ride with me and encourage me the entire way to the finish line. The stranger biked behind me the whole time, taking on most of the work. He would push me forward and block the wind from hitting my back.
We completed the second day, and I can proudly say I accomplished the 150-mile bike ride! But I couldn’t have done it without the encouragement from the kind stranger I met. If it weren’t for him, I wouldn’t have finished! When you experience hardships, it can seem like you’re alone. But with encouragement from others, you’ll realize you’re much stronger than you give yourself credit for. Sometimes, all it takes is for one person to believe in you, and that can change your entire perspective. My team and I at the firm are constantly encouraging one another. We are always there for each other, no matter what we’re going through. If someone has difficulty with a case, we will encourage and help them get through it. We’re a family at Medlin Law Firm — you’re also a part of
it! Regardless of your situation, just know you have an entire support system to lean on. We will be there for you every step of the way.
– Gary L. Medlin, Esq.
Although I was in pain, I told myself I would finish the rest of the day, and I did!
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BEFORE DOCTORS KEPT IT CLEAN The Horrifying History of Hand-Washing
We expect our doctors to wash their hands before examining us — it’s a no-brainer. But more than 100 years ago, the idea wasn’t only laughable — it was heresy. The first doctor who implemented mandatory hand-washing in a hospital saw swift improvements in patient mortality rates, but the backlash among other doctors came just as quickly.
determined something similar might be happening to maternity ward patients. Many doctors were examining mothers-to-be after performing autopsies — but midwives weren’t. Semmelweis blamed the problem on miasma from corpses. Nevertheless, he instituted sterilization and hand-washing procedures in the hospital in 1848. The maternal mortality rate dropped substantially in the doctor-run ward, becoming on par with the midwives. Semmelweis had solved the problem. Yet, his colleagues disagreed. Other doctors at the hospital resented the suggestion that they’d been causing their patients’ deaths. And Semmelweis allegedly didn’t make it any easier, behaving in ways others found condescending and arrogant. Further, Semmelweis had no hard proof that hand-washing and sterilization worked. Eventually, the other doctors stopped washing their hands. Semmelweis lost his job at the hospital and, sadly, died in a mental institution. Fortunately, for the rest of the world, Semmelweis was not the only hand-washing proponent. Though they likely came by the idea independently, Doctor Oliver Wendell Holmes and a nurse, Florence Nightingale, encouraged the practice. Their championing and the emergence of germ theory gave us medical professionals who now have much safer habits — and, hopefully, the humility to acknowledge that they always have more to learn.
Before germ theory began to catch on in the late 1800s, doctors believed illnesses were caused by “miasma,” bad smells that originated in swamps, garbage, and decomposing matter. While the concept sounds strange now, convincing a doctor that miasma didn’t exist would be much like telling a modern scientist the Earth is flat. The idea of germs or viruses contradicted everything they thought they knew. Still, a Hungarian doctor named Ignaz Semmelweis began to notice startling mortality rates between two maternity wards at his hospital. The ward run by midwives had a much lower maternal mortality rate than the one staffed by doctors. After watching a colleague die of infection after cutting himself during an autopsy, Semmelweis
Can You Expunge a Drug Possession Charge? YES! WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
If you have an arrest on your record for drug possession, it can negatively impact your life — even if you’re found not guilty.
Additionally, Class C misdemeanors are eligible for expungement after completing the deferred disposition and if you haven’t been convicted of a felony within five years of your current arrest.
Your personal record could hinder you from finding a job, getting insurance, buying a house, and many other life occurrences. Fortunately, you can do something about it — with the help of an attorney. In Texas, you can have your record expunged for specific charges. Here’s what you need to know. Is there a difference between expunging and sealing your record? If your record is sealed, your charges will still be on them. However, your record won’t be accessible to the public. The charge will be taken off your record when you expunge your conviction.
How do you file a petition? First, you must fill out and submit a Petition for Expunction to the court. Then, a hearing will be scheduled so you can provide testimony. If your situation meets the requirements, you could have your conviction expunged. While you can file and process your forms independently, it’s not the optimal method. You want an experienced attorney on your side who can plead your case for you in front of the judge and jury. If you or someone you know is currently struggling with a drug possession charge, your friends at the Medlin Law Firm would be happy to be of any assistance. Please don’t hesitate to call us with any questions or concerns.
What charges can you expunge from your personal record? You can have a Class A or B felony or misdemeanor expunged if:
• You were arrested for possession but not charged. • The case was dismissed because there was no probable cause or lack of evidence. • You were found not guilty. • The jury “no billed” the charge. • You were pardoned.
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Want to Get Involved in Your Community? Consider Becoming a Volunteer! Volunteering is a great way to give back to your community, meet new people, and learn new skills. In honor of April 20 being National Volunteer Day, here are three ways you can lend a helping hand this month. Animal Care Opportunities Fort Worth Animal Care and Control (FWACC) is always looking for volunteers to assist with various animal services. If it weren’t for people like you, FWACC couldn’t save more than 90% of the furry friends at their door every year. You can volunteer in several ways. You can become an adoption matchmaker and help families find their perfect match with one of our furry friends. Participating in dog enrichment programs by donating toys and treats or helping monitor the yards canines play in are also ways to help. You can also participate in other opportunities we haven’t mentioned here. Please email FWACC’s volunteer coordinator at Melanie.Pena@FortWorthTexas.gov for more information.
Adopt-a-Spot Program Have you seen road signs saying, “Adopt a Highway”? You can name a street or highway in honor of someone or a group and keep that area clean from trash, debris, and more. The adopt-a-spot program is excellent for businesses, neighborhood groups, and other organizations that want to impact their community positively. You’ll be the reason Fort Worth’s roads, parks, and nature trails are clean for visitors to enjoy.
Your group will be in charge of that area for two years, so be sure you can commit. To get involved, please contact Keep Forth Worth Beautiful at KFWB@FortWorthTexas.gov or call 817-392-2046 to get started. Neighborhood Services At the Andrew “Doc” Session Community Center, North Tri-Ethnic Community Center, Northside Community Center, Southside Community Center, and Worth Height Community Center, there are dozens of different volunteer opportunities. You can volunteer as a youth sports coach, mentor, or instructor, or lend a helping hand for special events and activities. Please contact the Community Center Supervisor at each location to complete an application and for the next steps. For more ways you can volunteer, please visit FortWorthTexas.gov/ volunteer for additional opportunities. Thank you for your service and for helping keep our community clean, strong, and united!
One-Pan Chicken and Mushrooms With Egg Noodles
Ingredients
Directions
• 3 slices bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts, halved • Salt and ground pepper • 3 tbsp butter, divided • 8 oz button mushrooms, trimmed • 8 oz shallots, peeled and halved • 3 cups chicken broth • 1/2 cup heavy cream • 8 oz egg noodles • 1/3 cup chopped fresh dill
1. In a large pan over medium heat, cook bacon until browned, 7–9 minutes. Remove from heat, discard fat, and set aside. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Return pan to medium- high heat and melt 2 tbsp butter. Add chicken, skin-side down. Cook, turning a few times, for 10–12 minutes until browned. Transfer to a plate. 2. Place remaining 1 tbsp butter in pan to melt. Add mushrooms and shallots; cook 8–10 minutes. Add broth and cream; bring to a boil. Stir in noodles. 3. Add chicken (skin-side up), cover pan, reduce heat, and simmer, stirring once halfway through. Cook about 10–12 minutes. 4. Uncover and simmer until thickened. Stir in dill and top with bacon. Serve and enjoy!
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Inspired by MarthaStewart.com
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1. I Completed the Challenge!
2. A Time Before Doctors Washed Their Hands
Expunging a Drug Possession Charge
3. 3 Volunteer Opportunities in Fort Worth
One-Pan Chicken and Mushrooms With Egg Noodles
4. Putting Together a Self-Care Routine
Developing a Self-Care Routine FIND MORE ‘YOU’ TIME
Life isn’t easy — when juggling a career, family, children, social obligations, and housework, finding time for yourself can be difficult. Studies show that roughly 59% of individuals only make time for self-care after they’ve become stressed out. Here are some ways to develop a healthy routine that suits your busy life.
reset, but on other days, you may have time for a relaxing bath, massage, workout, or pedicure.
Make time for hobbies. Most people find themselves constantly juggling countless tasks and obligations. With so much to do, making time for your least favorite activities likely won’t happen; instead, do something you enjoy. After all, self-care is about you! Yoga, reading, journaling, jogging, and meditating are just a few ways to get in some “you time.” If you like it, do it! Plan your self-care time. Without adding self-care to your schedule, your healthy behaviors may get placed on the back burner. Block off time for your favorite activities: Once it’s on your calendar, you’re more likely to work a routine into your day. Keep it simple. Complex rituals may create more stress or anxiety when you should be relaxing. Instead, keep it simple by focusing on relaxing, breathing, and recharging. Go for a walk in the park, take a nap, get a massage, stretch, or take a few moments to do absolutely nothing. Simplicity is the key.
Become intentional. When developing a self-care ritual, it’s essential to identify your reasons behind taking better care of yourself and to pinpoint your needs. With a clear vision and motive behind your efforts, developing healthy habits to nurture and incorporate into your everyday routine becomes easier. Create large and small self-care options. You don’t need to do the same self-care ritual all the time, but make it a point to do something for yourself every day. On busier days, you may only have a moment to take a few deep breaths and mentally
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