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Tighten the Faucet ... And Your Routine: Prevent Injuries With Small Fixes
MALLOY LAW OFFICES, LLC
Somewhere, right now, a faucet is dripping. Not loudly or dramatically, but enough to be annoying and expensive over time. That’s why National Fix a Leak Week runs March 16–22, 2026: to remind us that small, ignored leaks can turn into big problems. As a personal injury attorney, I spend my days helping people deal with the aftermath of problems that were never supposed to happen, and I’ve learned this: Leaks don’t just happen in pipes. They occur in our routines, our focus, our homes, and our habits.
Plugging those leaks doesn’t require a complete life overhaul. Small fixes matter most.
For anyone reading, here are five practical ways to fix common leaks before they turn into injuries.
• Do a quick weekly 'walk-through.' At home or work, look for hazards you’ve gotten used to: loose rugs, cords in walkways, poor lighting, slick steps. Familiar doesn’t mean safe. • Plug the distraction leaks. Put the phone down while driving. Finish one task before starting another. Multitasking is a leak that drains attention fast. • Fix the fatigue leak. Sleep isn’t optional maintenance. If you’re constantly tired, your reaction time and balance suffer. • Maintain the tools you rely on. Cars, ladders, shoes, and even office chairs wear down. Preventive maintenance prevents injuries. • Create simple routines. Consistency plugs leaks. A five-minute end-of-day reset can prevent tomorrow’s chaos. From a legal perspective, I often wish injuries had never happened. From a human perspective, I want people to stay safe enough that they never need someone like me. National Fix a Leak Week is a fantastic reminder that prevention is extremely practical. This way, you notice the drip before the flood! So, whether you’re tightening a faucet or tightening up your routine, remember: Tiny fixes protect huge things like your health, time, and future … and those are leaks worth fixing.
Malloy Monthly
Let’s talk about those leaks.
In my line of work, I notice patterns. People don’t usually get hurt because of one huge, dramatic failure. More often, it’s a series of minor breakdowns like fatigue that builds up, clutter that goes unchecked, and distractions that creep into daily life. This can be a loose handrail, a wet floor that never quite dries, or a car that hasn’t had its brakes checked in a while. Like a dripping faucet,
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they’re easy to ignore until suddenly you’re dealing with a serious injury.
So, how do you notice when something in your life or work isn’t running as smoothly as it could? One clue is friction. If a task feels harder than it should, something’s leaking. Maybe your mornings are rushed because you’re always hunting for keys. Maybe your workday stretches late because emails interrupt your focus every five minutes. Or maybe you’re constantly exhausted, which, speaking as a personal injury attorney, is one of the greatest risk factors for accidents I see. Tired people trip, crash, misjudge, and miss warning signs.
July 2025
March 2026
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Motor Vehicle Accidents • Workers’ Compensation • Slip and Fall • Premises Liability • And More
Plan Smarter Instead Stop Trying to Hustle Harder
Stop saying yes. How often do you say “no” to others? Many of us are people pleasers who often agree to requests, even if they exceed our capacity. Saying “yes” all the time will lead to burnout, regardless of whether it’s your boss asking you to complete a project before noon or your friends wanting to go out for the fourth night in a row. Say no, and keep your main priorities at the forefront of your mind. Take regular breaks. You may want to push through all your tasks so you can finally unwind and relax, but this could lengthen the process. Sticking to your responsibilities like glue prevents your body and brain from taking necessary breaks to recalibrate and reset so you can operate at peak performance.
Do you ever wish you could accomplish more in a day? Whether you’re trying to squeeze out as many tasks as possible at work or take care of all of your chores before Sunday, it can feel like you’re always trying to maximize your productivity. But many of us feel like we fall short each day.
You may think you just need to regularly refresh your coffee or eliminate every distraction from your mind to improve your productivity, but this only gets you so far. Instead, focus on incorporating strong, simple strategies into your routine. Here are three ideas to help you be as productive as possible, no matter the situation. Put a plan in place. When do you start thinking about what you need to accomplish on any given day? Too often, people wait until they face their work computer or stare at a sink full of dishes to strategize their day. Instead, take some time before you wrap up work to establish your priorities for the following day. Before the weekend starts, figure out which chores you need to do and the best time to tackle them. Having a plan will increase your likelihood of sticking to it.
One Wrong Step
What to Do if You Slip and Fall While Shopping
Imagine this: You’re strolling through a big chain store, maybe grabbing groceries or browsing the latest gadgets, when suddenly … BAM! You slip, tumble, and land on the floor. In that split second, life feels like it’s slowed down, and all you can think is, “How did this happen? What do I do now?” First, check for injuries. The most important thing after a fall is your health. Even if you think you’re fine, take a moment to assess yourself. Sometimes, injuries like sprains, concussions, or internal bruising aren’t immediately obvious. If there’s any doubt, call for medical attention or have someone take you to the nearest emergency room. Your well-being comes first, and having a medical record of your injuries is crucial later on. Immediately report the incident. Once you’re stable, notify the store staff of the incident. Ask them to document what happened. Keep in mind that many stores have accident report forms. Include details like where you fell, what caused it (a wet floor, loose carpet, or cluttered aisle), and the time of day. Take photos of the exact spot, any hazards, and your injuries if possible. This helps create a record that may be important if questions arise later. Gather evidence and witnesses. If anyone saw you fall, politely ask for their contact information. Witness statements can be incredibly valuable in explaining the incident. Keep any
receipts, medical bills, and records related to your fall. All of these pieces of evidence help paint a clear picture of what happened and how it affected you. Understand your options.
Slip-and-fall accidents in stores can involve legal or insurance claims, but you don’t need to panic. Store owners have a responsibility to maintain safe conditions for customers, and documenting the hazards and your injuries strengthens your case. Even without knowing state- specific rules, the basic principle is that unsafe conditions that cause harm can expose the store to liability. Take care of yourself. Beyond legal or insurance considerations, focus on recovery. Follow your doctor’s advice, rest, and give yourself time to heal. A slip-and-fall can be jarring, but taking careful steps afterward helps protect your health and your rights.
For more information on slip-and-fall accidents and our new local grocery chain, Lidl, scan the QR code above!
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Motor Vehicle Accidents • Workers’ Compensation
New Worlds, New Romances, New Thrills This year is shaping up to be a thrilling one for book lovers, with a lineup of releases that promises everything from heart-pounding thrillers and epic fantasy sagas to swoon- worthy romances and inventive speculative are fragile, and enemies threaten extinction. For fans of sweeping fantasy sagas with high stakes and heartbreak, this feels like a true epic. Release Date: July 14, 2026 The Books Making Waves in 2026
“when‑opposites‑attract” story, two meteorologists are thrown together by circumstance. You can expect tension, banter, and a romance that builds under pressure. Release Date: Feb. 24, 2026 Thrillers and Mystery “The Astral Library” by Kate Quinn: For readers who love a dash of mystery and intrigue mixed with imaginative or historical elements, this one feels like a story where secrets lurk among dusty shelves and old volumes. Release Date: Feb. 17, 2026 “Victorious” (“Villains,” Book 3) by V.E. Schwab: If you enjoy morally gray characters, tension, and stories that don’t promise neat fairy‑tale endings, this could be a darkly compelling pick. Release Date: Jan. 1, 2026
fiction. Whether you’re a longtime fan eagerly awaiting sequels to your favorite series or you’re hunting for fresh voices and new adventures, there’s something on the horizon for every reader. The best part is that some of these have already hit the shelves! Magic and Epic Fantasy “The Ballad of Falling Dragons” by Sarah A. Parker: The highly anticipated sequel to “When the Moon Hatched,” this continuation promises more danger, magic, romance, and dragons. If you loved the first installment’s heady blend of myth and emotion, this will likely pull you back into its world. Release Date: April 28, 2026 “Burn of the Everflame” (“Kindred’s Curse,” Book 4) by Penn Cole: War looms, alliances
“Red God” (“Red Rising Saga,” Book 7) by Pierce Brown: This is the next chapter in an intense sci‑fi/fantasy saga. If you crave dystopian worlds, political tension, and cosmic-scale stakes, this might be your jam! Release Date: Summer 2026 Romance and Contemporary Vibes “The Night We Met” (Book 2 in the “Say You'll Remember Me” series) by Abby Jimenez: This one sounds like a feel‑good romance with humor, realistic struggles, and the messy, beautiful unpredictability of relationships. Release Date: March 31, 2026 “And Now, Back to You” (“Heartstrings,” Book 2) by B.K. Borison: In this
Take a Break
Ingredients Pad Thai • 2 medium zucchini • 2 tbsp olive oil, divided • 1/2 lb peeled and deveined shrimp • 3 cloves garlic, minced • 1/2 red bell pepper • 3 green onions • 1 large egg • 2 cups bean sprouts • 1/3 cup roasted peanuts Zucchini Noodle Pad Thai
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (optional) • Lime wedges (optional) Sauce
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar • 2 tbsp fish sauce • 3 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tsp packed brown sugar • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper • 1 tsp chili garlic sauce
Directions 1. In small bowl, combine sauce ingredients; set aside. 2. Using vegetable spiralizer, cut zucchini into noodles. 3. Heat large pan on medium-high heat. Add 1 tbsp olive oil (reserve the other half). 4. Add zucchini noodles; cook for 2–3 minutes. 5. Let noodles rest for about 3 minutes. Remove noodles, drain, then reheat pan. 6. Add remaining olive oil and garlic; cook 30 seconds. 7. Add shrimp; cook 3 minutes. 8. Add bell pepper and green onions; cook 1–2 minutes. 9. Add egg and stir until cooked. 10. Add back zucchini noodles, then add sauce, and cook for 1 minute. Then add bean sprouts. 11. Serve, garnishing with roasted peanuts, cilantro, and lime wedges as desired.
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GUINNESS IRIS LEPRECHAUN POPCORN
RAINY SHAMROCK SUFFRAGE WINDY
DAFFODIL DAYLIGHT
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• Slip and Fall • Premises Liability • And More
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Inside This Issue
1
The Everyday 'Leaks' That Can Put You at Risk
2
The Productivity Upgrade You Didn’t Know You Needed
2
Fell While Shopping? Here’s What to Do Next
3
7 Must-Read Books Already Defining 2026
Zucchini Noodle Pad Thai
4
Inside the Long, Strange History of Daylight Saving Time
Losing an Hour, Gaining a Century of Debate THE STORY OF DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME
Every March, clocks across much of the U.S. leap forward by one hour, a ritual most of us know as daylight saving time. But why do we do this? While it may just seem like a tradition, it’s a system born from history, necessity, and a century of debate about sunlight, energy, and how humans choose to organize their days. Where It All Began Although Benjamin Franklin is often (mis) credited with inventing daylight saving time in the 18th century, his idea was more of a playful suggestion to save on candles by rising earlier, not the clock-shifting practice we know today. The real founder of modern daylight saving time was a small town in Ontario, Canada, where clocks were turned ahead on July 1, 1908, making it the first known implementation of daylight saving time.
Austria-Hungary shifted their clocks forward by one hour in April 1916 to conserve coal. Other European nations soon followed to reduce wartime energy usage. America’s Time Tug-of-War The U.S. adopted daylight saving time in 1918 through the Standard Time Act, largely to align with European allies and conserve fuel during World War I. After the war, the practice became controversial. Farmers disliked losing morning light, and many areas dropped it, resulting in a wide range of local schedules where even neighboring towns could be on different times. This chaos led Congress to pass the Uniform Time Act in 1966, standardizing when daylight saving time begins and ends across the country (while still letting states opt out). Since 2007, it has begun on the second Sunday in March and ends on the first Sunday in November, thanks to the Energy Policy Act of 2005.
Today, almost all U.S. states observe daylight saving time, except Hawaii and most of Arizona (and some U.S. territories). Why It Still Matters Proponents argue that daylight saving time gives us longer evenings for activities and can reduce energy use (though the savings are modest). Critics point to disruptions to sleep, potential health effects, and rising political opposition to biannual changes. Whether you love the longer summer evenings or complain about losing an hour of sleep, daylight saving time is a fun blend of history, science, culture, and compromise that keeps clocks ticking and conversations going!
However, global attention didn’t come until World War I, when the German Empire and
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Motor Vehicle Accidents • Workers’ Compensation • Slip and Fall • Premises Liability • And More
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