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On Your Side A Publication of Kevin McManus Law Injury & Disability Attorneys
BEYOND THE SCOREBOARD
KevinMcManusLaw.com (816) 837-4433
A Personal Message From Kevin McManus
Teaching Life Lessons Through Youth Sports
I have benefited from great coaching in my life, both in business and in sports. I have also been a youth coach for many years. I love being around kids and seeing them grow and develop. One of my favorite memories actually ended in a loss. Our summer basketball team of sixth graders was battling for survival in an end-of-season game, and we were getting killed. Several of our players were out of town and another had fouled out. The remaining five kids were exhausted. We were down by 20 points in the 4th quarter when I called a timeout. Looking around the exhausted faces in the huddle, I said, “You have five minutes left. Here’s the deal: The only way you can come back is to put on a full-court press and try to close the gap. Do you guys want to go all out? The risk is, you’re already tired. Are you going to leave it all on the court? Or play conservatively and take the loss? What are we going to do?”
Their answer was clear: We’re going for it! Those five young players were so excited. They ran back onto the court, went on a rampage, fought hard, and brought the game back within striking range.
Welcome to our newsletter! We’ll introduce you to our office team, share client stories and life lessons, updates about our work and community, and have some fun along
the way. Have feedback? Email us at info@kevinmcmanuslaw.com and let us know what you think. We’d love to hear from you. We’re on Your Side!
We lost by one point.
The moral of the story? The scoreboard isn’t everything that matters in life.
In recognition of Oct. 6 as National Coaches Day, I’ve been thinking about the benefits I’ve gained from coaching, on the giving and the receiving sides. On the receiving side, professional coaching and peer-to-peer mentoring have been really helpful to me in my business, in learning how to serve our clients better. On the giving side, in coaching youth sports, I have appreciated the moments when our players were able to learn something — about resilience, about not giving up, and about having the courage to keep going. Basketball was my sport. I continued playing through high school. One of my most memorable experiences was volunteering as a senior to help my former youth coach with a team of eighth graders. We took the team all the way to the city championships and won! After I became a dad, I started coaching my older son’s team in kindergarten. At that stage, basketball is just organized chaos. At first, they all wanted to be a superstar and score all the baskets, and they didn’t trust each other. Now, as seventh graders, they have progressed to moving the ball around, with everybody taking shots. It has been really cool to see them develop that shared reliance on each other.
HOW WE CAN HELP Kevin McManus Law assists clients with personal injury and long-term disability claims throughout Missouri and Kansas. We handle cases on a contingency fee basis and offer free consultations. Call (816) 837-4433 today or visit our website for more information: KevinMcManusLaw.com.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR REFERRALS!
We’d like to thank the following clients and referral partners for trusting us with their referrals. Your support gives us the ability to help others. Socorro D. Meyerkord, Russell
Abdirahman A. Stahle L. Melody F. Grundy Disability Group Melany G.
& Hergott William B. Curis Fuctional Health Berry L.
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ISSUE 7
Sweet Bites That Brighten Your Day Food for Thought (and Feelings)
Do you ever get “hangry” when you miss a meal or feel like a warm bowl of something delicious would elevate your entire day? It turns out that food does more than just soothe a growling tummy; it can lift your spirits. Certain healthy foods contain natural mood boosters like dopamine, serotonin, and GABA, which can chase away stress in the most tasty way. Get ready to load your plate with feel- good ingredients that fuel the body and mind. You’re one delicious bite away from feeling calmer, more focused, and happier. Dark Chocolate If you have a sweet tooth, here’s your excuse to treat yourself to chocolate. Dark chocolate contains mood-elevating compounds like polyphenols, vitamins, and flavonoids. Its antioxidant properties are known to reduce
stress and keep your cells healthy. Dark chocolate also supports the critical connection between gut health and mental health, changing the bacterial composition in the intestines, which studies have found can reduce negative emotions. Just be sure to eat it in moderation because it’s a high-calorie food. Fermented Foods A happy gut means a happy life, and fermented foods like kimchi, yogurt, and sauerkraut are excellent sources of good probiotics. Fermentation creates live microorganisms that ensure you have the right amount of healthy bacteria in your digestive system. They can also increase serotonin levels. Researchers are increasingly finding that the gut microbiome plays a significant role in regulating depression and overall wellness.
Berries Eating more fruits and veggies has long been linked to lower rates of depression, thanks to their inflammation-fighting antioxidants. Berries, in particular, are a sweet option for snacking your way to joy. These powerful little fruits have many compounds known to combat stress. Blackberries, for example, are high in vitamin C, which can help lower anxiety, and fiber, which helps keep your energy levels up. So, next time you’re feeling stressed, reach for a snack that feeds your mood. Whether it’s a square of dark chocolate, a spoonful of yogurt, or a handful of berries, these foods prove happiness is just a meal away.
Dogs, Cats, and Deadlines
THE PET-LOVING SIDE OF OUR LAW FIRM
One topic seems to come up a lot in casual conversations around our office: Our team members love talking about their pets. We haven’t yet instituted a “bring your pets to work day” policy, but there is no shortage of fur-baby photos on office desks. And the personalities (and eccentricities) of our colleagues’ dogs and cats are a frequent topic of conversation. In recognition of Oct. 4 as Kindness to Animals Day, we are featuring some of our firm’s favorite furballs.
and disability attorney. Mando, age 7, started life running with a pack of dogs by the river. After he was first adopted, he wasn’t sure he wanted anything to do with people. He soon headed for the exits and remained a runaway for a full 10 days. Fortunately, Mando has adapted to the comfort of domestic life, and he has stuck around home ever since. Mando’s 9-year-old housemate, Finn, is the resident grump who only hears what he wants to hear. He is especially closely attuned to the sound of the fridge opening! Together, the two prove that the best companions come in all kinds of packages. Clara Cruzans, a legal assistant, is shown having a meeting of the minds with her beloved cat, Nina. Clara adopted Nina as a 3-month-old kitten, and Nina has been living for Clara’s cuddles ever since. She hasn’t lost touch with her wild side, however. Nina loves to hunt and prefers attacking sticks or human hands over playing with store-bought toys. She scorns other pets and is indifferent to all humans (except Clara). Ever loyal, she comes running when Clara calls.
Finn and Mando, the two kerchief-wearing canines, are owned by Kelvin Fisher, an injury
Boston terrier, Arwen. Cristina loves gardening and finds peace in nurturing plants and her favorite pooch. As Kindness to Animals Day rolls around, we hope you will be enjoying some of your favorite furballs as well!
And Cristina Alvarez, our receptionist and intake specialist, is shown with her beloved
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From Trials to Triumph New Scholarship Celebrates Resilient Athletes
It has also been great to see them become more mature about losing. After they lost in the final round of a tournament several years ago, when they were much younger, they all started crying. It’s the worst feeling as a coach! I was thinking, “This is supposed to be fun, and I just ruined these kids’ day!” I am still coaching those kids, and they don’t cry any more. Now, it’s about putting on a full-court press, coming back, being resilient, keeping their heads in the game, and playing to the end. That is the “before” and “after” story. That goal of instilling resilience is one of the reasons our firm, in partnership with a new nonprofit, has launched a scholarship program this year for college student-athletes who have overcome adversity. (See Page 3 for details.) I see tremendous potential in sports as a way to build character in young people. In a broader sense, I see tremendous potential for all of us in coaching, both on the receiving end and the giving end. As we celebrate National Coaches Day, I hope you, too, can enjoy some of the benefits of making coaching a part of your life. EXTRA-CRISPY RANCH CHICKEN CUTLETS -Kevin McManus
Long after the final score of any game is forgotten, young athletes continue to use the skills and qualities they gained by participating in sports.
Student athletes who overcome additional challenges, such as injuries, illnesses, or other obstacles, are inspiring to us all. In recognition of these resilient young people, we are excited to announce a new Overcoming Adversity Through Sports scholarship program. Together with KML Charitable Foundation, Kevin McManus Law is offering a $2,000 academic scholarship to qualifying college students who have encountered injuries, illnesses, or other personal hurdles and overcome them. Students in any area of study, who play any sport, are eligible if they are pursuing an education at any accredited college or university in the U.S. KML Charitable Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization that aims to uplift the community through education, advocacy, and service, and to promote character and perseverance in young student-athletes. Our belief is that when all is said and done, winning matters less than the resilience and grit young people gain through participation, qualities that significantly improve their odds of success in life. If you or a young student-athlete you know meets these requirements, is a citizen of the U.S., and is maintaining a GPA of 3.0 or better, we want to know the story! We are asking applicants to submit a 500- to 700-word essay describing the physical, emotional, social, or academic setback they faced. We want to know how their sports experience instilled in them the tools they needed to overcome it, and what they learned from sports that made them a better athlete, student, and person.
Ingredients • Olive oil •
Inspired by TheCookieRookie.com
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1 cup panko breadcrumbs
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese 1 oz ranch seasoning, store-bought (1 packet) or homemade
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3/4 cup flour
2 large eggs, beaten
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Cooking spray
Directions 1. Preheat oven to 375 F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan with olive oil and set aside. 2. Season both sides of chicken breasts with salt and pepper. 3. Set out three shallow bowls. In the first, combine flour and a pinch of salt and pepper. Add the eggs to the second bowl. Mix panko, Parmesan, and ranch seasoning mix in the third bowl. 4. For coating, dip seasoned chicken breasts in flour, coating both sides. Then, dip the chicken in the beaten eggs and, finally, the panko mixture. 5. Place each coated chicken breast in the prepared baking dish. 6. Spray the tops of the chicken with cooking spray. 7. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches 165 F and is golden brown.
Inspire others with your story, turn your grit into a game-changer, and win a chance to cover tuition, books, and other college costs! The deadline for all applications is Oct. 30. For more information on eligibility and application procedures, scan the QR Code.
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE Page 1 Page 2
The True Wins of Youth Sports Coaching Tasty Fixes for a Happier You On Kindness to Animals Day, Colleagues Show Off Their Pets Scholarship Program Celebrates the Grit and Resilience of Student Athletes Extra-Crispy Ranch Chicken Cutlets Easy Halloween Fun for Kids (Without Losing Your Mind)
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Fun, Not Fussy NAIL HALLOWEEN WITH MINIMAL EFFORT
Halloween has a way of sneaking up on you. One day, it’s back to school, and the next, you’re knee-deep in costume negotiations and candy debates. But here’s the good news: You don’t need an over-the- top haunted house or a monthlong Pinterest board to make the holiday memorable. With a few simple ideas, you can turn Halloween into a tradition your kids
designing their own characters. These can be superheroes, TV characters, animals, or fun foods. PUMPKIN PAINTING PARTY Carving can be fun, but it’s not always kid-friendly. Painting pumpkins is safer, cleaner, and just as festive. Grab some nontoxic paints, markers, and stickers, and let your kids transform their pumpkins into silly, spooky, or sparkly works of Halloween art. HAUNTED STORY WALK Set up a path around your backyard or hallway with hidden story pages or flashlight stations. Each stop reveals part of a spooky (but age- appropriate) tale. For an extra-special touch, have an older sibling or adult dress up and narrate along the way. SPOOKY SNACK LAB Host a kitchen “lab” where your little monsters whip up their own creepy creations. Think monster trail mix, pretzel broomsticks, mummy-wrapped hot dogs, or bubbling punch with dry ice. The process is half the fun, and the mess is part of the Halloween magic.
look forward to without totally exhausting yourself!
GLOW-IN-THE-DARK EGG HUNT Who says egg hunts are just for spring? Fill plastic eggs with small candies, stickers, or tiny trinkets, toss in a glow stick bracelet or glow-in-the-dark sticker, and scatter them in the yard or house. With the lights off and flashlights on, it’s like Halloween hide and seek! COSTUME CREATION STATION You can forget the overpriced store-bought outfits that tear before dinner on Halloween night. Set up a costume creation corner with old clothes, cardboard boxes, fabric scraps, and safe accessories. Let the kids go wild
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