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DECEMBER 2024 / JANUARY 2025
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From all of us at Houston & Alexander, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
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ANYONE SEEN A SKULL? HOSPITAL MISPLACES PATIENT’S BODY PART
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 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
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 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 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 in lieu of a fully intact brain cage.
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 hospital scheduled the procedure to repair Fernando’s skull for November 2022, issues arose that made it impossible for the hospital to fulfill its
The word “fat” might sound like something to avoid on your wellness journey, but not all fats are created equal. Certain unsaturated fats are essential for keeping your heart strong, brain sharp, and energy levels steady. Knowing which fats to add to your plate can take your health goals to the next level. Get ready for a healthy serving of omega fats as we explore three of the best foods to fuel your body and improve your overall well-being. Salmon Salmon is one of the best sources of omega fats and one of the most nutrient-rich foods you can find on the whole planet. Not only does it contain omega fats, which support a healthy nervous system, heart, and brain, but it also contains quality protein and multiple nutrients. By adding this tasty and popular fish to your plate, you can reap a wealth of benefits like lower cholesterol levels, healthy blood pressure, strong bones, improved brain function, and reduced risk of stroke, just to name a few. Avocado Avocados are a superfood, and while they are high in fat, they’re the good kind. This creamy and indulgent fruit also contains Don’t Fear the Fat WHY YOUR BODY NEEDS OMEGA-PACKED FOODS
a high amount of vitamin E and provides a healthy serving of dietary fiber. Add this green superstar to salads or toast to get the nutrient booster you need to maintain weight, reduce heart disease risk, control blood sugar, and improve brain function. Nuts Nuts are heart-healthy snacks that provide protein, fiber, vitamins, antioxidants, and beneficial monounsaturated fats. When you incorporate these into your diet, your heart will benefit. Studies have found that nuts can help reduce the risk of diabetes and lower cholesterol levels. Almonds, pistachios, and walnuts are all wonderful options to try out. Just make sure you moderate how much you eat, as they are high in calories. These nutrient-packed foods taste great and provide essential benefits to keep your heart, brain, and body functioning at their best. So, next time you prepare your plate, don’t fear fats! Embrace the healthy ones that fuel your body.
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Could your child be a future celebrity chef? Could your baby be a world-class baker in waiting? Help transform your toddlers or school-age kids into tiny tastemakers by following these three simple tips. Use your space as a skill zone. It takes more than just a love of food to make delicious meals and treats, as cooking and baking put all five senses to the test. Helping in the kitchen enables small children to heighten their awareness of smells, tastes, sounds, and textures while learning new words. Having them measure ingredients and pour them into bowls is an easy way to refine their motor skills, and your guidance behind the counter will encourage them to follow directions. If your kitchen companion is a baby, you can still involve them by describing the sights, sounds, and smells surrounding them and letting them touch some of the food — all great tools to assist in developing their connection to the world. Kid-proof your meal prep. Before taking your child on a culinary journey, check that their countertop
423-267-6715 | HoustonAlexander.com 3 a 100% professional lawyer when it really matters and your future is on the line, don’t look any further. This is your BEST CHANCE to get close or even get the result you want.” –W.K. a case to help me, and he knew how to do it. He found and saw things wrong in my case I would not have even thought about. The judge said, ‘You got the deal of the year,’ which says it all. And YES I DID. I can’t thank them enough for doing so. My recommendation is very simple — if you need “I am a European citizen in the Green Card process to live in this great country for life. However, a stupid decision I made two years ago put all that at risk. I was told Bret Alexander and his firm is the place I should go, and I am glad I did, even if it looked expensive at first sight. Now, two years later, I know it was worth every single cent. He was on my side when I needed him and answered every question I had, clearly and understandably. I can’t imagine anyone else who would have gone that deep into What Our Clients Are Saying travels won’t endanger them. It’s obviously a big no-no to rest a sharp knife on a cutting board that small hands can reach, but little things like toothpicks can also pose a risk. If your small assistant is old enough to cut up ingredients, a plastic utensil will be less painful than steel if the blade misses its mark. Keep family flavors flowing. Want to give your elderly mom or dad a holiday surprise they’ll never forget? Present them with a meal based on one of their famous recipes that their grandkid(s) helped prepare! Holiday gatherings are great for sharing the details and delicacies that shaped your family’s history — and a wonderful opportunity to pass down those special traditions to the next generation. With the holidays upon us, now is a perfect time to introduce little ones to the joys of baking and cooking by turning your kitchen into a safe space for learning and bonding.
Kitchen Adventures: Kid Edition Whisking Up Family Fun
CARDINAL COCOA FROSTY GARLAND
GENEROSITY MENORAH MITTENS PEPPERMINT
PINECONES SNUGGLE UNITY YULE
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE Happy Holidays! PAGE 1
Hospital Loses Part of Patient’s Skull
PAGE 2
The Essential Fats You Need on Your Plate
PAGE 2
Mix, Measure, and Make Memories
PAGE 3
Take a Break
PAGE 3
Testimonial
PAGE 3
Bundle Up and Fish On
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HOOKED ON WINTER MASTER COLD-WEATHER FISHING
Just because the weather is getting frosty doesn’t mean you have to put away your fishing rod and tackle. Winter can be an excellent time to get nibbles on the line, especially from freshwater species that group up this time of year. Grab your warm gloves and gear because these cool tips will make your winter angling as easy as shooting fish in a barrel. Scope out a spot. Finding the right spot to cast your line is one of the most important steps to ensuring a tremendous cold-weather fishing experience. You can visit your state’s Department of Natural Resources website to discover up-to-date information on lakes in your area and what fish are there at different times of year. When choosing a location, avoid high currents that are poor for fishing and dangerous. Areas near bridges are a safe bet as they trap in the warmth that attracts fish. Watch the weather. Cold weather can be less predictable and fluctuate, affecting fish activity. If a cold front is on the way, try to get to the
lake right ahead of it to catch a large haul of fish. Otherwise, the best times of day to go fishing in the winter are between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Make sure to wear layers of clothing like gloves and bring a hot beverage like coffee or hot chocolate. The cold water can be dangerous, so fishing with a friend during this season is best. Play it safe and pack it up if the weather gets too severe. Grab the right gear. Cold weather can wear out your fishing gear, so tune up your reels before you head out. Chilly temperatures can freeze the bearings in reels and thicken oil. Use a line conditioner to ensure water doesn’t freeze onto your line. You may also need to rethink your bait. Live bait like worms is a better option than lures in the winter, as lures move too quickly and spook the fish, which move slower when the waters are icy cold.
Bundle up, follow these tips, and you’ll be reeling in impressive catches even when frost is on the ground.
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