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BETTER SAFE THAN SORRY PROTECTING CHILD CAR PASSENGERS SEPT 2022
At Denmon Pearlman, we work with people injured in automobile collisions every day. But some accident victims tug at the heartstrings just a little more than others. They’re the most innocent parties in any car crash and also the most precious cargo we ever carry in our cars: children. Most parents would do anything to keep their children safe, but too many don’t have the information they need to protect them while driving. In 2019, 608 children aged 12 and younger died in car accidents, and at least 38% of those children were not buckled up. Sept. 18 kicks off Child Passenger Safety Awareness Week, which aims to end these senseless tragedies.
Booster seats are crucial to protecting a child too small to fit into a standard-issue seat belt, and using the lap belt alone isn’t enough. Children need to use the shoulder belt for proper restraint, and wearing it too high up on the neck can cause unnecessary injury in an accident. While Florida only requires booster seats by law for children up to age 5, some states require them until age 8. Experts argue most children need a booster seat until age 10–12 when they are finally tall enough to use the seat belt properly. And until they are 13, children should not ride in the front, booster seat or not. Air bags save adult lives, but their strong force can seriously injure or even kill children. While parents are more likely to use car seats for younger children, everyone who has tried to install one knows the process is confusing. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 46% of car and booster seats are misused or installed incorrectly. Are you sure yours isn’t one of them? Don’t just cross your fingers — find out for sure. Visit Cert.SafeKids.org/get-car-seat-checked to learn where and how you can have your car or booster seat checked for correct installation.
The rules on child restraints can seem confusing. They’re certainly different from when many of today’s parents were children. Many of us happily rode in the backseat with nothing but a lap belt when we were in elementary
school, but the recommendations have changed, and not everyone has gotten the memo. In fact, the oldest children in deadly car crashes were the least likely to be restrained. Children should go through four stages of car safety. The first begins when you bring your child home from the hospital in a rear-facing car seat. These
Finally, you deserve to know that 23% of child deaths in auto accidents happened due to alcohol- impaired driving. Tragically, the child’s parent had been drinking in 64% of those cases. We would never want to put our children in danger, and don’t leave your children’s lives up to chance. Stay sober every time you drive, especially with children in tow.
seats should remain in use until the child exceeds the weight guidelines on the seats, usually between the ages of 2–4. Then, children should switch to a forward-facing car seat until at least 5, or they no longer fit. Next comes booster seats, which children should use until they reach a height of at least 4 feet, 9 inches. Only then should they transfer to seat belt usage alone.
Unfortunately, no single driver can prevent every accident. But we can all take common sense steps to protect our most vulnerable passengers. It may all seem like a bit much — but you’re much better safe than sorry. — Nicole Denmon
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TANGLED UP IN CORDS? 3 TIPS TO MAINTAIN YOUR ELECTRONICS
Protect your cords. Smartphone and laptop chargers aren’t cheap by any means. Since we use them so often, the cord that attaches to the device is susceptible to fraying and breaking. If you have some painter’s tape lying around, take a small piece and wrap it around the cord close to the connectors on both sides! The tape acts as a brace and keeps your charger cord sturdy. Organize extra cables and cords. If you’re like most people, you probably have a bag or box of tangled wires and cables somewhere. It can become an organizer’s worst nightmare, but there’s a better way. First, find an old shoe box and several empty toilet paper rolls. Then, place the rolls upright in a shoebox, wrap each cord up separately, and place them inside the rolls (one per roll) to keep them separate but together. Maintaining our electronics, especially the cords, allows our technology to continue working for us without worry or breaking the bank. Try these hacks and watch how untangled your cords and life can be!
Technology was created to make our lives easier, and though it simplifies our daily routines, it can be a hassle to maintain — especially if there are cords involved. Keeping the power flowing to multiple devices requires a plethora of
cords that can get tangled and annoying. Also, as time goes by, cords may break or simply stop working. Organizing and preserving the quality of your electronics is the best way to extend their longevity, and with these tips, you can save a few headaches along with some money. Tidy up your cords. When you have tons of cords and cables attached to your desk and power strips, they can become a tangled mess. You end up pulling the wrong cord because they all look the same, and it’s a pain to figure out which is which. A great way to fix this is to use binder clips! You can clip them onto your desk to keep cords separate and in one place. Take it up a notch by using colored/patterned binder clips. Assigning specific colors to certain cords lets you find the one you need at any moment.
LAND ON YOUR FEET
Quick: What is the top cause of emergency room visits in the United States? You might guess heart attack, stroke, or unexplained pain. But the unfortunate award goes to falls, which cause about 8 million emergency room visits per year and account for more than 20% of patients. Approximately 1 million patients come to the ER due to a slip and fall occurring in a public place or business. But virtually all of these falls are preventable with proper precautions. Sept. 22 is Falls Prevention Awareness Day. At Denmon Pearlman, we see many people who have fallen and been injured by someone else’s negligence. Businesses, public places, and other property owners have a reasonable duty of care to the people they invite into their spaces. Slip-and-fall accidents can devastate and even end lives, and you don’t want to be responsible for one financially or morally. Now is a great time to survey your property, particularly if you own a business or are a landlord. Start by making sure you provide adequate lighting anywhere people visit or work. Next, secure any electrical cords, wires, and rugs so no one can slip on them. Ongoing maintenance also remains a necessity. Spills and puddles need to be cleaned as they occur to prevent an accident. You’ll also need to ensure pathways are free of obstructions. Start with large items like furniture, but don’t underestimate the impact smaller objects like miscellaneous merchandise or cleaning supplies can have when placed on the floor. Finally, keep an eye on the weather and take action to keep walkways and entrances as dry as possible. More routine slips and falls are also a significant concern for older adults and some people with disabilities. Fortunately, people can take plenty of actions to reduce their risk of falling. Using the above tips where we live will help prevent at-home falls as will wearing sturdy shoes. And experts say staying active is one of the most important things older adults can do to prevent falls — in addition to discussing the matter with their doctor. No magic bullet will prevent all falls. The only answer is a combination of diligence, thoughtfulness, and regular upkeep. Still, the work is worth the payoff of a longer, safer, and happier life.
With These Fall Prevention Tips
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HOW ARE YOU SPENDING LABOR DAY WEEKEND?
A FEW WAYS YOU CAN CELEBRATE
Inspired by ThePlantBasedWok.com
INGREDIENTS
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2 Chinese eggplants, cut into 1/4-inch strips
Labor Day is many things to many people: a celebration of the end of summer, a sign that football season is almost here, or a day to honor American workers. Many people will choose to celebrate this year by taking a trip to the beach, gathering with friends for cocktails, or throwing a backyard barbecue. But you can also do any of those things on any old weekend. Fortunately, you have many opportunities to do something a little more unique over the holiday. We’ve compiled some of our favorite options below! Florida’s Largest Home Show A quick trip to the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa will give you access to a homeowner’s bonanza. Florida’s Largest Labor Day Home Show has experts who can tackle any project imaginable. You’ll find renovation staples like tiles, paint, and windows, but they also don’t skimp on the finishing touches like hot tubs, massage chairs, and patio furniture. Sample the wares, pick up expert tips, play games, and enter raffles. The Sept. 2–5 event kicks off with free admission on Friday, and adult admission is $8 on the remaining three days. Buy your tickets in advance by visiting FloridasLargestHomeShow.com. Gulfport Art Walk Kick off the long weekend by indulging your artistic side in Gulfport for their First Fridays Art Walk. Every art walk features dozens of artists presenting their works and vendors selling homemade items. The event spans several blocks filled with dozens of locally owned stores and restaurants, so you’ll have plenty to explore. And, of course, there will be music. This Sept. 2 pet- and family- friendly event is free and begins at 5 p.m. Get the details and plan your trip at VisitGulfportFlorida.com/first-friday-art-walk. Mural Tours by Bike Maybe you’re craving the opportunity to do something a little more active during your time off. If so, a mural tour with Coast Bike Share may be for you. This bike ride through downtown St. Petersburg will help you find, explore, and learn more about the large-format art dotting the city. And if you don’t have a bike, no problem — you can rent one for only $5 extra! But if you want to go, you must book in advance. Register at FloridaCraftArt.org/product/mural-tours-bike . And if you miss your chance this time, don’t worry — they hold a tour on the first Saturday of every month.
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Salt, to taste
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3 tbsp vegetable oil, divided
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6 oz green beans, trimmed
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6 cloves garlic, minced
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1/2-inch piece of ginger, thinly sliced
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1 red chili pepper, thinly sliced
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2 tbsp soy sauce
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1 tbsp vegan stir-fry sauce (like Lee Kum Kee Vegetarian)
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1/8 tsp pepper
DIRECTIONS
1. In a large bowl, add the eggplant and coat with salt. Cover the eggplant with water and soak for 15 minutes. Drain and pat dry. 2. In a wok over medium heat, warm 2 tbsp of oil. Add the eggplant and fry for 4–5 minutes. Remove and set aside. 3. Add the remaining oil and green beans to the wok. Fry for 5 minutes, then remove and set aside.
4. Add garlic, ginger, and chili before stir-
frying for 1 minute. Return the green beans and eggplant to the wok and add the soy sauce, vegan stir-fry sauce, and pepper. Toss to coat, then serve over rice!
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INSIDE 1 Is Your Child Safe in the Car?
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Don’t Cross Your Cords!
Preventing Slip-and-Fall Accidents
Celebrate Labor Day in Style
Green Bean and Eggplant Stir-Fry
Your Guide to Family and Medical Leave
LIFE CAN BE UNPREDICTABLE PRESERVING THE BALANCE OF WORK AND FAMILY LIFE
Workers shouldn’t have to choose between the job they need and the family members they love. The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) was created to allow employees to take reasonable unpaid leave for a particular family or medical reason so they can maintain a work/life balance.
worked at least 1,250 hours over the past 12 months, and work at a location that employs 50 or more employees within 75 miles.
When can I use FMLA leave? An eligible employee can be granted up to 12 workweeks of unpaid, job- protected leave in a 12-month period for the following reason(s):
What does it provide? The FMLA provides eligible employees up to 12 workweeks of unpaid
leave a year with the requirement of group health benefits to be maintained during the leave as if employees were continuing to work. They are also entitled to resume their same or equivalent job at the end of their FMLA leave.
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Birth of and/or bonding with a newborn child
The placement of a child for adoption or foster care with the employee • To care for an immediate family member with a serious condition (child, spouse, or parent, but does not include parent in-laws) • To take medical leave when the employee is unable to work due to a serious health condition • For qualifying exigencies arising out of the fact that the employee’s spouse, child, or parent is on covered active duty or call to covered active-duty status as a member of the National Guard, Reserves, or Regular Armed Forces The FMLA exists so employees can tend to their families without worrying about their job, allowing them to provide the best care for their loved ones. For more information regarding whether or not your company is eligible for FMLA, check out your local government agency for more details.
Who is eligible for FMLA? FMLA applies to all public agencies, all public and private elementary and secondary schools, and companies with 50 or more employees. Employees can be eligible for FMLA if they have worked for their employer for at least 12 months,
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