Gillette Law - April/May 2021

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ILLETTE

GAZETTE

APRIL/MAY 2021

STAY STRONG

LET’S KEEP OUR FOCUS ON MENTAL HEALTH

It was a little over a year ago that the COVID-19 pandemic truly struck the world. Businesses closed, people lost their jobs or began working from home, and everyone was encouraged to follow stay-at- home orders. At the time, we had no idea how long quarantine and shutdowns would last or that we’d still be feeling the impact of them 12 months later. It’s not surprising it took a toll on people’s mental health. Even though we’re seeing positive changes this year to combat COVID-19, it’s still important to take the time to reflect and examine our mental well-being. To help you maintain your mental health, here are a few great methods and tools to use. Mental Health Apps If you’re looking to work toward improving your mood, mental health apps are a great tool. Apps, such as Moodfit, MoodMission, and Talkspace, give people a chance to set goals, track their progress, or even speak to a mental health professional. They can help keep you motivated about maintaining your mental health. However, as beneficial as these may be, understand that they are no substitute for professional help for serious mental health issues. Physical Health Our physical health is linked to our mental well-being. To improve overall health, our bodies need three essential things: exercise, sleep, and good nutrition. By incorporating each of these aspects into our daily lives, we feel more positive about ourselves and our surroundings. Lack thereof can increase or lead to feelings of irritation, anxiety, and depression. Give yourself the time you need to meet these needs, even if it’s a 15-minute walk down the street or an hour nap, and it will help you feel better. Relationships Both family and friends are essential in our lives. Being separated and alone, just as most of us have been this past year, has a significant impact on mental health. The people closest to us can help support us through difficult times or when we’re feeling down. Many people have found ways to stay connected with one another by chatting online or by setting a time each week to FaceTime each other. Now that the

weather is warming up, we can also spend more time outside and have socially distant picnics.

You can also make connections with people by volunteering for a local charity or joining a group focused on a favorite hobby. With the COVID-19 vaccine distribution progressing, we’ll see more and more people getting together and more of these opportunities available. It’s a great time to start searching. Less Screen Time Spending time away from our electronic devices can be difficult. Because of online school, kids rarely seem to have a break from the computer. However, making sure kids spend less time staring at a screen — computer, television, or video games — is good for their overall health. Taking breaks prevents eye strain, blurry vision, or dry eyes, which can make it difficult for the child to stay focused on any tasks. Stepping away regularly throughout the day ensures their motivation stays peaked and their eyes stay healthy. Traditional Therapy One of the biggest problems that has surfaced because of the pandemic is many people are struggling with mental health problems (such as depression or severe anxiety) for the first time. What’s more, they may not even realize they have mental problems. According to a study in The Lancet, “People without depressive, anxiety, or obsessive- compulsive disorders showed a greater increase in symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic.” Some of the above measures can help regulate mental health but are not meant to replace professional treatment. If you are struggling with your mental health, it could be time to reach out for help. Call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration at 1-800- 662-HELP(4357) or visit them at SAMHSA.gov to learn of available treatments and reliable resources. –Brian Gillette

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3 SAFE APRIL FOOLS’ PRANKS YOUR KIDS WILL LOVE DITCH THE DANGER AND PLAN FAMILY-FRIENDLY FUN

Every year, a prankster makes headlines on April Fools’ Day for taking their joke too far. In 2001, a DJ in England famously broadcast that he’d spotted a replica of the Titanic floating off the coast. Hundreds of people scrambled to the spot, and their combined weight actually caused a cliff to collapse into the ocean! Luckily no one was hurt, but a Montana man who played a different joke years later wasn’t so lucky. He donned a Sasquatch outfit and lept from the forest to scare travelers. Unfortunately, he traumatized two teens so much that they lost control of their car and ran him over. If you’re a prankster, you can probably understand what drove the radio DJ and Sasquatch to their doom. It’s easy to go down the April Fools’ rabbit hole and plan a prank that’s too elaborate for adults, let alone your kids. But don’t worry — the internet is full of funny ways to introduce your little ones to the holiday safely. Instead of concocting a potentially harmful prank, try one of these harmless jokes instead, courtesy of Parenting magazine.

old), make a batch of Jello and let it set in a juice glass. When they try to drink it later, enjoy the hilarity that ensues.

2. Rocks — It’s What’s for Dinner! If you want to confuse and horrify your kids, scatter chocolate rock candy (treats that look like real rocks) in the backyard before dinner. Then, when it’s time to eat, head outside and chow down on a handful of “rocks.” Your kids’ faces will be priceless! (Visit Nuts.com to score this candy for $8.99 per pound.) 3. Stinky Caramel ‘Apples’ Everyone loves caramel apples, but caramel-covered onions … not so much. This April Fools’ Day, swap the tasty fruit for its smelly vegetable counterpart and watch as everyone in the house falls for your trick! These are just a few pranks you can have up your sleeve for April Fools’ — or any day of the week. For even more hilarious ideas, check out the book “Pranklopedia: The Funniest, Grossest, Craziest, Not- Mean Pranks on the Planet!” from your local library.

1. The Undrinkable Juice You know what looks a lot like grape juice? Grape Jello! To baffle your toddler (or even your 10-year-

THE CAUSE OF YOUR EYE STRAIN It Might Not Be Blue Light After All

The 20-20-20 Rule The best way to reduce eye strain is to use the 20-20-20 rule; every 20 minutes, look at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds before looking back at a computer screen. This guarantees your eyes have regular breaks throughout the day. You can also adjust your computer screen’s brightness, color temperature, and text size to prevent over- straining to see what’s on the monitor. If you have regular symptoms of eye strain, visit your optometrist for an examination. They can give you a professional diagnosis and prescribe the best treatment for you.

Today, it’s almost impossible not to expose your eyes to a screen that emits blue light. However, a common misconception is that blue light from digital screens causes eye strain, mental fatigue, and headaches. There simply isn’t enough information for researchers to say it’s fact. Blue Light Glasses Many people have purchased blue light glasses to protect their eyes from the artificial blue light emitted by digital screens (smartphones, laptops, tablets, televisions, and computers), LED lighting, and fluorescent bulbs. Yet, they might not be needed. According to the Texas Medical Center (TMC), blue light glasses are not necessary for computer use. Amir Mohsenin, M.D., Ph.D., assistant professor in the Ruiz Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Science at UTHealth‘s McGovern Medical School, further explains, “There’s really no evidence that [blue light glasses] help. We don’t really have any data that supports blue-blocking glasses as being better for your eyes when you’re using a computer.” Eye Strain Cause This then begs the question: What is causing eye strain? Mohsenin states that it’s caused by how we’re using digital screens. When we are looking at a screen, our tendency to blink drops over 50%. Not only does this increase the risk of dry eye and headaches but also leads to the many other symptoms of eye strain. Room lighting and the glare from the computer screen can also cause our vision to blur and our eyes to ache.

2 | GilletteLawGroup.com

YOUR SSD CASE DOCUMENTS A person who files for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits has a high chance of being denied. That is why having access to your case documents is important. If you are appealing the SSA’s decision denying your claim, or are preparing for your hearing with an administrative law judge, you will want to review the medical records and other case documents in your claim file. Reviewing this information will allow you to better assist your disability attorney to represent you in your claim. In particular, alerting your attorney to records that are missing from your case documents can help them to gather that information and prove your claim. center, which you can then view, print, or forward to others for review.

When the documents reach the Message Center, you will receive a notification by email or text (based on your preference). The SSA provides three steps to help you view and download these documents: 1. Click on the “Message Center” link on your my Social Security account homepage. 2. Open the “Electronic case documents are ready for download” message. 3. Click on the “Your electronic case documents (PDF)” link to view the PDF.

For many years, a person could only receive a copy of their SSD file by calling the SSA or by visiting a local SS office. Then, the SSA would mail the records to the requester. Today, things are a little easier. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the SSA and its offices across the U.S. closed their doors to reduce spread of the virus. However, this did not stop people from needing information and help with their claims. So, SSA introduced improvements to the my Social Security Message Center. A my Social Security account now allows people to request their documents online directly from the SSA. Any electronic case documents you need can be sent to the message

For more information about how to get your case documents online visit: SSA.gov/appeals/electronic_case_document.html.

If you have any questions regarding online document requests or the process involved, call our office at 757-220-4529.

RHUBARB OAT BARS

DO YOU HAVE A LEGAL QUESTION?

If we can’t answer your question, we would be happy to personally refer you to one of our trusted colleagues. We will even call them to give them a summary of your issue so they are aware and ready to take your call. But it all starts by reaching out to our office. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out at 757-220-4529.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups fresh rhubarb, chopped • 1 cup packed brown sugar, divided • 1 tsp fresh lemon juice • 4 tbsp water, divided • 4 tsp cornstarch

• 1 cup old-fashioned oats • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour • 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut • 1/2 tsp salt • 1/3 cup butter, melted

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 F and grease an 8-inch square baking dish. 2. In a medium saucepan, bring rhubarb, 1/2 cup brown sugar, lemon juice, and 3 tbsp water to a boil. 3. Reduce heat to medium and cook until rhubarb is tender (about 5 minutes). 4. In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and remaining water, stirring until smooth. 5. Gradually add to the rhubarb mixture, return to a boil, and cook until thickened. Remove from heat and set aside. 6. In a large bowl, combine oats, flour, coconut, salt, and remaining brown sugar. Stir in butter until mixture is crumbly. 7. Press half of the oat mixture into the prepared baking dish, spread rhubarb mixture on top, then sprinkle with remaining oat mixture. 8. Bake 25–30 minutes until golden brown. Cool completely before enjoying!

DAD JOKE

Q: What do lawyers wear to court? A: Lawsuits

Inspired by TasteOfHome.com

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INSIDE This Issue

Stay Strong page 1

Claim Documents: Receive a Copy Online page 3 Rhubarb Oat Bars page 3 2 Easy, Effective Budgeting Strategies page 4

3 Safe April Fools’ Pranks Your Kids Will Love page 2 Blue Light: Not What It Seems page 2

2 SIMPLE BUDGETING STRATEGIES YOU CAN IMPLEMENT TODAY

NO SPREADSHEETS REQUIRED

Paying off debt and saving money are the building blocks of a healthy financial life, but the statistics are dire: One-third of Americans haven’t saved a single penny for retirement, 38% of households have credit card debt, and 44% don’t have enough cash saved to cover a $400 emergency expense. If you see yourself in those numbers, there’s no better time than now to start working on healthier financial habits because April is Financial Literacy Month. Even with myriad apps available to help, budgeting can still feel intimidating. So, why not keep it simple with these two systems you can implement today? The 50-30-20 Strategy Before she was a U.S. senator, Elizabeth Warren was a tenured law professor at Harvard, specializing in bankruptcy. During that time, she published the widely acclaimed personal finance book, “All Your Worth: The Ultimate Lifetime Money Plan.” Some 16 years later, her advice still holds up. That’s because Warren’s approach to money is simple and flexible. She suggests allocating 50% of your income to needs like housing, groceries, and utilities; 30% to wants like entertainment, vacations, and eating out; and 20% to savings, which starts by building a

three-month emergency fund and then allocating savings to a retirement fund thereafter. If you have credit card debt, Warren suggests allocating that final 20% to debt repayment before you start saving. Otherwise, you’ll just backslide as interest mounts on your existing debt. If you’re able to save more than 20%, adjust the ratios accordingly. If you can’t save 20% just yet, start with less (even 1% each month adds up!) and make a goal to increase your savings by 1% each month or quarter. The Anti-Budget Strategy If Warren’s budgeting strategy feels too complicated, try financial expert and “Afford Anything” podcast host Paula Pant’s anti-budget. Each time you get paid, skim 20% (or whatever your current savings goal is) off the top, put it in a savings or retirement account, and spend the rest however you’d like. Pant’s logic here is that if you tell yourself you’ll save “whatever’s left over at the end of the month,” you’re unlikely to save anything. Free yourself from the worry by saving first, then spend the rest guilt-free.

If 20% feels like too lofty a goal, start with whatever feels doable and work to increase that by 1% each month or quarter.