‘Driven in Everything I Do’ Spotlight on Attorney John Lavelle
As people grow older, they’re more likely to find themselves at home with less company. If your family members live far away or you have physical limitations that make it difficult to leave the house, you may be at an increased risk of experiencing loneliness. This is why adopting an animal can be so helpful. Pets offer comfort and love, and many encourage physical activity. Integrating a pet into your life as you grow older can be just what you need to lift your spirit and keep you healthy. The Benefits of Pet Ownership A lack of purpose can take a significant toll, but the sense of duty pet owners have around caring for their animals helps them avoid this. The daily tasks of feeding, playing with, and walking your animal can help provide structure and bring meaning to your life. They also give you something to look forward to each day. What’s better than waking up or coming home to a wagging tail or loud meow? This is how pets help improve their owners’ mental and physical health. Studies also show that those who care for pets have less stress and lower blood pressure and cholesterol than their petless counterparts. You’re also more likely to maintain a daily exercise routine. FELINE FRIENDS OR CANINE COMRADES How Pets Improve Our Health and Happiness
John Lavelle has been a determined and successful personal injury attorney for going on 16 years. His father also practiced law, which
helped paved his path into the field. In high school, John took an internship at his dad’s firm and found himself returning to work at the office on summer breaks from school. But when it came time for college, you may be surprised to learn that John chose to study chemistry and math, getting a full scholarship and eventually graduating summa cum laude from St. Johns University in Queens. “The chemistry and math come naturally to me,” John says. “But I always wanted to be like my dad and follow what he was doing.” He also knew he liked the work and what his father was able to do for his clients. So following his bachelor’s, John went to law school and then began practicing personal injury law in both New York and Pennsylvania, where he also does appellate work. It may not surprise you to learn that John is an Eagle Scout, which requires years of dedication to earn and was capped off with a major service project with the Garden City Bird Sanctuary. Much like he does for his clients every day at Cellino Law, John went above and beyond to become an Eagle Scout, getting 42 merit badges. That’s double the amount required and was enough for John to break the local record for most merit badges earned. He puts it succinctly: “I’m driven in everything I do.” That shows in the results he gets for his clients and also in the professional honors he’s earned. He was named a Top 40 Under 40 by The National Trial Lawyer and a rising star in the New York metro area by Super Lawyers in 2015. Here’s what his recent client, Veloa, had to say about John: “Thank you so much for taking my case, answering all my questions, and mostly for being very patient with me. I feel that without you and Roza, I would not have been able to get anything at all. I hope to never need a lawyer again, but if I do, I will definitely want you both working for me.” Outside of work, John and his 4-year-old daughter enjoying spending time outdoors together, traveling, and hanging out with their dogs and cats.
Humans have an innate need to be social, and without someone to talk to regularly, our mental well-being can start to deteriorate. Pets may not be the best conversation partners, but they may increase your social activity. Walking a dog to a local park every day, for example, can provide an opportunity for you to interact with other people. If you live alone, this simple activity can increase your social circle and improve your mental health. Find the Right Pet Before taking advantage of the many benefits pets offer, it’s crucial to consider which pet is right for you. Doing research can help answer important questions about which animals might be a good fit for you and your lifestyle and which aren’t. Finding a perfect match may take some time, but once that connection is made, there is nothing that will bring more joy into both of your lives.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has a list of questions that will help guide you to the perfect pet. Take a look at CDC.gov/healthypets.
2 CELLINOLAW.COM
Made with FlippingBook - Online Brochure Maker