heart rate. Larry Wilde, the creator of National Humor Month, stated, “Scientific research of laughter and its ability to relieve debilitating stress and burnout may indeed be one of the great medical discoveries of our times.” By laughing, we reduce our stress and pain levels, strengthen our immune systems, and recharge our bodies. With a Belly Laugh! OWER OF HUMAN HAPPINESS A recent study found that “human happiness has large and positive effects on productivity. Positive emotions appear to invigorate human beings, while negative emotions have the opposite effect.” The study linked decision-making, processing, and learning to the dopamine release triggered by happiness, so smiling can also make you a more creative and efficient worker.
Chronic Pain and Job Loss Wasn’t Enough
Our client Roger (not his real name) suffered from an extreme chronic pain disability triggered by his laminectomy surgery. How We Won This ER Physician’s Bogus Long Term Disability Insurance Denial on Appeal Roger’s treating physicians told him that he was absolutely unable to work as an emergency room physician as he would be putting himself and his patients at risk. Yet Prudential Insurance Company ignored their opinions and denied his claim for disability benefits, stating that Roger could still do portions of his specialty and was therefore not disabled nor entitled to benefits under the policy. Prudential contended that his evidence was insufficient to prove his case, despite his treating and pain management physicians’ unwavering opinions that he was physically disabled and could not work. In helping Roger gather evidence to build his case, we quickly realized that his story of multiple surgeries, cervical fusions, severe disc degeneration, and the post-laminectomy syndrome was the most extreme we had ever heard. He had tried almost every treatment modality under the sun. Roger underwent several surgical procedures for his cervical degenerative discs, followed by a shoulder acromioplasty and debridement. However, these procedures worsened his symptoms, and his arm and leg showed new weaknesses. He then underwent a laminectomy and fusion. But similar to all the other treatments, his symptoms did not improve and continued to worsen. Roger’s symptoms had become so severe that the hospital gave his duties to other emergency medicine physicians since he could not perform his job. His physician and employer finally told him that he needed to apply for long- term disability and that they had to let him go. With Roger’s help, we spoke with some of his treating physicians and created detailed physician notes, which we made into formal, signed statements. We also created a much clearer and more vivid statement for Roger describing his symptoms and physical limitations. We presented this, and other overwhelming evidence not part of Roger’s initial denied application, to Prudential Insurance Company. Thankfully, Prudential Insurance Company finally did the right thing.
Dick Costolo, the former CEO of Twitter, said, “You don’t have to be the quickest wit in the room. The easiest way to have more humor is not to try to be funny; instead, just look for moments to laugh.” So, when you need a boost of spirits, try on your biggest, toothy grin. Even a little giggle,
snort, or belly chuckle could give you the boost you were looking for, and you just might pass it along to someone in need!
EASY FRUIT DIP Inspired by InspiredByCharm.com
Spring is here, which means it’s time to enjoy fresh fruits and refreshing treats! This recipe has only four ingredients and can be made in under five minutes, so it’s great to bring to parties or make before a quick get-together. We recommend serving it with strawberries or cut-up pineapple, mango, and honeydew. Ingredients • 1 7-oz jar marshmallow fluff • 1 8-oz package of cream cheese, softened • 1 cup vanilla yogurt • Splash of maraschino cherry juice • Fresh-cut fruit of your choice
In the end, because he continued to fight, appealing the insurance company’s denial of his disability claim rather than just accepting it as the final word, Roger maintained his financial security while taking some much-needed time to pursue further treatment and focus on healing.
Directions 1. In a bowl, place all the ingredients except fruit and blend with a hand mixer until smooth. 2. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1–2 hours before serving. 3. Serve with fresh-cut fruit. Dip and enjoy!
If your client or someone you know is dealing with a similar denial, we’d love to hear from you. Call us at (225) 201-8311 so we can start reviewing their case!
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