Take a look at our May newsletter!
BRAUNSLAW.COM 404-418-8244 2 Wheels to Wellness
A BETTER LIFE THROUGH BIKING May is full of meaningful holidays and events, but its designation as National Bike Month has tremendous personal significance. Bikes have played a major role in who I am and the goals I’ve set for myself in life. I was an avid bike guy in college and through my early 20s. Along the way, I got into biking in the mountains in South Carolina. Using my bike to get around really came in handy when the engine in my car blew up and forced my poor student self to figure out another way to travel. It ended up being my primary form of transportation for about two years, meaning I had to ride it in the rain and other bad weather to get to class or work. It sounds rough, but I loved it. and taking online spinning classes. At the time of writing this, I’ve been on my bike five times a week for the past three weeks. I’m really enjoying working out on my bike, which is very low impact and is easy on my hip. I start at 4:30 in the morning, which enables me to have a win before most people wake up. As an attorney, I take on other people’s problems as my own, so I need to be mindful of keeping my stress level to a minimum. Being on the bike helps me feel energized, clear-headed, and ready to attack the day when I arrive at the office at 7. When most people have their first cup of coffee, I’ve already broken a sweat and gotten my heart going.
As regular readers of this newsletter know, I’ve been through a lot of physical changes in recent times, including dropping nearly 120 pounds over approximately 18 months and recently undergoing surgery on my right hip. Before my surgery, I spent 45 minutes walking on the treadmill every morning. In hindsight, I realize that regimen was too brutal on my joints. As a personal injury attorney who reviews effects on the human body, I knew that every step I took equaled four times my body weight in the impact force on my joints. After the surgery, I knew there was no way I could do the treadmill, but I still needed to do cardio to maintain my weight loss. I turned to getting on my bike at home
As I move along in my new spinning routine, I’m reminded of a quote by podcaster and retired Navy SEAL Jocko Willink: “Discipline eats motivation for breakfast.” For me, the power of a routine is developing the self-discipline necessary to get on the bike regardless of whether my hip is cranky. It also means pacing myself to achieve one small victory at a time. When I first started using a treadmill to lose weight, I couldn’t walk for more than 10 minutes without being out of breath and in pain. But I kept at it until I could breathe better, and my body stopped hurting. Sometimes, people set goals that are too big to reach. I’ve learned that the key to sustained success isn’t about hitting the top of the mountain on your first attempt; it’s about consistency, gradual progression, and asking yourself, “What’s the task in front of me right now ?” Mindset matters, and those seemingly minuscule moments you’re experiencing today will eventually help you transform your goal into a habit and lifestyle. If you’re looking for a new way to strengthen your body and relax your mind, I highly suggest biking. It’s done wonders for me, and I hope it has the same effect on you. Now, if you prefer to do your riding outdoors, I’ll end this article with some practical advice as a personal injury attorney: Wear your helmet!
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GET IN THE GAME
STEP BY STEP Getting your kids outdoors to enjoy nature is a goal worth pursuing, but smartphones, video games, and social media have made it far more challenging in recent years. Help Your Kids Fall in Love With Hiking
keep them from growing bored on the walk. You can include different insects native to your area, specific colors of leaves, and types of flowers, and you can even have them keep an ear out for different bird calls. Challenge your kids to make a list of all the plants or animals they can identify while they walk. Apps like Leafsnap help you identify plants using photos of their leaves or other parts. Additionally, the Arbor Day Foundation offers an online step-by-step guide at ArborDay.org for identifying a tree by its leaves. Keep the learning going by having your kids record their distance based on trail signs or a map app on their phones and calculate their average speed. You could also invite your youngsters to become cartographers, tracing the trail and surroundings on paper,
We celebrated Earth Day on April 22, and a nature walk is a great way to keep the appreciation for nature going. Planning games, creative projects, and other challenges to engage them during your hike can get kids involved from the start. Choose a trail that isn’t too difficult, and allow your children to wander and explore. If your children have a creative flair, encourage them to collect dried leaves, pieces of bark, seed pods, sticks, and other items to use in a collage. For adventurous kids, you can draft an age- appropriate list for a scavenger hunt to
including landmarks, rivers, and lakes. Older kids can add topographical information using their phones or an altitude app such as Altimeter or My Altitude. Hiking is a fantastic activity to help your kids appreciate the outdoors rather than their phone screens, but being in nature takes energy. Remember to pack snacks and a water bottle before you leave, or pack a favorite picnic meal to savor the rewards of exploring the outdoors!
Need Help? Call Brauns “I recently had the pleasure of working with Brauns Law after my car accident, and I couldn’t be more satisfied with their services. From the very beginning, their team was attentive and professional with a special shoutout to Haley. They took the time to understand my case in detail and provided guidance throughout the entire process. I received the compensation I deserved. I was impressed with their communication and responsiveness,
always keeping me informed and answering any questions I had.” —Langston A.
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From Prison, With Love Keep on Track
Is Sitting as Bad as Smoking? THE HEALTH HAZARDS OF DESK-DRIVEN DAYS
Remember when you’d see groups of people huddled outside with cigarettes in their mouths? How about smoking sections in fast food restaurants and on airplanes? Fortunately, smoking has largely fallen out of fashion in recent years, leaving millions of Americans with clearer lungs and better-smelling clothing. However, even the most anti-tobacco folks among us may not realize they’re negatively impacting their health in ways just as bad as reaching for a pack of Marlboro Reds. Chairs are beating up our bodies. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 18.5 million American employees work behind a desk all day. As reported by the Mayo Clinic, an extensive research project into the effects of sitting for
more than eight hours determined this sedentary lifestyle posed health risks similar to smoking and obesity. Most significantly, sitting for long periods defies human biology, as our cardiovascular system is designed to work most efficiently when we stand upright. In addition to damaging our hearts, sitting all day harms other critical body parts, including our legs, glutes, hips, and backs. Our desk-driven habits also mistreat our minds, as studies suggest a link between prolonged sitting and increased anxiety and depression. Don’t let your workday defeat you. If you’re one of the millions whose job doesn’t allow you to work physically in fresh air, there are ways to bring your body into better balance. The first step is to devote
between 60 and 75 minutes to at least moderate exercise daily. Instead of sitting on a chair in front of your computer screen, incorporate a standing desk or another way to get you on your feet at least some of the time. If you have a video conference coming up, consider having it while going for a short walk. If speaking over the phone takes up a fair amount of your workday, try to have these conversations standing instead of sitting. Every moment spent out of your chair is a step forward in sustaining your health and peace of mind.
Even with our daily demands, taking control of our bodies and making a few minor changes will go a long way in preventing us from unintentionally turning our workspaces into makeshift smoking lounges. Take a Break
Silky Chocolate Mousse
Inspired by AllRecipes.com
INGREDIENTS
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1 1/2 cup heavy cream, divided
• 1 cup milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips (6 oz) • Optional Garnish: Grated chocolate, crushed nuts, toffee, or brittle
DIRECTIONS 1. In a microwave-safe bowl, put 1/2 cup of cream in the microwave for 1 minute. 2. Stir in chocolate and let sit for 5 minutes, then whisk until smooth. 3. In a separate bowl, beat the remaining 1 cup of cream with a hand mixer or whisk until soft peaks form. 4. Set aside 1/2 cup of whipped cream for topping, and continue whipping the remaining cream until stiff peaks form. 5. Gently fold whipped cream into the cooled chocolate mixture in batches, mixing until combined but still light and fluffy. 6. Spoon into four ramekins or glasses, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. 7. Top with reserved whipped cream and garnish if desired.
BLOOM CINCO DERBY EMERALD
GEMINI GRADUATION LILY MEMORIAL
MOTHER ROSES TEACHER VETERANS
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Inside This Issue 1 Pedals of Progress Tips for Engaging Your Kids on a Nature Hike
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What Our Clients Are Saying The Sins of Sedentary Living Silky Chocolate Mousse Nourish Your Smile With These Gum-Strengthening Supplements
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SUPPLEMENTS THAT SUPPORT YOUR SMILE Protect Your Gums With These Essential Nutrients Brushing and flossing are a must, but did you know that what you eat (and what you might be missing) can make or break your gum health? Giving your gums the right nutrients can mean the difference between a strong, vibrant mouth and one wracked with inflammation and gum disease. Luckily, with a few simple additions to your diet, you can give your gums the boost they need! Vitamin C for Stronger Gums Vitamin C is essential for creating collagen, which helps maintain firm and healthy gums. A deficiency can lead to inflammation, bleeding, and discomfort. Studies show that people with low vitamin C levels are more prone to gum disease. Eating citrus fruits (in moderation) can help
boost vitamin C intake, and taking a supplement ensures you’re getting enough to support your gum health. Probiotics to Fight Harmful Bacteria Probiotics aren’t just for gut health — they can also benefit your gums. Gum disease often results from an overgrowth of harmful bacteria in the mouth. Probiotic supplements introduce beneficial bacteria that help keep these harmful strains in check. Adding probiotics to your routine can also help prevent bad breath and tooth decay. Vitamin D for Gum and Immune Support Vitamin D plays a central role in keeping gums strong and fighting infections. It supports the immune system, helping your body combat bacteria that cause gum disease. It also reduces inflammation and keeps gum tissue healthy. If you don’t get enough sunlight or vitamin D-rich foods, a supplement can help maintain healthy gums. Omega-3s to Reduce Inflammation Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA and EPA, have potent anti- inflammatory and antibacterial properties that benefit gum health. Eating fatty fish at least twice a week or adding an omega-3 supplement to your diet can help protect against gum disease and keep inflammation under control. A little extra care goes a long way when it comes to gum health. Adding these supplements to your routine can help keep your gums strong, fight off harmful bacteria, and prevent disease. Pair these with regular dental visits and a solid brushing routine, and you’ll be flashing a healthy, confident smile for years!
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