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FEBRUARY 2025
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Heart Month Hits Close to Home The Screening That Taught Me the Value of Early Detection
Nearly five years ago, just before the world turned upside down with COVID, I had what I thought would be a routine heart screening. It wasn’t because I felt sick — I was healthy, active, and had no obvious or alarming symptoms. But that screening uncovered something unexpected, a potential issue with my heart. February is American Heart Month, and as I approach the anniversary of my irregular heart screening, I’m struck by my biggest lesson of the whole ordeal — how important it is to be proactive about your health. Nothing makes you appreciate Heart Month quite like living through your own heart scare. Back in 2020, my wife and I went to a local cardiology clinic to receive a heart screening because it seemed like a good idea. The evaluation wasn’t expensive, and my wife’s side of the family has a history of heart issues. I went through the process, and when the results came back, my numbers were off, and something showed up on my EKG. I had what’s called a bundle branch in my left ventricle that blocked the electrical pathway to my ventricle. I didn’t panic because I was healthy, didn’t smoke, ate well, and exercised regularly. So, I met with a doctor, who didn’t know what had caused my bundle branch, but he wasn’t too concerned about it — until I returned for my follow-up a month later. All of a sudden, it was a big deal, and the same doctor said I may need a heart transplant.
The lawyer in me took over because I knew how rare transplants are, so after I cross- examined this young doctor and made the determination he was incorrect (in addition to having horrible bedside manners), I pulled some strings and arranged to be evaluated by the most tenured and top cardiologist at the clinic. My new cardiologist disagreed with his colleague’s diagnosis, but he also was not sure exactly what caused my condition. He only knew my heart wasn’t functioning as it should be; it was essentially heart failure. I started a heavily regimented medication campaign, and I had to hold off on exercise until they cleared me. It was depressing and demoralizing, but my heart function improved dramatically over the rest of 2020, and by early 2021, I was cleared to resume my normal activities and instructed to simply stay on the medication and have semi-annual checkups with the cardiologist. The whole situation still irritated me because I never felt any symptoms and didn’t like the lack of diagnosis. Because I wanted a second opinion and answers about how this had happened, I scheduled a series of appointments at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, and was evaluated by Dr. Leslie Cooper, one of the best cardiologists in the world. It was an amazing experience. From the doctors to the way the clinic itself functioned, it was the first time I’ve ever seen what truly exceptional health care looks like. My doctor here in Memphis is incredible, too, and he fully supported me in doing this, but the Mayo Clinic was one of a kind. For three days in November 2021, I
had a series of evaluations and tests, which concluded that there was no more scar tissue on my ventricle and that my heart was functioning normally. Even though he said I could discontinue all medication, Dr. Cooper advised me to stay on my medication since I tolerated it well and to continue to see a cardiologist twice a year to keep on track. I never showed any symptoms, and I would have never known something was going on with me if I hadn’t been proactive about my health. If medical professionals can catch something early, then there’s a much higher chance they’ll be able to treat it. So often, we dig our heads in the sand when we don’t want to look at a potential problem, whether it’s our health or even our personal finances. Avoidance doesn’t do any of us any favors. So, whether it’s looking at your household budget numbers or your health, you might as well find out what the situation is so you can do something about it. As I celebrate this anniversary, I must emphasize how important it is to take a proactive approach to life and health. I’m not saying we should be hypochondriacs, but we should follow the medical recommendations for our age and make sure we are getting the appropriate annual checkups. Early detection can make all the difference, and taking the time to care for your health now can make all the difference later.
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Ghosts and Gold
Weird Stories From World War II
World War II, the largest conflict in human history, saw millions of soldiers engaged in fierce battles across the globe, from the deserts of Tunisia and the muddy fields of Kursk to the streets of Singapore and the tropical atolls of the Marshall Islands. Some oddities go overlooked among the countless acts of heroism, savagery, desperation, stalemates, victories, and defeats. Bizarre events, characters, and plans that sound too outlandish to be true (but are!) prove reality is often stranger than fiction. THE GHOST ARMY Deception is a prominent part of war, but the U.S. Army invented an entirely new way of misleading the enemy. The 23rd Headquarters Special Troops, nicknamed the “Ghost Army,” was a unit dedicated to creating a fake army capable of drawing enemy attention and resources away from the rest of the front. Deployed on Jan. 20, 1944, the Ghost Army comprised around 1,000 men, including artists, fashion designers, and geniuses. The unit
utilized inflatable tanks and vehicles, sent out phony commands over the radio, and even created a landfill big enough to convince any aerial reconnaissance that a much larger force was camped at their location. OPERATION GOLDEN EYE Following the Spanish Civil War, a fascist regime sympathetic to Nazi Germany, led by Francisco Franco, assumed control of Spain. While Spain was neutral during the war — partly due to skillful diplomacy by the Allies — the British Army prepared for the worst. If Spain entered the war and Germany invaded British Gibraltar, they needed a plan to repel the invasion and defeat the Spanish and German armies. The British tasked Commander Ian Fleming of the Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve with this task. The plan was nicknamed Operation Golden Eye. If the name sounds familiar, it’s because Ian Fleming went on to write a series of spy novels starring its titular character, James Bond.
Divorce can be a long, drawn-out, and overwhelming experience for the whole family in the courtroom, often causing emotional Divorce Doesn’t Have to Be a Battle Discover the Benefits of Mediation stress, financial strain, and prolonged uncertainty. Mediation offers people a different tool for conflict resolution, focused on finding common ground and outcomes everyone can agree to. By working with a mediator, the parties to a divorce action gain an unbiased third party who can guide you through open communication, seeking the best solution for all. From reducing stress to saving money, there are many benefits to using the mediation process for divorce, custody arrangements, or other family law matters. AFFORDABILITY AND TIME Traditional divorces can be costly due to the court costs, attorney fees, administrative fees, and lengthy, time-consuming proceedings. Mediation is often a more affordable option
FLEXIBILITY There is more room for creativity and flexibility in the mediation process than in the courtroom. Because the mediator cannot force a party to agree to a settlement (settlement is always voluntary), the couples can focus on their personal preferences and unique family dynamics in mediation to create agreement terms that are right for their specific situation. Standard court rulings may not consider everything or may offer fewer options. Even if all issues cannot be resolved at a mediation, there is still value in the process. In many cases, a strong mediator is able to resolve some contested issues, which narrows the scope of the issues for the parties at trial. Regardless, the most compelling argument in favor of mediation is that the process provides an opportunity for the parties to exercise control over the outcome of their case. Control over the outcome of a case is something the parties give up when they decide to proceed to trial, insofar as the Judge becomes the ultimate decision maker at trial. Divorce can be a complex and emotional process, but by working with a mediator, you have a guide who can help both parties find the most peaceful resolution so everyone can move forward. Are you preparing for a divorce? Contact Douglass & Runger today to set up a strategy session with one of our experienced family law attorneys.
for couples because it provides an opportunity for the parties and their lawyers to come together and work through contested issues. While there is some preparation associated with mediation, including exchanging certain documents and records with the opposing party and the preparation of a mediation position statement to the mediator in advance of mediation, the actual meditation typically only lasts one day, as opposed to litigation, which can take years to complete. Going the mediation route can save you money down the road. This process is less adversarial, which can lead to better, more practical financial agreements. LESS STRESS Litigation can involve many stressors, but a mediator can help ease your anxieties by taking care of all the details and making you feel heard. Mediation sessions are more private, and because the mediator is neutral and cannot be subpoenaed to testify at a future hearing, there’s no taking sides. Your mediator works collaboratively with all parties to find workable solutions to any contested issues in the divorce action. If you have children, an experienced mediator can assist the parties and their counsel with the preparation of a parenting plan that ensures both parents will be afforded sufficient parenting time with the children.
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When couples get married, no one is thinking about who purchased the couch, car, or savings account; it’s all “ours.” One of the most challenging elements of a divorce is deciding who will get what assets. With the right guidance and a shared focus on fairness and cooperation, you can navigate asset division and ultimately reach a reasonable agreement. INVENTORY YOUR ASSETS One of the first things you should do in a pending or ongoing divorce is to get a strong sense of all the assets in the relationship. Create a list, preferably with your spouse if you can maintain civility, of any jointly owned property and valuables you have. You need to include shared assets like homes, land, vehicles, bank accounts, household items, collectibles, and even retirement plans. Any time couples can create this list together, it helps prevent the costly and time- consuming process of dividing assets through divorce litigation. When going through this process, be sure to notate any property you owned prior to the marriage or property inherited or gifted to you during the marriage. Most times, this property is considered your own “separate” property not subject to equitable division by the Court. Hopefully, you can work through counsel to develop a property division agreement both parties will sign. DIVIDING HOMES AND VEHICLES High-value items essential to day-to-day life, such as the marital residence or car, are some of the most important assets to discuss. When a couple has children, oftentimes, judges may award the house to the parent with primary custody of them. However, it’s not guaranteed. The Court will also look at factors like the ages of both parties, the duration of the marriage, the potential income of each spouse, and the general needs of both parties. In some cases, the Court may order the house to be sold with the net proceeds to be divided in such fashion as the Judge sees fit. Vehicles are often considered separate property if an individual purchased the vehicle before marriage. Additionally, in the event a couple owns two vehicles, one of which is used primarily by one spouse and the other used by the other spouse, the Courts will typically keep things at status quo in determining “who gets what car.” That said, when couples share a car, it can be far more complex. Usually, the courts will look at the name on the title, but that doesn’t necessarily determine who gets the car. The goal is to create an equitable property division, so the Judge may decide one person should receive the vehicle, but the other individual should receive a different asset of similar value. At Douglass & Runger, our divorce lawyers are experienced in working with clients through the equitable division of marital property. They will guide you through the process so everyone can move forward with a fair agreement. If you would like to set up a free case evaluation about your divorce, please give us a call at 901-388-5805 . From ‘Ours’ to Yours and Mine How to Handle Asset Division During a Divorce
Inspired by LeCremeDeLaCrumb.com
Skillet Chicken in Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce
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2/3 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving 2 tbsp lemon juice 1/4 cup pine nuts 1 cup spinach Fresh thyme, for topping Salt and pepper to taste Cooked rice or linguine, for serving
5 boneless, skinless chicken thighs 3 garlic cloves, minced 2 tbsp herbes de Provence 3/4 cup canned sun-dried tomatoes, drained and julienned 1 cup chicken broth 1/2 cup heavy cream
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Directions 1. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook for 7–8 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside. 2. In the same pan, add garlic, herbes de Provence, tomatoes, chicken broth, cream, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, pine nuts, and spinach and stir to combine. Bring to a boil, and stir periodically until thickened and spinach is wilted, about 3 minutes. 3. Return chicken to the pan and top with salt, pepper, more Parmesan cheese, and thyme, and serve over rice or linguine. INSPIRATION “There is no better compass than compassion.” —Amanda Gorman
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2820 Summer Oaks Drive Bartlett, TN 38134 901-388-5805 DouglassRunger.com
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1 Why It’s Time to Face Your Health Head-On 2 2 Bizarre Stories From World War II
Avoid the Courtroom Chaos
3 Dividing the Family Home and More
Skillet Chicken in Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce 4 Why You Should Use the 50/30/20 Rule
For many people, getting the most out of their hard-earned money can be a challenge. Thankfully, the 50/30/20 rule is here to help! This simple budgeting rule is straightforward, easy to remember, and useful (if you stick to it). According to the rule, you should take 100% of your after-tax income and allocate it in three different ways: 50% for needs, 30% for wants, and 20% for savings. For more on how to use the rule, read on! NEEDS Half of your money should be put toward necessary expenses: groceries, utility bills, health care expenses, loans, mortgages, and other payments. However, you may need more than 50% of your money to cover your mandatory expenses, and the remaining money should be split between wants and savings as evenly as possible. Your needs could also require less than half of your after-tax income. In this case, use the leftover money to pay down loans and debts so you will have more money to dedicate to savings and wants in the future. WANTS What good is life if you can’t enjoy yourself? The rule says you should apply 30% of your after-tax income toward your wants. This portion Better Budgeting The Benefits of the 50/30/20 Rule
can be spent on everything from tickets to see your favorite sports teams, a premier “Jurassic Park”-themed pinball machine, or eating out at a restaurant. However, it should only apply to things you want to spend money on immediately — not long-term investments. SAVINGS The last 20% is the money you save for a rainy day. It can be cash you are saving for a dream vacation, money invested in a 401(k), or simply put into a savings account. Any long-term investment you make will fall into this category.
While the 50/30/20 rule is not an exact science, it is worthwhile for budgeting your money responsibly and equitably!
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