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May 2024 Understand the Psychological Impact of Workplace and Personal Injuries MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS
An injury can affect you more than just physically. May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and it’s a timely reminder of the profound impact mental health has on our recovery processes, especially for those healing from workplace injuries or car accidents. As an attorney deeply passionate about psychology — a fascination that began back in my college days — I’ve seen firsthand how mental and physical health are deeply intertwined. Throughout my career, I’ve observed that while physical injuries are immediately noticeable, the mental scars can be just as debilitating. Pain and disability, if prolonged, can manifest into serious mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and trauma. It’s crucial for those experiencing long-term physical pain to also consult with mental health professionals just as they would visit their doctors. Addressing psychological pain is just as critical as healing physical wounds. The aftermath of an accident often stretches beyond physical injuries. For many, the sudden lack of a routine, coupled with the loss of a regular paycheck, brews a cocktail of stress and anxiety. It’s no secret that our jobs often give us a sense of purpose and rhythm in life; losing that can jostle our day-to-day life and overall mental well-being. It’s essential that those who are injured have support systems they can turn to during these times, including legal counsel, mental health professionals, community support groups, and, of course, loved ones. In workers’ compensation cases, particularly here in South Carolina, the law recognizes the importance of psychological health. While many associate workers’ compensation with physical injuries alone, South Carolina law also permits claims for psychological issues, provided they stem from an unusual or extraordinary workplace event. For instance, I once represented a client who was a clerk at a convenience store that was robbed at gunpoint. The terrifying experience left
them with severe anxiety and depression — clear grounds for a psychological claim under local workers’ compensation laws. However, it’s important to understand that not all stress- related claims meet the threshold for compensation. The law requires the triggering event to be out of the ordinary. Common workplace stress, like a demanding project or a stern reprimand from a boss, typically doesn’t qualify. For example, a heart attack precipitated by an employer’s outburst or stress-induced health issues like strokes brought on by job pressure are generally not covered unless tied to an extraordinary workplace incident. This nuanced approach to workers’ compensation is why anyone dealing with potential psychological claims should seek specialized legal guidance. I received my bachelor’s degree in psychology, and I’ve always been driven to explore how psychological factors influence recovery. Ensuring both the physical and mental health needs of my clients are met is paramount. If you find yourself navigating the challenging waters of physical and psychological recovery after an injury, remember that you don’t have to do it alone. My firm and I are dedicated to supporting our clients through every step of their recovery, offering not just legal representation but also connecting them with the necessary mental health resources. For anyone curious about the intersection of psychology and law, or needing guidance on potential workers’ compensation claims, I invite you to reach out. This Mental Health Awareness Month, let’s recognize the vital role mental well-being plays in our overall recovery and strive to support those in need.
–Samuel Harms
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How Oklahoma Claimed Its Panhandle
The shape of Oklahoma is quite unusual. It is an uneven square with a
shaky legal status. Bootleggers in the region operated with impunity. They founded Beer City, a sanctuary of brothels and saloons. Finally, in 1890, Oklahoma Territory incorporated the Panhandle, and this rectangle became part of Oklahoma in 1907. Settlers could now claim their land under the Homestead
rectangular parcel of land jutting from the map’s left side, giving the state a saucepan- like shape. This parcel of land is thus called the Panhandle. Despite its unassuming landscape, it has one of the most fascinating histories of any region in America.
It was owned or occupied by Native tribes, Spain, and Mexico until the Republic of Texas claimed it in 1845, when Texas became a state. Even though Texas was a slave state, the Panhandle was above the line created by the Missouri Compromise, meaning states below 36 degrees 30 minutes north latitude were “slave states,” whereas those above weren’t. So, Texas relinquished its claim on the Panhandle. It was no longer part of any state. The federal government designated the nascent Panhandle as the Public Land Strip, subject to squatter’s rights. Settlers built towns and defended their own communities. These towns were rife with outlaws who took advantage of the
Act, allowing them to mortgage their property to invest in farming equipment. Land developers built railroads, and the area’s population grew. Unfortunately, the Panhandle was the epicenter of the Dust Bowl in the 1930s. Agriculture crumbled, and people left. The Panhandle’s population still hasn’t recovered: Less than 1% of the state’s population lives there. Today, ghost towns populate the Panhandle’s expansive horizon. Beer City has since become a wheat field, but some brave tourists still visit this narrow patch of land, keen on seeing its many abandoned places.
HOW FREDERIC J. BAUR MADE PRINGLES A HOUSEHOLD NAME
The Pringles can is both iconic and comedic. Its distinctive long cylindrical shape protects the stackable chips and gets many a hand almost stuck. But did you know this packaging has a rich history that goes back half a century? In 1966, Procter and Gamble tasked a food storage technician, Frederic J. Baur, with developing a revolutionary container for a new potato chip. Baur, who held a Ph.D. in organic chemistry, set out to create a packaging solution that would protect these new, uniquely shaped chips, Pringles. According to Baur’s son, Larry, his dad was determined to design a container that not only served a practical purpose but also stood out on the shelves of supermarkets. In an interview with NPR,
Larry shares what his dad told him, “‘I can’t stand greasy, broken chips.’” This desire fueled him to create packaging that has still not been replicated. Baur said of his father, “He was just so enthusiastic about making something that would be on the cutting edge of science and technology.” He certainly succeeded. The cylindrical shape of the tube carefully protects the saddle-shaped chips from breaking. The resealable lid was another key innovation, allowing consumers to enjoy portions and save the rest for later without compromising any freshness. This innovation took only two short years, debuting on shelves in 1968. The can turned Pringles into a household name. In 2023, the chips generated
$2.76 billion of annual net sales worldwide. Baur was so proud of his creation that when he died in 2008, he requested that some of his ashes be buried in a Pringles can. As we continue to enjoy the crunch of these fresh chips, it’s worth taking a moment to marvel at this history of creativity behind the can that has become a snacking phenomenon worldwide. Thanks, Frederic J. Baur!
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TAKE A BREAK
The brain is like a command center for our bodies; it processes everything, from memories to emotions. Our happiness, cleverness, and general well-being require us to take good care of that gray matter. If we give it what it needs, it will serve us well. Here are a few tips anyone can incorporate into their routine to give their brain some TLC. Keep the phone out of bed. When you transition from asleep to awake in the morning, your brain waves steadily transition from alpha to theta to beta. So, don’t reach for your phone when you open your eyes first thing. Doing so interrupts your brain’s essential waking process, resulting in a slew of adverse effects throughout the day, including making it harder for you to think creatively, among other things. Stop negative self-talk. We’re our own worst critics. Doubting and discouraging ourselves is easy, but pushing away negative self-talk is imperative. It leads to stress and overwhelming perfectionism while harming relationships. It undermines positive self-esteem, confidence, and body image. The cyclical nature of negative self-talk makes it hard to get rid of, often requiring therapy, but cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a standard and effective treatment. Avoid ultra-processed foods. Ultra-processed foods aren’t just bad for your heart; Using These 3 Simple Steps SAFEGUARD YOUR BRAIN HEALTH
BLOOM CINCO COMIC DERBY EMERALD GEMINI GRADUATION LILY MEMORIAL MOTHER
RENEWAL VETERANS
Citrus BBQ Chicken
Inspired by FoodNetwork.com
Ingredients
• 8 skin-on chicken leg and thigh pieces
• 3 cloves garlic, minced • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce • 2 tsp ground cumin • 1 1/2 tsp smoked paprika • Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 1/3 cups ketchup • 2 tbsp brown sugar
they also harm your brain. Hot dogs, sugary sodas, and TV dinners — just a few culprits — harm emotional and cognitive health. One study found that people who eat these things are more
• Juice and zest of 1 orange • Juice and zest of 1 lemon
Directions 1. Place chicken in a large resealable plastic bag. Combine all other ingredients in a small bowl. 2. Reserve 1 cup of the sauce and add the rest to the plastic bag. Toss to evenly coat the chicken and marinate overnight. 3. In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, add remaining sauce and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer to thicken sauce, about 10 minutes. Set aside. 4. On grill set for medium-high heat, arrange chicken skin side down. Cook until grill marks form, about 4 minutes. Flip chicken, cover grill, and cook until a thermometer inserted into thighs reads 165 F, about 20–25 minutes. 5. Serve with remaining sauce.
likely to have depression and anxiety. Another study correlated high ultra-processed food consumption with an intelligence
decline, especially with aging. It’s unclear why ultra- processed foods are so bad for brains, but the leading theory connects it to gut health. Regardless, abstaining from or reducing your intake of these foods is vital to protecting your mental and physical health.
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33 Market Point Drive Greenville, SC 29607 INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Injury Recovery Includes Mental Health Care
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The Oklahoma Panhandle: A Historical Gem
The Scientist Behind the Pringles Can
Citrus BBQ Chicken
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Essential Steps to Ensure Your Mental Well-Being
3 Lifestyle Changes to Slow the Aging Process 3 PROVEN WAYS TO SLOW DOWN THE CLOCK
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Age happens naturally, but that doesn’t mean we enjoy the process. Most people don’t want to look older than they feel. If you count yourself among them, you can do a few things to slow down the process. No. 1: Stop Eating Sugar
cell associated with aging. If telomeres get too short, they can’t divide, so they start dying. This happens naturally over time, but alcohol consumption hastens the process. No. 3: Lather on the Sunscreen
The sun gives us life, but it also gives us UV rays. They break down collagen, causing wrinkles while increasing the risk of skin cancer. Even if you’re just running errands, put on sunscreen. Light gets in through windshields and windows. How aging progresses depends on lifestyle choices. While it’s inevitable, making the right changes can support a healthier body in the transition. So, if you avoid sweets, alcohol, and UV rays, you’re doing a great job protecting your body from the ravages of time.
It’s time to finally master that sweet tooth — sugar ages you. It reacts to protein and causes “glycation,” which leads skin to wrinkle and cells to harden. Sugar also hardens collagen, stiffening skin. The more you consume, the more likely you are to suffer these adverse effects. No. 2: Quit Drinking Alcohol While most Americans drink alcohol, these intoxicating imbibements accelerate aging significantly. The substance damages telomeres, the part of a
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