Running Safety

Running Safety

       Safety is an important part of fitness activities. Our friends at Fleet Feet Sports along with our Daggett Shuler team recently put on a Safety Clinic for runners. We weren’t sure how big of a draw "safety" would be, but were impressed when close to 100 runners, both beginners and advanced, showed up for the discussions.

        We were joined by Sergeant (and Ironman) John Morris of the Winston-Salem Police Department, Captain Todd Smith of the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Department, and Sergeant Alex Justice of North Carolina Highway Patrol. Between them they have more than 60 years of law enforcement and accident reconstruction experience. They also have experience in event and course safety and security. Unfortunately, they also frequently see injury and death. In fact, Sgt. Justice sees death almost daily.

        The officers made us all starkly aware that injury and death are real. Fortunately, good safety habits can make our fitness activities fun and safe. So, let’s review a few of the safety tips that apply to all runners and pedestrians.

         Follow the law! Run on the left side of the road facing traffic, or on the sidewalk or shoulder if available. Cross only at crosswalks or at intersections. And, please obey all traffic signals.

         We also reviewed the practical realities. Cars don’t see you when you are running. Accordingly, you need to be seen, be aware, and be alert. Wear visible, reflective clothing; and, please never, never wear earphones while running. I get a lot of push back on the last part, but it is never safe to wear earphones. You can’t hear traffic, or other predators, and are not as aware of your surroundings. So, please, PLEASE, enjoy the sounds of nature, be alert, and stay safe.

         Another important consideration is to have good insurance. Health insurance is very important. Also, review your auto, homeowners, disability, and hospital/medical indemnity coverages. All of the coverages may cover you while exercising, bicycling, or as a pedestrian. It is also a good idea to carry I.D. and medical information while running.

         Lastly, it is important to be good examples for others in the fitness community and good ambassadors to the community at large. Please help spread the message of safety. You can also download safety tips here.

Rights for Injured Workers

Rights for Injured Workers

       Everyone can agree that we want workers in our state to be safe and to be treated fairly. Anyone who has suffered a work injury knows that it can be tough getting what is fair, particularly if the injuries are severe or if future income earning ability is limited.

       Fairness should not be political, but unfortunately it is. A new Workers’ Compensation bill is about to be filed in the North Carolina Senate and North Carolina House of Representatives that proposes to significantly cut benefits paid to injured workers.

        Big business and insurance companies are pushing for a change in long-standing workers’ compensation laws that would result in: (1) cutting off benefits arbitrarily after a certain number of weeks after the workplace injury, even if the injured worker is still disabled from all work; and (2) cutting off benefits even sooner, if the insurance company can show that there is a job within the injured worker’s physical restrictions, even if the job pays substantially less, has no room for advancement, and has no benefits.

      People across the state of North Carolina need to contact their legislators NOW to let them know that they do not support a change in workers’ compensation laws because this new bill would significantly affect so many injured workers. People need to tell their legislators that people need to be heard on the impact of this bill, and public comments need to be allowed before they vote on any bill.

      People also need to let their legislators know that a bill like this would shift the burden of workplace injuries from the insurance companies onto taxpayers because many injured workers would have to file for government, public programs for support.

       For more information or to contact us see DaggettShulerLaw.com

Heart Healthy

Heart Healthy

          February is American Heart Month. That seems to make sense since it also coincides with Valentine’s Day. So, let’s review a few tips to help keep our heart healthy.

               

        Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer in our society. The American Heart Association has many resources and events to help raise awareness. Hopefully these efforts will turn the rising tide of heart disease.

       
        The risk of heart disease significantly increases as excess weight increases. Excess weight puts significant stress on the cardiovascular system. We can all start by eating better. A few really simple dietary rules can get us on track.

         Limiting or moderating food and total calorie intake is a good start. Three easy rules can get us on the road to better body composition. Reduce intake of saturated fats, reduce intake of simple sugars, and try to eliminate all trans fats such as hydrogenated oils. Doing this leaves us with a diet of lean meats, whole grains, and lots of fruit and vegetables.

         Smoking is another activity that drastically increases the risk of heart disease. There are many resources to help reduce and quit smoking. For smokers simply stopping is the number one most healthy thing you can do.

          Starting an exercise or fitness program can substantially reduce the risk of heart disease. The American Heart Association recommends at least 30 minutes of moderately strenuous exercise at least five times per week. Working exercise into your daily routine can be fun, healthy, and allow you to live better and longer.

         Most of all, our heathier lifestyles will set a positive example for the coming generation so we can all enjoy a healthier, happier, and more productive community. Join our Daggett Shuler team in working toward a healthier 2011!

P.S.  Please join us in fighting distracted driving and help spread the message. We created a short video, "Distracted Driving is Like Driving Blind!" Please help spread the message, and enter to win a flip video. Please watch the video and share with at least one friend to win. Thanks and be safe!

The video ideo is here on Facebook. The video is also on our YouTube channel. Watch the video and Enter to win a Flip video camera.

Thanks for helping to spread the message and do something about this problem we all face!