By David Daggett on 6/23/2008 6:49 AM

See and Be Seen

     Bicycling seems to be growing in popularity. It is a great form of recreation, fitness exercise and, with higher fuel prices, even transportation. This week we will focus on bicycles and bicycle safety.

     The increasing number of bicycle riders makes this a good time to review some safety tips - for drivers and riders. Motorists need to know that cyclists have the same rights on the road as they do. Likewise, cyclists have the same obligation to follow the traffic laws as motorists.

     First, please wear a helmet whenever riding a bicycle. It is now the law in North Carolina that helmets are required for riders under 16 years old. Look for a safety label that the helmet is approved by ANSI or the Snell foundation. This safety certification is also required under the law.

     More than half a million people are injured each year in bicycle mishaps and thousands are killed. Children 15 and younger account for one-third of the deaths and two thirds of the injuries. Three-fourths of all deaths are due to head injuries.

     Cyclists have an obligation to make sure they can be seen. Selection of cycling attire can affect the distances that cyclists, or pedestrians, are visible. Amazingly that range can be from a low of around 200 feet to a high of over 2000 feet just by selection of clothing.

     Most cyclists try hard to be considerate to motorists and follow the rules of the road. Experienced cyclists know that obeying the rules and looking out for their own safety also earns more respect from drivers.

     Likewise, most motorists really do try to look out for bike riders. However, both drivers and cyclists need to be aware that they are sharing the road in order to look out for each other. Lastly, a friendly wave goes a long way toward keeping our roads safe.

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By David Daggett on 6/16/2008 6:45 AM

THE HEAT IS ON

     Wow! This past week we got suddenly hit with a large dose of mid-summer heat. Perhaps that means it is a good time for us to review some summer safety tips.

     Believe it or not, there are more illnesses, injuries, and deaths due to the heat of summer than to lightning, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, or earthquakes. Accordingly, the effect of heat on us and our families should not be taken lightly. There are several heat safety recommendations and tips to help us through the heat such as we have had recently:

   1. Drink Water. Carry water or juice with you and drink continuously even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which dehydrate the body.

   2. Dress For The Heat. Wear lightweight, light colored clothing. Light colors will reflect some of the heat’s energy. It is also a good idea to wear hats, or even use an umbrella. To make a fashion statement, call it a parasol.

   3. Eat Small Meals, and Eat More Often. Avoid foods high in protein, which increase your metabolic heat. Increasing metabolic heat is like putting fuel on your internal fire, and also increases water loss.

   4. Slow Down. Avoid strenuous activity. If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, which is close to dawn.

   5. Stay Indoors When Possible. When heat is excessive, avoid staying outside for long periods of time.

   6. Take Regular Breaks. When engaged in physical activity on warm days, take time out to find a cool place. If you recognize if you, or someone else, is showing the signs of heat related illness, stop activity and find a cool place.

   7. Don’t Get Too Much Sun. Sunburn makes the job of heat dissipation much more difficult. Further, too much sun drastically increases the risk for skin cancer. Be particularly careful with the tender skin of young children.

     Remember to have fun! But, please be safe and stay cool during our hot weather.

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By David Daggett on 6/9/2008 6:44 AM

The Path Continues

     This past week has been busy and exciting all across the Triad. Our high school seniors celebrated graduation. We are proud of them and wish them the best in pursuing future successes.

     Of course, we want to congratulate these young people for completing one forward, positive step in the road of life. We personally met many of the graduating seniors over the past couple of months during our Safe Sober Prom Night program. We thank them for their participation, and are already preparing for the class of 2009! We continue to enhance our efforts to connect with them online.

     Meeting these students brings to mind several thoughts and life lessons. First, we are proud of our graduates. We enjoyed meeting them and getting to know them. As they come of age the future should be very exciting.

     Next, these graduates make us optimistic about the future for all of us. We have a coming group of adults who are very diverse, talented, and motivated. They are our future leaders and decision makers. They even get to vote in a Presidential election for the first time this fall!

     We also want to thank our teachers, educators, and parents. They, too, are part of our future. In the words of Robert Louis Stevenson, "Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds you plant." A lot of seeds have been planted! Take a moment to thank those who have helped along the way.

    Graduation is not an end, but a beginning. It is the beginning of the next stage in life. One of the ironic parts of finishing is that it is simply the start of the next chapter. A lesson they will learn, is that part of success is to never stop learning. Life is a journey. Enjoy the ride, but keep your wheels on the ground!

     So, graduates, our expectations are high for you. You make us proud and optimistic for the future. We love you and are excited for you. Please be safe, make good decisions, support each other, and enjoy all the good things life has to offer.

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By David Daggett on 6/2/2008 6:45 AM

Memorial Day Encore

     Last Sunday at New Philadelphia Moravian Church we hosted a Memorial Day celebration to remember our military heros, and honor veterans and current service persons. As part of the evening we featured a flag folding ceremony.

     Boy Scouts from our Troop 715 presented the flag, and demonstrated the folding. They stopped at each fold for a reading of the meanings. The ceremony was quite dramatic. The meanings of each fold of the flag are poignant and relevant, and are probably not known to most people.

1. The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life.
2. The second fold is a symbol of our belief in the eternal life.
3. The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veteran departing our ranks who gave a portion of life for the defense of our country to attain a peace throughout the world.
4. The fourth fold represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in times of war for His divine guidance.
5. The fifth fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, "Our country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong."
6. The sixth fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that we pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
7. The seventh fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that we protect our country and our flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our republic.
8. The eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered in to the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day, and to honor mother, for whom it flies on Mother's Day.
9. The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood; for it has been through their faith, love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great have been molded.
10. The tenth fold is a tribute to father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since they were first born.
11. The eleventh fold, in the eyes of a Hebrew citizen, represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon, and glorifies, in their eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
12. The twelfth fold, in the eyes of a Christian citizen, represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes, God the Father, the Son, and Holy Ghost.

     After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington and the sailors and marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for us the rights, privileges, and freedoms we enjoy today.

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By David Daggett on 5/26/2008 5:08 AM

Welcome to Summer

     Memorial Day weekend is the traditional send off for summer fun. Our Lewis & Daggett family kicked it off with a firm cookout on Friday. Part of the fun was that the attorneys and management served the rest of the staff as a reward and treat.

Jennifer Glosson and Nayeli Ramirez at L & D Cookout

      As summer begins, it is probably a good time to consider some basics safety tips in order to make summer the best it can be for you and your family. As schools winds down and many of us have family activities begin, we encourage you to keep safety in mind.

     Travel safety is a good place to start - we don’t want vacations ruined by a ca r accident. Make sure your vehicle is in good condition, tires properly inflated, and all maintenance up to date. Take frequent rest breaks when driving, and follow all safety laws and directions. Pay particular attention around construction and work zones.

     Lawn mower injuries can be very serious, and many of those injured are young children. Every year some of the most serious injuries are to young children who were riding as passengers on riding mowers. Please do not allow young children to ride these powerful machines. Use extreme caution to always your keep fingers and toes away from moving blades. Lastly, always pick up toys, objects and debris before mowing to avoid injuries to yourself or others from flying objects.

     When riding bicycles, skateboards, roller blades, and scooters always wear helmets and proper protective gear. Children should stay away from traffic and preferably ride on sidewalks or designated paths. Most of all, set a good example for children by always wearing a helmet yourself.

     Sun and heat safety are many times overlooked. Remember to use sunscreen and cover skin as much as possible. Covering up and limiting exposure is particularly important for very young children. Remember when swimming to reapply sun screen and take frequent breaks from the heat. Make sure to drink plenty of fluids and take breaks often in hot weather and during physical activities.

     Let’s get this summer off to a safe, fun start for all of us.

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By David Daggett on 5/19/2008 6:34 AM

Job Well Done

     Whew! It has been a fast and furious past eight weeks for Safe Sober Prom Night! There are many stories of teamwork, enthusiasm, participation, passion, and success!

     The students’ participation and enthusiasm make us optimistic about the future of our community. Our students are bright, talented, motivated, and really trying to do the right things for a successful future. They are well on their way!

     Teams of Lewis & Daggett attorneys and staff personally visited approximately 35 area high schools encouraging students to sign a pledge not to drink or use drugs on prom night, distributing student designed t-shirts, and speaking to the students. "Positive messages to our youth ensure the quality of our community for years to come," says Mike Lewis.

     This year the firm has personally paid for, delivered, and distributed more than 14,000 t-shirts to high school students in the Triad area, and made them available to all high schools throughout North and South Carolina.

     We have also had some technological breakthroughs with the website at www.safeandsober.com, including virtual pledge cards, video contests, and many resources for teens. Next year portends to be even bigger and better!

     Of course there are also the difficult parts. We encounter those who have lost loved ones, or are injured or disabled, in car accidents due to drunk drivers. Meeting those suffering folks and hearing their stories really hits home for us since it was our professional contact with people hurting in these ways that inspired us to start the SSPN program 18 years ago.

     Most of all, SSPN is a story of success. Success for our teens, our community, and our L & D team. We are already brainstorming for Safe Sober Prom Night 2009! We look forward to having you join us!

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By David Daggett on 5/12/2008 6:49 AM

Civil Justice

     What does "civil justice" mean? To us at Lewis & Daggett it means that the folks we work for have a remedy when they are wrongfully injured, disabled or hurt at work. Civil Justice hasn’t always been a remedy, and many times for us it is still a constant fight.

Mike and Dave in Washington, D.C.

     It American society, our legal system provides the rules and the structure so that we can operate in an orderly and safe fashion, and defines a framework for transacting business.

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By David Daggett on 5/5/2008 7:01 AM

Law Day, Plus a Graduation

     Fifty years ago President Eisenhower established May 1 of every year as "Law Day." Law Day is a national day of recognition of the principal of government under law, as opposed to rule by individuals.

     Government under law is essential for a free society. We will discuss further next week how the law is the founding principle of our country.

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By David Daggett on 4/28/2008 7:03 AM

Half Way

     Doesn't it always seem to feel really good to be half way done? Well, this past week at Lewis & Daggett we passed the half way mark with our 2008 Safe Sober Prom Night program.

     So far, so good. We have had no reports of prom night car accidents of other tragedies.

     Part of the fun of SSPN is our interaction with the students. So far this year we have reached approximately 10,128 juniors and seniors in the triad area, an increase over past years. All these students have had the opportunity to sign the Safe Sober Prom Night "Do It Right!" pledge and to receive a free t-shirt. Some of the students have mentioned that they have been waiting since they were freshmen and sophomores and are excited that "now it's my turn!" These students inspire us.

     We are also inspired by the attorneys and staff on our team here at Lewis & Daggett. Out teams lead the program at all of the area high schools. They do this out of care, concern, and as a way to make a positive contribution to our community. We certainly thank our many helping hands that make this program so successful. At the same time, we also thank our in office team members as we all cover for each other during this eight-week period of time when we are all doing double duty.

     Although it has been fun to pass the half way point in the Safe Sober program, it is interesting that in life we never really know where half way is. We always need to be looking up and forward, trying to improve and do better, not just coasting. In fact, this is a lesson that students teach us at every school we visit.

     A hallmark of the SSPN program is positive peer pressure. Positive friendships and activities with peers help us establish values, and then these influences are a rock of stability as we continue through life.

     Peers also push us and help us to be better. Students do this in a very positive forward looking fashion. They help to lift each other's spirits and keep each other accountable. Peers provide a core group of support. Selecting and encouraging positive peers and providing them support, too, actually goes a long way toward building our own successes.

     Half way is certainly exciting! However, half way also means that we need to keep looking forward, improving, and doing better. As life progresses and we all look back at our successes, we will see a long list of positive peers that have helped to make us better and have made us what we are.

     Personally, I am not sure if I have made it "half way" yet, but I know there are many peers that have helped me every step of the way. Thank you to all who've helped us get to the half way point, and thank you for the army of peers and peer groups out there that encourage all of us, and particularly our students, in a positive fashion.

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By David Daggett on 4/21/2008 6:53 AM

Success and The 25% Club

     Do you know someone who is successful? We sure do! We were lucky to have Coach Bob Anastas in town this past week as part of our Safe Sober Prom Night program.

     Coach Anastas is the national founder of Students Against Drunk Driving, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. He was an All-American in both hockey and football, and was drafted as a quarterback and punter by the Patriots. He has taught high school and college, and has coached hockey and football. Bob has written three books on student-parent communication, and has had a made-for-TV movie made about his life and his work with students. Bob is certainly one of our hereos.

     In speaking to students, Coach Anastas explains how only approximately 25% of all people use their God-given talents, their minds and their bodies, to be successful in life. These 25% are successful academically, athletically, professionally, and personally. Bob passionately explains how students have to be part of "The 25% Club" to be successful in life, and then describes the steps to get there.

     Bob's four keys to success are:

     1. Run when others walk. This means that you need to keep your body in tip-top shape. Look and present yourself well. These simple things elevate you above the pack. Your first impression is the most important impression you make.

     2. Sleep when others party. You'll be a success because you're going to wake up in the morning well rested and ready to go. You need to give yourself the best chance possible to develop the gifts God gave you.

     3. Take your weakness and make it your strength. You need to make yourself better and always look to improve. Practice when others rest. That's how you improve and become the best you can be. 75% of all people are complacent. They won't do the extra work needed to move into the 25% Club. So, this means work ethic, practice, diligence, and perseverance.

     4. Keep your body under control at all times. Bob particularly emphasizes not to abuse your body with drugs and alcohol. You want to present yourself as a "clean package" and a good person.

     Coach Anastas emphasizes that doing these things is not a matter of chance, but a matter of choice. Choose to be in the 25% club and life will be very good to you. However, if you don't make this choice you may never be what you could have been. Period.

     "If we dream it, it can be done." - Coach Bob Anastas

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