By: Richard Bernstein

Richard speaking with Karen Drew (WDIV) on 6/13/13

6/14/13

This was a memorable week in our fight to eradicate bullying from Michigan’s schools. As the school year comes to a close for most of Michigan’s grade school and high school students, The Sam Bernstein Law Firm’s campaign to end bullying was able to get in its last word.

I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to discuss the partnership between the the Attorney General from the State of Michigan, Bill Schuette, as well as Local 4 WDIV & The Sam Bernstein Law Firm have created in our effort to end bullying.

This week it was amazing to be able to impart knowledge & awareness of bullying issues to a broad listener base by being on the Paul W. Smith show on Newstalk 760 WJR and the 12 o’clock news on Local 4 WDIV.

Richard Bernstein on The Paul W Show (WJR) 6/12/13

This was an incredible week in the name of social justice! Special thanks to WDIV Local 4, Attorney General Bill Schuette and Local 4 as we continue to push to change lives and perceptions by Taking the Next Step to End Bullying in Michigan’s schools!

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Check out Richard & Attorney General Schuette’s interview on WJR
Check out Richard on WDIV
Also, check out our Free Bernstein Books on Bullying including a Parent’s Guide and Children’s Guide

By Richard Bernstein

It was a great honor to have recently returned from traveling to London to work with Chabad Lubavitch UK. Chabad Lubavitch is an association that promotes Judaism through outreach and educational services, often providing Jewish teaching and traditions to those located in areas without regular access to resources or opportunities. Chabad has over 1000 satellite chapters around the world including South Africa, Australia, and the United States. I have worked closely with the New York City chapter for many years, and it was an absolute pleasure to have now worked with Chabad of the British Commonwealth.

Richard speaking to a group of students on his trip to London

Chabad is very near and dear to my heart for other reasons besides their countless charitable and philanthropic services. After being struck in Central Park by a bicyclist traveling at speeds in excess of 30mph, I was left badly injured with a shattered pelvis and hip. As a result, I was confined to a hospital bed for 10 weeks and could not shower or use the bathroom by myself. After being admitted to Mt. Sinai Hospital, I made a call to my Chabad Rabbi as I was extremely worried, disoriented, and scared. I have no idea from what side of New York he traveled from, but he was there within minutes and did not leave my side for the entire 10 week period. What might be even more amazing is that my experience was not unusual. I have spoken with many people who have gone through similar situations to mine, in which they too did not know who to turn to and after finding Chabad no longer felt as paralyzed or defeated. So, when Chabad Lubavitch asked me to travel to London to speak on their behalf, my only question was “When do I leave?”

While in London I had the opportunity to travel to the Chabad House of Bloomsbury. There, I spoke to students and faculty from the London School of Economics, the University of London, and Kings College. We spoke about our experiences with Chabad and how Chabad strengthened not only our Jewish identity but also our independent and individually unique human identity. The next day I spoke at the Hampstead Synagogue just outside of central London. It was an incredible honor to participate in the services as well speak to the congregates about overcoming obstacles and breaking down barriers and perceptions, all of which I could not have done without the support and encouragement of Chabad. Lastly, my trip culminated with the Chabad Lubavitch UK Fundraising Dinner in which we raised over 1.5 million dollars to continue the efforts and objectives of Chabad for all of the UK.

Reflecting on my trip to London, I am even more aware of the extraordinary impact we can have on each other’s lives. Life is not necessarily about getting over your disappointments or failures but rather about getting on with it. In my experience, an easy life is not always a fulfilling life and we must work to make the most out of each day.

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Check out an article written about Richard’s trip in The Jewish Chronicle: Being a Blind Ironman is like Being an Ironman – But Tougher

A car accident can be a traumatic experience, no matter how serious. Even experienced, cautious drivers can be involved in accidents due to the negligent actions of others and there are numerous kinds of injuries that can result. For these reasons, it is important to take certain important steps to protect yourself in the event of a car accident.

The National Safety Council estimates that there are approximately 6 million auto accidents every year in the United States. Among those people involved, about 3 million are injured and 2 million of those injuries are permanent.

Between 2006 and 2010, almost 5,000 people died in Michigan traffic accidents alone, according to a study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In the broader United States, car accidents caused nearly 200,000 deaths from 2006 to 2010.

Low-Speed Accidents Cause Injury, Too

Even collisions at speeds as low as five miles per hour can create injuries. These types of low-speed accidents can cause significant cervical or neck injuries. And frequently, bodily injuries can result from accidents that leave little or no physical damage to the vehicles themselves.

A victim of a car accident may suffer “soft-tissue” injuries that can last for months or years, even if there are no broken bones.

Thankfully, most auto accidents do not result in personal injury. But accidents that do require attention right from the beginning.

Timing is Critical

In order for an adult or child to preserve their legal rights, action must be taken the day of the collision.

Victims should always talk to a lawyer before contacting the insurance company of the person at fault. Without legal advice, you could be signing papers that force you to accept less in the way of damages than you might deserve.

Make sure you always keep up with deadlines! It is not unusual for auto accident victims who are struggling with a disabling injuring to forget that time is running out. Without following the correct steps, the benefits you deserve could be forfeited.

If you’ve been involved in an auto accident, contact the Bernstein Law Firm for a Free Consultation.

Thank you to the Cleveland Jewish News for this wonderful story as I get ready to travel to Ohio this weekend to work with Cleveland Yachad, an organization that is part of the National Jewish Council for Disabilities.

It is amazing to see the energy and passion of this community as we work to raise awareness of issues surrounding disability rights and inclusion of people with disabilities into the fabric of our society!

I am extremely blessed to be able to work on behalf of those with disabilities and to work with organizations such as this one that helps to change the world and improve the lives of disabled people around the country and throughout the world!

A special thanks to Paula Tutman and WDIV Local 4 for their interest in the work of Achilles International as they begin working with the victims of the Boston Marathon bombings.

Achilles is an international non-profit organization dedicated to providing running programs and marathon opportunities to athletes with disabilities through a community of possibility and support. I have had the privilege of working with Achilles for over 7 years; they inspired me to begin running which has given me a greater sense of accomplishment and joy in all aspects of my life.

Achilles will start working with the Boston victims as they begin to recover and rebuild their lives. To read more about this amazing initiative, click on this link or watch the interview with Paula Tutman and myself.

Richard Bernstein is no stranger to tough situations. As someone who is visually impaired, he’s had to face numerous challenges in life–challenges that might make some folks throw up their hands and give up.

But Richard isn’t defined by his challenges, he’s defined by his defiance of them and the many accomplishments he’s achieved despite the daunting odds against him. Those experiences give him a perspective and insight few others possess, and that insight was just tapped in an interview with SheKnows.com’s Allison Ziering Walmark on the recent terror attack at the Boston Marathon and what we can all learn from it.

Attorney, Advocate, Marathon Runner

For those unaware, in addition to being a highly skilled attorney and influential activist for the disabled, Richard has participated in an amazing 17 marathons through the years. In fact, it was during his recent training for an 18th race that Richard was seriously injured by a bicyclist in New York’s Central Park.

Beyond overcoming physical challenges, running in marathons, being injured in preparation for a marathon, Richard is even further experienced by the fact that while he was preparing to run in the inaugural 2011 Jerusalem Marathon in Israel, a different terror bombing took place just one day before the event, taking the life of one person and wounding 39 others.

In his interview, Richard makes the point that despite the carnage of the previous day, not a single marathon runner withdrew from the Jerusalem event. Not one. And that it is just exactly this duality–these opposing forces of good and evil, right versus wrong, strength versus weakness–that make up life.

Later in the SheKnows.com article, during a speech given to special needs individuals, their families, their physical therapists and aides, Richard speaks eloquently about the nature of dealing with extraordinary and, sometimes, extraordinarily difficult situations.

“We may never get over it,” Richard says, “Just get on with it.”

Whether it’s dealing with a personal injury, a physical disability, or even a terrorist attack, Richard’s words ring true. You can’t control life, you’ve got to keep going.

“Life is a marathon,” he says, going on to describe ‘Mile 20’ when he’s running a marathon.

“You are in agonizing pain,” Richard says, “every step is indescribable misery. Then, remarkably, at this time of great pain, the body and spirit are so intertwined and woven that you can’t tell them apart. At Mile 20, if given the opportunity to disconnect from the body, the spirit can soar…the spirit can guide the body to accomplish its objective and overall mission.”

Boston’s ‘Mile 20’ Moment

In Boston, marathon runners became the walking wounded. But in the blast wave of the explosions–and the emotionally exhausting and frightening manhunt that followed–both sides of human nature were revealed for all to see.

It wasn’t just the evil of those who would indiscriminately kill the innocent on display. No. Even more evident was the goodness and bravery that can be summoned in a desperate situation; spectators who used their own clothes to bind wounds, first responders who made order of chaos, citizens who chose to run to help, rather than run in fear.

Like Richard, they ran toward their grave challenges. Boston passed its Mile 20 Moment.

By: Richard Bernstein
April 3, 2013

High school can be a time for new friends, lasting memories, and exciting experiences. But it can also be a time of confusion, turmoil, and sadness.  Bullying in high school has become far too common.  Instead of looking forward to school, many kids dread their morning alarms and daily classroom experiences.  I know what it is like to be bullied, and the lasting impression it leaves on a developing adolescent.  My message to our youth is that it will get better.  High school does not define who you are nor does it decide your future.  There are an infinite number of possibilities waiting for you, and you cannot let your time in high school deter you from everything you have the ability to do and achieve.

When you are in high school, it may seem all-consuming.  But it does not determine your path in life. While high school is four important years, it is really only a small fraction of your existence – you may live to be 100!. The world is much bigger than the narrow halls of high school and the things you will see and the people you will meet far outweigh and surpass the daily interactions and encounters of high school.

There are two crowds of people in high school:  the “cool” crowd and the “struggling” crowd. Those in the “struggling” crowd should not lose faith in themselves or the world as high school does not govern your capacity to become a productive and influential member of society.  Those that belong to the “cool” crowd should look at their position as an opportunity to change someone’s life and to become a role model and constructive leader.  Extend an invitation to a get-together or to your lunch table.  Be inclusive and expand your social circle.  Create the world you wish to live in and be the change in the world you wish to see.  Who knows, if you make a positive mark on someone’s life in high school it just may translate to a business deal or collaboration down the road.

High school should never be looked at as the end-all be-all, but rather as an opportunity to make your first positive impacts on the world and to start to be the individual you want to remain your entire life.  The memories of high school’s four years will quickly be replaced by the college you attend, the person you marry, the children you cherish, and the success you achieve.  Do not let high school take away your optimism.  Instead, remain confident and claim the future for yourself and your children.

To see Richard’s interview on WDIV about Bullying, please Click Here.
To learn more about our work with WDIV to end bullying, please visit ClickOnDetroit.com/Bully
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By: Beth Bernstein
April 1, 2013

As a mom, bullying concerns and worries me.

It is an issue that I truly take to heart.

Although I understand that it is an unfortunate reality of childhood, we need to give our children the tools not just to cope with bullying, but to empower them.

I realize that bullying comes in many different forms. There is the traditional face to face bullying that happens on the playground or lunchroom and also employing the power of technology. The use of the Internet fosters creativity, but can also serve as an outlet for bullying. The speed and manner in which we communicate can be used for both good and bad.  It can create a lightning strike of bullying on an unsuspecting individual. The speed in which messages are shared by a group or community can be overwhelming if the purpose is a negative one. The Internet can also serve as an anonymous safe haven for a bully.

We need to empower our kids. In order to do this, let’s focus and encourage their individuality and all the things that they excel in. Our children are all special and talented in their own unique way. They need to know it.

It is also important for kids to be able to turn to their parents, teachers, and role models for advice and help.  The stigma is on the bully, not on his or her target. Bottom line, bullying is never ok and we should always be there for our children.

To learn more about our work with WDIV to end bullying, please visit ClickOnDetroit.com/Bully
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Just about everyone has suffered lower back pain at one time or another during their life. Not surprising, it is the number one cause of job related disability and the second most common cause of lost work days. Lower back pain is one of the leading reasons people visit emergency rooms and doctor’s offices. It is estimated almost 50 billion dollars a year are spent on treatment in the United States.

Lower back pain is categorized two ways: acute and chronic. Acute lower back pain is of short duration, lasting less then three months. Symptoms often result from sudden stressors to the lower back such as: a car accident, sports injury, work around the home or job, shoveling, lifting, gardening, slipping, falling or any other activity that could stress the back.  Pain caused by these injuries are often muscle aches, shooting or stabbing pains, inability to stand straight and limited flexibility or range of motion. Some acute injuries can become chronic if left untreated. Chronic back pain is pain lasting three months or longer, and can get progressively worse. Causes of chronic pain can be from spinal injuries and arthritis.

Treatments for lower back pain vary and include the use of over-the counter-analgesics, hot and cold treatments to the injured area, mild exercise and bed rest. It is suggested when on bed rest to lay on your side with a pillow between your knees. Prolonged periods of bed rest are not usually recommended. Studies have found prolonged bed rest increases pain and can lead to other problems such as depression, blood clots and decreased muscle tone. If back pain lasts longer then 72 hours or increases, seek medical attention.

Chronic back pain has many causes and may also be relieved with the use of analgesics and exercise. Some people find chiropractic adjustments to be very helpful in relieving chronic pain. Causes associated with chronic back pain are: aging, arthritis which can narrow the spinal column and put pressure on the spinal cord, and disc injuries caused by compression of the spine, herniated discs, ruptured discs and fractures.

Reasons to Visit the Emergency Room:

• Inability to walk or walk on your heels
• Unable to stand on your toes or raise the big toe upwards
• Bladder or bowel functions are reduced or lost altogether, incontinence or difficulty starting or stopping the urine stream
• Loss of feeling and limb function.

Surgery is only recommended, and should only be considered, in the most serious lower back injuries and chronic conditions. Back surgery is not always successful and it can take months before full healing is achieved. Some minor procedures may be done in the doctor’s office with just the use of a local anesthetic. Other surgeries require invasive surgical procedures, prolonged hospitalization and extensive rehabilitation.*

Almost everyone will suffer a lower back injury over the course of their lifetime. Most will heal with little or no treatments and never suffer from back pain again. The best treatment is prevention. Practice core building exercises to keep your back strong and don’t over lift heavy objects. If doing something that repetitively flexes your back, take breaks often and don’t over do it.

* Resources:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/back-surgery/HQ00305

Most people are familiar with the term mesothelioma, but very few actually know what mesothelioma is. People know it has to do with the lungs and asbestos, but not much else. Mesothelioma is a cancer which, at this time, has a very poor prognosis for survival.

Mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the mesothelium, the membrane that protects and lines the lungs, heart and abdominal cavity. There are three types of mesolthelioma depending on where the tumors start growing.

Three Types of Mesolthelioma:

• Pleural mesothelioma begins in the pleura, which is the lining of the lungs
• Peritoneal mesothelioma affects the lining of the abdomen
• Pericardial mesothelioma affects the lining around the heart

Pleural (lungs) is the most common form, with peritoneal (abdominal) being the second most common form and pericardial (heart) the rarest.

The most common cause of mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos in the work place. Older forms of construction relied heavily on asbestos using it in house siding, insulation, concrete water pipes, and heating unit insulation. People who work in construction have the highest exposure rate to asbestos. Exposure occurs through inhaling the dust, or by handling asbestos and then ingesting it. Workers can be exposed to asbestos on older building demolition sites when the dust becomes airborne. People who did not work in that type of environment can also be exposed to it by family members or friends through contact with their dusty clothes. Other ways of contracting mesothelioma are genetic susceptibility, exposure to the Simian Virus 40 (SV 40) and exposure to radiation.

Asbestos is a group of minerals containing silicon, oxygen and other minerals in small concentrations. It can be found in soil and rocks, and exists in many areas naturally. Asbestos, when damaged, is hazardous to human health. The fibers are released into the air and are breathed or swallowed. When this happens the fibers become imbedded in tissue and build up in the lining of the lungs, abdomen, and heart. The fibers then accumulate and greatly increase the chance of mesothelioma cells growing.

It can take up to 30 years after asbestos exposure for the cancer to develop. Unfortunately, mesothelioma often remains undetected until the symptoms become severe and the tumors are wide spread. Because mesothelioma is a very aggressive cancer the prognosis for remission is not good. The focus of treatment is palliative care and quality of life.

 
Symptoms of mesothelioma:

Pleural –Lungs

• Painful coughing and shortness of breath
• Pain under the rib cage
• Lower back pain
• Fatigue
• Lumps are sometimes felt under the skin in the chest area
• Difficulty swallowing

Peritoneal –Abdomen

• Pain and swelling in the abdomen
• Lumps in the abdominal area
• Unexplained weight loss
• Nausea and vomiting

Pericardial –Heart Area

• Fluid retention in the extremities –legs
• Shortness of breath
• Low blood pressure
• Chest pain
• Heart palpitations

Early detection is necessary for a favorable outcome with treatment. When seeing a doctor (if symptoms are noticed) it is a good idea to stress any possible exposure, since the symptoms of mesothelioma can be similar to other more common conditions.