MUVE is excited to work alongside our community to care for our critical coastal habitats through nature-based volunteerism. On Saturday, August 3 , you can participate in restoration activities to enhance the coastal habitat. All tools and materials will be provided. We recommend a reusable water bottle, closed-toe shoes, sun and bug protection, and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty! LOCATION Virginia Key North Point Arthur Lamb Jr Rd Miami, FL 33149 TIME AND DATE August 3, 2024 at 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM By ML Staff. Courtesy of Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science

Kadan Swimwear The Label made a captivating debut at Miami Swim Week, gracing the runway alongside the world's most iconic and celebrated swimwear brands. This collection, born from the creative passion of owner and designer Shauna Caletka, embodies a love for quality, sustainability, and empowering women. Each piece—meticulously crafted with an unwavering focus on fit and form—features unique designs and custom prints destined to become coveted summer staples. Behind The Scenes: A Backstage Pass To The Runway For Kadan Swimwear, this wasn’t just a runway show; it was a culmination of months of design, collaboration, and unwavering commitment, all working to align into a stunning display of the Kadan vivacity. Shauna would describe it as, “exhilirating, chaotic, and I woudn’t have had it any other way! It was truly humbling and inspiring to be in the same room as so many well known brands, designers,models, and influencers. I am incredibly grateful to have been given the priviledge to work with such elite, creative, and hardworking individuals.” A Brand On A Mission Nestled amidst the breathtaking beauty of Marathon, Florida, in the heart of the Florida Keys, Kadan Swimwear finds endless inspiration from the land and sea. This idyllic setting fosters a deep commitment to sustainability, a philosophy woven into every piece of the collection. Kadan champions eco-conscious practices, employing ethically sourced fabrics, materials crafted from recycled resources, and eco-friendly dyes that minimize water consumption and waste. Their dedication extends even further, with fabric scraps transformed into unique, one-of-a-kind treasures. Keep an eye on their Instagram feed to discover these hidden gems! Made In The USA #forgirlsbygirls Owned and handcrafted in South Florida by a team of passionate women, Kadan Swimwear celebrates the strength and individuality of women everywhere. This commitment to female empowerment extends beyond design. Kadan proudly sources its fabrics, hardware, and accessories from American companies, keeping production local and supporting the American workforce. Each piece undergoes a, exhaustive design and fitting process, ensuring a silhouette that flatters and empowers. Custom prints are meticulously inspected, guaranteeing vibrant colors and captivating patterns. Our Story Unforgettable moments are born on the beach, nestled amongst loved ones. Kadan embodies that tranquility, a feeling of peace and pure happiness. Fortunate to have carved out its own little paradise in South Florida, Kadan invites you to share and experience what it means to be a part of the Kadan Babe Crew. The name Kadan whispers of "where the heart lies," a sentiment woven into each piece of our collection. Our luxuriously crafted swimwear, designed and manufactured in South Florida, reflects the highest quality. Each unique design embodies the carefree elegance of the Florida Keys, empowering you to feel beautiful and confident. Kadan Swimwear blossomed just before Shauna’s daughter celebrated her first birthday. The love and wonder she witnesses daily watching her daughter grow fuels an undying passion for creating and curating the Kadan line. 100% women-owned and operated company, dedicated to creating a sustainable brand that respects the ocean we cherish, let Kadan share its story and committment with you. And remember: “you are beautiful!! xoxo” Connect With Kadan Swimwear www.kadanswimwearthelabel.com IG: @kadanswimwear TikTok: @kadanswimwearthelabel Email : kadanswimwear@gmail.com Visors provided by @ gluegluedelivery Earrings provided by @ charraestudio Photography: Getty Images Location: SLS Miami Swim Week The Shows 2024 By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Getty Images

Join Frost Science during Summer Camp for a new, Counselor-in-Training (CIT) program that invites middle school students to gain leadership skills, learn about various science disciplines, and create a scientific resource or community action project under the guidance of a mentor. Week 8: July 29 – August 2 CITs will explore their interests in science, build their resumes, become young leaders in STEM, gain community service hours, and receive a recommendation letter for their time as a CIT. During Summer Camp, CITs will develop a science-based activity for Frost Science campers, aligning to the theme of the week or to a science topic of interest to the CIT. At the end of the week, CIT’s will lead and facilitate the activity they developed to a group of campers. LOCATION Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science 1101 Biscayne Blvd Miami, FL 33132 TIME AND DATE July 29 - August 2, 2024 By ML Staff. Courtesy of Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science

If you happen to be in Paris for the Olympics, don't miss the   Torlonia Collection  special exhibit at the Louvre Museum sponsored by Bvlgari's main sponsor, Torloni. This exceptional exhibition presents the largest private collection of ancient Greek and Roman sculptures, shown for the first time outside Italy. The Torlonia marbles, globally renowned for their exceptional historical and artistic value, were restored by the Torlonia Foundation with support from Bvlgari. Comprising over 100 statues, the works represent an extraordinary cultural heritage, now on display for an international public in one of the world’s most prestigious museums. The inauguration was attended by a host of prominent guests, including   Francesco Gilioli, Advisor and Head of Cabinet of the Italian Minister of Culture, Daniela Porro, Rome’s Special Superintendent of Archaeology, Fine Arts and Landscapes, and Italian Ambassador to France Emanuela D'Alessandro. Jean-Christophe Babin, CEO of Bvlgari, expressed the Maison’s pride: “Our privileged ties with the Torlonia Foundation date back to 2017, when Bvlgari contributed, as the principal sponsor, to the restoration of a series of sculptures which now counts over 100 statues from an exceptional private collection of ancient art, considered the most important in the world. We are proud that this artistic heritage, which we have helped to preserve, is being displayed for the first time outside Italy at the Louvre Museum. This universal exhibition, reminds us of the privilege we have to undertake cultural patronage initiatives of such magnitude, and demonstrates our commitment to giving back to ensure a long-term positive impact. It is this commitment that inspired us to create the Fondazione Bvlgari at the beginning of this year.” The exhibition runs from June 26 to November 11, 2024 in the Denon Wing of the Louvre Museum in Paris. ML Staff. Content/image(s) courtesy of LVMH

Join Miami Design District on Saturday, July 27, 2024, from 6:00PM - 8:00PM for the opening reception of Lucía Maman: Temples of Otherness .  Lucía Maman's new exhibition presents large-scale portraits of individuals born with differential DNA's. The differences embodied by the subjects that make up "Temples of Otherness" invite viewers to consider the human impulse towards transformation. Despite attempts to pathologize anomaly, there is identity in its embodiment. The artist’s emphasis on the subjects’ gaze seeks to prioritize individual expression over clinical prejudice, highlighting the unique ethos of each individual, and reminding us of the shared humanity that unites us. Curated by Luna Palazzolo DATE: Saturday, July 27, 2024 TIME: 6:00PM - 8:00PM ADDRESS LUCÍA MAMAN: TEMPLES OF OTHERNESS 35 NE 40 Street Miami Florida, 33137 ML Staff. Content/image(s) courtesy of MDD

Happy Fall! Join us at the Frost Art Museum for a back-to-school gathering. Bring a friend, grab a drink, and start the night with a vinyl set from CES , a Costa Rican-American artist and musician based in Miami. Don't forget to bring your favorite record for an audience-curated listening portion. Teachers, join in on the fun with a brief info session on all things Frost. Learn about our offerings, resources, programs and more, and then enjoy the music on the terrace. RSVP is required for educators. Wednesday, September 4, 2024 Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM Location: Frost Art Museum FIU By ML Staff. Courtesy of Patricia & Phillip Frost Art Museum

Adopting a pet offers a myriad of benefits that extend beyond companionship. It saves lives by providing a loving home to animals in need and reducing shelter overcrowding. Pets have a profound impact on mental and emotional well-being, alleviating loneliness and reducing stress. The bond formed brings joy, love, and a sense of purpose to owners' lives. Below, we bring you some of our favorite pet adoption places in Miami. 1 - Humane Society of Greater Miami The Humane Society is renowned for a reason. You can adopt a puppy or kitten for a nominal fee that includes vaccinations, spay or neuter, a microchip and a bag of dog food. Puppies also get a dog tag included in the price which is cute in itself. The only requirement to adopt these cuddly creatures is a valid I.D. and a copy of your rental lease, if you are a renter. Certainly a reliable place to go for a pet adoption. Photo by Alvan Nee on Unsplash Address: 16101 W. Dixie Highway North Miami Beach, FL 33160 Telephone: (305) 696-0800 Website: Humane Society of Greater Miami, Soffer and Fine Adoption Center 2 - Miami-Dade County Animal Services This is a home to myriad abandoned and homeless animals. Unlike the Humane Society, these lovable creatures face the possibility of euthanasia. That’s why this is the perfect place to adopt a puppy or a kitten. Your adoption fee includes vaccinations, a microchip, a tag for puppies and that warm fuzzy feeling that comes with saving a life. You just have to bring a valid I.D. and a proof of residence. Image courtesy of Miami-Dade County Animal Services Address: 7401 N.W. 74th St. Miami, FL 33166 Telephone: (305) 884-1101 Website: Miami-Dade County Animal Services 3 - Friends Forever Rescue This place specializes in adopting dogs. All of its dogs are rescues, and it hosts a virtual shelter that allows you to find the perfect pet online, or go to PetSmart on Saturday and Petco on Sunday to see the puppies in person. If you’re looking up for kittens, it also has a limited selection of felines. Adoption requirements include mailing or faxing an application from its website, and paying an adoption fee in cash or check only. Photo by Oscar Sutton on Unsplash Address: P.O. Box 163455 Miami, FL 33116 Telephone: (786) 229-9002 Website: Friends Forever Rescue 4: The Cat Network It is an ASPCA-affiliated company that also utilizes a network of volunteers and foster homes instead of housing cats in a shelter. You can choose from an abundance of cats and kittens online knowing this organization works hard to save cats through non-lethal population control, such as sterilization, instead of euthanasia. Your adoption fee includes deworming, vaccinations and spay/neuter. Find the adoption application on its website and rescue one of more than 7,000 cats adopted through the group since 1995. Photo by Alvan Nee on Unsplash Address: P.O. Box 347228 Miami, FL 33234 Telephone: (305) 255-3482 Website: The Cat Network 5 - Dalmatian Rescue, Inc. and Pets at Risk Rescue Pets at Risk Rescue, like many pet adoption agencies, do not have a physical address. Its adopters are taken care of through a network of foster care volunteers. Potential owners need only go to its website to view the dogs up for adoption. Complete an application on its website, fax vaccination records of your current pets, submit to a home visit, pay a fee, and sign the adoption agreement. The fee includes vaccinations, spay or neuter, and your pet will already be house trained. Cat and dog breeds in addition to dalmatians are available through the Pets at Risk Rescue program under Dalmatian Rescue Inc. Photo by Krista Mangulsone on Unsplash Address: P.O. Box 640108 North Miami Beach, FL 33164 Telephone: (305) 940-3320 Website: Dalmatian Rescue, Inc. and Pets at Risk Rescue By ML Staff. A special thanks to Yappy Pets for the image/gif animation. As one of the leading pet food and accessories supplier, the Singapore based company is a growing distributor with 2 decades of experience.

As you get older, and your family gets bigger, you’ll want to keep them comfortable however you can. This may even mean filling out a free printable Florida power of attorney . Here is a guide to keeping your finances safe and sound as the years go by. Image by Prostock Studio / Adobestock Why Your Assets Need Protecting Aging brings a number of challenges. Estate planning is a serious concern for anyone once they reach a certain age, for example. Staying on top of this can make sure your property goes to the right people. Healthcare costs might also be rising at a time when you need more care. Nobody knows what tomorrow will bring. This is already reason enough to secure your assets if you haven’t already done so. Everybody wants their family to be comfortable when they go. You should still start laying the groundwork, even if this is decades away. Debt affects 77%  of American households. If it’s hurting you, you’ll naturally want to keep it from harming your family too. There are, however, ways to keep your belongings safe for yourself and your loved ones’ inheritance. Image by laymanzoom / Adobestock How Power of Attorney Helps When you get older, you might not trust yourself with your own finances. At the very least, it may help to know your family is taking care of things. Signing a power of attorney form lets you give someone you trust power over your property. However, the agreement they sign also says they need to follow your wishes and preferences. If you sign a ‘special’ power of attorney, this limits them even further. You have a chance to get the perfect balance of control over your assets. The person you pick (your agent) needs to be someone you trust dearly. Depending on the form you use, they may even be able to make real estate purchases in your name. If you’re no longer able to do this yourself, it helps to know your assets are in safe hands. Florida POAs require signatures  from two witnesses and a notary. This is naturally in addition to yourself and your agent. The state is relatively strict in this regard — but this helps to ensure the agreement is legally binding. Image by goodluz / Adobestock Navigating Healthcare Options You won’t want to spend the last of your life’s savings on medical or general care costs. You still want to leave enough for your family, after all. A Medicaid Compliant Annuity is one way you can get around this. Currently, Medicaid has strict asset limits as part of its eligibility criteria. You may have the money to pay for treatment, but this could still put a massive dent in your finances. Your MCA turns your assets into a revenue stream. This slowly returns the money to you — and you’ll be eligible for Medicaid in the meantime. Healthcare costs are a massive barrier  in Florida and the US as a whole. It’s always worth trying to find ways to bring these fees down. If you do it right, this could mean more money which goes towards helping your loved ones. Protecting Your Family Along similar lines, it’s essential that you keep in touch with your family about these decisions. If you leave them out of the loop, they might worry about you for no reason. This is why you should consider naming one of them as your power of attorney agent. You have to tell your loved ones about your long-term asset plans, no matter your choice of route. It’s probably not a conversation you’ll want to rush into, but it’s important nonetheless. The best way to protect your family through this process is to be upfront with them. There might even be disputes and disagreements between them if you don’t keep them informed about your wishes. This can help them plan for the future and even how to use your assets. Image by fizkes / Adobestock When to Update Your Documents Once you plan your estate, you don’t have to worry about your decisions being set in stone. You can update virtually everything if you change your mind, minus  an irrevocable trust. There aren’t any rules for how often you should check over your POA and other documents. It’s best to review it once a year, even if there are no major changes to your situation. Don’t just look it over — really ask if your current arrangement is what you want. For example, you may reconsider who you want to be in charge of your finances. If this does change, draft a new POA document and re-sign it. However, you still need two witnesses and a notary for this. Final Thoughts Figuring out your assets as you age is no picnic. But this is something you’ll need to think about to help your family. Pre-made document templates are instrumental for these situations. Without them, you won’t know if your forms fit every legal requirement. By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Adobestock

Would you ever imagine seeing a probiotic beverage as part of the outfit at a fashion show? Lifeway Kefir made a splash at Miami Swim Week 2024, turning heads and promoting wellness in the most stylish way possible. Collaborating with fashion designer Eliya Cioccolato Eliya Cioccolato's Instagram   Cioccolato Couture , our brand ambassadors matched outfit colors with the colors of kefir flavors, with blueberry kefir   being a standout favorite. Miami Swim Week 2024 was an unforgettable blend of fashion and wellness, delighting influencers, models, and socialites. Partnering with the Influencer Insider , and team, we educated an eclectic crowd about the benefits of probiotics for glowing skin and creating your loving body image.   Marketing for Wellness paired Lifeway Kefir with the influencer  Mrs. World 2023, Iryna Bezsmertna , in a campaign to promote wellness and radiant skin. This campaign extended to Miami Swim Week, with a commercial running on the fashion runway featuring Iryna ditching a glass of champagne for a bottle of Lifeway Kefir . Miami Swim Week 2024 with Lifeway Kefir, Marketing For Wellness and Influencer Insider. Lifeway delighted beautiful humans with the refreshing taste of Lifeway Kefir and goodie bags, while also sharing their commitment to a healthier world through actions centered around gut healthy, all-natural,GMO-free ingredients, philanthropy, environmental responsibility, and local farming sustainability. For those mindful of their wellness and careful about what goes into their bodies, Lifeway Kefir stands out for its highest standards of quality. Thank you Miami Swim Week 2024 and its wonderful host  DC Swim Week. The event featured over 30 designers and attracted global media coverage.  Miami Swim Week 2024 with Lifeway Kefir, Marketing For Wellness and Influencer Insider. Ambiance is king. Thank you  Fabel, Miami Florida for hosting the Influencer Dinner and the Kick off Party  and  SLS Hotel was the perfect venue for the RUNWAY SHOW featuring divine collection by Eliya Cioccolato.  Miami Swim Week 2024 with Lifeway Kefir, Marketing For Wellness and Influencer Insider. To find Lifeway Kefir , visit your local store  and make sure to check out their delicious and healthy recipes . To learn about influencer collaborations and how to create love for your brand, reach out to www.marketingforwellness.com . Miami Swim Week 2024 with Lifeway Kefir, Marketing For Wellness an d   Eliya Cioccolato . We love Our Partners! Thank you to our partners and influencers for their support and making Lifeway Kefir a Splash on Social Media.  Big thanks to Moh Ducis for being a wonderful host and making sure our event went smoothly. Olga Khomchyk Ksenia Kachurovskaya Lisa Opie Ryna Chandok Nina Serebrova Dasha Mart Rachel JOY gennero Jane Inkra Kaye Cox Daniela Tablante Love Merra Gabriella Petrillo Join us for our next event at the Influencer Awards in Miami in December 2024 where you will meet some of the most interesting influencers in beauty, lifestyle and wellness influencers.  Dannyjelacahair Ela Pruszynska Zarina Yeva ChrisBurkard Jen Selter CHAISE K Lana Scolaro 𝐀 𝐍 𝐃 𝐑 𝐄 𝐀 G A V I R I A Sarah Stage Halima Kyla Itsines Alyssa Carson Kristina Menissov Jeanne Damas Mia Event Catering Dr. Forbes Riley David Meltzer Iryna Teslyuk Alana Sandel By ML staff. Images courtesy of Lifeway Foods and Marketing For Wellness.

Creating an all-white collection is a bold statement of confidence for any designer. Tracy Marcus trusted her vision to convey emotions and stories through the subtleties of her collection. The Tracy Marcus collection is thoughtfully designed to highlight the beauty and versatility of white. From the clean lines of her deep V necks  to the romantic drape of ruffles,  the collection showcases the designer's ability to capture the essence of elegance and strength in every garment. In a fast fashion, trend-obsessed consumer culture, Tracy Marcus breaks the mold by creating limited edition, luxuriously crafted white lace cover ups with extraordinary attention to detail that are available in exclusive designs and limited quantities.  Tracy creates chic dress style cover ups for women who unapologetically follow their desire for a more authentic life. As you prepare for your next warm weather soiree, consider the profound impact that your attire can have  on the ambience and atmosphere of the event.  This newly launched collection will allow you to showcase your love of warm days and nights, love of both solitude and friends and capturing the feeling of being put together in our word of quiet chaos.  When you wear one of the beauties in the collection , you communicate a sense of clarity and self-assurance. It suggests a comfort in who you are.  It's about finding strength in simplicity and beauty in subtlety.  You will embody a tradition of sophistication that transcends fleeting trends. Tracy Marcus’s collection will set the tone for an unforgettable day or evening.  The dedication to her hand sewn garments, not only look exquisite but feel luxurious against the skin.  Each piece has been thoughtfully designed . The designs cause people to look twice, to take notice of the quiet confidence they exude. Tracy Marcus’s collection is all about celebrating confidence and embracing every moment with grace and poise. Website: TracyMarcus.com Instagram: @tracymarcusdesigns Photographer credit: Theresa Kelly @tkellystudios By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Theresa Kelly

You have probably heard the term “disability” before. Some individuals don’t like that word, and they might call themselves something like “differently abled.” No matter what term you choose to use, though, there’s no denying that such conditions remain very common. About 1 in 4 US adults has a disability. If you think about that, it makes sense that companies such as those that make wheelchairs, canes, and walkers do very well for themselves. In this article, we’ll talk a little more about disabilities. We’ll discuss what most people mean when they use that term. We’ll also cover how you might react to someone with a disability to avoid offending them. What Does “Disability” Mean? Sometimes, individuals don’t agree on what the term “disability” means. We can still define it in the broadest possible sense, though. Generally, when someone uses this word, they mean a situation where someone has an impairment. That can relate to either their mind or body. This impairment or condition usually makes it more challenging or even impossible for a person to do something that many other people can do. In other words, a disability limits or prevents an individual from doing something, or many things. If you find that someone has participation restrictions, that probably means they fit the legal definition of having a disability. How Can You Tell Whether Someone Has a Disability? If defining “disability” sometimes becomes a little problematic, identifying someone who has one runs into complications even faster. If you see someone in a wheelchair who you know can’t walk without it, you can probably say they have a disability and not ponder the details much further than that. However, you might also meet someone who feels they have a disability according to the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act), but you wouldn’t know it from their appearance or actions. In short, without asking someone, you can’t tell whether they have a disability or not. We already mentioned that some mental or psychological conditions legally constitute a disability. You may have a situation sometimes where an individual might park in a space designated for individuals with disabilities, but they seem able-bodied when they get out of the car. It’s never okay to chastise them, though. You have no idea whether this person meets the legal definition for having a disability. For instance, someone who has received a PTSD diagnosis might look fine and act in what you’d consider a normal fashion. They still meet the criteria of having a disability as defined by entities like the Social Security Administration and the US Department of Veteran Affairs. Because of these situations, it’s best to proceed with caution when making any assumption about someone’s disability status. They might have what look like significant and immediately noticeable restrictions and not consider themselves in the category of individuals with disabilities. They may look completely “normal” but still have a disability according to any recognized version of the term. Can Someone with a Disability Lead a Normal Life? Some people also ask whether individuals with a disability can lead a normal life. Again, the very term “normal” has become problematic in some circles. That’s because there’s no real or accepted definition of normalcy. It’s accurate to say, though, that human beings can demonstrate extraordinary resilience sometimes. You might meet a soldier who stepped on an IED and lost both legs. If they’re resilient, they might still live a meaningful and rewarding life without those appendages for many years afterward. In that respect, you can say that yes, many individuals with disabilities can enjoy their lives and seldom or never feel sorry for themselves. You can’t assume anything about anyone, whether they appear able-bodied or of sound mind or not. Instead, it’s best that you approach each individual without thinking anything about them beforehand based on what you see or what someone else may have told you. By judging people on their own merits, you can avoid awkward situations where you thought someone couldn’t do something because of how they look or what you assumed about their capabilities based on a first impression. How Should You Treat Someone with a Disability? This leads directly to the question of how you should treat someone who has an obvious disability or says they have one. Just like every other human being, you might have someone with a diagnosed disability who’s perfectly pleasant and lovely to be around. It’s just as likely you’ll meet someone with a disability who’s positively insufferable. You must give each person you meet the same chance to establish their identity, and that’s true regardless of whether they have a disability or not. However, in some situations, ignoring their condition doesn’t make a lot of sense, either. If you’re going to an event, for instance, and you know you’re attending with someone who needs a wheelchair to get around, it’s not out of line to ask if you can do anything to assist them with their accommodations. If they respond favorably, you can help. If they seem defensive, you can back off the issue. Many individuals with disabilities, especially the obvious ones, will appreciate that you’re aware of their condition, but you’re also not dwelling on it. No two people probably feel exactly the same about how they want someone to react when they notice their disability. However, you will seldom go wrong by acknowledging such circumstances but not making them awkward. Since so many people have disabilities, the sooner you can learn to accept those who do, the better off you’ll probably feel. If you want a diverse and expansive friend circle, you should never exclude anyone. It’s even possible that you can learn some lessons from differently-abled individuals that you can’t from those without disabilities. Some have ways of looking at the world that are positively inspiring. You needn’t feel pity for them. Many individuals with disabilities take an amazing amount of pleasure from life. By ML staff. Image courtesy of Unsplash.

You expect to suffer some types of injuries after an accident; broken bones and contusions are some common examples. An accident can also result in a traumatic injury that impacts the rest of your life. An injury that’s not often listed on a personal injury claim is nerve damage. Your accident can cause one or more of the different types of nerve damage. So, what are the types of nerve damage and are there symptoms? You may also be wondering if you can file a claim if your nerve damage is caused by someone’s negligence. The Different Types of Nerve Damage Your central nervous system plays a vital role, controlling everything from your breathing and muscles to letting you know if you’re hot or cold. Your nerves are also responsible for carrying sensations from your body to your brain. Your nerves let you know when something tickles, feels painful, or is pleasant. When you’re dealing with nerve damage, your quality of life can be significantly impacted. Nerves are typically divided into three categories: Autonomic nerves that control functions like blood pressure, heart rate, digestion, and body regulate body temperature. Sensory nerves relay information to your brain concerning sensations felt on your muscles and skin. Motor nerves control your muscles by passing information from your brain to your spinal cord. Each group of nerves serves vital functions that help ensure you’re able to live life to its fullest. Symptoms of Nerve Damage Your symptoms can vary depending on which groups of nerves sustained damage and their location. Remember, your nerves are part of your central nervous system and connect the various muscles in your body to your brain. Nerve damage in your arm often produces different symptoms than the ones controlling your heart rate. Autonomic Nerve Damage Symptoms Common symptoms associated with autonomic nerve damage can include: Lightheadedness Dry eyes and mouth Constipation Loss of bladder control You may also be unable to detect any pain or discomfort in your chest, for example, a heart attack. You may also have difficulty controlling your body’s sweat glands. Another less talked about symptom is a loss of sexual function. Sensory Nerve Damage Symptoms There are some symptoms specific to sensory nerve damage, including: Pain Sensitivity Numbness Tingling or prickling Burning You may also experience symptoms associated with other types of nerve damage. For example, your numbness may be commingled with a feeling of lightheadedness. Motor Nerve Damage Symptoms On top of this, there are certain symptoms for motor nerve damage: Weakness Muscle atrophy Twitching In some cases of motor nerve damage, patients have reported difficulties with spatial awareness. They can’t always accurately judge the distance between a space. The individual may feel like there’s plenty of room on the couch, only to sit down on someone’s lap. Seeking Compensation for Nerve Damage Certain diseases like some forms of cancer and diabetes can cause nerve damage. Substance abuse can also damage your nerves over time. Being involved in an accident can also damage your nerves. If the accident is caused by someone’s negligent behavior or actions, there’s a good chance you can file a claim to receive compensation. However, you can’t simply fill out an insurance form and hope to receive a check in the mail. While this would be great, there’s a process you must follow. Document Your Nerve Damage One of the first things you should always do, after reporting the accident to the authorities, is seek immediate medical attention. Your nerve damage may not start to show signs and symptoms for a few days, but it’s always a good idea to be proactive about your health. Even if symptoms aren’t apparent, your physician may be able to give you an early diagnosis. The sooner you start treating your nerve damage, the better your chances are of making a full recovery. You’re also going to need your medical records to prove your nerve damage is the direct result of the accident. Pick Up a Copy of Your Accident Report You’re also going to need to supply a copy of your accident report to the insurance company. Since your accident resulted in injuries, you’re legally obligated to report the accident immediately—this also means staying on the scene. If you drive off, you may be facing a hit-and-run charge and this can affect your personal injury claim. Most accident reports are ready in about 7 to 10 business days and you can purchase a copy online or head to the nearest police precinct. Calculate Your Damages Your damages will include your medical expenses. If you also suffer property damage or lost income, you can include this in your claim. Don’t forget about your non-economic damages like pain and suffering. Your attorney can help you calculate these damages. Once you know the value of your claim, it’s time to contact the insurance company. Navigating Florida Personal Injury Law Florida follows no-fault insurance laws which affects your personal injury claim. Your PIP (personal injury protection) insurance will cover some of your economic damages, up to the policy’s cap. All drivers with vehicles registered in Florida must carry at least the state’s minimum PIP insurance requirements. Most PIP policies pay up to 80% of your medical expenses. So, how do you recover your remaining economic damages, and who pays for your non-economic damages? After filing a claim with your personal injury protection coverage, you can turn to the at-fault driver’s insurance for your remaining damages. This is why your attorney calculated your non-economic damages. Filing an insurance claim with the at-fault party’s insurance means proving negligence. Since you have a copy of the accident report, you’re all set to prove your claim. Something to remember is your claim against the defendant’s insurance company picks up where your PIP coverage leaves off. So, if your medical expenses are $100,000 and PIP covers $25,000, your claim against the other driver will be for $75,000 in medical costs. You Can Receive Compensation for Your Nerve Damage Even though nerve damage isn’t commonly listed on personal injury claims, this doesn’t mean it can’t be included. Nerve damage can impact your quality of life, and you deserve to receive compensation. Talk to an attorney about your accident to learn more about your legal options. An experienced attorney can help you understand the extent of your rights and work to include nerve damage in your claim. They can also guide you through the process of gathering necessary medical documentation and expert testimony to strengthen your case, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve for your pain and suffering. By ML staff. Image courtesy of Unsplash.