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How to Safely Order Food from a Restaurant During the Pandemic

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We are in the midst of a global pandemic that has taken many lives. If you are still sheltering in your home out of fear of contracting the virus, there are many ways to order food safely instead of going outside. It is safe to order food from a restaurant, they are taking precautions to ensure their products are sterilised before they reach your home.

Delivery Instructions

Most countries are starting to get a handle on the coronavirus, but the global medical community has yet to come up with a vaccine. It has and will have a huge effect on economies through the world, and it will take time for many industries to recover.

Most restaurants are now dependent on take-away order and they have stepped up their game to attract customers. You can visit sites like http://catalinarosebay.com.au/ and order tasty meals to go. When you go online and order, there is usually an option that gives the delivery drivers instructions on the drop.

You can ask the delivery driver to drop the food off at the door or send them a picture of where you would like the food to be left. If you have concerns about the virus you no longer have to physically take the food from the delivery driver.

Wash Your Hands

The WHO continues to stress the importance of washing your hands whenever you touch something. The virus spreads from physical contact, so the moment you touch the delivery bag, wash your hands.

Ordering from a restaurant during the pandemic is actually one of the safest things you can do. This industry has strict health regulations in place for many years to ensure they do not spread any type of pathogens, such as hepatitis A, influenza, or any kind of virus.

The virus can live on kitchen utensils and takeout containers, so the moment you dispose of them, clean your hands before touching your face. Throw the restaurant containers out and use your own plates.

Tip the Driver

Food delivery drivers are usually paid by the hour or they get paid per job by a food delivery platform. This is their full-time job; they do not have an option to work from home or simply not go out and earn a living. The only way they can support themselves and their families is to deliver food to customers who need it.

There are many ways to safely tip your driver, you can do it through an app, or you can give them money when they drop off the food. If you wish to give them cash, make sure you clean your hands when touching money.

There is no evidence to suggest that the novel coronavirus can live on food. However, it can live on items such as food packaging for a few days. You do not have to worry about catching something from a sick chef or delivery driver. When your food arrives, remember to transfer it to your own plates, wash your hands and do not touch your face.

How Attitudes Toward Health Have Changed

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Helen Schifter is a health and wellness expert who recognizes the changes that are happening to the standard way of life, as we once knew it to be the case. Changes don’t have to be challenging – in fact, they can be opportune moments for reflection and consideration. Especially during the current health pandemic of the Coronavirus, these changes are indeed monumental, and drastic. The philosophy that many have, that is certainly a healthy one to have mentally, is that this is an opportunity for us all to re-charge our batteries and be sure not to take anything for granted.

According to Helen Schifter, these changes are important to grasp and to use as an opportunity to cherish our health , and seek to refocus our priorities in a way that are more guided by our health needs. According to Schifter, there has been a neglecting of health priorities that need to be taken more seriously. This is partially a function of changes in our culture and certain things that are being taught to take priority, which certainly shouldn’t.

Let’s be clear. Changes have to be made; and there needs to be a recognition of the fact that these changes won’t be easy, nor will they be simple. The reality is that there needs to be an education of the value of health and wellness to members of the general public, from a young age. This way, they’re imbued with the values they need to recognize the importance of health and wellness – which of course, is critical.

If this is done properly, there will be a proper shift and one that is both cathartic and constructive. So let’s be clear about the importance of shifting importance to health and wellness. This needs to be understood and appreciated. People must recognize this; and wrap their minds and heads around it .

So let’s be clear. There needs to be an education that’s incorporated in the academic institutions of our nation’s youth, and within the confines of the classroom; but it can also happen outside of the classroom. This is something that needs to be understood and appreciated. We owe it to the next generation to ensure they are fully comprehending the value of health and wellness.

Physical health is of paramount importance; and it must be taken seriously by all. There shouldn’t be any choice in the matter. This needs to be well understood and appreciated. But emotional and mental health can also affect one’s physical health. This is something that also needs to be understood to be the case. Once this is established emotional health needs will be taken more seriously.

At long last, there needs to be a renewed understanding among the public of the appreciation and value of mental and emotional health, so that to whatever extend needs exist, they are pursued and adequately satisfied and attended to. This is important to understand.

All types of health are interconnected – emotional and mental health, included. That’s a web of how physical health is impacted. There are so many factors that need to be tended to; and none can be neglected or sacrificed at the expense of another. This needs to be embraced, recognized and internalized.

Say No To FSBO: 4 Problems With Selling Your Own Home

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Selling your home is a serious undertaking, and there’s an expansive industry built up around it. Still, despite the overall complexity of the process, every so often people decide to try to sell their own homes. Unfortunately, this rarely works out as planned.

People who choose to go the For Sale By Owner (FSBO) route generally want to save money by not paying a commission to a real estate agent, but in the process they create new problems. Whether you end up making an emotional sale or cutting out a whole network of potential buyers, the FSBO is unlikely to yield the benefits you expect.

Real Estate Is A World

Being a real estate agent is a full-time job, but it’s also a carefully regulated and managed world. When you choose to go the FSBO route, then, you may discover that real estate agents won’t show your property to their clients, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

Though platforms like Zillow and Trulia, as well as the broader MLS system, have helped democratize the listing process, you still have to do all the work yourself. On the other hand, when you work with an agent, they’ll share your property with other agents and help drive qualified buyers to your property.

Selling Is An Art

In addition to having a whole network of agents to promote your property to, real estate agents understand what goes into preparing a home for sale. They can provide guidance on creating curb appeal, what improvements you need to make, and how to stage the interior. Homes listed FSBO, on the other hand, often look shabby compared to their professionally managed counterparts because the knowledge base isn’t there.

It’s understandable if you want to avoid all of the cost and time fuss involved in staging and fixing up your home for sale, but if that’s your concern, opting for an FSBO sale won’t actually help. A better alternative is to sell your home to a cash buyer. “Then they can handle the process of getting your home ready for market”. This is not at all accurate. Professional cash home buyers do broker houses or prepare them for sale, they buy them directly.  Cash Home Buyers buy houses directly from sellers for Cash, without contingencies, mortgages and appraisals. They buy in As-Is conditions. Sales are more hassle free and close quicker.

Pricing Is A Problem

Do you know how to price real estate? Sure, maybe you know approximately what other homes in your neighborhood sell for, but even if you do your research, there’s a good chance you won’t hit the mark. One of the major benefits of working with a real estate professional is that they understand how to price a property, and how much wiggle room to build into the price for later negotiations.

Emotions Run High

Finally, no matter how clearheaded you think you are about selling your home, when you start meeting potential buyers, things can get cloudy. For example, you might meet a couple you really like and decide you want to sell to them – even if they turn out not to be qualified. And there are a dozen different ways that your emotional response to a potential buyer can get in the way of making a smart sale. This is one reason that agents typically prefer the owner not be present when they show the property, but when you sell your own home, you obviously need to be there and that can quickly go from a utilitarian undertaking to a conflict of interest.

There may be rare cases when going the FSBO route is a good choice, but most of the time it’s not to your advantage. There’s a reason most people work with a real estate agent to sell their homes or sell directly to a professional home buying company– it’s because the professional route works.

Four Reasons To Take CBD Pills

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There is a growing debate across the country if CBD should be the go-to method to solving a range of issues people face. In many states, marijuana is becoming legalized, so now those compounds are being used in the form of CBD pills. 

Just go visit California. You can find them everywhere. People are really obsessed with the powers that CBD has and how it can really change their lives for the better. 

While many people thought that CBD was just a one-off rage, it has stood the test of time and many people are not ready to move on from it. The FDA has even approved some forms of this and it is a tested method that is even an option for dogs and children where applicable!

Wow—that is a pretty impressive track record!

There are numerous way one can consume CBD—through oil, capsules, gel-caps, and soft gels. But CBD pills are the most practical and common option, especially for those with busy schedules. 

How to take CBD pills is not a straight-forward approach. There are a range of types of CBD pills that can be consumed. They include:

  • Full spectrum CBD: contains cannabinoids that are not hybrid—instead, they are derived from the Cannabis plant, something that many believe allow CBD pills to work the best.
  • Broad spectrum CBD: this is a combo between full spectrum CBD and CBD isolate—so it does not solely contain cannabinoids. 
  • CBD isolate: this is the most pure form of CBD, with only CBD in this product. 

CBD is used for a number of different reasons—with the main goa of improving someone’s wellbeing. 

Here are four reasons to take CBD pills:

  • It helps your achy bones. 

Arthritis currently has no cure. But there are a range of ways in which people suffering from this painful bone disease can cope with it. This includes CBD pills! While CBD pills are in no way the cure to arthritis, there have been proven results that the bones feel less achy and those suffering life with a little less pain every day. That sounds like a pretty good benefit! 

  • It reduces your muscle pain: 

CBD pills are able to help reduce inflammation in the muscles, which is often the reason you might be feeling sore all the time. While CBD creams are also a great way to target areas, CBD pills get straight to the main objective of making the pain go away. So for those that are extreme workout fanatics or those that have muscle injuries, this is a great way to try and cope. 

  • It minimizes your anxiety 

It is important to note that while anxiety is perceived negatively, it is still a natural way your body copes with many scenarios you might face. But what CBD pills really help with is reducing the effects anxiety causes for those that have PTSD, panic disorders or any of the more extreme ailments that might prevent them from living their life. 

  • It helps with insomnia:

Some take melatonin, some take hard core sleeping pills. But what you should really consider taking if you suffer from insomnia are CBD pills! This natural way of getting your mind to chill so you can catch some z’s is a great alternative to sedative-type medicine. 

If you suffer from anxiety, insomnia, muscle pain or arthritis, get excited for this new revolutionary way of coping with your pain.  Just like other medicine that you would take, it is important to always talk to your doctor and see how it fits in with your overall health.  It will be very exciting to see how CBD plays a role in medicine in the years to come and how many more lives it can help improve!

6 Things You Need to Know About Athleisure Wear This Summer

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Athleisure is all about combining comfort, style, and performance. We’re not talking about ratty old sweatpants. We’re talking about sporty, yet fashionable clothing that’s suitable for a variety of situations. Unfortunately, many people don’t know how to wear athleisure. This can lead to some embarrassing faux pas. Here are six things you need to know to get the most out of your athleisure wear.

  • Athleisure is as Old as Fashion

Okay, we might be exaggerating. Fashion has been around since the first hunter-gatherer threw on a loincloth. But athleisure has been around for longer than you think. Indeed, we can date it back to the early 1890s and the invention of rubber-soled shoes.

This invention might seem trivial, but it allowed people to make lightweight shoes with flexible, but durable soles. These were first used for tennis, which is why we sometimes call sneakers “tennis shoes”. From there, other inventions like sweatsuits quickly followed.

  • Athleisure is More Popular Than Ever

Not long ago, athleisure was limited to athletes, and sometimes to suburban dads enjoying a summer barbecue. But with the growing popularity of gyms and workout routines, athleisure has grown in popularity.

This isn’t just a matter of fashion. It’s also a matter of fabric type and comfort. For example, before the 1930s, workout clothes were all made of cotton. They were flexible, but not terribly breathable. Since the invention of synthetic fabrics, cotton/polyester blends have become the norm. This allows for both flexibility and breathability.

  • There’s a Time and Place For Everything

Athleisure may be getting more and more socially acceptable, but that doesn’t mean you can wear it anywhere you please. For example, most offices frown on people showing up in workout shorts and a tee shirt. Similarly, you want to dress up for weddings and other formal occasions.

But in the right time and place, some athleisure wear can keep you comfortable and still looking sharp. Go to a date at a casual restaurant, see a movie, or go for a walk in the park, and you’ll fit right in.

  • The Right Fabric is Everything

One thing we mentioned already is that the invention of synthetic fabric spurred the adoption of athleisure wear. Under most circumstances, the ideal fabric is going to be a cotton/polyester blend. These fabrics are soft, flexible, and breathable, all of which are ideal for working out. If you need even more flexibility, consider investing in some spandex as well.

One often-overlooked fabric is wool. This isn’t ideal for hot, sweaty days. But on cooler days, it can be just what you need. Not only is it soft and flexible, but it will also keep you warm even if it gets wet.

  • Make Sure Your Tops and Bottoms Match

Athleisure bottoms can run the gamut from sweatpants to shorts to chinos. Similarly, tops can be tee shirts, sleeveless tees, or even hoodies. The key point here is to make sure they match. In general a light top should go with a dark bottom, or vice-versa. This creates an attractive contrast that you can combine with most accessories.

  • Athleisure Isn’t Just For Hot Weather

Unless you live in Southern California, the US has seasonal weather patterns. As a result, you don’t want to limit yourself to warm-weather athleisure outfits. Grab a hoodie or two for more versatility. You can even incorporate a lightweight zippered sweater for even colder weather. This way, you can enjoy athleisure comfort all year round.

Conclusion

There’s so much athleisure clothing on the market that there’s no excuse for limiting yourself to one look. If money is an issue, start with a basic wardrobe, and add an item here or there as needed. Before you know it, you’ll have plenty of options to mix and match.

Create More Success In Your Career As A Public Speaker

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It’s no secret that some of the most famous executives got to where they are because they learned how to speak in public. This is one of the most vital skills any person can learn if they want to be on the fast track to success. In fact, in a recent book from TED, they clearly outlined how many of the presenters on their stage have sped up their success because of it. So how can you master this skill and use it to your advantage?

What Is Public Speaking? 

Public speaking is any time you get up in front of an audience and deliver a speech. However, in today’s digital world, this can be via video on YouTube or Facebook just as much as it could be in front of a classroom or at a conference. Whether you are speaking to your classmates and teacher, or to 500 of your peers and colleagues, learning how to give a memorable presentation is truly an art form.

If you are truly committed to honing your skills as a public speaker, then we highly recommend you join our Toastmasters group. In it, you will learn these nine skills:

1. Public Speaking Skills

Rehearsing your speech is one of the hardest things to do for a lot of people. It is weird going over your own writing and even more awkward watching yourself in a mirror while you rehearse.

But there are some great things that you can do before your speech in order to be as prepared as possible so you can give a great speech when the time comes.

According to many great leaders who speak on stages, the best thing is to make sure your note cards or rehearsal material is easy to read and follow. It is really hard to give a speech from one giant run-on paragraph, as you can easily lose your place. I recommend breaking your speech up into one liners or “summary points” so that when you see your notes you can simply grab the information and go.

The next thing is to practice every part of the speech until you have it right. Sounds pretty basic right? Well not really, most people actually practice the entire speech all the way through instead of breaking it down into bite-size pieces of content.

For example, practice your introduction until you have it down completely. Then practice your first part of the speech after your introduction — depending on the length of your speech this could be 30 seconds or 5 minutes. Then, after you get that part, go back and do the introduction until the end of the first segment, complete that until you are comfortable then move on until you can do the whole speech through two times completely with a satisfactory result.

Then you will want to practice in front of the mirror. Stand in front of a full length mirror (if possible) and practice your speech, look down at your notes and be conscience of how long you are taking on each part, how long you can maintain eye contact and scan the audience, etc. Work on your hand placement and looking relaxed in the mirror.

2. Presentation Skills

Have you ever been called upon at the last minute to give a presentation or a talk on something you’ve been working on, or something for a new client? Well, Toastmasters can help you think on your feet and be well organized so that this will become easy for you. In fact, we also invite some of the best public speakers from major organizations such as Motivational Speakers who also provide mentoring and insights from leading professional speakers.

3. Communication Skills

There are many ways you can improve your communication skills. This involves more than just talking. It also involves shutting up. Communication is a two way conversation. Many people say, “I have no problem talking”, and those around them are well aware of that. These people may have a problem letting other people talk. How many times have you been at a meeting where the person is supposed to speak only for 5 minutes and 15 minutes later they are still at it? At Toastmasters you learn how to craft a speech within a specified time frame. However, if you want more one on one support, you may want to get a coach who can support you.

4. Listening Skills

Listening is a very important part of communication. It is important to listen well enough so that you really “hear” what the other person is saying. At our weekly meetings the Quizmaster tests the listening skills of the group by asking questions about things that went on during the meeting.

5. Leadership Skills

These skills are developed as members take on roles such as Toastmaster, Table Topics Master, Timer, Quizmaster, General Evaluator and others. Each person takes control of the lectern for their role.

6. Evaluation Techniques

It is important to learn how to correctly evaluate someone so that they learn about the things they need to improve while being recognized for the things that they already do well. If all they hear is criticism, they don’t feel very good about themselves. Toastmasters teaches the “sandwich technique” for evaluations. Come to a meeting and find out more.

7. Vocal Variety

Having a different range in your vocals helps keep your conversations lively and worth listening to. Have you ever listened to a boring lecture where the person just drones on and on with no variety or depth to their voice? It’s enough to put you to sleep. You will learn how to effectively use your voice for the highs and lows to keep people’s attention.

8. Effective Non-Verbal Communication

Your body often speaks louder than your actual words and people “read” what you are saying by the way you say it. You can learn how to use gestures and eye contact to keep the audience watching and listening.

9. Research Techniques

These skills are developed as you prepare for your roles. If you are providing the word of the week, you will research the word to find out where it came from and what it means. If you are giving the Toast, you may want to look up more information on the weekly theme. If you are giving an Educational Tip, you will want to research your topic and prepare.

Feeling Stressed? Here’s a Helping Hand.

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I can’t pretend that everyone’s lives are the same. Everyone has different obligations, responsibilities, and time commitments. However, there are some remedies that seem to work across the board. Whether you’re young, old, in school, or building your career, it’s often just a part of life that we’ll have things that are expected of us, and responsibilities that we’ll have to take care of. That can be stressful sometimes! To make our lives a little easier I’ll give you 3 examples of small ways you’ll be able to eliminate some of the stress from your life.

1-     Schedule time for play. If a bow is constantly wound and under pressure it will lose its spring and be useless. Also, if an axe is never sharpened, it will be much less effective than if you had taken the time to sharpen it instead of constantly working it. This is a principle taken for Steven Covey’s “7 habits of highly effective people.” We should have scheduled relaxation or play time put into our schedule. Although it can be difficult to find the time in certain stages of life, it’s important that we do find it.

2-     Hire work out. If you have so many obligations and requirements that you’re already trying to take care of. It’s ok to hire out some of the more mundane or unimportant work. I’m referring to things such as lawn care, house cleaning, car maintenance, and so forth. There are a plethora of companies that do incredible work and would leave you with a result that would not only lower your stress level but provide you with more time to accomplish the tasks that are expected of you. For example, Perth Home Cleaners is a house cleaning company that focuses mainly on interior work but will also deep clean exterior home products occasionally. Because they do exceptional work, they are highly recommended and would be able to give you a product you would be happy with and leave you with excess time to either relax as was pointed out in our first point, or, accomplish the tasks that might hang over your head right now.

3-     Serve others. I know it sounds strange, and it won’t help to relieve your busy schedule, but it will help to free your mind. It’s scientifically proven that the more you serve others and the more you focus on giving, the less stressed your body and mind will feel. It doesn’t have to be anything big either! Just look for where you can do a small deed every day, and you’ll notice that whatever has been stressing you, seems to look smaller.

Although these three suggestions may seem basic, they’re all proven to reduce the stress levels of the mind and body. Remember also to put first things first. Important or urgent matters should always take higher priority than things that can be put on hold without consequence. 

Six Remedies for Anxiety

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It is normal to have anxiety during some parts of your life. But it is not normal to have it be an all-consuming factor that cripples you daily. 

When anxiety becomes a daily struggle, it is important to look for a remedy to fix it so you can take back control of your life. 

Here are six remedies to consider when dealing with anxiety

  • Exercise daily

Getting a daily dose of exercise is so good for the body, mind and soul. It is said that exercise can work as well as medication in relieving anxiety. Best of all, it provides a long-term fix for fighting anxiety and feeling relief for those overwhelming moments of stress. Whether it be a long run, a swim, going for a bike ride, yoga or simply walking your dog, moving your body can help shake off the anxiety that too often overwhelms us. 

  • Limit alcohol use

Did you know that alcohol is a natural sedative? This means that while alcohol may calm you momentarily, anxiety will return as soon as the alcohol wears off. This is why it is dangerous to rely on alcohol for dealing with anxiety because it is only a short-term fix and it will risk you becoming dependent on something that does not actually work. 

  • Stop the caffeine intake

We get it, sometimes you need that cup of coffee to get you through the day. But for those that suffer from anxiety, caffeine is the enemy as it creates more nerves and jittery feelings. It has been scientifically proven that caffeine worsens anxiety. As tempting as it might be, if you are feeling anxious, don’t go for the caffeine. Try chamomile tea instead

  • Mediate

Have you tried it before? It is said that even 10 minutes a day can do wonders for calming the soul. When you feel chaos start to creep up on you, take some time out for yourself and meditate. It helps bring your mind into the present and relieves those feelings of stress and anxiety. The deep breathing that comes with meditating can slow your heart back to a normal pace, which is so important because a normal breathing pattern directly reduces anxiety. 

  • Aromatherapy

This one is a goodie—and smells darn good too! Aromatherapy uses fragrances from essential oils to enhance your wellbeing. Oils that are inhaled add warmth to you that can help you sleep, relax, feel happier and lower your blood pressure. If you are feeling anxious, oils that will help include bergamot, lavender, sage, grapefruit and ylang-ylang. 

  • CBD Oils 

This alternative method is quickly proven to become a go-to for those who are dealing with anxiety. 40 million people are afflicted with anxiety and CBD is a healthy and natural way for people to conquer their fears and think clearly. How long does CBD last? For most people, it can last anywhere from two to six hours but is largely dependent on how the CBD is taken. It is important to discuss with your doctor the correct dosage and frequency that CBD is taken for helping with anxiety. 

The world is a scary place sometimes and anxiety is a natural feeling that arises from the overwhelming problems our society faces. But there are several ways to combat these feelings and live a more peaceful and anxiety-free life—from exercise, diet, meditation and oils. Whatever method works for you, we hope you feel ease from your anxiety soon! And there is no shame in asking for help if you feel anxiety has become to much for you to deal with on your own.

Which Presidents Have Earned Military Medals?

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Many Presidents of the United States have served in the US Military—whether it be in the Army, Air Force or Navy. In fact, 29 of the 45 Presidents have served in the military in some point in their lives! That is over half of the leaders of America!

It takes a special type of person to be in the military and a more extraordinary person to be a strong enough leader to guide an entire nation. Both responsibilities require the utmost dedication, loyalty and service.

So it is no surprise that many Presidents who have served in the US Military before their political career were awarded the highest military medals

Have you ever wondered what Presidents have earned these military medals, and why? We will delve into the mot prestigious military medals a US President has ever received. 

  1. President John F. Kennedy

Navy + Marine Corps Medal and the Purple Heart

After graduating from Harvard University, Kennedy decided to join the Navy just before the Pearl Harbor attacks took place—resulting in America entering World War II. At 24 years old, he was the commanding officer a patrol boat in the Pacific, which was cut in half by a Japanese warship. He had to spend hours rescuing his fellow crew men and swam three miles to a tiny island in the distance. They were ultimately rescued thanks to Kennedy’s smart thinking of writing a message for help on a coconut and taking it to a PT base on a neighboring island. 

  1. George H. W. Bush

Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal and Presidential Unit Citation

After Pearl Harbor was attached, Bush joined the Navy as a pilot at just 17 years old. He was one of the youngest naval aviators in World War II. During an air raid on Japan, his aircraft was hit and he had to abort the plane and jump into the ocean—but not before he first dropped his bombs on the intended targets. After floating in the water for hours, he was eventually rescued by a US submarine. He continued to help save more soldiers and flew additional combat missions during his military career. 

  1. Theodore Roosevelt 

Medal of Honor

Roosevelt served in the New York National Guard for four years before joining the Army for the Spanish American War. He was responsible for leading the 1st U.S. Volunteer Cavalry Regiment known as the “Rough Riders” through Cuba, which was a key factor in the war turning to the favor of America. While he was not awarded his medal until well after his death, his brave actions turned the tides of history forever. 

  1. Richard Nixon

Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal

Nixon was assigned to the Marines during World War II, in which he was commander of the SCAT detachments at Bougainville and Green Island. It was through his leadership that his unit were able to prepare flight plans to load and unload transport aircraft safely. It was for this that he was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal for his performance as a duty officer in the South Pacific combat. 

While many Presidents have shown themselves to be leaders on the battlefield before leading an entire country, these four special leaders went above and beyond during extremely dangerous times and were given some of the most prestigious honors an American can receive. Their common qualities of bravery, heroism, leadership, and tenacity are common qualities that any leader in America should have. But most interestingly, only one US President has ever received the highest of them all, the Medal of Honor. And that was Theodore Roosevelt, who did not receive the award until after his death.

Can Humans Eat Human-Grade Dog Food

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Having a natural and healthy diet is something that many people strive for. They want to eat food that is good for them and has good ingredients, too. But it’s not just humans who are starting to eat better; it’s dogs, too. Human-grade dog foods are becoming more and more popular amongst the dog food industry. With the term “human-grade,” you would assume that means you can pour yourself a bowl of Fido’s food when you’re just too tired to make dinner. But is it really safe for humans to consume human-grade dog food?

Let’s start off by explaining what the requirements are for dog food to be labeled as human-grade. Both the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) are responsible for regulating human foods and dog foods. For a dog food to be given the stamp of “human-grade,” it must be made in a facility that is monitored by the USDA and then inspected by the USDA. The FDA then reviews it to make sure that the food is truly fit for human consumption. This guarantees that the food is strictly regulated and nothing slips through.

Now, you might be thinking that these are some strict standards. And you would not be wrong. These standards are strict for a reason—to ensure that the food is genuinely human edible. Another important thing to note is that the dog food must be made in a facility that produces human food only to be officially considered human-grade. It’s not just the ingredients that have to be safe for humans, but also the manufacturing and packaging of the food must meet specific federal regulations. This process may seem intense, but it is the best way to make sure that your dog’s food is exactly what it says it is.

With all of this information now, you’re probably feeling confident that you would be able to substitute that bowl of kibble for dinner. After all, your dog always seems to eat every last drop, it must taste pretty good the way he devours it. But as with anything, make sure you look closely at the ingredients. While some dog foods may be labeled as human-grade, that doesn’t always mean it’s something you would really want to eat; or even have your dog eat. 

As we’ve learned, human-grade dog food has an extensive process to be considered such. But that doesn’t mean that the food is natural or the healthiest. Anti-nutrients, synthetics, and sketchy ingredients are still allowed in human grade dog foods. So they may be safe for you to eat, but do you really want to chow down on something that isn’t natural? It’s important that when looking for human-grade dog foods, you look for one that has natural ingredients. Knowing what you’re really eating is important, for not only you but your dog, too. If you look at the ingredient list and know what you’re looking at, then that’s when it is truly the safest for you to consume yourself. 

Trying out a new diet for your pup can be a scary process. You want to make sure that you’re giving them the best that you can. Giving them something that you are able to eat yourself is a step in the right direction. When you see the term “human-grade” you know that you’re not just giving them some old-fashioned dog food; you’re giving them quality, nutritional food that will fuel their body the way you would want yours to be fueled. At the end of the day, human-grade dog food is safe for humans and great for dogs.