Healthy lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle is one which helps to keep and improve people's health and well-being.Many governments and non-governmental organizations have made big efforts in healthy lifestyle and health promotion.
Mental Health
Mental health can be considered a very important factor of physical health for the effects it produces on bodily functions. This type of health concerns emotional and cognitive well-being or an absence of mental disorder.
Public health
Public health can be defined in a variety of ways. It can be presented as "the study of the physical, psychosocial and socio-cultural determinants of population health and actions to improve the health of the population.
Reproductive Health
For the UN, reproductive health is a right, like other human rights. This recent concept evokes the good transmission of the genetic heritage from one generation to the next.
Health
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
jeudi 12 novembre 2020
A State-by-State Guide to the Most Popular Thanksgiving Side Dishes
Thanksgiving's menu lineup has been the same for decades with turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing taking center stage. While turkey is undoubtedly the table's main showstopper, side dishes have proven to be a close second with some almost stealing the show themselves (who can pass up mashed potatoes?). While most people eat a similar variation of food on Thanksgiving between the turkey and pie, a new study from Zippa has reported that the side dishes people look forward to indulging in vary depending on where they live. From Alaska to New York, tables are filled with everything from mouthwatering hash brown casseroles and rich, buttery crescent rolls to lightened up side salads and creamy corn.
Whether you've got a palate for stuffing or you lean more towards mac and cheese, these state-by-state picks will inspire you to get cookin'. No matter where you're celebrating Thanksgiving this year, check out what the folks in the states around you are craving, and get ready for this year's side dish to be the new star of the show.
A State-by-State Guide to the Most Popular Thanksgiving Side Dishes
Thanksgiving's menu lineup has been the same for decades with turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing taking center stage. While turkey is undoubtedly the table's main showstopper, side dishes have proven to be a close second with some almost stealing the show themselves (who can pass up mashed potatoes?). While most people eat a similar variation of food on Thanksgiving between the turkey and pie, a new study from Zippa has reported that the side dishes people look forward to indulging in vary depending on where they live. From Alaska to New York, tables are filled with everything from mouthwatering hash brown casseroles and rich, buttery crescent rolls to lightened up side salads and creamy corn.
Whether you've got a palate for stuffing or you lean more towards mac and cheese, these state-by-state picks will inspire you to get cookin'. No matter where you're celebrating Thanksgiving this year, check out what the folks in the states around you are craving, and get ready for this year's side dish to be the new star of the show.
A State-by-State Guide to the Most Popular Thanksgiving Side Dishes
Thanksgiving's menu lineup has been the same for decades with turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing taking center stage. While turkey is undoubtedly the table's main showstopper, side dishes have proven to be a close second with some almost stealing the show themselves (who can pass up mashed potatoes?). While most people eat a similar variation of food on Thanksgiving between the turkey and pie, a new study from Zippa has reported that the side dishes people look forward to indulging in vary depending on where they live. From Alaska to New York, tables are filled with everything from mouthwatering hash brown casseroles and rich, buttery crescent rolls to lightened up side salads and creamy corn.
Whether you've got a palate for stuffing or you lean more towards mac and cheese, these state-by-state picks will inspire you to get cookin'. No matter where you're celebrating Thanksgiving this year, check out what the folks in the states around you are craving, and get ready for this year's side dish to be the new star of the show.
See Ya, Gingerbread! Hostess's Party-Size Twinkies Baking Kit Serves 20 People
Growing up, the holidays were always a time for sipping on enormous cups of hot chocolate and baking up old favorites that would be gone before the oven even had time to cool down. This year, I might be adding a new recipe to my list because Walmart is selling a Hostess Party-Size Holiday Twinkies Baking Kit that serves 20 people, and I'm on a sugar high just looking at it.
The massive kit comes with Twinkies cake mix, a vanilla cream filling mix, a Twinkie-shaped baking pan, and instructions on how to make this huge Twinkie a reality at home. All you need to add is vegetable oil, eggs, water, and heavy cream. But I am curious how this would turn out if I mixed in a few holiday sprinkles with the cream before putting it in the middle of the cake.
Shop the giant Twinkie for yourself ahead, and maybe consider whipping up this Duncan Hines Mega Cookie on the side for a holiday dessert party that would definitely cover all of Buddy the Elf's favorite food groups.
mercredi 11 novembre 2020
McDonald's Is Adding a New Plant-Based McPlant Burger to Its Menu
Good news for vegetarians and fast-food fans alike - this week, McDonald's announced that it will finally offer a plant-based meat substitute. In a blog post, McDonald's unveiled plans for a plant-based burger, aptly called the McPlant. The meatless patty will be served on a sesame-seed bun with classic toppings.
"There are other plant-based burgers out there, but the McPlant delivers our iconic taste in a sink-your-teeth-in (and wipe your mouth) kind of sandwich," the blog post reads.
Related: A Meat Eater Answers Your Burning Question - Does a Beyond Burger Taste Like Beef?
It did not disclose the specific plant ingredients used in the patty or any information about the suppliers McDonald's plans to use. The fast-food chain described the new burger as crafted "by McDonald's, for McDonald's."
However, a spokesperson for Beyond Meat told CNBC that the popular meat-substitute producer cocreated the plant-based patty that will be used in the McPlant roll-out with McDonald's. The two companies previously collaborated on Beyond's P.L.T. burger, which was tested at McDonald's locations in Canada last year.
Though there's no official release date, some locations are expected to begin testing the veggie burger next year. With the release, McDonald's will join the handful of other fast-food restaurants offering plant-based alternatives to typical drive-through fare, including Burger King, White Castle, and Carl's Jr.
Click here for more health and wellness stories, tips, and news.
samedi 7 novembre 2020
If You Don't Like These Grinch Tattoos, Your Heart Is Definitely 2 Sizes Too Small
The live-action version of How the Grinch Stole Christmas is a holiday movie that many of us have yet to tire of watching even 20 years after its debut. Aside from Jim Carrey's performance being downright hilarious, one key reason we love the movie so much is because, when you really think about it, the Grinch actually isn't the villain. Like many of us, he understands the importance of having a dog as a companion, recognizes how superficial Christmas can feel, and, most importantly, really just loves his peace and quiet.
That's to say that, once you get past the green hair and the fact that he considers broken glass comfort food, the Grinch is actually very relatable. So relatable, in fact, that he's even inspired some holiday fans to get tattoos in honor of the movie. From quotes to portraits of the Grinch to some of his adorable dog, Max, check out some of our favorite tattoos inspired by the Grinch ahead.
vendredi 6 novembre 2020
Let It Glow! 85 Bath & Body Works Holiday Candles That'll Make Your Home Merry and Bright
Drumroll, please! Bath & Body Works holiday candles have arrived, and they have more than 20 sweet-smelling scents to choose from. Whether you're looking to fill your bedroom with the cozy smell of sweater weather or your kitchen with the familiar scent of hot cocoa and cream - you name it, Bath & Body Works has a candle for it. With options that range from single to three wicks, you can ensure each candle's aroma will fill your entire home with holiday goodness. Set the tone for sweaters, comfort food, and a new freakin' year, with the 85 Bath & Body Works holiday candles, ahead. And don't forget to check out Bath & Body Works' entire holiday collection while you're at it!
Let It Glow! 85 Bath & Body Works Holiday Candles That'll Make Your Home Merry and Bright
Drumroll, please! Bath & Body Works holiday candles have arrived, and they have more than 20 sweet-smelling scents to choose from. Whether you're looking to fill your bedroom with the cozy smell of sweater weather or your kitchen with the familiar scent of hot cocoa and cream - you name it, Bath & Body Works has a candle for it. With options that range from single to three wicks, you can ensure each candle's aroma will fill your entire home with holiday goodness. Set the tone for sweaters, comfort food, and a new freakin' year, with the 85 Bath & Body Works holiday candles, ahead. And don't forget to check out Bath & Body Works' entire holiday collection while you're at it!
Let It Glow! 85 Bath & Body Works Holiday Candles That'll Make Your Home Merry and Bright
Drumroll, please! Bath & Body Works holiday candles have arrived, and they have more than 20 sweet-smelling scents to choose from. Whether you're looking to fill your bedroom with the cozy smell of sweater weather or your kitchen with the familiar scent of hot cocoa and cream - you name it, Bath & Body Works has a candle for it. With options that range from single to three wicks, you can ensure each candle's aroma will fill your entire home with holiday goodness. Set the tone for sweaters, comfort food, and a new freakin' year, with the 85 Bath & Body Works holiday candles, ahead. And don't forget to check out Bath & Body Works' entire holiday collection while you're at it!
jeudi 5 novembre 2020
If You're Thinking About Adopting a Cat, Here's Exactly How Much It'll Cost
If you're looking into adopting a cat, you're in for all the snuggles, special moments, and catching your new feline pal getting into nooks you never thought possible. Life will be so much sweeter – but it also comes with a multitude of costs and expenses. For some, cats might seem much more low maintenance than other pets, which can be true. That being said, the yearly costs of having a cat should be examined before adopting, that way, you avoid unpleasant surprises when presented with initial adoption fees, and the eventual veterinary expenses, food costs, and more. Having everything laid out beforehand will make the entire process of getting a cat much smoother, and you'll steer clear of upsets throughout the years as you focus on enjoying your furry friend.
How much should you expect to spend on cat adoption fees?
If you choose to adopt a cat from a local shelter, your initial expense will be the adoption fees, which can range from $34 to $276, according to the Animal Humane Society. Adoption fees typically include several features which might even save you first-year veterinary expenses, like a general physical and behavior exam, vaccines, deworming, flea/tick treatment, and spaying or neutering. Keep in mind that these adoption costs will vary depending on the age and breed of your cat, especially if it's in high demand, as well as your location and even the time of year. Areas with a higher cost of living might have higher adoption fees, and many shelters waive adoption fees at certain times of the year. Many details go into this fee, so it's important to do your research before cementing the adoption process.
If you prefer to purchase your cat from a breeder, it's important to note the total initial cost will be much more expensive. A breed like a Bengal or Siberian can costs can be anywhere between $1,000 to $2,000. To add to the expenses, breeders do not include all the ready-to-go medical care that shelters do, meaning you will have to add spaying or neutering, which can cost $300 or more, and extra veterinary visits. If you're dead-set on a purebred, but would love to avoid the high costs, try adopting from a breed-specific rescue group.
What are the yearly costs of owning a cat?
Once you have your kitty, strategizing the yearly expenses is imperative to saving yourself possible headaches. According to the ASPCA, you should expect to spend $1,174 in your first year as a cat owner, which includes $145 on spaying/neutering (if not done by a shelter), $130 on the initial veterinary visit, $10 on a collar and leash, $25 on a litter box, $15 on a scratching post, and $40 on a carrier bag. After that, you'll spend around $809 a year on your furry friend. Your recurring annual costs will include roughly $224 in food, $160 in yearly veterinary fees, $165 on litter, $25 on toys and treats, and $175 on health insurance. You should also add to that a cat bed, which can cost anywhere from $20 to $100 (and will probably be replaced down the line), food and water bowls for $5 to $30, and flea/tick prevention which costs $20 to $200 a year.
Other eventual costs to consider when adopting a cat are emergency veterinary care, which can range from a few hundred dollars to more than $1,000, plus pet sitting or boarding fees if you go on a longer trip, which can cost $15 to $50 per day. Some specialty cats require some grooming as well, which averages at around $300 a year.
A crucial element to remember when budgeting for your future cat is that costs vary widely depending on the breed you choose. While mixed breed cats are less prone to health problems, purebred cats like the Persian breed can cost you from $500 to $5,500 in miscellaneous medical fees and extra care because of their genetic health problems.
No matter your chosen route, planning ahead economically for your cat's arrival is crucial to making the adoption experience as easy and seamless as possible. Tailor your strategy to your specific needs, and focus on all the cuddly times ahead.
We're Thankful For All the Thanksgiving Food at Trader Joe's - Check Out Our Favorite Picks!
Trader Joe's just made the prep for Thanksgiving dinner a breeze with its easy-to-make-food selection, tasty and hearty bites, and drool-worthy desserts. From prepackaged appetizers that'll have people coming back for more to main-course meals that even the least experienced chef can make, these festive picks will fill your table with mouthwatering dishes (and your heart with thanksgiving that you didn't have to spend hours in the kitchen!). Whether you want an rich loaf of cornbread to pair with the turkey or you're looking for a berry-packed pie to flaunt on the dessert table, these Trader Joe's finds will fill your kitchen with all the Thanksgiving food you could dream of. This year, spend less time in the kitchen and more time around the table enjoying these delicious Thanksgiving-inspired foods from Trader Joe's. Check out our favorite picks, ahead!
- Additional reporting by Lauren Harano
If You're Thinking About Adopting a Cat, Here's Exactly How Much It'll Cost
If you're looking into adopting a cat, you're in for all the snuggles, special moments, and catching your new feline pal getting into nooks you never thought possible. Life will be so much sweeter – but it also comes with a multitude of costs and expenses. For some, cats might seem much more low maintenance than other pets, which can be true. That being said, the yearly costs of having a cat should be examined before adopting, that way, you avoid unpleasant surprises when presented with initial adoption fees, and the eventual veterinary expenses, food costs, and more. Having everything laid out beforehand will make the entire process of getting a cat much smoother, and you'll steer clear of upsets throughout the years as you focus on enjoying your furry friend.
How much should you expect to spend on cat adoption fees?
If you choose to adopt a cat from a local shelter, your initial expense will be the adoption fees, which can range from $34 to $276, according to the Animal Humane Society. Adoption fees typically include several features which might even save you first-year veterinary expenses, like a general physical and behavior exam, vaccines, deworming, flea/tick treatment, and spaying or neutering. Keep in mind that these adoption costs will vary depending on the age and breed of your cat, especially if it's in high demand, as well as your location and even the time of year. Areas with a higher cost of living might have higher adoption fees, and many shelters waive adoption fees at certain times of the year. Many details go into this fee, so it's important to do your research before cementing the adoption process.
If you prefer to purchase your cat from a breeder, it's important to note the total initial cost will be much more expensive. A breed like a Bengal or Siberian can costs can be anywhere between $1,000 to $2,000. To add to the expenses, breeders do not include all the ready-to-go medical care that shelters do, meaning you will have to add spaying or neutering, which can cost $300 or more, and extra veterinary visits. If you're dead-set on a purebred, but would love to avoid the high costs, try adopting from a breed-specific rescue group.
What are the yearly costs of owning a cat?
Once you have your kitty, strategizing the yearly expenses is imperative to saving yourself possible headaches. According to the ASPCA, you should expect to spend $1,174 in your first year as a cat owner, which includes $145 on spaying/neutering (if not done by a shelter), $130 on the initial veterinary visit, $10 on a collar and leash, $25 on a litter box, $15 on a scratching post, and $40 on a carrier bag. After that, you'll spend around $809 a year on your furry friend. Your recurring annual costs will include roughly $224 in food, $160 in yearly veterinary fees, $165 on litter, $25 on toys and treats, and $175 on health insurance. You should also add to that a cat bed, which can cost anywhere from $20 to $100 (and will probably be replaced down the line), food and water bowls for $5 to $30, and flea/tick prevention which costs $20 to $200 a year.
Other eventual costs to consider when adopting a cat are emergency veterinary care, which can range from a few hundred dollars to more than $1,000, plus pet sitting or boarding fees if you go on a longer trip, which can cost $15 to $50 per day. Some specialty cats require some grooming as well, which averages at around $300 a year.
A crucial element to remember when budgeting for your future cat is that costs vary widely depending on the breed you choose. While mixed breed cats are less prone to health problems, purebred cats like the Persian breed can cost you from $500 to $5,500 in miscellaneous medical fees and extra care because of their genetic health problems.
No matter your chosen route, planning ahead economically for your cat's arrival is crucial to making the adoption experience as easy and seamless as possible. Tailor your strategy to your specific needs, and focus on all the cuddly times ahead.
We're Thankful For All the Thanksgiving Food at Trader Joe's - Check Out Our Favorite Picks!
Trader Joe's just made the prep for Thanksgiving dinner a breeze with its easy-to-make-food selection, tasty and hearty bites, and drool-worthy desserts. From prepackaged appetizers that'll have people coming back for more to main-course meals that even the least experienced chef can make, these festive picks will fill your table with mouthwatering dishes (and your heart with thanksgiving that you didn't have to spend hours in the kitchen!). Whether you want an rich loaf of cornbread to pair with the turkey or you're looking for a berry-packed pie to flaunt on the dessert table, these Trader Joe's finds will fill your kitchen with all the Thanksgiving food you could dream of. This year, spend less time in the kitchen and more time around the table enjoying these delicious Thanksgiving-inspired foods from Trader Joe's. Check out our favorite picks, ahead!
- Additional reporting by Lauren Harano
If You're Thinking About Adopting a Cat, Here's Exactly How Much It'll Cost
If you're looking into adopting a cat, you're in for all the snuggles, special moments, and catching your new feline pal getting into nooks you never thought possible. Life will be so much sweeter – but it also comes with a multitude of costs and expenses. For some, cats might seem much more low maintenance than other pets, which can be true. That being said, the yearly costs of having a cat should be examined before adopting, that way, you avoid unpleasant surprises when presented with initial adoption fees, and the eventual veterinary expenses, food costs, and more. Having everything laid out beforehand will make the entire process of getting a cat much smoother, and you'll steer clear of upsets throughout the years as you focus on enjoying your furry friend.
How much should you expect to spend on cat adoption fees?
If you choose to adopt a cat from a local shelter, your initial expense will be the adoption fees, which can range from $34 to $276, according to the Animal Humane Society. Adoption fees typically include several features which might even save you first-year veterinary expenses, like a general physical and behavior exam, vaccines, deworming, flea/tick treatment, and spaying or neutering. Keep in mind that these adoption costs will vary depending on the age and breed of your cat, especially if it's in high demand, as well as your location and even the time of year. Areas with a higher cost of living might have higher adoption fees, and many shelters waive adoption fees at certain times of the year. Many details go into this fee, so it's important to do your research before cementing the adoption process.
If you prefer to purchase your cat from a breeder, it's important to note the total initial cost will be much more expensive. A breed like a Bengal or Siberian can costs can be anywhere between $1,000 to $2,000. To add to the expenses, breeders do not include all the ready-to-go medical care that shelters do, meaning you will have to add spaying or neutering, which can cost $300 or more, and extra veterinary visits. If you're dead-set on a purebred, but would love to avoid the high costs, try adopting from a breed-specific rescue group.
What are the yearly costs of owning a cat?
Once you have your kitty, strategizing the yearly expenses is imperative to saving yourself possible headaches. According to the ASPCA, you should expect to spend $1,174 in your first year as a cat owner, which includes $145 on spaying/neutering (if not done by a shelter), $130 on the initial veterinary visit, $10 on a collar and leash, $25 on a litter box, $15 on a scratching post, and $40 on a carrier bag. After that, you'll spend around $809 a year on your furry friend. Your recurring annual costs will include roughly $224 in food, $160 in yearly veterinary fees, $165 on litter, $25 on toys and treats, and $175 on health insurance. You should also add to that a cat bed, which can cost anywhere from $20 to $100 (and will probably be replaced down the line), food and water bowls for $5 to $30, and flea/tick prevention which costs $20 to $200 a year.
Other eventual costs to consider when adopting a cat are emergency veterinary care, which can range from a few hundred dollars to more than $1,000, plus pet sitting or boarding fees if you go on a longer trip, which can cost $15 to $50 per day. Some specialty cats require some grooming as well, which averages at around $300 a year.
A crucial element to remember when budgeting for your future cat is that costs vary widely depending on the breed you choose. While mixed breed cats are less prone to health problems, purebred cats like the Persian breed can cost you from $500 to $5,500 in miscellaneous medical fees and extra care because of their genetic health problems.
No matter your chosen route, planning ahead economically for your cat's arrival is crucial to making the adoption experience as easy and seamless as possible. Tailor your strategy to your specific needs, and focus on all the cuddly times ahead.
mardi 3 novembre 2020
8 Cookbooks That’ll Help You Make Delicious Anti-Inflammatory Meals
Following an anti-inflammatory diet is arguably much easier when you know what tasty recipes fit the bill.
An anti-inflammatory diet can look different from person-to-person, but there are certain triggering foods that should be avoided or limited, like processed meat, refined carbohydrates, and anything containing high levels of sugar and dairy. Most importantly, you should add whole ingredients that contain antioxidants and healthy fats, like leafy greens, grass-fed meat, turmeric, and ginger.
These diverse cookbooks will give you endless inspiration for incorporating anti-inflammatory ingredients into your meals, without sacrificing flavor and indulgence. From vibrant Mediterranean recipes to creative preparations of veggies, they are all about food that tastes and feels good.
8 Cookbooks That’ll Help You Make Delicious Anti-Inflammatory Meals
Following an anti-inflammatory diet is arguably much easier when you know what tasty recipes fit the bill.
An anti-inflammatory diet can look different from person-to-person, but there are certain triggering foods that should be avoided or limited, like processed meat, refined carbohydrates, and anything containing high levels of sugar and dairy. Most importantly, you should add whole ingredients that contain antioxidants and healthy fats, like leafy greens, grass-fed meat, turmeric, and ginger.
These diverse cookbooks will give you endless inspiration for incorporating anti-inflammatory ingredients into your meals, without sacrificing flavor and indulgence. From vibrant Mediterranean recipes to creative preparations of veggies, they are all about food that tastes and feels good.
lundi 2 novembre 2020
College Students, It's Up to Us to Uplift Essential Workers - Here's an Easy Way to Do It
Cindy is the creative director at Give Essential, a 501(c)(3) that has supported thousands of essential workers in the US during the COVID-19 pandemic. She studies economics and political science at Dartmouth College and spends her free time cracking dad jokes.
As I packed a small carry-on suitcase to head home after exams last March, I left behind a basket full of laundry and stacks of unkempt papers in my dorm. It was just two weeks: I'd clean up when I got back.
Only, I never did. Two weeks turned into two months, then two seasons. My plans to reunite with my closest friends in the spring and take on my dream internship in New York were thrown out the window, and my social interactions were left to the whims of my WiFi speed and a 13-inch computer screen.
Yet, it feels entitled to lament these losses when millions of Americans - like the grocery clerks stocking the supermarket shelves and electrical support personnel keeping the lights on - were (and still are) forced to face the frontlines of a pandemic every day with little recognition whatsoever.
These Americans comprise the "hidden frontline." They are the 12.9 million Americans working "essential" jobs who put their health at risk and leave their families behind, all while making less than a living wage. To put that into perspective, these working Americans continue to keep our lives running like "normal," all while struggling to scrap together the funds to buy basic household cleaning supplies.
The pandemic has merely aggravated the plights underpaid workers face every day.
While the buzz around essential workers has winded down, the struggles these people and their families face have not. The pandemic has merely aggravated the plights underpaid workers face every day. We've endured half a year of this pandemic, but let's not forget that essential workers have borne the brunt of the financial and emotional impact. As students who are now "doomed" to live out our campus life virtually, we can put our newfound free time to use and help those who need it most. Now more than ever, not only do we have the rare opportunity to help, but our help is also desperately needed.
Helping essential workers can be tricky. Where do you even start? What if you don't have much money in the bank? How can you help from the limits of your dorm room? Questions like this spurred a group of my fellow college classmates at Dartmouth College and I to start Give Essential, a nonprofit that connects essential workers in need of household items with donors who are able to support them. It's our mission to make it easier than ever for anyone, especially college students, to help frontline workers.
To make supporting essential workers as accessible as possible, Give Essential is hosting Run For the Frontline (a virtual 5K, half marathon, and marathon) to raise funds that will directly support essential workers and their families. So far, hundreds of people across the nation have raised over $10K just by running. If you're not a runner, it's still easy to donate your time, supplies, or extra cash. Just by asking people to donate what they have, we've been able to send $1 million worth of care packages directly to over 16 million essential workers in all fifty states since April. These simple contributions can make a giant difference in making essential heroes in our country feel appreciated.
It's been easy to feel helpless when we're limited to the confines of our living space, but Give Essential has allowed a community of volunteers and donors to connect directly with essential workers from across the country. Even in uncertain times like these, we can all be part of a positive force that makes a meaningful impact.
To sign up as a donor or request a care package as an essential worker, please visit Give Essentials' website.
College Students, It's Up to Us to Uplift Essential Workers - Here's an Easy Way to Do It
Cindy is the creative director at Give Essential, a 501(c)(3) that has supported thousands of essential workers in the US during the COVID-19 pandemic. She studies economics and political science at Dartmouth College and spends her free time cracking dad jokes.
As I packed a small carry-on suitcase to head home after exams last March, I left behind a basket full of laundry and stacks of unkempt papers in my dorm. It was just two weeks: I'd clean up when I got back.
Only, I never did. Two weeks turned into two months, then two seasons. My plans to reunite with my closest friends in the spring and take on my dream internship in New York were thrown out the window, and my social interactions were left to the whims of my WiFi speed and a 13-inch computer screen.
Yet, it feels entitled to lament these losses when millions of Americans - like the grocery clerks stocking the supermarket shelves and electrical support personnel keeping the lights on - were (and still are) forced to face the frontlines of a pandemic every day with little recognition whatsoever.
These Americans comprise the "hidden frontline." They are the 12.9 million Americans working "essential" jobs who put their health at risk and leave their families behind, all while making less than a living wage. To put that into perspective, these working Americans continue to keep our lives running like "normal," all while struggling to scrap together the funds to buy basic household cleaning supplies.
The pandemic has merely aggravated the plights underpaid workers face every day.
While the buzz around essential workers has winded down, the struggles these people and their families face have not. The pandemic has merely aggravated the plights underpaid workers face every day. We've endured half a year of this pandemic, but let's not forget that essential workers have borne the brunt of the financial and emotional impact. As students who are now "doomed" to live out our campus life virtually, we can put our newfound free time to use and help those who need it most. Now more than ever, not only do we have the rare opportunity to help, but our help is also desperately needed.
Helping essential workers can be tricky. Where do you even start? What if you don't have much money in the bank? How can you help from the limits of your dorm room? Questions like this spurred a group of my fellow college classmates at Dartmouth College and I to start Give Essential, a nonprofit that connects essential workers in need of household items with donors who are able to support them. It's our mission to make it easier than ever for anyone, especially college students, to help frontline workers.
To make supporting essential workers as accessible as possible, Give Essential is hosting Run For the Frontline (a virtual 5K, half marathon, and marathon) to raise funds that will directly support essential workers and their families. So far, hundreds of people across the nation have raised over $10K just by running. If you're not a runner, it's still easy to donate your time, supplies, or extra cash. Just by asking people to donate what they have, we've been able to send $1 million worth of care packages directly to over 16 million essential workers in all fifty states since April. These simple contributions can make a giant difference in making essential heroes in our country feel appreciated.
It's been easy to feel helpless when we're limited to the confines of our living space, but Give Essential has allowed a community of volunteers and donors to connect directly with essential workers from across the country. Even in uncertain times like these, we can all be part of a positive force that makes a meaningful impact.
To sign up as a donor or request a care package as an essential worker, please visit Give Essentials' website.
College Students, It's Up to Us to Uplift Essential Workers - Here's an Easy Way to Do It
Cindy is the creative director at Give Essential, a 501(c)(3) that has supported thousands of essential workers in the US during the COVID-19 pandemic. She studies economics and political science at Dartmouth College and spends her free time cracking dad jokes.
As I packed a small carry-on suitcase to head home after exams last March, I left behind a basket full of laundry and stacks of unkempt papers in my dorm. It was just two weeks: I'd clean up when I got back.
Only, I never did. Two weeks turned into two months, then two seasons. My plans to reunite with my closest friends in the spring and take on my dream internship in New York were thrown out the window, and my social interactions were left to the whims of my WiFi speed and a 13-inch computer screen.
Yet, it feels entitled to lament these losses when millions of Americans - like the grocery clerks stocking the supermarket shelves and electrical support personnel keeping the lights on - were (and still are) forced to face the frontlines of a pandemic every day with little recognition whatsoever.
These Americans comprise the "hidden frontline." They are the 12.9 million Americans working "essential" jobs who put their health at risk and leave their families behind, all while making less than a living wage. To put that into perspective, these working Americans continue to keep our lives running like "normal," all while struggling to scrap together the funds to buy basic household cleaning supplies.
The pandemic has merely aggravated the plights underpaid workers face every day.
While the buzz around essential workers has winded down, the struggles these people and their families face have not. The pandemic has merely aggravated the plights underpaid workers face every day. We've endured half a year of this pandemic, but let's not forget that essential workers have borne the brunt of the financial and emotional impact. As students who are now "doomed" to live out our campus life virtually, we can put our newfound free time to use and help those who need it most. Now more than ever, not only do we have the rare opportunity to help, but our help is also desperately needed.
Helping essential workers can be tricky. Where do you even start? What if you don't have much money in the bank? How can you help from the limits of your dorm room? Questions like this spurred a group of my fellow college classmates at Dartmouth College and I to start Give Essential, a nonprofit that connects essential workers in need of household items with donors who are able to support them. It's our mission to make it easier than ever for anyone, especially college students, to help frontline workers.
To make supporting essential workers as accessible as possible, Give Essential is hosting Run For the Frontline (a virtual 5K, half marathon, and marathon) to raise funds that will directly support essential workers and their families. So far, hundreds of people across the nation have raised over $10K just by running. If you're not a runner, it's still easy to donate your time, supplies, or extra cash. Just by asking people to donate what they have, we've been able to send $1 million worth of care packages directly to over 16 million essential workers in all fifty states since April. These simple contributions can make a giant difference in making essential heroes in our country feel appreciated.
It's been easy to feel helpless when we're limited to the confines of our living space, but Give Essential has allowed a community of volunteers and donors to connect directly with essential workers from across the country. Even in uncertain times like these, we can all be part of a positive force that makes a meaningful impact.
To sign up as a donor or request a care package as an essential worker, please visit Give Essentials' website.
College Students, It's Up to Us to Uplift Essential Workers - Here's an Easy Way to Do It
Cindy is the creative director at Give Essential, a 501(c)(3) that has supported thousands of essential workers in the US during the COVID-19 pandemic. She studies economics and political science at Dartmouth College and spends her free time cracking dad jokes.
As I packed a small carry-on suitcase to head home after exams last March, I left behind a basket full of laundry and stacks of unkempt papers in my dorm. It was just two weeks: I'd clean up when I got back.
Only, I never did. Two weeks turned into two months, then two seasons. My plans to reunite with my closest friends in the spring and take on my dream internship in New York were thrown out the window, and my social interactions were left to the whims of my WiFi speed and a 13-inch computer screen.
Yet, it feels entitled to lament these losses when millions of Americans - like the grocery clerks stocking the supermarket shelves and electrical support personnel keeping the lights on - were (and still are) forced to face the frontlines of a pandemic every day with little recognition whatsoever.
These Americans comprise the "hidden frontline." They are the 12.9 million Americans working "essential" jobs who put their health at risk and leave their families behind, all while making less than a living wage. To put that into perspective, these working Americans continue to keep our lives running like "normal," all while struggling to scrap together the funds to buy basic household cleaning supplies.
The pandemic has merely aggravated the plights underpaid workers face every day.
While the buzz around essential workers has winded down, the struggles these people and their families face have not. The pandemic has merely aggravated the plights underpaid workers face every day. We've endured half a year of this pandemic, but let's not forget that essential workers have borne the brunt of the financial and emotional impact. As students who are now "doomed" to live out our campus life virtually, we can put our newfound free time to use and help those who need it most. Now more than ever, not only do we have the rare opportunity to help, but our help is also desperately needed.
Helping essential workers can be tricky. Where do you even start? What if you don't have much money in the bank? How can you help from the limits of your dorm room? Questions like this spurred a group of my fellow college classmates at Dartmouth College and I to start Give Essential, a nonprofit that connects essential workers in need of household items with donors who are able to support them. It's our mission to make it easier than ever for anyone, especially college students, to help frontline workers.
To make supporting essential workers as accessible as possible, Give Essential is hosting Run For the Frontline (a virtual 5K, half marathon, and marathon) to raise funds that will directly support essential workers and their families. So far, hundreds of people across the nation have raised over $10K just by running. If you're not a runner, it's still easy to donate your time, supplies, or extra cash. Just by asking people to donate what they have, we've been able to send $1 million worth of care packages directly to over 16 million essential workers in all fifty states since April. These simple contributions can make a giant difference in making essential heroes in our country feel appreciated.
It's been easy to feel helpless when we're limited to the confines of our living space, but Give Essential has allowed a community of volunteers and donors to connect directly with essential workers from across the country. Even in uncertain times like these, we can all be part of a positive force that makes a meaningful impact.
To sign up as a donor or request a care package as an essential worker, please visit Give Essentials' website.
Articles
