Learning keeps your brain active and engaged, and it can help you to better understand the world around you. Plus, it’s just fun to learn new things. Though it can be hard to find spare time these days, most of us are able to carve out a few hours to relax or to enjoy some TV show that we like. The way you use your free time is entirely up to you, but it’s worth considering that picking up a new skill or hobby that interests you could be beneficial for you on both a practical and emotional level. If you’re not sure where to start, keep reading to find out how to learn something new every day.

How can you learn something new every day?

An effective way to make sure you’re always learning is to find a new hobby. Maybe you’ve always wanted to learn how to play the guitar or been fascinated by the art of origami. Whatever it is, find something that you’re interested in and go for it. Not only will you develop a ton of new skills, but you’ll have fun doing it.

Even if you don’t work in tech, it’s a good idea to try to keep up with news from the finance world, considering that it significantly impacts our daily lives. Why not make it a priority to learn about different investment strategies? Learning about crypto, and even considering incorporating a crypto on ramp for your app or small business, will help you improve your financial knowledge. Not only that, but learning about tech like this can boost your business too.

One environment where you’re guaranteed to learn a lot more than one new thing every day is when you’re at school. If you’re thinking about school or changing careers, you’ll be overwhelmed by how much knowledge there is for you to explore. Whether you’re interested in a barber program or a traditional four-year program, there’s no doubt that you will be leaving new things all the time.

What are the benefits of always learning new things?

As humans, we are constantly evolving and learning new things. This is what makes us unique and helps us to grow as individuals. Learning new things keeps our minds active and sharp, and it also allows us to explore different aspects of life. It can also help us to stay current with the latest trends and developments. Additionally, learning new things can help us to become more well-rounded individuals. It can give us new perspectives and help us to see the world in a different light. Studies even suggest that learning can be connected to increased happiness.

There’s a reason that people often talk about learning new skills as a way to keep your brain active and healthy as you age – it’s because learning new things actually does make your brain stronger. When you learn something new, your brain has to form new connections between its cells in order to store the new information, the more connections your brain has, the stronger it becomes. Think of it like going to the gym, but for your mind.

It doesn’t matter as much what type of activity or skill you choose to pursue. What matters is that it interests you and you genuinely want to keep learning or practicing. Not only will you have a new activity to enjoy, you’ll be giving your brain a boost at the same time. Learning new things forces the brain to form new connections and strengthen existing ones. This is particularly useful for older adults or individuals who suffer from any type of memory loss. No matter who you are or what your age is, there’s no reason you shouldn’t try to learn something new every day.

A retractable awning is a perfect way to enjoy the outdoors without having to worry about the sun or the rain. They provide shade from the sun’s rays and protection from the rain, making them the perfect addition to any deck or patio. Additionally, you can also install a retractable pool deck to transform your swimming space into a multi-use area that can give you the best of both worlds.

If you are looking to upgrade your outdoor space and add shade, comfort, style, and other things to your backyard, a retractable awning and pool deck could elevate your home. Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of installing awnings and pool decks that are retractable.

Safety and Protection.

A retractable pool deck serves as pool cover and is an excellent way to keep your pool clean and free from debris. It also offers complete coverage, so you never have to worry about leaves or other objects falling into your pool. With simple operation, you can cover your pool to ensure that it stays clean and clear. This is especially beneficial during storms when things could be blown into the pool.

Aside from serving as a cover for debris, a retractable pool deck can add increased safety as it can be used to prevent anyone from entering the water. It aids in effectively sealing off the pool to provide enhanced safety for children and pets. In addition to any fening or gates that you might also use to secure your pool area, a retractable deck will ensure that no one can get into the water even if they access the area.

Shade and Privacy

Retractable awnings are the perfect solution for shading your pool deck and providing privacy. They can provide shade on hot days, helping you to stay cool and comfortable. Not only do they provide shade, but they also keep your deck cooler, which is perfect for those hot summer days. Additionally, awnings provide much-needed privacy, which is perfect for those who want to relax by the pool without being seen.

Style and Comfort

If you’re looking to add some comfort and luxury to your outdoor space, you should consider installing a retractable awning and pool deck. Retractable pool decks and awnings can help create enjoyable outdoor spaces to relax or entertain guests in. Awnings are available in a variety of colors and styles, so you can find the perfect one for your home. Additionally, pool decks can be customized to any space with a variety of materials to create seamless transitions between an open swimming area and a sturdy outdoor deck or patio.

Retractable awnings and retractable pool decks are two of the latest trends in outdoor design, and they add style and sophistication to any outdoor space. They are also a great way to increase the value of your home.

Easy Installation And Operation

Awnings and pool decks provide a variety of benefits to homeowners. They are both easy to install and remove, making them a great option for homeowners who want the benefits of an awning or pool deck without the permanence. In many cases, qualified professionals can have these installed quickly and efficiently without any major construction or hassle. Once installed, the touch of a button can transform your outdoor space in a matter of seconds. The ease of installation and operation makes retractable pool decks and awnings very popular choices.

Retractable pool decks and awnings are a great addition to any home, and they come with several benefits, such as providing shade from the sun’s UV rays and adding additional patio space. They are a great way to enjoy the outdoors while creating a comfortable and inviting outdoor living space.

Basement bathrooms can be a great way to add extra living space to your home. They can also be a great way to add value to your home. While installing a basement bathroom can seem like a daunting task, with a little preparation, it can be a relatively easy project. You’ll want to ensure that your basement is waterproof and that it can handle housing a bathroom. Aside from this, there are a few things that you should consider. Let’s take a look at some things that you should know before you install a bathroom in your basement.

Determine the feasibility of a bathroom in your basement.

If you are thinking about installing a bathroom in your basement, you will first want to determine the feasibility of doing so. There are a few things you will need to take into consideration, such as the availability of space, the layout of your basement, and the cost of installation.

If you have enough space in your basement, the layout of your plumbing, and the necessary permits, then installing a bathroom in your basement may be a good option for you. However, if your basement is small or doesn’t have enough space for a bathroom, then this may not be the best option.

The cost of installing a bathroom in your basement can vary depending on the size of the bathroom, the type of plumbing involved, and the materials used. However, it is generally more expensive to install a bathroom in your basement than it is to install one on the main level of your home. Be sure to create a good renovation budget to know exactly how much you can afford to spend. Be sure to consult with a professional to get accurate estimates and advice on what is involved.

Choose the right materials for your basement bathroom.

When selecting materials for your basement bathroom, be sure to choose water-resistant and durable products. For example, ceramic tile is a good choice for flooring, while a fiberglass shower stall is ideal for a bathroom in a basement. Consider the space and then environment when selecting your building materials and the finishes. There are many options for toilets and sinks and other things, so be sure to consult with a contractor for advice.

When looking at bidets for sale, for example, you want to ensure that you select the right size and application for the bathroom. You’ll also want to select an item that will go with the other finishes in the room. Planning ahead for things like sinks, toilets, bidets, showers, and other things will help make the process simpler in the long run.

Check on the basement walls and foundation first.

There are a few things you need to take into account before installing a bathroom in your basement. The most important factor is the condition of your basement’s foundation and floor. If your basement is prone to flooding or has water seepage issues, it’s best to address those problems before installing a bathroom. Otherwise, you could end up with a wet, moldy basement and expensive repair bills. Depending on where you live, you can search for ” basement and foundation repair in Stow, OH,” for example, to find a qualified contractor in your area to help with repairs.

Know the codes in your area.

In general, a bathroom in your basement must comply with the same code requirements as a bathroom on any other level of your home. However, there may be some specific requirements governing basement bathrooms in your area. You’ll want to be sure to check with your local building department before starting your project. If you are working with a professional contractor, they will also be aware of any restrictions.

Given the complexity of some plumbing and electrical issues you may encounter, it is strongly encouraged that you work with a contractor to install a bathroom in your basement. With some consideration, you can have a new basement bathroom in no time.

If you’re young and starting out in your first serious relationship, it’s important to take some time to plan your finances. This means reviewing your credit score, doing your research, and making a plan for your money. By taking these steps, you can ensure that you and your partner are on sound financial footing.

Review your credit score.

When it comes to financial planning, young couples have a lot of things to consider. From budgeting and saving to investing and insurance, there are many important steps to take in order to secure a solid financial future. One of the most important things you can do is to review your credit score and make sure it is as high as possible.

Your credit score is a measure of your creditworthiness and is used by lenders to determine how likely you are to repay a loan. A high credit score means you are a low-risk borrower and may be eligible for lower interest rates on loans and credit cards. A low credit score can lead to higher interest rates and may make it difficult to get approved for a loan or credit card at all.

Research your financial options.

When you’re young, starting out and buying your first home, there are a lot of things to think about. You have to find the right home, make an offer, have it accepted, get a mortgage, and then eventually move in. It can be a lot of work, but it’s also an exciting time.

One of the most important things to do during this process is to research your financial options. One of the best options for young couples is private lending. Private lending can provide you with the money you need to buy your home, without having to go through a bank.

When it comes to private lending, there are a lot of different things to think about. For young couples, it’s especially important to make sure that they’re getting the best deal possible. The private lending Boise depends on can be a great way to get money for a house or other large purchase, but it’s important to do your research first.

There are a few different things you’ll need to think about when researching private lending. The first is interest rates. Private lenders often have higher interest rates than traditional banks, so it’s important to make sure that you’re getting a good deal. You’ll also want to think about the terms of the loan. Make sure that you know how long you’ll have to pay it back, and what the penalties are for late payments.

Another thing to think about is the reputation of the private lender. Do your research and make sure that the lender you choose is reputable and has a good track record. You don’t want to end up in a situation where you can’t pay back the loan and the lender starts harassing you.

Private lending can be a great way to get money for a house or other large purchase, but it’s important to do your research first. By taking the time to learn about the different lenders out there, you can make sure that you get the best deal possible.

Make a plan for your money.

When you are in your twenties, you may feel invincible and like you have all the time in the world. However, you should start thinking about your future and how you will financially support yourself and your partner. One of the best ways to do this is by creating a financial plan.

One key element of a financial plan is investing. Investing can be a great way to secure your future and ensure you have enough money to live on in retirement. However, there are many different ways to invest.

For instance, when it comes to investing in diamonds, there are a few things that young couples should keep in mind. It’s important to educate yourself about diamond trends before investing in them.

If you’re not sure how to invest in diamonds, you may want to consider investing in a diamond ETF. This will give you exposure to the diamond market without having to purchase individual diamonds.

By following these tips, young couples can start off on the right foot financially and build a foundation for a prosperous future.

There are many potential causes of temperature imbalances in the home. Inefficient heating or cooling systems are often the roots of the problem, but poor insulation, window placement, and even the use of certain appliances can also lead to uncomfortable temperatures in different parts of the house. Below, we’ll explore five of the most common causes of temperature imbalances in the home.

Inefficient Heating or Cooling Systems

Improper ventilation can cause a room to be too hot or too cold, while incorrect HVAC settings can cause one part of the house to be much hotter or colder than the rest. Blocked vents can also lead to temperature imbalances since they can prevent air from circulating properly.

Another common cause of temperature imbalances in the use of outdated or faulty heating and cooling systems. Old, outdated, or malfunctioning heating or cooling systems can lead to serious temperature imbalances in the home. If your system is more than 10 years old, it may not be operating as efficiently as it should, which can result in uncomfortable temperatures in certain parts of the house. If your heating or cooling system is not cooling or heating the house properly, then it will not be able to properly regulate the temperature in your home, and you may need to have it serviced or replaced by a company in your area. To find the right contractor for you, you can Google “HVAC in Fresno” or your city.

Heat Loss and Drafts From Windows and Doors

Drafts from windows and doors are often a primary culprit. Leaky windows and doors allow air to escape, which can cause the temperature in the home to fluctuate. This can lead to both discomfort and increased energy costs, and this can be due to a variety of factors, such as poor insulation, lack of weatherstripping, and old or leaky doorframes that allow warm and cold air to flow in and out at inopportune times. Replacing old, drafty doors and using a reputable service like window replacement in Grand Rapids, MI to swap yours with newer, energy-efficient windows can help to improve the temperature balance in the home.

Window placement can create issues as well. Windows that face the sun can cause serious temperature imbalances in the home. In the summer, the sun will heat up the inside of the house, while in the winter the cold air will seep in through the windows. If you are experiencing temperature imbalances in your home, you may need to adjust the placement of your windows. Another window-based cause is sunlight. If your home is sunny, you may find that it is too hot in some areas and too cool in others. This can be due to a variety of factors, such as large windows and skylights, south-facing windows, and direct sunlight.

Sealing up the leaks and seeking the proper window treatments can help to keep the temperature more consistent.

Poor Insulation

One of the most common causes is poor or inadequate insulation. In the winter, insulation helps to keep the warm air inside the home, and in the summer, it helps to keep the cool air inside. If your home is not properly insulated, then the cold air will escape through the roof and walls in the winter and the hot air will escape through the roof and walls in the summer. This can cause your home to be either too cold or too hot, depending on the season, which can be very uncomfortable. Improving the insulation in the home can help to reduce the amount of heat or cool air that escapes. If your home is not properly insulated, you may need to have it insulated in order to achieve a more comfortable temperature.

Thermostat Settings

One of the most common causes of temperature imbalances in the home is incorrect thermostat settings. If the thermostat is not set correctly, it can lead to uncomfortable temperatures in certain parts of the home.

Weather Conditions

Weather conditions can play a large role in the temperature of a home. In the winter, cold air can seep in through cracks in the walls and windows, causing the temperature inside to drop. In the summer, the sun can cause the temperature inside the home to rise quickly.

Overall, by addressing the root causes of these issues, homeowners can create a more balanced and energy-efficient home that is comfortable all year round.

If you’re someone who enjoys helping people, you might want to consider a career in counseling. School counselors help students with personal and academic issues. Meanwhile, rehabilitation counselors help people with physical and mental disabilities recover from injuries or illnesses. And social workers help people who are struggling with poverty or other social issues, and therapists help people deal with mental health issues. If you’re not interested in counseling, you might want to consider a career in coaching. Coaches train and guide people and other professionals to achieve their goals. Organizational coaching is a popular field of career because it’s built around guiding others to empower them. Below, you’ll learn more about some of these helpful careers.

School Counselor

School counselors help students in elementary, middle, and high schools with various issues they may be experiencing in their lives. They work with teachers, parents, and administrators to create a safe and healthy learning environment for every student. Some of the duties of a school counselor include helping students with personal and social problems, providing academic counseling, and helping students develop their career plans. They also work with parents to create positive relationships with their children’s education. A school counselor should have excellent communication skills, be able to work with people of all ages, and have a passion for helping others. They must also be able to stay organized and manage their time effectively. A degree in counseling, psychology, social work, or a related field is typically required for this career.

Rehabilitation Counselor

Careers for those who have a knack for helping people don’t come much more fulfilling than that of a rehabilitation counselor. These professionals work with clients who have been injured or who are suffering from a chronic illness in order to help them regain their ability to function. Rehabilitation counselors typically have a background in psychology, social work, or medicine, and they must be able to work with clients from all walks of life. The work of a rehabilitation counselor is often challenging, but it is also incredibly rewarding. These professionals help clients to set and achieve goals, and they work to help their clients regain their independence. They also provide support to clients’ families and friends, and they may act as advocates for their clients in the healthcare system. Rehabilitation counselors typically work in hospitals, clinics, or private practices. They may also work for insurance companies, schools, or government agencies. No matter where they work, these professionals are always in demand due to the increasing number of people who need their help.

Caregiver

There are many career opportunities for those who have a knack for helping people. One such opportunity is in the field of caregiver. In Beaver, PA, there is a living assistance community that is always in need of talented and compassionate individuals. The living assistance community in Beaver, PA is a great place to work for those who want to help others. It is a supportive and friendly environment where employees are encouraged to put their patients first. The community offers a wide variety of services, including assisted living, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation.

Organizational Coach

Coaches help people achieve their goals by providing guidance and support. Coaches typically have a background in psychology, counseling, or sports medicine. A coaches’ training program will teach you the essential skills you need to be a successful coach. You will learn how to motivate and inspire your clients, and how to help them overcome challenges. You will also learn how to create a safe and supportive environment for your clients. The coach’s training program will also teach you about the business of coaching. You will learn how to market your services, and how to build and maintain your client base. You will also learn how to charge for your services, and how to deal with difficult clients.

If you want to help people, these are a few great career choices for you.

Pets are the perfect addition to complete any family. Your four-legged companions bring joy, comfort, and laughter to your life while showing you unconditional love. However, all this love and affection doesn’t exactly come for free. You’ll still need to budget and plan for pet expenses throughout the year.

As with any big decision—like bringing a pet into your home—it helps to know the facts about what you’re taking on. We’ve compiled a helpful list for you to understand what the average pet owner will spend on their animals every year. Of course, this will vary based on the pet breed, your personal schedule, and so much more. However, you can get a good idea of what you may be looking at as you prepare to bring in a new addition to your home.

Cover the basic costs of food.

Food is the top cost of raising a pet because you are constantly replenishing it. Depending on the dietary and individual needs of your specific animal, you may need special food or to try different kinds throughout the year. Dog owners tend to spend more on food than cat owners as an example of the two most common house pets. On average, many spend about $500 on food for their pets throughout the year.

Make sure you’re prepared for any veterinary fees.

Keeping your pets healthy will also end up costing you. On a basic level, you may want to take them in for annual checkups, which will usually cost between $100 and $300. If you need vaccinations, emergency appointments, or specialty veterinary care, this will obviously end up adding to your yearly costs. It will also help you to find a reliable vet that you can go to whenever needed. Whether it’s veterinary services in Cleveland, OH, or Malibu, CA, you need a great vet that will offer quality medical care for your beloved pets at a decent price.

Take care of your pet even when you’re not at home.

Life can get busy for everyone, including pet owners. Whether you’re going on vacation for several days or have a busy schedule for one afternoon, you may need to pay someone to watch over your pets. Budget some extra funds from a credit union in Kentwood, MI, or wherever you’re located so you can board your dog or pay a pet sitter when you’re out of town. There are even services you can use to hire someone to walk your dog if you’re away for the day. Depending on your lifestyle and the amount of traveling you do, this may cost less than $100 a year or much more.

Keep your pet looking great with grooming costs.

It’s healthy for pets to stay groomed and always look their best. Especially as a dog owner, you’ll want to factor grooming costs into your pet budget. Many owners will spend a few hundred dollars keeping their dogs groomed every year.

Consider buying pet insurance.

Just like you purchase health insurance for yourself, you may want to consider getting pet insurance for your animals. By paying a few dollars a month, you save yourself from a huge fee if you need emergency surgery for your animals. You also may need pet insurance depending on where you live to protect an apartment from any potential damage from your animals.

Budget a little extra to spoil your pets.

Of course, you need to pay for all the necessities for your pets, but you’ll want to have a little extra money to spoil them a little. Toys, splurge items, and accessories can be special treats that your pets will love and enjoy. Save anywhere from $50-$500 to give your pets a fun and exciting life with these extra items.

Living the high life is a goal for many people. Generally, it entails having a substantial amount of cash on hand, along with savings and investments. Unfortunately, not many people can afford this lifestyle due to meager earnings, increasing debt, and financial emergencies.

The good news is that you can still live the high life on a tight budget. However, this requires a great deal of creativity and smart thinking. Thankfully, the below-listed secrets to living your life on a low budget will help you get started on your journey.

Pay off your credit card in full.

Before contemplating living bigger, strive to become debt-free. Studies show that millions of people worldwide are burdened with high-interest unsecured debt. No one wants to live with the burden of personal credit card debt. Are you looking to improve your financial health? Think about taking a debt consolidation loan to pay off your debts. Alternatively, consider signing up for a debt relief program from the best debt relief providers.

A debt relief company can help you pull yourself out of debt and improve your financial situation. They mediate with commercial creditors to accept a lesser amount than the actual debt owed and work with you to create a personalized plan to alleviate the debt burden. All you have to do is make regular monthly deposits into a separate account. The agreed-upon amount is paid to your creditor from your account until the outstanding debt is settled.

Before you consider any debt relief or debt settlement program, endeavor to conduct extensive research to find the best debt relief option for you. The best thing about this is that you get to avoid debt collection calls. The downside is that every lender will consider you a credit risk. What’s more, credit card companies may close down your accounts. Another option is to file for personal bankruptcy. You may need to hire a bankruptcy attorney who is experienced in bankruptcy laws to help with the process.

Switch to a prepaid cellphone plan.

People use mobile phones for various purposes like keeping in touch with loved ones, conducting business, and being prepared in case of an emergency. Most people living in the United States think about T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon when it comes to cellphone providers. They offer recurring monthly plans which are relatively expensive. These plans often provide more data, newer phone technology, and faster speeds than you need.

Switching to a prepaid cellphone plan can help you significantly reduce your monthly phone bill. A prepaid cellphone plan can get cheaper if you do away with cellular data altogether. You can always use a cell phone booster like that offered by SureCall to address the problem of bad cell phone reception and boost your home’s cell signal.

Their signal booster kits can boost 5G/4G LTE signals for improved text and data speeds, and voice calls on all cell phone providers. Their boosters also have the best price-performance value compared to other boosters on the market. What’s more, aside from improving a weak cell signal, their mobile booster doesn’t require recurring fees. Even better is the fact that you don’t need to hire a professional installer or have special installation expertise to handle the installation process.

Find inexpensive ways to have fun.

Being on a low budget doesn’t necessarily mean that you can have fun. Think about exploring public areas like nature trails and parks. No doubt, spending quality time in the fresh air can help brighten your mood. Best of all, you don’t have to spend a dime to go outside. Just carry refillable water bottles and a lunchbox.

Furthermore, consider going for free events and concerts. You can use social media or web search to find a new government program or event holding in your area. Keep your ear down for any free or inexpensive festivals or concerts happening near you.

Many smokers enjoy lighting up at the end of a long day but don’t know much about what drink they can pair their tobacco with. Finding the right combinations can be tricky even for the most experienced smokers, especially if you don’t have a lot of experience with wine, beer, and other types of alcohol. Fortunately, it isn’t as hard as it seems to find the right drinks to go with the tobacco products of your choice, and some basic rules can help you find the right match for almost anything. If you’re a smoker, keep reading to learn the basics of pairing tobacco with drinks.

What are some high-quality tobacco products?

While anyone can walk down to the corner store and buy a pack of cigarettes, many people prefer to elevate their smoking experiences. There are a number of tobacco products to experiment with beyond cigarettes, like cigars, wraps, and pipe tobacco. Finding high-quality products can be difficult since there are so many tobacco brands, which is why you should take the time to do some research and find the products that you’ll actually enjoy.

If you’re been smoking cigarettes for a while, you may want to try smoking pipe tobacco. You can find a variety of interesting blends with strong flavors. You can find both mentholated blends and those that don’t contain menthol and make use of a spectrum of other tastes and spices. You can also make use of products like leaf wraps to enhance your smoking experience. These Al Capone wraps can be perfect for a relaxing night in by the fire with a glass of wine.

If you have any health conditions, are pregnant, or are taking prescription medication, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor before using tobacco products. Your doctor can tell you more about how they may impact your health or interact with your medications.

How should you pair your tobacco with drinks?

Many people want to know what tobacco product or blend would go best with their favorite wine or American light lager. A light lager generally refers to a lighter version of a brewery’s premium lager. While some of these beers have a lower alcohol content, many are just as strong as premium beer but contain fewer carbohydrates and calories. When consuming American light beer, many tobacco experts recommend a cigar with a mellow flavor and notes of citrus or vanilla.

Generally, as your beer style trends get darker, you should look for cigars and tobacco blends that offer a deeper flavor and more medium-bodied smoke. The malt flavor of a darker lager will often pair well with something that has both sweet and earthy notes. Red wine also goes well with a medium-bodied smoke.

White wine is more delicate, and a cigar with a bitter taste may provide a poor mouthfeel. Something mild with hints of cinnamon spice or coffee is your best bet if you want a great pairing for your favorite chardonnay. It’s important to find a tobacco product that won’t overpower the sweetness but still complements the oak flavor.

It can be enjoyable to pair a cigar with a cold glass of beer or a freshly opened bottle of wine, but finding the right pairings can take some trial and error if you don’t know what you’re doing. There is a lot of flavor diversity in both alcohol and tobacco, so much so that newer smokers may be surprised by their versatility. As long as you stick to the basic rule of pairing bitter drinks with a tobacco blend that can stand up to the strong flavor and using smoother smokes for more delicate drinks, you’re likely to enjoy the experience next time you sit down to relax.

Restaurants are a key part of our neighborhoods. They’re where we go to enjoy a meal together with our family and friends, celebrating special occasions or just enjoying each other’s company. However, restaurants also have a responsibility to the customers they serve to make sure that their food, no matter how delicious, is prepared and served safely for people to eat. It breaks down into four steps for restaurants to follow, in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control, or CDC.

1. Clean

If there’s one thing that the COVID-19 pandemic has stressed, it’s the importance of cleanliness. Restaurant workers should regularly wash their hands for their own personal safety from food-related bacteria, especially when handling raw products in the kitchen. Anyone prepping food should wash their hands for 20 seconds with soap and water before, during, and after preparing food and before eating.

Germs in poultry, seafood, and meats that can cause food poisoning can survive in many places and can spread around a restaurant kitchen. It’s important to scrub surfaces after those raw foods have touched them. Even fruits and vegetables to make a salad require regular rinsing and scrubbing to be safe for use. Restaurants may want to look into biohazard cleaners to properly sanitize everything from refrigerators to sandwich prep tables to make sure contaminants no longer live on those surfaces. Regular cleaning by restaurant staff between shifts can also help kitchen staff keep a leg up against dangerous bacteria.

2. Separate

The second of the CDC’s four tips for food safety is the separation of these foods to avoid cross-contamination. Raw meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs can spread germs to ready-to-eat foods unless they are properly separated. It’s important that cutting boards that are being used for those proteins are not being used for things like fruits and vegetables. You can’t cut raw chicken breast on the same board as iceberg lettuce, for example, even if they are both being used on the same sandwich. Keeping those raw proteins away from other foods prevents any juices or leaks from dripping onto other products and spreading bacteria, protecting the crowds from ingesting anything dangerous.

3. Cook

In order to avoid having these pathogens and viruses impacting cuisine, it’s important that food is cooked properly. This can start with having the proper equipment to keep food safe. The Restaurant Warehouse offers up affordable options when it comes to ovens, grills, and fryers that help to bring foods up to the proper temperature to make sure they are healthy to serve. This includes having cookware that is clean and safe to use when cooking.

A food thermometer can help kitchen staffers determine if foods are ready to hit the dining room. Whole cuts of beef and pork should be cooked to around 145°F, while all poultry should kick to around 165°F. Of course, be wary of any odors or concerns over poultry, dairy, and vegetables that smell or look dangerous to serve.

4. Chill

Bacteria can multiply rapidly if food, particularly meat, seafood, and poultry, are left in what’s called the temperature danger zone between 40°F and 140°F. Eliminating this potential contamination starts with proper cooking but ends with proper storage. Commercial refrigerators should be kept at 40°F or below and should also be part of regular clean-up to make sure no rotting foods linger on the shelves of a fridge.

It’s important to refrigerate perishable food within two hours and to thaw frozen food safely in the refrigerator, cold water, or the microwave. Do not do this on countertops, where bacteria can multiply at room temperature. Taking all of these steps can promote a clean environment and a healthy and enjoyable restaurant experience for your customers.