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COUNTYCIVIL.COM
OCTOBER 2022
TO ENSURE YOUR OPINIONS ARE TRUE TO YOU Keep an Open Mind
When you’re curious about something or want to learn about world events, how do you find out more? You may pull out your phone, tablet, or computer and go to Google or your preferred search engine. Others may turn on their TVs and watch the news. Today, so much knowledge is at our fingertips. We can search for anything and find thousands of documents on each particular topic. But how do you know that what you’re reading, watching, or listening to is accurate? I’m a curious person. I love to know what’s happening around me, and I’m constantly questioning the information I find online or on TV. I’ve noticed that each media outlet has different biases and perspectives when sharing information. For example, I can turn on my local news, Fox News, CNN, NBC, or other channels that are talking about the same topic — and I’ll receive conflicting information. Trying to understand what’s factual and what’s an opinion gets confusing. Therefore, I conduct my own research to help me develop my own thoughts and beliefs. Now, I know what you’re thinking: Rick, how do you research topics with all the information around us? That’s a great question! I will see what several news outlets say about a topic and use different search engines to find out more. When looking at details online, I see if the research is peer-reviewed or look into the sources an outlet cited. Then, I will look at the information the cited source released and if they cited other sources. Sometimes, I even look into other countries’ news outlets to see what they’re saying about U.S. topics and events. It’s time-consuming to ensure that the information I see in the media is accurate. But I would rather spend time finding out if the information is factual rather than blindly trusting the first thing I hear or read. Another thing that helps is to keep an open mind. Today, I’ve noticed that some people aren’t willing to listen to others if they have differing opinions. But how can you validate (or sometimes even find) the truth if you don’t acknowledge the opposing side? You don’t want to be close-minded and only consider your ideas.
Suppose you’re not open to other ideas and perspectives. In that case, it’s difficult to see all the factors contributing to problems or come up with solutions. So, don’t be afraid to question what you see on TV, social media, or the internet — it’s good to be curious. If you’re discussing topics with your loved ones, remember that you’re having this conversation to further each other’s thinking — not to prove yourself right and others wrong.
Don’t be afraid to question what you see on TV, social media, or the internet — it’s good to be curious.
Instead, keep an open mind when talking with others who think differently from you. Likewise, if you do your own research and find information you disagree with, don’t disregard it. You can gain insight by having your beliefs and opinions challenged when you’re open- minded. You’ll have the opportunity to see if your views are valid when you compare them to other information you learn. In addition to this, you will achieve personal growth and become mentally stronger. As you conduct your own research and learn new things and view other perspectives, it will help you grow as a person as your experiences and knowledge continue to build upon itself. As we approach the holiday season, many conversations may occur about topics that stir up different opinions. So try to keep an open mind, remain curious, be respectful, and ask questions.
Until next time.
-Rick E. Risk
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Published by Newsletter Pro • www.NewsletterPro.com
THE MAN WHO FELT 20 YEARS YOUNGER WANTED TO LEGALLY CHANGE HIS AGE
We’ve all heard about people legally changing their name or gender, but have you ever heard about someone trying to change their legal age? In 2018, a 69-year-old Dutch man named Emile Ratelband petitioned a court for permission to change his age. He wanted to alter the year he was born on his birth certificate by 20 years so he could be 49 years old. So, how did this case end? Let’s find out. What was his reasoning? Ratelband wanted to change his age because he argued that he felt 20 years younger. He said his doctors told him that he had the body of a younger man, and his health was far better than most men his age. October is National Eat Better Month. We’ve all heard about the amazing benefits of eating healthy. But with a busy schedule, it can be challenging to incorporate nutritious and healthy meals into your routine. So, whether you’re slammed with work, caring for your children or grandchildren, or busy running errands, here are a few ways to positively change your eating habits. These tips can benefit both your mental and physical health! Healthy Ideas for Eating Out Going to a restaurant is a popular solution you may use when you’ve had a busy day. Before heading out, look at the menu online in advance or ask your waiter for healthy alternatives to dishes. When ordering, consider these options.
He alleged that he experienced age discrimination because, being 69, he is limited in what he can do. If he were 49, he could buy a house and car and work more hours, and his chances on the dating app Tinder would improve if he were younger. What was the court’s decision? Ratelband’s argument did not convince the district court in the Dutch city of Arnhem. The court said there was no evidence that Ratelband had experienced age discrimination. It stated that, unlike legally changing your name or gender, changing your age causes many problems such as the many rights and duties related to age, such as voting, attending school, military obligations, and pension.
Although Ratelband has the freedom to feel 20 years younger, mentally and physically, he cannot legally change his age because of the legal and societal implications that would follow, the court added.
The district court rejected Ratelband’s request, but he plans to appeal.
In the Netherlands, the public doesn’t take Ratelband’s claims seriously. They even make fun of his international exposure and willingness to provide interviews worldwide to justify his wishes. So what do you think of this legal case? Is age just a number? Let us know your thoughts!
How to Eat Healthier Even When You Have No Time
Saving Money and Staying Healthy With Meal Prepping Cooking dinner every night can be stressful and time-consuming. Instead, schedule one day out of the week where you prepare or cook meals for the entire week. You will save money by eating at home rather than going out, and you can control your portions, what sides you want, and how you want to season them. Look up meal plans and recipes online for inspiration. Or consider making some of your favorite dishes ahead of time so you can enjoy them later. Changing eating habits isn’t easy, especially if it’s part of your regular routine — and one you have with your family. So, if you don’t get it on the first try, that’s okay! But, with some practice and modifications, you will find a system that works for you and everyone involved.
Instead, try a veggie-based meal, but if you want some protein, order skinless chicken with your entree. Portions can be large, so ask if smaller portions are available — or consider only eating half of your meal and saving the rest for later.
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Staying Healthy While Eating Fast Food Fast food can be healthy, too! Many fast-food chains have calorie counts on their menus to see what you’re getting, but here are some other strategies you can implement.
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Avoid fried foods like fries, onion rings, or chicken strips. Go for skinless or grilled chicken, and fruits and veggies instead. Don’t order the largest meal or combo. Instead, order the smallest size the restaurant has or even off the kids’ menu for your favorite meals to ease your stomach and cravings.
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For an appetizer, try a small salad or broth-based soup. For entrees, avoid greasy or oily dishes.
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Don’t Drink and Drive AS WE APPROACH THE HOLIDAY SEASON
As we approach the holiday season, there will be plenty of parties and celebrations you can attend. But unfortunately, until the end of the year, more drunk driving accidents will occur. So before you plan which Halloween costume you want to wear, what to bring to the Thanksgiving feast, where to have your Christmas party, and where you want to ring in the new year, figure out how you will make it home safely. For Hosts As a host, you want to ensure that your guests have a great time and are comfortable. But most importantly, you want them to be safe. When guests arrive, collect their keys and don’t return them to anyone who’s had too much to drink. You will be able to know who is leaving and if they are in the right state to drive. Be prepared to arrange Uber or Lyft rides or, if you have room, allow people to stay the night so they can sober up. For Guests Before you arrive at your destination, have a plan for how to get home. Will you be calling an Uber? Do you have a designated driver? Are you spending the night? But if you decide that you’ll be driving home, avoid drinking or wait an hour between having each alcoholic beverage. Make sure you eat a fulfilling meal before going
out and drink plenty of water between drinks. For Drivers Unfortunately, you can take all of the precautions but still find yourself in a collision with other drivers who are intoxicated. The best thing
to keep you and your passengers safe is to buckle up, keep your eyes on the road, and drive defensively. Use extreme caution when going through intersections, stop lights, or stop signs. The holidays are a great time to gather with your loved ones and be festive, but please be safe. Your friends at County Civil would like to wish you and your family a happy and safe holiday season.
BATS BROOMSTICK CEMETERY CREEPY GRAVE HALLOWEEN
HARVEST MAZE MONSTER SCARECROW SKELETON TREATS
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Published by Newsletter Pro • www.NewsletterPro.com
2383 Tamarack St., Lake Odessa, MI 48849 616-374-7170 | COUNTYCIVIL.COM R isk & A ssociates
Rick Risk is Founder and President of Risk & Associates, a legal support service provider in Michigan, and has assisted hundreds of attorneys, municipalities, courts, Sheriff Offices, businesses, and others with their strategic process needs.
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
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Stay Curious and Ask Questions!
Age Is Just a Number
3 Ways to Eat Healthier While on the Go
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Be Safe This Holiday Season
Fast-Food Hero
Teenager Saves a Woman’s Life AFTER TAKING ONE FIRST-AID TRAINING CLASS
It was a typical day at work for 15-year-old McDonald’s worker Sydney Raley — she was taking orders, engaging with customers, and delivering food. Everything went as planned for Raley until the unexpected happened. After handing a woman part of her order, Raley left the drive-thru window to retrieve the rest of her food. But when she returned, something strange happened. “She was coughing like crazy, and I noticed she was gagging … I immediately knew, ‘Oh, no, she’s
She immediately told her colleague to dial 911 as she dove through the drive-thru window to help the choking woman. Besides working at the fast-food chain, Raley was also a babysitter and had taken a first-aid class through the Red Cross. In this class, she learned the Heimlich maneuver, which Raley used to dislodge the chicken nugget the woman had eaten. Although the woman was in shock after what she endured, she felt grateful for the teen and her act of heroism. Her bravery didn’t go unnoticed by Paul Ostergaard either, the owner-operator of the McDonald’s where Raley worked. He told CNN, “Sydney truly personifies what it is to be a hero.” In addition to this recognition, Raley also received $100 from a fund first-responders use to reward people who do brave work within the community. Thank you, Sydney, for showing us that not all heroes wear capes — they are in our community everywhere we go. We encourage everyone to take a first-aid training course, so all of us can become the heroes of tomorrow. Plus, you never know when that knowledge will come in handy.
choking,’” Raley told CNN. The woman’s daughter freaked out because she felt so scared for her mother. Even some of the McDonald’s employees seemed shocked and momentarily unable to take action. Luckily, Raley knew what to do.
4 COUNTYCIVIL.COM
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