How To Support Local Law Enforcement

There is an abundance of police officers around the country today who are dedicated to serving and protecting their communities. It is only fitting to show support for their noble endeavors and to appreciate the work that they do. Here are some little ways to do this on one’s own. 

Image source: The Odyssey 

Wear blue: Put a blue stripe – or strip of medium blue or royal blue colored or painted tape – on one’s windshield or rear bumper of the vehicle. Blue can also be painted directly there, measuring about half an inch wide and around 6 inches long. There’s also a campaign called Tuesday Blue’s Day where one can show support by wearing blue. 

Communicate with officers: It means a lot to express appreciation for the work they do, for certain exemplary acts, or for their use of the motto Pride, Integrity, and Guts. This helps overcome the derisive acronym “pig” that has often been unfortunately linked to the police force. 

Spread the word: If you have a positive story or experience with law enforcement, take a few minutes of your time to sharing it with loved ones and friends, or to write about it on social media. Don’t be afraid if it’s a story worth telling! 

Be polite and respectful: Respond politely when pulled over, keeping your hands on the car steering wheel until asked to get your license. Move slowly when you get your identification. Be agreeable and apologize when necessary. Be calm in rather tense situations. 

Consider donating: Donate to a police foundation or a local charity aimed at assisting law enforcement. This will also make a positive impact on preventing and reducing crime in communities. 

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Dr. Tom Maibenco is a family physician who has been an avid supporter of the police, donating through the Fraternal Order of Police Program as an associate member of the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police. More articles like this here.

The Surprising Health Benefits Of Fishing

One may have started fishing after being influenced by a family member or living in an area that supports such lifestyle. No matter one’s reasons for casting the line and waiting for a nibble, fishing offers serious benefits to one’s health and wellness. Here are some of them. 

Image source: Pixabay.com 

Meditation 

 Fishing is a form of meditation for it allows for a little mind clearing as one focuses on a fixed object (the potential catch) in a calming environment. Meditation offers a number of positive effects, from improving one’s immune system to slowing heart rate by enhancing one’s self-confidence. 

Light exercise 

One can burn calories while fishing, and it’s a fun way to exercise and sustain one’s interest. Also, it doesn’t require coordinating with anyone else – one can fish on their own and spend hours outdoors doing it. 

Stress reduction and management 

In surveys, participants reported that their main motivation isn’t just about their potential catch, but also escaping thick crowds. Fishing can help one reduce and manage stress from daily life. In fact, there are now even charities supporting the benefits of fishing in treating post-traumatic stress disorder. 

Vitamin D 

It may not be sunny outside at all times, but with enough outdoor time and sun exposure, one can up their vitamin D reserves. This nutrient helps regulate the calcium and phosphate in the body, keeps bones and teeth health, and has even been explored in the fight against depression. 

Image source: Pixabay.com

Dr. Tom Maibenco is a family physician who is an advocate of many great causes. When he is not busy with his professional and community work, he enjoys the outdoors and loves to go fishing. For similar reads, visit this site.

The Best Fishing Spots In Illinois

Illinois is at once a fishing hotspot, given the presence of the Great Lakes in the state, as well as ideal inland waters for freshwater fishing. Here are some of the best places in Illinois that should give you that angling high.

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Banner Marsh

Located in the 600-acre Johnson Lake in Peoria County, Banner Marsh is teeming with largemouth bass, northern pike, and walleye, among other prized game fish. Anglers can fish both from a boat or at shore. Head to the middle of the Banner Marsh State Fish and Wildlife Area to begin your fishing adventure.

Busse Lake

Busse Lake is just 45 minutes from Chicago, located in Cook County. While it’s not a huge lake, with but a little over 20 miles of shoreline, it offers a wide range of catch, from northern pikes and walleyes to largemouth bass, carps, and muskies. This is a good place for those who want to fish but keep close to the city. Fun detours pre- or post-fishing are the Navy Pier and the Shedd Aquarium.

Kankakee River

Kankakee is actually part of the larger Illinois river, and is one of the best places for freshwater fishing in the state. It offers a wide array of fish, from smallmouth bass and channel catfish to bluegill and the Northern pike. Canoeing is the perfect complement to your fishing. For the kids, there’s the Exploration Station Children’s Museum and the Kankakee Railroad Museum.

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Lake Michigan

Of course, no fishing endeavor in Illinois will be complete without visiting the famed Lake Michigan. Right next to Chicago, it is a great spot to take the family and have them explore the Sears Tower while you go about your angling trip. This is a great lake for fishing salmon, steelhead, and rainbow trout.

Dr. Tom Maibenco is a family physician by profession. During his spare time, he engages in charitable work and loves fishing and the great outdoors. Find more related articles here.

Top Outdoor Destinations Close To Chicago

Spring in Chicago is a great time to visit the great outdoors. Whether you’re a local resident or just there to check out the city surrounds, the places listed below offer a great way to relax and enjoy an outdoor adventure without venturing too far from the big city.

Image source: alyssavnature.com

Dream A Horse, Kettle Moraine

Horseback riding is a scenic and relaxing way to spend your weekend. You can opt for a one-hour or a three-hour adventure through Kettle Moraine and be surrounded by various terrains and sloping passages. Completing your Dream A Horse cowboy adventure is a stop at the local saloon called Eagle.

Lake Geneva Canopy Tours, Lake Geneva

This Lake Geneva tour includes nine miles of hiking and biking through forests and The Hawk’s Nest High Ropes Course. There’s even a zip lining eco-adventure that teaches you about the flora, fauna, and local history as you glide across zip lines and pass sky bridges and spiral staircases.

Hawthorn Hollow Nature Sanctuary & Arboretum, Kenosha

This nature reserve offers 40 acres of diverse, stunning landscapes. You can follow the two-mile hiking trail, as well as visit its 12-acre arboretum, a variety of gardens, and the sanctuary’s three historic buildings.

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Lapham Peak State Park, Delafield

Also located in the Kettle Moraine State Forest, this park offers 17 miles of trails for hiking, backpacking, and mountain biking. When in Lapham, don’t forget to visit the 45-foot observation tower nestled at the highest point in Waukesha County.

Family physician Dr. Tom Maibenco is an advocate of many great causes, including helping his community via the Wounded Warrior Project. He enjoys the outdoors when not busy with work. For more on his work and advocacies, go to this website.