outdoor safety

If you live in the colder northern regions of the U.S., you've most likely experienced your fair share of snow... shoveling it, driving in it, trudging through it, and, of course, playing in it. And while each winter sport – from skiing and snowboarding to ice skating, hockey, sledding and snowshoeing – has its own inherent risks, there are a number of other snow-related things to keep on your radar.
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Those in colder climates don't have to hibernate in the gym all winter to break a sweat. Instead, with the right gear and know-how, you can take your workouts outdoors for the ultimate mind-clearing energy boost. Here are some tips for braving – and actually enjoying – outdoor exercise in the snowy season.
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Having adequate RV insurance is essential to protect your investment and peace of mind while traveling. As with auto insurance, your rates are based on the make and model of your RV, your driving history, and other factors. You may have the option to add RV coverage to your regular auto insurance, but this isn't always recommended. Because your RV is both a home and a vehicle, it may require specialized insurance to provide the right kind of coverage. Each person's RV insurance needs are unique, so choose a policy tailored to your specific requirements and budget.
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There's nothing like an injury in the backcountry to ruin a good summertime adventure. As outdoor enthusiasts know, minor injuries are easy to come by and can include anything from strained muscles, campfire burns, poison ivy rashes, twisted ankles, sunburns, various cuts and scrapes, and the list goes on. And while these may not seem like a big deal on paper, they have a way of crushing the fun.
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With the arrival of summer comes the smell of sizzling food on the grill, as it wafts from across the neighborhood, and backyard dining is once again the norm. According to the Health, Patio, & Barbecue Association, 7 out of 10 families in the U.S. own a grill, making it by far the most common outdoor cooking method. And there's no doubt that summer wouldn't be the same without one.
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For nature lovers, many of the most memorable moments take place in the great outdoors, whether it's catching your first trout on a fly rod or summiting a peak. This is also where people often find the most solace, as time in nature can bring a sense of peace. Unless, of course, things go wrong.
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Winter is coming, whether we're ready or not. Every year, despite all of fall's colorful warning signs, shorter days, and brisk mornings, the first blanket of white always seems to come as an abrupt surprise, dusting all that summer gear you never made it around to storing with regret. This year, no regrets! You're going to clean up, check, and double-check your way to being properly prepared. And here's how you're going to do it.
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For many, summer ushers in sunny afternoons spent lounging by pools, floating lazy rivers, and taking the boat out for waterskiing, fishing, and all things wet and wonderful in Illinois. And, whether by a backyard kiddie pool or a local pond, children are particularly enamored, making water safety a foremost concern for parents.
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As gentle spring breezes give way to summer's scorching temps, many without air conditioning in Illinois will struggle to keep their homes cool. But all is not lost in the absence of central air. There are many simple, tried-and-true measures you can take to bring comfort back to the summer months.
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With summer, comes a welcome invitation for people in Illinois to spend as much time as possible outside. Not only does nature replenish Vitamin D and support immunity; reduce anxiety and depression; lower blood pressure and reduce stress; increase serotonin and reinforce circadian cycles for better sleep; and improve focus, but it may also help reduce cancer risk by increasing anti-cancer proteins. "Being outdoors in nature can be healing and beneficial for the body and mind," says certified therapeutic recreational specialist Erica Price. "Whether at the beach, forest, or in a neighborhood park, nature offers a calming effect. And, when we combine nature with physical activity, it can help fight depression and anxiety."
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Boating season is on the horizon in most parts of the country, and for boaters, it's time to get your vessel out of storage and start performing the necessary inspections and maintenance to ensure that you're ready to hit the water as soon as the weather allows. Follow these tips to get your boat water-ready for summer:
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There are plenty of potentially hazardous activities that go along with the holiday season and the start of winter, such as stringing up Christmas lights, navigating the icy roads, and hopping on those skis or other snow sports equipment, just to name a few. This is also the time of year when we break out the snow shovels and ice melt, so that we, and our neighbors and visitors, can safely navigate our walkways and sidewalks.
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