A few simple tips for improving your personal health

Summer is the time for family vacations and road trips, backyard barbecues, and days at the beach. But as the pace of life slows down after the hustle and bustle of winter and spring, it’s also a great time to make some small health-conscious changes that can make a big difference at the end of the day. Here are a few simple-but-effective tips for improving your personal health this summer.

Eat more berries
Eating a cup of mixed berries each day can have tremendous health benefits. Berries are rich with antioxidants, which help prevent tissue damage and lower the risk of age-related illnesses. It’s just a small change to your diet, but a little goes a long way!

Have some fun while exercising
This doesn’t have to mean hitting the gym. Make the most of the summer weather by doing activities that are both fun and keep you moving. Cycling, hiking, swimming, playing games with the kids—these are all great ways to get some exercise without making it feel like a chore that you have to squeeze into your schedule.

Wear your sunglasses
I know this seems like a no-brainer, but there’s a lot more to wearing sunglasses than just fashion. A good pair of sunglasses should block out at least 99 percent of harmful UV rays.

Play in the dirt
Planting and maintaining a garden can be a great stress reliever. Even something as simple as a few flower boxes or potted plants is a good start.

Logan Square: Has it been a while since you had your funny bone tickled? Well, head on over to Lincoln Lodge this Friday July 30^th, and Saturday July 31^st for a fun-filled evening, full of humor and endless laughter! The lodge is popular for its line-up of aspiring, up-and-coming comedians. Not only does it showcase independent newbie comedians, but it has a rich history in featuring some well-known names in the comeday, including: Amy Schumer, Fred Armisen and Janeane Garofalo among others. Tickets are $13 dollars each. The show starts at 8 p.m and ends at 9:30 p.m. The Lincoln Lodge Theater is located at 2040 N. Milwaukee Ave. Find out more here:https://www.thelincolnlodge.com/

West Loop: The Art of Banksy exhibit is coming to Chicago! The intriguing artwork of the anonymous, English-based graffiti artist is being showcased on Saturday, August 7^th at the Epiphany Center for the Arts. Come and enjoy the eighty-piece art collection of the mysterious artist, who has garnered momentum over the years, for his unique, eye-catching artistry. Tickets range from $29.99 to $99.00. The Epiphany Center for the Arts is located at  201 S. Ashland Ave. Find out more here: https://banksyexhibit.com/chicago/

Lincoln Park: Summertime is just the perfect atmosphere for wine tasting, isn’t it? 

Enjoy this summer season by attending the Lincoln Park Zoo’s annual Summer Wine Fest on Saturday July 31^st, from 6 p.m to 9 p.m. How exciting it must be, sipping on some wine while gallivanting through the various exotic animal domains! The fest will feature over 50 different kinds of wines from over 20 wineries. Tickets are  $20 to $49 dollars each. Lincoln Park Zoo is located at Cannon Drive at Fullerton Parkway. Find out more here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/summer-wine-fest-tickets-160027198659?aff=choosechicago

Streeterville: Strolling to a free event this summer is probably something everyone can enjoy! That’s right- The Wave Wall Moves is completely free! The event showcases performances from various Chicago dances/dancers with a vast array of choreographers. This ongoing event has been around since May, and it does not end until September 4^th. Therefore, you can experience it this weekend on Saturday July 31^st.  The featured dance will be the LBP dance. It starts at 3 p.m and ends at 3:15 p.m. The event is located at 600 E. Grand Ave. Find out more here: https://navypier.org/events-and-public-programs/listing/wave-wall-moves-1  

Anne Thoithi and Dean’s Team Chicago

We all have stress whether it is in our business or personal life. We should always realize that we can decide how to deal with stress instead of letting it ruin our day. Here are some ways to keep the stress in your life from taking over. 

Stress is an emotional or mental strain coming from demanding or adverse conditions. Humans are the only creators that can surmise what may happen in the future and we can therefore become stressed in anticipation of an adverse outcome. Humans can imagine entire realities in their heads. All that thinking about what might happen next is stressful. Perception can be a catalyst for stress. Therefore, two people faced with the same stressors can react quite differently.

Stress is based on our perception of what is going to happen next. If the stressors are threatening, our body will release hormones to help face it. But if we feel in control of the situation we don’t need to be on full alert. Focusing on what we can control can lessen stress for an uncertain future. Considering the situation we have faced over the past year; many have found that goal setting can help with alleviating worry and stress. Worried about your job? Perhaps learning a new skill can give you a sense of control over the situation. Concentrate on things you can control. 

Another way to combat stress is to embrace it. Speaking in public can cause enormous stress for many people. Use that to your advantage. Imagine that your racing heartbeat is bringing more oxygen to your brain to help you perform better. When people see stress as a negative it has a far worse impact on their health. If you perceive stress as a normal part of pursuing your goals, there isn’t the negative impact on health. It is all in how you think of the stress. It can be something that empowers us to be our best. 

When we start to pursue stress deliberately and on our own terms, we can harness it for peak performance. When you intentionally push yourself through stress and you then schedule rest and recuperation, your capacity to endure more stress increases. Knowing you have a good break coming will help you push harder during periods of exertion. Decide how much work do you accomplish before vacation; or even just before the weekend. This controls the stress instead of letting the stress control you. Seek the stress that will further your goals but make sure to schedule recuperation time. This way you stay in control. 

KATHLEEN WEAVER-ZECH AND DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO

The dog days of summer continue this weekend in Chicago with a line-up of events sure to please everyone!

Returning for its 17^th season to the Wicker Park neighborhood at Milwaukee and North Avenues, the Wicker Park Fest is one of Chicago’s most anticipated summer festivals and usually one of the season’s largest and most crowded events.  This fest celebrates the neighborhood with eclectic music (over 20 bands on two stages), great local food, arts & crafts, a kids’ area, and retail vendors.  It definitely reflects Wicker Park’s rich musical heritage, acclaimed restaurants, and vibrant nightlife!

The 38^th annual Taste of Lincoln Avenue returns to the Lincoln Park/DePaul neighborhood at Lincoln and Fullerton Avenues this Saturday and Sunday (12 p.m.-10 p.m.).  Sprawling over several city blocks, this fest is one of the summer’s oldest but has expanded over the years as well.  The taste has a variety of food, arts, crafts and other vendors. It also offers a main music stage with amazing regional and local entertainment.  There’s lots of fun things being offered at this iconic fest and should be at the top of your list as a must attend!

If you’d like to avoid the crowds at the neighborhood street fests but still wish to treat your taste buds to an adventure, then perhaps the Watson Adventures’ Munch Around Lincoln Park Scavenger Hunt is for you.  This unique food-centered scavenger hunt takes place this Saturday (12 p.m.-2:30 p.m.) at Lincoln Park (2500 N. Cannon Dr.).  Highlights include Oz Park with Dorothy and friends, Founding Fathers loitering outside a pub, micro mansions, hidden oases, one the city’s oldest houses, Dillinger’s death spot and much more!  Plus, you’ll be stopping along the way to sample a variety of fun foods.  And don’t forget your smartphone since this game is played on it using Watson Adventures’ browser-based app!!  You must purchase your ticket in advance.

Presented in partnership with the Chicago Park District, the Chicago Latin Jazz Festival returns for its 14^th season at the Humboldt Park Fieldhouse. The fest will take place at 1440 N. Humboldt Blvd. in the Humboldt Park neighborhood. The event is this Saturday between 6 p.m.-8 p.m..  Attendees will enjoy a line-up of the hottest Latin Jazz ensembles the city has to offer!  Since seating is limited, please bring your own lawn chair.

This Saturday’s Outdoor Summer Concert Series at the Copernicus Center (5216 W. Lawrence Ave.) in the Jefferson Park neighborhood welcomes entertainers Rico at 6 p.m. and 7th Heaven at 8 p.m.  Enjoy your summer nights under the stars with your favorite live bands and the Center’s full bar and kitchen!

Come join the Andersonville neighborhood as they celebrate their first-ever outdoor Andersonville Vintage Market this Sunday (10 a.m.-3 p.m.) at 1500 W. Catalpa Avenue.  Enjoy browsing the Market’s antiques, home décor, accessories, clothing, jewelry, music and other bric-a-brac from over a dozen local retailers, along with several food vendors!

Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago

Looking for a perfect spot for Weekend Brunch; or tasteful delicacies like sushi and prawn rolls? How about patio/outdoor dining? Well, look no further! Earl’s Kitchen & Bar is outstandingly grand in providing an environment that is conducive for the perfect dining experience. 

Adorned with Ricky Alvarez art pieces on the wall, the decorum of the restaurant is invitingly serene. The beautiful fire pit completes the elegance of the outside patio.

Located in Lincoln Park, Earl’s offers casual dining with a casual dress code. With a vast variety of entrees to choose from, Chef Jonathan Yee delivers a unique selection of dishes that represent an array of cultures. On Sundays, they have the Sushi + Seafood Funday whereby they take 5 dollars off any Seafood entree and serve Sushi rolls for only $10. On Wednesdays, they serve 6 oz sirloin steaks for $20. You surely can’t beat that.

Scrumptious burgers are also on the menu, not forgetting the delicious Prawn Ravioli and Bibimbap Lobster! Along with these inviting selections, gluten-free dishes are also available.

While in the comfort of your seated table, you can watch TV. In addition, the lounge and bar area is perfect for sipping on drinks while you watch the occasional sports games with your friends. That would synchronize perfectly with happy hour, which is from 2 p.m – 5 p.m, Monday through Friday. They offer half price for bottles of wine on Tuesdays. You can book a private event with Earl’s for any special occasion. They also provide takeout services. You will definitely enjoy dining in this upbeat, upscale setting!

Their hours of operation are Lunch & Dinner Mon-Fri from 12:00 p.m – 9 p.m and Saturday and Sundays from 12:00 p.m – 3 p.m. Earl’s is located at 1538 North Clybourn Avenue, Unit A108 in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago.