ANSWER: State law charges the Bureau of Health with reporting safe consumption standards for fish caught in Maine waters by noncommercial fisherman (i.e. the general public). It’s not a new development — safe consumption standards have been around for decades. Usually, the standards are due to high levels of mercury found in the water. Depending on their diets and their environments, some fish have higher levels of mercury in their bodies than others. These advisories are updated from time to time and posted in the Maine fishing regulations guide and on the state website.

Current recommendations advise against eating freshwater fish for pregnant and nursing women, women who may get pregnant and children under age 8, except for one meal a month of brook trout or landlocked salmon. Others may safely eat up to two meals per month of most freshwater fish and up to one meal per week of brook trout or landlocked salmon. For a complete list of guidelines, visit http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/environmental-health/eohp/fish/2kfca.htm.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I enjoy your column very much. I find it to be informative. I’ve noticed at times how readers will write to you telling you how helpful or caring someone was towards them. Well, I experienced a situation at my home on Wednesday, July 20.

I was mowing my lawn when I stepped too close to the edge of a retainer block and it flipped. I went face first to the driveway. When I got up, I noticed I was bleeding from a cut above my left eye. A Lewiston police officer, Sgt. Rob, came along and assisted me before the rescue squad came. I thank him very much for all his help and I do support our police department. When the paramedics arrived, they were caring and took good care of my injuries. While one was getting my personal information, the other one finished mowing a small part of my lawn. That was very kind of him to help me. I thanked both of them, and I’m sorry I didn’t get their names.

It’s too bad the good deeds our public servants do for us are seldom recognized. People take the time to complain, why can’t they take the time to compliment? Thanks again to Sgt. Rob and to the paramedics for your help. It was appreciated. — Shirley, Lewiston.

ANSWER: Sun Spots agrees that it is better to recognize the good in people than to dwell on the bad. Thank you for taking time to write in about your positive experience. Sometimes heroes run into burning buildings, and sometimes heroes finish mowing your lawn. Kindness is all around us if we just take the time to notice.

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