“I chase my toddler down the aisles of the library has count as exercise,” one young mother recently joked. Although running is not recommended, the library offers unexpected opportunities to adopt a healthy lifestyle.
Do you know your own vital health statistics? Use the library’s LifeClinic health station and digital scale to keep tabs on your health.
Did you know you can monitor your blood pressure, pulse, weight and BMI at the library? Knowing your personal health metrics is a great place to start learning about healthier choices. Browse books and DVDs categorized by health topic, and free brochures are available throughout the Health Information District. The library offers bestselling health books like Being Mortal: Medicine and What Ultimately Matters by Atul Gawande as well as many popular books on food and nutrition.
A health bag on the theme of multiple sclerosis sits alongside the books at the checkout. For those recently diagnosed or anyone looking for a quick selection of recommended titles on a topic, check out the library’s Health Bags.
“I love health bags! I’ve checked out 2 or 3 now,” said library patron Holly Mace. Each health kit contains 3-5 recommended books on a health topic and some include a DVD or audiobook. Healthy lifestyle topics include nutrition, yoga, anti-aging and walking, and bags are also available for people recently diagnosed with migraines, ADHD, celiac disease, diabetes, etc.
Health Information Neighborhood Fitness Kits offer the opportunity to modify your home workout routine and try exercise equipment before purchasing it.
If you want to try something new in your home fitness routine beyond watching an exercise DVD, the library makes it easy with Fitness Kits available in the Health Information District. Each includes equipment such as kettlebells, weighted balls and resistance bands, as well as an exercise DVD to demonstrate the routines. The best part is that they save for 21 days, so you’re motivated to start using them right away!
Beyond the Health Information Quarter, you’ll want to browse the shelves in the Kitchen and Lawn & Garden Quarters, where you’ll find books on how to grow and prepare healthy foods. In the Sports District, learn how to improve in recreational sports like running, basketball, and soccer. Also read inspiring stories about athletes who compete and excel in physical activities.
The real secrets to making healthier choices are stored in the Media Center, according to Michelle Stottlemire, who said, “I check out a variety of health and cooking books, but the biggest motivator for me is entertainment – videos to watch over and over on the treadmill. and audio books to listen to while gardening.
When you combine your library card and your computer, tablet or smartphone in your pursuit of health and wellness, the library becomes your resource for downloadable books, movies and music. Simply visit tscpl.org and click on the Download it! Button.
- Overdrive eBooks and audiobooks give you a great selection of healthy living reading or download something entertaining to enjoy while you exercise.
- Hoopla gives you access to exercise videos from fitness gurus like Jillian Michaels, new audiobooks, and great music, all free to stream and download. Remember, all you need is your library card!
Your trip to the library could involve visiting a Bookmobile at one of 20 locations in Shawnee County. But don’t forget to plan a visit to the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library at 1515 SW 10th Avenue. While you’re here, eat a plate of fruit at the Millennium Cafebuy healthy cookbooks in the Chandler Booktique or use a Topeka Subway Bike to take a tour of the city. The library will help you get active and make healthier choices. Learn more at tscpl.org.
