Did You Know...

. . . that you can find free health events and information from authoritative resources at MCPL? Join us for engaging events to help you be healthy including bone builders, meditation, tai chi, yoga, and more! Search the Health & Wellness Resource Center for articles on health, medicine, and wellness from magazines, journals, and reference books. Looking for ratings and reviews of health products and professionals? Have a look at Consumer Reports on Health and Washington Consumers' Checkbook (in-library access only). If you want to research doctors before seeing them or find out how to contact them, you can search Reference USA. At MCPL, we are happy to help you get fit, be fit, and stay fit!

green apple with health terms
Most people associate October with Breast Cancer Awareness Month. But breast cancer and other health issues are important topics to discuss and think about all year long. Just yesterday I was reading an article about how sitting is a silent killer. Sitting too long, even if you exercise, is detrimental to your health. I've recently enjoyed reading local author Florence Williams' book The Nature Fix: Why Nature Makes Us Happier, Healthier, and More Creative, as well as other books about how to be healthier. I've added more walks to my day at lunch and with my dogs. I'm trying yoga. And I'm taking the time to make those preventive visits to the doctor! As Count Rugen says, from the forever quotable movie The Princess Bride, "If you haven't got your health, you haven't got anything," We thought it would be a great time to show you all the fabulous health programs, books, and online resources MCPL offers!

Exercise and Events


hand with words about alzheimer's
Want to learn or try some new exercises but don't want to go to a gym? Have a look at our array of exercise DVDs. We have quite a selection of videos on fitness, yoga, tai chi, and more. If you find more motivation in group activities, come to one of our engaging and informative health or exercise programs. We have programs on yoga, tai chi, meditation, Alzheimer's, and bone building. Talking to doctors and trying to figure out Medicare can be intimidating and confusing. We have a program about how to speak up for yourself when talking to health professionals (registration required) and an information session on Medicare. With Halloween at the end of the month, we also have a Halloween safety event featuring Sparky the Fire Dog (limited seating).

Researching Health Topics


blackboard with health words written on it
We have also gathered a list of trusted health websites. Three of them that I like to use to answer questions are MedlinePlus, the Mayo Clinic's Health Information, and PubMed. MedlinePlus and the Mayo Clinic's Health Information have user-friendly sites and information on health topics and drugs and supplements. PubMed provides a vast array of bio-medical research articles.

MCPL has many print books in the collection on health and medicine, so be sure to have a look in the catalog for specific subjects of interest. We also have many e-books and audiobooks as well. The opioid crisis has been in the news a lot lately and, if that is a topic of interest, be sure to check out our e-books and audiobooks on addiction. 

Finding a Doctor


health professionals
If you would like to learn the length of service, medical school attended, primary specialty, state of license, and board certification of doctors that you are interested in seeing, Reference USA is a good source. You can research physicians' state licences, including disciplinary actions, for Maryland and Washington, D.C. on our health resource guide. To find rated doctors, hospitals, and more, have a look in the Washington Consumers' Checkbook (in-library access only).

Finding Health Services


Need health care? Have a look at Maryland Health Connection, Maryland's official health insurance marketplace. Montgomery County's Department of Health and Human Services also offers many health, disability, and crisis services, as well as services specifically targeted for children, teens, and seniors. InfoMontgomery is also a good resource for finding health services. It is a collaborative effort of public and private agencies to provide information about health and human service resources throughout Montgomery County. See our Health Services guide for links to even more health services.

For Kids


kids practicing yoga
A great way to introduce exercise and healthy eating habits is when kids are young. We have a selection of books and websites to get you started. The USDA's Choose My Plate website has information, games, activity sheets, online tools, recipes, and more. Don't forget to try our fun exercise DVDs geared toward parents and kids.

At MCPL we are happy to help you get fit, be fit, and stay fit!

Susan 

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