New Year’s Resolutions Revisited

Yes, I know it’s September. Yes, I know it’s too early to start creating New Year’s resolutions for 2009. But, if you’re like me and a gazillion other people, you haven’t gotten around to your 2008 resolutions. Why, just the other day, as I was devouring a batch of delicious, freshly baked chocolate chip cookies with walnuts, I thought (between bites), “Didn’t I say I was going to eat healthy this year?” Somehow I doubt drinking chocolate soy milk with the cookies counts as healthy. Guilt ridden, I ate a whole head of lettuce---you know, to cancel out the cookies. Just like my friend canceled out a salami sandwich by adding a plain rice cake between the layers. (“It adds a crunchy texture!”) However, I’m fairly certain such tactics do not work in the long run. This means I have two choices: I can either go on the Stephen King terror diet, or I can check out our health books section.

Is your home so cluttered you can't use your web cam because your family makes fun of you?

Are you still smoking despite the fact that our laws barely let you smoke in your own house?

Is exercise something you get only when you’re late for work?

Then maybe it’s time for you to grab a few books, too. With 104 days left to this year, there’s still plenty of time to follow through with your 2008 resolutions.

So what are you waiting for?

Woman's Day Wants to Know ...

... how you have used your library to improve your own or a family member's health, for an article to be published in March 2009. Wouldn't it be a trip if someone who used Sacramento Public Library was featured in their story?

Here's the scoop from the American Library Association:

"New Woman’s Day initiative: From now until May 11, Woman’s Day magazine, in conjunction with ALA’s Campaign for America’s Libraries, is collecting stories on how its readers have used the library to improve a family member’s or their own health. The magazine announced the initiative in its March issue, where it asks its readers aged 18 and over to submit their stories in 700 words or less. Up to four of the submissions will be featured in the March 2009 issue... "

The announcement is in the sidebar of this article in the March 4, 2008 Woman's Day magazine.

So ... what kind of health information can one find at the library? The librarians at Central Library have created a Research Guide for Consumer Health that highlights materials in the library's collection. In addition, the library provides access to Health Articles in online journals. You will need to enter your library card number and PIN to look for articles. And, as always, you may ask a librarian at any branch or call Telephone Reference for help. Library staff is not permitted to give health advice - only your medical professionals may do that - but the library can be a good source of background and/or additional information to complement what you learn from your doctor.