January is traditionally a time for renewal, and an opportunity to focus on health and wellbeing. This January, as we continue to navigate a pandemic, use your Library card to find a wide variety of health and wellness resources available for free in print, video and digital formats through Bellingham Public Library.
Health and Wellness Books
How do we live longer, eat healthier, or get the best health care? The Bellingham Public Library catalog is filled with titles on the topics.
Start with the recently updated list of staff recommended books on Health and Wellness. Then use the catalog’s “advance search” feature to narrow down your specific needs, and to also find e-books, e-audiobooks, and audiobook CDs.
Here are some favorite staff picks:
“Snow got you trapped? Covid restrictions limiting your social calendar? Check out First Art Kit for some stimulating art therapy to help shift your perspective.” – Suzanne, Public Services Librarian
“For a double dose of dopamine, play your favorite music while you create. Learn more about the power of music with This is Your Brain on Music. Discover this and more at your library.” – Suzanne, Public Services Librarian
“Human emotions are complex, many and nuanced. In Atlas of the Heart, Brene Brown dives in wholeheartedly; challenging us to be vulnerable and honest with ourselves to become more connected to ourselves and each other. A brilliantly thought provoking and at times uncomfortable read, but one which ultimately tasks us with the responsibility of looking inward to connect outward.” – Bethany, Library Deputy Director
Children’s Books
Mental and emotional health are also important topics to consider for children. Bellingham Public Library staff have developed special lists of children’s books on these topics:
Films and Documentaries
Films and documentaries about food and exercise are plentiful through the Library, and are an accessible way for many to dive into the topics.
See the Bellingham Public Library’s list of staff recommended DVD resources on Health and Wellness.
To find eFilms and eDocumentaries, check out Kanopy, the Library’s source for free online videos. Access them on your computer, mobile device or TV. Kanopy has a selection of videos on a variety of health and wellness subjects such as nutrition, mental health, child health, sports and fitness, and addiction.
Go to the link above and sign up for Kanopy. Then click the ‘Browse’ button to bring up a subject list. Check out the Documentaries section for films on ‘Health and Wellness’. There are more videos available under the general ‘Health’ category.
Magazines
Did you know the Library has a large selection of magazines available in print at the branches?
Or use your Library card to access Washington Anytime Library (or the Libby app) to find and read magazines online for free. There are 256 online magazines under the subject of Health and Fitness. Access the latest issue and up to three years of back issues. You also have the option to be notified of new issues when they arrive.
Go to www.libbyapp.com/library/anytime and use your Library card to sign in. Then scroll down to the ‘Popular Magazines’ category. Once there, click ‘Refine’ on the right side of the page to bring up ways to sort. Choose ‘Subject’, and then ‘Health and Fitness’ to see 256 titles.
Online Health and Wellness Resources
Regional and National Health and Medicine services
The Bellingham Public Library website includes a Health and Medicine section with information on health insurance, and recommended websites on regional and national health and wellness services.
The Library website also has a page of Research Tools. Gale Health & Wellness is a Library service that offers access to full-text medical journals, magazines, reference works, multimedia, and much more. This comprehensive consumer health resource provides authoritative information on the full range of health-related issues, from current disease and disorder information to in-depth coverage of alternative medical practices for researchers of all levels.
Go to the Library’s Research and Learn webpage, scroll down to the Gale sections, log in with your Library card, and check out the free resources available to you. Browse topics or type in your particular subject. Results can include articles, short videos, and audio broadcasts.
Consumer Reports ratings and enewsletter on Health and Wellness
Thinking of purchasing exercise equipment or reading up on home medical supplies? Check out Consumer Reports for the latest news and ratings. Go to the Library website’s Research and Learn page, scroll down, and click ‘Consumer Reports’. Enter your library card and PIN and get started!
In addition to product ratings and news, you can sign up for free weekly newsletters. Scroll down on the main page until you see ‘More ways to connect with Consumer Reports’ on the right side of the screen. Click, ‘Sign Up for CR’s Free Newsletters’. There is a health newsletter in English or Spanish.
MedlinePlus: trusted health information
The National Library of Medicine provides trustworthy, updated information on all aspects of health. Learn about drugs and supplements, medical tests, information on diseases and symptoms, and even healthy recipes. Read articles, fact sheets, watch short videos, or check your health with interactive calculators, quizzes, and questionnaires.