By Health & Wellness Specialist Claire Ong
October is Health Literacy Month, a time to recognize the importance of making health information easy to understand and the healthcare system more accessible to navigate.
Did you know that our library offers a variety of resources and programs dedicated to health and wellness? Explore our collection of resources and find support for your health and wellness journey during Health Literacy Month and beyond.
1. Explore Consumer Health Complete
I encourage you to check out Consumer Health Complete, an online resource covering health and wellness topics. You can browse more than 800 medical fact sheets and pamphlets for general wellness tips, medical FAQs, and more.
While you’re exploring, check out ebooks like The Self-Care Year: Reflect and Recharge With Simple Seasonal Rituals. This book draws inspiration from the natural world, with bite-sized self-care practices, projects, and mind and body exercises, offering tips for better sleep, yoga positions, breathing, and meditation exercises.
2. Sign up now for health & wellness events
- Join us for our Virtual Classroom Kitchen series with Kristyn Slick, where curious home chefs and their families can learn new cooking skills. Kristyn will guide participants and share tips and tricks. Upcoming fall sessions include Global Harvest and Holiday Brunch.
- The open enrollment period for Medicare is October 15-December 7. Register now for one of our upcoming Medicare Educational Seminars if you are new to Medicare or have questions about your plan and options.
- The health benefits of music are well known. Join us on November 6 for a program featuring a folk music performance by Dennis Warner, presented in part by the generous support of the Friends of the Oak Park Public Library.
3. Read a book
Our Collection Management Librarians have put together a great list of titles for Health Literacy Month.
4. Try something new!
Dive into and learn about a new healthy hobby:
- Start a sauce library: For those looking to add some spice and flavor to their dishes or elevate a dessert, making sauces is a great way to start. Here are a few ideas to inspire you: marinara, herby cilantro-mint chutney, lemon-caper dressing, chili crisp, blueberry syrup, tahini dressing, and salsa. Find recipes and more inside The Make-Ahead Sauce Solution: Elevate Your Everyday Meals With 61 Freezer-Friendly Sauces.
- Start a weekly wellness journal: Start small by dedicating at least 15 minutes each week to assess your physical and emotional well-being and identify areas for improvement and things to let go. Whether on your computer, mobile device, or notebook, this is an empowering and invaluable form of self-care.
- Start a bucket baking list: What better way to usher in the fall season than with homemade baked goods? Now is the time for madeleines, apple pie, blueberry muffins, banana bread, and cinnamon rolls. For recipes to try, check out A Good Day to Bake: Simple Baking Recipes for Every Mood.
5. Join an online support group presented by our community partner, NAMI - National Alliance on Mental Illness
To register, visit NAMI's website or call 833.626.4244:
- NAMI Family Support Group: A peer-led group for adults with loved ones who have mental health conditions
- NAMI Connection Support Group: A free, peer-led group for adults with mental illness, led by NAMI-trained facilitators (also in-person)
- NAMI LGBTQ+ Peer Support Group: A virtual group for people who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community or are questioning, to share experiences and discuss mental health and queer identity
About Claire
Health and Wellness Specialist Claire believes creativity is essential to well-being. Her reading tastes vary with the seasons, and when not working through her pile of books, she is on a mission to traverse the world.
