Health Literacy

Supporting wellness for a healthy life.

Here at the library, we offer a variety of ways for you to obtain and use health information to make decisions that will help you maintain a healthy life and community.

• Find free and reliable resources
• Keep your mind active and stimulated
• Learn methods now for a healthier future

 

Coronavirus FAQ

What are the symptoms?

These symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Chills
• Headache
• Sore throat
• Muscle pain
• Loss of taste or smell

How can I protect myself from Coronavirus?

• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• Disinfect frequently used surfaces and items
• Avoid touching your face
• Wear a cloth face covering in public spaces
• Sneeze or cough in the inside of your elbow or in a tissue, then throw the tissue away
• Practice social distancing and stay 6 feet apart from others

What should I do if I feel sick?

• Stay home, even if your symptoms are mild
• Contact your medical provider if you experience any of the following emergency warning signs:
  • Trouble breathing
  • Persistent pain in the chest
  • Bluish lips or face
  • Inability to arouse
  • Discuss any other concerning symptoms with your medical provider
• If you are having difficulty breathing or keeping fluids down, contact 9-1-1 or go to an emergency room immediately.

More information on the latest Coronavirus updates:

• The Centers for Disease Control
• World Health Organization
• Sacramento County Public Health Department

 

Manage stress and avoid isolation during Stay at Home order

Whether you’re an extrovert or an introvert, the adjustment to staying at and/or working from home can be a difficult one to make. It is normal to feel a range of emotions, from anxiety, sadness, fear, or stress. As we adjust to this new way of life, it is important to care for your mental health and well-being. Here are some tips to manage stress and avoid isolation during this time:

• Maintain and build social networks with friends and family by spending time with others virtually. Keep in touch with your loved ones via text, email, video, phone, and social media. Try to have a social interaction on a daily basis.
• Be active. There are many ways to keep your body and mind active while following social distancing guidelines:
  • Do indoor or outdoor exercises. Go for a hike or a walk around your neighborhood or try an online exercise class.
  • Try your hand at a new skill. Grow a garden, try a new recipe, or take up a new craft or art activity.
  • Educate yourself. Learn a new language, take an online class on a topic you enjoy, or expand knowledge in your field.
  • Volunteer virtually. There are many organizations that have opportunities to help from home. Visit www.volunteermatch.org to research virtual volunteer positions.
• Take time for self-reflection and self care. Journal your feelings, meditate, or do yoga.
• Don’t be afraid to ask for help and talk about your feelings. It’s okay to share your feelings of disappointment with loved ones or seek virtual therapy.
• Create a routine and do your best to stick to it. Routines help to create a sense of normalcy and control in our lives. Schedule your day and include time for breaks.
• Limit news and media consumption. It is important to stay informed at this time, but constantly checking newsfeeds can create more stress and anxiety. Try to only check the news once or twice a day from reputable news outlets.

If you or a loved one is experiencing suicidal thoughts, please call the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention Hotline 1-800-273-8255 or visit suicidepreventionhotline.org for a live chat option.
 

Other virtual mental health resources:

• Care for your Coronavirus Anxiety
• Crisis Text Line, Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor 24/7 or visit crisistextline.org
• SAMHSA Disaster Distress Hotline, call 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746 to connect with a trained crisis counselor 24/7 or visit their website.
• National Alliance on Mental Illness Covid-19 Resource and Information Guide

Tips for better sleep

Adequate sleep is a critical component to mental and physical health. Long-term lack of sleep can harm your health and increase your risk of developing diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease, and high blood pressure. During this time of uncertainty due to COVID-19, you may be experiencing heightened feelings of stress, which may affect your sleep quality. Here are some tips for better sleep:

• Stick to a sleep schedule and maintain daytime and nighttime routines. Go to sleep and wake up at the same time daily, even on weekends.
• Associate your bed with sleep. Try to avoid working, answering emails, watch shows, or otherwise “hangout” in bed. If you only sleep in your bed, it will be easier to fall asleep faster by the time you get in bed at night.
• Create calming bedtime routines. Some things you can do before bed include:
  • Reading a book
  • Taking a bath or shower
  • Meditating or doing relaxing exercises
  • Journaling your day or writing down things that you’re grateful for
• Go to bed when you feel sleepy. If you get in bed before you’re ready to fall asleep, you’ll most likely toss and turn and not get quality sleep. Do something relaxing until you’re sleepy and try to avoid falling asleep on the couch or recliner.
• Avoid screens and dim the lights in your house 1-2 hours before bed. Bright lights and screens signal your brain that it is daytime, which throws off sleep cycles and may lead to more difficulty falling or staying asleep.
• Consult your healthcare provider before taking sleep aids.

The National Sleep Foundation recommends the following sleep guidelines:

• Adults: 7+ hours
• 13-18 years old: 8-10 hours
• 6-12 years old: 9-11 hours
• 3-5 years old: 10-13 hours
• 1-2 years old: 11-14 hours
• 4-11 months old: 12-15 hours
• 0-3 months old: 14-17 hours

Brain health kit (Coming soon)

We'll be introducing the Brain Health Kit, perfect for those living with Alzheimer’s disease and Alzheimer’s caregivers. There will be three types of kits: Memory Activity, Memory Lane, and Caregiver. Memory Activity and Memory Lane kits will be filled with tools to assist in starting a conversation or stimulating interactions with a person living with ALzhiemer’s disease or another form of dementia. The Caregiver kit is filled with relevant brochures,  books, and other resources for Alzheimer’s caregivers.


Book lists

Reading reccommendations for stress management and mindfulness.