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

Virtual Health and Wellness Programs

• Journaling for Mental Health—Led by local creative writing specialist, Nena Larieze, this program begins in January 2023 and will help you discover artistic methods of decompression through self-expression, poetry, meditation, and art. Activities will be centered around the theme of emotional intelligence, which you'll explore through reflective prompts and journaling activities to liberate, empower, and heal. Beginner and experienced writers are welcome.
• Virtual Zumba Series—Join us for virtual Zumba, led by local instructor, Lisa Harris in April, May, and June.
• Zumba Gold Series—Join us for virtual Zumba designed for older adults and beginners, led by local instructor, Lisa Harris in April, May, and June.
• Reach & Read—A virtual yoga and book talk series on breath and movement practices, focusing on how to be present using inner listening and softening skills for self-love, compassion, and openness led by local yoga instructor, Kat Sun beginning May 18.
• Health Education—Watch past presentations from local organizations on a range of health topics.
• Health Book Talks—Learn about health-related titles from the National Network of Libraries of Medicine Reading Club.
• Fidget Blanket Tutorial—A fidget blanket is a lap-size blanket that provides sensory and tactile stimulation. They are ideal for those with restless hands, including people with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. Learn how to create a fidget blanket, using items from around your house. 
• Finding Health Information You Can Trust—Watch as an educator from National Network of Libraries of Medicine (NNLM) helps guide you to reliable, trustworthy health resources.
• Virtual Yoga—Watch past sessions of Body Positive Yoga, Veterans Yoga, and Chair Yoga.
• Music and Mindfulness with YoReMi—Join YoReMi for breathing exercises for children, combining songs and movement. Following the demonstration, enjoy a book recommendation on a title from our collection related to children's mindfulness.

We’re excited to work with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP) and join the Healthy People 2030 Champion Program.

Health Kits in our Collection

• Alzheimer’s Kits:
  • Memory Lane: These kits contain items such as music CDs, films, games, picture books and conversation cards, focused on the 1940’s, 1950’s, or 1960’s. This kit is created for care partners to use with those who are living with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia. Each item in the kit is designed to help spur memories and foster engaging conversations and interactions between people with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia and their care partner.
    • Memory Lane 1940’s Kit
    • Memory Lane 1950’s Kit
    • Memory Lane 1960’s Kit
  • Memory Activity: These kits contain items such as conversation cards, games, puzzles, and fidget objects. There are 3 versions of this kit, meant for those in either beginning-middle, middle-late, or late stage dementia. This kit is created for care partners to use with those who are living with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia. Each item in the kit is designed to help exercise the brain and foster engaging conversations and interactions between people with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia and their care partner. 
    • Memory Activity Early-Mid Stage Kit
    • Memory Activity Mid-Late Stage Kit
    • Memory Activity Late Stage Kit
• Brain Health Kits—These kits contain items such as games, puzzles, conversation cards, and trivia books. There are various versions of the kits available for checkout, intended to either be used in a group setting or individually. Each Brain Health Kit contains 4 items, designed to help exercise the brain, spur conversations, and foster engagement with others. These kits are a great resource for users of all ages who are interested in stimulating the brain and strengthening brain function. 
• Blood Pressure Monitors—High blood pressure, known as Hypertension, raises your risk for dementia, heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. With this kit, you can monitor your blood pressure at home, in between doctor’s visits. The Blood Pressure Monitor Kit includes an electronic blood pressure monitor and batteries, an instructional guide, and educational materials.

Covid-19 Information

• Covid-19 updates for Sacramento County
• Covid-19 vaccine information
• Covid-19 FAQ
• Omicron variant: What you need to know
• COVID-19 Vaccines for children and teens
• Covid-19 Social Service Resources
  • Sacramento County Community Resources
  • Sacramento County Financial Assistance  
  • 211 Sacramento – Referrals to 1,600 community services in the Sacramento area 
  • Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services
  • Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency

Covid-19 Mental Health Resources

• 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

Health Books in our Collection

Reading reccommendations for stress management and mindfulness.
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