Public Libraries Offering Free Health, Wellness Classes in US - Fitness, Food Pantry, BP Monitors, Mental Health

[appalachiablue]

Last edited Mon Dec 2, 2024, 02:26 PM - Edit history (1)

AP News, 'Libraries are offering free health & wellness classes across the US.' Nov. 29, 2024. Ed. 🥼
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MILWAUKEE (AP) — The Aurora Health Care Mobile Medical Clinic team waited patiently at a table in the main hallway of the Milwaukee Public Library’s sprawling downtown branch, a blood pressure cuff and mental health questionnaire at the ready as they called out to patrons who paused: “Do you have any questions about your health?” On this Tuesday afternoon, one man did. His joints were bothering him, he told Carolyn McCarthy, the team’s nurse practitioner.

And he knew his bones need calcium to stay strong, so he stopped taking his blood pressure medication, a calcium channel blocker. McCarthy talked with him at length in simple and specific terms about how the medication worked on his cells, why it was important to take and how it doesn’t affect calcium storage in his bones. “Hopefully, he walked away a little bit more informed,” McCarthy said.

The mobile clinic is one of several health programs offered by libraries around across the U.S. — from tiny rural town libraries to large urban systems. They offer fitness classes, food pantries, cooking classes, conversations about loneliness and mental health, and even blood pressure monitors that can be checked out just like books. The public health programs leverage libraries’ reputation as sources of reliable information and their ability to reach people beyond formal health care settings.

No money, insurance, language skills or ID required, no limits on age. All are welcome.

Libraries are “the last true public institution,” said Jaime Placht, a health and well-being specialist at the Kansas City Public Library system in Kansas City, Missouri. The system has a full-time social work team. “The library is a public health space.” The Kansas City Public Library, along with Milwaukee and several others, is part of the American Heart Association’s Libraries with Heart program. Several Kansas City branches have blood pressure stations as well as a take-home blood pressure kits that have been checked out nearly 100 times. The program started there about a year ago...

https://apnews.com/article/libraries-health-blood-pressure-free-classes-exercise-0dd3a4a004e57e125b23d017aab18ad3

[SheltieLover]

1. K&R

[appalachiablue]

5. Hi Sheltie, good to see you!

[bucolic_frolic]

2. Libraries are maintaining a sense of community

People don't need a library to read. The library collections are to considerable degree, online. The libraries are not busy from what I see. About 2/3 of the library books have been tossed, because they're available online. But the library pays for that convenience. They've cut back the # of ebooks you can check out. There are Zoom lectures, and online courses. I wonder if libraries are trying to get out in front of the idea they could be less relevant with all the digital content. Because politicians will notice the costs, and the building maintenence. They could digitize the content, sell off the buildings to their real estate friends cheap.

[appalachiablue]

3. Public libraries are defininitely helping to maintain community. You raise

impt points. Libraries expanding services and programs to benefit the people, esp much needed health services and to survive is all the better.

For decades, public institutions have been diminished or replaced by the profit sector - roads, parks, transportation systems, schools, hospitals, mail services, and governments. I think this community health program is very worthwhile and a smart move by public libraries.

When I was growing up Civic Centers were active in sponsoring community events like music concerts, antique shows, garden and auto exhibits etc before the era of big business operated arenas by private corporations like FedEx, Verizon and Citibank.

[NJCher]

4. our library

We have a new library and it's a little odd because it's in a corporate park. They turned the former library into housing for senior citizens.


There is always some type of art show at the library. In addition, they have art like this on permanent display.

Our library has such diverse programs. They sponsor foreign language meetups, movies, and tech talks two times a week. I'm going to one of the tech talks because I have two computers that need Windows updates. One I got shut out of by Windows and I don't know how to address this problem, so I'm hoping this will be helpful. I have three technical certifications but it's been a long time since I've done anything like reinstall Windows.

Other activities they have are drop-in crafts, board games, story time for children, reading to a therapy dog, and even coloring sessions for people looking to de-stress with coloring. I've never done it, but I have talked to people who have and they have good things to say about it.

There are about eight private conference rooms if you want to just read or do some type of computer or paperwork project by yourself. They are really nice! Floor to ceiling windows, and quiet. I've used one a couple times to focus on projects I wasn't getting anywhere with at home.

Out in the open, though, I've seen people bring in stacks of stuff that looked like they needed sorting, or doing other types of paperwork projects. They work alone at long tables, get their project done, and then leave.

The best thing of all about our library is how friendly the librarians are. They always have a big smile for the patrons.

[appalachiablue]

6. Your library programming sounds terrific. I would like a lot esp the

tech talks, movies, art, etc. I have to check out the libraries in my area now, it's been while. Thanks for posting.