New to Canada

Today is World Health Day and it got me thinking. How many of us sacrifice our health for things that are less precious? Whether your New Year's resolution to get fit or eat healthy has waned or disappeared altogether, now is the time to be reinvigorated. The time is right to spring into action. Take a deep breath and examine the many ways that you can improve your health. 

Your Health Matters is a new workshop series, presented by Toronto Public Heath, at the library. Why not attend one of these special health related programs? Please join us at York Woods library for an informative workshop on Physical Active Living on Friday, April 21, 1-2 pm.

Here are some books from the Your Health Matters Recommended Reading list!

           
Living in the here and now, or mindfulness, is a simple action that is not quite so simple. To be fully attentive to what you are doing when you are doing it is not as easy as it seems. Sometimes we worry about the future or replay decisions we've made in the past while we are working on something in the present. Although we can still finish the task at hand, being mindful of what we are doing improves concentration and mental clarity. The Lillian H. Smith library is hosting a mindfulness program about Benjue Mindfulness Meditation on Saturdays, April 8 and 15.

http://floweringheart.org/meditation.htm

Another health vulture is stress. It can deplete our energy, make it hard to focus and cause many ailments, like headaches and nausea, to name a few! There are several ways to reduce stress, including listening to relaxing music, reading a good book, or dancing to music from the 80's (oops!…that may be just me). Nowadays, adults are turning to a new relaxing activity that has worked for children for decades. Colouring! Yes, colouring is a great way for adults to relax and unwind. Would you like to try it out? There are many library branches across the city that have Adult Colouring Clubs, so sharpen your pencil crayons and join us for a moment to relax, socialize and get creative. 

Adult Colouring Clubs are located at the
following library branches:
Brentwood, Burrows Hall, Eatonville,
Evelyn Gregory, Humber Bay, Leaside, 
Locke, Long Branch, New Toronto,
Richview and Riverdale

On a more serious note, the theme for World Health Day is Depression. The first step towards getting help is to talk to someone. Let's help each other. Today, tomorrow, and each day after that, let your health be a top priority.