Spring is a time for renewal and new beginnings. It's also a time to consider your health and wellbeing, and what you can do to improve on your physical, mental, and overall health.
To help you blossom into becoming the healthiest version of yourself, The Hills Shire Library Service has teamed up with the Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) on the annual health initiative, Library Health Month. Council has supported Library Health Month each year since 2017.
Over the course of September, library branches across The Hills Shire will be holding special workshops and activities aimed at providing library members and visitors with healthy tips, such as ways to improve on your diet through healthy snacks, skincare importance, the benefits of physical activity and adequate sleep, as well as how to boost your mental health.
Mayor of The Hills Shire, Dr Peter Gangemi said local government plays an important role in promoting health.
"Our libraries are a great first-step in locating the information that you need to help you on your health journey," Mayor Gangemi said.
"The libraries also have a great selection of books and magazines for you to borrow on a wide range of health-related topics.
"Council is proud to support Library Health Month and I encourage library members and residents to check out all the activities and workshops that we have on offer," Mayor Gangemi added.
Dr Shopna Bag, Director of WSLHD's Centre for Population Health said libraries are an important hub in our communities – places to learn, connect, and improve our health at the same time.
"We know that reading is very good for us! Research has shown that regular reading benefits not only our mental health but also our physical health," said Dr Bag.
"Reading improves the connections in our brain, helps our social relationships, promotes better sleep, lowers blood pressure and heart rate, and contributes to a longer life. So many benefits that can last a lifetime.
"And the great thing is, it's never too late to pick up a good and healthy habit like reading," she continued.
"We're pleased to be able to deliver a fantastic range of free health information sessions as part of Library Health Month and thank The Hills Shire Council libraries for their ongoing partnership in this initiative," Dr Bag added.
Upcoming Library Health Month events include:
- Healthy Brain, Healthy Body at Dural Library on Tuesday, September 6 from 10.30am-11.30am. Cost: FREE. Bookings are essential.
- Fit & Fun with Buddy Bear at Castle Hill Library on Thursday, September 8 from 10.30am-11am. Cost: FREE. Bookings are essential.
- Join author Phillipa McGuinness for a special author talk on her latest read Skin Deep at Castle Hill Library on Tuesday, September 13 between 6.30pm-7.30pm. Cost: $8.20pp.
- I'm Getting Healthy Story Time at Dural Library on Wednesday, September 14 from 3.30pm-4.30pm and at Baulkham Hills Library on Monday, 19 September from 4pm-5pm. Cost: FREE. Bookings are essential.
- Toddler Time at Vinegar Hill Memorial Library on Monday, 19 September from 10.30am-11am and at Dural Library on Wednesday, 21 September from 10.30am-11am. Cost: FREE. Bookings are essential.
- Healthy & Active for Seniors at Dural Library on Tuesday, 20 September from 10.30am-11.30am. Cost: FREE. Bookings are essential.
- Managing Sleep & Fatigue at Baulkham Hills Library on Wednesday, September 21 between 10.30am-11.30am. Cost: FREE. Bookings are essential.
- Urban Cooks Collective at Castle Hill Library on Wednesday, September 28 from 11am-noon. Learn about healthy, delicious recipes. Cost: FREE. Bookings are essential.
- Healthy Snack & Lunch Ideas for Children at Vinegar Hill Memorial Library on Monday, September 12 from 11.15am-11.45am and at Castle Hill Library on Wednesday, September 28 from 6.30pm-7pm. Cost: FREE. Bookings are essential.
- Meet Sydney Thunder Cricket and have some fun in Ellerman Park (located next door to Dural Library) in Dural, before heading into the Dural Library for some super sports stories on Thursday, September 29 from 10.30am-11.30am. This special event is suitable for children in school years K- 4. Cost: FREE. Bookings are essential.
Explore the web portal on The Hills Shire Library Service website (www.thehills.nsw.gov.au/library) to join in on the FREE programs and workshops that aim to provide you with tips to stay healthy.
