Explore: Health

Tagged Health

Observing Mental Health Awareness Month With the Free Library

May 1 begins Mental Health Awareness Month; this is a time to think more about our mental health journeys. Mental Health Awareness Month was established in 1949 to increase awareness about the importance of mental health in the…

What's Your New Year's Resolution for 2023?

We're about to embark on a new year, and even if you're not a New Year's Resolution person, you might view this time of year - and the turning of the calendar - as a chance to evaluate goals for the next 12…

Empathy Versus Misinformation: Transgender Youth Panel Series

Lately, transgender and gender non-conforming youth have been a hot topic across the nation. Many people feel confused, even panicked, and it can be hard to tell what claims being made are even true. We've assembled a panel of…

April is Stress Awareness Month

It’s never too late to take personal inventory and check in with yourself. How is your mental health? When was the last time you drank some water or ate a fully balanced meal? Can you remember the last time you inhaled and exhaled…

The Free Library and You: New Year’s Resolutions in 2022!

Can you believe we’re about to turn the page on another (long, strange, COVID-19 filled...) year? I know I can't! While I've never really been a big New Year's Resolution person, I do appreciate how the…

COVID-19 Vaccine Approved for Children and Available in Philadelphia

The FDA has approved a COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5 to 11—just in time for the holidays! The holiday season is usually a time for family and friends to gather and share food and fun. For the past year and a half, however,…

It’s National Immunization Awareness Month!

by Lillian B. and Jake T. Afraid of shots or needles? Have questions about protecting your health? Get excited to learn with us this National Immunization Awareness Month ! Primarily, immunizations are most effective when given to…

Baking with Becca: Cooking Outside the Box... Chicken and Potatoes

This week at Whitman Library we are making a simple meal of Chicken and Potatoes that can be tweaked and flavored to your preferences! Baking with Becca at Whitman Library I prepared and cooked chicken two ways because we are…

Edible Alphabet Recipe of the Week: Chocolate Zucchini Muffins

by Breshay Woods, Culinary Literacy Center Intern Edible Alphabet is a free English Language Learning (ELL) program offered by the Free Library's Culinary Literacy Center . Our mission is to teach English language…

Baking with Becca: Cooking Outside the Box

Baking with Becca began at Whitman Library , nestled between 2nd and 3rd Streets on Snyder Avenue in South Philly. When COVID hit, we had to take a long break. I continued to grow and learn to strengthen this class and to steel myself…

I Belong: Facing COVID-19 with Wellness and Resilience

The Languages and Learning Center (LLC) supports the individual literacy and learning goals of Philadelphia adults, including resources for Adult Basic Education, language learning, and digital literacy. This guest blog post is…

Stocking Up Food for the Winter

Written by Alex Evenson, Philabundance Nutrition Educator, with additions from Caity Rietzen, Culinary Literacy Center Supervisor Frozen peas, canned beans, and potato chips. What do these three food items have in common? Since the…

Cooking with Pomegranates: Seeds the Day!

Pomegranates! They are unique red fruits filled with many juicy seeds, with a sweet and tart taste. While these fruits grow in warmer climates, they can be available in some local Philly stores in the fall and early winter months. …

Brighten Up Your Thanksgiving Table

Written by Alex Evenson, Philabundance Nutrition Educator, with additions from Caity Rietzen, Culinary Literacy Center Supervisor Cooking is a wonderful way to bring people together, and while this year's holiday will be…

Using the City's Online Maps to Find Free Food Distribution and COVID-19 Testing Sites

As COVID-19 cases surge in our city, Philadelphia health officials have announced a new Safer at Home plan, which aims to limit the spread of this virus through this difficult period. Vaccines for COVID-19 are currently under…

Philadelphia Announces New "Safer at Home" Restrictions and Closures to Fight Rising COVID-19 Cases

In response to rising COVID-19 cases in Philadelphia, the City and Department of Public Health have announced changes to restrictions on businesses, events, and gatherings, and other activities to help flatten the epidemic curve,…

Health Literacy Month

October is Health Literacy Month and certainly in October 2020—health is on everyone’s mind. At the Free Library, "literacy" is one of our favorite words, as it means "being able to understand." …

National Depression Screening Day

by Jessica Walker and Allegra D'ambruoso According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) estimates that 16.2 million U.S. adults had at least one major depressive episode. This represents 6.7 percent of the U.S. adult…

Salad Science: Make a Simple Vinaigrette!

There may be no better way to dress your salad than with a healthy, homemade vinaigrette! While choosing a salad may seem like an inherently nutritious option (and it often is!), adding the wrong dressing can drown out the health…

Workshops and Resources for Teens Navigating Uncertain Times

This is a time of great uncertainty and anxiety for everyone. But if you're a teenager, you may be feeling especially vulnerable. The Free Library is bringing you a series of workshops over the next several days to help you process…

CityLife Clinic: Adult Nutrition Workshop

This workshop, led by a registered dietitian, is being offered by the Agatston Urban Nutrition Initiative's Adult and Senior Nutrition Program in conjunction with CityLife Clinics. The Agatston Urban Nutrition Initiative (AUNI) is a…

CityLife Clinic: Adult Nutrition Workshop

Scrumptious Smoothies for Teens

Join PCI staff for a fun and refreshing afternoon of fruit smoothie making and tasting! This program is for teens in grades 7-12 and registration is required. Please sign up by calling 215-685-6621, emailing…

Feet First Fridays!

Grab your sneakers and water bottle, we're going on a walk! Enjoy the great outdoors, exercise, and get to know your community. Whether you are an advanced or beginner walker, this club is for you. This event will be canceled if…

Meditation Club for Adults (Virtual)

Let's meditate together! We will explore various modalities of meditation in this ongoing program. Meditation has many benefits. It can reduce stress, help control anxiety, improve sleep and emotional health, and…

In Person Yoga

Join Whitman library for in-person yoga classes with instructors Janet Faulis and Ann-Marie Mulgrew. Bring your own or use Whitman’s mats and blocks. This all level free class is capped to 8 participants. First come first served.…

Bone Detectives with the Mutter Museum

What happens when a skeleton is discovered? How do scientists use bones to solve crimes? Learn about the role of forensic anthropology in criminal investigation, and find out what can be learned from examining skeletal remains.…

Heart Healthy Recipes for Summer

Let's explore summer's produce to create delicious and nutritious dishes for everyone to enjoy. Join Chef Char for helpful tips and delicious foods each Wednesday in June. Registration is required – call 215-685-1866 or…

CityLife Clinic: Adult Nutrition Workshop

Feet First Fridays!

Juneteenth Celebration: Sounds of Freedom!

In collaboration with the Parkway Central Library Music Department, Sistahs Laying Down Hands Collective Lead Percussionist and Artistic Director, Karen "Magic Fingaz" Smith & Friends presents : A special very inclusive…

Meditation Club for Adults (Virtual)

In Person Yoga

Nutrition and Weight Balance, for Seniors

Information will be provided on dietary guidelines for healthy eating, serving and portion size, tips on grocery shopping, and food preparation. Sample menus and tips for eating out will also be shared. The ever-important exercise…

Heart Healthy Recipes for Summer

Community Conversations: Growing Beyond Trauma

Join us for three sessions, which will create a safe space to talk about hard things. The content combines community discussion, social work teachings on coping skills, life stories, and a bit of creativity. You can come to…

A Taste of Latin American Heritage Pop-up

Reﬂecting the range of culinary traditions, foods, and ﬂavors of Latin America that are richly ﬂavorful, aﬀordable, and easy-to-prepare. Register at bit.ly/LAHfood . A Taste of Latin American Heritage features recipes…

CityLife Clinic: Adult Nutrition Workshop

Exercise DVDs

Try a new workout or an old favorite with these DVDs.

Health for Kids

Check out some health-related books for kids and teens at the Free Library.

Health

Here are some of the health books on the shelves of the Free Library.

Diabetes

Learn more about diabetes and how to manage it.

The Food Trust: Farmer's Markets

The Food Trust keeps an up-to-date map of farmers markets you can visit in Philadelphia.

Take Control Philly

Take Control Philly is part of the Philadelphia Department of Public Health. It provides information on sexually transmitted infections, how to protect yourself, and free condoms at locations throughout the city or by mail directly to…

Ready Philadelphia

Part of being healthy is being prepared for emergencies. Sign up for Ready Philadelphia to get alerts about disasters, local emergencies, weather alerts, mass transit, and other important information.

Poison Control Center

The Poison Control Center’s mission is to reduce the number of accidents, the severity of injuries, the number of deaths, and the healthcare costs associated with poison exposures. They can be reached at any time at 1-800-222-1222.

Point-to-Talk Booklets in 19 Languages

These booklets, developed by the American Hospital Association, are designed to help non-English speakers talk with their doctors during appointments. They can be downloaded and printed.

Philly Powered

Philly Powered is part of the Philadelphia Department of Public Health’s Get Healthy Philly initiative to promote everyday physical activity, particularly among adult men and women who are seeking to live healthier lives.

Philly Food Finder

Use this tool to find food pantries, meals for seniors, soup kitchens, SHARE host sites, and farmer’s markets by typing in your address or zip code.

Philadelphia Refugee Health Collaborative

The Philadelphia Refugee Health Collaborative website connects to three resettlement agencies and eight refugee health clinics.

Philadelphia Health Centers

Do you need to see a doctor? Visit this site for locations of medical services across the city.

Philadelphia Department of Public Health: Immunization Program

Find immunization recommendations here to make sure you and your children are up to date on all vaccines.

Philadelphia Department of Public Health

The main website for the Philadelphia Department of Public Health is a great place to start researching your health questions. It connects you to information on the many health issues Philadelphians face, as well as resources for…

Philadelphia Corporation for Aging: Health & Wellness

Good health is a key component of aging well and there are many free community-based programs to help seniors improve their health. Using PCA’s event search tool, you can find events near you on health topics including nutrition,…

Obesity

Learn about adult and childhood obesity, including the causes, the health consequences, and strategies to prevent obesity.

Medline Plus Health Topics

If you are looking for information on a specific health condition, the Medline Plus list of Health Topics is a great place to start. Here are some specific health conditions that are prevalent in Philadelphia, as well as information on…

High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

One in three adults in the United States has high blood pressure. It is important to check your blood pressure regularly.

Healthy Minds Philly

HealthyMindsPhilly.org is an online tool and resource to support and improve the mental health and well-being of all Philadelphians. The Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services (DBHIDS) has…

Free Library Culinary Literacy Center

Our Culinary Literacy Center offers a wide range of programs for eaters of all interests and tastes. Kitchen classes range from Meatless Mondays to Fish Without Fear and butchering demonstrations to salad how-tos. Free and low-cost…

Free Health Screenings

The Philadelphia Department of Public Health maintains a monthly list of free health screenings across the city. Scroll down to the “Free Health Screenings in Philadelphia” section for the link to this month’s list.

Food Fit Philly

Eating healthy and being physically active can reduce your risk of chronic diseases.

Federally Qualified Health Centers

Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) are local, non-profit or city-run primary care providers serving low-income families. Find one using this search tool.

Health

What are your health questions? The Free Library can connect you with resources to help you live a healthier lifestyle, including research tools, cooking classes, resources to help you quit smoking or increase your exercise, and…