Tagged health
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…
#MaskUpPHL: Why, When, and How to Use a Mask
Updated June 29, 2020 10:00 a.m. On Friday, June 26, 2020, Mayor Kenney signed a Mandatory Mask Order , which requires masks to be worn in any indoor public spaces and outdoors if there is less than six feet between people from…
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…
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.…
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…
Free Blood Pressure Screening
A representative from the Frazier Family Coalition for Stroke Prevention Initiative will be at the library doing free blood pressure screenings. They will be on the library's main floor from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. …
Stop the Bleed
Death due to traumatic bleeding can occur in less than 5 minutes. In under 1 hour, you can learn to save a life. Individuals will receive formal Stop the Bleed training, which includes a presentation followed by hands-on practice…
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.…
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…
Free Blood Pressure Screening
A representative from the Frazier Family Coalition for Stroke Prevention Initiative will be at the library doing free blood pressure screenings. They will be on the library's main floor from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m. …
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.…
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…
Stop the Bleed
Death due to traumatic bleeding can occur in less than 5 minutes. In under 1 hour, you can learn to save a life. Individuals will receive formal Stop the Bleed training, which includes a presentation followed by hands-on practice…
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.…
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…
Senior Strength Conditioning
This Senior Strength and Conditioning series led by Deana Sabasino combines bands along with cardio work. Participants will be seated in our meeting room. All equipment is provided. Please wear comfortable attire.
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.…
Shopping on a Shoestring
Looking for fun ways to shop for healthy foods without breaking the bank? Join Chef Char for helpful tips, and delicious foods each Wednesday in May. Registration is required – call 215-685-1866 or visit the library to register.…
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…
Community Conversations: Rebuilding your Life
You are invited to a Workshop Series on how to manage life changes. Groups will gather to learn about coping skills, share life stories, and integrate creativity. Participants will take away a greater understanding of how to build…
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…
Health Literacy Month
October is Health Literacy Month, a month dedicated to promoting the importance of understandable health information. The month was first honored as an annual worldwide event in 1999 and continues to be an important initiative in…