Spring into health this September – online at your local library!

This year has seen some big changes to the way we live since the COVID-19 outbreak. Looking after your health has never been more important.

People who live and work in western Sydney have the opportunity to pick up some free health tips by taking part in this year’s Library Health Month activities, all from the comfort of their home!

For the fourth year running, Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) has partnered with libraries in council areas of Blacktown, Cumberland, Parramatta and the Hills Shire to share the ‘Spring into Health’ message with library visitors during Library Health Month in September.

Libraries will play host to a range of free online health talks including ‘How to pack a healthy lunchbox’ and live online sessions about health and wellbeing in different languages, thanks to the Bilingual Community Education Program.

WSLHD Centre for Population Health Deputy Director, Christine Newman said everyone is encouraged to visit their local library’s online health website to see what’s on offer during Library Health Month, and to sign up for the free Get Healthy Information and Coaching Service.

“COVID-19 may have changed your routine and your normal activities, but our ongoing partnership with local libraries will always be here to support our communities,” said Christine.

“We’d like to remind people in our western Sydney communities about the importance of healthy eating and active living, and how free programs like the Get Healthy Service might help them,” she continued.

Libraries will also promote other free NSW Health programs including:

• Go4Fun for kids
• Stepping On for people over 65, who are concerned about falling or have had a fall
• Healthy & Active for Life for over 60s, which includes weekly phone support services.

There will be a range of fun health activities and challenges available for the month of September. You can be inspired by favourite health books, or check out the free healthy story-time reads from the Sydney Thunder Literacy program. There’s also a bonus free online practical cricket skills session!

 “Why not even try to walk, cycle or scooter to your local library if you’re picking up a book? It’s a great way to stay COVID-19 safe, while being physically active,” added Christine.

For more information, check out your local library’s website to discover their health portal in September:

• www.blacktown.nsw.gov.au/Services/Libraries/Library-Health-Month
• www.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/spring-health
• www.cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au/spring-into-health-in-september
• www.thehills.nsw.gov.au/Library/Spring-into-Health-during-Library-Health-Month

 To find out more about the free NSW Health programs, visit www.makehealthynormal.nsw.gov.au