Tag: February

February Storytimes

Posted on by Olivia

Hearts, love, red, and penguins usher in our February Children’s Storytime.

Celebrating Valentine’s Day stories will have your child’s creativity flowing with hearts and the colors red. R-E-D red, we can all spell red, but can we find books where the covers and spines are red or have the word “red” in the title of the book?

What better way to wind up our February Storytime than with those cute little fellows in tuxedo-looking feathers! That’s right: penguins! Look for further details on our upcoming Penguin Pals show on February 25th at the Aurora Public Library. We don’t mean the stuffed ones either! Real live penguins will be stopping by the library, so come to our penguin storytime to get ready to meet these feathered friends!

Happy Valentine’s Day to all of you!

National American Heart Month

Posted on by Shelby

Going hand in hand with Valentine’s Day, love, romance, and National Library Lover’s Month, February is also National American Heart Month. The Aurora Public Library District is here for you for all of your heart questions and answers.

According to the American Heart Association, cardiovascular disease, which includes heart disease and stroke, remains the leading cause of global deaths every year, with 17.3 million deaths. And while many cardiovascular issues can be genetic, there are still many preventative steps you can take to protect your heart and your health.

Educate Yourself

Read up on all the information you can find about your heart and heart health. Learn how the cardiovascular system works so you can keep your old ticker in tip-top shape. Learn the signs and symptoms for certain heart diseases so you can be on guard for yourself and your loved ones. Visit the American Heart Association website for more information.

Dietary Changes

I’ll be the first to admit that greasy cheeseburgers and salty french fries are delicious, but we’re harming ourselves by constantly eating convenient junk foods. Check out heart-healthy cookbooks filled with recipes and tips for you to keep your heart safe. Become familiar with what you’re putting into your body and eat smarter by cutting back on portions, lowering your sodium intake, and adding colorful fruits and vegetables to every meal.

Be Active

I know, I know — it’s cold out and we don’t want to do anything but sit on the couch and binge-watch Netflix. Of course it’s perfectly fine for you to relax after a long day, but everything in moderation. Make it a personal goal to get up and move at least once a day. It’s super simple! Just start walking! You can change your life (and your waistband!) by simply walking for a few minutes everyday. And as you get healthier, you will want to walk for longer and farther. While you’re walking, running, or burning calories with an intense cardio workout, listen to an audiobook you can check out from the Indiana Digital Download Center.

Be Mindful

Your heart health journey doesn’t start in your diet or in your walking feet; it starts in your mind! It starts with the conscience decision to better your health for yourself and others. This means getting enough sleep, reducing stress (incorporate yoga and meditation into your routine), and knowing your body’s limits. Take it slow! Rome wasn’t built in a day, so why should a complete lifestyle overhaul take place overnight? It’s okay to make yourself as a priority sometimes by taking a personal day to have a massage or simply unplug your electronic distractions. And of course, don’t skip out on your yearly checkup. If you are feeling concerned about something, don’t put off that doctor visit.

Give your heart a little more love this February by celebrating National American Heart Month. As always, Happy Reading!