Sept. 26 marks National Women’s Health and Fitness Day. To those of you who are not women – no one says you can’t think about your health too! Relax, get comfortable, and perhaps grab a nice cup of tea. The libraries have a few things we would like to share with you to encourage healthy living for all.

Health and fitness statistics in the United States, are reproachable and far from perfect. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s “State of Obesity” found that obesity rates are rising at a dangerous rate, with Wisconsin at 32 percent in 2018, and 48 out of 51 states and districts above 25 percent. In other words, one in three Wisconsinites are obese, and one in four U.S. citizens suffer from obesity.

The numbers are not much better for our nation’s leading killers. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention identifies heart disease, cancer, respiratory disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s, and diabetes as five of the top six leading causes of death in the United States, and they all have something in common.

We can do something about them. Arming oneself with information is the first, and best, step. For that reason, the Madison College Libraries has us covered.

Everyone knows that libraries have books.  Right now, we have a display up at the Truax Library of books to inspire healthy lifestyles.  There, one can find books on nutrition, exercise, mindfulness, and other health-related topics.  Please stop in if you are interested in reading about how you can take control of your health and wellness. 

Something that is not well known is that the libraries have streaming films that you can access for free. With your username and password, you can find documentaries from our Kanopy database such as “Hungry for Change: Your Health is in Your Hands”, Michael Pollan’s “In Defense of Food: an Eater’s Manifesto”, or “Unsupersize Me: the Woman Who Lost 200 lbs In A Year”.  Also, one may enjoy the Great Courses’ 18-episode series titled, “How to Stay Fit as You Age.”

Whatever the preference, our Kanopy database is sure to have some great films or documentaries to inspire everyone. Additionally, many print journals and magazines can be checked out from the libraries to help motivate you, such as Bicycling, Outside, Runner’s World, and Yoga Journal. Furthermore, Madison College has many health and wellness resources to encourage healthy living. At the Truax campus, students can find resources for relaxation, fitness, sports, counseling, medical care and more.

Search the Madison College Website to learn more about these invaluable resources. Your good health is in your hands, and it is up to you to reach out and take it.  Happy National Women’s Health and Fitness Day!

For more information, check out the sources used in this article:

“National Center for Health Statistics” from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, available here.

“The State of Obesity Created with Sketch,” from the Iowa State Obesity Data, Rates and Trends – The State of Obesity, by Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Find it here.