What’s a Doula and what does a Doula do? Find out on Saturday April 10^th, at the Central Library.

Join Heather Crossan, Alberta Representative of DONA International, to learn about childbirth options, how to become a doula, and much more! A year ago, I didn’t know what a doula was, and now two of my close friends are well on their way to becoming certified. Find out more about this growing career field!

But…just because it’s a growing field, doesn’t mean it’s a new concept. Assisting in the birth of a child is a magical and profound experience. On a trip to Italy several years ago, I visited a necropolis – a “city of the dead”, as it were – and found that an overwhelming number of tombs were for midwives, and those who helped during childbirth. Indeed, assisting in the birthing of children was considered one of the most important professions to which a woman could dedicate herself. If I may say so, I think the same still holds.

To register for this free program and many others, call 260-2600, drop by your local library branch, or click here.

A recent CBC news article caught my attention, because of this staggering, sobering statistic: every hour, for the forseeable future, 20 people will be diagnosed with diabetes.

Whether you’re concerned about preventing or managing diabetes, check out the Calgary Public Library’s collections – both print and digital. Our cookery section has a huge range of books; our health and wellness section has information about the body, fitness, medications, and treatments. From home, access our e-library for a huge range of articles from encyclopedias, magazines, and authoritative medical journals.

Your doctor is not your only source of information! Empower yourself by making a trip to your local library!

In the Western world, humans are typically thought of as being tripartite – having discrete minds, bodies and spirits. Many spiritual and even philosophical traditions regard humans in this way. Here at the Central library, we’re celebrating wellness with an entire weekend dedicated to programs for your mind, body and spirit.

Join us on March 6^th and 7^th, for programs about yoga, birth, reiki, meditation, Buddhism and much more! Last year these programs were very popular, so register today! For more information, see our program guide.

There are two practicing dieticians in my family. Over the years, they’ve seen every diet plan under the sun, and eschewed them all. Instead, they recommend a common sense approach to eating and exercising. Calories in and calories out. Everything in moderation, and nothing off-limits.

I thought of those relatives when I came across The Mayo Clinic Diet on our shelf of new books.

If you’re looking for simple, straightforward advice to help you feel better and lose weight, then check out this book. There are no gimmicks; the advice is sound and practical.

The idea is this: by breaking 5 bad habits and establishing 5 good ones, you’re bound to feel better and lose weight.

If you’ve resolved to be healthier in 2010, then pick up The Mayo Clinic Diet today!

When I’m feeling particularly low, I like to treat myself with a little pick-me-up. Typically, that’s cheesecake. Conversely, when I’m celebrating, I like to indulge in…cheesecake. Of course, if it’s unavailable, I’ll settle for a glass of red wine, a big plate of pasta, or applewood smoked cheddar cheese. Food comforts when I’m upset, and celebrates right along with me, in the good times.

Much more importantly, food is medicine. Simply adding more of one kind of food, or omitting another, is often enough to eradicate bothersome health issues – everything from acne and headaches to irritable bowels!

If you love food, and want to learn more about how it relates to your mood, your health, your budget and your body, then join us on October 2 and 3 for a series of programs, aptly named Food is Life.

There will be a huge range of programs, so whether you’re curious about growing your own vegetables, or wondering what to feed your picky eaters, there’ll be something for you.

For more information, please see the following:

Food is Life

I have vivid memories of summers spent on the absolutely unique treasure known as Prince Edward Island. One memory stands out in particular: I was taken to an organic farm, where I was able to tour fields of potatoes and other vegetables, and see how a single horse could contribute so much to a small farming operation. My host was an older gentleman who, when we were finished the tour, reached down to the ground, pulled out a single carrot, and after wiping the dirt on the front of his pant leg, handed it to me. I took the small, crooked carrot and found that it was delicious! It was one of the best pieces of produce I’ve ever had.

Some time ago, I completed (OK, “tried to complete”) a master cleanse which called for lemons, and so I purchased organic Meyer lemons from Community Natural Foods. Again, I was stunned at how much better organic tastes than non-organic. These lemons were so sweet that you could almost eat them as candy. Unbelievable!

I love the taste of organic food, and I don’t mind paying extra to ensure that the food I eat tastes great and is free of pesticides and preservatives. However, organic food is about much more than taste and price.

One film that highlights some of the issues related to organic food is called Fresh. Fresh illustrates how farmers who operate outside of the industrial complex are able to produce healthy, robust animals, without the use of antibiotics, hormones, and the like. It shows how shared gardens can be a nexus for community revival and food security, while at the same time, offering a sensible response to energy shortage. It reveals that traditional, responsible methods of small scale animal husbandry can actually be more productive than the industrial model of factory-farms.

What resounded in me most strongly after watching this film is the following line: “There is no such thing as cheap food”. Some farmer, wage laborer, animal, river, or internal organ will surely “pay” for the low prices we currently enjoy.

Join us on September 26^th, in the John Dutton theatre, to watch Fresh. This is an award winning, inspiring, and approachable film. You’ll leave wanting to be a gardener, a hog farmer, an activist, or at the very least: someone bound for the farmer’s market.

For more information:

Fresh