Eat Fit – Get Fit

February 3, 2017

With the start of a new year, there’s no better time than now to reset your body and spirit by not just thinking about fitness but acting on your best instincts. Turn on the TV and you’ll see many fancy dieting regimens, expensive cycling systems and “fool proof” ways to trim down (guaranteed of course!) If it was only so easy!

Or, take a moment, go online to the Government Publishing Office’s web site at https://bookstore.gpo.gov/ and check out an amazing variety of dietary guidelines and exercise guides produced by the Department of Health and Human Services and by the Department of Agriculture for your kids, family– all the way to the over 55 set. The best part is most of the materials are free in various eBook formats.

017-300-00025-3_page_001A great example is the Exercise and Physical Activity eBook. A FREE guide to how you can age well through simple exercises and good eating habits.

You can download in minutes here and be ready to take control the very same day or night.

Scan the many publications your federal government has designed for you to get started and stay engaged in better health practices.

You’ll be pleasantly surprised there’s a publication to fit the needs of everyone in your family -You included! Don’t wait.

How can I obtain health resources from the Federal government?

Shop Online Anytime: You can buy eBooks or print publications —with FREE Standard Shipping worldwide— from the U.S. Government Online Bookstore at http://bookstore.gpo.gov.

Shop our Retail Store: Buy a copy of any print editions from this collection at GPO’s retail bookstore at 710 North Capitol Street NW, Washington, DC 20401, open Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., except Federal holidays, Call (202) 512-0132 for information or to arrange in-store pick-up.

Order by Phone: Call our Customer Contact Center Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5:30 pm Eastern (except US Federal holidays). From US and Canada, call toll-free 1.866.512.1800. DC or International customers call +1.202.512.1800.

Visit a Federal depository library: Search for U.S. Government publications in a nearby Federal depository library. You can find the records for most titles in GPO’s Catalog of U.S. Government Publications.

About the author: Blogger contributor Ed Kessler is a Promotions Specialist in GPO’s Publication and Information Sales program office.

2 Comments | Agriculture, Consumers, Department of Agriculture, Department of Health & Human Services, ebooks, Family, Health care, NIH | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Trudy Hawkins

Mental Health Help from the Federal Government

January 30, 2017

The Federal government has a variety of mental health resources for people who suffer with some form of mental illness. Mental illnesses such as depression and schizophrenia as well as other mental illnesses can adversely affect the way a person thinks, feels, or acts. To help individuals suffering with depression or schizophrenia, the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS), National Institute of Mental Health recently released two new eBooks covering these important mental health topics.

9780160934421Depression: What You Need to Know (ePub)

If you have a loved one you think is suffering with depression, this comprehensive eBook provides helpful information on the signs and symptoms of depression. It methodically discusses what factors play a role in depression, as well as the types of depression and how it affects people in different ways.  It also discusses treatment and support options, and a listing of additional resources for more help.

9780160934438Schizophrenia (ePub)

Schizophrenia is described as a “chronic and severe” illness. And like depression, it affects the way a person feels, thinks and acts. This eBook describes the condition of schizophrenia and the symptoms associated with the mental disorder. Other topics include causes of schizophrenia and treatment options for individuals seeking help for a loved one.

Dealing with mental health problems can be challenging, however, these eBooks from the National Institute of Mental Health offer individuals and families much needed help in coping with mental disorders.

How can I obtain these FREE mental health resources?

Shop Online Anytime: You can buy eBooks or print publications —with FREE Standard Shipping worldwide— from the U.S. Government Online Bookstore at http://bookstore.gpo.gov.

Shop our Retail Store: Buy a copy of any print editions from this collection at GPO’s retail bookstore at 710 North Capitol Street NW, Washington, DC 20401, open Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., except Federal holidays, Call (202) 512-0132 for information or to arrange in-store pick-up.

Order by Phone: Call our Customer Contact Center Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5:30 pm Eastern (except US Federal holidays). From US and Canada, call toll-free 1.866.512.1800. DC or International customers call +1.202.512.1800.

Visit a Federal depository library: Search for U.S. Government publications in a nearby Federal depository library. You can find the records for most titles in GPO’s Catalog of U.S. Government Publications.

About the author: Blogger contributor Trudy Hawkins is the Sr. Marketing and Promotions Specialist in GPO’s Publication and Information Sales program office.

Leave a Comment » | Consumers, Department of Health & Human Services, ebooks, Family, Health care, NIH | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Trudy Hawkins

Veterans Day: Serving Those Who Served

November 9, 2016

arlington-820751_960_720As we well know, November 11 is Veterans Day. But it wasn’t always called that. At the end of WWI, President Woodrow Wilson declared November 11 as the first Armistice Day with the following words: “To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory.” Not until June 1, 1954 did President Dwight D. Eisenhower sign the law that struck out the word “Armistice” and replaced it with “Veterans.” Thus, November 11 became a day to honor American veterans of all wars. GPO employees printed that original act and now make it digitally available on govinfo.

One important way the U.S. Government honors all military service veterans is by providing first-rate health benefits and services. The Department of Veteran’s Affairs serves more than 8 million Veterans each year. Coverage is immediate, travels with recipients, meets healthcare law standards, and surpasses quality and effectiveness measurements. It’s the care Veterans have earned.

GPO makes available these health and benefits resources from the VA and its Veterans Health Administration:

Health Care Benefits Overview 2016 Edition, Vols. 1 & 2

051-000-00256-3This comprehensive medical benefits publication includes the standard FAQs on basic eligibility requirements, enrollment, copays, Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage, and the like. It also highlights community living centers, medical foster homes, geriatric evaluation, home telehealth, and online tools that are part of the VA’s silver plate of world-class care.

Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents and Survivors 2016

051-000-00258-0This annual publication provides a complete summary of all Federal benefits available to qualified American veterans and their families. It’s must-have, up-to-date information on the benefits and rights owed to those who accepted the responsibility to defend America when duty called.

In the VA’s own words: “Our Servicemembers and Veterans have sacrificed to keep our country – and everything it represents – safe…Thank you for your service. Now let us serve you.”

HOW DO I OBTAIN THESE RESOURCES?

Shop Online Anytime: You can buy eBooks or print publications —with FREE Standard Shipping worldwide— from the U.S. Government Online Bookstore at http://bookstore.gpo.gov.

Shop our Retail Store: Buy a copy of any print editions from this collection at GPO’s retail bookstore at 710 North Capitol Street NW, Washington, DC 20401, open Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., except Federal holidays, Call (202) 512-0132 for information or to arrange in-store pick-up.

Order by Phone: Call our Customer Contact Center Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5:30 pm Eastern (except US Federal holidays). From US and Canada, call toll-free 1.866.512.1800. DC or International customers call +1.202.512.1800.

Visit a Federal depository library: Search for U.S. Government publications in a nearby Federal depository library. You can find the records for most titles in GPO’s Catalog of U.S. Government Publications.

About the author: Blogger contributor Chelsea Milko is a Public Relations Specialist in GPO’s Public Relations Office.

Leave a Comment » | Department of Defense, Department of Veterans Affairs, Health care | Tagged: , , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Trudy Hawkins

A New Guide for the American Diet

September 15, 2016

001-000-04771-0Americans, your dietary guidepost for the next four years is here! The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Dietary Guidelines for Americans is now available through GPO. It’s designed to help folks “improve their overall eating patterns — the complete combination of foods and drinks in their diet.” Plainly put, it’s a plan for eating better.

In this latest edition of HHS and USDA’s twice-a-decade nutrition publication, you’ll see terms like “nutrient-dense” and “food pattern” over and over again. That isn’t just trendy jargon to impress policymakers and health professionals. The words have real meaning, and they represent a shift in thinking about the way Americans should eat.  That is, “people do not eat food groups and nutrients in isolation but rather in combination”—people eat food in patterns.

eat-carrot-peaDietary Guidelines doesn’t just prescribe what to eat, it reminds us why to eat. Science tells us that healthy eating patterns “can help prevent chronic diseases like obesity, heart disease and Type 2 diabetes.” Improved nutrition staves off disease. And when Americans make healthy choices in their daily lives, the long-term benefits support a healthier next generation.

001-000-04771-0_dietary-guidelines-for-americans-2015-2020-003

Click on image to enlarge.

And now, snack on a few science-based recommendations:

  • There’s more than one way to pattern and adapt your eating. Dietary Guidelines provides examples of healthy eating patterns,
  • Nutrient-dense foods are only nutrient dense if they’re made with little or no added solid fats, sugars, refined starches, and sodium. So, cut down on those things,
  • Find new ways to sneak more veggies into dishes you already prepare,
  • Women, limit yourself to one drink per day. Men, your limit is two,
  • Lifelong healthy eating begins with small changes.

If you want a handy takeaway message, it’s this: make small dietary shifts and follow a healthy, lifetime eating pattern that combines a variety of nutrient-dense foods. Or simpler yet, eat for the long run, eat to live.

Update: The 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, is now available in a variety of convenient digital formats compatible with mobile phones, tablets, and e-readers.

See all the available formats for the Dietary Guidelines.

HOW DO I OBTAIN THIS PUBLICATION?

Shop Online Anytime: You can buy eBooks or print publications —with FREE Standard Shipping worldwide— from the U.S. Government Online Bookstore at http://bookstore.gpo.gov.

 Shop our Retail Store: Buy a copy of any print editions from this collection at GPO’s retail bookstore at 710 North Capitol Street NW, Washington, DC 20401, open Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., except Federal holidays, Call (202) 512-0132 for information or to arrange in-store pick-up.

Order by Phone: Call our Customer Contact Center Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5:30 pm Eastern (except US Federal holidays). From US and Canada, call toll-free 1.866.512.1800. DC or International customers call +1.202.512.1800.

Visit a Federal depository library: Search for U.S. Government publications in a nearby Federal depository library. You can find the records for most titles in GPO’s Catalog of U.S. Government Publications.

About the author: Blogger contributor Chelsea Milko is a Public Relations Specialist in GPO’s Public Relations Office.

Leave a Comment » | Agriculture, Consumers, Department of Agriculture, Family, Health care | Tagged: , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Trudy Hawkins

A Population Health Report You Don’t Want to Ignore

April 29, 2016

The U.S. Government devotes billions of dollars to health care expenditures. It now spends more on health care than any other country in the world. Pretty much everyone can agree that pouring money into something is senseless without tackling the systemic problems that obstruct success. So, it’s time to turn heads to the subject of population health— the colossal canopy of environmental and social system health determinants. GPO makes available an Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research, National Institutes of Health publication that meets this topic head on.

population

Population Health: Behavioral and Social Science Insights (ePub)

This book takes a hard, systems-level look at the overall wellbeing of a population. Individual biology and specific diseases are still considered unignorably important areas of study. But that’s not the purpose of this book. The operating idea is this: if large population groups share common health risks, then population-based interventions have the potential to produce considerable impacts. The under-recognized casual relationships involving demographics and human behavior have a profound effect on life expectancy and health-related quality of life.

Population Health: Behavioral and Social Science Insights The text is sectioned into 23 chapters that zero in on demographic and social epidemiological perspectives, behavioral risk policies, biological factors, healthcare investment and economics, and emergent population health tools. Here are a few takeaways to get you thinking…

  • “Despite spending far more on health care than any other nation, the United States ranks near the bottom on key health indicators. This paradox has been attributed to underinvestment in addressing social and behavioral determinants of health.”
  • “The vast majority of deaths in the United States and worldwide are due to non-communicable diseases (NCD) like cancer, cardiovascular disease (CVD), diabetes, and respiratory disease. The key determinants of these mortality rates are behavioral and social risk factors that include smoking, use of drugs and alcohol, poor diet, and lack of physical activity.”
  • “Of the $2.9 trillion in annual health-related expenditures, about 97 percent is devoted to health care, while only 3 percent is devoted to factors outside of the health care system. In other words, 97 percent of the investment is chasing the potential for 10 percent of the benefit, while as little as 3 percent of the expenditure is devoted to factors that may explain 50 to 90 percent of the potential benefit.”

This report is a push for more interdisciplinary, structural approaches to public health practice. Hopefully, an understanding of population-level health delivery and outcomes will hasten multi-level solutions. Altogether, there is still so much to learn about the effects of various behavioral and social factors on the way health and health care is improved upon. It’s the kind of learning that can’t come fast enough. Because the return on investment will likely be extended life expectancy and improved quality of life for everyone.

HOW DO I OBTAIN THIS FREE EBOOK?

Shop Online Anytime: You can buy eBooks or print publications —with FREE Standard Shipping worldwide— from the U.S. Government Online Bookstore at http://bookstore.gpo.gov.

 Shop our Retail Store: Buy a copy of any print editions from this collection at GPO’s retail bookstore at 710 North Capitol Street NW, Washington, DC 20401, open Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., except Federal holidays, Call (202) 512-0132 for information or to arrange in-store pick-up.

Order by Phone: Call our Customer Contact Center Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5:30 pm Eastern (except US Federal holidays). From US and Canada, call toll-free 1.866.512.1800. DC or International customers call +1.202.512.1800.

Visit a Federal depository library: Search for U.S. Government publications in a nearby Federal depository library. You can find the records for most titles in GPO’s Catalog of U.S. Government Publications.

About the author: Our guest blogger is Chelsea Milko, Public Relations Specialist in GPO’s Public Relations Office.

Leave a Comment » | Department of Health & Human Services, ebooks, Health care | Tagged: , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Trudy Hawkins

Understanding Memory Loss with Two NIH eBooklets

November 3, 2015

A recent National Institutes of Health-funded study found that out-of-pocket health care costs for dementia are greater than for any other disease. Such a serious disease with a serious price tag calls for comprehensive, accurate information to answer specific questions.

The NIH National Institute on Aging Alzheimer Disease Education and Referral Center (ADEAR, an appropriately reassuring acronym) has got you covered. Given that November is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, it’s a fitting time to peruse their two free eBooks—available in English and Spanish—on the topics of Alzheimer’s disease and memory loss.

9780160930157Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease

Forgetfulness happens to everyone. We all have those foggy moments when we misplace car keys or blank on a person’s name. When those occurrences worsen over time, a more serious problem may exist. This digital booklet plainly outlines AD causes, signs, treatment, research, and caregiver guidance. In addition, there’s a section on how to join clinical trials looking into prevention and treatment of AD and Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI).

Understanding Memory Loss

For those dealing with age-related cognitive degeneration, medical terminology can cause a cloud of confusion. This booklet, and as well as the publication above, contains a simplified “words to know” glossary. It also addresses signs of serious memory problems, provides tips for coping with cognitive decline, and lays out the difference between forgetfulness and real memory impairment.9780160930133

Maybe you’re a health professional searching for current information on cognitive health and memory loss. Maybe you’re a caretaker looking to educate a loved one on what to do when they have trouble remembering. The knowledge journey for memory loss sufferers and their support network is not easy—minds are astir with questions and hearts weigh heavy with concern. But it’s really good to know that important dementia research conducted by the U.S. Government is just a few clicks away.

How do I obtain these FREE downloadable eBooks?

Shop Online Anytime: You can buy eBooks or print publications —with FREE Standard Shipping worldwide— from the U.S. Government Online Bookstore at http://bookstore.gpo.gov.

Shop our Retail Store: Buy a copy of any print editions from this collection at GPO’s retail bookstore at 710 North Capitol Street NW, Washington, DC 20401, open Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., except Federal holidays, Call (202) 512-0132 for information or to arrange in-store pick-up.

Order by Phone: Call our Customer Contact Center Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5:30 pm Eastern (except US Federal holidays). From US and Canada, call toll-free 1.866.512.1800. DC or International customers call +1.202.512.1800.

Visit a Federal depository library: Search for U.S. Government publications in a nearby Federal depository library. You can find the records for most titles in GPO’s Catalog of U.S. Government Publications.

About the author: Our guest blogger is Chelsea Milko, Public Relations Specialist in GPO’s Office of Public Affairs. 

Leave a Comment » | Department of Health & Human Services, Family, Health care, NIH | Tagged: , , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Trudy Hawkins

Health in the United States—One Publication to Rule Them All

October 27, 2015

Health, United States, 2014, With Special Feature on Adults Ages 55 to 64; Health Statistics 2014 in BriefIn timely fashion for Health Literacy Month, the U.S. government has ONE HEALTH PUBLICATION TO RULE THEM ALL. Oh, sorry. Let me just turn off caps lock. Good…now where was I?

Health. Yes! Health, United States, 2014 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National Center for Health Statistics is the source code you need if you want to know the health status of a nation. This annual overview of trends in national health and well-being contains pages of eye-widening statistics on all manner of health conditions and behaviors. Sure, it’s an omnibus of charts and trend tables. But it’s also an education in the health determinants of Americans. No contrivance or filter here. Just plain ‘ol actionable data. A heap of it. So, I will pull out a few choice pieces.

Take the special feature that explores baby boomer health. This graying 55-64 age group is fast approaching the Medicare years and the assemblage of chronic diseases that come with it. The book states that the two leading causes of death for this group are cancer and heart disease. No surprise there. But what is rather interesting to note is that this pre-retirement age group is the most diverse of its kind ever. Of course, the CDC’s health statisticians are wise to consider those socioeconomic and demographic differences and how they relate to key health measures. That’s good data work, folks.

There’s one data set I’m sure we’re all interested in: life expectancy at birth. It’s a measure, according to

Life expectancy at birth

Click image to enlarge.

the publication, that is “often used to gauge the overall health of a population.” Americans are living longer—in 2013, the average age reached 78 for men and 81 for women.

There’s such a bounty of telling stats that a summary here can’t do justice. That’s why the CDC included a trusty In Brief companion to the encyclopedic volume. And if any data nerds out there want to comb through spreadsheets, each section includes links to reference materials.

There’s something refreshingly empowering about reading health information in raw form, to stare down the portrait of American health straight on. So go ahead. Take this set of health facts and figures—the one health publication to rule them all—and use it for good.

How do I obtain this publication?

Shop Online Anytime: You can buy eBooks or print publications —with FREE Standard Shipping worldwide— from the U.S. Government Online Bookstore at http://bookstore.gpo.gov.

Shop our Retail Store: Buy a copy of any print editions from this collection at GPO’s retail bookstore at 710 North Capitol Street NW, Washington, DC 20401, open Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., except Federal holidays, Call (202) 512-0132 for information or to arrange in-store pick-up.

Order by Phone: Call our Customer Contact Center Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5:30 pm Eastern (except US Federal holidays). From US and Canada, call toll-free 1.866.512.1800. DC or International customers call +1.202.512.1800.

Visit a Federal depository library: Search for U.S. Government publications in a nearby Federal depository library. You can find the records for most titles in GPO’s Catalog of U.S. Government Publications.

About the author: Our guest blogger is Chelsea Milko, Public Relations Specialist in GPO’s Office of Public Affairs. 

Leave a Comment » | Department of Health & Human Services, Health care | Tagged: , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Trudy Hawkins

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