Updates to the Health Reference Center!

The public library is a trusted resource for your health needs. This article from the Portland Press Herald makes an excellent case why you NEED to be critical of online resources and why conducting your health research using public library resources is a no-brainer. Come and explore the new editions to WPL’s Health Reference Center! We have more community health information and pamphlets, the latest editions for our reference titles, and free recipes to keep you informed and healthy!

Community Health Information and
Consumer Health Pamphlets

Need to see a doctor or a dentist? Need help getting insurance? The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile is here to assist you. The schedule is posted in the Health Reference Center along with Worcester Free Clinic Coalition's schedule and information. New pamphlets include topics on cervical cancer, work-related asthma, the stigma attached to addiction, substance abuse material, and a drug discount card from NeedyMeds.

The drug discount card is useful, free, and does not require registration. Cards can be used for any prescription written by a doctor or a veterinarian and can also be used for over-the-counter medications as well. It cannot be used together with a copay or any Medicare/medical type plans. Savings could be as much as 80%. You can find out more information online or on the 2nd floor of the library in the Health Reference Center where you can grab your card today.

Updated Reference Titles

Recent additions to the Health Reference Center shelves include updated editions of Gray’s Anatomy (41st edition),  The Gale Encyclopedia of Surgery and Medical Tests (3rd edition), The Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine (4th edition), Goldman-Cecil Medicine 2016, PDR for Nonprescription Drugs (35th edition), and Gabbard’s Treatments of Psychiatric Disorders DSM-5 Edition (5th edition), Encyclopedia of Mind Enhancing Foods, Drugs, and Nutritional Substances (2nd edition), Peterson’s Nursing Programs 2017 and coming soon, The Gale Encyclopedia of Senior Health (2nd edition).

These reference titles offer comprehensive and valuable information. For example, are you thinking of attending nursing school? Peterson’s Nursing Programs offers detailed information from baccalaureate programs to doctoral programs listed by school and include a snapshot of each program’s degrees, requirements, study options, contacts, and more. Or perhaps you have a planned medical test or upcoming surgery. The Gale Encyclopedia of Surgery and Medical Tests offers patients and caregivers an in-depth comprehensive guide for these procedures with easy-to-understand definitions, descriptions, preparation, aftercare, risks, results, alternatives, and questions to ask your doctor. All of these titles are always available on the reference shelf!

Healthy Recipes

We now offer printouts of delicious and healthy recipes from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. The recipes boast simple ingredients with easy instructions along with some kid-friendly options as well! Some examples include healthier versions of Shepherd’s Pie filled with roasted chicken and mixed veggies or Crunchy Chicken Fingers with Tangy Dipping Sauce made with chicken breast and cornflakes for that nice crunch. Eating well plays a large role in your overall health and we are here to help you make healthy choices!

WPL is here to serve your health information needs!