Sunday January 23rd, 2011 Taking Care of You

Many of us spend an enormous amount of time, money and effort on looking our personal best. All you have to do is open any magazine to find dozens of ads for creams, lotions and potions. As well, let’s not forget our inner best which is so important to how we feel. What kinds of information does the library have that you can use to strive for your best? Let’s take a look.

How to Cut Your Own Hair Or Anyone Else’s by Marsha Heckman. Not for the faint of heart, this book shows you how to cut hair for 15 of the most basic cuts, covering men’s women’s and children’s styles. If you feel confident enough to try it yourself this book has the ideal instructions. From bobs to blunt, bangs or the buzz cut, it’s all here. Every type of hair is covered as well; from thin to thick, curly or straight. How to style it once you are done? Not a problem as this book will show you how and save you money at the same time.

Don’t Go To the Cosmetics Counter Without Me by Paula Begoun. Women spend an extraordinary amount of money on cosmetics. Want to know more about the products you are buying? This is a unique guide to cosmetics, including reviews of brand name products as rated by the author along with their price point. A summary near the end focuses on the best products. There is also an ingredient dictionary at the back for those unpronounceable words and whether or not they are potentially harmful. This is a good sourcebook for shopping smart and spending wisely.

Change Your Brain, Change Your Body by Daniel Amen. This book focuses on using the relationship between the brain and the body to obtain the optimal you. The brain is the center that controls not only the way we think and feel but also the way we look. The book contains 15 easy to implement solutions using positive thinking, vitamins and supplements and nutritious foods to reach your ideal weight, lower blood pressure, avoid depression, sleep better or even to sharpen your memory. We have copies in print, as well as an e-audio book and e-book through our website.

Shred It With Weights on DVD featuring Jillian Michaels. Jillian Michaels, one of the trainers from the popular television show Biggest Loser, shows you how to work out with a kettlebell or, if you don’t have one she also does the exercises using hand held weights. Be sure to watch the tutorial first. She starts with a warm up and then moves into circuits or cardio and strength combinations. There are two 30 minute routines designed to burn maximum fat and build lean muscle.

Prevention Magazine. This magazine is jam packed with all kinds of health, beauty, fitness and nutrition information and tips, coupled with a few tasty recipes. The February 2011 issue has such topics as heart attacks among women, losing weight, age-erasers and beauty secrets from the cover girl Christy Brinkley. This magazine is available for reading online from our website using your library card and pin number and accessing the database Masterfile Premier. We also have print copies too.

Mindfulness In Plain English by Bhante Gunaratana. If you are looking for a way to focus your mind and relax try out some meditation. This is a great book for anyone who has never tried meditation before. The concept of mindfulness is a difficult thing to explain and this book does an excellent job. The basics are covered starting with the most important part, your breathing. This book is also available online at: http://www.urbandharma.org/udharma4/mpe.html

It’s never too late to put your best foot forward because you are important too!

Michelle Paziuk, Library Technician