By Chelsea Vance | The Selma Times-Journal

The Selma-Dallas County Public Library will host three programs this week that will teach people how to eat better and exercise.

Circulation Coordinator Crystal Drye said the program, titled “All About You,” was started just over a year ago. Given all the New Year’s Resolutions people make this time of year, library staff thought this would be the perfect time to focus on health and wellness.

“January is the perfect month to start off and try to get fit and be healthy,” Drye said. “It starts off getting in the frame of mind to eat right, exercise and get enough rest.”

The three-day series will kick off Tuesday.

Assata Maat of Awaken Beautifully Organic Farms will shed light on the difference in grocery labels like natural, organic and farm raised and will also inform about organic foods and herbs.

Callie Nelson of Alabama Cooperative Extension will follow on Wednesday with a segment called “Healthy Snacks” that will show attendees how to make healthy food at home and will offer samples for them to try. The snacks will have minimum trans fat and will be low in calories.

On Thursday, local fitness enthusiast Marsha Carmichael and Crossfit trainers Robin Woodson and Cathy Sanders will teach exercise tips.

“We’re going to give exercise tips that can be done at home and talk about what is available in the Selma and Dallas County area,” Carmichael said.

Those who come are advised to bring towels.

All three programs will begin at 11 a.m. and last an hour. Space is limited and those interested in attending any of the sessions must register prior to the date by calling (334) 875-1725. All sessions are free.

“It’s important because we want people to live longer and healthier. Some of the things that people feel that they have to pay for; they are not able to get. They can come here and get a free program and get free information,” Drye said.