Library hosts free health screenings

Published 9:16 pm Monday, January 12, 2015

aughan Community Services’ Rebecca Nichols, left, assists Demetrice Dudley, right, at the first event of a four-day Selma-Dallas County Public Library “All About You” series. ---Sarah Robinson

aughan Community Services’ Rebecca Nichols, left, assists Demetrice Dudley, right, at the first event of a four-day Selma-Dallas County Public Library “All About You” series. —Sarah Robinson

The Selma-Dallas County Public Library did more than lead its guests to a good book Monday morning. It also led many of them to a healthier lifestyle with its “All About You” series.

The library held its first event of the series Monday to help people stay true to their New Year’s resolution to get healthier. Participants spent the morning visiting the Library’s Vaughan Room to take part in the Vaughan Community Health Services’ free health screenings.

“This puts us in the mind of good health,” said Selma-Dallas County Public Library Director Becky Nichols. “Brand new year, brand new start.”

Email newsletter signup

Vaughan Community Health Services’ representatives checked participants’ blood pressure, weight, cholesterol and more. Based on the results, they were able to advise patients about what they should bring to their health care provider’s attention during their next doctor’s visit.

Karen Morris, a Vaughan Community Health Services community health educator, said that everyone should consider getting a health screening, especially when they have plans to get in shape as a New Year’s resolution.

“It’s always good to have a community screening at the beginning of the year to get these numbers,” Morris said. “We’re glad people are on board wanting to find out about their health.”

The series will continue Tuesday at 2 p.m. with an event instructed by Morris that focuses on weight loss. On Wednesday, Spencer Farms’ Laura Spencer will lead a 2 p.m. class focused on natural skin care, which will be followed by a Thursday event at 4 p.m. that teaches individuals how to maintain healthy hair. All programs are free and held in the library’s Vaughan Room. Classes are limited, so participants are encouraged to pre-register by calling 874-1725 or visiting www.selmalibrary.org.