Interested in government information? If you, your colleagues, and/or your patrons are interested in becoming more involved in government information at the federal and state levels – you’re in luck. INDIGO, the Indiana Networking for Documents and Information of Government Organizations, is providing a participation grant to those interested in attending an INDIGO meeting and becoming involved. Any interested library employee, student, or library volunteer can apply for the grant. INDIGO will waive the membership and meeting fees and provide $50 to offset travel costs to grant awardees for year. The grant is open to those who are not the primary documents person at their library. It is not limited to depository library affiliates. To apply, please use the PDF of the Grant Application Form and send via mail or email to David Oldenkamp, INDIGO Chair, doldenka@indiana.edu, Wells Library 250 B, 1320 East 10th Street, Bloomington, IN 47405 . For more information about INDIGO, please see the website hosted by Purdue University.
INDIGO: http://www.lib.purdue.edu/govdocs/indigo.html
Grant application form: http://www.lib.purdue.edu/hsse/pdf/INDIGOParticipationGrantApplicationForm.pdf
NATIONAL LEUKEMIA AND LYMPHOMA AWARENESS MONTH
The American Cancer Society estimates that there will be 44,270 new cases of leukemia and 74,340 new cases of lymphoma in 2008. Therefore, September has been declared National Leukemia and Lymphoma Awareness Month. Spread the news to your patrons, as prevention and screening are the most important ways to reduce the risks. Both diseases affect the blood or bone marrow of those infected. Medline Plus provides information on symptoms and when to see a doctor.
Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) Cancer Fact Sheet: http://www.in.gov/isdh/19590.htm
Indiana Cancer Registry: http://www.in.gov/isdh/23456.htm
ISDH Fact Sheet on the Environment and Cancer: http://www.in.gov/isdh/files/cancer_bro_04.pdf
SCHOOL SAFETY AWARENESS
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the percentage of students carrying weapons decreased between 1995 and 2005. While this is good news, the topic of school safety isn’t one to become complacent about. There are many resources out there to help develop awareness of and best practices for keeping our schools, and our kids, safe. The Indiana School Safety Specialist Academy, a part of the Indiana Department of Education, provides a great reference guide to Indiana Laws Related to School Safety. Indiana Code citations are provided with each law so that the complete law can be accessed using the online version of the Indiana Code.
The Department of Homeland Security provides a list on its School Preparedness page of links to resources for school safety issues. Links include grant funding opportunities for school safety programs; planning, training and organizational programs; and school safety resources for adults and kids.
Finally, the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration has put together a web site directed towards kids called “Stop Bullying Now“. Adult pages are included on the site as well. This site helps teach kids what bullying is and what they can do if they witness bullying or are being bullied themselves.
Indiana School Safety Specialist Academy: http://www.doe.state.in.us/isssa/
U.S. Dept of Education Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools: http://www.ed.gov/admins/lead/safety/emergencyplan/index.html
Helping America’s Youth: http://www.helpingamericasyouth.gov/
CHILD PASSENGER SAFETY WEEK
September 20-27, 2008 is Child Passenger Safety Week . This annual campaign, administered by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, works to bring attention to the importance of using proper child safety restraints – child safety seats, booster seats, seat belts – every time a child is a passenger in the car. The week kicks off with free Child Safety Seat Inspections on Sept. 20th. To find a location near you, check the NHTSA Child Safety Seat Inspection Station Locator. It is searchable by zip code or state. Many of these sites offer free inspections year round, if you make an appointment.
The NHTSA web site also provides comprehensive information on child passenger safety that includes statistics, recommendations and tips, videos, educational literature, and product recall information. Educators might be interested in the Indiana Buckle Up Bug Program. This program, designed for children in grades K-3 is available statewide, requires students who enroll to wear their seat belt every time they are in the car. It also encourages them to “bug” their family members to do the same. Membership kits that include an activity book, sticker, bookmark, and pledge card are available. A Buckle Up Bug suit is available for rental at school events. <
CDC Child Passenger Safety Fact Sheet: http://www.cdc.gov/ncipc/factsheets/childpas.htm
National Transportation Safety Board: Child Passenger Safety: http://www.ntsb.gov/Surface/highway/childseat.htm
Indiana Participates: http://www.in.gov/cji/3151.htm
NATIONAL CHOLESTEROL AWARENESS MONTH
Do you know your HDL? LDL? Do you know what these mean?
HDL (high-density lipoproteins) = Good cholesterol: protects your body from fat build up in your blood vessels. LDL (low-density lipoproteins) = Bad Cholesterol: causes fat to build up in your arteries. High levels of LDL’s increase ones risk of developing heart disease.
High cholesterol is on the rise in the United States, and because of this the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) has declared September to be National Cholesterol Education Month. Since 1985, the Program has been devoted to help reduce illness and death from coronary heart disease. Total cholesterol is the amount of fat found in your blood. It is produced by your liver and found in certain foods you eat. Not all cholesterol is bad. In fact, it is an essential part of your bodily functions. But too much of it can become a major risk factor for heart disease. Some factors that can contribute to high cholesterol include lack of physical activity, diets high in saturated fat, diabetes, and obesity. You can combat high cholesterol with exercise and low-fat, healthy foods. Please remember to have your cholesterol checked regularly to avoid serious health issues such as heart attack, stroke, and diabetes. The following sources can help you in achieving a healthy lifestyle and cholesterol level.
INShape Indiana: Know your Cholesterol: http://www.in.gov/inshape/2452.htm
American Heart Association: Know your Fats: http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=532
CDC Cholesterol Topics: http://www.cdc.gov/cholesterol/index.htm
INShape Indiana: http://www.in.gov/isdh/
by Katharine Springer & Elisabeth O’Donnell