December 20, 2024

Finding Comfort During the Holidays: How Reading Can Help Ease Loneliness and Depression

The holiday season is often associated with joy, togetherness, and celebration. But for many, it can also bring feelings of loneliness, stress, or sadness. Whether you’re navigating a tough time or simply seeking a sense of comfort, books can be a powerful ally in lifting your spirits and helping you feel connected. Here at Petersburg Public Library, we’re here to support you through the season with resources and recommendations to brighten your days.

Why Do the Holidays Feel Difficult?

The holidays can amplify emotions, especially if you’re missing loved ones, dealing with financial stress, or feeling disconnected from the hustle and bustle around you. It’s okay to acknowledge these feelings and seek healthy ways to cope. One such way is by turning to the pages of a good book. Reading offers more than just entertainment; it provides an escape, inspiration, and sometimes the connection you didn’t realize you needed.

How Reading Can Help

Books have a unique ability to transport us to other worlds, introduce us to inspiring characters, and provide insights that resonate deeply with our own experiences. Here are some ways reading can help ease loneliness and depression:

Escape from Stress: A captivating novel can whisk you away from daily worries, giving your mind a break and helping you recharge.
Find Connection: Memoirs and personal stories can remind you that you’re not alone in your struggles and that others have faced and overcome similar challenges.
Boost Your Mood: Uplifting genres like humor, romance, or adventure can bring moments of joy and laughter.
Learn Coping Strategies: Self-help books and guides offer practical tips for managing emotions and building resilience.

Tips for Finding the Right Book

Not sure where to start? Here are some suggestions:

Seek Comfort Reads: Revisit a favorite book from your past or choose something lighthearted and heartwarming.
Try Something New: Explore a genre you haven’t read before. Fantasy, mystery, or historical fiction might surprise you.
Connect Through Characters: Look for stories with relatable characters or themes that speak to your current feelings.
Ask for Recommendations: Our library staff is here to help you find the perfect book for your mood and interests.

Additional Resources at the Library

Beyond books, the library offers a variety of resources to help you navigate the season:

Community Events: Join us for workshops, book clubs, or holiday programs to connect with others in a welcoming space.
Quiet Spaces: Spend time in a peaceful corner of the library to read, reflect, or simply take a break from the holiday rush.
Digital Resources: Access eBooks, audiobooks, and more from the comfort of your home through our digital library services. Whether you’re cozy at home or on the go, apps like Libby and Hoopla give you easy access to a vast collection of digital books and audiobooks, providing a seamless reading experience. With these apps, you can borrow books from our digital collection at any time, making it easy to find comfort wherever you are.

Take Care of Yourself This Holiday Season

Remember, it’s okay to take things one day at a time. Whether you’re spending the holidays with others or on your own, finding comfort in a good book can make all the difference. Let the library be your companion during this season and beyond.

Stop by Petersburg Public Library or visit us online to discover books and resources that can brighten your holidays. We’re here to support you every step of the way. From all of us, we wish you a season of peace, warmth, and new beginnings.

December 4, 2024

Bringing FREE Books to Central Virginia: The Dolly Parton Imagination Library

Imagine a world where every child, regardless of circumstances, grows up with a library of books of their own. Thanks to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, that dream is becoming a reality here in Central Virginia. Through Imagination Library RVA, families in our community now have the opportunity to access this remarkable program that fosters literacy and nurtures the joy of reading.

How Does It Work?
If you have a child aged 0 to 5, you can enroll them in the Imagination Library program. Once enrolled, your child will receive a free book every month, delivered directly to your mailbox, until their fifth birthday. Each book arrives with your child’s name on it, making the experience extra special.

Why It Matters
Dolly Parton started this initiative inspired by her father, who couldn’t read. She promised to help ensure future generations have access to books, regardless of their financial situation. Starting in Tennessee, this program has now expanded across the United States and even to three other countries. It’s more than just books—it’s an investment in a child’s future, helping them build vocabulary, emotional understanding, and a love for stories.

Start Reading Today
Reading to your child doesn’t have to be a grand production. Whether it’s during a car ride or while waiting at the doctor’s office, books can bring magical moments into everyday life. Early exposure to reading helps build brain pathways that prepare children for academic success and a lifetime of learning.

Join the Movement
At the Petersburg Public Library, we’re thrilled to support this incredible initiative. We invite you to enroll your child, visit our children’s section full of fantastic books, and begin creating lasting memories. Let’s give every child the chance to explore new worlds and build a strong foundation for their future.

Learn more and enroll today by visiting imaginationlibraryrva.org.

Together, we can spark a lifelong love of reading in Central Virginia’s youngest learners.

December 4, 2024

Healthy Living Spotlight: Understanding Diabetes with Shelisha Hill, RDN

In our recent interview, Lenice Sudds, Healthy Living and Learning Coordinator, sat down with Shelisha Hill, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and founder of Diabetes Differently, LLC. Together, they delved into the essentials of diabetes, its prevention, and management.

Shelisha Hill, who specializes in diabetes education, serves as the Director of Nutrition & Wellness and Diabetes Prevention Program Coordinator at the Crater District Area Agency on Aging. Through her work and her business, Diabetes Differently, LLC, she helps individuals learn how to view and manage diabetes in a more effective and personalized way.

During the conversation, Shelisha emphasized the importance of early detection, explaining how lifestyle changes can prevent or delay type 2 diabetes for those diagnosed with prediabetes. Simple steps like increasing physical activity, eating balanced meals, and managing stress can significantly improve outcomes.

Shelisha also shared insights about Body Mass Index (BMI), blood sugar levels, and how to recognize symptoms of hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Stress and poor sleep, often overlooked, can also impact blood sugar levels and overall health.

Another key takeaway from the discussion was the role of support systems. Shelisha explained how friends, family, and even co-workers can provide encouragement and accountability, helping individuals with diabetes adopt healthier habits. By joining loved ones in making better food choices or participating in physical activities, a strong support system can make managing diabetes less daunting.

Finally, Shelisha highlighted the power of small, actionable steps. “Focus on one goal at a time,” she said, encouraging the use of SMART goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. She reminded listeners to be kind to themselves and adjust their goals as needed to achieve sustainable changes.

For more insights and resources, visit Shelisha Hill’s website at DiabetesDifferently.com.

About Lenice Sudds
Lenice Sudds, BHS, LPN, QMHP-A, is the Program Coordinator at the Healthy Living and Learning Center, Petersburg Public Library. She is dedicated to promoting health and wellness in the community through programs and resources.

Contact: Lenice Sudds, BHS, LPN, QMHP-A
Program Coordinator
Healthy Living and Learning Center
Petersburg Public Library
201 W. Washington Street, Petersburg, VA 23804
📞 (804) 733-2387 ext. 6302
📧 lsudds@ppls.org

October 11, 2024

Empowering Wellness During Breast Cancer Awareness Month: A Conversation with Dana Holmes

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we’re sharing an insightful conversation between Lenice Sudds, Program Coordinator at the Healthy Living and Learning Center, and Dana Holmes, a two-time breast cancer survivor and Certified Life/Health/Breast Cancer Wellness Coach. Dana shares her personal journey with breast cancer, the challenges she faced, and how her experience has led her to help others through wellness coaching.

Introduction by Lenice Sudds

Lenice Sudds:
Hi, I’m Lenice Sudds, the Healthy Living and Learning Coordinator here at the Petersburg Library. Today, I have the pleasure of interviewing Miss Dana Holmes from Manifest Now Coaching.

Dana’s Breast Cancer Journey

Lenice:
Dana, thank you for joining me today. Can you tell us a little bit about your personal journey with breast cancer?

Dana Holmes:
Thank you for having me. Yes, so I am a two-time breast cancer survivor. My first experience with breast cancer was back in 2015. I noticed some soreness and discharge in my left breast, which at first, I thought was normal. However, when I saw a brown discharge, I knew it was time to go to the doctor.

After tests, they found precancerous cells and gave me the option to monitor it or undergo a lumpectomy. I opted for the surgery, and it was during the procedure that they discovered I had noninvasive cancer, ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). Thankfully, the surgery removed the cancer, and I didn’t require radiation at the time.

But fast forward to April 2019, I was just shy of my five-year mark, and the cancer reoccurred in the same breast. This time, it was more widespread, but again, noninvasive.

Overcoming the Emotional Challenges

Lenice:
How did you feel when you first received your diagnosis, and what gave you the strength during those tough times?

Dana:
I was devastated. I was young, and you don’t expect something like breast cancer to happen so early in life. It really made me reflect on what I had done with my life and what my future might hold. I did a lot of crying, but I eventually leaned on my faith and the support of my family and friends to get through it. The second time around, I was mentally much stronger. I knew what I was going to do, and I opted for a mastectomy.

Helping Others on Their Wellness Journey

Lenice:
What inspired you to start helping others who are on the same journey?

Dana:
The second time around, I knew God wanted me to use my experience to help others. I had gone through the whole process, from surgery to recovery, and I knew that many people out there didn’t have the same support or knowledge that I did. I wanted to be that support for them. That’s why I created Manifest Now Coaching, to provide one-on-one wellness coaching for breast cancer survivors and others seeking to improve their health.

Exercise and Nutrition for Breast Cancer Survivors

Lenice:
How did exercise and nutrition play a role in your recovery?

Dana:
Exercise was key to my recovery. I did strength training and focused on flexibility since my surgery restricted my range of motion. It was tough, but I knew that movement was crucial to healing. As for nutrition, I adopted a plant-based diet and eliminated things like sugar, dairy, and saturated fats. These changes made a huge difference in my overall health and recovery.

Virtual Support Group

Lenice:
I understand you also host a free virtual support group for breast cancer survivors. Can you tell us more about that?

Dana:
Yes! I recently started a free Zoom group that meets on Thursdays at 7:00 PM EST. Anyone from around the world can join. We begin with prayer and then have a conversation where survivors can share their stories and connect with others. Sometimes, I bring in guest speakers, like physicians, to provide additional support and resources.

People can sign up by visiting Manifest Now Coaching and filling out the contact form to be added to the group.

Final Thoughts

Lenice:
Dana, what advice would you give to someone who has just been diagnosed with breast cancer?

Dana:
I would say, research. Take time to understand your diagnosis and the treatment options available to you. But don’t let yourself get overwhelmed by information. Find a doctor you trust and lean on your support system. It’s important to know that cancer is not a death sentence—you can overcome it.

Join Dana’s Virtual Support Group
If you’re a breast cancer survivor or know someone who could benefit from a supportive community, join Dana Holmes’ free virtual support group by visiting Manifest Now Coaching and signing up.

Choose Wellness and Embrace Knowledge

At the Healthy Living and Learning Center, we’re here to support you on your wellness journey. If you or a loved one is affected by breast cancer, remember that you’re not alone. Reach out to us or join one of our community programs. We look forward to seeing you!

About Dana Holmes
Dana Holmes is a Certified Life/Health/Breast Cancer Wellness Coach, Master Personal Trainer, and founder of Manifest Now Coaching. She helps people improve their wellness and gain a positive mindset. Dana also supports breast cancer survivors and promotes awareness about the importance of health.

empowerment