HealthZones

Every library has a HealthZone with books to borrow and leaflets and information to take away. From alternative remedies to self-help programmes and healthy cooking books, you'll be sure to find information to help and inspire you.

You can use free public access computers to find information on the internet. Visit our care and support services website - Locate, a free online database which allows you to search countywide, regional and national information for social care, health and community information, such as arts, leisure, sports, social groups and organisations.

Further information

You can find more information about general health-related topics on the following websites:

Alcohol

Balance - getting the measure of alcohol - the north east of England's alcohol office
County Durham Drug and Alcohol Service - find out about the treatment services available in County Durham
Change4Life: cutting down on alcohol - tips and advice for cutting down on alcohol

Breastfeeding

NHS Choices: why breastfeed? - breastfeeding information guide
NHS: breast milk - the perfect recipe - for information on local support
The County Durham Breastfeeding Friendly Scheme - information on the benefits of breastfeeding, and venues around County Durham that are part of the scheme

Cancer awareness 

Cancer Research UK - one of the UK's leading cancer charities
NHS Choices: cancer - information from the NHS on cancer

Mental health

Mind - information and advice to promote and protect good mental health 
NHS Choices: mental health - where and when to get help, accessing therapy, and real stories of mental illness
Rethink - working together to help everyone affected by severe mental illness
Mental Health North East (MHNE) - working together for better mental health and wellbeing in the north of England. Includes information about the Mental Health North East (MHNE): young people and mental health project and access to Reach Out North East, the Young People and Mental Health newsletter.

Physical exercise, food and nutrition

Change4Life - positive ways to improve the health and wellbeing of you and your family
County Durham Sport - developing sport and physical activity in Durham
NHS Choices: healthy eating - find out about food, diet and healthy eating
NHS Choices: physical exercise - find out how physical activity can improve your health

Keep Fit Association's Movement Made Easy DVD is available to borrow, including warm up with seated and standing options, three separate exercise and dance sections and a cool down. The DVD is free to hire or we can deliver it to your home by calling the Doorstep Delivery Service on 03000 263 789.

Tobacco

No Smoking Day - every year more than a million people use No Smoking Day as an opportunity to set a date to quit and you are welcome to join them
Fresh - Smoke Free North East - the north east's regional tobacco office 
Illicit Tobacco North - discover the damage illegal tobacco is doing in your area
NHS: Smokefree - free support, expert advice and tools including the Quit Kit to help you stop smoking