Lawton Public Library Awarded Health Literacy Grant

The Oklahoma Department of Libraries (ODL) awarded Health Literacy Grants to 41 public libraries and literacy programs to bring activities and health information to Oklahomans around the state. The grants total more than $218,000 and are courtesy of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), which has touted the 11-year-old project as an innovative use of federal library funds.

Lawton Public Library was recently awarded $9,000 to fund a variety of health literacy projects and activities, which include First Aid/CPR Classes. The American Heart Association Heartsaver Course will cover pediatric & adult first aid, infant, child, & adult CPR, and how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED) in a safe, timely, and effective manner. Amber Cuyler, Great Plains Training Instructor, will teach 4 classes at the library over the next few months with a limit of 12 participants per class.

The first class will be held on Saturday, February 18 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Anyone ages 13 & up can register for the First Aid & CPR classes. For more information or to register, please call 580-581-3450 ext. 1711.

The library will also set up two bike desks for the public to use. These are a great way to encourage individuals to use various forms of physical activity to improve their overall health. The library plans to host a fun challenge to promote the use of the bike desks.

Oklahoma Healthy Aging Initiative (OHAI) kicked of a six-week series of Tai Chi for Better Balance classes on January 9. This class teaches participants ways to improve their overall mind, body, and spirit through a series of slow continuous movements. The movements of the Chinese marital art Tai Chi can help seniors reduce the risk of falling, increase balance, and increase flexibility. It does not matter how strong, flexible, or active you are as Tai Chi is designed for people at all levels of health. Although Tai Chi targets seniors, it is open to anyone.

Tai Chi classes are being held every Monday and Wednesday at 11:00 am January 9-February 15 at the Patterson Center. The library will host a second series of OHAI classes once Tai Chi concludes. More information will be available soon. Visit our website or follow our social media pages - @lawtonpubliclib - for more updates on all health literacy events and activities.