Borrowing a book is healthy

RESIDENTS with longterm physical health conditions are being urged to borrow books, which offer information and support, from their local libraries as part of a national campaign.

Leicestershire County Council’s libraries are stocking a range of books endorsed by health professionals which can help people live with their conditions as part of the Reading Well Books on Prescription scheme.

The titles on offer also focus on conditions such as diabetes and strokes, as well as common symptoms such as pain, sleep problems and fatigue, while there are books to support the carers, friends and families of people living with a long-term condition.

The county council’s health and wellbeing board supports the national scheme, and 16 sets of the books on the list, with 28 titles, have been purchased and are now available in each of the seven major libraries throughout the county.

Councillor Ernie White, cabinet member for health, said: “This new list of books should provide invaluable support for people with long-term conditions.

“These conditions account for 50 per cent of all GP appointments and 70 per cent of health and care spend in this country, so it is important that people suffering get as much help as possible.

“GPs will be able to prescribe books for people, or they can choose a book themselves in one of the county’s major libraries.”

The launch of the scheme was held earlier this month at Wigston Library, in Bull Head Street, and was attended by health professionals, support workers, library users and carers.

Those who attended took part in various activites, and got the opportunity to find out more about the new book collection.