Physical Wellness Month

April 13, 2021

April is Physical Wellness Month. Physical wellness includes both physical fitness as well as nutrition. According to Dietary Guidelines for Americans, available at the U.S. GPO Bookstore, even though infections disease rates have dropped, the rates of chronic diet-related diseases have risen in part to changes in lifestyle behaviors. Also according to the publication, more than two-thirds of adults and nearly one-third of children and youth in America are overweight or obese.

Dietary Guidelines for Americans encourage Americans to:

  1. Follow a healthy eating pattern across the lifespan
  2. Focus on variety, nutrient density, and amount
  3. Limit calories from added sugars and saturated fasts and reduce sodium intake
  4. Shift to healthier food and beverage choices
  5. Support healthy eating patterns for all

The guidelines explain that Americans should eat vegetables from all subgroups—dark green, red and orange, legumes, starchy, and other. A healthy eating pattern also includes fruits, whole grains, fat-free or low-fat dairy, and a variety of protein foods, including seafood, lean meats and poultry, eggs, legumes, and nuts.

Healthy eating patterns limit saturated and trans fats, added sugars, and sodium. Check out the publication to learn what percent of your calories each day can be from added sugars, saturated fats, and sodium.

Also helpful are the guideline’s suggestions for shifting current eating patterns to healthier patterns. For example, choose plain popcorn instead of buttered, whole grain bread instead of croissants, and fruit rather than cake or cookies for dessert.

Coming very soon to the GPO Bookstore is the newest version of this publication, Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020–2025, from the United States Department of Agriculture and the Department of Health and Human Services. Check our online bookstore periodically for the latest version and get on track for Physical Wellness Month!

The GPO Online Bookstore – Easy Access to Federal Publications

HOW DO I OBTAIN THIS RESOURCE?

Sign up to receive promotional bulletin emails from the US Government Online Bookstore.

Shop Online Anytime: You can buy a vast majority of eBooks or print publications —with FREE Standard Shipping worldwide— from the U.S. Government Online Bookstore at https://bookstore.gpo.gov.

Order by Phone or Email: Call our Customer Contact Center Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm Eastern (except US Federal holidays). From US and Canada, call toll-free 1.866.512.1800. DC or International customers call +1.202.512.1800.  Email orders to ContactCenter@gpo.gov

Visit a Federal depository library: Search for U.S. Government publications in a nearby Federal depository library. You can find the records for most titles in GPO’s Catalog of U.S. Government Publications.

Find more than a million official Federal Government publications from all three branches at www.govinfo.gov.

About the author: Blogger contributor Cat Goergen is the P.R. Specialist in GPO’s Public Relations office.

Leave a Comment » | Consumers, Department of Agriculture, Family, health, U.S. Department of Agriculture | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Trudy Hawkins

Home Safety Guidance for Winter and Beyond

January 13, 2021

Winter season is upon us and COVID-19 cases are continuing to rise. With many families still having to work and manage virtual learning from home, there is no better time than now to evaluate the health of your home. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recently released Everyone Deserves a Safe and Healthy Home: A Stakeholder Guide for Protecting the Health of Children and Families.

Everyone Deserves a Safe and Healthy Home provides home safety tips to help vulnerable family members suffering from chronic illnesses who may be at risk when faced with common occurrences in the home such as mold, dust, toxins from lead, and old imbedded asbestos. It also provides guidance on everyday cleaning chemicals, as well as silent and odorless carbon monoxide and radon, which can pose health risks if not effectively treated and kept under control. Each topic is fully explained including what causes the problem and how to prevent and eliminate it. The publication provides a room-by-room safety checklist for conducting a complete healthy home assessment for your house or apartment.

Another popular home safety guide from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), The Lead-Safe Certified Guide to Renovate Right, provides important facts about lead and how it can affect your family’s health. If you’re a property owner thinking about hiring a painting contractor or plumber, you will find this publication useful. It explains how best to choose a contractor, and, whether you’re a do-it-yourself type or not, how to prepare for a renovation or repair job. And finally, it tells you where to get more information about lead safety issues.

The GPO Online Bookstore – Easy Access to Federal Publications

HOW DO I OBTAIN THESE RESOURCES?

Sign up to receive promotional bulletin emails from the US Government Online Bookstore.

Shop Online Anytime: You can buy a vast majority of eBooks or print publications —with FREE Standard Shipping worldwide— from the U.S. Government Online Bookstore at https://bookstore.gpo.gov.

Order by Phone or Email: Call our Customer Contact Center Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm Eastern (except US Federal holidays). From US and Canada, call toll-free 1.866.512.1800. DC or International customers call +1.202.512.1800.  Email orders to ContactCenter@gpo.gov

Visit a Federal depository library: Search for U.S. Government publications in a nearby Federal depository library. You can find the records for most titles in GPO’s Catalog of U.S. Government Publications.

Find more than a million official Federal Government publications from all three branches at www.govinfo.gov.

About the author: Trudy Hawkins is a writer and senior marketing specialist in GPO’s Publication & Information Sales Division supporting the U.S. Government Online Bookstore (http://bookstore.gpo.gov).

Leave a Comment » | Consumer Product Safety Commission, Consumers, Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Environmental Protection Agency, Family | Tagged: , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Trudy Hawkins

Government Resources for Homebuyers

August 7, 2020

Thinking about buying a new home? Existing home owners, real estate brokers, and mortgage providers can all benefit by checking out helpful resources from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). The following publications provide important facts and processes in securing the best loan for you and your family.

Buying a home is exciting and, let’s face it, complicated. A great place to start is Your Home Loan Toolkit: A Step By Step Guide. This booklet can help you make better choices along your path to owning a home. This easy-to-follow guide will take you through the home loan process. It provides interactive worksheets as well as a simple 4-step process to help you estimate key financial considerations. Sections on checklists, research tips, and terms will keep your process on track.

Consumer Handbook On Adjustable Rate Mortgages will help you decide whether an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) is the right choice for you and will help you take control of the home buying process. This publication helps you understand how an ARM works and the risks that come with the variety of ARM products available.

If you are considering purchasing a new home or refinancing an existing mortgage, be sure to check out these helpful publications at the GPO Bookstore.

The GPO Online Bookstore – Easy Access to Federal Publications

HOW DO I OBTAIN THESE RESOURCES?

Sign up to receive promotional bulletin emails from the US Government Online Bookstore.

Shop Online Anytime: You can buy a vast majority of eBooks or print publications —with FREE Standard Shipping worldwide— from the U.S. Government Online Bookstore at https://bookstore.gpo.gov.

Visit our Retail Store: To buy or order a copy of any print editions from this collection at GPO’s retail bookstore at 710 North Capitol Street NW, Washington, DC 20401, open Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., except Federal holidays, Call (202) 512-0132 for information or to arrange in-store pick-up(s).

Order by Phone or Email: Call our Customer Contact Center Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm Eastern (except US Federal holidays). From US and Canada, call toll-free 1.866.512.1800. DC or International customers call +1.202.512.1800.  Email orders to ContactCenter@gpo.gov

Visit a Federal depository library: Search for U.S. Government publications in a nearby Federal depository library. You can find the records for most titles in GPO’s Catalog of U.S. Government Publications.

Find more than a million official Federal Government publications from all three branches at www.govinfo.gov.

About the author: Blogger contributor Ed Kessler is a Promotions Specialist in GPO’s Publication and Information Sales program office.

2 Comments | Consumers, Family, finances | Tagged: , , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Trudy Hawkins

Summer 2020: Staying Safe and Healthy at Home

June 23, 2020

Summer celebrations are going to be different in 2020 while the COVID-19 pandemic prevents Americans from enjoying the usual large holiday gatherings and travel. Many families will spend more of the summer at home than ever before. While in our safe havens, we need to make sure that our homes are free from other common hazards, inside and out.

To recognize the importance of our homes as it relates to our health, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has declared June National Healthy Homes Month. According to HUD, most people spend 70 percent or more of their time inside their home, even when not under stay-at-home restrictions. This statistic is reported in the HUD publication Everyone Deserves a Safe and Healthy Home: a Stakeholder Guide for Protecting the Health of Children and Families, available for sale from the GPO Online Bookstore. This book covers a full range of home safety issues including lead paint, allergens, mold, carbon monoxide, radon, unsafe drinking water, household chemicals, pests, and the dangers of slips and falls. Even a single one of these unhealthy housing problems can endanger residents, especially children and the elderly who are more vulnerable. This stakeholder guide is intended to assist health care professionals, teachers, religious leaders, and others who work with families, but it could also be used by anyone wanting to maintain or improve their residence. Each topic is fully explained including what causes the problem and how to prevent and eliminate it. Included is a room-by-room safety checklist for conducting a complete healthy home assessment for your house or apartment.

Everyone Deserves a Safe and Healthy Home: a Stakeholder Guide for Protecting the Health of Children and Families is also available from GPO’s Catalog of U.S. Government Publications in Spanish.

There is also a companion publication: Everyone Deserves a Safe and Healthy Home: Protect the Health of Children and Families: a Consumer Action Guide. The consumer action guide provides much of the same information as the Stakeholder Guide in a shorter version for homeowners and renters.

In July, Americans will be mark Independence Day with small, at-home celebrations. Due to COVID-19 precautions, many cities and towns have cancelled traditional Fourth of July fireworks shows. As you plan for the holiday, keep your outdoor activities fun and safe with these publications made available from GPO’s Catalog of Government Publications:

  • Fireworks Fact Sheet (U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission). It might be tempting to plan your own fireworks this year, but even legal consumer fireworks can be dangerous. Sparklers burn at very high temperatures and can cause third-degree burns. Illegal fireworks can be deadly. This brochure provides information about using consumer fireworks safely and lists the different types of consumer fireworks permitted in each state.
  • Fireworks Annual Report (U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission). For more in-depth study, the Fireworks Annual Report is available for years 2013 to 2018. Each annual issue describes injuries and deaths associated with fireworks during the calendar year, including statistics that break down injuries by age and gender.
  • Grilling Fire Safety (U.S. Fire Administration). This flyer has tips for keeping outdoor cooking in the safe zone. Also available in Spanish.
  • Summer Safety Tips (U.S. Fire Administration). Whether you are camping, swimming, or biking, this flyer will help you do it safely.
  • Summertime Burn Safety (U.S. Fire Administration). This is a quick checklist for preventing and treating the common burn injuries of summer. Also available in Spanish.

The GPO Online Bookstore – Easy Access to Federal Publications

HOW DO I OBTAIN THESE RESOURCES?

Sign up to receive promotional bulletin emails from the US Government Online Bookstore.

For the free resources, click on the links above within this blog post.

Shop Online Anytime: You can buy a vast majority of eBooks or print publications —with FREE Standard Shipping worldwide— from the U.S. Government Online Bookstore at https://bookstore.gpo.gov.

Visit our Retail Store: To buy or order a copy of any print editions from this collection at GPO’s retail bookstore at 710 North Capitol Street NW, Washington, DC 20401, open Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., except Federal holidays, Call (202) 512-0132 for information or to arrange in-store pick-up(s).

Order by Phone or Email: Call our Customer Contact Center Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm Eastern (except US Federal holidays). From US and Canada, call toll-free 1.866.512.1800. DC or International customers call +1.202.512.1800.  Email orders to ContactCenter@gpo.gov

Visit a Federal depository library: Search for U.S. Government publications in a nearby Federal depository library. You can find the records for most titles in GPO’s Catalog of U.S. Government Publications.

Find more than a million official Federal Government publications from all three branches at www.govinfo.gov.

About the author: Blogger contributor Caroline Hassler is a Supervisory Librarian in GPO’s Library Services & Content Management office.

2 Comments | Consumers, Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Family, health | Tagged: , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Trudy Hawkins

Coronavirus and the Workplace: Resources for Knowing Your Rights and Responsibilities during a Pandemic

May 15, 2020

The coronavirus pandemic has taken a toll on many businesses across the country. If you run a business or organization, you’re likely dealing with a lot right now, including doing all that you can to keep your employees safe and healthy. The GPO Bookstore offers resources that can help you out, providing recommended steps to ensure your employees maintain their health during this uncertain time.

In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has prepared a Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID–19. In it, employers can find steps for reducing workers’ risk of exposure. These include developing an infectious disease preparedness and response plan, developing policies and procedures for prompt identification of sick people, and recognizing the best methods for communicating with employees.

This booklet will help you determine just how at-risk your employees are and what you can do to protect them from being exposed to the virus. It offers guidance on safe work practices. For example, employers should provide emergency responders and other essential personnel with alcohol-based hand rubs containing at least 60% alcohol. It also covers what kinds of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) employees should be wearing. Finally, it provides information on guidance for workers living and traveling abroad.

You may be familiar with the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSHA Act), which was passed to prevent workers from being killed or otherwise harmed at work. The law requires employers to provide their employees with working conditions that are free of known dangers, including coronavirus. Brush up on what is required of you with this next resource.

Workers’ Rights from OSHA describes employer responsibilities, what OSHA covers, employees’ right to a safe and healthful workplace, how to contact OSHA, and more. This booklet explains workers’ rights to file confidential complaints with OSHA, review records of work-related injuries and illnesses that occur in their workplace, receive copies of their workplace medical records, and more. It also provides specific instructions on how to file a complaint, which can be done through the mail, online, or by telephone.

In addition to covering workers’ rights, the booklet details employer responsibilities such as prominently displaying the official OSHA poster, informing workers about hazards, keeping accurate records of work-related injuries, and much more. If you are an employer, check out this handbook to know what’s required of you. Some examples include requirements to provide fall protection, prevent exposure to high levels of noise, and prevent exposure to harmful levels of substances like asbestos and lead.

OSHA covers most private sector employers and employees in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and other U.S. jurisdictions. Employees who work for state and local governments are not covered by Federal OSHA. But they do have OSH Act protections if they work in those states that have an OSHA-approved state plan. Read through the booklet to see if your state or territory has an OSHA-approved program. Federal employees who aren’t sure of their rights should also read the booklet. Finally, this resource outlines those who are not covered under the OSH Act, which includes people who are self-employed, immediate family members of farm employers, and more.

We hope everyone is staying safe and healthy during these unprecedented times.

The GPO Online Bookstore – Easy Access to Federal Publications

HOW DO I OBTAIN THESE RESOURCES?

Sign up to receive promotional bulletin emails from the US Government Online Bookstore.

Shop Online Anytime: You can buy a vast majority of eBooks or print publications —with FREE Standard Shipping worldwide— from the U.S. Government Online Bookstore at https://bookstore.gpo.gov.

Visit our Retail Store: To buy or order a copy of any print editions from this collection at GPO’s retail bookstore at 710 North Capitol Street NW, Washington, DC 20401, open Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., except Federal holidays, Call (202) 512-0132 for information or to arrange in-store pick-up(s).

Order by Phone or Email: Call our Customer Contact Center Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm Eastern (except US Federal holidays). From US and Canada, call toll-free 1.866.512.1800. DC or International customers call +1.202.512.1800.  Email orders to ContactCenter@gpo.gov

Visit a Federal depository library: Search for U.S. Government publications in a nearby Federal depository library. You can find the records for most titles in GPO’s Catalog of U.S. Government Publications.

Find more than a million official Federal Government publications from all three branches at www.govinfo.gov.

About the author: Blogger contributor Cat Goergen is the PR Specialist in GPO’s Public Relations office.

Leave a Comment » | Consumers, Department of Labor, Jobs and Employment, Occupational Safety and Health Administration | Tagged: , , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Trudy Hawkins

National Anxiety and Depression Awareness Week

May 4, 2020

The COVID–19 public health crisis has had a major impact on the lives of all Americans. We are certainly living in ways we could have never before imagined. Social distancing and isolation from loved ones and friends brings on an increased awareness of anxiety and depression often associated with traumatic events.

For National Anxiety & Depression Week, which is recognized May 3–9, the Government Publishing Office Bookstore offers the following mental health resources for dealing with the emotional effects resulting from a traumatic event.

Traumatic events such as a pandemic, increases the potential for substance abuse. In these uncertain times, families are facing financial and unemployment challenges. Such challenges can cause a great deal of stress and anxiety, which may lead some to turn to substance use to cope. Thankfully, our Federal health professionals are performing important research to guide us all toward a healthier future.  Alcohol Research: Alcohol Use Disorder and Co-Occurring Mental Health Conditions addresses the challenges of alcohol use and mental health conditions to identify potential treatment strategies. It examines the current literature on the etiology, prevalence, diagnosis, and treatment of each of these conditions. It also discusses depressive disorders, as well as suicidal behavior and other clinical disorders.

Experiencing a traumatic event can also have a profound impact on young children and adolescents. In Psychosocial Issues for Children and Adolescents in Disasters the authors provide pragmatic guidance to address the mental health needs of children who have experienced traumatic events. Key topics outlined in the book include childhood development, reactions of children when experiencing a traumatic event, as well as helping the child and family during the healing process. It also provides important guidelines for caregivers and mental health workers. During this unprecedented time that we are all going through, it is important to be mindful of the vulnerability of children. This publication provides crisis counseling and recovery assistance within the context of a child’s special world.

The GPO Online Bookstore – Easy Access to Federal Publications

HOW DO I OBTAIN THESE RESOURCES?

Sign up to receive promotional bulletin emails from the US Government Online Bookstore.

Shop Online Anytime: You can buy a vast majority of eBooks or print publications —with FREE Standard Shipping worldwide— from the U.S. Government Online Bookstore at https://bookstore.gpo.gov.

Visit our Retail Store: To buy or order a copy of any print editions from this collection at GPO’s retail bookstore at 710 North Capitol Street NW, Washington, DC 20401, open Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., except Federal holidays, Call (202) 512-0132 for information or to arrange in-store pick-up(s).

Order by Phone or Email: Call our Customer Contact Center Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm Eastern (except US Federal holidays). From US and Canada, call toll-free 1.866.512.1800. DC or International customers call +1.202.512.1800.  Email orders to ContactCenter@gpo.gov

Visit a Federal depository library: Search for U.S. Government publications in a nearby Federal depository library. You can find the records for most titles in GPO’s Catalog of U.S. Government Publications.

Find more than a million official Federal Government publications from all three branches at www.govinfo.gov.

About the author: Blogger contributor Trudy Hawkins is the the Sr. Marketing & Promotions Specialist in GPO’s Publication & Information Sales Division supporting the U.S. Government Online Bookstore.

Leave a Comment » | Consumers, Department of Health & Human Services, health, Health care, NIH | Tagged: , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Trudy Hawkins

Celebrate National Library Week from Home

April 17, 2020

The theme for National Library Week 2020, “Find your place at the library” was chosen before most libraries temporarily closed their physical locations because of the COVID–19 global pandemic. The good news is that libraries remain open for business online, providing the virtual services and digital content their communities need more than ever. And though you might not be there physically for National Library Week, which will take place April 19–25, you can still find your place at the library!

You may have to stay home and social distance this National Library Week, but there are still plenty of ways you can celebrate virtually. Many libraries offer eBook loans, streaming programs, and online reading sessions. And most have become forgiving about return dates during this time. During National Library Week, take the time to thank those at your local library who work behind the scenes to keep digital content at your fingertips. You can write letters, or post an appreciation video or photo on social media.

As educational institutions and parents are turning to online learning during the coronavirus pandemic, you can do your own e-learning via the GPO online bookstore. Visit gpo.bookstore.gov to browse our digital products and eBooks covering a variety of important topics. Here are a couple of digital resources from the GPO online bookstore that you can use to help teach your kids about something very important — healthy eating!

Discover MyPlate: Grains (ePub)

It’s all about grains, healthy eating, and reading! This colorful and fun eBook introduces kindergarten-aged children to different grains, while building literacy skills through the use of sight words, optional audio narration and text highlighting, interactive games and activities, and more! This eBook is part of Discover MyPlate Emergent Reader series, which is designed to teach children about MyPlate’s five food groups.

Discover MyPlate: Fruits (ePub)

This MyPlate eBook is focused on fruits to better inform and motivate kids in practicing better eating habits, and using this challenging time to improve on their reading skills too! This illustrated, engaging online resource introduces kindergarten-aged children to different fruits. The more kids get in tune with the deliciousness of fruits (and vegetables), the healthier they will be as adults.

Check out more resources from the Discover MyPlate Emergent Reader series all designed to teach children about MyPlate’s five food groups here. Browse more educational resources here.

There are still so many ways to celebrate National Library Week. We hope you are staying safe and healthy and continue to read during this time!

The GPO Online Bookstore – Easy Access to Federal Publications

HOW DO I OBTAIN THESE RESOURCES?

Sign up to receive promotional bulletin emails from the US Government Online Bookstore.

Shop Online Anytime: You can buy a vast majority of eBooks or print publications —with FREE Standard Shipping worldwide— from the U.S. Government Online Bookstore at https://bookstore.gpo.gov.

Visit our Retail Store: To buy or order a copy of any print editions from this collection at GPO’s retail bookstore at 710 North Capitol Street NW, Washington, DC 20401, open Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., except Federal holidays, Call (202) 512-0132 for information or to arrange in-store pick-up(s).

Order by Phone or Email: Call our Customer Contact Center Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm Eastern (except US Federal holidays). From US and Canada, call toll-free 1.866.512.1800. DC or International customers call +1.202.512.1800.  Email orders to ContactCenter@gpo.gov

Visit a Federal depository library: Search for U.S. Government publications in a nearby Federal depository library. You can find the records for most titles in GPO’s Catalog of U.S. Government Publications.

Find more than a million official Federal Government publications from all three branches at www.govinfo.gov.

About the author: Blogger contributor Ed Kessler is a Promotions Specialist in GPO’s Publication and Information Sales program office.

Leave a Comment » | Children, Consumers, ebooks, Family, Libraries, Parenting, Teachers and teaching | Tagged: , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Trudy Hawkins

National Nutrition Month

March 24, 2020

March is National Nutrition Month. This year’s theme is “Eat Right – Bite by Bite.”

The Government Publishing Office Online Bookstore offers the following titles to help you do just that.

The Food Model Booklet is designed for all ages and lifestyles. It’s not intended to represent one particular food, but rather to help identify and estimate portion sizes. This fun and different booklet provides three-dimensional models used in a mobile exam center to provide nutritional assessments of portion size estimation. Participants use the pictures of various dishes and graphs, and even a chicken chart to estimate portion sizes of foods consumed.

Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2015-2020 This authoritative resource for policymakers and nutrition and health professionals provides guidance for individuals ages two years and older and their families to consume a healthy, nutritionally adequate diet. Dietary guidelines provided in this publication present the idea that a healthy eating pattern is not a rigid prescription, but rather, an adaptable framework in which individuals can enjoy foods that meet their personal, cultural, and traditional preferences and fit within their budget.

Being scientific about the selection of food groups, cooking methods and safety doesn’t mean you have to give up taste. In fact, these publications prove quite the opposite. Dietary researchers work exceptionally hard to keep the “joy in cooking” and eating but simply in more healthy ways.

The GPO Online Bookstore – Easy Access to Federal Publications

HOW DO I OBTAIN THESE RESOURCES?

Sign up to receive promotional bulletin emails from the US Government Online Bookstore.

Shop Online Anytime: You can buy a vast majority of eBooks or print publications —with FREE Standard Shipping worldwide— from the U.S. Government Online Bookstore at https://bookstore.gpo.gov.

Visit our Retail Store: To buy or order a copy of any print editions from this collection at GPO’s retail bookstore at 710 North Capitol Street NW, Washington, DC 20401, open Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., except Federal holidays, Call (202) 512-0132 for information or to arrange in-store pick-up(s).

Order by Phone or Email: Call our Customer Contact Center Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm Eastern (except US Federal holidays). From US and Canada, call toll-free 1.866.512.1800. DC or International customers call +1.202.512.1800.  Email orders to ContactCenter@gpo.gov

Visit a Federal depository library: Search for U.S. Government publications in a nearby Federal depository library. You can find the records for most titles in GPO’s Catalog of U.S. Government Publications.

Find more than a million official Federal Government publications from all three branches at www.govinfo.gov.

About the author: Blogger contributor Ed Kessler is a Promotions Specialist in GPO’s Publication and Information Sales program office.

Leave a Comment » | Agriculture, Consumers, Department of Health & Human Services, Family, health | Tagged: , , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Trudy Hawkins

Coronavirus Pandemic: Reliable Government Information Resources

March 19, 2020

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV).

The Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a new strain that was discovered in 2019 and has not been previously identified in humans. The virus that causes COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus that was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China and has since spread all over the world.

Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure, and even death.

There is such an inundation of information all over the internet when it comes to COVID-19, but how do you know what information you can trust and which resources are reliable? That’s where Federal agencies can help.

Below is a collection of reliable resources you can trust. Information ranging from COVID-19 symptoms to look for to proper handwashing techniques is available.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers a comprehensive website with information such as:

  • How to protect yourself
  • What to do if you think you are sick
  • Symptoms
  • Disinfecting your home
  • Cases in the U.S. by state
  • Travel resources
  • And much more

They also offer this Factsheet: COVID-19 and You, and well as ‘Cases in the United States,’ which includes statistics on cases, deaths, information by state, and more. The site is updated regularly at noon, Monday – Friday.

Since one of the main ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is thorough hand-washing, the CDC also presents the handwashing tutorial, Handwashing: Clean Hands Save Lives.

Thankfully, there is no shortage of information available from the U.S. Government.

Rely on govinfo.gov for the latest legislation and Presidential documents concerning COVID-19.

Here are some additional reliable resources.

If you work in one of the 1,119 Federal depository libraries across the Nation, patrons are in search of information on the Coronavirus. Here are some resources that can help that are available through the Catalog of U.S. Government Publications (CGP).

GPO is happy to help share these dependable resources as part of our mission of Keeping America Informed. Stay informed, and stay safe.

The GPO Online Bookstore – Easy Access to Federal Publications

HOW DO I OBTAIN THESE RESOURCES?

For the these resources, click on the links above in this blog post.

Sign up to receive promotional bulletin emails from the US Government Online Bookstore.

Shop Online Anytime: You can buy a vast majority of eBooks or print publications —with FREE Standard Shipping worldwide— from the U.S. Government Online Bookstore at https://bookstore.gpo.gov.

Visit our Retail Store: To buy or order a copy of any print editions from this collection at GPO’s retail bookstore at 710 North Capitol Street NW, Washington, DC 20401, open Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., except Federal holidays, Call (202) 512-0132 for information or to arrange in-store pick-up(s).

Order by Phone or Email: Call our Customer Contact Center Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm Eastern (except US Federal holidays). From US and Canada, call toll-free 1.866.512.1800. DC or International customers call +1.202.512.1800.  Email orders to ContactCenter@gpo.gov

Visit a Federal depository library: Search for U.S. Government publications in a nearby Federal depository library. You can find the records for most titles in GPO’s Catalog of U.S. Government Publications.

Find more than a million official Federal Government publications from all three branches at www.govinfo.gov.

About the authors: Jaime Hays is an Outreach Librarian and Kelly Seifert is the Strategic Communications Coordinator for GPO’s Library Services & Content Management division.

 

4 Comments | Centers for Disease Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Consumers, Department of Health & Human Services, health, Health care | Tagged: , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Trudy Hawkins

New Consumer Financial Protection Bureau eBooks

March 9, 2020

Millions of Americans are managing money or property for a family member or friend who is unable to make financial decisions or pay bills. If you’re one of them, you know how tough it can be to serve as a financial caregiver.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has resources to help and a convenient way for you to use them. The CFPB recently released their popular Managing Someone Else’s Money guides in eBook format. The Managing Someone Else’s Money series is comprised of four guides for people serving in a formal fiduciary role. The guides help financial caregivers by walking them through their duties, providing tips on protecting their loved ones from financial exploitation and scams, and offering helpful resources. The following eBooks offered in English and Spanish language are available from the U.S. Government Bookstore for FREE download in a variety of digital formats, including ePub, MOBI, and PDF.

The CFPB’s Managing Someone Else’s Money guides, now available in eBook formats, will help family members, caregivers, and others in the community tackle their role of financial caregiver.

The GPO Online Bookstore – Easy Access to Federal Publications

HOW DO I OBTAIN THESE RESOURCES?

Sign up to receive promotional bulletin emails from the US Government Online Bookstore.

Shop Online Anytime: You can buy a vast majority of eBooks or print publications —with FREE Standard Shipping worldwide— from the U.S. Government Online Bookstore at https://bookstore.gpo.gov.

Visit our Retail Store: To buy or order a copy of any print editions from this collection at GPO’s retail bookstore at 710 North Capitol Street NW, Washington, DC 20401, open Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., except Federal holidays, Call (202) 512-0132 for information or to arrange in-store pick-up(s).

Order by Phone or Email: Call our Customer Contact Center Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm Eastern (except US Federal holidays). From US and Canada, call toll-free 1.866.512.1800. DC or International customers call +1.202.512.1800.  Email orders to ContactCenter@gpo.gov

Visit a Federal depository library: Search for U.S. Government publications in a nearby Federal depository library. You can find the records for most titles in GPO’s Catalog of U.S. Government Publications.

Find more than a million official Federal Government publications from all three branches at www.govinfo.gov.

About the author: Blogger contributor Trudy Hawkins is the the Sr. Marketing & Promotions Specialist in GPO’s Publication & Information Sales Division supporting the U.S. Government Online Bookstore.

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Posted by Trudy Hawkins

The 2020 Census: Be Counted!

February 25, 2020

The 2020 Census will count the population in all 50 states, D.C., and five U.S. territories (Puerto Rico, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands).

The count is mandated by the Constitution. Participation in the Census is required by law, and for good reason! The census provides critical data used to provide daily services, products, and support for you and your community. Every year, billions of dollars in Federal funding go to hospitals, fire departments, schools, roads, and other resources based on census data. The results of the census also determine the number of seats each state will have in the U.S. House of Representatives, and they are used to draw congressional and state legislative districts.

In mid-March, homes across the country will receive an invitation from the U.S. Census Bureau to respond, and you can do so either online, by phone, or by mail. This will be the 24th Census; the first took place in 1790!

The U.S. Census Bureau has a ton of great information for the public to help answer all of your questions.

There are several ways that you can contact the U.S. Census Bureau for support.

  • For general questions: Visit the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page, or call 301-763-INFO (4636) or 800-923-8282.
  • For information on services for people who are deaf or hard of hearing: Call the TTY number at 800-877-8339 to reach the Federal Relay Service.
  • For information about the application and hiring process for 2020 Census jobs, see these frequently asked questions or call 855-JOB-2020 (855-562-2020).

For even more U.S. Government resources on the 2020 Census, search “2020 Census” in GPO’s Catalog of U.S. Government Publications. From there, you will gain access to Congressional reports, resources for educators, informational materials on how to respond to the Census, studies and reports on the Census from the Government Accountability Office, and more.

The Census Bureau is a principal agency of the U.S. Federal Statistical System, responsible for producing data about the American people and economy, so they’re doing a lot more statistical analyses than just the 2020 Census. For example, keeping abreast of income and poverty statistics is one of their key responsibilities. Income and Poverty in the United States: 2018 highlights household income, wages/earnings, and poverty. The statistics provided in this publication provide essential, credible information about the economic state of the nation.

The U.S. Census Bureau also provides a comprehensive, in-depth analysis of the nation’s health insurance condition including types of coverage, the quality of insurance, with breakouts for states and key demographics in Health Insurance Coverage in the United States: 2018. Charts, figures, and data point comparisons and changes from previous years’ health data is shown through select colorful graphs as well.

The GPO Online Bookstore – Easy Access to Federal Publications

HOW DO I OBTAIN THESE RESOURCES?

Sign up to receive promotional bulletin emails from the US Government Online Bookstore.

Shop Online Anytime: You can buy a vast majority of eBooks or print publications —with FREE Standard Shipping worldwide— from the U.S. Government Online Bookstore at https://bookstore.gpo.gov.

Visit our Retail Store: To buy or order a copy of any print editions from this collection at GPO’s retail bookstore at 710 North Capitol Street NW, Washington, DC 20401, open Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., except Federal holidays, Call (202) 512-0132 for information or to arrange in-store pick-up(s).

Order by Phone or Email: Call our Customer Contact Center Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm Eastern (except US Federal holidays). From US and Canada, call toll-free 1.866.512.1800. DC or International customers call +1.202.512.1800.  Email orders to ContactCenter@gpo.gov

Visit a Federal depository library: Search for U.S. Government publications in a nearby Federal depository library. You can find the records for most titles in GPO’s Catalog of U.S. Government Publications.

Find more than a million official Federal Government publications from all three branches at www.govinfo.gov.

About the author: Kelly Seifert is the Strategic Communications Coordinator for GPO’s Library Services & Content Management division.

Leave a Comment » | Census Bureau, Consumers, Department of Commerce | Tagged: , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Trudy Hawkins

Books We Love

February 6, 2020

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. While a heart-shaped box of chocolates gets opened and eaten and roses soon wilt, books will always be there for us to love! Here are some of the Federal publications that have stolen our hearts.

Amazing Me: It’s Busy Being 3 In this story, a kangaroo named Joey shows all of the amazing things he can do now that he is three years old. Joey is working on dressing himself and taking turns and loves playing make-believe. With this book, your child will find koala bears throughout the story as Joey continues to learn and grow. See if your three-year-old is able to do some of the same things as Joey. 

2020 Explore Science (NASA Calendar) The 2020 NASA Calendar is all about space exploration. Each month of the calendar boasts a two-page spread that features a large image in space and a science expert who has contributed to NASA’s discoveries and innovations. The calendar also includes Operating and Future Missions of NASA’s Explore Science program. The calendar also includes January and February 2021 to keep you planning into early the following year!

The Constitution of the United States and the Declaration of Independence (Pocket Edition) Who wouldn’t want to carry the powerful words of our Founding Fathers in their pocket? This pocket-sized booklet contains the complete text of the Declaration of Independence and Constitution of the United States so you can have it handy at any time. We had to include this critical document on our list of ones to love!

Yellowstone National Park Trip Planner 2020 Handsome bison, brightly colored geysers, and scenic canyons galore! What’s not to love about Yellowstone National Park? This trip planner is just what you need to hit the best of this 30,000-square-mile park. This guide provides activities for visitors of all ages, a park map, and more. Plan a trip you won’t soon forget to the very first national park in the world.

Then Came The Fire: Personal Accounts From the Pentagon, 11 September 2001 Though it’s pretty impossible to understand what the people at the Pentagon experienced on September 11, 2001, the U.S. Army Center of Military History is helping to recount the day through the eyes of those who witnessed it. Two days after the September 11 attack, the U.S. Army Center of Military History began an extensive project to document the event through oral interviews. The compelling accounts presented in this anthology include excerpts from the interviews and written recollections from people who experienced the event first-hand.

Earth at Night: Our Planet in Brilliant Darkness This publication from NASA provides majestic images of space orbits at nighttime. Flip through spectacular photos of natural phenomena such as auroras, wildfires, phytoplankton, and volcanic eruptions. Scientists can use this “nightlight” data to show the changing planet and can use these applications to forecast a city’s energy use, carbon emissions, and more. Satellite images also compare Hurricanes Maria in Puerto Rico, Matthew and Michael in the Southeastern United States, and Hurricane Sandy in the Eastern United States to the effects of War in Syria and Iraq in the Middle East.

We sure hope you love these publications as much as we do. Happy Valentine’s Day from GPO!

The GPO Online Bookstore – Easy Access to Federal Publications

HOW DO I OBTAIN THESE RESOURCES?

Sign up to receive promotional bulletin emails from the US Government Online Bookstore.

Shop Online Anytime: You can buy a vast majority of eBooks or print publications —with FREE Standard Shipping worldwide— from the U.S. Government Online Bookstore at https://bookstore.gpo.gov.

Visit our Retail Store: To buy or order a copy of any print editions from this collection at GPO’s retail bookstore at 710 North Capitol Street NW, Washington, DC 20401, open Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., except Federal holidays, Call (202) 512-0132 for information or to arrange in-store pick-up(s).

Order by Phone or Email: Call our Customer Contact Center Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm Eastern (except US Federal holidays). From US and Canada, call toll-free 1.866.512.1800. DC or International customers call +1.202.512.1800.  Email orders to ContactCenter@gpo.gov

Visit a Federal depository library: Search for U.S. Government publications in a nearby Federal depository library. You can find the records for most titles in GPO’s Catalog of U.S. Government Publications.

Find more than a million official Federal Government publications from all three branches at www.govinfo.gov.

About the author: Blogger contributor Cat Goergen is the PR Specialist in GPO’s Public Relations office.

Leave a Comment » | Consumers, Libraries | Tagged: , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Trudy Hawkins

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