Consumers | Government Book Talk

Mental Health Help from the Federal Government

January 30, 2017

The Federal government has a variety of mental health resources for people who suffer with some form of mental illness. Mental illnesses such as depression and schizophrenia as well as other mental illnesses can adversely affect the way a person thinks, feels, or acts. To help individuals suffering with depression or schizophrenia, the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS), National Institute of Mental Health recently released two new eBooks covering these important mental health topics.

Depression: What You Need to Know (ePub)

If you have a loved one you think is suffering with depression, this comprehensive eBook provides helpful information on the signs and symptoms of depression. It methodically discusses what factors play a role in depression, as well as the types of depression and how it affects people in different ways. It also discusses treatment and support options, and a listing of additional resources for more help.

Schizophrenia (ePub)

Schizophrenia is described as a “chronic and severe” illness. And like depression, it affects the way a person feels, thinks and acts. This eBook describes the condition of schizophrenia and the symptoms associated with the mental disorder. Other topics include causes of schizophrenia and treatment options for individuals seeking help for a loved one.

Dealing with mental health problems can be challenging, however, these eBooks from the National Institute of Mental Health offer individuals and families much needed help in coping with mental disorders.

How can I obtain these FREE mental health resources?

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

Shop our Retail Store: Buy 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, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., except Federal holidays, Call (202) 512-0132 for information or to arrange in-store pick-up.

Order by Phone: Call our Customer Contact Center Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5:30 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.

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.

About the author: Blogger contributor Trudy Hawkins is the Sr. Marketing and Promotions Specialist in GPO’s Publication and Information Sales program office.

Leave a Comment » | Consumers, Department of Health & Human Services, ebooks, Family, Health care, NIH | Tagged: depression, ebooks on mental health, health ebooks, mental disorder, mental disorders, mental health, mental health books, mental health resources, mental illness, National Institute of Mental Health, schizophrenia | Permalink
Posted by Trudy Hawkins

Great Gift Ideas from the Federal Government – Check Out Our New Holiday Catalog

November 25, 2016

This year consider giving family and friends reading options from publishers across the Federal government. From insightful commentary on how America is reacting to world hot spots, to glorious posters of our nation’s art collection and natural beauty, to fun educational kits for the kids.

Open up the GPO Holiday Catalog and find a few treasures, many of which are incredibly low priced “stocking stuffer” gift ideas.

Enjoy your holidays and learn a lot too!

HOW DO I OBTAIN THE HOLIDAY CATALOG?

You can click on the link or image above to view or print the catalog. Or, click on the Holiday Catalog 2016 collection below to shop publications in our catalog online.

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

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

Leave a Comment » | Calendars, Consumers, Family, Gifts | Tagged: black friday, Cyber Monday, gift ideas, Gifts, holiday catalog, holiday catalog 2016 | Permalink
Posted by Trudy Hawkins

College Prep from the U.S. Government

November 4, 2016

President Lyndon B. Johnson signs the Higher Education Act. Lady Bird Johnson, Congressman Jake Pickle, and others look on. LBJ Library photo by Frank Wolfe.

On November 8th, 1965, President Lyndon Baines Johnson signed the Higher Education Act. A part of LBJ’s Great Society domestic agenda, the legislation authorizes the administration of Federal student aid programs. GPO employees printed the original legislation and now make it digitally available on govinfo.

In addition, GPO makes available a number of free Department of Education eBooks that place real answers in the hands of college and vocational school-bound students. A bit of good guidance can make those first steps toward college more surefooted.

My Future, My Way: First Steps Toward College

The Department of Education’s Federal Student Aid folks have assembled this ePub to frame some big, scary college planning questions without oversimplifying them. It’s arranged in a series of prompts, mythbusters, and graphics. It features a nifty comparison of vocational, technical, and professional career choices as well.

This booklet tackles the “when should I begin thinking of college?” and “what can a college education do for me?” and “how will I pay for college?” FAQs. As is often the case when undertaking something new, school kids might not even know which questions to ask. Give them a tailor-made activity book like My Future, My Way and post-high school success will be a bit more achievable.

College Preparation Checklist

This checklist is really a to-do list. It breaks down the college planning timeline into elementary, middle, and high school subsections; each subsection details what to do, when to do it, and who can help. It’s full of sensible suggestions about more than just which classes to take. Comprehensive college prep is “also about developing the skills that will help you succeed in college and life.” Things like money planning, time management, test scores, and scholarships all have a place in the balance between studying and having fun.

The College Preparation Checklist is certainly not designed to replace traditional guidance counseling. The goal here is to get any student considering college to start asking questions now that will make career planning less intimidating.

Funding Your Education: The Guide to Federal Student Aid

If planning for college is a towering task, then paying for college can be an even bigger challenge. This concise electronic brochure highlights the types of federal student aid and steps to remember when applying for aid. With this resource, the Office of Federal Student Aid aims to “ensure that all eligible individuals can benefit from federally funded financial assistance for education or training beyond high school.”

Getting ready for the post-secondary world may seem daunting but with these Department of Education resources, students don’t have to do it alone.

HOW DO I OBTAIN THESE RESOURCES?

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

About the author: Blogger contributor Chelsea Milko is a Public Relations Specialist in GPO’s Public Relations Office.

2 Comments | Children, Consumers, Department of Education, ebooks, Family, Teachers and teaching | Tagged: American education, college, college ebooks, college education, college planning, college preparation, higher education, preparing for college | Permalink
Posted by Trudy Hawkins

What to Read This National Diabetes Month

November 1, 2016

November is National Diabetes Month, a spotlight on a disease that affects tens of millions of Americans. Approximately 1 out of every 11 Americans lives with diabetes. It’s one of the leading causes of disability and death in the United States. And it has rung up enormous health and financial costs over past decades. Diabetes impacts everyone and it can affect anyone.

U.S. Government agencies are working hard to slow the growing epidemic of diabetes and pre-diabetes. GPO makes available two Government resources designed to educate different segments of the population about diabetes management and prevention.

Coyote and the Turtle’s Dream

This Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Native Diabetes Wellness Program young adult picture book discusses diabetes and wellness in American Indian/Alaska Native communities. Tender vignettes and sweeping illustrations serve as a diabetes teaching tool for young readers.

Animal and human residents of a small reservation town weave tales that combine tribal wisdom with health promotion tips. The message: eating healthy traditional foods and being active can help people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. A lot of native youth and tribal leaders contributed to this important work—and it shows.

65+ in the United States

The world population is aging. Persons 65 years or older are expected to grow to be 21.7% of the U.S. population by 2040. This U.S. Census Bureau report examines a range of health trends among this growing population, including the alarming prevalence of diabetes. It devotes an entire chapter to diabetes, a health risk among older people that has as much to do with lifestyle as it does with genetics.

As President Obama reminds us in his 2016 National Diabetes Month proclamation, “Every year, too many Americans experience the consequences of diabetes.” He continues, “let us work to show every individual living with diabetes that they are not alone, and let us continue strengthening our investment in the fight against this disease.”

To learn more about this year’s National Diabetes Month, visit NIH’s National Diabetes Education Program website.

HOW DO I OBTAIN THESE RESOURCES?

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

About the author: Blogger contributor Chelsea Milko is a Public Relations Specialist in GPO’s Public Relations Office.

Leave a Comment » | Consumers, Department of Health & Human Services, Family, NIH | Permalink
Posted by Trudy Hawkins

A New Guide for the American Diet

September 15, 2016

Americans, your dietary guidepost for the next four years is here! The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Dietary Guidelines for Americans is now available through GPO. It’s designed to help folks “improve their overall eating patterns — the complete combination of foods and drinks in their diet.” Plainly put, it’s a plan for eating better.

In this latest edition of HHS and USDA’s twice-a-decade nutrition publication, you’ll see terms like “nutrient-dense” and “food pattern” over and over again. That isn’t just trendy jargon to impress policymakers and health professionals. The words have real meaning, and they represent a shift in thinking about the way Americans should eat. That is, “people do not eat food groups and nutrients in isolation but rather in combination”—people eat food in patterns.

Dietary Guidelines doesn’t just prescribe what to eat, it reminds us why to eat. Science tells us that healthy eating patterns “can help prevent chronic diseases like obesity, heart disease and Type 2 diabetes.” Improved nutrition staves off disease. And when Americans make healthy choices in their daily lives, the long-term benefits support a healthier next generation.

001-000-04771-0_dietary-guidelines-for-americans-2015-2020-003

Click on image to enlarge.

And now, snack on a few science-based recommendations:

There’s more than one way to pattern and adapt your eating. Dietary Guidelines provides examples of healthy eating patterns,
Nutrient-dense foods are only nutrient dense if they’re made with little or no added solid fats, sugars, refined starches, and sodium. So, cut down on those things,
Find new ways to sneak more veggies into dishes you already prepare,
Women, limit yourself to one drink per day. Men, your limit is two,
Lifelong healthy eating begins with small changes.

If you want a handy takeaway message, it’s this: make small dietary shifts and follow a healthy, lifetime eating pattern that combines a variety of nutrient-dense foods. Or simpler yet, eat for the long run, eat to live.

Update: The 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, is now available in a variety of convenient digital formats compatible with mobile phones, tablets, and e-readers.

See all the available formats for the Dietary Guidelines.

HOW DO I OBTAIN THIS PUBLICATION?

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

About the author: Blogger contributor Chelsea Milko is a Public Relations Specialist in GPO’s Public Relations Office.

Leave a Comment » | Agriculture, Consumers, Department of Agriculture, Family, Health care | Tagged: diet, diet and nutrition, dietary guidelines, health and nutrition, nutrition, USDA | Permalink
Posted by Trudy Hawkins

Great Lessons in Small Packages—Tree Books for Kids

August 30, 2016

Great things do come in small packages! In the case of this blog post, the small packages are children’s books that bring to life the themes of growth and nature. GPO makes available two colorfully-illustrated, nature-based publications from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) that are ideal for parents and educators, too!

The Little Acorn

We usually think of acorns as the staple snack of squirrels. And that they are. In the case of this delightful storybook from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, an acorn can also represent the magic of growing up.

The Little Acorn is written from the perspective of a foraging squirrel who buries an acorn near a stream. As it occasionally checks back on the oak nut, the squirrel bears witness to the tree’s growth amid seasonal and ecological changes. Spring rains, summer heat, and autumn winds condition the baby oak. Its thirsty roots stretch out and it learns that all living things need water to grow.

What starts as a tiny seed encased in a tough shell eventually transforms into a “big, beautiful oak tree…dropping little acorns of its own.”

Why Would Anyone Cut a Tree Down?

Sometimes it is necessary to cut trees. Trees have lifecycles—they sprout, mature, grow old, die—and their seeds can be planted to grow new trees. For a renewable resource like trees to healthily propagate, diseased or hazardous trees must be cut down and removed. What sounds like severe measures is actually a good thing for the environment.

This U.S. Forest Service publication teaches kids that “people need to cut some trees down, but that is not the end of the story.” It explores various uses for wood from cut trees—such as materials for construction, nutrients for fresh soil, and stumps for new shoots. The book also includes a note to adults about the basics of tree care.

Cutting down a tree is a form of caring for that tree. It makes room for more life in the exchange of another. Eighteenth century botanist Carl Linnaeus said it best when he wrote “if a tree dies, plant another in its place.”

HOW DO I OBTAIN THESE PUBLICATIONS?

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

About the author: Blogger contributor Chelsea Milko is a Public Relations Specialist in GPO’s Public Relations Office.

Leave a Comment » | Agriculture, Children, Consumers, Department of Agriculture, Family, Gifts, Parenting, Teachers and teaching | Tagged: books for kids, children, childrens books, gardening with children, kids publications, teaching, tree books | Permalink
Posted by Trudy Hawkins

Explore the Nation’s Capital

July 6, 2016

Washington D.C. is the nation’s capital and is one of the most exciting and vibrant travel spots in America, especially in the good ole summertime. You can jump start your travel plans to the Nation’s Capital with the following publications, available from the U.S. Government Bookstore.

A fun teaching tool, the White House Junior Ranger Activity Book Guide Book can teach your kids about the history of the White House in three easy steps. Buy it in advance of your trip to DC so the kids can equip themselves with cool facts about our President’s home.

Lincoln Memorial: A Guide to the Lincoln Memorial, District of Columbia is your introduction to the majestic memorial set at the far west end of the Mall. Learn about an iconic President and the imposing memorial representing his legacy of freedom. Your visit will be richer for it.

There’s no more beautiful site in Washington than the Botanic Garden in full summer bloom. A Botanic Garden for the Nation: The United States Botanic Garden offers a tour of this natural treasure that explodes with color and biodiversity.

Don’t just take our advice. Visit washington.org to discover more about your nation’s capital.

HOW DO I OBTAIN THESE RESOURCES?

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

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

Leave a Comment » | Consumers, Family, National Park Service, Travel and Tourism, U.S. Botanic Garden | Tagged: the nation's capital, travel, travel tips, washington attraction, Washington DC, washington dc attractions, washington dc tourism, washington dc tourism and attractions, Washington DC tourist attraction | Permalink
Posted by Trudy Hawkins

Healthy Fathers Make Delightful Dads

June 16, 2016

Father’s Day is upon us. And who knows better than Mom and the kids when Dad is in the mood for family fun? It’s a good bet that if he’s eating right, getting the exercise and the rest busy guys need (though most Americans don’t), then there’s a good chance the household is a great place to be.

The keystone to happiness is one’s health, not just for Dad but the entire family. Men’s health is finally getting the attention it deserves. For a long time, it seemed as if no one realized the mighty male is as vulnerable to disease, poor vital signs and stress as is the woman of the house and the kids. Things have changed. U.S. Health and Human Services health oriented professionals have researched and authored some great publications to ensure the men in your life have the tools to combat “the couch and – oh my aching back – syndromes.”

This year, when you celebrate Father’s Day, think about how you can do Dad one better by giving him the methods and information to support his present health regime; or if he hasn’t been all that vigilant, can jump start his journey to health and wellness. Sometime it takes the encouragement of a loved one for a strong-willed man to change directions from unhealthy to healthy. Sound familiar?

A Few Moments Browsing the GPO Online Bookstore Can Bring a Lifetime of Better Health Choices

At last count there are over 100 publications listed at bookstore.gpo.gov that can positively impact a man’s health and that of his family too. “Work-Out to Go”, from the National Institute on Aging, for older men can help Dads get back into a work-out routine– often after a lengthy break. It explains how to overcome a sense of “too much work doesn’t allow me time for exercise.” Don’t let anything get in your way or his from maintaining an exercise regimen.

Exercise and Physical Activity is an e-book, and it’s free. This easy read shows how to get started, plus how to make an exercise plan, plus many more tips for getting healthy. The Veteran’s Administration also has many publications defining health benefits and care benefits for Vets. Check out Health Care Benefits Overview, GPO Stock # 051-000-00256-3, strictly to support Vets in securing their health care needs.

Whether YOUR DAD is Young, Old, A Vet, in great shape, or not so, Father’s Day can be the day to urge him to be the man he always has been inside, just a healthier one inside and outside too.

HOW DO I OBTAIN THESE RESOURCES?

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

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

Leave a Comment » | Consumers, Department of Health & Human Services, Family, NIH | Tagged: Dad, Dads, father's day gifts, fathers day | Permalink
Posted by Trudy Hawkins

A Celebration of Moms

May 5, 2016

Whether it be a celebration of yourself as a mom, or your own mother or your sisters, friends as moms… these caring, multi-tasking individuals are blessed to be in our lives and deserve special extra pleasant treatments on their Mother’s Day holiday, May 8, 2016.

Mothers care for the young, the old, and the in-between…they guide us, they cook for us, they make sure that we have clothes on our backs and shelter. Some mothers may be away from home, while performing triple duty– to serve the security needs of the U.S.A. through their military or community policing careers; parenting roles/caring for their elderly parent(s); and even heading back to school to further their education.

In celebration of the roles of our Moms, here are some Federal Government resources to honor these special women in our lives as a way to show appreciation for their continuous caregiving of our family needs and to assist them in their regular activities.

Immunization Toolkit: Adult, Military and Childhood Immunizations 2014 –Now discounted and available at a special, lower price that can be found here.

The information in this Immunization Tool Kit (ITK) is based on national guidelines, peer-reviewed published medical literature, and clinical guidelines. It is a reference that should always be used with:

Manufacturers’ package inserts (approved by the Food and Drug Administration),
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Vaccine Information Statements (VIS),
Proper screening for individual patient health risk factors and medical problems,
Healthcare providers’ orders, and
DoD directives (Note: Where DoD guidance varies from CDC/FDA guidance, DoD guidance takes precedence).

Share the discovery and learning about eating healthy foods with your young children by downloading these free nutritional guides, complete with exciting interactive games and activities—Discover MyPlate Emergent Readers Series. Titles included in this series from the United States Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service: —Free interactive eBook downloads available from Apple iBookstore and US Government Online Bookstore –Use the ISBNs to search these platforms!

Discover MyPlate: A MyPlate Meal –ePub ISBN: 978016093136

Discover MyPlate: Dairy –ePub ISBN: 9780160931376

Discover MyPlate: Fruits –ePub ISBN: 9780160931383

Discover MyPlate: Grains –ePub ISBN: 9780160931390

Discover MyPlate: Protein –ePub ISBN: 9780160931406

Discover MyPlate: Vegetables –ePub ISBN: 978016093143

Deliciously Healthy Family Meals (Cookbook Print ISBN: 9780160912689) –recently discounted and available at a special lower price that can be found here.

Delightful kid-friendly healthy cookbook designed to help busy parents who want to make healthy meal preparation a family affair, Keep the Beat™ Recipes: Deliciously Healthy Family Meals features delicious, heart-healthy, kid-friendly recipes and also provides tips for involving children in meal preparation. The appendix is loaded with information on meal planning, cooking, and nutrition for families and children to help combat obesity and diabetes.

Another great healthy cookbook in the Keep the Beat ™ series, this cookbook showcases new dishes that were created especially for the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) by a Culinary Institute of America-trained chef/ instructor and father of two. All the recipes were taste-tested with parents and school-aged children, and feature easy-to-follow instructions in numbered steps and detailed health information, such as calories, fat, cholesterol, total fiber, carbohydrates, vitamins and more.

The Healthy Woman: A Complete Guide for All Ages (ePub ISBN: 9780160875892 )

Comprehensive health guide for women written in simple language and illustrated with many photographs, designed to appeal to a large audience of all cultural backgrounds, from teens to senior adults. This guidebook also contains full-color charts and diagrams to help readers understand their bodies and offers information not found in other women’s health resources, such as how to teach women to read a Prescription Drug Label, explore insurance options, and tips along with graphic representations for healthy eating and managing portion sizes, and more. Includes a glossary, extensive bibliography, additional resources, and a cross-referenced index

Apple iBookstore availability here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/healthy-woman-complete-guide/id594775035?ls=1&mt=11

Google Play availability here: https://play.google.com/store/search?q=9780160875892&c=books&hl=en

Understanding Memory Loss

This easy-to-read booklet will help readers learn about the difference between mild forgetfulness and more serious memory problems such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia; causes of memory problems and how they can be treated; and how to get help for serious memory loss. Includes vignettes, a resource list, and glossary. Free eBook download! —

ePub format eBook ISBN: 978016093013 –Available from: Apple iBookstore, Barnes and Noble Nook Bookstore, Google Play eBookstore, Overdrive, and US Government Online Bookstore

PDF format eBook ISBN: 9780160930140 – Available from the EBSCOhost database libraries, Academic Pub database, Rittenhouse R2 Digital Library, and US Government Online Bookstore

Funding Your Education: Federal Guide to Student Aid–Free eBook download!

This guide provides a description of Federal Student Aid programs and the application process. Readers will find information on federal student aid as a source for funding postsecondary education, and know where to go for more detailed information.

Funding Your Education: The Guide to Federal Student Aid speaks to high school students, college students, adults, and parents interested in finding out about financial aid from the federal government to help pay for education expenses at an eligible college, technical school, vocational school, or graduate school.

ePub format eBook ISBN: 9780160926235 –Available from Apple iBookstore, Google Play eBookstore, Barnes and Noble Nook Bookstore, Overdrive, and US Government Online Bookstore

MOBI format eBook ISBN: 9780160926242 –only available for Free download from US Government Online Bookstore

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

About the author: This week’s blog contributor is Maureen Whelan, Senior Marketing Team Leader for GPO’s Publication and Information Sales program office in Washington, DC. Maureen oversees print and digital content dissemination strategy and manages third party free and paid content distribution through platforms and vendors, such as Apple iBookstore, Barnes and Noble.com, Google Play eBookstore, Ebscohost databases, Overdrive, and more.

Leave a Comment » | Consumers, ebooks, Family, Gifts, Parenting, Women | Tagged: aging, aging women, caregiving, college education, cooking, daughter, dementia, family care, female, female cops, female police officers, females, food choices, food groups, graduate education, grandmother, healthy cooking, healthy eating, healthy food choices, healthy women, households, memory loss, military housing, military women, Mom, Moms, Mother, mothers, nutrition, parent, returning to school, senile, senility, Women, women in the military, women officers | Permalink
Posted by Trudy Hawkins

Homeowners & Landowners: The U.S. Gov Has You Covered!

April 26, 2016

Homeowners and landowners! The U.S. Government has several useful publications to help you make knowledgeable decisions about your habitat. Reduce the hazards of lead-based paint. Stop up energy-wasting air leaks. Know what you need to know about interstate natural gas projects. Read on!

Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home

Lead-based paint is hazardous. You probably know that. The older the building, the more likely the inside and outside surfaces contain the heavy metal (the chemical element, not the music). The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Consumer Product Safety Commission, and the Department of Housing and Urban Development pulled together this brochure to help you identify the many sources of lead and eliminate risks.

First step: “The only way to find out if paint, dust, or soil lead hazards exist is to test for them.” For homes and childcare facilities built before 1978, you have cause to act even quicker. In fact, Federal law requires disclosure of lead-based paint information to prospective buyers and renters of pre-1978 properties. Protect your family from damaging health effects—check your home for lead!

A Do-It-Yourself Guide to Sealing and Insulating with Energy Star

Does Aunt Mabel often feel a draft when she’s visiting your home? Better patch up those leaks! The EPA offers this handy guide to locate and seal leaks, specifically in the basement and attic where most problematic leaks are hidden. Pesky leaks love to seek cover behind insulation.

To get started, make a rough sketch of your home’s floor plan. Spatial reference points will help you locate common household air leaks in wiring holes, plumbing vents, furnace flues, etc. Then follow the booklet’s guidance for plugging holes and caulking gaps. Enhance the performance of your insulation, reduce your energy bills, and make your home more comfortable—this government resource will get you there.

An Interstate Natural Gas Facility on My Land? What Do I Need to Know?

If these are questions that keep you up at night, then grab yourself a copy of this Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) booklet. FERC is responsible for approving private natural gas pipelines projects. The agency assembled this concise, illustrative pamphlet to let consumers know:

How the Commission’s evaluation process works;
Landowner rights;
Issues involving project location and pipeline construction
Environmental, safety, and storage issues.

Bonus: a two-page graphic of a pipeline installation sequence gives visual context to what it takes to move natural gas across state boundaries. It’s quite the process. And FERC is here to tell you all you need to know.

HOW DO I OBTAIN THESE PUBLICATIONS?

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

About the author: Our guest blogger is Chelsea Milko, Public Relations Specialist in GPO’s Public Relations Office.

Leave a Comment » | Consumer Product Safety Commission, Consumers, Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Environment, Environmental Protection Agency, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) | Tagged: consumer, consumer advice, Consumer Product Safety Commission, consumer publications, consumer safety, EPA, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, FERC, homeowners | Permalink
Posted by Trudy Hawkins

April is Financial Literacy Month

April 1, 2016

Financial Literacy Month is a month dedicated to improving one’s education of personal finances in America. As we commemorate this month, GPO would like to make you aware of some excellent resources related to the topic.

First, the Financial Literacy Month website offers tips and advice for financial wellness. They have a 30 step program and a pledge you can take to make a commitment to your own financial literacy and wellness.

The US Senate’s Committee on Finance provides information about legislation regarding different aspects of finance, such as Social Security Benefits, taxes, and coverage.

Visit the IRS to get tax information. They also offer many resources to obtain information and assistance.

GPO’s Catalog of Government Publications offers many resources for both personal and commercial finances. These are a few:

Financial Well-Being: The Goal of Financial Education A study seeking to determine the end goal of financial education
Consumer Finance Videos

Similarly, govinfo also offers many resources regarding personal, commercial, and national finances. Here are a few:

The Economic Importance of Financial Literacy Education for Students Hearing Before the Subcommittee on Children and Families of the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
Empowering Consumers: Can Financial Literacy Education Prevent another Financial Crisis Field Hearing before the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations of the Committee on Financial Services
The Economic Report of the President is an annual report on the economic status and progress of the US

The US Government Bookstore also offers a variety of resources regarding this subject. Here are a few:

Economic Indicators is a metrics booklet published each month about economic information in the United States. Each issue covers topics related to both person finance and investment as well as national financial activities. The latest edition available is Economic Indicators, October 2015, but you can purchase a yearlong subscription here. You can also browse the entire collection available on govinfo.
Your Home Loan Toolkit: A Step by Step Guide is a home loan process guide available in both Small Print and Large Print.

HOW DO I OBTAIN THESE RESOURCES?

There are several ways to obtain these resources.

You can click the links on any of the publications to either read it for free or purchase it. If you want to do your own research you can also click on the links for the CGP, govinfo, or the Bookstore and use the search bar.

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

About the Author: Teresa Mock is an intern with GPO’s Library and Content Management division.

Leave a Comment » | Consumers, Family | Tagged: finance, finance help, finances, financial literacy, Financial Literacy Month, financial resources, personal finances | Permalink
Posted by Trudy Hawkins

Two Bites from MyPlate Make Eating Right Fun for Kids

March 4, 2016

Fad diets appear to be fading in popularity these days. Healthful eating plans packed with flavorful foods are making headway. Sounds sensible for adults, right? But what about kids? Young children need help to make smart choices and grow up healthy. March is National Nutrition Month, a perfect time to chat about nutritiously fueling our youngsters.

GPO makes available two U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) nutrition education eBooks for early childhood that make eating right fun for kids. Bonus: these books have great audio and interactivity!

Discover MyPlate: A MyPlate Meal (ePub)

“I have apples. Nate has peas.” It’s certainly not the introduction to A Tale of Two Cities but the simplicity does grab your attention. This zippy activity book has 8 pages of illustrations and 26 words in total. It’s very easy to digest (pun intended) and doubles as a coloring book.

MyPlate illustrates the five building block food groups in the structure of a plated meal that is designed to help children to identify foods within the food groups. It’s what kids know and relate to. The dietary brains at USDA FNS know that children learn best when they can chose and try and enjoy. This resource models eat well, play well habits for life.

The Two Bite Club (ePub)

First rule of the Two Bite Club is that we don’t talk about the Two Bite Club. Just joshin’. Allow Will the cat to give his take: “Each color on the plate in the picture is a different food group. My teacher told me that if we eat two bites from each food group we can be members of the Two Bite Club!”

This publication is available in both English and Spanish language versions (Spanish version coming soon). The Two Bite Club, and El Club de los Dos Bocados, is colored with tasty grain, fruit, vegetable, protein, and diary illustrations. At the end of the booklet is a certificate from the Two Bite Club for bravery in trying new foods. How adorably empowering!

Anna, by the feline nudging of mom and brother, discovers that just one bite can change her nutrition worldview, or should I say foodview. The “try two bites and you might like it” guidance might be just the thing to change your child’s foodview, too.

HOW DO I OBTAIN THESE RESOURCES?

You can click on the links above in the blog or through any of these methods:

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

Order by Phone: 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.

About the author: Our guest blogger is Chelsea Milko, Public Relations Specialist in GPO’s Public Relations Office.

Leave a Comment » | Agriculture, Children, Consumers, Department of Agriculture, Family | Tagged: books for children, books for kids, child nutrition, children and nutrition, children's eBooks, childrens books, diet and nutrition, free children's books, national nutrition month | Permalink
Posted by Trudy Hawkins

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