Older Americans Month

May 10, 2023

“Older Americans should be able to live, work, and participate in their communities with dignity,” President Biden said in his Proclamation on Older Americans Month 2023. Celebrated annually in May, Older Americans Month is a great time to ensure our seniors have affordable and quality healthcare to live life to the fullest possible, which means now is also an excellent time for providers with private patients to check their inventory of Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) forms to be sure their patients receive affordable healthcare.

The Health Insurance Claims Forms (CMS-1500) is the standard claim form used by all non-institutional medical providers or suppliers to bill Medicare carriers and durable medical equipment regional carriers (DMERCs) when a provider qualifies for a waiver from the Administrative Simplification Compliance Act (ASCA) requirement for electronic submission of claims. It is also used for billing of some Medicaid State Agencies.

The Administration for Community Living theme for Older Americans Month 2023 is Aging Unbound. Let’s join them in honoring our seniors in promoting “flexible thinking about aging – and how we all benefit when older adults remain engaged, independent, and included” in our communities.

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.

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 Publications and Information Sales Office.

Images and additional content provided by Government Book Talk Editor Trudy Hawkins. Trudy is the Senior Marketing & Promotions Specialist in GPO’s Publication & Information Sales Office supporting the U.S. Government Online Bookstore (https://bookstore.gpo.gov).

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

National Nutrition Month

March 8, 2023

March is National Nutrition Month, a great time to learn about the importance of making informed food choices and developing healthy eating habits. To help Americans make healthier food choices, Dietary Guidelines for Americans is now available for sale from the U.S. Government Bookstore.

Dietary Guidelines, authored by the Department of Agriculture (USDA) nutrition experts and Health and Human Services (HHS), are designed to help individuals and families stay on track to consume a healthy diet. The information in the Dietary Guidelines is used to develop, implement, and evaluate food, nutrition, and health policies for Americans.

It provides science-based advice to promote health and reduce the risk of major chronic diseases through diet and physical activity. It summarizes and synthesizes knowledge regarding individual nutrients and food components into recommendations for a pattern of eating that consumers can quickly adapt.

It’s important to remember that a healthy dietary program does not have to be based on a rigid prescription. These Guidelines feature a customizable framework, core elements from which individuals can tailor an affordable series of healthy choices to meet personal, cultural, and lifestyle preferences.

How long have you been contemplating changing to a healthier diet? Purchase Dietary Guidelines now for new ideas.

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.

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 Publications and Information Sales Office.

Images and additional content provided by Government Book Talk Editor Trudy Hawkins. Trudy is the Senior Marketing & Promotions Specialist in GPO’s Publication & Information Sales Office supporting the U.S. Government Online Bookstore (https://bookstore.gpo.gov).

2 Comments | Consumers, Department of Health & Human Services, Family, health, Health care, Libraries, U.S. Department of Agriculture | Tagged: , , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Trudy Hawkins

National Wellness Month

August 22, 2022

August is National Wellness Month, a great time to focus on eating a healthy diet and maintaining physical wellness. Incorporating healthy habits into your lifestyle makes for a better quality of life. To help Americans make healthier food choices, Dietary Guidelines for Americans is now available from the U.S. Government Bookstore.

Dietary Guidelines, authored by the Department of Agriculture (USDA) nutrition experts and Health and Human Services (HHS), are designed to help individuals and families stay on track to consume a healthy diet. The information in the Dietary Guidelines is used to develop, implement, and evaluate food, nutrition, and health policies for Americans.

It provides science-based advice to promote health and reduce the risk for major chronic diseases through diet and physical activity. It summarizes and synthesizes knowledge regarding individual nutrients and food components into recommendations for a pattern of eating that consumers can quickly adapt.

It’s important to remember that a healthy dietary program does not have to be based on a rigid prescription. These Guidelines feature a customizable framework, core elements from which individuals can tailor an affordable series of healthy choices to meet personal, cultural, and lifestyle preferences.

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 Ed Kessler is a Promotions Specialist in GPO’s Publications and Information Sales Office.

Images and additional content provided by Government Book Talk Editor Trudy Hawkins. Trudy is the Senior Marketing & Promotions Specialist in GPO’s Publication & Information Sales Office supporting the U.S. Government Online Bookstore (https://bookstore.gpo.gov).

4 Comments | Agriculture, Department of Health & Human Services, Family, health, Health care, Libraries | Tagged: , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Trudy Hawkins

Medicare Anniversary: America’s Health Insurance

July 29, 2022

On July 30, 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Social Security Act Amendments, thus establishing Medicare and Medicaid, the health insurance programs for Americans. For over 57 years, these two medical support programs have been the foundation that ensures affordable healthcare for all Americans over sixty-five years of age and low-income families.

It’s essential to be informed and prepared to obtain and complete the necessary documents to qualify for the critical benefits of the Medicare and Medicaid health insurance programs. To help Americans with this crucial task, the U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO) online bookstore offers the Health Insurance Claim Forms (CMS-1500), the official standard Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) health insurance claim form.

“The CMS-1500 form is the standard claim form developed by the National Uniform Claim Committee (NUCC) and used by all non-institutional medical providers or suppliers to bill Medicare carriers and durable medical equipment regional carriers (DMERCs) when a provider qualifies for a waiver from the Administrative Simplification Compliance Act (ASCA) requirement for electronic submission of claims. It is also used for billing of some Medicaid State Agencies.” For more information, visit the CMS website at http://www.cms.gov.

A few moments of your time administering important Federal benefits will give you peace of mind that your medical and financial needs are in order.

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 Ed Kessler is a Promotions Specialist in GPO’s Publications and Information Sales Office.

Images and additional content provided by Government Book Talk Editor Trudy Hawkins. Trudy is the Senior Marketing & Promotions Specialist in GPO’s Publication & Information Sales Office supporting the U.S. Government Online Bookstore (https://bookstore.gpo.gov).

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

Publications for Suicide Prevention Month

September 4, 2020

September is National Suicide Prevention Month, and National Suicide Prevention Week is September 6–12, 2020. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), it’s normal to experience a wide range of emotions during an infectious disease outbreak, such as coronavirus. Over the last several months, you may have experienced fear and worry, changes in sleeping or eating, difficulty sleeping or concentrating, or increased use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs. In addition, your chronic health problems or mental health conditions may worsen during these stressful times. If you or someone you love is struggling with their mental health, know that you are not alone. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), mental illnesses are among the most common health conditions in the United States, and more than 50% of people will be diagnosed with a mental illness or disorder at some point in their lifetime. There are many resources that can help. Here are just a few from the GPO online bookstore.

The booklet and DVD set kit How To Talk to a Child About a Suicide Attempt in the Family is an easy-to-read publication that can help you talk to children about a suicide attempt in the family. This publication comes with both a booklet and DVD. It outlines how to talk to kids of all ages, including preschoolers, school-aged children, and teenagers. This resource provides examples of what to say, children’s reactions that can be expected and how to handle them, and other ways to support children. This includes giving them activities and outlets to keep busy and active. It also helps to encourage kids to express their emotions. For any family that has experienced a suicide attempt, this is a must-have publication.

Relapse Prevention and Recovery Promotion in Behavioral Health Services is geared toward mental health service providers but is also useful to people who are personally dealing with mental illness or who know a friend or family member struggling with mental health. This publication from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers an overview of techniques, approaches, and best-practice guidance for preventing relapse and promoting recovery from addiction and mental illness. It provides cognitive exercises such as proactive imagination (remembering a scene of a place that feels calm, relaxed, or serene) and thought diffusion (imagining placing distressing thoughts in a balloon, or on a cloud, and watching them float away). It also discusses physical ways of coping. These include deep breathing, walking in nature, practicing gentle movement, muscle relaxation, and even singing. Emotional methods of coping mentioned in the book include writing, making a gratitude list, and listening to or playing music. Finally, SAMHSA cites relational ways of coping. These include connecting with a person, or even a pet. (Did you know petting an animal lowers blood pressure and can alleviate stress?!) According to the book, “Behavioral health services are beginning to emphasize long-term recovery from substance use and mental disorders instead of focusing on multiple episodes of acute care.” Therefore, the publication focuses on promoting ongoing recovery. The book emphasizes that many people still don’t have access to the services they need. SAMHSA suggests tips on creating easy access to care for patients. It also promotes using a strengths-based assessment, rather than focusing on what is “wrong” with a person.

Preventing Suicide: A Toolkit for High Schools is a resource for high school administrators, students, parents, and individuals with suicide and other life-threatening health issues. The book was funded by SAMHSA to help high schools and their partners prevent suicide and promote behavioral health among their students. The book offers data on youth suicide. One of the helpful facts to know is that suicide is the third leading cause of death among teenagers. The toll among some groups, such as Native Americans, is even higher. Also included are an information sheet on bullying and a checklist of suicide prevention activities. Suggested prevention activities include implementing a written protocol for helping students who may be at risk of suicide as well as training staff on suicide prevention, among many others.

The coronavirus pandemic has been an unprecedented and tough time for our families, our communities, and our country. The CDC offers the below resources. For more information on healthy ways to cope with stress, visit the CDC website.

Get immediate help in a crisis

  • Call 911
  • Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990 (press 2 for Spanish), or text TalkWithUs for English or Hablanos for Spanish to 66746. Spanish speakers from Puerto Rico can text Hablanos to 1-787-339-2663.
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for English, 1-888-628-9454 for Spanish, or Lifeline Crisis Chat.
  • National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 or text LOVEIS to 22522
  • National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-4AChild (1-800-422-4453) or text 1-800-422-4453
  • National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or Online Chat
  • The Eldercare Locator: 1-800-677-1116
  • Veteran’s Crisis Line: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or Crisis Chat or text: 8388255

Find a health care provider or treatment for substance use disorder and mental health

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 » | Department of Health & Human Services, health | Tagged: , , | Permalink
Posted by Trudy Hawkins

International Nurses Day

May 12, 2020

The International Council of Nurses (ICN) has declared the theme for International Nurses Day 2020, which is celebrated on May 12, “Nursing the World to Health.” It’s a fitting theme, as nurses and doctors are on the frontlines working tirelessly to care for patients with coronavirus. To help honor the important service nurses provide, the Government Publishing Office offers the following titles about the history of nursing.

Realizing the Future of Nursing: VA Nurses Tell Their Story

This series of stories and experiences told directly by Veterans Affairs (VA) nurses, physicians, healthcare staff, and community partners offers personal insights into the medical community serving America’s Veterans. The publication includes moving narratives about how the VA system has improved the quality and safety of Veteran care. The stories are inspiring and illuminating to read. These personal experiences and perspectives create a picture of the individual commitment and dedication, the extreme challenges, and exceptional successes of VA healthcare workers. They are especially comforting to anyone who has served in the VA healthcare system.

Highlights in the History of the Army Nurse Corps

Service is at the heart of these personal stories of nurses−stories of valor and dedication. This resource provides a record of the major events in the proud history of the Army Nurse Corps. Giving recognition to those who serve is heartening to anyone with friends or family members in the Army Nurse Corps. It took new legislation and other significant events to ensure meaningful changes in the Corps. These changes have ensured that the Corps can provide high quality nursing care to soldiers, their families, and retired military and their dependents in times of peace and war. Army nurses are key medical contributors during global health crises such as the COVID–19 pandemic happening now.

Your Guide to Choosing a Nursing Home or Other Long-Term Services & Support       

Nursing homes have been hard hit by COVID–19. This booklet can help a decision-maker choose a nursing home and better understand other types of elder care. It offers valuable information about how certain types of insurance can help make these critical choices a bit easier. Certainly, the role of Medicare and Medicaid must be considered in making nursing home care or alternative types of care decisions.

The team at the Government Publishing Office gives thanks to all nurses, nurse’s aides, and those preparing to dedicate their lives to the medical profession.

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 » | Center of Military History, Department of Health & Human Services, Department of Veterans Affairs, health, Health care | 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

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 Implementation Science at a Glance eBook

August 2, 2019

What exactly is implementation science? According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), Division of Cancer Control & Population Sciences, “implementation science is the study of methods to promote the adoption and integration of evidence-based practices, interventions, and policies into routine health care and public health settings to improve the impact on population health.”

Implementation Science at a Glance (ePub) offers a-practical guidance on the science for cancer control practitioners, policy makers, and cancer control and implementation researchers.

While many effective interventions can reduce cancer risk, incidence, and death, as well as enhance quality of life, they are of limited benefit if they cannot be delivered to those in need. Implementation science, as presented in the guide aims to improve public health by bridging the knowledge gap between research and practice to help communities in need.

The guide is organized into a four-stage framework: assess, prepare, implement, and evaluate. Each stage poses important questions for practical considerations. It also includes four case studies to illustrate how practitioners are successfully applying implementation science in their cancer control programs.

Through summaries of key theories, methods, and models, the guide shows how greater use of implementation science can support the effective adoption of evidence-based interventions in real-world settings.

Explore the many helpful health related FREE downloadable publications from the NCI here.

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.

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 » | Department of Health & Human Services, ebooks, health, Health care, National Cancer Institute, NIH | Tagged: , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Trudy Hawkins

Support for People with Cancer

July 2, 2019

After receiving a cancer diagnosis, one of the most important things a person can do is educate themselves on what they can expect to go through and prepare both mentally and physically for the road ahead. So, where does a newly diagnosed cancer patient turn for guidance?

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) recently released a series of booklets to help those facing cancer.

For a comprehensive guide to the questions you need to know, providing the most professional guidelines and answers, the NCI has published the following go-to support publications.

Taking Time to Support People with Cancer. Taking Time is a booklet for people newly diagnosed with cancer. It provides important information such as dealing with the various feelings you may go through after diagnosis, support from family and close friends, talking to your health care team, and dealing with a new self-image.

The NCI also provides help for managing the pain associated with cancer. Cancer Pain Control covers the types and causes of cancer pain. It discusses the importance of talking about your pain as well as developing a pain control plan and medicines to help treat cancer pain. It also discusses additional ways to control pain such as meditation and relaxation to help with stress and depression, as well as how pain can affect your thoughts and feeling and paying for pain medicines.

Eating can also be a challenge while going through cancer. In Eating Hints, people with cancer learn what to eat before, during, and after cancer treatment. This authoritative booklet provides tips about common types of eating problems and how to manage them, as well as tips about food and drinks to help manage your diet and how to prepare your food to avoid infections. It also provides suggestions for returning to healthy eating once your cancer treatment is over. For Spanish speaking individuals, the NCI also offers Consejos de alimentación, the Spanish version of Eating Hints.

Whether you are a cancer patient or know someone who is, download these FREE supportive booklets now. Cancer is no longer in charge of your life.

Start your journey now by embracing these easy to read, life-supporting booklets from the National Cancer Institute.

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 » | Centers for Disease Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Department of Health & Human Services, ebooks, health, Health care, National Cancer Institute | Tagged: , , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Trudy Hawkins

Mental Health Awareness Month

May 8, 2019

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), mental illnesses are among the most common health conditions in the United States, and more than 50% of people will be diagnosed with a mental illness or disorder at some point in their lifetime. Mental Health Month was founded by Mental Health America (MHA) back in 1949. Since then, MHA has been increasing awareness for mental health as a topic everyone should care about. This Mental Health Awareness Month, GPO is bringing you resources to help take steps toward understanding more about mental health.

Relapse Prevention and Recovery Promotion in Behavioral Health Services is geared toward mental health service providers but is also useful to people who are personally dealing with mental illness or who know a friend or family member struggling with mental health. This publication from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers an overview of techniques, approaches, and best-practice guidance for preventing relapse and promoting recovery from addiction and mental illness. It provides cognitive exercises such as proactive imagination (remembering a scene of a place that feels calm, relaxed, or serene) and thought diffusion (imagining placing distressing thoughts in a balloon, or on a cloud, and watching them float away). It also discusses physical ways of coping. These include deep breathing, walking in nature, practicing gentle movement, muscle relaxation, and even singing. Emotional methods of coping mentioned in the book include writing, making a gratitude list, and listening to or playing music. Finally, SAMHSA cites relational ways of coping. These include connecting with a person, or even a pet. (Did you know petting an animal lowers blood pressure and can alleviate stress?!) According to the book, “Behavioral health services are beginning to emphasize long-term recovery from substance use and mental disorders instead of focusing on multiple episodes of acute care.” Therefore, the publication focuses on promoting ongoing recovery. The book emphasizes that many people still don’t have access to the services they need. SAMHSA suggests tips on creating easy access to care for patients. It also promotes using a strengths-based assessment, rather than focusing on what is “wrong” with a person.

Preventing Suicide: A Toolkit for High Schools is a resource for high school administrators, students, parents, and individuals with suicide and other life-threatening health issues. The book was funded by SAMHSA to help high schools and their partners prevent suicide and promote behavioral health among their students. The book offers data on youth suicide. One of the helpful facts to know is that suicide is the third leading cause of death among teenagers. The toll among some groups, such as Native Americans, is even higher. Also included are an information sheet on bullying and a checklist of suicide prevention activities. Suggested prevention activities include implementing a written protocol for helping students who may be at risk of suicide as well as training staff on suicide prevention, among many others.

As is indicated by the CDC, mental health issues are incredibly common. This month, read up on mental health and help get the conversation going.

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 » | Department of Health & Human Services, health, Health care | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Trudy Hawkins

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