Holiday Reads for Year End 2017

December 18, 2017

There’s no better time of year than the days after your favorite holiday to curl up in an overstuffed chair and read a book. So take an adventure out of your routine and peruse one of America’s most interesting online bookstores; featuring titles of all kinds authored by “those in the know” across the federal government.

The US Government Bookstore provides you with easy access to federal publications where you’ll find an amazingly eclectic collection of titles: from the latest global economic, military or social issues, remembrances of wars fought by our older brothers and sisters, Dads and Grand-Dads, the nerve-rattling world of cybersecurity and how it can impact your daily lives to America’s infrastructure, surprising tips on child care and safety (to share with your children) , even spectacularly colorful calendars featuring NASA –out-of-this-solar system  interstellar graphics that are not only beautiful but educational as well.

Here are but a few gift and special items to consider:

Science Mission Planning Guide Calendar 2018. NASA creates one of the most educational and fun federal calendars every year. This year’s focus is science missions. Each month features a spectacular colorful photo; each an example of “nature’s art.” These arresting photographic images represent a moment in space and time brought to us by individuals committed to the scientific pursuit of knowledge and the advancement of humankind. A spectacular centerfold features the “Operating and Future Missions” of the NASA experience.

The City Becomes a Symbol: The U.S. Army in the Occupation of Berlin, 1945-1949 – Center of Military History. The City Becomes a Symbol tells the story of the first four tumultuous years of the U.S. Army’s occupation of West Berlin and how Berlin became the epicenter of superpower confrontation across all of Europe. The division of Berlin with occupation by Western and Soviet military forces set the stage for the decades-long face-off between the U.S. Army and Soviet forces until the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989.

Cyber Infrastructure Protection: Volume III.  This book addresses critical issues in cybersecurity. Topics discussed include: a cooperative international deterrence capability as an essential tool in cybersecurity; an estimation of the costs of cybercrime; the impact of prosecuting spammers on fraud and malware contained in email spam; cybersecurity and privacy in smart cities; smart cities demand smart security; and, a smart grid vulnerability assessment using national testbed networks.

Take a few minutes and go to: bookstore.gpo.gov for these and thousands of other excellent books and eBooks to help you become better informed. Start the New Year off all that wiser!

The GPO Online Bookstore – Easy Access to Federal Publications

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 https://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 Ed Kessler is a Promotions Specialist in GPO’s Publication and Information Sales program office.

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

National Domestic Violence Awareness Month

October 24, 2017

Since 1981, October has been recognized as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month in honor of the “Day of Unity” which was held that year and was conceived by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. The National Resource Center on Domestic Violence (NRCDV) says the intent of that first “Day of Unity” was to join advocates all over the Nation who were working to end violence against women and their children.

The Day of Unity soon became an entire week devoted to a range of activities conducted at the local, state, and national level. The activities varied wildly but had three common themes:

  • Mourning those who have died because of domestic violence.
  • Celebrating those who have survived.
  • Connecting those who work to end violence.

In 1989, the U.S. Congress passed Public Law 101-112 designating October of that year as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Such legislation has passed every year since with National Coalition Against Domestic Violence providing key leadership in this effort.

The U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO) offers access to several items that can help your organization raise awareness. The U.S. Government Bookstore offers several titles that can aid in learning more about this topic. Some of those include:

  • Understanding Domestic Violence: A Handbook for Victims and Professionals – This book provides help to better understand how domestic violence affects adult and child victims and offers tools to help prevent further injury or death. It also explains how the civil and criminal justice system can work for the protection of the victims.
  • Preventing Intimate Partner Violence Across the Lifespan: A Technical Package of Programs, Policies and Practices – This book represents a select group of strategies based on the best available evidence to help communities and states sharpen their focus on prevention activities with the greatest potential to prevent intimate partner violence (IPV) and its consequences. Some of these strategies include teaching safe and healthy relationship skills, engaging influential adults and peers, disrupting the developmental pathways toward IPV, creating protective environments, strengthening economic supports for families, and supporting survivors to increase safety and lessen harm.

GPO also offers access to the original version of Public Law 101-112 through govinfo.gov, where you can also find access to the latest U.S. Government information on the Violence Against Women Act.

The Catalog of U.S. Government Publications (CGP) offers transcripts of a hearing before the Senate’s Judiciary Committee on How the Violence against Women Act Serves Hawaii Military Families Experiencing Domestic Violence, and another hearing before the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation on Domestic Violence in Professional Sports.

GPO will continue to provide access to Federal Government information on multiple issues that affect the public, and to Keep America Informed.

The GPO Online Bookstore – Easy Access to Federal Publications

HOW DO I OBTAIN THESE RESOURCES?

Click on the Links: For the free resources, click on the links above in the blog post.

Shop Online Anytime: You can buy eBooks or print publications —with FREE Standard Shipping worldwide— from the U.S. Government Online Bookstore at https://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 Scott Pauley is a Writer and Editor in GPO’s Library Services and Content Management offices.

Leave a Comment » | Centers for Disease Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Department of Health & Human Services, Family, Women | Tagged: , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Trudy Hawkins

August is National Breastfeeding Awareness Month

August 23, 2017

For Breastfeeding Awareness Month, new mothers gain breastfeeding advice from US Health and Human Services (HHS), Office on Women’s Health (OWH).

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s 2016 Breastfeeding Report Card, over 80 percent of women in the U.S. initiate breastfeeding. However, barely more than half (51.8 percent) of infants are still breastfeeding at 6 months. Even though the decision to breastfeed is a personal one and a mother should not be made to feel guilty if she cannot or chooses not to breastfeed, mothers still face many barriers such as: lack of knowledge, social norms, stigma, poor family and social support, lactation problems, employment and child care challenges, and barriers related to health practices in hospitals.

Your Guide to Breastfeeding, produced by OWH, provides moms with the support they need to breastfeed successfully. It offers information on how milk is made, tips for making breastfeeding as comfortable as possible, and practical advice for overcoming challenges, latching, using breast pumps, storing milk, breastfeeding in public, handling stress, going back to work, weaning, and more.

This free publication is available two ways:

The GPO Online Bookstore – Easy Access to Federal 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.

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: 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 » | Children, Department of Health & Human Services, Family, Parenting, Women | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Trudy Hawkins

Parents’ Day – July 23

July 21, 2017

Parents’ Day celebrates and recognizes the important role of responsible parenting in every day family life. Families are a fundamental human institution, bonded by unconditional love and commitment.

Parents’ Day was established in 1994.  In a time where society had become increasingly self-centered, President Bill Clinton signed a congressional resolution to commemorate Parents’ Day in an effort to promote family commitment and parental responsibilities.

At GPO we offer publications to further the appreciation and understanding of what great parenting can realize, to self, to your children, and the community. Take a look.

Parent Power: Build the Bridge to Success

Good advice for parents on how you can help your children be successful at each stage of their school life: from preschool, elementary school, middle school to high school. The booklet stresses the importance of a parent or caregiver’s influence and involvement in his/her child’s education process and schooling activities.

Parent’s Guide to Childhood Immunizations

In this colorful booklet parents will learn more about the role vaccines play in keeping  their children healthy.

Make a Difference: Talk to Your Child about Alcohol

This guide is geared to parents and guardians of young people ages 10 to 14. It’s a handy booklet designed to help parents teach kids about the dangers of drinking alcohol.

The GPO Online Bookstore – Easy Access to Federal Publications

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.

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 Ed Kessler is a Promotions Specialist in GPO’s Publication and Information Sales program office.

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

Get Outdoors this Summer with Help From GPO

July 19, 2017

July is National Parks & Recreation Month in the U.S., which delivers a reminder of the staggeringly beautiful images from the thousands of national parks around our great Nation. Perhaps this is the year that you finally pack up the family in the car or RV and spend a long weekend camping in the hills and enjoying the incredible wonder that is our naturally beautiful landscape.

The U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO) is here to help you with the research and planning that can make any summer vacation into the one you tell stories about for years to come. The most important step of that epic road trip is first and foremost choosing where to go and where to stay. The U.S. Government Bookstore offers more than a few options on how to figure that out.

The National Parks Index offers a complete administrative listing of the National Park System and can help you figure out which parks are in your area and what they have to offer. Also, if you’re a more visual person, there is the National Park System Wall Map Poster which would allow you map out your trip visually, and you could even hang it on the wall in your house and use pushpins to track your progress in visiting all the parks our country has to offer.

While you’re on your trip, you may want to bring along a camera to capture some of the breath taking scenes you’re sure to see. The best photographers know that the key to beautiful pictures is the inspiration, and the book A Photographer’s Path: Images of National Parks Near the Nation’s Capital is full of incredible photos that are sure to light your creative fires and inspire you to take a couple of photos worthy of printing and hanging on your wall.

Another great thing our national parks offer is free or discounted fees to visit for active duty and retired military members due to the National Parks Freedom Pass Act which was passed by the House of Representatives in 2011.

To find other bills and laws that Congress has passed to protect and preserve our park system, visit govinfo.gov and search “national parks.”

You can also search the Catalog of U.S. Government Publications to find a list of titles that will allow you to learn more about the parks and monuments available near you, like:

Make GPO your first stop when planning your next national park trip, and visit our sites to learn more about the great history of our Government preserving the parks for our future generations. Happy camping!

HOW DO I OBTAIN THESE RESOURCES?

Click on the Links: For the free resources, click on the links above in the blog post.

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 Scott Pauley is a Writer and Editor in GPO’s Library Services and Content Management office.

Leave a Comment » | Family, National Park Service, National Park Service, Travel and Tourism | Tagged: , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Trudy Hawkins

Celebrating Dad

June 16, 2017

Father’s Day in the U. S. is on the third Sunday of June. It celebrates contributions fathers and father figures make for their children’s lives. Its origins may lie in a memorial service held for a large group of men, many of them fathers, who were killed in a mining accident in Monongah, West Virginia in 1907. It became a recognized holiday in 1972.

Make this “Dad’s Day” a little special and a recognition of your Father’s personal interests and routine. So whether he’s a dedicated health enthusiast, a military history buff, do-it yourselfer, an easy and unique way to honor him is getting this year’s gift at the U.S. Government Bookstore

Easy access, easy selection since the online bookstore cover page gives you a full menu of options whether you wish to review by topic, such as Art, Maps, Travel, or Health & Benefits, perhaps US Military History. Also check out “Browse by Agency” to dig down into what’s going on inside government, especially if his business or avocation is driven by the news and information authored by those in the know when it comes to the Federal Government in action.

Here are just a few examples of titles men who stay on top of what’s in the news might enjoy:

Make a Difference: Talk to Your Child About Alcohol. This guide is geared to parents and guardians of young people ages 10 to 14. Provides helpful information on how to discuss alcohol with your child. Your child looks to you for guidance and support in making life decisions—including the decision not to use alcohol.

Physical Activity and Health: A Report of the Surgeon General presents the message that Americans can substantially improve their health and quality of life by including moderate amounts of physical activity in their daily lives.

The GPO Online Bookstore – Easy Access to Federal Publications

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.

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 Ed Kessler is a Promotions Specialist in GPO’s Publication and Information Sales program office.

Leave a Comment » | Consumers, Family, Gifts, Parenting | Tagged: , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Trudy Hawkins

Celebrate Arbor Day

April 27, 2017

Arbor Day celebrates the value of trees in our daily lives.  It is a special time set aside for tree planting.

For this Arbor Day, April 28, here are a few tips on how to honor those stately trees in your local parks and suburban landscapes by coming together and enjoy those quiet giant oaks, and even a still growing scruffy pine.

  • Hold an Arbor Day ceremony to honor the good stewards in your community.
  • Organize a Largest or Oldest Tree search across your community.
  • Plant a tree. Host a reception to honor Park or Tree Board members in the community.
  • Create a story, produce a play, or present a skit about trees.
  • Choose a public park or downtown area to clean up.
  • Sponsor a craft show featuring artists engaged in crafts with natural materials.
  • Schedule classes on tree pruning, tree selection, identification and planting.
  • Hold a Children’s Read-In at the library.

Best of all…. read a book at home about trees – with your children.

The U.S. Government Bookstore offers publications covering some of the above subjects plus a wide range of “tree hugging” topics depending on your interests. Here a just few examples.

Why Would Anyone Cut a Tree Down?

This delightful book shows children the life cycle of trees, showing that trees are a renewable resource as their seeds can be planted to make new trees grow. It also discusses the need to remove sick, flammable, and other dangerous trees as well as the various uses for wood from cut trees.

National Individual Tree Species Atlas

This reference covers each tree species in the United States and precisely where each species is likely to grow or not grow. Written primarily for horticulturists, the contents are also a wonderful resource for anyone studying America’s tree population: from Boy and Girl Scouts, to landscapers, to forestry professors and guides.

How To Prune Trees

This handy pamphlet provides helpful information on how, when, and why to prune. By following the few simple principles outlined in this publication, you will learn how to produce strong, healthy, attractive plants.

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.

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 Ed Kessler is a Promotions Specialist in GPO’s Publication and Information Sales program office.

Leave a Comment » | Agriculture, Consumers, Department of Agriculture, Environment, Family | Tagged: , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Trudy Hawkins

New Grand Canyon Trip Planner from the National Park Service

April 17, 2017

Just in time for National Park Week, the National Park Service offers you and your family a hardy, “Grand Canyon” experience.

To take the first step to a grand family travel time, the Park Service has developed a helpful guide filled with general information starting with “Getting to the Grand Canyon”, what weather to expect when there, plus lots of details and photos about the South and North Rim services and facilities.

Want to know more about tours and trips? It’s there.

Hiking map? Just be sure you come in shape since some paths are far from a “walk in the proverbial park”! Take a good listen to their tips on hiking, full day hiking journeys, and more for those up to the rigors, sharing life memories and experiences that come when backpacking.

Tourists gather at the South Rim’s Mather Point for sunset.

Park Rangers know just about everything and anything to make your Grand Canyon visit all you could expect it to be. So they urge you to “get involved.”

Start now by obtaining the Grand Canyon “Trip Planner” at the bookstore.gpo.gov. “Awesome” is an understatement!

HOW DO I OBTAIN THIS RESOURCE?

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 Ed Kessler is a Promotions Specialist in GPO’s Publication and Information Sales program office.

Leave a Comment » | Family, National Park Service, National Park Service, Travel and Tourism | Tagged: , , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Trudy Hawkins

Celebrate Children’s Book Day – April 2

March 31, 2017

Do you have a few favorite books from childhood? Books that fed your imagination and that bring back memories of home and the days of your youth? The International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) founded Children’s Book Day in 1967 to promote the importance of literacy and reading to our children. IBBY actively promotes children’s books and authors and organize events in schools and libraries world-wide to encourage children to read more.

Wondering how to celebrate this important event? The U.S. Government Bookstore offers many child oriented titles. From kindergarten-level and up you’re sure to find books that are appealing to you and that your kids would enjoy too.

Here are a few examples of what you will find on the U.S. Government Bookstore website:

Junior Paleontologist Activity Book, Ages 5-12, Explore, Learn, Protect More than 230 national parks are known to preserve fossils. In this booklet children learn about ancient life, complete fun activities, and explore some of the national parks that offer a look into the past. It discusses how to get a junior paleontologist badge after completing the activities in this book.

Discover MyPlate: A MyPlate Meal (ePub) Learn about the five food groups, healthy eating, and reading! This colorful book introduces kindergarten-aged children to foods from all five food groups of MyPlate, while building literacy skills through the use of sight words, optional audio narration and text highlighting, interactive games and activities, and more!

Spread the love of reading with a child on Children’s Book Day, and help foster the imagination of the next generation.

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.

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 Ed Kessler is a Promotions Specialist in GPO’s Publication and Information Sales program office.

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

Eat Fit – Get Fit

February 3, 2017

With the start of a new year, there’s no better time than now to reset your body and spirit by not just thinking about fitness but acting on your best instincts. Turn on the TV and you’ll see many fancy dieting regimens, expensive cycling systems and “fool proof” ways to trim down (guaranteed of course!) If it was only so easy!

Or, take a moment, go online to the Government Publishing Office’s web site at https://bookstore.gpo.gov/ and check out an amazing variety of dietary guidelines and exercise guides produced by the Department of Health and Human Services and by the Department of Agriculture for your kids, family– all the way to the over 55 set. The best part is most of the materials are free in various eBook formats.

017-300-00025-3_page_001A great example is the Exercise and Physical Activity eBook. A FREE guide to how you can age well through simple exercises and good eating habits.

You can download in minutes here and be ready to take control the very same day or night.

Scan the many publications your federal government has designed for you to get started and stay engaged in better health practices.

You’ll be pleasantly surprised there’s a publication to fit the needs of everyone in your family -You included! Don’t wait.

How can I obtain health resources from the Federal government?

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 Ed Kessler is a Promotions Specialist in GPO’s Publication and Information Sales program office.

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

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.

9780160934421Depression: 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.

9780160934438Schizophrenia (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: , , , , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Trudy Hawkins

The U.S. Government’s Santa-Tracking Mission

December 19, 2016

‘Twas Christmas eve 1955 when a misprinted Sears Roebuck & Co. newspaper ad directed kids to a Soviet alert hotline instead of Santa’s direct dial. The top secret hotline that was used only in national emergencies to alert the Continental Air Defense Command (CONAD) if the USSR attacked. Wrong red phone!

Old Norad Tracks Santa posterOn the receiving end, U.S. Air Force Col. Harry Shoup, CONAD’s director of operations, grabbed the red emergency phone and braced for an imminent attack. Instead, a little 6 year-old boy’s voice trembled over the phone, “Are you really Santa Claus?” Shoup, thinking it was a prank, barked, “Would you repeat that?” The little voice started to cry, then hesitantly asked, “Is this one of Santa’s elves, then?”

Soon the phone began ringing off the hook with kids wanting to gab with Santa. Col. Shoup played along. He even turned his team of Cold War-era radar operators into North Pole elves—they scanned monitors for indications of Santa on the move. And that’s how the U.S. Government got into the business of Santa tracking.

Today, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD, CONAD’s successor) is a bi-national U.S. and Canadian organization tasked with aerospace warning and control. As a frontline in homeland defense, its slogan is “Deter, Detect, Defend.” But its most famous and favorite mission is watching the winter skies for the “big red one,” much as it has done since Col. Shoup answered the phone over 60 years ago.

NORAD Celebrating 50 Years book“Guarding What You Value Most: North American Aerospace Defense Command Celebrating 50 Years,” available thru GPO, touches upon how NORAD triangulates Kris Kringle’s course. The publication proudly states that “using the same technology used to perform their day-to-day mission— satellites, high-powered radars and jet fighters— NORAD tracks Santa Claus as he makes his Yuletide journey around the world.”

NORAD’s sleigh of different high-tech systems is used to read Rudolph’s infrared nose signature, capture high-speed video around the globe, and provide Santa and his reindeer with a NORAD fighter pilot escort. Fun fact to impress people at your holiday party: satellites and radar once clocked Santa’s flying delivery cart at 100 times faster than the Japanese bullet train.

santa-sleighSanta positioning updates were originally delivered over the radio and through the Santa Tracking hotline. In 1997, the operation leapt onto the internet. A few years ago, NORAD teamed up with tech companies to release a set of free apps. If you download the tracking app, you can receive notifications of the Santa’s globetrotting whereabouts.

Want to track jolly St. Nick and his sleigh-pullers on Christmas Eve? Visit NORAD’s multilingual Santa site. It’s soundtracked with some pretty groovy holiday music, too. And while clicking around, do visit GPO’s Online Bookstore and check out that NORAD history publication there waiting for you. Unlike Santa, it requires no high-tech tracking.

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.

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 Chelsea Milko is a Public Relations Specialist in GPO’s Public Relations Office.

Leave a Comment » | Department of Defense, Family, NORAD, U.S. Air Force | Tagged: , , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Trudy Hawkins

« Previous Entries
Next Entries »