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Library plans variety of free Black History Month events

By DELANEY TARR delaney@appenmedia.com

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — The DeKalb County Public Library will host more than 30 free events throughout February to celebrate Black History Month, including movie nights, live theater and take-home crafts.

The programs will be hosted at various DeKalb County libraries and are free to the public. Some events will require registration. To register, visit dekalblibrary.org.

AFRICAN BEATS: TITILAYO

DANCE COMPANY

What: An all-ages rhythmic performance celebrating West African culture and heritage with stories, drums, songs and dance.

When: Saturday, Feb. 11, 1 p.m.

Where: Wesley Chapel-William C. Brown Library, 2861 Wesley Chapel Road, Decatur

BREAKING GROUND

What: A one-man family-friendly show about five African American men who had to “break down barriers to achieve greatness.” The show spotlights historic figures Alex Johnson, Bass Reeves, George Washington Carver, Commander General Benjamin O. Davis and Satchel Paige.

Presented by Jerry G. White, the show includes theater, music, percussion and songs.

When: Saturday, Feb. 18, 11 a.m.

Where: Northlake-Barbara Loar Library, 3772 Lavista Road, Tucker

BO LEGS: MARVIN ARRINGTON, SR. — AN ATLANTA STORY FILM

What: A film screening put on in partnership with DeKalb County Commissioner Larry Johnson. The movie spotlights Marvin Arrington, Sr. an African American judge who was president of the Atlanta City Council for 17 years. Lunch is included in the screening and registration is required.

When: Saturday, Feb. 25, 11 a.m.

Where: South DeKalb Senior Center, 1931 Candler Road, Decatur

CALVIN COUTHER EXHIBIT

What: Throughout February, the works of artist Calvin Couther will be on display at the Wesley Chapel-William C. Brown Library. Couther’s watercolor and acrylic paintings reflect a part of American life from the late 1800s to mid-1900s.

When: Throughout February

Where: Wesley Chapel-William C. Brown Library, 2861 Wesley Chapel Road, Decatu

TAKE & MAKE COLLABORATIVE POSTER KIT

What: Black History Month collaborative poster craft kits will be available at the children’s desk of the Hairston Crossing Library from Feb. 1-Feb. 11.

When: Feb. 1-Feb. 11

Where: Hairston Crossing Library, 4911 Redan Road, Stone Mountain

NORTHLAKE COOKBOOK CLUB: FOOD FOR THE SOUL

What: Adults and senior citizens can learn the history and traditions of soul food cuisine while eating samples of the food.

When: Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2 p.m.

Where: Northlake-Barbara Loar Library, 3772 Lavista Road, Tucker

Black History Month Trivia Challenge

What: Teenagers, adults and senior citizens can grab a Black History Month Trivia Challenge at the Wesley Chapel Library’s Circulation Desk to take home. Participants must return their answers by Tuesday, Feb. 28. The most correct answers will win a prize.

When: Event opens Wednesday, Feb. 8 at 10 a.m. and closes Tuesday, Feb. 28 at 8 p.m.

Where: Wesley Chapel-William C. Brown

FEATURE YOUR EVENT ONLINE AND IN PRINT!

It’s even easier now than ever to promote your event to hundreds of thousands of people, whether online, through our newsletters or in the Crier and Herald newspapers.

To promote your event, follow these easy steps:

1. Visit AppenMedia.com/Calendar;

2. Provide the details for your event including title, description, location and date;

3. Click the red button that reads “Create event”

4. That’s it! Submissions are free, though there are paid opportunities to promote your event in print and online.

Library, 2861 Wesley Chapel Road, Decatur. The DeKalb History Center will also host a Black History Month celebration in February. The center sold out of tickets for its 15th annual celebration The Feb. 9 program, Black Church Music: A soulstirring history, will play gospel music and talk about the role it has in Georgia.

While February brings thoughts of those we love and Valentine’s Day cards, the best gift of all is to remember it’s also American Heart Month. Heart disease is the leading cause of hospitalization for those over age 65 and is still the leading cause of death in this country. Over 800,000 deaths a year are due to cardiovascular disease. The good news is it’s largely preventable, so let’s review how to improve and maintain your heart health.

Monitoring your blood pressure is a key indicator of where you stand with your heart health. Yet only 48 per cent of people aged 50 to 80 who take medication or have a health condition affected by high blood pressure (or hypertension) monitor it on a regular basis. Preventing hypertension lowers your risk of heart disease and stroke. So setting a regular schedule and getting a blood pressure monitor you can learn to use at home is the start of knowing the numbers for your heart health journey.

Eating a healthy diet with a variety of food with potassium, fiber, protein, and importantly is lower in salt is critical. Flavor your food using more spices, eat salads and steamed vegetables. Select grilled poultry or fish and avoid heavy sauces, salad dressings and fats. This will help you get to or keep a healthy weight.

Staying physically active and reducing stress comes next. Moderate walking or other forms of physical exercise can do wonders. While 150 minutes of moderate activity a week is recommended, be sure to check with your doctor about forming a personalized plan of action and regular visits that are right for your current health status. Social isolation can also impact your stress levels, so staying in touch with friends, community groups and family is an important part of the picture.

Sleep is emerging as an ever increasing factor in heart health. It keeps your blood vessels healthy, and not getting enough sleep on a regular basis correlate to increased rates of stroke, high blood pressure and heart disease. Aim for a regular schedule and seven to eight hours of sleep.

Stop smoking and be careful about alcohol consumption for a healthy heart. So, if this is an issue, monitor your use and start a plan to cut back.

At Home Helpers, we know how important a skilled and well-matched Caregiver is to helping an older loved one maintain their heart health. Whether it’s making sure a moderate walk can be done without fear of a fall risk, regularly monitoring blood pressure and vital signs, following a nutritious diet, keeping a regular sleep schedule, or creating social bonds to battle loneliness, we strive to make each day the best it can be.

Our heart centered Caregivers can assist with all personal care, help around the house, safely speed up recovery from surgery, or provide specialized care for Alzheimer’s, Dementia, Parkinson’s, etc.

We’re here to help - from six hours a day, several days a week to 24/7 and livein care. For a free consultation contact Home Helpers of Alpharetta and North Atlanta Suburbs today at (770) 6810323.

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