Reading Nook: World Health Day

The World Health Organization's inception is celebrated each April 7, known as World Health Day.

The WHO uses the anniversary to draw attention to a particular health issue – this year, the focus is on antimicrobial resistance.

"Antimicrobials include antibiotics, chemotherapeutic agents, antifungals, antiparasitic medicines and antivirals," according to the WHO.

"Antimicrobial resistance is facilitated by the inappropriate use of medicines, for example, when taking substandard doses or not finishing a prescribed course of treatment (as well as in animal husbandry).

"Low-quality medicines, wrong prescriptions and poor infection control also encourage the development and spread of drug resistance," the organization said.

Resistance to these medicines can result in more fatalities, higher health care costs and loss of control over infectious diseases, WHO officials said.

Click here to learn more about antimicrobial resistance.

Or stop by the to pick up one of these books to help you stay healthy in honor of World Health Day.

Adult books (recommended by library director Celia Morse)

• You – The Owner's Manual by Michael Roizen, M.D., and Mehmet Oz, M.D., 2005: An entertaining explanation about how the human body works, with the facts and advice you need to keep your body running long and strong.
• 8 Weeks to Optimum Health by Andrew Weil, M.D., 1997: A holistic approach to healthful living, including recommendations on nutrition, vitamin supplements, stretching and walking, and relaxation exercises.

Children's books (recommended by children's librarian Karen Tower)

• Dinosaurs Alive and Well! by Laurie Krasny Brown, 1990: A dinosaur family presents a guide to good health, from nutrition to cleanliness to first aid.
• Keeping Clean by Vicki Cobb, 1989: If you ever wondered how we kept clean before soap, shampoo and toothpaste were invented, this book explains it all.
• Eat Healthy, Feel Great by William Sears, M.D., 2002: Children can make good food choices by following the color clues in this informative guide to nutrition. (Tasty recipes are included.)