On the Shelf

Something Entirely New at the Downieville Library

The Plumas County Library (including its four stations in Sierra County) is partnering with the American Heart Association in an initiative titled (for us) “Sierra Libraries with Heart”. This initiative consists of placing blood pressure kits in each library branch (Plumas County) and station (Sierra County), which can be checked out for use at home.

The kit (there is only one in each location) consists of the blood pressure monitor (which also measures pulse), printed information on how to take blood pressure accurately (with step-by-step instructions), printed information on how to read and understand the results, printed resources on how to control and manage blood pressure (including tips on getting better nutrition and better physical activities, and on managing stress levels), and a log to record and track blood pressure and pulse rates. With this log, you will have information in hand when you visit your health care provider, who can then look at the numbers, and talk with you about them. There is also printed information about local clinical care, and, finally, a participant survey (optional) to continually help improve the program. All the printed material is provided in both English and Spanish. And, in addition, a video in both languages can be accessed to better help understand the whole blood pressure-monitoring process.

So, what does it take to check out the blood pressure kit? To start, a library card is required. For those who do not already have one, all you have to do is come into the Downieville Library (or one of the other stations in Sierra County), and fill out an application. However, unlike using only the library card to check out books and videos, and additional step is needed to check out the blood pressure kit. You will also need to sign an “Agreement to Borrow Equipment and Release of Liability”. Part of that form reads, “I understand that there is no charge for use of the equipment. However, in the event that the equipment is lost or destroyed while in my possession, I agree to cover any and all costs associated with the replacement of the lost/damaged equipment.”

N-1-1

While we are on the subject of taking care of ourselves, it provides a good opportunity to segue to phone numbers that could be very useful to us. These are the N-1-1 phone numbers, which, in the United States, are administered by the Federal Commerce Commission (FCC):

• 2-1-1: Community information and referral services
• 3-1-1: Non-emergency police and other governmental services
• 4-1-1: Local directory assistance
• 5-1-1: Traffic and transportation information (in Canada, provides weather & traveler information)
• 6-1-1: Repair service
• 7-1-1: Telecommunication relay service
• 8-1-1: Access to one call services to protect pipeline and utilities from excavation damage (in Canada, provides non-urgent health teletriage services)
• 9-1-1:Emergency

Only the numbers beginning 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, and 9 have been nationally assigned by the FCC. The other numbers (5 & 6) have not been assigned nationally, allowing them to have local assignments, which can also be withdrawn promptly, if a national assignment is made. Obviously, therefore, not all of the N-1-1 phone numbers are going to be relevant and/or available in Sierra County.

Library Cards

Since I mentioned the need to have a library card to check out the blood pressure kit, it seems like a good moment to remind us of how we go about getting such a card — or, as Linus of Peanuts fame said, when he received his card: “I have been given my citizenship in the land of knowledge!”

The process is actually pretty easy and non-threatening. According to the Plumas County website, to apply for a free (emphasized) library card, just bring to the library a current picture ID (the application form requires a driver’s license or identification card number) and proof of your current mailing address. If you are under the age of 18, you need to be able to write your full name, plus a parent’s or guardian’s signature is required. That’s it! The application goes from us to the Plumas County Library, and then you receive your card in the mail. Your new citizenship!!!