MetroFamily Magazine September October 2025

Beyond Books How Metro Libraries support healthy communities

T he Metropolitan Library System offers families a variety of ways to build healthier, more active lives. Children’s Services Manager Kristin Williamson describes libraries as community hubs that support whole family wellness. Williamson says families can turn to their Metro Library branch for hands-on cooking classes, fitness programs and mental health resources. How do local libraries help build healthy families? For anyone looking to jumpstart their journey toward better health, Metro Libraries provide free and accessible resources for all ages. To get moving, options include Wiggly Wednesdays for babies and toddlers, kids and family yoga, tai chi for adults and much more.

For a more hands-on experience, cooking classes are available for kids, teens and adults. Kids Café and Steam Team feed both bellies and brains, and Dash Cooking for Teens teaches teenagers to cook quick, healthy meals. Parents can also check out a variety of classes that help families incorporate healthier food choices (Smart Kids, Smart Nutrition), drink more water with flavor infusion (Infuse Your Moves) and develop a more adventurous palate (Super Tasters). How does the library support family mental health? A healthy mind is just as important as a healthy body. Metro Libraries offer families access to numerous mental health resources, as well as classes designed to promote self-care, including sound bath meditation, mindfulness journaling and teen chats on healthy relationships, along with family kindness challenges. Learn more

For families seeking nutrition advice and meal inspiration, Metro Libraries offers access to a host of databases such as A to Z American, with more than 2,000 regional and international recipes, and A to Z World Food, featuring thousands of global recipes.

Whether you’re seeking health and wellness tips, wanting to learn a new skill or find a new favorite book, your local library branch can help. Learn more about the Metropolitan Library System at metrolibrary.org.

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Is This Normal? (Spoiler: It’s Not) Solutions for common pelvic health issues

More than 20/20 Ensuring your child’s success through eye exams 1 in every 4 children has a vision problem that requires treatment

W ith over 15 years of experience, Dr. Brooke Conkin leads Conkin Pelvic Health in Edmond, treating a wide range of pelvic conditions in adults and children. Drawing on her extensive training, she explains why a healthy pelvic floor matters. Why is pelvic health important?

D ean McGee Eye Institute has served Oklahoma families for 50 years. Its highly skilled team provides comprehensive eye care for the entire family, including infants, children, teens and adults. Pediatric ophthalmologist Dr. Maria Lim shares why early eye exams are key. Why is vision important for children as they go back to school?

The pelvic floor connects the spine and legs, supports organs and works with core muscles to maintain posture and control abdominal pressure. Stress, childbirth, poor alignment or strain from activities like prolonged sitting, running or lifting can lead to tension and pain. In children, pelvic issues may show up as potty training struggles or bedwetting. What can new patients expect at Conkin Pelvic Health? New patients receive a full-body evaluation and personalized care plan. Schedule a free 15-minute discovery call to see if

Children depend on their vision more as they advance in school. They have to read smaller text and see more detail, making vision increasingly crucial for learning. What is the benefit of early diagnosis and treatment for children’s vision problems? Treatments for children’s vision problems are very effective. Early diagnosis is key. The younger the treatment begins, the better the lifetime success.

therapy is right for you. For more details, visit conkinpelvichealth.com.