Naperville library launching ‘Healthy, Wealthy and Wise’ initiative

Are you a member of the majority — the majority that doesn’t keep their New Year’s resolutions after six months?

You can get help keeping those resolutions by participating in Healthy, Wealthy and Wise, a yearlong initiative sponsored by Naperville Public Library.

Throughout 2013, Healthy, Wealthy and Wise will educate Naperville-area individuals and families on how they can develop and sustain a healthy physical, financial and mental lifestyle. HWW will include a Jan. 31 kickoff, an interactive fair with booths sponsored by area health and financial organizations, as well as monthly educational programs.

“HWW is a unique communitywide combination of education, motivation and tracking,” said John Spears, Naperville Public Library executive director. “The library is partnering with a variety of community organizations to become an unbiased center for health and financial information. Not only will the library present programs but we will also be a source of information about other educational programs in the community.”

The idea for Healthy, Wealthy and Wise came from Alice Wood, founder and president of Live Smart International.” After research, Wood learned that while personal debt levels and obesity rates have both been on a steady rise for several decades, the rate of personal savings has rapidly declined.

“I brought my thoughts to the library.” Wood said. “I believe that with access to unbiased information, members of the community can make better choices and I think the library can play an important role in providing access to that information.”

The Healthy, Wealthy and Wise initiative will kick off from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Jan. 31 at the 95th Street Library, 3015 Cedar Glade Drive.

Wood, a well-known Naperville financial adviser, will be the keynote speaker. An interactive educational fair also will take place during this time, with health and financial organizations hosting tables and passing out information.

HWW confirmed partners include the American Library Association, Live Smart International, Consumer Federation of American, Edward Hospital, Anderson’s Book Store, Naper Settlement, Naperville Bank and Trust, Lifetime Health & Wellness, Massage Envy, Eco Gym, and Law Office of David J. Boone.

To get everyone started on keeping those New Year’s resolutions, free tracking journals will be given to all who come. These journals can be used for tracking health, wellness and financial goals throughout the year.

The first 25 people who sign up for Healthy, Wealthy and Wise also will receive a free pedometer.

For details about Healthy, Wealthy and Wise, contact Kim Neidermyer at (630) 637-2234 or kneidermyer@naperville-lib.org.