Health Monitoring at your library
We have many free services at your library to help you monitor your health and lead a healthier lifestyle
Blood Pressure Monitor Kits
The blood pressure monitors are free to loan from any Somerset library. The devices can be borrowed for 2 weeks by any adult library member, so that you can make regular checks at home over this period.
The blood pressure monitor kits include an information leaflet that explains how to check your blood pressure at home and what to do with the results. Measuring blood pressure at home can be very useful to give a more accurate picture of what a person’s blood pressure is like. The monitors can also detect an irregular heartbeat, which is another risk for Cardiovascular Disease.
You can also view a video from Clinton Rogers with Dr Solomon Lebese below, which also talks about our local scheme and includes a brief demonstration.
Static Blood Pressure Monitors/ Stand-On Health Monitors
Our static blood pressure monitors can be used sitting down and can be easier to use than the loanable monitors.
They are free to use and can be found at:
- Cheddar Library
- Minehead Library
- Frome Library
- Wellington Library
- Chard Library
- Langport Library
We also have stand on health monitors, which will measure your height, weight, BMI and blood pressure.
They are free to use and can be found at:
- Taunton Library
- Bridgwater Library
- Burnham-on-Sea Library
- Glastonbury Library
- Frome Library
- Yeovil Library
Loanable Activity Tracker Watches
What is the scheme?
An activity tracker watch loaning scheme is now available in specific libraries. This means members of Somerset Libraries (16 and over) can borrow a device for up to 6 weeks free of charge.
Activity Tracker Watches are for everyone. If you are new to exercise or want to move more, gauge your progress, why not borrow one of our smart activity tracker watches?
It is a great way to find out whether an activity monitor watch inspires you to move more. You can borrow one for up to 6 weeks, giving you a chance to see whether having an activity tracker watch is something you would like to consider investing in.
Key features
- Monitors heart rate, activity, sleep quality, blood oxygen and stress levels
- Easy to set up and use
- Quick charging with long battery life – up to 14 days’ use on a single charge
- Use standalone or with a dedicated smartphone app
- Anyone who is a full library member over the age of 16 can borrow one for free from Yeovil, Chard, Taunton, Minehead, Glastonbury, Frome, Bridgwater, Burnham, South Petherton, Dulverton, Nether Stowey, Bishops Lydeard, Wells, Wiliton, Street, or Porlock libraries. If you are not a member, just pop along and get your card in person or sign up for library membership online.
Each activity tracker watch can be loaned completely free for up to 6 weeks and every watch is cleared of all the data and information when you return it, ensuring your privacy isn’t compromised.
We have produced a handy video with tips on how to set up and use the tracker watch. You can watch the video below:
Other information
You may wish to contact the library in advance to check that a device is available and arrange a time to come in and collect. Opening times and contact details of libraries.
We have been working in partnership with the Somerset Activity and Sports Partnership (SASP) to launch this scheme – please see the Somerset Activity and Sports Partnership website for advice and support for keeping active.
NHS Health Checks
We are working in partnership with Public Health to offer NHS Health Checks in libraries. You can find out more and book a check on the Healthy Somerset – Health checks page.
They are currently taking place at:
- Chard Library on Thursdays
- Glastonbury Library on Thursdays
- Langport Library on Tuesdays
- Taunton Library on Wednesdays
- Wells Library on Fridays
- Yeovil Library on Tuesdays