March is National Reading Awareness Month!

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.” - Dr. Seuss

Did you know that in honor of Dr. Seuss’ birthday, March is officially designated as National Reading Awareness Month?! March is a month to motivate people of all ages to read each day. 

Reading has many long-term health benefits, including increased cognitive function, increased ability to empathize, it builds vocabulary, reduces stress, lowers blood pressure and heart rate, and can even help alleviate symptoms of depression. Recent studies have found that reading may even help you live longer.   

According to research, it is recommended that parents read with their children starting as early as infancy and continue through their elementary school years. This will build a positive association with books, which then increases the likelihood that children will find reading more enjoyable in the future. Reading will  not only help to build their vocabulary and comprehension, it will also help to raise self-esteem, build good communication skills, develop their ability to empathize with others, and further improve their memory. 

There are so many positive outcomes from reading each day, what are you waiting for?! Even if you did not grow up reading often, it’s never too late to pick up a good book and take advantage of the physical and psychological benefits! 

Happy National Reading Awareness Month! :)