How to not repeat code in codeigniter?

[eluser]MWebber[/eluser]
Hi,
I'm new with CodeIgniter. I want to ask what is the best way to "autoload" some code needed for template, like meta tags and block generation for the main page using the database.I've read that it's best to use helpers or plugins, but does it normal to use them to connect to model or database? Any suggestions?

Nikolai