January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, and if you are a woman aged 21 or older, have not had a pap test in the last two years and do not have medical coverage for a pap test, you can get one free on Saturday, January 30. Testing will take place at the U-M Health System, Briarwood Building 2, Suite B, 400 E. Eisenhower Parkway between 10:00AM and 2:00PM. This screening is sponsored by the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, and Women's Heath Program.

Cervical cancer is a serious disease that affects about 11,000 women each year. Cervical cancer has no symptoms at its earliest stages; however with early detection, the cancer can be cured. This test takes less than 10 minutes, and could be life-saving.

To schedule a free screening, call the Cancer AnswerLine at 1-800-865-1125. Registration is required.

Lierre Keith is passionate about eating in a manner which does not cause suffering to living creatures or the planet. Her answer to that mandate for 20 years was to be a vegan. But after 20 years of feeling tired, cold and hungry all the time, in constant pain from her disintegrating spine, and after learning how the destructive forces of agriculture and eating outside one’s local food base are degrading the planet, she has flip-flopped into a passionate crusader for the moral, political and nutritional imperative of eating grass-fed animals from local farms. This is not a journey she has made lightly or even willingly. The facts she bares in The Vegetarian Myth have led her to her new orientation - facts which are as unsettling as they are convincing. This book adds greatly to our understanding of eating and living well.

caregiver

On Sunday, January 10, from 11:00am - 12:30pm at the Jewish Community Center, Jewish Family Services will continue their "Caregiver Conversations" group, a monthly drop-in educational and support group for adult children in a variety of caregiving roles for their aging parents. This conversation is titled "Caring for a Loved One with Dementia." The group holds a potluck brunch at the meeting. RSVP to Abbie at 769-0209 or abbie@jfsannarbor.org.

The Good Life

Increased homework? Video-game violence? Whatever the cause, recent studies show that kids today are more stressed and anxious than they were fifty years ago, or even last year. Fortunately, with a little help, stress and anxiety can be managed, and the youth department has plenty of books with suggestions to combat stress and live the good life.

Dr. Thomas McIntyre's book, The Behavioral Survival Guide for Kids, provides detailed, comprehensive information on a variety of issues -- building self-esteem, getting along with teachers, managing feelings, making friends, running for President...ok, that last one wasn't included. But other than that, this book has everything.

For those who like more specific advice, Patti Kelley Criswell's books offer excellent suggestions for managing all the ups and downs of friendship -- from making friends and having fun with friends, to making up after fights with friends. Younger readers may enjoy Peaceful Piggy Meditation, a simple guide to the practice and benefits of centering meditation.

Breathe deep, read good books and have a relaxing holiday season. Namaste!

H1N1

The Washtenaw County Public Health Department will offer H1N1 vaccinations to high priority individuals at a mass vaccination clinic at Manchester High School on Saturday, Dec. 5th from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. The high school is located at 20500 Dutch Drive, Manchester 48158.

Children and adults fitting within the following priority groups are currently eligible for H1N1 vaccination:

• pregnant women
• people who live with or provide care for infants younger than 6 months
• health care and emergency medical services personnel with direct patient care
• Children and adolescents 6 months through 24 years of age
• Adults 25 to 64 years of age who have medical conditions that put them at higher risk for influenza-related complications. Conditions include: neurological disorders, chronic lung conditions (like asthma), immune disorders, cardiovascular disorders (not including high blood pressure), diabetes, lung and liver disorders, chronic aspirin therapy, and kidney disorders.

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Washtenaw County Public Health Department will provide H1N1 vaccinations to priority groups at a mass clinic on Sunday, Nov. 22 at Eastern Michigan University Convocation Center. Vaccinations will begin at 10:00am and continue until 7:00pm, or until the last person with a wristband is served. Wristbands will be provided to eligible persons starting at 9:00am, one hour prior to the clinic opening. Wristbands are first come, first served, while supplies last. Priority groups for H1N1 vaccine include pregnant women, caregiver contacts of infants younger than 6 months of age, health care personnel with direct patient care, individuals from 6 months to 24 years of age, and individuals 25 to 64 years old with medical conditions that put them at a higher risk of influenza-related complications. For updates to the H1N1 vaccination clinic schedule, click here. Public health nurses and heath educators are available to answer more detailed questions at 734-544-6700.

doulas

Who uses a Doula? Thankfully, women with limited resources from all over Southeastern Michigan can have a Doula guide and support them during pregnancy and delivery. Studies show that women who use a doula in childbirth minimize both the need for medication and risk of getting postpartum depression. You can read up on the subject AND attend an event Friday November 20th at 7pm to raise funds for this worthy cause at Cobblestone Farm. Call 734-332-8070 for more information.

Dawn Farm pic

Join Dawn Farm in their free Educational Series, continuing Tuesday November 17 with Carl Christensen, MD, PhD, Addictionologist . All programs are 7:30 to 9:00 PM in St. Joseph Mercy Hospital Education Center. The series lasts through June 2010, with topics such as Co-dependency and Trauma, Chemical Use & Addiction. Dawn Farm is a valued source for information on addiction and recovery, one we're lucky to have in our community. Take advantage of this series by printing this flier. All are welcome.

UM rheumatologist and geriatrician Raymond Yung, MD, will discuss the latest research and therapies for the pain and stiffness of arthritis on Monday, Nov. 9, 7-8:30 pm at Pittsfield Branch. It will be a good opportunity to get some new insight and ask questions about a chronic condition that may be affecting you or a family member. The program is in partnership with UM Geriatrics Center.

On Thursday evening, Nov. 5th, Gregory Kalemkerian, M.D. from the University of Michigan Health System will be giving an interactive, educational presentation featuring a descriptive slide show, discussion, and Q & A on the subject of women and lung cancer risks. The event will take place at the Ypsilanti District Library on 5577 Whittaker Road. The event is free and is presented by the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center. To register call 734-998-7071 or go to www.mcancer.org/outreach. For more literature on this subject, see Lung Cancer: What you Need to Know -- Now and Lung Cancer: Myths, Facts, Choices -- and Hope from the AADL, or visit UM's lung cancer resource website.