Thursday February 16, 2012: 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm -- Downtown Library: Multi-Purpose Room

The theme for Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Reads 2012 is "Language: How We Communicate". But, what happens when communication is difficult? Are you concerned about your child's speech and language development?

Janice Pagano MA CCC Speech Language Pathologist and Clinical Director of Building Bridges Therapy Center will present information about signs and symptoms any parent can look for to determine if there is an area needing further attention. The guidelines presented will be applicable to children of all ages from birth through high school. Handouts, charts and practical rules of thumb will be provided.

Wednesday February 8, 2012: 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm -- Downtown Library: Multi-Purpose Room

What is it like for partners when their family is all grown up? When the kids leave the nest? Changes of later life bring new challenges and opportunities to our relationships as we age together.

Join us, as we approach Valentine's Day, for a lecture exploring the differences in the post-parenting aging process for men vs. women with an emphasis on the relational aspects of adaptive aging. Sue Watts, LMSW, ACSW and Jeff Urist, Ph.D. will lead the session, which is co-sponsored by the UM Institute For Human Adjustment.

This Valentine's Day, you can send a card to patients at the Veterans Hospital and C.S. Mott Children's Hospital! Make or buy a Valentine's Day card, fill it out, and drop it off at any AADL location from February 5 - 11. You can specify which hospital or let AADL staff decide. We will make sure it arrives safely!

Please avoid glitter and leave the envelope unsealed. Because many of the patients at these hospitals are long term, please do not include any messages about getting well or feeling better.

Thank you for making this Valentine's Day a little better for children and veterans!

Tuesday January 24, 2012: 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm -- Downtown Library: Multi-Purpose Room

Learn about the connection between physical and mental health during this talk about the correlation between metabolic syndrome and depression.

Metabolic syndrome encompasses conditions such as high blood pressure, high blood sugar levels, high levels of triglycerides (a type of fat) in the blood, and abdominal obesity - and place an individual at risk for heart disease and diabetes.

Individuals with metabolic syndrome are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, and tension, and those who are depressed, anxious, and stressed are more likely to develop metabolic syndrome.

The UM Depression Center will present this Bright Nights Community Forum. Dr. Gregory Dalack, Chair of the U-M Department of Psychiatry, will present a brief overview describing the relationship between metabolic syndrome and depression. Dr. Amy Kilbourne, Associate Professor in the U-M Department of Psychiatry, will then describe innovative interventions to help improve both conditions. A panel discussion will follow.

Over 4,000 women this year will be affected by cervical cancer, but a screening and early detection can make all the difference!

This Saturday, January 21, the University of Michigan Health System will be sponsoring free cervical cancer screenings. Women must be 21 or over, have not had a Pap test in the last 2 years and have no medical coverage for a Pap test.

Screenings will be available from 1:00-4:00 p.m. at:
U-M Livonia Health Center
20321 Farmington Road
Livonia, MI 48152

**You MUST make an appointment! To do so, call the U-M Cancer Answer Line to schedule one. 1-800-865-1125**

Ladies, make your appointment today, then head over and protect yourself. Don't forget to tell your friends! Men, don't be shy; pass this along to the women in your life!
And if you want to study up on the subject, the library has numerous materials on cancer and cervical cancer specifically.

Monday, January 23 | 7:00-8:30 PM | Multipurpose Room | Downtown Library

Give yourself 90 minutes to do yoga, relax, and celebrate womanhood. As women we dedicate much of our time to nourish others. Take this time to work out and pick up yogic tips from yoga instructor Victoria Duranona.

See you Downtown tonight!

Women’s Health and Fitness Day is a community event sponsored by the American Medical Women’s Association at the University of Michigan Medical School. The goal of the event is to raise awareness about health and fitness issues important to women of all ages. Come to Ypsilanti High School on Saturday, January 14 from 8:45am to 2:30pm and attend educational and fun workshops, enjoy a free breakfast and lunch, and win tickets to a UM basketball game among other prizes! You can register today by clicking here, though walk-ins are welcome on the day of the event. If you have any questions, email whfd.directors@gmail.com.

Get your groove on and burn some calories with Zumba Fitness on Tuesday November 22! Zumba combines Latin & International music with fun dance and aerobic elements.The choreography incorporates hip-hop, samba, salsa, merengue, mambo, martial arts and some Bollywood & belly dance moves! Don't miss this fun Zumba session, led by Jane Helzer of the Ann Arbor YMCA. Find a Zumba class near you. Remember to wear comfy dance clothes!

Tuesday November 22, 2011: 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm -- Downtown Library: Multi-Purpose Room

Sunday November 20, 2011: 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm -- Malletts Creek Branch: Program Room AB

You don't have to be alone in your grief during the holiday season. This time of year is especially difficult for someone who is grieving. This special workshop with the staff at Arbor Hospice Grief Support Services, will give you helpful tips for coping with the upcoming holidays.

Find comfort in sharing with others during this time.

Tuesday November 15, 2011: 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm -- Downtown Library: Multi-Purpose Room

Researchers at the University of Michigan are working hard to unlock answers and improve treatment options for mental health conditions, but they can't do it alone. Participants play a vital role in finding better ways to treat depression and other conditions by taking part in research studies. With knowledge gained from research studies, treatment for mental health conditions will continue to improve.

Join us as the U-M Depression Center and Department of Psychiatry present this Bright Nights Community Forum. Dr. Patricia Deldin, professor of Psychology and Psychiatry at the U-M and Associate Director of the U-M Depression Center, will present a brief overview describing the process of mental health research. This will be followed by a panel discussion with faculty members from the Depression Center and Department of Psychiatry, as well as community members involved with research.