Is inequality making us sick? It turns out there's more to our health than bad habits, healthcare or unlucky genes. The social conditions in which we're born, live, and work affect well-being and longevity. Two episodes from the documentary series Unnatural Causes will be screened at this event: Episode 2: 'When the Bough Breaks,' highlights how racial justice and civic engagement are instruments for improving health and birth outcomes, and Episode 7: 'Not Just a Paycheck,' shows how layoffs, unemployment, and job security have a negative effect on health.
Unnatural Causes is the acclaimed 2008 documentary series broadcast by PBS tackling the root causes of our alarming socio-economic and racial inequities in health.

A discussion after the film will be led by UM faculty and physicians, Terence Joiner, MD, and Matthew Davis, MD.

This event is co-sponsored by the University of Michigan Community Scholars Program.

March 26 | 6 - 8:30pm | Downtown Library 4th Floor Meeting Room | Grades 9 and Up |

AADL continues to grow its collection of films that have a Descriptive Video Service or DVS feature. More films are being produced for children and adults that are Described Video Recordings for L Card users to borrow. Some are even available by mail to our WLBPD patrons as Free Matter for the Blind. If your vision isn't what it used to be, you may want to try watching a film with described narration. That way you don't have to ask other folks what's happening on the screen and can concentrate on the film.

The idea of Senior Health has evolved since the creation of Medicare in 1965. The passing of the Affordable Care Act has further changed health care for seniors. Part of the 2013 MLK symposium, this presentation will be held on Saturday, January 26, 2013 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm at: the Turner Senior Resource Center. Jacquetta Hinton will be presenting and this free event includes lunch.

The University of Michigan’s Comprehensive Diabetes Center is hosting their 6th Annual World Diabetes Day Health Fair November 10 from 9:00 AM -1:00 pm. The event takes place at the Sheraton Ann Arbor Hotel. There will be screenings for high blood pressure, urine screenings for kidney disease, foot exams and eye exams to screen for diabetic retinopathy. There will be three presentations during the event and many resources available for participants. This event is free and open to the public.

Singer Andy Williams, who skyrocketed to fame with his dreamy rendition of the timeless love song Moon River, died last night in Branson, MO.

Born in Iowa in 1927, Williams and his three brothers performed all across America in the 30s and 40s as the Williams Brothers. After a brief break when two of the brothers were drafted during WWII, they regrouped in 1947 for another six years. In the early 1960s, Andy Williams began his own popular variety show on NBC -- it ran from 1962 until 1971and it included his widely watched Christmas specials. Always generous with his willingness to share the set with other singers, Williams is credited with launching the Osmond Brothers.

In 1961, Williams sang Moon River, written by Henry Mancini for the movie Breakfast at Tiffany's; it became his theme song.

In his 2009 memoir, Moon River and Me, Williams wrote movingly of his lifelong friendship with his ex-wife Claudine Longet and of his unwavering belief that her fatal shooting of her boyfriend, Olympic skier, Spider Sabitch, in 1976, was an accident.

During his 75 years in show business, Andy earned 17 gold and three platinum albums.

Williams, who was 84, had battled bladder cancer since late last year.

Have you or a family member ever found yourself in need of a walking cane, shower seat or walker? Ypsilanti's Friends Indeed serves Washtenaw County & maintains several Medical Loan Closet Resources, including one downtown Ann Arbor at Bethlehem United Church of Christ. Lots of equipment is there for the borrowing or to keep long term if you need it. Speaking of helpful resources, check out AADL's databases of Select Sites for Health Information.

Bob Babbitt rockin' bass player for the Funk Brothers, THE studio band for Motown's heaviest hitters, died Monday In Nashville, TN.

Babbitt moved to Detroit in the 1950s while still in his teens. Then from 1959 until Motown relocated to Los Angeles in 1972, the Funk Brothers backed up every megawatt performer from Stevie Wonder to the Temptations to Marvin Gaye to Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, to name just a few.

A 2002 documentary, Standing in the Shadows of Motown brought the Funk Brothers out of obscurity, especially after the group received a Lifetime Achievement award at the 2004 Grammys.

In 2008, the Funk Brothers packed the house at a concert which was part of the Ann Arbor Summer Festival.

Mr. Babbitt, who was 74, died of an inoperable brain tumor.

Are you caring for an aging parent? You aren't alone. This monthly series, "Caregiver Conversations" co-sponsored by Jewish Family Services of Washtenaw County and Arbor Hospice will address the issues many caregivers face, especially those who are working full time and/or raising their own families. The Sandwich Generation series will explore many of the issues adults deal with in their role as caregiver including finding a balance between caregiving & pleasure, disagreements between siblings & talking to a parent about giving up the car keys or moving. The next meeting, Thursday June 21st, is from 6:30-8:00 PM at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Ann Arbor and is open to the public.

People write for many reasons: pleasure, self-knowledge, education, memory, creativity, or as a legacy for family. These six workshops for people age fifty and over are a great way to learn the skills and confidence to write your memoir in your own style. Participants will have the chance to read some of their writing to the group, then reflect and reminisce about it. Bring your writing materials on April 3 at give it a try. An elevator is available in the parking lot below the library entered from Huron Parkway.

Tuesdays | April 3,10,24; May 1,8,15 | 6:30 - 8:30 pm | Traverwood Branch

Bill HarleyBack by popular demand, the stellar Bill Harley returns for a library sponsored event at The Ark this Sunday, March 11 at 2:00 pm. We are hosting this grammy award winning musician and storyteller for a free family show at The Ark for ages five and up. Now is your chance to catch one of the best, and if you have enjoyed Bill in the past, we know we will see you there again! When Bill came through town last year I invited all my friends to the grown-up evening performance and they loved it so much they are all returning this Sunday at 7:30 pm.