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Updated 10:00 AM November 14, 2005

Don't Miss

Walk boosts awareness about premature birth

Premature birth is the second-leading cause of infant deaths in the United States during the first year of life and the leading cause of infant death among black infants. One in eight U.S. babies in 2002 was born before 36 weeks gestation. In Michigan, more than 15,500 babies are born prematurely each year.

Responding to the situation, the U-M Health System (UMHS) and the March of Dimes will host the sixth annual Health Walk Nov. 15 in C.S. Mott Children's and University hospitals in honor of Prematurity Awareness Day. The goal is to raise awareness about premature birth and the health disparities between black infants and those from other ethnic groups, and to raise funds to support research and care.

Information along the route will teach walkers how premature birth can be prevented, what the health effects of premature birth are and how UMHS cares for hundreds of pre-term infants each year. New to the route this year is the Family Teams stop, staffed by families affected by premature birth that will share their stories.

Dr. Robert P. Kelch, executive vice president for medical affairs and UMHS CEO, will speak at the event. Local businesses, led by Mead Johnson Nutritionals, also will participate. The 11 a.m.-1 p.m. event will begin in the hospital lobby.

Participants can register on a walk-in basis or online at http://www.marchofdimes.com/michigan/4259_9440.asp. Call (734) 764-2220 for more information.

Bridesmaids share secrets in U-M-Flint play

The messy reality inside the perfect uniform is the subject of "Five Women Wearing the Same Dress," by Alan Ball, Nov. 16-20 at the Black Box Theatre at U-M-Flint. Ball's keen eye for the unexpected in the mundane is evident in his work as creator/writer for the HBO series "Six Feet Under" and the film "American Beauty," which won him the 1999 Academy Award for Best Screenplay.

In "Five Women," Ball takes the audience to a wedding reception and introduces five bridesmaids. Although they're dressed alike, the women have nothing in common but an estranged relationship with the bride. A genuine bond among them forms only when each woman's individuality erupts and spills over. After the tears and laughter have subsided, each woman is left with newfound empowerment, self-knowledge, and a well-developed sense of humor about life and herself.

The play is directed by alumna Janet Haley and presented by the U-M-Flint Department of Theatre and Dance. For information on show times and tickets, call the ticket office at (810) 237-6520.

Storytelling celebrated in interview series

Life is a Story, a celebration of writing and storytelling in later life, will be presented by the Turner Geriatric Clinic from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 20 at the Turner Senior Resource Center, 2401 Plymouth Road.

The centerpiece of the event features U-M faculty member and poet Lorna Goodison, who will address participants from 2-3 p.m. Participants age 60 and older will be invited to tape interviews about their lives. They can bring a family member or friend to interview them, or an interviewer can be provided. Call 764-2556 to reserve time for an interview.

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