Healthy Body, Healthy Mind

Season 8

Episode 9: Kidney Cancer: A New Approach

Episode Descriptions Go to Season 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 There are many stories that try to catch your eye, but few touch your heart. Healthy Body, Healthy Mind, the new health and wellness television series specializes in doing just that. But it doesn't end there; we want to help you make better health and wellness decisions in your life. Every episode focuses on the stories of real people; people who are working to make life better for themselves and their families, despite tremendous medical obstacles. In addition to compelling stories, you'll get advice from top experts in the fields of health and wellness and hear about the latest technological advancements that will bring you right to the cutting edge of medicine. 101 - Nutrition & Exercise In the premiere episode of the Healthy Body/Healthy Mind series, leading expert states, "I look at diet as a four letter word. It's a matter of making healthy food choices and that should be for the rest of your life." Through this Nutrition & Exercise program, viewers will learn how to prevent health problems such as heart disease and diabetes and make healthy lifestyle choices. 102 - Travel Medicine Travel, for business or pleasure, can bring with it a life time of memories, but for the unprepared it may also lead to unexpected yet preventable health problems. In this episode Travel Medicine experts prepare viewers for pleasurable overseas trips. 103 - Hepatitis C Hepatitis C is a blood born disease affecting over 5 million Americans. Dangerously, most people infected aren't even aware they've contracted it. On this program, Infectious Disease Specialists discuss the latest scientific & clinical data including treatment options and their side effects. We visit with real people who for years were unaware they were carrying the virus, found out, sought proper treatment and now live virus free. 104 - Psoriasis Although more than 4.5 million adults in the United States suffer from the physical and psychological effects of Psoriasis, most people don't understand it and even think it's contagious. In this episode you'll learn that Psoriasis is an immune system disorder, it's not contagious and how new breakthrough 'Biologics' are successfully suppressing the Psoriasis gene. 105 - Peripheral Arterial Disease Peripheral Arterial Disease or PAD is an often misdiagnosed vascular disease which causes leg pain due to poor circulation, sometimes resulting in years of discomfort for many patients. This program raises awareness of PAD and simple diagnostic testing. If detected in the early stages, patients can be treated successfully and once again, live their lives pain free. 106 - Allergies & Hay Fever What do dust, cat hair, and pollen have in common? They are common allergens, insignificant to most people but not for those who have Allergic Rhinitis (AR) also known as Hay Fever. For these folks, dust, cat hair, and pollen trigger itchy eyes, closed lungs, and lots of sneezing. This can either be seasonal or year round. This program explains that you don't have to suffer year round. Learn how you can bring AR under control. 107 - Obesity Approximately 127 million adults in the U.S. are overweight, 60 million obese, and 9 million severely obese. Obesity is a complex, multi-factorial chronic disease involving environmental (social and cultural), genetic, physiologic, metabolic, behavioral and psychological components. It is the second leading cause of preventable death in the U.S. In this episode we define people at risk and detail some of the Nutritional solutions to help people stay healthy. 108 - Prostate Cancer Are you a man age 40 or older and haven't had a PSA test for Prostate Cancer? Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, after skin cancer. It is estimated that approximately 230,110 men in the United States will be diagnosed with the disease this year, and about 30,000 men will die from it. PSA or Prostate Specific Antigen is a simple blood test that can save your life. In this episode, patients and doctors explain what the PSA test is and how it can be used to identify cancer at its earliest stage. Remember, no man should die from Prostate Cancer. Get the facts. 109 - Going to the Hospital Healthcare is experiencing some of its most challenging times, and with the challenge, comes opportunity. This program focuses on the importance of hospitals who place Patient Centered Care first. The concept of patient-centered care is nothing new. It's been gathering momentum in the United States for two decades. Patient Centered hospitals are different from the inside and out; the lighting is incandescent; floors are carpeted; original artwork lines the walls; fresh flowers grace the tabletops; patient rooms, all rooms are private and set back from the hallway; etc. However, Patient Centered Care doesn't mean that all hospitals must make expensive renovations to keep up. The core philosophy is about empowering patients and treating them like human beings. In Patient Centered Care hosptials, patients and families have access to information so they can become more active participants in medical decision making, exercising autonomy, and having considerable control over the choice of medical therapies. 110 - Heart Disease Heart Disease is the number one killer of both men and women in America today, but as this episode clearly states, if you know your risk and are aware of the symptoms, you can avoid falling victim to this devastating disease. Coronary Artery Disease or CAD is often a silent disease and in about half of the people with CAD the first sign of a problem is either a heart attack or sudden cardiac death. Fortunately it doesn't have to be the end of the story, but can be the beginning of new life. 111 - Diabetes Diabetes is a common condition that can seriously affect your quality of life. The good news is it's possible to take charge and stop Diabetes in its tracks, and maybe keep it from developing in the first place. In this episode find out how to manage, control and possibly prevent Diabetes. 112 - Ulcers/GERD More than 50 million people living in the US experience occasion al heartburn, but for more than 25 million people, heartburn has become an annoying part of life. If this sounds familiar, your 'heartburn' may be a symptom of a serious digestive disorder called GERD or Gastro Esophageal Reflux disease. Another digestive disorder identified as peptic ulcers is attributed in many cases to a bacteria found in the stomach called h-pylori. Doctors believe that the h-pylori bacteria has evolved with humans over the past 5 million years. In this episode, we take an in depth look at GERD/Ulcers and all the options currently available to treat these disorders. 113 - Understanding Mental Illness and Schizophrenia Mental Illnesses are complex diseases of the brain affecting thoughts, moods, and coping ability. There are many diseases you can see, feel and understand, but there are others that aren't as easy to comprehend. Education and compassion are key. Untreated mental illness costs Americans more than 100 billion dollars each year. Fear of Mental Illness and the lack of understanding prevent millions of people from seeking much needed treatment. Meet some of these people in this episode. 114 - Healthy Eyes The eyes are known as the 'windows to our souls.' Our eyes not only process the sights around us, they project our emotions and silently, yet powerfully communicate them to the world. So, when our eyes are diseased, it not only impacts our ability to see, but can also severely interfere with the quality of our lives. In this episode, we'll show you how to protect your eyes. 115 - Bi-Polar Disorder Bipolar Disorder, aka, manic depression is misunderstood and, sadly, sufferers from this disease are often ostracized by their family and friends. Our program demystifies this disorder by introducing research advancements, new treatments and proves conclusively with patience and support people can live productive, fulfilling lives. 116 - Advanced Colon Cancer Cancer ... it is a six-letter word that can strike fear the minute it's heard or spoken. is A Colon Cancer diagnosis can be devastating, but it's a disease that should be rare. Doctors believe if people knew how to decrease their risk we would have a lot less of this disease to deal with. Thanks to advances in early detection, treatments and therapies, cancer isn't the automatic death sentence that it was a generation ago. There are ways to manage and control this condition. Find out how by tuning in to this episode. 117 - Cataracts The word cataract literally means, waterfall. What's the connection? We'll visit with four people from different backgrounds that had their lives transformed after receiving ground breaking cataract surgery. The best cataract surgeons perform delicate surgery and lens replacement procedures in this episode. The recipients of these procedures are featured, before, during and after their surgeries. Watch and see how vision can be restored. 118 - Epilepsy It's a condition that's been documented for centuries, but those living with epilepsy don't have to fall victim to disabling prejudice. If you have epilepsy, you already know that it's not a mental disorder. It can be caused by anything that affects the brain. In this episode, learn how people with epilepsy live happy, productive, fulfilling lives. 119 PHN - Post-Herpetic Neuralgia For Millions of Americans, the pain is constant, relentless, and unlike any other. It results from a virus many people are exposed to in childhood. The virus that causes chicken pox also causes shingles and Post-Herpetic Neuralgia, the pain that follows shingles. In this episode, we explore the affects of PHN and how to treat and possibly prevent the disease. 120 - MDS/Leukemia It can begin as a harmless case of fatigue but can lead to a blood transfusion or possible bone marrow transplant. It's a disease virtually unknown to the general public and often not diagnosed by medical caregivers. Mylodysplastic syndrome, or MDS, is a disorder of the bone marrow and can lead to leukemia and eventually death. In this episode, success stories abound as researchers struggle to find answers. 121 - Patient Safety Research shows that patient involvement can greatly increase the safety of a hospital stay. When patients arrive at the hospital, they are in a new and strange environment. It can be overwhelming: operations, anesthesia, IV's, treatments, and medication. With so many people interacting and many new and complicated procedures, it's no surprise something may go wrong. This program will help you understand the importance of taking an active role in your (hospital) healthcare decisions. Learn from leaders of the Patient Safety Movement and increase the safety of your next hospital stay. 122 - PI (Primary Immunodeficiency) When people are born with a faulty immune system, they are said to have a Primary Immunodeficiency. PI diseases were once thought to be rare, mostly because only the more severe forms were recognized. Today physicians realize that PIs are not uncommon. They can occur in teenagers and adults as often as in infants and children. Because of advances in our medical understanding and treatment, individuals who would not have survived childhood are now able to live normal lives. 123 - Arthritis "One in three adult Americans suffer from arthritis or chronic joint symptoms. Also, nearly 300,000 children have arthritis." Aching joints, pain and swelling so bad it prohibits people from exercising or just walking. These may not be signs of aging; they could be symptoms of arthritis. Untreated it can affect everyday activities and impact your way of life. In this episode, we uncover the early warning signs of arthritis and provide an understanding of a patients options. 124 - Glaucoma The gift of eyesight is something many of us take for granted, but slowly, silently, your vision can be lost without any warning signs until it's too late. Glaucoma is an eye disease that gradually steals sight with few if any symptoms, and for African Americans, it is the leading cause of vision loss. Glaucoma can be treated if caught in time, but once vision is lost, restoration is impossible. In this program, we take a look at warning signs and risk factors. 125 - Diabetic Foot Infections Diabetic Foot Infections are infections that can develop in the skin, muscles, or bones of the foot as a result of the nerve damage and poor circulation associated with diabetes. Because a person with this condition may not feel foot pain or discomfort, problems can remain undetected into the advanced stages of infection. One patient, for example, was unaware, for several weeks, that a nail had gone through his work boot and into his foot. 126 - Curing Cancer: Understanding Cancer Clinical Trials "Clinical trials are absolutely essential to finding tomorrow's cures because there isn't a treatment, drug, or preventative which was not tested and proven in the context of a clinical trial.' This episode demonstrates that clinical trials are where it all happens and it's within the clinical trial system that most researchers believe the cure for all cancers will be found. 201 - Cancer Patients and Anemia Anemia (an abnormally low number of red blood cells) is a common condition in cancer patients that may occur either as a direct result of the cancer or as a side effect of the cancer treatment. Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and blood loss during surgery are all common causes of anemia in cancer patients. But, as you'll see in this program, anemia can be successfully treated, and patients can go on to beat their cancers and live healthy lives. 202 - Kidney Disease When kidney disease occurs it can have detrimental effects on the body. It can lead to complete kidney failure requiring the need for dialysis treatments or a kidney transplant to stay alive. Knowing the symptoms of kidney disease can help doctors detect it early enough to get treatment; those with diabetes and high blood pressure should be tested yearly. Find out the other risks and warning signs in this program. 203 - Spinal Degenerative Disc Disease As we age, our discs lose their flexibility and the ligaments that surround the disc become brittle. By age 60, this disease is an expected finding on a MRI scan. However Degenerative Disc Disease also affects many young adults. MRI scans have documented that approximately 30% of 30 year olds have signs of disc degeneration even though they have no back pain symptoms. But people don't have to live with back pain, there are options that can help control the pain and, in some cases, completely eliminate it. 204 - Post Heart Attack / Heart Failure Many people fear that after a heart attack, life will never be the same; they'll suffer heart failure and have to live the rest of their lives in fear. Nothing could be further from the truth. New treatments and medical therapies are helping heart failure patients live healthy, normal lives. Despite the ominous sounding name, Heart Failure doesn't have to be a death sentence. 205 - Sleep Disorders Over 40 million American adults suffer each year from a variety of chronic, long-term sleep disorders. There are more than 70 different sleep disorders that are usually classified into three major categories: lack of sleep, or insomnia; disturbed sleep, such as obstructive sleep apnea; and too much sleep, known as narcolepsy. Learn more about sleep disorders and how they can be easily managed once they are diagnosed. 206 - Colon Cancer Colon cancer is an abnormal (or malignant) growth arising from a specific cell type (polyps) in the lining of the large intestine. It is graded according to how it looks under a microscope and how far it has spread. The grading helps determine the patients' chance for cure or for survival if cure is not possible. In this program, we'll details the treatment advances that are helping oncologists cure many more people with colon cancer, we'll see how new cancer therapies work and why they are easier on the patient, and their families. 207 - DVT A deep vein thrombosis is a blood clot that develops in a deep vein, usually in the leg. DVT is a very common condition, which affects about 2 million Americans every year. Certain genetic risk factors as well as acquired risk factors make a DVT more likely to occur. If a deep vein thrombosis is suspected, tests will be needed to confirm the diagnosis. But DVT can lead to a life threatening condition, called Pulmonary Embolism, a blood clot in the lungs. See how DVT can be detected and treated early, and how Pulmonary Embolism can be avoided. 208 - Smoking Cessation In this country alone, about 48 million people smoke cigarettes, but most smokers are either actively trying to quit or want to quit. According to the 2004 Surgeon General's Report, smoking harms nearly every organ of the body, causing many diseases and reducing the health of smokers in general. In this program, we try to motivate the millions of addicted smokers to quit and facilitate access to cessation programs that have evidence of effectiveness. 209 - Pain Management Suffering with acute or chronic pain that just won't go away, or pain that frequently comes and goes, makes life miserable. It usually affects work, sleep, family, hobbies and the ability to enjoy life. Many chronic pain patients take prescription drugs to improve their quality of life, while others find relief at multidisciplinary pain management centers. Surgery is occasionally an option for individuals suffering chronic pain. But surgery is often viewed as a last resort. We'll explore the many options for pain patients in this program. 210 - Melanoma Melanoma is one of the most common forms of cancer, affecting more than 53,600 Americans each year. No one knows the exact causes of melanoma and doctors can rarely explain why one person gets melanoma and another does not. However, research has shown that people with certain risk factors are more likely to develop melanoma than others. People who are concerned about developing melanoma should talk with their doctor about the disease and the symptoms to watch for. 211 - Chronic Care A chronic condition is a long-term or permanent illness with no known cure. Since managing a chronic illness can be tough to do alone, family members and other caregivers should participate in the development of a realistic chronic care plan. This program can help those who are dealing with a chronic illness in themselves or in a loved one make some very important decisions 212 - Heart Rhythms - Arrhythmia Arrhythmias are problems that affect the electrical system of the heart muscle, producing abnormal heart rhythms that can cause the heart to pump less effectively. Arrhythmias may cause the heart rate to be too slow or too fast or the heart rhythm to be erratic. Arrhythmias can also be life threatening, in this program we explore the cause of arrhythmias and the different treatment options available. 213 - Healthy Aging Aging can have a profound effect on both our physical and emotional well-being. Healthy aging is about finding a lifestyle strategy that makes it possible to grow old gracefully. As you'll see in this program, finding that strategy begins with understanding the changes that occur as part of the natural process of aging, as well as what disease states we can control or forestall with early detection, medical intervention, and lifestyle changes. 301 - Chronic Kidney Disease More than twenty million Americans, one in nine adults, have chronic kidney disease, making it the ninth leading cause of death in the United States. What's more alarming, is that about twenty million others are at increased risk for the condition, largely due to climbing rates of diabetes and high blood pressure. Unfortunately, most Americans don't know anything about this silent epidemic until it's too late and won't discover their own kidney problems until they experience life-threatening symptoms. 302 - Advanced Prostate Cancer The diagnosis of Advanced Prostate Cancer can be devastating, and often is deadly. However, new breakthroughs in the care and treatment of advanced prostate cancer offer hope that patients can live with the disease for a longer period of time without sacrificing their quality of life. 303 - Prostate Cryotherapy Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men, and the second most fatal. While a diagnosis of cancer is always bad news, the treatments for this particular form of cancer can be frightening and confusing. In this program we take a look at one of the treatments for prostate cancer that has recently gained much national attention. Cryosurgery: a minimally invasive procedure that uses cold gasses to literally freeze the prostate gland and kill the cancer is becoming more and more popular at the foremost medical institutions around the country. We'll hear from the pioneers of this procedure, as well as from patients who are ten-year survivors. 304 - IBS Next to the common cold, Irritable Bowel Syndrome accounts for the most days of work missed. Additionally, 40% of all visits to gastroenterologists are for symptoms related to IBS. In this program "Taking Control of IBS", leading researchers and clinicians will debunk the myths and misconceptions of IBS and will show definitive proof that IBS has a physiological cause. In addition to this groundbreaking research, new treatments will be explored that include, medications, lifestyle modifications and how cognitive behavioral therapy and hypnosis are now helping people take control of their IBS. 305 - Colon Cancer "The hardest battle to fight is the one that should be the easiest but isn't." - Priscilla Savary, colon cancer patient educator It begins as a polyp, a tiny ball of tissue that forms in your intestinal lining. Polyps are not cancer, but a certain percentage can become cancerous if left in place. That equation means if you do not already have colon cancer, the odds are in your favor of successfully avoiding it. Screening and removal of polyps can stop the cancer before it begins. And yet colon cancer is the third most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer related deaths in America, claiming some 56,000 victims each year. This show looks at the arc of colon cancer -- from screening options and education, to the stages of cancer, to treatment options, to a new horizon of treatment and prevention - through the eyes of three patient/interview subjects and the health and medical experts that are our guides through each story. In some cases those medical experts are the actual physicians treating our patients. In other cases they are experts who can offer a look at the bigger picture of this disease. 306 - Insomnia Leading experts are now speaking out about the importance of a good nights sleep. It helps with memory and an overall feeling of well-being. Conversely, chronic insomnia can lead to depression, time lost from work, a decrease in a person's quality of life, and an increase in injuries. But for some, a good night's sleep is elusive. They simply can't fall asleep. Others can fall asleep, but they wake a few hours later; and stay awake for several more hours and drag through the day. In this program, we'll investigate the clues scientists have discovered to help understand what's behind chronic insomnia and take a look at natural remedies, as well as medications available to help. In addition, we'll discuss a certain "sleep hygiene" people with insomnia can develop to help them learn better sleeping habits. 307 - Angina "Strangling of the Heart", is the Latin phrase describing a symptom of heart disease called Angina. It's a pain that occurs when the heart is not getting enough oxygen, usually because of blockages in the arteries that supply blood to the heart. Angina is common, more than six million people in the United States have it but many may not know it. Angina can sometimes resemble other conditions like indigestion, back pain, or shoulder arthritis, and it's not uncommon for people to dismiss their pain and discomfort as nothing to worry about. While angina may not cause long-term heart damage, in many cases it can be a first sign of heart disease and the first alert for patients to change their old habits for a heart-healthy life. 308 - Hyponatremia Physicians and researchers are placing greater focus on this life-threatening condition that commonly afflicts not only ailing patients but also supremely conditioned athletes. The human body has a limited threshold for salt concentrations and serious health consequences can result if the sodium level in our body falls too far below normal. In this program we'll detail the procedures to diagnose hyponatremia and discuss the three most common forms. Treatment options for patients with hyponatremia have been limited and not entirely effective. However some medical experts believe that may be on the verge of changing, thanks to the development of promising new therapeutic agents that can dramatically improve the treatment of hyponatremia. 309 - Parkinson's Disease More than 1.5 million Americans currently have Parkinson Disease. It's a condition that affects men and women from all areas of the world and walks of life equally. The outward effects are quite recognizable, with patients experiencing shaking limbs, slow movement and muscle stiffness. But the impact on quality of life can be equally challenging for patients, family and caregivers. This program will help provide a better understanding of the disease, diagnosis and treatments, while offering a look at the future of preventing and managing Parkinson's disease. 310 - Migraines Migraine headaches afflict about 24 million people in the United States, and are listed by the World Health Organization in the top 20 reasons for missed work days world-wide. They can last up to 24 hours and in some cases several days. They are debilitating, throbbing pain and the sensitivity to sounds and light taking over the lives of sufferers. Through the stories of migraine sufferers, we will piece together a picture of what life is like during migraine attacks. Through interviews with leading medical experts, viewers will understand the physiology and the possible treatments of migraine headaches. More than most shows, this one will center on the idea of the patient/physician working as a team. We will put viewers into the patient/physician dialogue that leads to successful migraine treatment. 311 - Atrial Fibrillation You know the signs...rapid heart beat... shortness of breath... panic! Sounds like a heart attack, or panic disorder. More often, it is Atrial Fibrillation, an irregular heartbeat disorder than can cause the heart to beat more than 300 times a minute. More than 2 million people have Atrial Fibrillation. Here's what happens: because of a problem with the electrical wiring in the heart, the two small upper chambers, the atria, quiver instead of beating effectively. This quivering causes the discomfort the patient feels, and can cause the blood to pool and clot. If a piece of blood clot leaves the heart and becomes lodged in an artery in the brain, a stroke results. About fifteen percent of strokes occur in people with Atrial Fibrillation. There are effective treatments for Atrial Fibrillation including medication and a minimally invasive surgery. 312 - Osteoporosis Osteoporosis is a result of a slow, degenerative process where our bones become thin, brittle and prone to fracture. It's called the silent disease because it takes place slowly over the years, and no physical symptoms are felt until a fracture has actually occurred. In the United State, it affects eight million women and two million men. And 18 million more have low bone mass putting them on the road to osteoporosis. 313 - Macular Degeneration Age-related macular degeneration is becoming an all too common condition that is devastating to the quality of life of its victims. Those suffering from it lose sight in the center of their field of vision, often losing the ability to read, drive, or even recognize faces. However, this program illustrates that with the help of preventative measures, new technology, and adjustments to daily living, this diagnosis does not have to be a sentence to life without vision. 401 - Epilepsy: Latest Advancements Epilepsy is a chronic disorder marked by sporadic, often unpredictable seizures which may be embarrassing and disruptive during normal daily activities. While medications have helped many control their seizures, they often have side effects which can compromise the quality of life. Now, new alternatives are providing people with effective control of their seizures. In this program, we meet three people who have had epilepsy for many years, hear their struggles and share their victories as they learned to live with this often mysterious condition. 402 - MDS Myelodisplastic Syndromes, once little known blood disorders, are now among the most common blood cancers. In fact, these very serious conditions often result from previous cancer treatment. But MDS can be treated, managed and sometimes cured. In this program we take a look at current therapies and treatments that offer much promise for the future. 403 - Hepatitis B Hepatitis B is the most common Hepatitis virus affecting more than a billion people world wide. Unfortunately many of the people who carry the virus don't even know they're infected. As a result the infection continues to proliferate. But there is a serious effort to eradicate this virus, through treatment and vaccine programs. The important first step is for those in the "at risk" categories to be tested. In this program we hear first hand accounts of what could happen if the infection remains untreated for many years. 404 - Pressure Ulcers Pressure ulcers sound like an innocuous condition, but in fact they can be extremely dangerous, especially to those who are physically challenged, have diabetes or who live in long term care facilities like nursing homes. In fact, actor and activist Christopher Reeves untimely death at age 51 was attributed to a pressure ulcer. In this program we explain what pressure ulcers are, see how they develop and how they can be prevented. We also examine an innovative therapy that is helping to heal pressure ulcers quickly and painlessly. 405 - Cholesterol Heart disease is the number one killer of men and women in America and high cholesterol numbers are a major risk factor for both heart attacks and strokes. In this program we offer information about lifestyle changes that can help keep cholesterol numbers in the normal range, plus we see how changing the diet and adding exercise can lower high cholesterol. Also, we examine the various medications used to treat high cholesterol, explain what side effects could occur and help patients understand why in some cases, medication may be their friend. 406 - Women and Heart Disease Heart disease used to be thought of as a man's disease, but the reality is more women die from first heart attacks than men. In addition, heart disease can have different symptoms in women than the classic chest pain that has been so well publicized. In this program, we explain why women are equally at risk for a heart attack as men; we look at how hormone therapy can increase that risk, and hear from patients who've discovered ways to lower their risk of having a heart attack. 407 - Stroke One of the most feared conditions in the world is a stroke, also known as a brain attack. Suddenly, often without warning, people can lose their ability to see and speak, and they may be paralyzed on one side of the body. In fact, strokes are the number one cause of disability in the United States. In this program, we take a look at the warning signs of stroke, see what factors can increase a person's risk, and underscore the importance of getting to the hospital as soon as possible after a stroke has occurred. 408 - Diabetes: Common Condition While most people have heard of diabetes, many of us truly don't understand how dangerous this common condition is. The facts speak for themselves: diabetes is a major risk factor for both heart attacks and strokes, is a leading cause of kidney disease and blindness, and the reason for most non-traumatic amputations. However, the complications of diabetes can be prevented. Lifestyle changes, like changing the diet, and adding exercise can help many patients with diabetes slow down the negative effects of the disease or even reverse them entirely. In this program, we'll take a look at the latest research. 409 - Chronic Pain Millions of people live every day in chronic pain, but they shouldn't have to because there are treatments that can help. In this program, we explore what causes pain in our bodies and look at how it can be effectively treated through exercise, alternative therapies and medications. 410 - Dental Health A beautiful, bright smile is one of the most obvious signs of good health to many people, but that smile might be hiding a host of health problems. In this program, we examine the connection between gum disease and cardiovascular diseases, and other conditions including pre-term labor and delivery. We also take a look at some of the latest innovations in cosmetic dentistry and dental implants. 411 - Influenza The word "flu" sounds innocent enough, but thousands of people every year die from influenza, also known as the flu. In this program, we take a look at how it is spread and how it can be prevented. In addition, we examine some of the most effective treatments. 412 - Osteoarthritis Today, arthritis is one of the most common causes of debilitating pain in many older people, and osteoarthritis is by far the most prevalent form of this disease. While many consider it to be an inevitable part of aging, that's not necessarily true. In this program we learn about the risk factors for osteoarthritis and investigate the best treatments available, including which patients may benefit from surgery. 413 - Low Back Pain Millions of Americans live their lives with low back pain. This condition can often be seriously debilitating and interfere with a person's quality of life, but they don't have to live with the pain. In this program we discuss how to treat low back pain and offer suggestions on how to prevent it in the future. 501 - Hernia; More Common Than You Think This episode looks at the latest advances in hernia-repair operations, the most common surgery performed in the United States. In addition to seeing where and why hernias form, viewers will learn about advances in mesh materials that are leading to less pain and faster recoveries for patients who undergo hernia-repair operations. New surgical techniques are also lowering the odds of recurrent hernias. 502 - Living With Prostate Cancer Prostate Cancer - In 2005, over 232,000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, and over 30,000 men will die from it. American men are 33% more likely to develop prostate cancer than an American woman is to develop breast cancer. In fact, prostate Cancer is the most commonly diagnosed non-skin cancer in the United States. We'll look at the severity of this disease, how it is diagnosed, and the treatments available. 503 - New Hope For Hepatitis (B&C) While new cases of hepatitis B & C are declining in the U.S., deaths are expected to increase over the next decade, as patients who contracted the infections years ago via infected blood transfusions and the drug abuse related sharing of syringes, begin to develop liver failure or liver cancer. 504 - COPD: The Struggle To Breath Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is an umbrella term used to describe patients with Chronic Bronchitis and/or Emphysema The condition causes shortness of breath and can restrict mobility, making simple tasks like walking to the car seem almost impossible. 505 - MDS: A Menace In The Blood MDS, or Myelodysplastic Syndrome, is a preleukemic blood disorder. In this case, the mutated cells live along side normal cells. But once the number of mutated cells grows to the point where they begin to crowd out the normal cells, leukemia develops. Once that happens, life expectancy is about 3 years. There are new therapies to stem the tide of this disease, and research is underway via clinical trials to improve treatment 506 - Organ Transplant: Making a Match About sixty years ago, successful organ transplants for humans began to show signs of success. Since then, organ transplants have saved millions of lives worldwide. More than 65,000 Americans are waiting for an organ transplant. While each day about 57 Americans receive a transplant, about 13 will die because not enough organs are available. Once a transplant has been completed, preventing the body's rejection of the transplanted organ can be an ongoing challenge. The body's attempt to destroy the transplanted organ; usually occurs in the first year after transplant. Rejection occurs when the body tries to attack a transplanted organ because it reacts to the organ or tissue as a foreign object and produces antibodies to destroy it. Anti-rejection (immunosuppressive) drugs help prevent rejection. 507 - Kidney Cancer: The Silent Destroyer In the United States, kidney cancer accounts for approximately 3% of all adult cancers. According to the American Cancer Society, about 32,000 new cases are diagnosed and about 12,000 people die from the disease annually. Kidney cancer occurs most often in people between the ages of 50 and 70, and affects men almost twice as often as women. There is a trend to move away from more toxic treatments that have fewer side effects, like oral medications now being used. Other forms of treatment continue to make an impact on this disease. 508 - Asthma: Catching Your Breath Asthma is a serious, sometimes life-threatening respiratory disease that affects the quality of life for millions of Americans. Asthma leads to 2 million emergency room visits and 5,000 deaths per year in the U.S. And although many cases of asthma go undiagnosed, health officials estimate that at least 20 million people in the U.S. have asthma, including 6.3 million children. Although there is no cure yet, it can be controlled through medical treatment and management of environmental "triggers". 509 - Overcoming Acne Acne affects more than 90 percent of people at some point in their lives. It can begin soon after puberty and continue into adulthood. Often, acne clears on its own but for some people if left untreated, acne can leave years of physical and emotional scars. In this episode we'll take a look at the causes of acne and explore treatments that are helping patients overcome the condition and get back their confidence. 510 - Revolutionizing "Chemo" Chemotherapy has a tough reputation, but enduring the treatment isn't what it used to be. Advances in the control of side-effects are making "chemo" more tolerable. Traditionally, some patients were forced to quit or delay therapy because of these side effects... in turn, making them more vulnerable to their cancer. Today, advances in chemotherapy are making treatments more effective with fewer side effects and more often then not, allow patients to work and be active during their treatment. There's hope with today's Chemotherapy. 601 - Bladder Disorder Interstitial Cystitis, or IC, is a bladder disorder that is often confused with "Over-Active Bladder or OAB" syndrome - millions suffer from it. The symptoms often start with frequency and urgency of urination but as the disease progresses over time, chronic pelvic pain starts to develop. The preliminary symptoms of IC can also vary widely with pain emanating from different areas of the torso from just above the knees to just below the navel. This can make accurate diagnosis more challenging, and many patients have had to wait years while doctors sort through a variety of possible causes. 602 - Lung Disease Pulmonary Fibrosis is a set of diseases that cause progressive scarring inside the lungs. Over time the lungs are slowly replaced with scar tissue, which causes airways to restrict airflow, making it difficult to breath and to get enough oxygen. Doctors, patients and researchers are hoping clinical trials will lead to a drug that prevents lung function from worsening ultimately allowing patients to live longer. 603 - Diabetes Management Diabetes is a progressive and currently incurable condition that can strike at any age. According to the Centers for Disease and Control, there are nearly 21 million people in the United States who have diabetes. And due to the obesity epidemic, more children are developing the disease. Early diagnosis and treatment is crucial. If blood glucose levels are not carefully controlled, the disease may lead to serious health problems. The message to remember: Most diabetes-related complications can be prevented if individuals successfully manage their disease. 604 - Life After Heart Attack Each year, more than 1 million men and women suffer a heart attack. This event suddenly and dramatically changes the person's life forever, but studies show if the sufferer is able to get to a hospital quickly, more than 90% will survive the attack. Life After a Heart Attack explains what every man and woman needs to know in order to recognize the signs of a heart attack - which can differ between men and women - so early and critical medical intervention can be done to minimize the damage. Heart attack sufferers have their lives unexpectedly changed. But through determination, targeted medications and lifestyle modifications they can return to a productive life. 605 - Targeted Cancer Therapy For dozens of years, the most common forms of cancer treatments included traditional chemotherapy, radiation and possibly surgery. Now newer medications are emerging, thanks to advances in science. Research has brought about a better understanding of cancer on a molecular level. This understanding is resulting in medicines that zero in on properties unique to cancer cells, allowing those medicines to selectively affect cancer with the potential of less collateral damage to healthy cells in the body. This episode, "Targeted Cancer Therapy," describes how targeted therapies work, and introduces patients and families who are finding hope and healing where there once was none. 606 - Learning about RA Morning stiffness of the hands and swelling of knuckles... these can be more than the toll of hard work; they can be the first signs of rheumatoid arthritis. This inflammatory disease is caused by the body's own immune system attacking itself. Doctors and patients alike understand that the pain won't go away on its own. This disease requires constant attention and a disciplined treatment plan to help patients regain control of their lives. 607 - Living with RA Patients with rheumatoid arthritis can suffer immense pain, swelling, stiffness of the joints and fatigue. Once the disease sets in it can involve many joints, be more persistent and cause more disability. Although the cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown, experts believe no single reason is responsible and researchers are currently looking at gender and genetics. Rheumatoid arthritis can be a debilitating, crippling disease if not treated, but there is good news. There are new life-changing treatments available to patients today than ever before. Today's new medications, are giving advanced patients a higher level of treatment, ultimately improving their quality of life. In this program we'll hear from patients who've been struggling with pain and fatigue for more than ten years and now have real hope for the future. 608 - Super Staph For the past 60 years, antibiotics have rescued countless lives from potentially deadly bacterial infections -- but the germs are learning to fight back. Infections that don't respond to traditional antibiotics are on the rise across the country. One of the most common of these mutant pathogens is known as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus or MRSA. Unlike common staph infections, MRSA cannot be treated with methicillin, amoxicillin or many related antibiotics. MRSA can strike anyone, although hospital patients are the most vulnerable. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that in intensive care units, 65 percent of all staph infections are now caused by MRSA. While researchers scramble to create new antibiotics, experts are stressing steps to prevent MRSA from spreading -- in both hospitals and communities nationwide. 609 - Aspects of MS Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is considered an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system which includes the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves. A fatty tissue called myelin, surrounds and protects the nerves in the central nervous system, helping nerve fibers send electrical messages to the entire body. While the exact cause of this disease is still unknown, most scientists agree that several factors are involved, including: genetics, gender, or environmental triggers such as a virus or bacteria. Researchers have long been searching for an infectious agent that may trigger MS. While many viruses and bacteria have been studied, nothing has been confirmed. In recent years, disease modifying medications have been shown to slow down the progression of MS, its rate of relapse and the body's overall disability. 610 - Breast Cancer; Early Detection Breast cancer is probably one of the diseases women fear the most, but in the past 30 years there have been tremendous advances in the treatment and detection of breast cancer. In this program, we'll examine the new forms of treatment designed to help women fight breast cancer and lower the risk of the disease returning in the future. Also, we'll highlight some of the targeted therapies that are changing the way doctors approach breast cancer and are giving women much higher survival rates. Plus, we'll see how mammograms can be made digital, allowing the experts to get a closer look at what could be cancer in its earliest forms. And we'll see why detecting the cancer in its earliest stages offers women the best chance for a cure. 611 - Spinal Disease Bending, leaning, lifting, stretching... these are some of the benefits of a healthy spine, and what most of us consider being the essence of an active lifestyle. But for over half a million people suffering from Ankylosing Spondylitis, these routine activities become limited due to inflammation and arthritic pain of the spine. Advancements have been made that aid doctors in detecting and treating this disease early, allowing patients to maintain a more active lifestyle. 612 - NSAID Options People who live with chronic pain often find themselves in a catch-22. The very medications that ease their pain can damage their stomachs and, in some cases, lead to life-threatening complications. The American College of Gastroenterology estimates that 14 million arthritis patients regularly use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDS. This includes the popular pain relievers aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen. Up to 60 percent of people who use NSAIDS regularly experience some type of gastrointestinal distress, such as heartburn, stomach pain or nausea, and a smaller percentage develop ulcers. Bleeding ulcers and other gastrointestinal complications send 100,000 NSAIDS users to the hospital every year and cause up to 10,000 deaths. Now there are new strategies to help patients with chronic pain protect their stomachs without giving up NSAIDS. 613 - Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Lung cancer is the leading cancer killer among men and women alike, claiming more lives than breast, colon and prostate cancer combined. Non-small cell lung cancer is the most common type of this disease, accounting for 87 percent of all lung cancers. Because lung cancer has usually spread throughout the body before it is discovered, the survival rates for patients are quite poor. But new therapies and advances in imaging studies that could lead to earlier detection are serving as beacons of hope for patients and their families. 701 - Living with Alzheimer's Imagine your spouse of 40 years has been missing for hours, when he finally comes home, he has no idea where he was or what he was doing. This can be a defining moment, when you know something is wrong. Alzheimer's disease gradually destroys a person's ability to reason, remember, imagine and learn. And over time, cognitive abilities -- like being able to process information, or have abstract reasoning and problem solving skills--significantly decrease, leaving patients unable to perform simple tasks and function on their own. While there is no cure, Alzheimer's disease doesn't have to mean the end of a patient's independence. Getting treatment early and staying active may allow patients to continue doing things they've always enjoyed. 702 - Colon Cancer: Early Detection Most health problems typically respond best when they are diagnosed and treated as early as possible. This is especially true for colon cancer, the fourth most commonly diagnosed type of cancer in the U.S. and the nation's second leading cancer killer. In this program we will explore the lives of colon cancer patients, and speak to leading medical experts about screening, diagnosis, and treatment. They will explain that both men and women are at risk for colon cancer, which usually develops in individuals age 50 and older. We'll discover that in many cases, early screening can actually prevent colon cancer. And if cancer is present, earlier detection means a much better chance for a longer life. 703 - Overcoming Infertility Fertility Difficulty in conceiving a child is becoming an increasingly common problem for many couples. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, infertility affects more than 6 million men and women in the United States. As you'll see in this program, infertility can be frustrating, mysterious and difficult to handle. But, with the advances in assisted reproductive technology many couples are able to achieve their dream of starting a family. 704 - Identifying Pulmonary Hypertension Pulmonary Hypertension is a rare, complex disease of the heart and lungs. It most commonly strikes women in childbearing years, though it can affect all ages, races and both sexes. This program will identify what pulmonary hypertension is, and how it is treated. Though there is not yet a cure for this illness, treatments have emerged over the last decade, giving patients hope for a longer, healthier life. Meet patients who are living with pulmonary hypertension and demonstrate how to improve your quality of life. We'll also outline the genesis of the Pulmonary Hypertension Association, and illustrate the power people can have to organize, draw attention to a cause and work to improve the lives of patients and families coping with serious illnesses. 705 - Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: A Silent Killer Most smokers know they are at risk for lung disease and heart disease, but few know they are damaging the most important artery in the body, the aorta. Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms give patients little to no warning signs that pressure is building in the aorta and causing a very serious condition. Undetected, the aneurysm can rupture causing internal bleeding and sending patients quickly into critical condition. However, if diagnosed in time, patients can be successfully treated... and also; saved from a potentially fatal outcome. 706 - Living with Multiple Sclerosis There are few things in life as frightening as the prospect of losing control over one's body, and in turn, one's independence. That's what makes a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis so devastating - the possibility that one-day you might not be able to walk anymore, see clearly, or hold on to anything in your hands. But what makes MS really insidious is its unpredictability. People with MS don't know what their condition might be from hour to hour, let alone from week to week, or year to year. The good news is that treating MS has come a long way over the past ten years, and is expected to go even further over the next ten... The bad news is that life with MS is still a crapshoot. Yet, as we'll see, no matter how bad MS can become, the first step towards beating it starts with re-discovering hope through a new life that's still worth living. 707 - BPH: A Growing Problem For many men, issues surrounding health are not ones they typically like to discuss. That's especially true when it comes to health issues that have to do with urological and sexual functions. But oftentimes, these issues will need to be faced. For men over the age of fifty, the odds are high that they may eventually experience Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, or BPH. In simple terms, BPH is a male urological condition caused by the non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate. In this program we will explore the reasons and results of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, and learn about the latest treatments that can help men live much more comfortably with this condition. 708 - Inflammatory Bowel Disease Inflammatory Bowl Disease, or IBD, is an umbrella term for several different gastrointestinal illnesses, by far the most prominent and serious being Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis (UC). Of the 1.2 million Americans currently estimated to have Inflammatory Bowel Disease, about half will have developed the condition between childhood and their 20's. But IBD can strike at any age; it targets both sexes equally; and, presently, there is no cure - although in life-threatening cases, removing the colon will effectively "end" Ulcerative Colitis. In this program we'll meet patients who have had IBD for some time, and young people who are just learning to deal with the limitations. We'll visit a camp in California that plays host to kids with Crohn's and Colitis for two weeks every summer. And we'll hear from leading medical experts at the Mayo Clinic and Cedars Sinai Hospital, on the latest efforts in the diagnosis and treatment of IBD. 709 - Diagnosing Depression Depression: Treatments that Work It won't show up on a blood test or x-ray, but it is a leading cause of disability during the prime of life. It is depression and according to experts, depression actually affects more people in the U.S. than coronary artery disease, cancer or AIDS put together. However, the good news is treatments today are far more successful and wide ranging. This program highlights the latest breakthroughs in treatment and diagnostic tools spotlighting several people who have suffered with depression their entire lives, but are finding relief through a combination of treatment strategies and lifestyle changes. 710 - Epilepsy: In Search of Effective Therapies The Future of Epilepsy More than a third of the 2.7 million epilepsy patients in the US have persistent seizures using existing therapies. Many others tolerate serious side effects, including diminished cognition, as a price for seizure control. New therapies introduced over the last decade offer fewer side effects but have done little to bring effective seizure control to the significant population living with active and uncontrolled epilepsy. As such, this episode is designed to not only to raise awareness of this unmet need but to encourage the discovery of future therapies. Patients and their families with share their compelling stories describing how they deal with these issues and hope for changes. 711 - Understanding Glaucoma There are an estimated three million Americans with glaucoma, a condition that if left untreated can often lead to blindness. The real tragedy is that half of these people don't even know they have the disease - although testing for it is quick, easy and painless - and they probably won't know until it's too late. To be sure, understanding glaucoma has come a long way over the past 20 years. What we thought we knew about it has evolved a great deal, and our knowledge of how to identify and treat it has grown in sophistication and effectiveness as well. But, the sad fact is that many people still don't get tested in time to prevent it, and when they are diagnosed, they often allow themselves to ignore their condition and descend into blindness. As such, this episode is designed to not only examine what glaucoma is and how to treat it, but to encourage our viewers to get tested for it. Moreover, the episode will also serve as a testament to the extreme importance of self-care and the celebration of life - for 10% of the time, even when glaucoma is diagnosed and treated early, it still causes blindness. However, given the power of the human spirit, even that is a condition that can be overcome. 712 - Learning about Crohn's Disease Imagine a disease so potentially debilitating, that going to work, having a relationship or attending a school creates a daily challenge. This is a reality for the nearly half million Americans living with Crohn's disease. Crohn's disease is a chronic disorder that causes inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. It affects males and females equally, and may occur in people of all ages, including children and the elderly. But Crohn's disease is primarily a condition of adolescents and young adults, between the ages of 15 and 35. In this program, viewers will understand what Crohn's disease is, learn how doctors diagnose the disorder, and meet amazing patients who are living full lives while coping with the condition. The program will also show how physicians and scientists are working to help patients and their loved ones have a better quality of life with Crohn's disease. 713 - Weight and Cardio Metabolic Risk Understanding the role a persons weight plays on their chances of developing a cardio metabolic disease such as heart disease, hypertension, and type-2 diabetes is what this program is about. The focus is particularly on the "visceral" fat around the body's midsection and the adverse effect it has on cardio metabolic risk and what you can do to "trim" the fat. 801 - Living Well with Parkinson's Disease Many times, it can be a difficult task to cope with Parkinson's disease. The primary symptoms of Parkinson's, like tremors and body-rigidity, may be the most obvious but are not always the most disabling. Slowness, stiffness and difficulties with balance can affect a patient's well-being and quality of life as well. In this program, we'll discuss the challenges patients and their families face in dealing with Parkinson's disease. However, by taking a pro-active approach, working with experienced physicians, and cultivating good self-management skills, patients can develop the confidence they need to live well with Parkinson's disease. 802 - Cholesterol: Raising the good & lowering the bad By now, most people have heard the term HDL - good cholesterol, and LDL - bad cholesterol. But do you know what makes good cholesterol good and bad cholesterol bad? And how does the wrong combination of these lipoproteins affect the risk of heart disease? Today's program will delve into these important questions. 803 - Unmasking the Mystery of Acromegaly Acromegaly is a hormonal disorder that results when the pituitary gland produces excess growth hormone in adults. The name acromegaly comes from the Greek words for "extremities" and "enlargement" and reflects one of its most common symptoms, the abnormal growth of the hands and feet. The symptoms of acromegaly can vary and they develop gradually over time; therefore, a diagnosis of this condition may be difficult. Once recognized, acromegaly is treatable in most patients, but because of its slow onset, it frequently is not diagnosed correctly. If left untreated, acromegaly can lead to serious illness - including cardiovascular disease and diabetes - and premature death. 804 - Electronic Health Records & Patient Safety Patients, and providers alike, strive to make patient safety a priority. Whether it's ensuring prescriptions are written and dispensed correctly, monitoring patients from a distance, or diagnosing patients in rural areas of the country, there are many ways to affect a patient's safety. This episode will highlight some important work of health information pioneers and show how programs such as electronic health records can help make healthcare both safer and more efficient. 805 - Epilepsy Defined For thousands of years, seizures have been blamed on everything from evil spirits to mental illness. Now groundbreaking technology is revealing the true nature of epilepsy, a brain disorder that affects more than one percent of the population. Today doctors can often pinpoint the source of seizures within a patient's brain, using sophisticated imaging and brain wave tests. This helps determine the best treatment strategy, with options ranging from medication to a type of pacemaker for the brain. In some patients, brain surgery can even offer a cure. 806 - Testosterone Replacement Therapy The Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) program discusses a problem that for years had been considered a natural and inevitable part of the aging process for men. But today, men don't have to feel ashamed and hide their private suffering. TRT can not only bring vitality and passion back to life for the millions suffering from it, but as research is beginning to support, treating low testosterone levels may actually have a positive benefit on other serious medical conditions like diabetes and heart disease. 807 - Lung Cancer: A Risk for Smokers and Non-Smokers In the United States approximately 170,000 people are diagnosed with lung cancer annually. In this program, we'll explore the challenges patients living with lung cancer face everyday. While smoking is a major risk factor for many patients with lung cancer, non-smokers are also at risk. With advancements in chemotherapy and targeted therapies many patients with lung cancer are living longer fuller lives - making the goal of reaching and surpassing the 5-year survival mark more of a reality. 808 - Winning the Battle against Prostate Cancer Thanks to a blood test called prostate specific antigen, or PSA, the quest to discover prostate cancer early is made easier. As a result of early detection, over eighty percent of patients with prostate cancer can be cured. Researchers now believe that prostate cancer cells grow in part due to a failure of the body's immune system to recognize and react to these cells. However, there are new ways to help the immune system recognize prostate cancer cells, and hopefully destroy them. 809 - Kidney Cancer: A New Approach Most people have two functional kidneys which help regulate electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Kidney tumors may change these important functions and can lead to a diagnosis of kidney cancer. On this program we spend time with courageous patients who are coping with their kidney cancer by seeking A New Approach.