Healthy Body, Healthy Mind

- Season 9

(2008)

Deaths from pneumonia plunged when antibiotics first came on the scene. But the germs that cause the lung infection are evolving, creating new strains that don't respond to conventional drugs. In this program, we tour a lab where super-bacteria are identified. We also learn what's being done to fight drug-resistant pneumonia, and why serious cases can put doctors in a race against time.

Whether it's from contact lens use, eye surgery, bacteria or viruses, millions of people around the world have had to deal with eye infections. Some infections are common, and treatable with medicine, including conjunctivitis, which is known as "pink eye." Other infections may be more serious and in a matter of hours, actually threaten to steal a patient's eyesight. This episode will feature patient stories sharing experiences with some of the most common eye infections, offer ways to treat and prevent complications with infections, and give a look at what's on the ...

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition affecting 10-12 million Americans. This condition, which manifests in symptoms such as pain throughout the body, memory problems, sleep disturbances, and bowel and bladder irritability, is seriously under diagnosed, often being mistaken for a psychological condition. On this program, experts discuss how patients can be properly diagnosed, explain the possible causes of fibromyalgia, and identify the lifestyle changes and treatment methods that can assist patients in living healthy and fulfilling lives. The future is bright, as ...

Everyone feels physical discomfort at some point in their lives. But for 50 million Americans, pain is an agonizing part of each day. Chronic pain can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender or race. It can also have numerous causes. Described by experts as a silent epidemic, chronic pain is the leading cause of adult disability in the United States. But with the help of caring specialists, patients can learn to manage their pain and regain control of their lives. Plus medical breakthroughs are leading to novel therapies, providing even more hope for people with ...

The pain can be so severe that it can leave you helpless and dependent on others if left untreated. Rheumatoid arthritis affects 2.1 million Americans, 1.5 million of which are women according to the Arthritis Foundation. Today's advances in biological therapies are giving most patients living with rheumatoid arthritis real hope for the future. In fact early, aggressive treatment may prevent further deterioration of an affected joint, and possibly reverse the progression of the disease...a new approach that is showing real success.

Chronic kidney disease may not get as much attention as diabetes, but it's nearly as common - affecting one out of every nine adults. In today's program, we discover who is most at risk and trace the progression of the disease from onset to life-threatening kidney failure. We also hear first hand what life is like for patients who depend on dialysis.

Nearly everyone has heard of "flu season." It's a time of year when forms of the influenza virus are more likely to infect people. Flu and another lung disease, Pneumonia, can be debilitating and deadly. According to the American Lung Association, flu and pneumonia together are ranked as the 7th leading cause of death in the United States. But there are steps people can take to prepare and try to prevent these conditions. This program outlines the basics about flu and pneumonia and offer physician recommendations on the best ways to prevent these diseases.

Millions of men, women and children with a condition known as Restless Leg Syndrome - or RLS - experience irresistible and unpleasant urges to move their legs. The disorder often disrupts their sleep, creating a domino effect that severely impacts work, relationships and health. But lifestyle changes and medications can help many people cope with RLS.

Almost every one of us will have surgery at least once during our lives. So how can we ensure the best possible outcome if and when we do? See the basics that every potential patient should know about surgery - before, during and after.

The Pacific Northwest has one of the highest rates of multiple sclerosis in the world. Our crew heads to Seattle to learn more about this mysterious and unpredictable illness, which can interfere with anything from muscle control to vision to concentration. While no one is sure what causes MS, researchers have determined how it inflicts its damage. This discovery has sparked exciting new strategies for slowing the progression of MS.

Most people wouldn't give a second thought to a minor cut. But for individuals with von Willebrand disease, bleeding is often a cause for concern, particularly when it involves a serious injury or surgery. Von Willebrand disease is a hereditary condition, making it the most common bleeding disorder. It afflicts men and women, as well as children. Though incurable and often challenging to diagnose, there are numerous medications that can be used to effectively control and manage this condition.

In our society where so much attention is devoted to the immediacy of daily life, issues like serious illness and death are never easy to think about or discuss. But ignoring these topics can have devastating consequences. A growing number of people - both young and old - are taking a proactive role through a process known as Advanced Care Planning that includes completing a living will, a medical power of attorney and considering organ-donation options.

This program focuses on young children who inexplicitly go through puberty early and the struggle their parents face while their young battles these early hormonal changes. It affects girls before the age of eight and boys before the age of nine. The good news is that there are effective treatments available to help these little girls and boys retain and enjoy their childhood years.