The Health Show on WAMC

Diabetes is an important health issue in the US today.  Pregnancy and the complications of pregnancy are also a topics that have always been of great importance.  Put those two issues together and you have gestational diabetes...the number one complication of pregnancy.  On today's Health Show we'll talk to a nutritionist about this growing health problem.

We'll also find out about one of those rare disorders that probably need a little more attention than they get.  Today, a wake up call about narcolepsy.  And we'll find out how humans are learning to cope with a 24 hour world.  Here's a hint: we're not doing so good.

Doing a program about health care means that, once in awhile, you’ll hit on a controversial topic.  We did that last week with Hormone Replacement Therapy...and we'll talk a little more about that next week.  But one topic that shouldn't be controversial, but still is, is childhood immunizations.  On today's Health Show we'll talk to an infectious disease expert from the CDC.

Then we'll hear from an author who has taken the life lessons of people aged 85 and older and presented them to help us age on our own terms.  And we'll hear a writer talk about switching roles with his aging mom.

If there was a disease that caused bone damage, bladder incontinence and loss of sexual desire in just about everybody, you’d imagine there would be a worldwide search for a cure. The thing is...this is already happening and it’s not a disease.  It’s what a huge number of women experience before, during and after menopause.  On today’s Health Show...an endocrinologist gives us her take on what to do when you outlive your ovaries.

Then we’ll take a lighthearted look at a British comedian who is looking to break the world record for the oldest living man...about 80 years from now.

There’s been a growing problem in the health care system that hasn’t gotten much attention but, little by little, has been affecting patient care and changing the way some doctors practice.  It’s the shortage of drugs.  Not experimental, exotic new meds...but everyday, reliable medications that doctors have used for years.  On today’s Health Show, we’ll look into the causes, effects...and possible solutions of this problem.

Then we’ll look into another shortage that, while not life threatening, certainly made life different in post-Katrina New Orleans.

In the year 2000, the Albany Medical center Prize for Medicine and Bio-Medical research was established.  Funded by the estate of the late philanthropist and businessman Morris Marty Silverman, the 500 thousand dollar prize is one of the largest prizes for medicine and medical research in the world.  On today’s Health Show, we’ll hear from the two doctors who will share this year’s prize.

We’ll also learn about a condition called deep vein thrombosis and why it can be dangerous.  And we’ll hear how some health plans available in Massachusetts are trying to keep prices down...and perhaps set an example for the rest of the country.

Around the world over a hundred million people are living with Hepatitis C...and without treatment, they are in danger of severe liver disease.  The big problem: millions of those people have no idea they have the virus.  On today’s Health Show we’ll get the facts about Hepatitis-C.  

Then we’ll find out about a much less common problem, Sjogren’s Syndrome and why it’s leaving many people dry.  And Sandy D returns looking for love.

When you do a program covering health, occasionally you deal with certain topics that make people a bit squeamish.  Things like digestive health and reproductive and sexual issues and body image.  They’re not the type of things you rush right off to your doctor to discuss.  On today’s Health Show, we’ll talk to a pair of doctors who specialize on these taboo topics.  

We’ll also learn how, and sorry to our vegetarian friends, keeping a healthy diet begins with healthy livestock.  And we’ll visit a city in Italy where fast food could mean a spleen sandwich.

http://www.healthshow.org/ – On today's Health Show we'll talk to a psychiatric researcher about how the brain sometimes goes off on its own...and how you can regain control.

Then we'll head to the suburbs of New York City, where the Big Apple's new UV water filtration plant is causing "water envy" with its neighbors. And we'll head down the coast a bit to Baltimore, where some churches are starting to preach a healthy message.

http://www.healthshow.org/ – On today's Health Show, a conversation with a pair of heart specialists who's new book is a complete guide to heart health.

We'll also welcome back our friend Sandy Daigler, who reminds us that weight loss is great for the heart...now how about the head!

http://www.healthshow.org/ – It seems that the human intestines are a pretty amazing system...one that almost operates as a second brain. In fact, what goes on below doesn't need much help from above. On today's Health Show, an almost joke free tour of the human gut.

Then a good news - bad news story from the National Institutes of Health about drug use by teens in the US...and we'll visit a farmer who is not letting his disability get in the way of a good harvest.