2003

S12.E1 ∙ The Mysterious Syndrome Called CAPS

Wed, Apr 15, 2009

C-A-P-S it's a simple word but the syndrome that it describes in medicine is extremely complex. CAPS is the acronym for a group of rare, inherited, auto-inflammatory disorders known officially as Cryoprin-Associated Periodic Syndromes. These diseases are characterized by recurrent rashes, fevers, joint pain and fatigue. They can last a lifetime and are can be triggered by everything from stress to exercise to cool temperatures. But there are treatments available that can help. In this program we take an in-depth look at these mysterious conditions and offer hope to the people who deal with them every day.

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S12.E2 ∙ ITP: The Hidden Blood Disorder

Wed, Apr 22, 2009

ITP- idiopathic thrombocytopenia purpura is a bleeding disorder in which the blood does not clot because of a low number of blood cells called platelets. While ITP is surprisingly common, it is little known and poorly understood and many people with ITP feel isolated and don't know where to turn for help. These problems are made worse by the fact that many health-care providers don't know much about ITP. The established treatments involved either a serious operation or strong medications with often severe side effects. In this program we'll take a look at the newer treatments that researchers have discovered that can people with ITP live healthy lives

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S12.E3 ∙ Saving the Spine: New Treatments for Vertebral Compression Fractures

Wed, Apr 29, 2009

While conditions like cancer and heart disease can be life-threatening there are other diseases that are "quality-of-life threatening" like osteoporosis. Especially osteoporosis where there have already been fractures of the spine. But there are effective treatments for osteoporosis and new surgical techniques to repair the spine with far less pain and suffering than traditional surgeries. In this program we explore the treatments available for people who have had a vertebral compression fracture and see how innovative surgical procedures are allowing them to live well with osteoporosis.

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S12.E4 ∙ GERD: More Than Just Heartburn

Wed, May 06, 2009

Heartburn, everybody gets it and it's not a big deal right? Well, not quite. Many people suffer with heartburn and don't recognize that it's a treatable condition and one that can have serious consequences especially when heartburn is actually acid reflux disease known as gastro-esophageal reflux disease or GERD. Gerd can lead to Barrett's esophagus which is a pre-cancerous condition and painful esophageal strictures which make it difficult to swallow. In this program we take a look at the many effective treatments that take the discomfort out of GERD and lower the risk of long-term damage and debilitating disease.

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S12.E5 ∙ Hyponatremia: A Serious Sodium Deficiency

Wed, May 13, 2009

Sodium is everywhere and most of us have to restrict our use of salt to prevent cardiovascular disease. But there is a condition called hyponatremia where the sodium concentration of the blood is too low. It's been called Water Intoxication because it can happen when poorly trained weekend warriors-athletes drink too much water during an athletic event. Several people have died from exactly those circumstances. But hyponatremia can also occur during treatments for diseases or for other reasons. And when it does it can be a life-threatening situation. If the sodium levels in the blood drop too low the brain can swell which leads to coma and sometimes death. In this program we'll take a look at the circumstances that can lead to hyponatremia and explore the latest treatments.

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S12.E6 ∙ Japanese Encephalitis: A Hidden Danger for Travelers

Wed, May 20, 2009

Japanese Encephalitis (JE) is a potentially severe viral infection that is spread to humans by infected mosquitoes. JE is found throughout rural areas in Asia and some transmissions have occurred near urban areas in developing Asian countries. Travelers to Asian countries must take precautions to avoid mosquito bites but there are vaccines available that can protect those at risk. In this program we see why its important travelers especially those to Asian countries learn how to protect themselves from Japanese Encephalitis.

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