| Addictions can be extremely difficult habits to break and can lead to some serious health problems. This program first looks at the very serious addiction to prescription drugs. We meet Barbara Vanderveld, who became dependent on pain-killers after a serious traffic accident, and we learn the steps she took to kick her prescription drug habit. Next, we meet Michelle Harrington who explains how she was able to break her smoking habit and how quitting has helped improve her life. Lastly, we learn how to use breathing to ease stress and tension as well as mental imaging techniques to help us relax. 08DR/CC Closed-Captioned SCA 30 min. |
| Alternative or complementary medicine generally refers to any type of treatment outside of conventional western medicine. In this program we first look at traditional Chinese medicine, which dates back 5,000 years in history. We are introduced to acupuncture and cupping, learn the pros and cons of the herb Dong Quai, and discover the healing affects of Kundalini yoga. Next, we explore the healing benefits of herbs and medicines, such as ginger, tangshet, whangchi, bamboo pith, Dungshen, Wofberry, longyan fruit, Chinese yams, and lotus seeds. Lastly, we learn how more and more students are studying homeopathy and naturapathy to become doctors of Naturapathic Medicine 08DR/CC Closed-Captioned SCA 30 min. |
| Colds and the flu are very common, but not something to take too lightly. Back in 1918 a worldwide epidemic of the flu killed 21 million people. We discover that most over-the-counter medications may relieve some of a person's symptoms, but not cure the cold or flu; so for most colds and flu it's best to get lots of rest, take lots of fluids, and, yes, eat some homemade chicken soup. Then we learn that, today, designated doctors, called sentinels, track viruses' movements and watch for any new strains of the flu. Information is gathered at the Center for Disease Control in Atlanta, Georgia, allowing doctors to predict which virus to expect in a coming year; then labs develop vaccines to fight the flu and each year flu shots help save the lives of many. 08DR/CC Closed-Captioned SCA 30 min. |
| This program shows us how to take the confusion out of which foods to eat, guiding us with basic common sense rules about variety, balance and moderation. First, we learn about Health Check, a program in which food manufacturers get to display a Health Check logo on its packaging if it meets specific nutritional standards; then we learn how to control our impulse shopping. We learn how seventeen-year-old Crystal Bridgston, who's been anorexic since was fourteen, is coping with her eating disorder. Next, chef extraordinaire, Stephen Wong, author of Heart Smart Chinese Cooking, shows us how eating better can be the result of cooking better. 08DR/CC Closed-Captioned SCA 30 min. |
| Fatigue is the most common health complaint and this program's goal is to help viewers learn how to re-charge their batteries, how to eat better, sleep better and feel more alive. Dr. Stanly Core, author of Sleep Thieves, addresses the problem of sleep deprivation and Trace Thomas, M.D., offers solutions for insomnia. Next, we meet Caroline Buttler, who uses proper diet and vitamins to battle her anemia. Then we're introduced to Zineng Medicine, a simple form of Chinese acupuncture; lastly, we learn some tips on fighting "jet lag." 08DR/CC Closed-Captioned SCA 30 min. |
| Power Yoga and abdominal crunches won't do anyone any good if done only temporarily or incorrectly, the goal of this program is to show viewers how to exercise properly, within your limits, to understand the principles behind exercise, to avoid over-exercising, so that exercise becomes a natural part of your life. Renowned back surgeon Dr. Hamilton Hall, author of A Consultation with the Back Doctor, recommends exercises that are good for your back; also actor Jeff Hyslop share tips on caring for your feet and ankles. 08DR/CC Closed-Captioned SCA 30 min. |
| Research shows that community involvement and a strong support system may add years to your life. First, we meet Stanley Ball, whose testosterone therapy helped him overcome chronic depression; then we look at the benefits of diet on fighting Osteoporosis; we learn the benefits of drinking tea and how a regular walking program can help with weight loss; lastly, we meet Sergill Comissiona, a world-class music conductor for over 50 years, who's living proof that loving your work can add long, healthy years to your life. 08DR/CC Closed-Captioned SCA 30 min. |
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"Recommended. This program provides a glimpse into some
of the reasons why people choose a less conventional approach to their
health care. Divided into seven chapters, this program touches on herbal
remedies, Chinese medicine, Qi Gong, and alternative therapies for pets, in
addition to a brief overview of other naturopathic techniques. Joyce Resin
is a very appealing host for the program, asking good, basic questions in a
neutral manner. While it doesn't cover every type of therapy, it does touch
on the basics and gives a good enough overview to get a taste of the options
available for further exploration." -EMRO Review The demand for alternative medicines and therapies is growing, as is the need for trained professionals, and the ultimate goal is to successfully integrate them into mainstream health care. This program examines the reasons behind the increased acceptance of naturopathy and introduces us to people who have benefited from them. First, we meet Gloria Umezuki, who once suffered with psoriasis, but thanks to Dr. Andy Zhou, a Chinese medicine practitioner, who prescribed the proper herbal medicine for her condition. Next, Gina Dingwell, Director of Ed. at the Tzu Chi Institute, advises us about the taking of herbs. Lastly, expert Steven Aung guides us through an exercise workshop on the ancient Chinese practice of Qi Gong. 08DR/CC Closed-Captioned SCA 30 min. |
| Back pain, 80% of us will suffer from it at some point in our lives. Is it inevitable? Yes. Can we control it? Yes! And in this program host Joyce Resin helps us find out how. Here we meet back-pain sufferer Walter Daroshin and Dr. Gordon Taylor and discover that most back pain is a normal thing, not a disease; something that proper exercise and posture can alleviate. Dr. Hamilton Hall outlines the proper steps to take to help avoid serious back pain; also we see how horseback riding is an unusual remedy for certain lower back pains. 08DR/CC Closed-Captioned SCA 30 min. |
| The brain is the most complex and baffling organ in our body. It controls almost every human action, and yet we're just beginning to understand how it works and therefore what we can do to keep it healthy. In this program we learn about the brain, and that we are on the threshold of major therapeutic advances in all of the serious brain diseases. We meet Mary Bird, a stroke victim who chose to take t-PA, a drug that dissolves blood clots, to help her avoid having another stroke. Next, Dr. Harvey Sanders, Dr. Britt Bright and Mary-Sue Fairbarn, a lung researcher, address the issue of testing new medications by using placebos. Lastly, we learn that there are immediate steps we can take to have healthy brains, from practicing mental "gymnastics" to taking safe and natural antioxidants such as Ginko. 08DR/CC Closed-Captioned SCA 30 min. |
| We live in a world of constant physical change, yet making personal changes often sparks enormous fear. First, we meet Gail McNab, who, with the assistance of "The Women of the Dawn" organization and their holistic approach to job training, helped Gail turn her broken life around. Next, we learn about the B-FITS program (B-Behavior; F-Feelings; I-Imagination; T-Thoughts; S-Sensing), which is designed to help people stop smoking. 08DR/CC Closed-Captioned SCA 30 min. |
| Change can take a lot of hard work, especially if it involves a change in habits. We live in a society accustomed to quick fixes and real change takes time; so change can be very difficult and frustrating. In this program, we first meet John Craig, a man who has a problem with drinking alcohol, and Rob Simpson, President of Drinkwise, an organization that helps people change their behavior about over drinking. Next, we meet Rafe Mair, a radio personality, recently diagnosed with Type Two Diabetes, who explains how he went from denial to changing his life and handling this serious disease. Lastly, we meet Dr. Art Hister who advises us on the benefits of a good exercise program and diet. 08DR/CC Closed-Captioned SCA 30 min. |
| Growing cities also have to face similar problems, pollution, overcrowding, unemployment, noise, etc. This program tackles these problems focusing on the three E's: environment, economy and equity. We visit the city of "new" Dalian, in China, where billions of dollars are being invested to make this city modern and healthy; also Copenhagen, Denmark and Rouyn-Noranda, in Quebec, Canada, are addressing these issues; plus we learn how "CODA," an employment program, is helping the unemployed find new jobs, new opportunities, and new hope. 08DR/CC Closed-Captioned SCA 30 min. |
| Every second of every day, year in and year out, no breaks and no time off, without a doubt the heart is the hardest working muscle in our body. The heart is powerful, but not perfect, and if not taken care of properly, one can certainly develop heart disease, which is true for men and women alike. Here we meet 42-year-old Barb Scott, who suffered a heart attack, and her Cardiologist, Dr. Vicki Bernstein, who discusses the risk factors of heart attacks and women. Next, we meet Andre Potvin, a Kinesiologist, and Arlana Berekoff, an exercise specialist, who support the idea of low-level weight training to strengthen a person's heart. 08DR/CC SCA 30 min. |
| Lifestyle habits that we teach and model do impact kids' lives, and do return to have impact on their lives as adults. First, in this program, we learn of HeartSmart, an innovative health program teaching kids healthy habits that will lower their risk of developing heart disease later in life. Next, Dr. Stanley Plotkin, who developed the Rubella vaccine, and Dr. Bill Foege address the issues of immunization and vaccines. 08DR/CC Closed-Captioned SCA 30 min. |
| Learning how to relax is an excellent way to offset too much stress in our lives. First, we look at Transcendental Meditation; today, a relaxation technique simply called TM, which is used by many in the corporate and medical worlds, to affect positive change both physically and psychologically. Next, we explore the benefits from various types of massage, which can help people relieve stress in all sorts of situations. 08DR/CC Closed-Captioned SCA 30 min. |
| Here we look at some unsafe situations and learn how to deal with them. First, we meet Anita Roberts, founder of "Safe Teens for Pre-Teens," a workshop aimed at the highest risk group for rape and assault, young women between the ages of 14 and 18. Here they learn the inner confident, strength and skill to defuse a threatening situation. Next, we learn how a women's charitable foundation uses money it raises to help eliminate poverty and violence in the lives of women. Lastly, women are offered tips on avoiding possible dangerous situations with their cars or when walking. 08DR/CC Closed-Captioned SCA 30 min. |
| No matter how we define and express it, spirituality, experts believe, can keep us healthy. This program looks at good health as being a unity of the psychological, physical, and spiritual element. We see that there are all sorts of hormonal, immunological, and chemical connections between the body, the brain, and the spirit, wherever that resides, and each can influence the other. We meet people such as Native artist Glenn Wood, who defines spirituality as being at one with nature and his art, and Shirley Harding, a breast-cancer survivor, who believes in the healing power of prayer; also addressed is the value of professional counseling and natural remedies for chronic pain. 08DR/CC Closed-Captioned SCA 30 min. |
| There certainly are dangerous risks that the majority of us should not take, be they physical or economical; however, there too are times in our lives when taking a risk can be a positive and healthy thing to do. This program is dedicated to the former Indy car racer, Greg Moore, who died from a race crash in Fontana, California. Although great precautions are taken to protect high-speed races, accidents and deaths do occur. Racers such as Greg understand the risk they are taking and pursue this dangerous sport because it's something they love to do. Next, we meet April Falds, who was a housebound mom for fifteen years, and now finds the challenge of rock climbing makes her feel more whole and gives her new confidence; then celebrity chef Stephen Wong, author of Heart Smart Chinese Cooking, introduces us to a "risk" that all of us can take: shopping for, cooking, and eating a variety of exotic Chinese foods. 08DR/CL/CC Closed-Captioned SCA 30 min. |
| How much you should weigh depends on what your body's make-up is, and this program's goal is to help you achieve a weight that's right for you. First, Shari Graydon, President of Media Watch, confirms that people should avoid being influenced by what the media's image of the perfect shape is. Actress Nicola Cavendish shares her experience of losing weight without losing her self-esteem. Garry Egger, who founded the weigh-loss program for men called "Gut Busters," explains the importance of eating differently, knowing what you eat, and adding exercise as part of your day's routine. 08DR/CC Closed-Captioned SCA 30 min. |
| Because we spend so much of our waking hours at work, our mental, physical and emotional health depends largely on the quality of our work environment. Here we learn that stress-related illness is reduced by half in work places where there is effective communication; we see how a Chevron Resources' plant partners in its community by allowing employees to do volunteer work; also we're shown some simple exercises we can do every day at our workplace. 08DR/CC Closed-Captioned SCA 30 min. |
| Today, there is a lot to be said about humanizing the workplace. In this program we see examples of how being concerned about the health and welfare of employees benefits many businesses. We meet Chris Klaiber, whose learning disability kept him from succeeding in the past, but a work-training program for handicapped people, called Teamwork, helped him find the right employee and things are working just fine. Next, we meet Robert Shad, CEO of Husky Injection Mouldings, whose business brings in over a billion dollars yearly; still he believes in hard work, health food and homeopathy. Elizabeth Healey and Ann de Pominville promote the importance of spirituality among employees; also we see the soothing effects of aromatherapy in various work areas. 08DR/CC Closed-Captioned SCA 30 min. |