Alpha-1 Genetic Deficiency
Left untreated, alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency can seriously, even fatally, damage the liver and lungs. This program enables viewers to understand the incurable disorder and how it can be identified and treated. Computer-generated animation shows how AAT, a protein that facilitates lung function, can back up in the liver and never reach the lungs. Three case studies, including one featuring a lung transplant patient, help to explain AATD’s causes, symptoms, and lifestyle impact while outlining protein augmentation therapy and oxygen supplementation. Dr. Kyle Hogarth of the University of Chicago Medical Center and John Walsh, founder of the Alpha 1 Foundation, are featured in interviews. Run Time: 25 minutes
Diabetes: The Underestimated Threat – The Big 4: Fighting Modern Diseases
The most common diseases in our society today, cancer, Alzheimer's, heart disease and diabetes, are a concern for everyone. And yet, those who are diagnosed with them often feel helpless as they search for answers in a muddle of conflicting information. What can high-tech medicine do and not do? Are the latest therapies always the best ones? Where have the real successes been achieved in the battle against illness? Run Time: 43 minutes
Diseases of the Blood: Issues and Answers
Multiple myeloma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia are two blood cancers that are known to devastate the human immune system. In this program, Bart Barlogie of the Arkansas Cancer Research Center, Michael Keating of the M. D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, and other medical experts explore how breakthroughs in chemotherapy and other treatments including stem cell transplants can aid remission of multiple myeloma and CLL. The efforts of educational foundations to increase awareness, provide vital information and support to patients, and fund new research are also spotlighted. Run Time: 23 minutes
Emerging Diseases
An outbreak of mad cow disease shut down Britain’s cattle industry, resulting in the slaughter of hundreds of thousands of animals and costing the nation billions of dollars. What is mad cow disease, scientifically known as bovine spongiform encephalopathy? Could an outbreak happen in the U.S.? What other types of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies are out there? What precautions is the USDA taking to reduce the likelihood of occurrence and stem the spread of these degenerative neurological diseases among animals and people? And what might happen if those precautions fail? This program answers those and other questions as it sheds light on this emerging group of food-borne diseases. Chronic wasting disease, Norwalk virus, and bovine tuberculosis are also addressed. Correlates to the Health National Standards from the Joint Committee for National School Health Education and the American Cancer Society and the National Content Standards for Health according to the American School Health Association. A Cambridge Educational Production. Run Time: 17 minutes
Emerging Diseases: Prions and Viruses
In an increasingly global society, disease outbreaks are on the rise—and so is the need for epidemiology expertise. This program introduces students to vital information regarding the transmission, clinical features, diagnosis, treatment, vectors, prevention, and control of several communicable diseases. Students receive vital information on zoonotic diseases such as SARS, Rift Valley fever, and avian influenza, including steps typically taken to manage and mitigate the spread of these illnesses. Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease is also discussed. An experienced virology specialist discusses the science behind each of these diseases and current efforts to combat them. Viewable/printable educational resources are available online. Original title: Emerging Diseases: Prions, Viruses. Run Time: 29 minutes
The Forgotten Diseases: Kill or Cure, Series 3
Among the research and funding experts of the global health community, the “Big Three” diseases are AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. As urgent as it is to fight these illnesses, many others also need attention and aren’t getting it. These “forgotten diseases” include elephantiasis (or lymphatic filariasis), bilharzia (or schistosomiasis), and river blindness (or onchocerciasis), among others. This program examines the medical science at the core of all three afflictions while also discussing many of the economic and organizational challenges that are hindering action against them. Experts include Professor Alan Fenwick of Imperial College, London; Professor David Molyneux of the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine; Dr. Lorenzo Savioli of the WHO; and Dr. Chris Hentschel of the Medicines for Malaria Venture. A BBC Production. Part 10 of the series Kill or Cure: Series 3—From the BBC. Run Time: 25 minutes