October 1 #401 Tuberculosis—Many Americans assume tuberculosis is a disease of the past, but the reality is that one-third of the world’s population is infected with TB — an estimated 10 to 15 million people in the United States alone. SECOND OPINION explores this historic disease and what you need to know to protect yourself.
October 8 #402 Clinical Trials/Parkinson’s Disease—Medical research has helped us lead longer, healthier lives, but it has also sparked ethical concerns and contentious political debate. Through a Parkinson’s Disease case, panelists explore the controversial world of clinical trials and debate the potential gains and pitfalls of science on the edge.
October 15 #403 Macular Degeneration—Many Americans think loss of vision is a normal part of aging. Think again. The number one cause of vision loss is actually a disease called macular degeneration. This episode describes the disease and how you may be able to prevent it from compromising your vision.
October 22 #404 Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)—Heartburn is nothing to take lightly. For many people, heartburn can interrupt daily life and be the precursor to serious illnesses. The panel of experts on gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) discusses the diagnosis and treatment of GERD, as well as the symptoms you should not ignore.
October 29 #405 Memory Enhancement—Crossword puzzles, vitamins and classical music have all been promoted as tools for improving memory. Panelists discuss the recent theories and research surrounding memory enhancement and help viewers separate fact from fiction.
November 5 #406 Suicide—While youth suicides earn more news headlines, suicide rates in the United States actually increase with age. This powerful episode explores the devastating reality of suicide and what you should know about helping yourself or a loved one.
November 12 #407 Cardiac Breakthroughs—Heart disease is the number one killer in the U.S. With doctors and researchers racing to stop heart disease in its tracks, diagnostic
technology and treatment options are breaking new ground at astounding speed. But are there dangers? Can technology tell us too much? The experts dive into the high-tech world of cardiac care.
November 19 #408 Ovarian Cancer—One of the deadliest forms of cancer, ovarian cancer is also one of the few cancers through which genetic testing can determine a person’s susceptibility. This episode explores the challenges faced by a woman who is balancing the opportunity to know her genetic profile by way of limited diagnostic testing with the sometimes radical treatment options that are available. (SEOT #408, softfeed 11/19/07, 0900-0930)
November 26 #409 Addiction—Major advancements in neurological science are changing the way experts understand and treat addictive behavior. Learn from some of the country’s leading experts what the latest medical research tells us about treating addictive behaviors in men and women.
December 3 #410 Migraine—Often debilitating and misunderstood, migraine headaches and the options available to treat them are sources of much debate. Anger, frustration and desperation can plague both patients and physicians. The panel navigates a case of migraine and the often confusing information that surrounds pain management and prevention.
December 10 #411 Breast Cancer Recurrence—Survival rates for breast cancer continue to improve, but for some women, recurrence is a devastating reality. When cancer returns, a sense of failure can confront both the patient and health care provider. The SECOND OPINION expert panel explores a topic filled with both challenge and hope.
December 17 #412 Osteoarthritis—Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or just normal aging? Knowing the difference can affect patient care and quality of living. Experts discuss the real science behind the common degenerative disease arthritis — what you can do to help prevent it and the promising treatments on the horizon.
December 24 #413 Inflammation—Research indicates that inflammation underscores a significant percentage of heart disease, and some professionals believe that it may be the source of many complications of aging. The SECOND OPINION panelists explore the relationship between inflammation and disease, and what new treatments lie ahead.
