Why do people grow old? Is it possible to slow down the aging process? These questions may one day be answered. But for now, the inevitability that each person will grow old is the one thing that all human beings have in common. This episode focuses on the psychological and physiological aspects of aging, and factors that assist older people in maintaining their health and functional independence. 

This program explores the factors that underlie domestic violence, child abuse, assault, and suicide, and the affect these acts have on emotional and physical health. 

Stroke is the most common sudden injury to the brain, the third leading cause of death in the U. S. and the principal cause of adult disability. This program follows the cases of two victims of stroke: a pregnant woman who suffered an aschemic stroke just two weeks before her baby was due, and a healthy middle-aged man who experienced a cerebral hemorrhage as he was preparing for work. Life, death, or how much recovery is possible is influenced by the care these victims receive in the first few hours after the stroke, and the speed with which they reach a hospital facility. 

Cancer is not a single disease; it is a constellation of more than 100 different diseases linked by a common characteristic: the abnormal growth of aberrant cells within the body. Although cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States, many cancers can be cured, especially if detected early. The fact that individual types of cancer tend to be more prevalent among specific groups of people is one avenue of research that investigators examine in their attempt to isolate factors that play a role in cancer's development. In addition, this program focuses on the biological and environmental factors that lead to cancer, and the importance of early detection and a healthy lifestyle in its cure. 

This episode takes a dual look at two drugs - tobacco and alcohol - not illegal in the strict sense of the term, but potentially devastating to the health of those who are addicted. 

A range of cultural issues and attitudes surrounds death and dying. Certainly the age of the dying person, the extent of the illness or injury, as well as the legal and ethical ramifications, are factors that need to be considered in prolonging life and continuing medical support. In recent years, the hospice movement has provided valuable assistance for many dying persons and their families. Because the death of a loved one can have significant health consequences for family and friends, the support provided by familial and social networks plays an extremely important role in easing the pain of separation and loss. 

Few people would disagree with the statement that nutrition is essential for sustenance, health, and well being. What may be surprising, however, is the health cost of nutritional illiteracy. Discarding fads and fancy, this program looks at the critical elements of good nutrition, factors that influence eating habits, and how well-informed consumers can make good nutritional decisions for themselves and their families. 

This program examines chronic conditions that most frequently limit the activities of people in various age categories: under the age of 18, young and middle-aged adults, and adults 65 and older. It also looks at the factors that influence whether or not a disease, developmental condition, or injury leads to disability. Two chronic conditions - diabetes and arthritis - are studied in greater depth. 

This program examines the prenatal environment of the developing fetus, and those factors and conditions that impinge upon the developmental process. New procedures for detecting and intervening in fetal problems are explored, as are various approaches to birthing and their effect on maternal health, infant health, and the psychosocial health of the evolving family unit. 

Although medical advances and lifestyle changes have made significant inroads in the fight against coronary heart disease, it is still the number one killer of both men and women in the United States. This program examines the risk factors that, when mitigated or reduced, decrease the possibility of atherosclerosis and the complications of heart disease. Symptoms of the disease are often different for men and women. But the treatment techniques that are shown for treating cardiovascular disease have advanced far beyond that which would have seemed possible only a few short years ago. 

This program chronicles and analyzes the balance between health and disease throughout the world community, looking specifically at segments of the population that are most at risk. 

Sexuality is an integral part of our humanness. This program explores the development of sexual behavior, and the range of sexual experience and preference that exist within society today. It also probes the question of whether or not the fear of the AIDS virus and other sexually-transmitted diseases has really caused sexual behavior patterns to change. 

Stress has been referred to as an inevitable consequence of modern life, and yet the fact that two people, in seemingly identical situations, may react quite differently to the same set of circumstances indicates that response to stress is individual. Since unrelieved stress can result in serious health problems, the program explores a variety of approaches that have been specifically designed to help individuals control their responses and cope with stress. 

Not long ago, people with cancer had few treatment options. Today, advances in technology and scientific research have increased the number of effective treatment approaches. Biomodulation, gene therapy, and angiogenesis-inhibiting drugs are now becoming partners with the more traditional forms of treatment. Surviving the physical ravages of cancer, however, is only part of the battle. Cancer exacts a psychological, social, and spiritual toll as well. Often the support of family and friends, and other cancer victims, can become an important factor in living with cancer. 

Adolescents and young adults are at the highest risk for contracting sexually transmitted diseases. These diseases, primarily caused by viruses and bacteria, are spread from one person to another during sexual activity. This program looks at the current incidence of STDs, and how the use of contraceptives not only protects sexual partners, but unborn children from contracting health problems associated with such diseases. 

Although the direct relationship between psychological health and physical health has long been recognized, there still is a great deal of misinformation and, to a degree, social stigma surrounding the subject of mental illness. This program looks at the epidemiology of mental disorders and promising treatment approaches that are emerging as researchers learn more about biology of such diseases. The diagnosis and treatment of depression—a leading illness throughout the world—and bulimia, a disease which affects teenagers and young adults, are probed in depth. 

The fascinating interplay between heredity and environment in determining the health of an individual begins at conception. With the completion of the Human Genome Project, research into the genetic links to disease and other aspects of the "human condition" is receiving a great deal of attention. In fact, the field of genetics is often referred to as the emerging frontier in the field of health and wellness. 

In recent years there has been graphic evidence of the increasing interest in health as a science, a profession, and a way of life. Although statistics generated by public health authorities attempt to codify just what "health" is for population groups as a whole, health is a much more personal concept. As this program will illustrate, an individual's state of well being, and susceptibility to disease, are influenced by a blending of factors. 

This program examines major health risks during infancy, early childhood, childhood, and adolescence and preventive strategies that are proving successful in decreasing the likelihood of debilitating illnesses and injuries. As the program illustrates, adolescent attitudes toward health, and their perception that death is decades away, influence teenage behavior patterns and affect well-being. As in each stage of the life cycle, health patterns established during this period can later impact the adult's health profile. 

This program compares the major ways in which the various levels of health care are delivered. . .examining the impact of new medical technologies, and contrasting managed care to more traditional approaches. Despite the expertise of health care workers, and technological advances in the field of medicine, individuals must assume a large measure of responsibility for their own health care. This program probes the relationship between the patient and members of the health care team and provides guidelines for assessing medical and health information, and for evaluating health care systems and providers.