It's one of the greatest breakthroughs in scientific history, but genetic engineering has also brought disturbing new questions. Should we push genetic research to its absolute limit, exploiting every discovery? What are the consequences of intervening in nature's processes at their most fundamental level? Outlining the potential benefits of genetic engineering, such as the treatment or cure of hereditary diseases and the creation of better, more...

Medicine is gaining ground against chronic pain, thanks to determined doctors-and patients. This program explores what causes pain and looks at treatments involving medication, physical therapy, and alternative methods. Presenting interviews with physicians who have dedicated their careers to fighting chronic pain-including UC San Diego doctors Mark Wallace and Armelia Sani-the program also features commentary from patients who cope with it every...

Produced in San Francisco, a city rich in Chinese culture, this program explores the ancient healing techniques of Traditional Chinese Medicine, or TCM. Dr. Effie Poy Yew Chow, a registered nurse and one of the foremost experts in TCM, guides students through the philosophy and methods behind various TCM techniques-such as acupuncture, qi gong, and herbal remedies. Viewers will visit a lab that processes medicinal herbs and gain insight into the TCM...

To many, psoriasis is a simple, unsightly skin condition. But the disease is often severely inflammatory and has no known cause or cure. This program features patients who, thanks to recently developed treatments, have learned to manage psoriasis and maintain a satisfactory quality of life. Topics include plaque psoriasis, the most common type of the disorder, as well as psoriatic arthritis, at-risk populations, genetic components, T-cell abnormalities,...

Effective wound care extends far beyond disinfection and dressing. In fact, wound management is a cornerstone of proper hospitalization, and nurses and nursing assistants may be required to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate the care of wounds. In order to fulfill these roles, it is critical to have an understanding of the diverse procedures involved. This program illustrates skin anatomy in a wound-care context, explores wound classification,...

The use of hypnosis in medicine has a long history. In the early days of anesthesia, surgeons often used the trance-inducing technique as a fail-safe measure-and today the concept is being revisited. This program presents a scientific investigation into the idea that hypnosis can reduce or even replace the use of anesthesia. Exploring the merits of making the procedure available to more patients-especially those too weak for, or unsuited to, conventional...

Often mistaken for a psychological problem, fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that manifests as memory problems, sleep disturbances, and bowel and bladder irritability, along with the more commonly known symptom of pain throughout the body. In this program experts discuss how patients can be diagnosed, explain the possible causes of fibromyalgia, and identify the lifestyle changes and treatment methods that can assist those who have the condition...

Aching, pulling, searing, tingling, crawling-these are a few of the terms people with restless legs syndrome use to describe the condition's unpleasant sensations. But the major complaint of many RLS patients is how it interferes with their sleep, creating a domino effect that severely impacts work, relationships, and mental and physical health. In this program viewers learn what a bout of RLS feels like, what triggers an episode, who is at risk,...

Maintaining a patient's personal hygiene plays an important role in preventing disease, especially infection, as well as helping with comfort and body image issues. This program demonstrates basic care procedures and best practices for showering and bed bathing a patient in a professional and caring manner. Preparation steps for these procedures are included, as are dressing, grooming, sanitary, safety, and privacy needs. In addition to its effectiveness...

It can turn a hard-driving, energetic person into a walking zombie-exhausted, confused, and unable to work. This program sheds light on the mysterious illness known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, which has no known cause or cure. Case studies feature a former congressional worker who eventually found it impossible to perform her duties on Capitol Hill, and a clinical psychologist whose personal experience with CFS has helped others suffering from this...