SECOND OPINION WITH JOAN LUNDEN Season 17
#1701 Coronavirus
Before the beginning of 2020, many people had never heard the word “coronavirus.” But coronaviruses are not new. Researchers have been studying coronaviruses for decades. As COVID-19 appeared in 2019, lives changed forever. However, long before the World Health Organization announced the COVID-19 pandemic, coronaviruses had been making people sick in familiar ways, such as with the common cold. This episode discusses COVID-19, as well as all coronaviruses.
#1702 Racial Disparities in Health
All across America, there are large and persistent racial differences in health and accessing healthcare. People of color get sick at younger ages and die sooner than white people. Compared with whites, members of racial and ethnic minorities are less likely to receive preventive health services and often receive lower-quality care. Addressing health disparities is increasingly important as our population becomes more diverse. Never has the disparity in access to healthcare become more obvious than with the pandemic of COVID-19. This episode examines the racial disparities that exist in health and healthcare in the U.S.
#1703 Alzheimer’s: A Public Health Crisis
Alzheimer’s Disease is an under-recognized public health crisis. And while the word Alzheimer’s strikes fear in aging Americans more than any other word, globally the number of people diagnosed is expected to double every 20 years. Not only does Alzheimer’s come with a tremendous cost to our healthcare system, it takes an emotional toll on families as they care for their loved ones, while watching them slip away. This episode discusses Alzheimer’s Disease from a caregiver and a public health perspective.
#1704 Millennial Health II
Millennials were born between the years 1981 and 1996. At 73 million, they are the largest, most educated, and most connected generation ever. They make up the greatest percentage of the population and the labor force. They are also the least healthy generation in recent times and they are experiencing declining health faster than any other recent generation before them. How their health plays out in the years ahead will determine the overall health of America. This episode discusses the issue of Millennial Health.
#1705 Conquering Obesity
Adult obesity is associated with a decrease in life expectancy for both men and women, as well as an increase in chronic disease. It is estimated that 163 million adults in the U.S. are overweight or obese – two thirds of men, and more than 60% of women. The damage to health is staggering, but people still struggle every day to drop the pounds. Everyone has different reasons for wanting to lose weight and keep it off, and this episode discusses the challenges and solutions for sustained weight loss.
31706 Caregiving: The Sandwich Generation
In 1981 the term “sandwich generation” was coined to describe a group of Americans who are caring for children under the age of 18 and older relatives at the same time. Today, millions of families are facing the dual challenge of sandwich caregiving as the population ages and Americans are having children later. This episode focuses on these caregivers.
#1707 Anxiety
Anxiety is the most common mental-health disorder in the United States, affecting nearly one-third of both adolescents and adults. According to new research, millennials have become the most anxious generation in history. This episode discusses what anxiety is, what causes it, and how it can be treated.
#1708 Heart Disease in Women
Heart Disease is the leading cause of death and disability for women in the United States. Yet, somehow Heart Disease is often overlooked as a major women’s health issue. It is the cause of death for 1 in 5 women in the U.S., and heart disease and stroke combined cause the death of 1 in 3 women every year. That’s more than all cancers combined. But 80% of cardiac and stroke events can be prevented. This episode digs into the issue of heart disease in women and how we can lower cardiac risk and death.
#1709 Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s Disease is the fastest growing neurological disorder in the world. It affects nearly one million people in the United States and more than six million people worldwide. The symptoms generally develop slowly over years, sometimes starting with a barely noticeable tremor in just one hand. While tremors are common in Parkinson’s, the disease progression is unique to each person. This episode looks at the causes and treatments of Parkinson’s Disease, and the search for a cure.
#1710 The Cancer Spouse
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide, and this diagnosis not only brings physical challenges, but significant emotional and psychological challenges, as well. It is something no one wants to face alone. The spouse of the cancer patient feels the impact of the diagnosis, and their support can be crucial to recovery. The couple goes through cancer together. This episode takes on the topic of “The Cancer Spouse.”