Dying with Dignity 1-800-495-6156

 

Program 12, December 19 2000

Polycistic Ovary Syndrome

Infertility on its own, is deeply painful. But on top of their inability to conceive, women with a syndrome known as PCOS have to cope with excess weight, hair in odd places and irregular periods.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is one of the leading causes of infertility in women, but few of us have heard of it.  As we discovered, a diagnosis might give these women an explanation for their symptoms, but they hope that by speaking out, the rest of us might understand their struggle.

Physician-Assisted Suicide

Who can forget the picture of Sue Rodriguez, stricken with Lou Gehrig's disease, barely able to breathe or talk, but fighting for her right to die.  In the end, Ms. Rodriguez got herphysician-assisted suicide, but not legally. 

Is it time for Canada to legalize euthanasia like they have in Holland and Oregon?  Moira McQueen says no.  She teaches medical ethics at the University of Toronto.  Cynthia St. John says physician-assisted suicide is already a reality.   She's a member of Dying With Dignity.

Originally Aired

October 17th:

Health Problems of Shift Workers.

Shift workers not only run the risk of work-related accidents, their personal health is in jeopardy as well. Shift workers have significantly higher rates of stomach ailments, heart problems, depression and obesity. Your Health looks at how people who have to work shifts can we manage it more safely.

Originally Aired

October 17th:

Community Treatment Orders

Ontario is joining Saskatchewan, British Columbia and Alberta in introducing Community Treatment Orders....a method of forcing the mentally ill to take their medications. But do these orders really protect the patients and their families? What about the rights of people with mental illness to refuse treatment?