Medical News

Nine years ago one of the most infectious and dangerous bacteria known to man robbed Gerry Elsdon, Global TB Ambassador for the Red Cross, of her chances of having children. And she's not alone - it's estimated that someone is infected with Tuberculosis every second. But there's hope, because dedicated and passionate South African scientists are using cutting-edge medical technology to treat and diagnose TB. Carte Blanche Medical looks at encapsulating TB drugs into nano-particles and research that finds its roots in the fight against bio-terrorism.

There are only two photographs of Henrietta Lacks in existence. This struggling tobacco farmer died of cancer aged 31 in the American state of Virginia. But, of all ordinary human beings, she is believed to have had the most significant impact on modern medicine. Vaccines for polio and countless other diseases have been traced back to her, and her cells also played a part in uncovering the secrets of cancer, the effects of the atom bomb on human beings, and even made possible ground-breaking advances like in vitro fertilization, cloning and gene mapping. And it's all because Henrietta's cells somehow didn't die in a lab like other human cells. Carte Blanche Medical brings you the remarkable story of so-called 'HeLa' cells - which even exist in South African labs.

Founded several centuries ago when bloodletting was the norm, homeopathy was perceived as a gentler, more caring way of treating illness. But this treatment method - which claims largely positive results - is often criticised by mainstream medicine. And many have questioned its legitimacy to treat illnesses like sinus, flu and gastro-intestinal conditions saying it is as accurate as "throwing the bones'. Carte Blanche Medical investigates homeopathy and asks why lack of respect is one of the biggest stumbling blocks to its acceptance.

Four years ago, Natasha Minny was overweight, and suffered from Diabetes Type-2, high blood pressure and severe depression. Similarly, an overweight Alex Vowles suffered chronic pain and was also diagnosed with Diabetes. They are among 240 million people worldwide who have Diabetes Mellitus Type-2. And 90% of sufferers are obese. It's conventionally managed with an insulin-controlling drug, exercise and diet, which slows down, but doesn't cure, the disease. Now, surgeons the world over report that a gastric bypass procedure - intended to treat obesity by making the stomach smaller and bypassing parts of the bowel - cures Type-2 diabetes. Carte Blanche Medical investigates a phenomenal medical development in a disease previously considered incurable.

Tooth decay is said to be the most chronic disease known to mankind. In many parts of the world it has been proven that, by drinking water with optimal levels of fluoride, tooth cavities are reduced by up to 60%. Most developed countries fluoridate their water, so why doesn't South Africa? Government's policies for putting fluoride into our water have been passed. Carte Blanche Medical investigates the debate holding back fluoridation and asks whether this developing country, with its enormous burden of disease, can afford to ignore the facts about fluoride.

Anyone who has ever tried to give a small child medicine knows how difficult it can be. And its even harder when a little one has HIV and the medicine is an unpleasant anti-retroviral designed with adults in mind. Clever Wits University scientists have now brought an innovation to the fore that could change all that. They show Carte Blanche Medical how a tasteless wafer placed under the tongue or inside the cheek forms a gel that encapsulates the drug and ensures efficient entry into the bloodstream. Best of all, the so-called Wafer Matrix technology allows for different drugs to be layered onto the wafer to ultimately treat a wide range of life-threatening illnesses.

Why not swop your desk chair for a balance ball? What about those neck and shoulder muscles that can get pretty tense when you sit at a computer too long? Carte Blanche Medical brings you more exercises that you can do at your desk, when you're just too busy to get to the gym - exercises that not only work the muscles, but also improve circulation - and all while you are actually hard at work.

People like Dr Ali Bacher - and even the subject of Da Vinci's Mona Lisa - have the most common genetically determined disease globally - high cholesterol or Familial Hypercholesterolemia. Unmanaged, they live at great risk of dying of heart disease. Carte Blanche Medical explores the way in which Statin drugs significantly decrease blood cholesterol in people with chronic levels - and who inherited the condition from both parents. We also see how those with moderately high cholesterol levels can benefit from lifestyle changes that are key to managing this condition.

Carte Blanche Medical has investigated the high rate of Caesarean sections at South Africa's private hospitals and found it to be 70 percent - far more than the 15 percent recommended by the World Health Organisation. Midwives and trained labour assistants are trying to bring down the C-section rate through their support of mums-to-be and natural birthing. And, as her contractions begin, we join Karen de Melo - who has opted for a water birth for her bouncing baby boy.

Do you spend hours sitting at your desk wishing you had the time to hit the gym and stretch those weary neck and back muscles and get the blood surging through your stressed body? Carte Blanche Medical brings viewers another set of our Deskercises - exercises that not only work the muscles, but also improve circulation - while you are seated at your desk, supposedly hard at work.

Alzheimer's disease is one of over a hundred types of dementia that afflict the elderly. In South Africa, up to 35 000 people suffer from this frightening progressive brain dysfunction. Carte Blanche Medical talks to Fred Bird, in the early stages of the disease. We also meet Maureen Jutzen - struck down by vascular dementia - closely related to Alzheimer's - ten years ago. The World Health Organisation has declared Alzheimer's a priority disease, in need of more research and now exciting research findings have linked it to excess deposits of a protein present in all of us.

Alzheimer's disease is one of over a hundred types of dementia that afflict the elderly. In South Africa, up to 35 000 people suffer from this frightening progressive brain dysfunction. Carte Blanche Medical talks to Fred Bird, in the early stages of the disease. We also meet Maureen Jutzen - struck down by vascular dementia - closely related to Alzheimer's - ten years ago. The World Health Organisation has declared Alzheimer's a priority disease, in need of more research and now exciting research findings have linked it to excess deposits of a protein present in all of us.

Language problems, mood swings and disorientation are typical signs of Alzheimer's and while there's no known cure, early warning signs hint at the onset of this condition - one of the most frightening forms of mental decline in the elderly. Experts tell Carte Blanche Medical that a healthy lifestyle is the most important factor in slowing Alzheimer's down, even before the signs are obvious.