Line One: Your Health Connection Alaska Public Media

Tuberculosis is a disease with a complicated history in Alaska. For decades, the state has led the country in rates of infection, but care for people with tuberculosis has a history of discrimination and mistreatment. However, treatments have changed and health workers say cases are especially high right now. On this Line One, host Dr. Justin Clark explores the scope of tuberculosis in Alaska, and the treatments for those who have it.

Traumatic brain injuries or TBIs occur with more frequency than we are aware and the lasting effects are also high; not every injury is apparent thus many go undiagnosed and don’t get the services and treatments needed to heal. TBIs bring hundreds of Alaskans to our major medical centers each year and can be the result of accidents or medical conditions such as seizure or stroke. On this episode of Line One, Dr. Jillian Woodruff MD explores how to prevent and treat TBIs.

Everybody has suffered from a headache at some point in their lives. But when are headaches abnormal? There are many types of headaches, and the symptoms and treatments for each are very different. How are headaches related to chronic pain and pain management treatment plans? Join host Dr Justin Clark as he explores headaches and chronic pain management.

Living in Alaska in the Winter can be challenging for many of us. The darkness, cold, ice and snow make it challenging to get out, be active, and stay connected. Imagine trying to face these challenges if you are elderly, blind or in a wheelchair. On this next Line One, Prentiss Pemberton speaks with guests from the Alaska Center For The Blind And Visually Impaired to discuss the challenges and possible solutions for people with disabilities in the Winter.

Approximately 1 in 5 heterosexual couples struggle to achieve pregnancy after 1 year of trying to conceive in the U.S. Only 12% of women use fertility services to receive help conceiving a child. In Alaska we have not had access to specialized assisted reproductive procedures that are now available. What are the causes of infertility? When should you see an infertility specialist? What help is available to achieve pregnancy? Dr. Jillian Woodruff and her guest share these answers with you to help achieve a healthy pregnancy.

People aged 13 to 23, referred to as transition aged youths, are when serious mental health disorders are often first discovered. Research shows that early treatment significantly decreases hospitalization and increases participation in school and employment. Many resources are now available in our community including the Power Center and Alaska Seeds of Change. In this episode of Line One, Dr Justin Clark explores these resources and much more about mental health.