Hear Voices in the Family Mondays at noon, with a repeat broadcast Sunday at 6 a.m.

Many of our past programs can also be heard anytime via Real Audio. Here are some helpful hints for using Real Audio.

Past programs - March 1999

3/01/99
The Impact of Welfare Reform

The first week of March marks the beginning of the end of welfare as we know it. We have discussed the politics and economics of welfare on 91 fm, but Voices in the Family will put a human face on welfare reform. We'll take an in-depth look at what will happen to poor families and the services they receive, and we'll explore how these changes will affect families, children, and our future. Is there a cycle of poverty, and will the welfare reform help to break it? We will hear from Philadelphia deputy mayor Donna Cooper who will explain what these changes mean to Philadelphia. We'll also be joined by an expert who has worked with poor families for years, and who counsels agencies on changing the services they provide for poor families.

3/8/99
ADD, ADHD, and Ritalin

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With increasing numbers of children being diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder, ADD, many experts and concerned parents have begun to challenge the effectiveness of psychostimulant Ritalin in treating ADD. Ritalin is also heavily prescribed in the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. The drug's properties have been likened to those of cocaine and amphetamines, and the use of Ritalin is highly controversial. Psychologist Richard DeGrandpre argues in his new book "Ritalin Nation" that our modern, technological emphasis on speed is to blame for the increase in sensory deficits in American children. DeGrandpre argues that Ritalin feeds into this obsession with speed by helping children keep up with society's fast pace. DeGrandpre's findings are controversial, and Ritalin does help children affected by ADD and ADHD focus. Research surrounding ADD and ADHD can be very confusing, and Voices in the Family will shed some light on the latest findings. We'll be joined by DeGrandpre and by Dr. Jim Kurastis from Philadelphia's Children's Seashore House who will debate DeGrandpre's book.

3/15/99
Overcoming Modern Life's Hang-ups

If you had to name the things that make your life difficult, what would they be? Well, most people we asked told the Voices' team that they are plagued by a lack of time, that they feel like they are always running behind schedule and against the clock, that there is always too much work and too little time to get it done. So how can you reduce stress in your life and become more effective? Eva Blackwell will sit in on this special edition of Voices in the Family, and talk with some nationally known experts and authors about how to reduce stress, how to manage your time effectively, and how to get organized. Don't miss it, it could change the way you do everything!

3/22/99
The Best of Voices in the Family

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We'll bring you excerpts from some recent Voices in the Family favorites, Like Dan Gottlieb's interview with author Olivia Mellon, who is an expert on the psychology of money. We'll hear parts of our special program "A Change of Heart," a compelling interview with patients waiting for a heart transplant. And we'll give you another opportunity to hear parts of our program on forgiveness.

3/29/99
The Body at Rest

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Inadequate sleep is a national problem that affects nearly two-thirds of Americans. In addition, more than forty million Americans suffer from sleep disorders such as insomnia. Long-term sleep deprivation can lead to serious medical conditions and mental illness. Voices in the Family will kick off National Sleep Awareness Week with a program on sleep and rest. We'll talk about how much sleep is enough, how to make sure you sleep well, and we will explore other forms of rest and relaxation such as Yoga and meditation.