Voices In The Family

November 2007

11/05/07
Genetic Testing and Families
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There are close to 900 genetic tests available, and the field is evolving rapidly. But what do the test results mean to families affected by genetic disease? Is knowing better than not knowing? Dan Gottlieb and his guests will explore genetic testing and how families can handle the results. We'll be joined by Barbara Bernhardt, MS, CGC, Board certified genetic counselor and clinical associate professor of medicine at University of Pennsylvania. We will also hear from a family affected by genetic disorder. Later on the show, we'll discuss the issue of hope and genetic science with Dr. Jerome Groopman, author of "The Anatomy of Hope".

This program is made possible with support from The DNA Files, a project of SoundVision Productions.

11/12/07
Male/Female Friendships
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Can men and women be just friends? Movies like "when Harry Met Sally" famously say no to this question, but many experts agree that platonic friendships between members of the opposite sex are possible - and they are much more common today than they were a few decades ago. Dan Gottlieb and his guests will discuss the challenges and rewards of male/female friendships. We'll be joined by Linda Sapadin, Ph.D, psychologist in private practice and author, along with Prof. Mike Monsour, PhD of the University of Illinois.

11/19/07
Chronic Pain
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Ten percent of Americans suffer with Chronic Pain, and the impact on their lives is often severe. Chronic pain affects family relationships, work place performance, and leisure time options. It can lead to depression and anxiety. But there are many new treatments that offer hope for pain reduction and management. Dan Gottlieb and his guests will examine chronic pain, its effects, treatment, and management. We'll be joined by Sarah Whitman and Paul Christo. Whitman is clinical assistant professor in the department of Psychiatry at Drexel University, she's also in private practice, specializing in chronic pain management, and hosts the website www.howtocopewithpain.org. Paul J. Christo is the Multidisciplinary Pain Fellowship Director for the Pain Treatment Center at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

11/26/07
Teens and the Internet
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When your kids are online, do you know what they are doing? Are they using the internet to learn, research school assignments, talk to friends, or are they chatting with strangers? Many parents are concerned about the dangers of the internet, and fear that it's a place where sexual predators lurk. During this edition of Voices in the Family, we will listen to excerpts from a recent panel discussion on teens and internet use. It was part of our "In the Spirit of Family" series, presented by WHYY's Children's Service. Dan Gottlieb and a panel of experts will discuss how adolescents can use the internet safely, and how parents can stay involved and know what their teens are doing online.