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published on 02/07/2007
WTCI LAUNCHES PRIMETIME HEALTH INITIATIVE
By
WTCI-45
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Responding to the greatest health challenges facing the country today, WTCI is launching a primetime Health Initiative that will help local citizens come to grips with urgent health issues that threaten the lives of millions of people.
Beginning this month, WTCI will air a monthly series of health programs. A national PBS documentary about a leading health issue will be broadcast and supplemented with a follow-up discussion by a panel of medical experts. Also, a phone bank of local health experts will be in the studio to address questions called in by viewers.
The initiative will begin at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 14, when “Heart Disease: The Hidden Epidemic” airs on WTCI. The programs will combine compelling stories of individuals and families facing this medical condition, providing insight into the latest groundbreaking medical research to provide a full picture of the complex physiological, psychological and social factors that are driving the alarming prevalence of heart disease in America.
“This is programming with a vital purpose,” said Paul Grove, WTCI President and CEO. “This health initiative is designed to leverage the strengths of public broadcasting at the national and local levels. The ultimate goal is to help viewers take control of their health."
Heart disease is the number one cause of death in America. Twenty-three million Americans are living with the disease, a staggering 12 percent of the total population.
In 2005, Tennessee was ranked third highest in heart disease deaths in the nation, according to the Tennessee Department of Health. The risk for Tennesseans dying from heart disease in this period was 16 percent higher than the national average. Nine of every 10 Tennesseans say they have at least one "modifiable" risk factor for heart disease and stroke.
“We all know someone who has been touched by heart disease or stroke,” said Stan Gibert, Communications Director for the American heart Association. “And unlike many diseases which allow us some grace of acceptance, too often with a heart attack or stroke, the acute event happens and three days later, the loved one is laid to rest. This disease steals the opportunity to say goodbye.”
Dramatic personal stories in “Heart Disease: The Hidden Epidemic” include that of Ken Christianson, the rare recipient of two transplanted hearts, whom viewers meet at a critical stage following his second surgery; and Victor Galvani, an original and still active participant in the groundbreaking Framingham Heart Study, which since its launch in 1948 has changed the way modern medicine approaches the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of heart disease. Now 92, Galvani has been followed in the study by his son and grandson.
Local content will be hosted by Heidi Robinson and feature the community's top medical experts, and physicians, who present important strategies and practical tactics for improving the heart health. Panelists include Dr. Lee Whitaker, medical director for BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, Dr. Steven Austin, a cardiologist, Dr. James Marcum, a cardiologist for Chattanooga Heart Institute, Allan Lewis, Director of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Services for Memorial Hospital, and a patient that recently survived a battle with heart disease.
Manning the phones during the live broadcast will be registered nurses from the community and representatives from the American Heart Association. Viewers will have the ability to ask direct questions of the phone volunteers and/or direct questions to the panel members.
Major funding for this initiative has been provided by BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee with additional support from UnumProvident Corp.
WTCI is an essential educational resource committed to providing a wide range of learning opportunities for all people.
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