Beginning with mankind’s earliest recorded history, infectious disease has taken the lives of more humans than all wars, famines and natural disasters combined—not by a narrow margin but by an overwhelming landslide. Before the birth of modern science, losses to these unseen enemies were routinely blamed on the collective sins of man and the wrath of angry gods. Over the course of centuries, man’s ongoing inability to comprehend the microbial...

COPD stands for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, a group of 5 lung diseases that limits the flow of air into and out of your lungs. This program is part of our respiratory series designed to comply with the Joint Commission standards for education of patients and family.

Whether in the acute care setting, long term care or the home, a good cardiovascular assessment will direct the client's outcome. This program will provide your staff with a comprehensive review of the anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular system and major cardiovascular diseases.

In this video program, the concept of resilience is explored, using the experience of a woman who is dealing with a chronic health problem plus the experience of her family. Factors contributing to the development and maintenance of resilience are illustrated, including the role of health professionals in this process. Co-developed with Doreen Dawe, MUN School of Nursing.

Heart disease affects the arteries of the heart and is caused by a build up of fatty deposits, which cause a narrowing of the artery, making it difficult for blood to pass through effectively. Heart disease affects almost 700,000 people in Australia. This 'Speaking from experience' program offers first-hand accounts from 10 people living with heart disease, including some partners. They share what it's like to live with the condition and how it has...

Cardiomyopathy is a weakness of the heart muscle. It has many causes and often leads to heart failure when the needs of the body are not met by the weakened heart. It is estimated that 300,000 Australians are living with heart failure. Not all people with cardiomyopathy develop symptoms of heart failure. Heart failure symptoms include shortness of breath, fatigue and fluid retention causing swelling of the ankles, legs and abdomen. Sometimes the first...

COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) is a long term disease of the lungs which causes shortness of breath and includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis. It is one of the leading causes of death and preventable hospitalisation in Australia and places a heavy burden on patients and the healthcare system. While there is no cure for COPD, the disease can be managed to help people breathe easier, stay out of hospital and improve their quality of...

Demonstrates how a person with coronary disease can improve their health. As part of our cardiovascular series, it is designed to comply with the Joint Commission standards for education of patients and family.

Boy in the plastic bubble: Based on the true story of a boy born without natural immunities, forced to grow up a prisoner in the physical and emotional confines of a germ free plastic room. A special astronaut's suit gives the boy freedom to move around. He eventually falls in love with the girl next door. He must then choose between confinement and life, or the freedom to love at the risk of fatal infection. Katherine: Based on the life of Diana...

Huntington's disease (HD) is an inherited brain disorder passed from parent to child via a defective gene. Onset usually occurs at age 35-45 years, after which people experience a steady decline over the next 20 years or so. This Speaking from experience program offers offer first-hand accounts from people who have experienced Huntington's disease. It was produced in partnership with Huntington's Disease Association of Victoria.