The Brain-Body Connection

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Description

Every year it becomes more apparent that mental and physical health are closely intertwined. This program, hosted by noted journalist Garrick Utley, presents research on the link between depression and disease, the brain's role in athletic performance, and the treatment of chronic pain. Experts from the National Institute of Mental Health, Harvard Medical School, The Salk Institute, and elsewhere share their remarkable findings on topics such as the relationship between depression and platelet clotting, how synapses are hardwired, and the development of a drug to block the encoding of pain memories. The program features segments with singer Judy Collins, who struggles with depression; major league baseball pitcher Orel Hershiser; and Joffrey Ballet dancer Taryn Kaschock, who copes every day with the pain of scoliosis.