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March 19, 2008

“Art of Aging” tackles sensitive issues, offers encouraging advice

Two new episodes, featuring Group Health doctors, to air on KCTS March 30 and April 6

Seattle—Is there such thing as male menopause? How do couples keep romance alive as they age? What challenges do older, widowed people face once they start dating again? These are a few of the sensitive topics addressed in the “The Art of Aging,” a locally produced documentary film series that promotes an activist approach to staying healthy as we grow older. KCTS 9, Seattle’s PBS affiliate, will present two new episodes this spring, featuring two Group Health doctors: Eric Larson, MD, MPH, executive director of the Group Health Center for Health Studies; and Lester Thompson, MD, urologist.

“Sexuality, Menopause, and Andropause,” airs at 1 p.m. on Sunday, March 30. Drs. Larson and Thompson join University of Washington Sociologist Pepper Schwartz, PhD, and other experts to explore how aging changes the body in ways that affect sexual function. They also share tips for staying physically and socially active, which can invigorate bodies and relationships, leading to more satisfaction and happiness.

The following episode, “Caregiving, Community, and Diabetes”—which airs at 1 p.m. on Sunday, April 6—views how local families and their communities are coping with chronic health problems that often come with age, conditions such as diabetes and Alzheimer's disease. With Dr. Larson, viewers learn that strong support systems and healthy habits are key. Renowned Seattle Chef Tom Douglas provides a light-hearted lesson in cooking greens. And local residents tell how regular exercise helps reduce health risks and control symptoms of chronic illness."

Colorful, animated segments in both episodes provide quick, easy tutorials on complex health problems such as enlarged prostate and diabetes.

Ron Reagan hosts the series produced by local film-maker Michelle Mansfield, who has won Emmy, Telly, and CINE Golden Eagle awards, among others.

In addition to Drs. Larson and Thompson, experts featured in the two new episodes are:

• Maxine Hayes, state health officer, Washington Department of Health
• Susan M. McCurry, PhD, research professor at the University of Washington (UW) Department of Psychosocial and Community Health
• Steven Kahn, MD, VA Puget Sound Health Care System and UW Professor of Medicine
• Eudora Lowery Carter, diabetes educator and community liaison, Center for MultiCultural Health
• Nancy Fugate Woods, PhD, RN, dean of the UW School of Nursing
• Lisa Holtby, yoga instructor and author of Healing Yoga for People Living with Cancer

Each episode of The Art of Aging will be available via Comcast On Demand for seven days after broadcast.

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