Ann Posted March 29, 2006 Share Posted March 29, 2006 PBS Documentary Airs Wednesday Dana Reeve would be alive only about three more months when she taped an introduction to the two-hour PBS documentary "The New Medicine." The widow of paralyzed "Superman" actor Christopher Reeve was battling lung cacner diagnosed last summer, but was upbeat that late November day of the taping. "She was very hopeful at that point that she would survive," director Muffie Myer recalled. "She was buying Christmas presents for her son that day and really had a tremendous amount of energy. She seemed wonderful, and very, very grounded and strong." In her introduction to the first segment of "The New Medicine," Reeve tells viewers: "Your emotional state has a tremendous amount to do with sickness, health and well-being. For years, my husband and I lived on- and because of - hope. Hope continues to give me the mental strength to carry on." The project was the last she is known to have completed before her March 6 death, and it was a fitting one: "The New Medicine" which debuts at 9 p.m. Wednesday on PBS, looks at how mainstream doctors are embracing treatment of the whole patient - not just the symptoms of the disease. Reeve's appearance after her death unintentionally underscores one of the central points of the documentary: Holistic medicine is a tool for fighting illness - not a cure-all. "Part of the challenge is we get patients all the time that are really looking for a magic cure," said Dr. Tracy Gaudet, an OB-GYN who heads the Duke Center for Integrative Medicine in Durham. "We're not in the business of magic cures: we're in the business of good medicine." The Duke Center uses any available technique - from alternative to mainstream - that might improve a patient's experience and outcome, Gaudet said. Accepted practices include herbal supplements, acupuncture, massage and meditation. In an off-camera interview with the film's producers on the day she taped her introductions, Reeve said she was doing "creative image work" - evoking images and sensations as a cue to the body to relax. With her doctor's blessing, she said, she was taking botanical supplements along with prescribed medicines. "The New Medicine" airs tonight at 9:00 on PBS www.thenewmedicine.org http://dukehealth1.org/health_services/ ... dicine.asp Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Donna G Posted March 29, 2006 Share Posted March 29, 2006 Got my TV guide for this evening marked! Thanks for the reminder. Donna G Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jyoung20 Posted March 29, 2006 Share Posted March 29, 2006 Thank you so much for the reminder, I had totally forgotten. GOD BLESS!! Jamie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carleen Posted March 29, 2006 Share Posted March 29, 2006 Thanks Ann, I'll have to look for it... Now that's 9 Eastern Time? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ann Posted March 29, 2006 Author Share Posted March 29, 2006 Carleen...I'm assuming it's 9:00 Eastern time, since it was listed that way in my paper and I'm Eastern time. You always are thinking!!! I'm so envious of your mind!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carleen Posted March 29, 2006 Share Posted March 29, 2006 Wow, I think you've got to be the first person to ever say that. Those who know and love me here in person would best decribe me as scatterbrained most of the time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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