What's behind rising rates of asthma, autism and other childhood diseases baffling doctors? A new long-term study launching in Cook County hopes to find out, and we tell you how your family can participate. To find out more visit The Greater Chicago Study Center online or call 1-866-315-7124

Hundreds of millions of gallons of water flow throughout Chicago taps every day. But is the water safe to drink? A recent environmental study has set off alarms on Capitol Hill and at the EPA. Ash-har Quraishi takes a look at "Chromium-6." Chromium-6 Study (PDF link)

'Tis the Season for anxiety. We speak with an expert on behavioral science who offers suggestions on how to keep calm during the holidays. Little Ways to Keep Calm and Carry On: Twenty Lessons for Managing Worry, Anxiety, and Fear

We talk with provocative sex columnist and Chicago native Dan Savage about his life and his latest project. Listen to his talk at the Chicago Humanities Festival

Concussions are up by more than 20 percent in the NFL this year, including one to Bears quarterback Jay Cutler. Eddie Arruza talks with leaders in the field of head injuries about this, concussions sustained by children, and much more. Mayo Clinic's information about concussions

Earlier this year we met Anne Marie Schlekeway, who had lost her voice to ALS, or Lou Gehrig's disease. Anne Marie died late last week. We revisit the story of this remarkable woman. KissMyALS.com Read Anne Marie's final blog post

We have your thoughts on whether non-nurse midwives should be allowed to deliver babies in Illinois

We get an update on the state of AIDS on this World AIDS Day. AIDS Foundation of Chicago

Should midwives, without training as a doctor or nurse, be allowed to deliver babies in Illinois? We have more on the growing debate.

A new drug is being called a potential "game changer" in the battle against heart disease. Eddie Arruza and his panel have more on the latest findings in heart health. American Heart Association explanation of cholesterol

Is an aging population remaking the world? We talk with the author of a new book who says it definitely is and will explain how. Find out more about the book

Jay Shefsky looks at proton therapy for cancer as Illinois opens its first proton therapy facility. Advocates say it's better and safer than traditional radiation, but some doctors argue it's not worth the high cost. CDH Proton Center Dr. Ralph Weichselbaum

Fresh Medicine Did the Health reform bill alleviate the nation's health care crisis? One prominent politician says it made an obsolete system even worse. We talk to the Governor of Tennessee, the author of the new book Fresh Medicine: How to Fix, Reform and Build a Sustainable Health Care System.

A young mother's battle with breast cancer inspires an innovative approach to helping other women with the disease. The Karen Dove Cabral Foundation

We meet a Chicago man who contracted an incurable disease during the Gulf War that made it impossible for him to run, but now he runs 21 miles...to work.

A big week in Politics: The race for mayor focusing on White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel who's finally leaving Washington. But his residency may become an issue. A new CNN/Time poll indicates both the race for Senate and Governor are virtually tied. The highly controversial Health Care Reform finally becomes a reality but will it mean benefit cuts at McDonald's? And in sports, the still-undefeated Bears beat the penalty-plagued Packers. Guests: