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:

Beloved Chicago comedian Bernie Mac died two years ago this month. Comedian George Willborn and Bernie Mac's daughter talk about the little known disease that took his life and what's being done to raise awareness. Bernie Mac Foundation

Now that the first wave in health care changes has begun, how will they impact you? We talk with the state director of insurance to find out. Find out about the new health insurance changes from the Illinois Department of Insurance

For two years a state website provided physicians' records, but earlier this year the law mandating this database was struck down. Should the state resurrect the database? We hear from both sides of this healthcare issue. Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation House Bill 6409

Has electroconvulsive therapy been unfairly given a bad name? We speak with one woman who claims the treatment saved her life. Carol Kivler's website: Courageous Discovery National Alliance on Mental Illness

We learn about the breakthroughs -- and setbacks -- in recent Alzheimer's research. Alzheimer's Association website

The Chicago area has the worst heroin problem in the nation, according to a study tracking heroin-related visits to emergency rooms. The new head of the Chicago Drug Enforcement Administration tells us what law enforcement is doing about it. Watch part one of Chicago Tonight's 2009 story on the heroin crisis in the suburbs Watch part two

We find out how the Greater Chicago Food Depository has helped kids receive nutritious meals during the summer months.

We'll meet a fourth-generation herbal medicine doctor in Chinatown.

She trailed President Clinton on his jogs, carted a defibrillator to more than 100 countries, and often rode in the Secret Service "decoy" limousine. We'll hear from Dr. Connie Mariano, who spent nine years as the White House physician. More about Dr. Mariano

An apple a day keeps the doctor away -- we've all heard this childhood saying, but Americans sure seem to enjoy having their doctors around. The author of a new book is here to talk about our infatuation with medical care. Read The Treatment Trap blog

We meet a local woman who isn't letting ALS keep her from working. KissMyAls.com