Studio 619 for December 30, 2007

Anesthesia Awareness The new film Awake features a character who wakes up in the middle of his own open-heart surgery – but he can’t move or speak because he’s been paralyzed for the procedure. The movie is enlightening millions of people to the rare occurrence called "anesthesia awareness". Rick Howlett spoke to Dr. Laura Clark, Professor of Anesthesiology and Peri-Operative Medicine at the University of Louisville. Though she hadn’t seen the film at the time of the interview, they spoke about "anesthesia awareness" and just how often it occurs. Bluegrass Army DepotMost people can agree that new steps need to be taken to secure the chemical weapons stored at the Blue Grass Army Depot in central Kentucky. But the methods to that change could be many, and a variety of leaders have been working toward that change for years. Two men who are seemingly opposites when it comes to most topics are finding ways to work in consort on this particular project. Kentucky Public Radio’s Ron Smith reports.Renewable Energy From HydroRenewable energy isn’t as affordable (yet) as fossil fuel energy. But the growing green power market could help offset the cost… and encourage new green power development. That’s what’s happening for a small hydroelectric plant on the Kentucky River. WFPL’s Kristin Espeland reportsHealth issues for truckersTruck drivers are sometimes the most hated presence on the road. But without them – most of the country’s consumer goods wouldn’t get to their locations. Kentucky Public Radio’s Nicole Erwin examines the trucking industry, how it’s related to the nation’s economy and some of the challenges that face drivers.Well-Being TherapyThe holidays are sometimes a depressing time for people. And sure, we’ve all been down in the dumps at times. But how do you know when those spells of depression are really something more? And what can you do to change that? Millions of people throughout the world suffer from chronic depression. Dr. Giovanni Fava of the University of Bologna has developed a therapy method called "Well-Being Therapy". He spoke with WFPL’s Robin Fisher.Listen to the show.