Vaccination Battle
Contagious diseases that were long thought to be under control are returning in alarming numbers. Health officials believe these spikes may be a result of more and more parents waiting to vaccinate or not vaccinating their children at all. As a result, the state of California has mandated the Whooping Cough vaccine for all students from 7th to 12th grade. Correspondent Laurel Erickson explores why 'Personal Belief Exemptions' have increased four-fold in recent years, with some parents more concerned about the vaccines than the diseases they prevent.
Continuing the health theme, we take a look at diabetes among African-Americans. The rate has tripled in the last 30 years. Today over 3 million black men have the disease - 12 percent in Los Angeles alone. Podiatrist Dr. Bill Releford has dedicated his life to decreasing that statistic. Every weekend, he makes house calls at local barbershops spreading the word about the dangers of diabetes. Anyone who comes by gets a trim and a free check-up, as well as advice on healthy eating. Releford hopes his barbershop clinics will keep these men from becoming his long-term patients.
Finally, satirist Brian Unger opines about the high cost of animal healthcare.