On September 1, a new law took effect in Maryland requiring all newborns to be screened for Critical Congenital Heart Disease (CCHD). What’s behind the new law and why is screening for these heart issues so important? In this interview, Dr. Carissa Baker-Smith, assistant professor of pediatrics at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, discusses the new newborn screening, as well as symptoms and treatment for critical congenital heart disease.

The Hubble Space Telescope has captured the deepest view of the universe yet achieved. A new composite photograph from the Hubble Space Telescope shows some 5,500 galaxies in tiny field of view, including some dating back to just 450 million years after the big bang birth of the universe.

Back pain is one of the most common health problems in the United States, with eight out of 10 Americans experiencing an aching back at some point in their lives. From muscle strains to ruptured discs, we will be talking about some of the causes of back pain as well as treatments with Dr. Daniel Gelb, associate professor of orthopedics at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. Dr. Gelb is also an orthopedic surgeon at the University of Maryland Medical Center and co-director of the University of Maryland Spine Center.

What type of preemptive steps can be taken to protect U.S. computer networks and would these steps be taken only in cyberspace? Col. Cedric Leighton (ret) has 26 years experience as a Military Intelligence Officer in the United States Air Force specializing in cyber threats and security, network vulnerabilities and detection, internet privacy and cryptologic training. A former member of the Joint Staff, Pentagon, under Admiral Mullen and General Pace and Deputy Training Director for the National Security Agency (NSA) serving under General Keith Alexander, Cedric Leighton was responsible for training thousands of NSA military personnel in intelligence and cyber security detection, prevention and assessments.

The holiday season is supposed to be a time of good cheer, filled with parties and people and presents. But for many people, the holidays can be a time of sadness and stress.

In this interview, psychiatrist Dr. Steven Daviss of Baltimore Washington Medical Center shares some strategies on how to deal with holiday stress and depression, including how to know if it’s just the winter blues or something more serious. Dr. Daviss is also co-author of the book “Shrink Rap: Three Psychiatrists Explain Their Work.”

Do you have a question about holiday stress? Send us your question via Twitter with a tweet to @mptnews with the hashtag #yourhealth. Then tune in on December 17 at 7:30 p.m. to see if we use your question on the show!

Fred Bealefeld was the Police Commissioner of Baltimore City. Now, he is a faculty member in the criminal justice department at Stevenson University. He joins us with his perspective on the Newtown tragedy.

Join us for a Direct Connection preview of MPT's program, You Can Afford College. Learn about financial aid and paying for college. It's your chance to ask questions!

Consumer Electronics Association spokesperson Jim Barry talks about the hottest electronics for the holiday. Plus, he'll give shopping tips for this busy time of year.

Meteorologist Erica Grow joins us with a winter outlook, will the area have any major snow storms? We'll also take a look at global warming.

One in nine American women will get breast cancer at some point in her life but where are we in the battle against this disease? From mammograms to mastectomies, we’ll be talking about the latest in diagnosing and treating breast cancer with two guests from the University of Maryland Greenebaum Cancer Center. Do you have a question about breast cancer? Send us your question via Twitter with a tweet to @mptnews with the hashtag #yourhealth. Then tune in on December 3 at 7:30 p.m. to see if we use your question on the show!

There are questions about speed camera tickets that are costing drivers big money. The Baltimore Sun has uncovered issues with the effectiveness of some of the cameras, and there is evidence that city officials knew about the problems. Baltimore Sun reporter Luke Broadwater joins us with more on his findings.

Is it just a bump in the head or something more serious? Can a head injury you had years ago, still affect you now? This week, Dr. Michael Makley and Dr. Cathy Papaminas from the Brain Injury Unit at Kernan Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation discuss recognizing and treating brain injuries, including concussions.

This week, the University of Maryland’s Dr. Alan Shuldiner, discusses the diagnosis, treatment and management of diabetes, as well his research into how our genes play a role in disease.

Do you have a question about diabetes? Send us your question via Twitter with a tweet to @mptnews with the hashtag #yourhealth. Then tune in on November 19 at 7:30 p.m. to see if we use your question on the show!

The scandal involving former CIA Director David Petraeus widened this week. What might this do to the reputation of the US Military and what is the effect on the CIA and the Intelligence Community?

Col. (Ret) Cedric Leighton has 26 years experience as a Military Intelligence Officer in the United States Air Force and specializes in National Security and Intelligence, Cyber Strategy and Organizational Leadership. A former member of the Joint Staff, Pentagon, under Admiral Mullen and General Pace and Deputy Training Director for the National Security Agency (NSA) serving under General Keith Alexander, Cedric Leighton was responsible for training thousands of NSA military personnel in intelligence and cyber security detection, prevention and assessments.

We live in a noisy world, so is hearing loss inevitable? In this interview with the University of Maryland's Dr. David Eisenman, we'll talk about how you can protect your hearing and what options are available for treating hearing loss. Plus, find out why some older people now considering cochlear implants.

Do you have a question about hearing loss? Send us your question via Twitter with a tweet to @mptnews with the hashtag #yourhealth. Then tune in on November 5th at 7:30 p.m. to see if we use your question on the show!

Representatives from Maryland's Democratic and Republican parties stop by MPT the night before the election to answer your questions. We'll talk national and local politics.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but where are we in the battle against this disease? From mammograms to mastectomies, we’ll be talking about the latest in diagnosing and treating breast cancer with two guests from the University of Maryland Greenebaum Cancer Center.

Do you have a question about breast cancer? Send us your question via Twitter with a tweet to @mptnews with the hashtag #yourhealth. Then tune in on October 29 at 7:30 p.m. to see if we use your question on the show!

We take a comprehensive look at the complex issues facing both the Republican and Democratic candidates in the 2012 Presidential Election.

MPT targets bullying in this special episode. It is a major issue in schools across the nation, and according to statistics, 1 out of 6 adults experiences it in the work place. We hear from victims and experts who can tell us how to handle bullying situations and what to do when you or your child is the problem.

We introduce the new State Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Lillian Lowery, on MPT. Get to know the person in charge of your child's education, and learn about her qualifications, ideas, and more.

Parkinson’s disease is a neurological disorder affecting about one million people in the United States and Canada. Many people may associate this movement disorder with physical symptoms such as tremor and slowness of movement; however, neurologists are also looking at some under-diagnosed "non-motor" symptoms, which include depression, constipation and sleep disturbances.

This week, Dr. Lisa Shulman, professor of surgery at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, will discuss the latest in diagnosing and treating Parkinson’s, including University of Maryland research into the potential benefits of exercise and memory games for people with Parkinson’s disease.

FBI Director Robert Mueller says he believes, "the cyber threat will equal or surpass the threat from counter terrorism in the foreseeable future." As the Headquarters of both the National Security Agency and US Cyber Command, Fort Meade will continue to play host to a large, highly skilled workforce.

Specific skills and people will change over time, but overall numbers will stay pretty much the same, if not increasing a bit once the new construction efforts for Cyber Command are completed.

The University of Maryland Center for Integrative Medicine is among a prestigious group of national health centers featured in the Bravewell Collaborative's new report Integrative Medicine in America: How Integrative Medicine is Being Practiced in Clinical Centers Across the United States, a study of patient populations and health conditions most commonly treated with integrative strategies.

In the survey of U.S. integrative medicine centers, 75 percent reported success using integrative practices such as traditional Chinese medicine/acupuncture, meditation and supplements to treat chronic pain. More than 50 percent of the centers reported positive results using integrative therapies for gastrointestinal conditions, depression and anxiety, cancer and chronic stress.

GOP lawmakers will be in Tampa starting Monday, August 27th, to officially nominate the party's presidential and vice presidential candidates. Our experts will be in studio that night to provide information and answer your questions.

It isn't necessarily a heart attack. So what is it? And if it is a heart attack what should you do? Doctors from the University of Maryland will answer your questions about diagnosing chest pain.

Elise Armacost is the Chief Spokesperson for Baltimore County Public Safety. She joins us with an update on the back-to-school tragedy.

Baltimore is gearing up for the big race, which takes place on Labor Day weekend. The Grand Prix will be held in this city for the second year. John Lopes from Andretti Autosport will join us on Direct Connection to tell us how 2012 is expected to be even bigger and better. He'll also be taking questions from our viewers.

Terry Owens from Maryland Transit Administration tells us how to avoid race traffic and make your way around Baltimore coming up Labor Day Weekend.

Gary Jobson is a world class sailor who MPT featured during Sailabration coverage. Now, he is appearing on Direct Connection to talk about his battle with Lymphoma. Gary underwent a blood stem cell transplant and is now cancer-free. Gary will be joined by his doctor, Dr. Aaron Rapoport from the University of Maryland Medical System.

Dr. Gordon Livingston explores the psychiatry of James Holmes, the man accused of going on a shooting rampage inside a Colorado movie theater. Dr. Livingston will also discuss his new book, which is about conquering your fears.

NASA's Mars rover has reached its destination. The laboratory will be searching for signs of life on the planet. NASA Scientist Dr. Michelle Thaller is joining us to talk about the journey.

Professional and Olympic athletes inspire us with their physical prowess. But what happens when regular folks and “weekend warriors” take on too much, resulting in pains, strains and tears?

This week, Dr. James Dreese, a sports medicine specialist at the University of Maryland Medical Center and Assistant Professor of Orthopaedics at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, will talk about preventing and treating common sports injuries, especially as we get older. Dr. Dreese is also one of the team physicians for the University of Maryland Terrapins.

Join popular sports talk show host Steve Davis as he weighs in on Ravens training camp, baseball season, and Michael Phelps.

Retired gymnast Kerri Strug talks everything Olympics, from what it's like in London, to Michael Phelps, to what it takes to win.

An annual physical is something many of us have done for years. But is it really necessary?

This week, Dr. Richard Colgan, Associate Professor of Family & Community Medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, talks about new thinking surrounding the yearly physical. Plus, find out what you should look for when choosing a primary care physician.

The Maryland Lottery is on track to have its 15th consecutive year of record-breaking sales. The agency's director, Stephen Martino, joins us to discuss where your money goes and how it benefits public safety, education, health and environmental programs in the state.

Summer is here, and thousands of Marylanders are heading across the Bay Bridge for beach vacations. But what would happen if you got sick or injured while on the Eastern Shore?

This week Dr. Jane Wang and Nurse Manager Mary Alice Vanhoy of the Queen Anne’s Emergency Center share insight into the types of injuries and illnesses vacationers face, and what you should be doing to make sure you have a safe and enjoyable vacation. And, it’s a lot more than just packing the sunscreen!

Consumer advocate Paula Carmody of People's Counsel is in our studio to answer any questions you have about your electric companies. Join us for our discussion.

Reality TV star Jack Osbourne, son of rocker Ozzy Osbourne, just announced that he has multiple sclerosis, an autoimmune disorder that affects the nervous system. Just 26-years-old, the younger Osbourne said his first symptom was vision loss.

Dr. Robert Shin, neuro-ophthalmologist at the University of Maryland Medical Center, will discuss the connection between vision and MS, as well as other symptoms. Plus, find out the latest treatment options for MS, a condition affecting about 400,000 people in the United States.

Join our mortgage and real estate experts as they discuss the low interest rates and what it means for buyers and sellers in Maryland.

The tall ships of "Operation Sail" and grey hulls from the U.S. Navy are gathering in Baltimore's Inner Harbor to help commemorate the War of 1812.

As the region continues to celebrate the events for the Bicentennial of the War of 1812, Scott Sheads joins us with stories of the battles from the war that gave us our National Anthem.

As Maryland commemorates the bicentennial of the War of 1812 with a Star-Spangled week at Baltimore's Inner Harbor and Fort McHenry, we're taking a look back and a peek into the future of the U.S. Navy.

Advances in medicine mean more and more patients are surviving cancer, including people who had cancer as children. But do treatments, such as radiation and chemotherapy, as well as the cancer itself mean these people could face other medical risks as they age?

Dr. Patricia Shearer directs the Cancer Survivor Program at the University of Maryland Medical Center, where a medical team guides patients and their families through the additional challenges they may face, including possible heart and kidney damage, hormonal issues, fatigue and anxiety.

Various health clubs and gyms have come and gone over the years, but a constant presence in the Maryland fitness scene has been Brick Bodies.

Do hormones make it impossible to lose weight? We'll discuss the best ways to drop the pounds and keep them from coming back.

University of Maryland doctors made history this spring by completing the most extensive full face transplant to date, including both upper and lower jaws, teeth and tongue. A team of more than 150 doctors, nurses and other staff took part in the 36-hour operation that changed the life of a Virginia man.

Lead surgeon Dr. Eduardo Rodriguez will talk about the extraordinary surgery, the years of research behind it and what it may mean for other transplant patients.

How a sports psychologist can help you succeed if at first you fail in your job or business. Seth Kaplan has worked with athletes for years and is now the Baltimore Orioles first full-time sports psychologist.

Late-life dementia has a lot in common with heart disease and many of the same causes, according to a recent article published in Nature Reviews Neurology. Like heart disease, the cognitive impairment that accompanies aging is usually the result of a combination of lifestyle and other factors.

Diabetes, obesity, untreated hypertension, sedentary lifestyle and stress are all linked to both heart disease and dementia. But the latest research shows dementia can be delayed, stopped and sometimes even reversed with lifestyle changes.

When does a collection become hoarding? Dr. Chasson joins us tonight to help us identify a hoarding problem and its treatment.

May is trauma awareness month. But what can you do to prevent trauma?

The R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center at the University of Maryland Medical Center is world-renowned as the birthplace of modern trauma medicine. Shock Trauma now treats more than 8,000 people every year, more than double the number of patients its original building was designed to treat. Construction is now underway for a new Shock Trauma building, so how will it benefit Marylanders and what does it mean for the trauma system?

Everybody's favorite entomologist returns to tell us what the mild winter and warm spring means for the tick, mosquito and stink-bug populations this summer.

Eleven years after he was shot in a robbery attempt, Carl Jacobs has written a book to help other survivors of violence who may be dealing with substance abuse, post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. Mr. Jacobs joins us tonight to share his story.

More than 100,000 Americans are on the organ transplant list. Advances in medicine now mean that living donation may be an option to get kidney and liver patients off the wait list sooner, but what are the benefits and risks? And could more baby boomers be looking at the possible need for a liver transplant with the increases in Hepatitis C?

April is National Donate Life month, so in this "Your Health" interview, Dr. Benjamin Philosophe and transplant coordinator Linda Ridge of the University of Maryland Medical Center will talk about organ donation, including how to bring up the topic with your family members.

As part of MPT's "Chesapeake Bay Week" tonight on Direct Connection we take a look at the current conditions of the bay and the long term health trends of the largest estuary in the United States.

Prolonged seizures can be life threatening emergencies, but new research, published recently in the New England Journal of Medicine, offers promising results for a new "epipen"-style injectable medicine that will stop seizures sooner.

While this is good news for the thousands of Americans with epilepsy, there may also be broader military applications for chemical warfare and beyond.

Tonight we look at Maryland's roll in deciding the GOP Candidate for President. We'll also look at the key Congressional races. Our experts will answer your questions about Maryland’s primary election.

In 2010, the American Cancer Society estimated that 102,900 new cases of colon cancer were diagnosed in the United States. Although colon cancer is among the most common forms of cancer, many people are reluctant to be screened. This week we'll be talking about screening and treatment, including advances in minimally invasive surgery.

This week the Supreme Court will hear arguments to President Obama's health-care law. Tonight we'll discuss the significance of the court hearing 6 hours of arguments as well as the key issues.

Should your child be on a gluten-free diet? Are more and more children being diagnosed with celiac disease? How do you know if your child has a simple tummy ache or something more serious like Inflammatory Bowel Disease? Could a special pill camera be the way to find out?

Recently the sun erupted with one of the largest solar storms in recent history. Tonight the resident space expert at the Maryland Science Center joins us to explain solar flares and how they affect us here on Earth. We'll also talk about the close approach of the planets Venus and Jupiter and how best to see these planets in the western sky.

Governor Martin O'Malley discusses the budget, job creation and answers your questions.

Stephen Martino joins us to update us on what's happening at the Maryland Lottery. We'll discuss their new games and initiatives plus the latest on slots.

You may enjoy listening to music with your headphones or earbuds, but that musical escape could be putting you in danger! Injuries to pedestrians wearing headphones have more than tripled in the past six years, according to University of Maryland researchers. What's going on here? And, why are younger people particularly at risk?

What are the newest technologies and programs to help people with heart disease? What are the warning signs of heart health issues in children and adults and the differences between men and women?

Tonight we'll discuss the nationwide mortgage settlement and what that means for Maryland homeowners facing foreclosure.

Tonight we'll review the commercials that aired during the Super Bowl. Which ones were the most popular and most disappointing?

Maryland native and Top Chef finalist Bryan Voltaggio brings his culinary skills and love of food to a new show. "Obsessed with Everything Food" premieres exclusively on MPT on February 7, 2012 at 8:00pm. Chef Voltaggio joins us live tonight.

The FDA reports current shortages of some drugs that are prescribed to treat ADHD. Tonight we'll discuss why there is a shortage and offer advice to parents on what to do if they have experienced problems getting prescriptions filled.

Tonight we take a look at the GOP field of candidates on the eve of the Florida Republican primary.

The Baltimore City Adult Drug Court has been operating for 17 years. The Drug Court offers repeat offenders, who are drug-addicts, the chance to enter a court-run drug rehabilitation program instead of going to prison.

If you or someone you know is dealing with a drug or alcohol addiction, Dr. Cargiulo will offer advice on how to identify the problem and find help.

Gov. Martin O’Malley recently signed two Executive Orders officially recognizing the Piscataway Indian Nation and the Piscataway Conoy Confederacy as the first state recognized tribes in Maryland history. Tonight we'll hear what that means for the tribe members in Maryland.

The Ravens beat the Texans to advance to the AFC title game. Tonight sports broadcasting veteran Scott Garceau joins us to dissect yesterday's win and look ahead to the key match-ups as the Ravens head to Foxborough to take on the Patriots.

The Maryland state legislature's only physician has written a book about personal empowerment and responsibility for end-of-life care. Dr. Dan Morhaim is an adjunct professor in the Department of Health Policy and Management at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and Deputy Majority Leader of the Maryland House of Delegates. He is board certified in emergency medicine and internal medicine. Dr. Dan Morhaim joins us tonight to answer your questions on the medical and legal issues of end-of-life care for you and your loved-ones.

With the Iowa Caucus behind them, the candidates vying for the GOP nomination head to the New Hampshire primary. Tonight we'll look at the dwindling field of candidates heading into the Republican primaries as well as President Obama's road-map for his possible re-election.