MTV's surprisingly sensitive health programming

Sensitivity and responsibility aren't generally words that come to mind when one thinks of MTV's programming. And make no mistake, the network certainly indulges in programs and videos that promote unhealthy behavior like drinking and smoking. But many of its recent shows and awareness campaigns are confronting and examining health-related issues in a surprisingly refreshing way. Though it has always taken the lead in addressing issues affecting you - Pedro Zamora of "The Real World" became a bona fide celebrity as an AIDS activist back in 1994 - the recent spate of health-related programming is refreshing particularly because it stands in such stark contrast to shows like "Jersey Shore" and "The Hills" that emphasize excess and irresponsible behavior. Let's take a look:

True/Life: The opening episode of the most recent season of "True/Life," MTV's documentary series, followed two young people in need of transplants in order to survive. One needed a kidney; the other, bone marrow. Both patients were shown unflinchingly - Morgan, the girl in need of a kidney transplant, was racked with guilt after shirking her medication, and as a result, wearing out the kidney that had already been donated to her by her father. Previous episodes of the show have followed those overcoming addiction; people struggling with obesity; and athletes recovering from serious injuries.

16 and Pregnant/Teen Mom: Though it has been suggested that the recently reported uptick in teen pregnancies could be at least tangentially related to programs that chronicle teen pregnancy, "16 and Pregnant" is far from a show that glamorizes young motherhood. The program is brutally honest in its depictions of girls stuck in tough situations, as they grapple with everything from unsupportive parents, disinterested boyfriends/fathers and serious health calamities. Some of the babies born to the moms on the show had serious complications at birth, an issue that most girls don't consider a possibility given that they themselves are young and healthy. The follow-up series "Teen Mom," similarly does a good job of depicting the realities of raising a child while the moms are still struggling to grow up themselves.

Gone Too Far: Though "Gone Too Far" is mostly remembered because of the ironic twist that its host, DJ A.M., died from a drug overdose himself, the program deals head-on with drug addiction. Since he had himself struggled with drugs for so long, A.M. is able to bring a special kind of empathy to the kids he befriends and supports on the show. The program does a good job of revealing the impact of addiction on families and friends of those who struggle with it.