Podcast: WHAT DOES YOUR DOCTOR SAY?

Episode: My Health #02

Leading: Dariusz Litera

Guest: Dr. Mariola Madler-Litera, family medicine specialist

Duration: 16 minutes

Preventive healthcare remains one of the most important elements of modern medicine, yet in practice, many patients postpone checkups until symptoms appear. The "Moje Zdrowie" program aims to change this approach by introducing a systemic health screening for adults.

The discussion focuses on the practical aspects of participating in the program – from the first step, choosing a primary care facility, through completing the questionnaire, to interpreting test results and the role of the family doctor. Particular emphasis is placed on the importance of cardiovascular disease prevention and the role of lifestyle in reducing health risks.

Full podcast transcript

[00:00:00] Introduction

Dariusz Litera:

Doctors say prevention is better than cure. However, patients tend to postpone preventative care and take it more seriously. The "My Health" program is meant to encourage them. Want to find out who can benefit from it? What does the first step look like and what exactly happens next? Find out what your doctor has to say. Today, your doctor is family medicine specialist Dr. Mariola Madler-Litera. Good morning, doctor.

Dr. Mariola Madler-Litera:

Good morning.

[00:00:28] What is the "My Health" program?

Dariusz Litera:

What exactly is the „My Health” program and who is it aimed at?

Dr. Mariola Madler-Litera:

You could say it's a checkup. We know that all things, all objects, require inspection—medical equipment, cars, but also buildings. If we take things seriously, we should take people even more seriously.

Small children have such check-ups – check-ups at different ages, scheduled vaccinations.

Dariusz Litera:

However, they go to the doctor more often.

Dr. Mariola Madler-Litera:

Much more often, but this is due to these checkups, not just illness. However, young people, adults over 20, have virtually no reason to see a doctor.

The "My Health" program is designed for patients—the name itself emphasizes this. Preventive programs average the health of the population and offer a general health overview for everyone.

[00:02:11] What threats does prevention cover?

Dariusz Litera:

So this is about threats affecting the entire population over 20 years of age?

Dr. Mariola Madler-Litera:

The greatest threat is death from cardiovascular causes. In reality, we're always talking about how to avoid dying—either dying as late as possible or living as best as possible until death.

Prevention is intended to detect signals from the body at the right time and allow for a reaction before serious illness or death occurs.

[00:02:58] Who is the program for?

Dariusz Litera:

Is this program for people 20 years and older?

Dr. Mariola Madler-Litera:

Yes – from age 20, with virtually no upper age limit. Different tests are scheduled for different age groups.

From my perspective, these tests are well-chosen. The program is the first comprehensive primary care program in the country—it begins with an interview, a questionnaire that the patient completes independently.

[00:03:36] The importance of a reliable survey

Dariusz Litera:

Please be honest when completing this survey.

Dr. Mariola Madler-Litera:

We can lie, but why lie to ourselves? Sometimes patients exaggerate, hoping for more testing. It doesn't work that way. If we start with a lie, we won't learn anything about our health.

[00:04:00] First step – choosing a facility

Dariusz Litera:

The first step is to complete the survey?

Dr. Mariola Madler-Litera:

No – the first step is to choose a primary care facility. The program is implemented at primary healthcare facilities.

If the patient does not submit a declaration and does not select a facility, the survey is "put into space" and there is no further action.

[00:05:15] How to complete the survey?

Dariusz Litera:

We have a facility – what's next?

Dr. Mariola Madler-Litera:

The survey is completed via the Patient Online Account. It's simple, but requires focus.

The facility has 30 days to analyze it. The system suggests tests, but decisions are based on medical analysis. The patient should undergo the tests as soon as possible; postponing them will render the interview obsolete.

[00:06:37] How to fill out a survey correctly?

Dr. Mariola Madler-Litera:

The questionnaire should be completed calmly and honestly. Patients sometimes report feeling unwell due to a temporary mood, rather than their actual health status. This should be approached realistically.

[00:07:22] The survey is just the beginning

Dariusz Litera:

At this stage you need to be ready to perform tests.

Dr. Mariola Madler-Litera:

Absolutely. A survey alone doesn't cure anything – just like a prescription without the medication itself.

[00:07:48] What tests are performed?

Dariusz Litera:

Does the analysis include medical records?

Dr. Mariola Madler-Litera:

It depends. The survey covers your current health status. Standard tests include a complete blood count, glucose, and lipid profile.

For people aged 20–40, lipoprotein A testing is a very important test. Additionally, depending on symptoms and age, other tests are performed, such as liver function tests, hepatitis C tests, PSA tests, and stool occult blood tests.

[00:09:06] The role of the primary care physician

Dr. Mariola Madler-Litera:

The program concludes with a visit to the doctor. The doctor can further investigate and recommend further action.

The program cannot be treated as a guarantee of health for several years – it is only an element of preventive care.

[00:10:28] Lipoprotein A – a key study

Dr. Mariola Madler-Litera:

Lipoprotein A is a hereditary factor. High levels increase cardiovascular risk.

At this point, this is mainly informational. There is currently no effective treatment to lower its levels. Therefore, it's important to manage cholesterol and lifestyle.

[00:11:20] Who will benefit most from the program?

Dr. Mariola Madler-Litera:

Young, healthy people benefit the most. They can make lifestyle changes or initiate treatment early.

In older adults, testing is more frequent. However, in patients with multimorbidity, the interpretation of results is limited because they reflect the effects of treatment.

[00:13:29] Does the program change patients' attitudes?

Dariusz Litera:

Can the program encourage people to take conscious care of their health?

Dr. Mariola Madler-Litera:

Absolutely. This isn't about momentary actions, but about a lasting lifestyle change.

The program aims to identify what can be improved to delay or prevent diseases, especially cardiovascular diseases.

[00:15:20] Ending

Dariusz Litera:

It's worth taking care of your health every day. Thank you for the interview.

Dr. Mariola Madler-Litera:

Thank you very much.

Key takeaways for patients

• The „My Health” program is available to people aged 20 and over.
• The first step is to select a primary healthcare facility and submit a declaration.
• The medical questionnaire must be completed honestly – it forms the basis for further action.
• The program includes research focused primarily on cardiovascular diseases and cancer.
• Lipoprotein (a) is an important test, especially in young people.
• The survey alone is not enough – tests and a consultation with a doctor are necessary.
• The program is of greatest value in healthy individuals as a tool for early prevention.

Information about participants:

Guest: Dr. Mariola Madler-Litera, A family medicine specialist with many years of experience in primary healthcare. Founder and head of the NZOZ Twój Lekarz medical network.

Presenter: Dariusz Litera, medical editor, health communications specialist, and creator of the podcast CO NA TO TWÓJ ELEKARZ. He has been involved in patient education for years, conducting interviews with specialists in various fields of medicine.

ATTENTION!

This material is for educational purposes only. It does not replace a medical consultation. If you experience any disturbing symptoms, consult a doctor.
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