Podcast: WHAT DOES YOUR DOCTOR SAY?

Episode: My Health #03

Leading: Dariusz Litera

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

Duration: 14 minutes

The "My Health" program is a preventive tool designed to help patients better understand their health and the risk of developing chronic diseases. In practice, this means not only performing tests but also, and more importantly, interpreting them and translating the results into specific health-related actions.

The conversation touches on a key aspect of family medicine: the physician's role in health education and collaborative planning of next steps. The program doesn't end with diagnosis. Its goal is to create an individualized health plan and provide real support to the patient in changing their lifestyle.

Full podcast transcript

[00:00:00] Introduction

Dariusz Litera:

For many patients, the "My Health" program can be the first step towards conscious preventative care and long-term self-care. What are the real benefits for patients in this case, and what role does a family doctor play in the entire process? Want to learn how to make the most of this opportunity? Find out what your doctor has to say. Today, your doctor is family medicine specialist Dr. Mariola Madler-Litera. Hello, doctor.

Dr. Mariola Madler-Litera:

Hello and welcome.

[00:00:26] What does the patient receive at the end of the program?

Dariusz Litera:

What does the patient receive at the very end of participation in the "My Health" program?

Dr. Mariola Madler-Litera:

The most important thing is that the patient understands what his life is like, how it affects his health, and how he can plan his future life to make this impact as good as possible for him.

We call this a health plan. That's what this entire program is for, because we conduct surveys, perform tests, evaluate them, but above all, we summarize and plan with the patient what to do next.

The program itself aims to filter out, through specific tests, whether we have cardiovascular risk and whether our risk of death is high or low. But as doctors, we strive for something more. We want to show patients—for example, through the SCORE chart—what the risk factors are and what they can influence.

We can say: look what would happen if you weighed 10 kilograms less if you didn't smoke. We can use scientific data to show patients the percentage change in their risk of cardiovascular death.

[00:01:55] Can you influence your lifespan?

Dariusz Litera:

What percentage can his lifespan change?

Dr. Mariola Madler-Litera:

Yes. It's not like occupational medicine, where you do a checkup and say, "I'm fit for work." We go a step further. We want the patient to hear the truth: "I'm here.".

During the interview, the doctor not only discusses the results but also plans further steps with the patient. Sure, the next checkup, as per the law, is in three or five years, but that doesn't mean we're doing nothing along the way.

If we have an abnormality—for example, elevated fasting blood sugar—our goal is to protect the patient from diabetes. We can't say, "Take care of yourself, and I'll check your blood sugar in five years.".

We agree on specific steps—dietary changes, possible treatment—and follow-up within a shorter period. Firstly, to motivate the patient, and secondly, to quickly detect any progression of the disease.

On the one hand, we have an image of the current state of health, and on the other – the ability to show what it may look like in the future depending on the patient's decisions.

[00:04:31] Health plan as a result of the program

Dr. Mariola Madler-Litera:

That's what this program is for – to outline a plan, to show the patient: you can do it.

Sometimes that means treatment, sometimes support from a dietitian, sometimes lifestyle changes. The most important thing is to do it together.

[00:04:49] The program through the eyes of a family doctor

Dariusz Litera:

What challenge does the „My Health” program pose for family doctors?

Dr. Mariola Madler-Litera:

Prevention is discussed from the beginning of studies, but then there's a lack of time, opportunities, and resources. In primary care, doctors primarily care for sick patients, so there's often no room for prevention.

Creating such programs is a huge challenge and requires commitment. Doctors often enjoy case studies because they see the results of treatment. Prevention is less spectacular – "nothing happens" because the patient doesn't get sick.

And yet we achieve a lot.

Therefore, it is important to know which primary care facility the patient belongs to and whether the people working there are passionate and able not only to analyze results, but also to talk to the patient and motivate them to change.

[00:07:45] Disease detection for prevention purposes

Dr. Mariola Madler-Litera:

In practice, it often turns out that a patient isn't as healthy as they thought. The program also detects illnesses—for example, low hemoglobin or thyroid disorders.

The "My Health" program isn't a comprehensive preventative program. It's more of a starting point, an encouragement to think about health more broadly.

Cancer prevention topics also come up during the conversation, including colonoscopy, mammography, cytology, urological examinations, and chest X-rays. These elements are not covered in the program, but they are fundamental to preventative health care.

[00:09:16] Can everything be included in a health plan?

Dariusz Litera:

Can all this be included in a health plan?

Dr. Mariola Madler-Litera:

Absolutely. We should discuss this with the patient, because for them, it's not basic knowledge.

The opposite situation also happens – the patient becomes overly concerned and comes with a "list of tests to be performed", often influenced by information from the Internet or dietitians.

Primary care is not a place for unlimited testing on demand. The healthcare system has its own set of rules, and an excess of testing doesn't foster safety; it only increases anxiety.

It's a bit like constantly monitoring a child – instead of giving them space to develop naturally.

[00:11:50] How to prepare for the program?

Dariusz Litera:

How to prepare for participation in the "My Health" program to take full advantage of its possibilities?

Dr. Mariola Madler-Litera:

Above all, you need to approach this honestly and diligently. Don't fill out the questionnaire "out of boredom," but treat it like a conversation with a doctor.

Answers should reflect reality, because only then can you get valuable feedback.

Then, you need to undergo tests and report to a clinic. There, we measure your blood pressure, weight, and perform a standard examination—we don't rely solely on the patient's statements.

[00:12:51] Honesty and cooperation with the doctor

Dariusz Litera:

So, complete honesty?

Dr. Mariola Madler-Litera:

Yes – honesty with yourself and your doctor. We stand on the scale, measure your blood pressure – these are the basic elements of the examination.

The program isn't about the system "generating referrals for free tests." You have to get involved and show up for an appointment.

The most important thing is to debrief and discuss the matter with your doctor. This is the moment when the patient should pause and listen to what the doctor has to say about their health and future.

[00:13:34] Ending

Dariusz Litera:

Dr. Mariola Madler-Litera, a family medicine specialist, said this on the podcast "What Does Your Doctor Say?" Thank you very much.

Dr. Mariola Madler-Litera:

Thank you very much.

Key takeaways for patients:

• The „My Health” program ends with the creation of an individual health plan.
• Test results only make sense in the context of a conversation with a doctor.
• Even small lifestyle changes can significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
• Abnormal results require a quick response, not postponing the checkup for several years.
• The program can help detect diseases that previously had no symptoms.
• Prevention goes beyond the program and also includes screening for cancer.
• Excessive testing performed without indications may increase anxiety rather than safety.
• It is crucial to complete the survey honestly and actively participate in the entire process.
• The greatest value of the program is the conversation and joint planning of activities with the doctor.

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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