Family Doctor Podcast

This month Dr. Kudirka speaks with Raymond Kay, Battalion Chief of the Orland Fire Protection District and Ms. Kathy Donofrio, the Public Education Coordinator of Orland Fire, about disaster preparedness. Indian Ocean Tsunami, Hurricane Katrina, Haiti Earthquake, Monsoon in Pakistan, Floods in Australia, Midwest Tornadoes, West Coast Fires, Snowmageddon 2011.  You never know what kind of disaster, man made or natural will occur, but you can prepare your family in the event of an emergency. 1. Get a Kit 2. Make a Plan 3. Be INFORMED www.orlandfire.org www.ready.gov www.ready.illinois.gov     FDP-EN-302-Disaster  

This month Dr. Kudirka talks about Antibiotic Resistance. 1. Antibiotic resistance is a real problem.  Over time bacteria have developed ways to resist antibiotics and the result is more severe infections which require stronger antibiotics.  This prolongs treatment and drives up costs. 2. Viral infections do not require antibiotics.  Your doctor will evaluate you and help decide if your infection requires antibiotics. 3. Improper use of antibiotics can cause health problems and antibiotic resistance. Don't take antibiotics without a prescription. Follow your doctors instructions. FDP-EN-301-Antibiotic Resistance

 This month Dr. Kudirka speaks Dr. Giuseppe Spezzano & Dr. Brian MacDonald about evaluation and treatment of Anxiety. 1. Anxiety is when the body's stress system is in overdrive, and the patient experiences worry, trembling, racing heart beat, difficulty sleeping and difficulty calming down. 2. Patients can combat anxiety through lifestyle change:  Regular sleep, healthy diet, stress reduction, and aerobic exercise or yoga.  3. If a patient has persistent bothersome anxiety symptoms, they should see their doctor for an evaluation.  Some patients may benefit from a structured therapy program with a psychologist, while others may benefit from medications. 1.     FDP-EN-211.1-Anxiety Dr. Giuseppe Spezzano and Dr. Brian MacDonald are clinical psychologists from Ottawa, Canada.  Their insightful words on kids, couples and family issues can be heard each week on the Family Anatomy Podcast (Familyanatomy.com).

This month Dr. Kudirka talks with Dr. Vytenis Grybauskas, an ENT (Ear Nose Throat) specialist from Palos Heights, Illinois. 1. Listening to extremely loud music (iPod, radio, rock concerts) can damage your hearing.  Try to limit the volume on all music players to safe levels, and limit loud listening to no more than 1 hour per day. 2. People who work in noisy work environments should wear hearing protection. 3. If you work in a noisy environment, or listen to loud music frequently, get your hearing checked yearly. Safer Ear Buds:  ihearsafe.com Hearing protection:  www.earlove.net Dr. Grybauskas is an ENT specialist. His office is located at: 7350 W. College Dr., Suite 208, Palos Heights, Illinois. (708) 361-9199. FDP-EN-210-Hearing Loss

 This month Dr. Kudirka talks about gout: 1. Gout is a painful inflammation of the joints, and untreated can lead to long term joint problems. 2. If you have a gout attack, see your doctor to get tested and determine optimal treatment. 3. Gout patients need to change their lifestyle:  Avoid red meat, shellfish and alchol, and do more exercise and maintain a normal body weight. FDP-EN-209-Gout  

 This month Dr. Kudirka talks about fatigue: 1. Get regular sleep, with a regular bedtime and a goal of 7-8 hours of sleep each night. 2. Eat a healthy diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, avoid caffeine and alcohol and strive for regular exercise. 3. If you have persistent fatigue for many months, see your doctor to get evaluated. FDP-EN-107-Fatigue_2  

  This month Dr. Kudirka speaks with lactation specialist Karen Bromberek about the benefits of breast feeding. 1. Breast feeding is the best nutrition for a newborn, as nature intended it.  Pediatric associations recommend breast feeding for at least the first 6 months of life. 2. Breast fed infants have fewer ear infections, respiratory infections, and have a lower risk of developing obesity and diabetes later in life. 3. Breast feeding is natural and normal, but it takes work.  If a new mother is having difficulty with breast feeding, seek help from your hospital's lactation department. 4. Many hospitals organize new mother's breast feeding support groups.  Several good organizations that promote breast feeding are:  laleche.org, ilca.org. Nurse Karen Bromberek has worked as a lactation consultant at Palos Hospital for over 30 years.  FDP-EN-206-Breast_Feeding    

  This month Dr. Kudirka talks about how to deal with one of the downsides of spending time outdoors this summer--insect bites! 1. When going into wooded areas where insects live, protect yourself with long sleeves, long pants, and insect repellant with DEET. 2. Most insect bites can be treated with home remedies such as cold compresses, antihistamines and hydrocortisone cream. 3. Severe insect bites causing extreme pain, marked swelling or systemic problems such as shortness of breath, fever, diffuse skin rash or swelling or shock need to be transported to an emergency room right away. #208 (PLAY)

  This month Dr. Kudirka talks with Cathy Moynihan, a licensed diabetes educator, about Pre-Diabetes. 1. Pre-Diabetes is a condition in which the body becomes resistant to the effects of insulin, sugars increase, and if untreated, the body progresses to true Diabetes. 2. Patients at high risk for Pre-Diabetes are those who are obese, inactive, and have a family history of diabetes.  Ethnic groups such as Latino, African-Americans, and Native Americans have higher risk as well. 3. To prevent Pre-Diabetes patients should exercise often, eat a well balanced diet, avoid fast food and refined sugars, and follow up with their doctor regularly. #207 (PLAY)

This month Dr. Kudirka talks about Allergic Rhinitis (aka allergies or hay fever) 1. Allergic rhinits usually has a seasonal pattern and runs in families. 2. Antihistamines are safe, effective treatment for allergies, but use caution in children, elderly, or glaucoma patients. 3. Patients with uncontrolled allergies should see their doctor for further evaluation and possible prescription medications. #205 (PLAY)