This month marks the first anniversary of Kids Healthcast, innovative monthly podcasts from Indiana University School of Medicine and Riley Hospital for Children pediatricians providing easy-to-understand, evidence-based health information.
Targeted to busy parents, the lay language programs are available without charge anytime in the iTunes store or here. The show can be heard on an iPhone, iPad, MP-3 player or computer.
Over the past year, monthly downloads have increased ten-fold as listeners from across the country and around the globe have tuned in and often returned to learn more about dozens of topics including transitioning babies to solid food, teen driving, seasonal allergies and how to prevent colds and flu. The first anniversary podcast is the first themed episode and focuses on childhood obesity.
"Parents of children of all ages - from newborns through teens - have general questions about their child's health, development and well-being. Often there isn't the opportunity to discuss general concerns or questions with their child's pediatrician. While many parents have access to the internet, they may be overwhelmed by the immense quantity of information out there and unable to determine the quality of what they encounter," said pediatrician Deanna R. Reinoso, M.D., assistant professor of clinical pediatrics at the IU School of Medicine, who supervises the podcast project.
Pediatric residents, physicians training at the IU School of Medicine to specialize in pediatrics, research and present six topics during each 30 minute podcast, many focused on concerns or questions raised by parents of the patients the residents have seen at Riley Hospital.
Jason Misurac, M.D., a second year resident, who produces and edits the podcasts, says he and his fellow residents view the podcasts as a way to extend healthcare of children beyond the examining room and out into the community.
"As we learn to become pediatricians we become advocates for children's health," Dr. Misurac said.
New podcasts are available monthly. The information presented is for general education purposes only. Parents with specific concerns should consult their child's physician.
"I don't know of any other medical school that provides this service, which is valuable to both families and to the pediatricians we are training," said Dr. Reinoso.
Kids Healthcast is funded by the Division of General and Community Pediatrics of the Department of Pediatrics of the IU School of Medicine. The IU School of Medicine is located on the campus of Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis.
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Indiana University School of Medicine