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<p>Sound Medicine program for June 9, 2013</p>

On Sound Medicine: The Great Recession, eating disorders, and medical apps

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INDIANAPOLIS — The award-winning “Sound Medicine” announces its program for June 9, including several segments about medical gadgets, smartphone apps, and eating disorders.

How has the Great Recession affected Americans’ health? The Great Recession affected millions of jobs and caused many families to lose their houses, but how did it affect our health? According to research by Sarah Burgard, Ph.D., the Great Recession changed major health indicators for those affected by job and other losses. However, her study found unexpected changes such as a drop in mortality in infants and from accidents and heart disease among adults. She talks about how economic downturns have countervailing effects on different groups of people. Dr. Burgard is an associate professor of sociology and epidemiology and an associate research professor at the Population Studies Center at the University of Michigan.

Is there a link between eating disorders and exercise? Theresa Rohr-Kirchgraber, M.D., the healthy living expert for “Sound Medicine,” speaks with host Barbara Lewis about the links between exercise and eating disorders. A new study shows that women who have purging anorexia often are more driven to over exercising. According to Dr. Rohr-Kirchgraber, these behaviors are more common in younger women who have a need to feel a sense of control. Their behaviors are complex and require a multi-step treatment approach.  Dr. Rohr-Kirchgraber is an Indiana University associate professor of clinical medicine and pediatrics and sees patients at Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health and at Wishard Hospital in Indianapolis.

What happens during digestion? Mary Roach is a science writer who has covered such topics as cadavers, the science of sex, and space travel. Roach now tackles the science of digestion in her new book, “Gulp: Adventures on the Alimentary Canal.” Roach describes the fascinating journey that food takes once it’s eaten and how the body interacts with food. As always, her topic both fascinates and disgusts people.

What are the best medical apps for smartphones? “Sound Medicine” guest expert Kathy Miller, M.D., speaks with technology expert Alex Djuricich, M.D., about the newest and best medical apps for smartphones. According to Dr. Djuricich, the Stanford Medicine 25 and medical journal apps are important for medical students and professionals. However, he warns that not all apps are created equal; a study by the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center showed some medical apps may not be as accurate as others. A full list of medical apps recommended by Dr. Djuricich is available on the “Sound Medicine” website. Dr. Djuricich is an associate professor of clinical medicine and the associate dean for continuing studies at the Indiana University School of Medicine.

Which medical gadgets are worth purchasing? Medical gadgets are overwhelming the marketplace. Leslie Kernisan, M.D., MPH, is a geriatrician in San Francisco who looks at cutting-edge apps and devices and helps pick out ones that are useful for her elderly patients. From technology that reminds patients with dementia to take their medicine, to Bluetooth-enabled blood pressure cuffs, Dr. Kernisan is interested in how technology will change health care. She is also a solo practitioner who is bucking the traditional method of office visits, opting to see patients in their homes.

“Sound Medicine” covers controversial ethics topics, breakthrough research studies and the day-to-day application of recent advancements in medicine. It’s also available via podcast and Stitcher Radio for mobile phones and iPads and posts updates on Facebook and Twitter.

Co-produced by the IU School of Medicine and WFYI Public Radio (90.1 FM) and underwritten in part by Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Sound Medicine  airs on the following Indiana public radio stations: WBSB (Anderson, 89.5 FM), WFIU (Bloomington, 103.7 FM; Columbus, 100.7 FM; Kokomo, 106.1 FM; Terre Haute, 95.1 FM), WNDY (Crawfordsville, 91.3 FM), WVPE (Elkhart/South Bend, 88.1 FM), WNIN (Evansville, 88.3 FM), WBOI (Fort Wayne, 89.1 FM), WFCI (Franklin, 89.5 FM), WBSH (Hagerstown/New Castle, 91.1 FM), WFYI (Indianapolis), WBSW (Marion, 90.9 FM), WBST (Muncie, 92.1 FM), WBSJ (Portland, 91.7 FM), WLPR (Lake County, 89.1 FM) and WBAA (West Lafayette, 101.3 FM).

“Sound Medicine” is also broadcast on these public radio stations across the country: KSKA (Anchorage, Alaska), KTNA (Talkeetna, Alaska), KUHB (Pribilof Islands, Alaska), KUAF (Fayetteville and Fort Smith, Ark.), KIDE (Hoopa Valley, Calif.), KRCC (Colorado Springs, Colo.), KEDM (Monroe, La.), WCMU (Mount Pleasant, Mich.),  KMHA (Four Bears, N.D.), WYSU (Youngstown, Ohio), KPOV (Bend, Ore.) and KEOS (College Station, Texas).

Please check local listings for broadcast dates and times.