Health Speak podcast launches first episode with Launceston 'bum doctor' Dr David Lloyd
AUGUST 8 2019 - 7:00AM
For colorectal surgeon Dr David Lloyd, looking at someone's bottom is as normal as shaking their hand. He does it everyday and it doesn't worry him.
Dr Lloyd's profession was the topic of conversation during the first episode of a new podcast aimed at demystifying the health industry and breaking down the barriers preventing people from getting help.
Hosted by Healthy Tasmania's Penny Terry, Health Speak was launched on Monday in partnership with City Park Radio and funded by a state government Healthy Tasmania Community Innovations Grant.
During the first episode - Need a bum doctor? Here's what to expect - Dr Lloyd explained why a lot of people remained hesitant about making an appointment.
"Australian men are probably the worst in the world at having their bum looked at, but women as well," he said.
"It's a very private area and people are very embarrassed by it.
"I tell most of my guys that I'm just a fancy plumber, I just deal with pipes and take a bad bit of pipe and join it back together again."
Research shows most Australians don't know enough about health-related jargon, to properly look after their health.
By interviewing more than 30 different health professionals, Ms Terry plans to put her brain and body on the line to find out who they are, what they do, and how they can help improve outcomes.
"We hope that this series will be a really useful resource that can be easily shared with community members to improve their knowledge and a great way to showcase the incredible work that our health professionals are doing, in a way that all people can understand," she said.
City Park Radio program coordinator Chris Ball said the podcast would help bring vital information to the community.
"It will create an easier way to understand complex and perhaps scary procedures," he said.
"Penny will showcase many Tasmanian medical specialists with her unique style and humour to make this an enjoyable series to listen to."
Listen to Health Speak here or subscribe at podcasts.apple.com
The podcast will be played on community radio stations across Australia via City Park Radio.
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