Healthy Talk

What really happens inside the Emergency Department—and how do ER teams prepare for life’s most critical moments?

In this episode of Healthy Talk, we sit down with Carla Chow to take a closer look inside emergency medicine and the care provided at Boone County Hospital.

From understanding when to seek emergency care to learning how ER staff respond to unpredictable and high-pressure situations, Carla shares insight into the teamwork, preparation, and compassion that drive the Emergency Department every day. We also discuss common misconceptions about the ER, emergency preparedness, and the important role community hospitals play in providing care close to home.

Whether you’ve visited the ER yourself or simply want a better understanding of the people and processes behind emergency care, this conversation offers an inside look at the dedicated team serving Boone County when patients need them most.

Stay informed, stay healthy, and keep the conversation going with Healthy Talk.
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What does public health really look like in Boone County—and how does it impact you?

In this episode of Healthy Talk, we sit down with Lydia Billings, Director of Public Health at Boone County Hospital, to take a closer look at the work happening behind the scenes to keep our community healthy.

From prevention and community education to partnerships with local schools, organizations, and emergency services, Lydia shares how public health supports individuals and families at every stage of life. We also talk about how healthcare is evolving, what that means for Boone County, and how a stronger focus on public health helps serve the entire community.

Whether you’ve interacted with public health services before or not, this conversation offers a better understanding of the role it plays—and how it continues to grow to meet the needs of Boone County.

Stay informed, stay healthy, and keep the conversation going with Healthy Talk.
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In this episode of Healthy Talk, we explore the critical role emergency medical services play in keeping our community safe. Rob Fenley, Director of Ambulance Services at Boone County Hospital, shares insight into the work EMS teams do every day to respond quickly, provide life-saving care, and support patients during some of life’s most urgent moments.

Rob walks listeners through what really happens when someone calls 911—from dispatch to on-scene assessment and the advanced care that often begins before a patient ever reaches the hospital. He also discusses the unique challenges of providing emergency care in a rural community like Boone County and the training and preparation required to ensure crews are always ready to respond.

The conversation also highlights the importance of reliable equipment in emergency care, including the recent addition of a new ambulance made possible through community support. Whether you’ve ever wondered what happens behind the sirens or want to better understand the people and preparation behind emergency response, this episode offers a meaningful look at the dedication, teamwork, and readiness that help protect Boone County every day.

Stay informed, stay healthy, and keep the conversation going with Healthy Talk.
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In this episode of Healthy Talk, we explore a field of healthcare that touches every stage of life: speech therapy. Leslie Tourte, Speech Therapist at Boone County Hospital, shares her expertise and insight into how speech therapy supports communication, cognitive skills, and even swallowing safety for both children and adults.

Leslie walks listeners through the wide range of services speech therapy provides—from helping children develop speech and language skills to supporting adults recovering from stroke, brain injury, or neurological conditions. She also explains the often-overlooked role speech therapists play in swallowing safety and why early evaluation can make a meaningful difference for patients and families.

Whether you’re a parent with questions about your child’s development, supporting a loved one through recovery, or simply curious about what speech therapy really involves, this episode offers clear, encouraging information from a trusted Boone County Hospital provider. It’s an informative conversation designed to help our community better understand the powerful impact of speech therapy—beyond words.

Stay informed, stay healthy, and keep the conversation going with Healthy Talk.
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In this episode of Healthy Talk, we explore a life stage that affects every woman but often goes unaddressed: the transition into perimenopause and menopause. Midwife Megan Sloat from Madrid Family Practice and Dr. Lindsey Hay from Boone County Hospital Family Medicine share their expertise, compassion, and real-world insight on what women can expect during this significant hormonal shift.

Megan and Dr. Hay walk listeners through the differences between perimenopause and menopause, the symptoms women commonly experience, and the surprising ways these hormonal changes can impact sleep, mood, and overall well-being. They also break down treatment options—both hormonal and non-hormonal—and offer practical guidance for protecting long-term health, including bone and heart health, during and after the transition.

Whether you're beginning to notice changes yourself, supporting someone you love, or simply want to better understand this stage of women’s health, this episode provides clear, encouraging information from trusted Boone County Hospital providers. It’s an open, empowering conversation designed to help women feel informed, supported, and confident as they navigate this important transition.

Stay informed, stay healthy, and keep the conversation going with Healthy Talk.
www.boonehospital.com  |  Facebook  |  Instagram

In this episode of Healthy Talk, we explore the timely and important topic of antibiotic resistance with Mikel Brandhorst, Pharmacist at Boone County Hospital. Mikel shares how his passion for patient care and medication safety led him into pharmacy—and how his role at Boone connects him directly with both the care team and patients to ensure medications, especially antibiotics, are used responsibly and effectively.

From his insider perspective, Mikel walks us through what happens when a patient is prescribed an antibiotic. He also tackles some of the most common misconceptions about antibiotics, explains how resistance develops, and discusses the growing impact this issue is having on patient care, even in local communities like Boone.

Whether you've ever taken antibiotics yourself, have a loved one in the hospital, or simply want to be a more informed patient, this episode sheds light on the critical role pharmacists play—and what each of us can do to protect the power of antibiotics for the future. It’s a practical, eye-opening conversation from someone on the front lines of keeping our medications safe and effective at Boone County Hospital.

Stay informed, stay healthy, and keep the conversation going with Healthy Talk.
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In this episode of Healthy Talk, we sit down with Sara Klute Behn, who is concluding her remarkable 20-year tenure as Executive Director of the Boone County Hospital Foundation. For two decades, Sara has connected community generosity with hospital needs, helping bring meaningful projects and programs to life.

Together, we reflect on her journey, celebrate accomplishments that have touched patients, families, and staff, and talk about the challenges and joys of leading a Foundation rooted in service. Sara also shares a look ahead at this year’s Harvest Festival: Decades of Dedication, and why this year’s Fund A Need—supporting a new ambulance—is so critical for Boone County.

Whether you’ve attended a Foundation event, been impacted by its work, or simply want to be inspired by a story of commitment and community, this conversation offers gratitude, insight, and encouragement.

Stay informed, stay healthy, and keep the conversation going with Healthy Talk.
www.boonehospital.com  |  Facebook  |  Instagram

In this episode of Healthy Talk, we sit down with Brittany Gus, the newly appointed Director of Senior Life Solutions at Boone County Hospital. With a strong background in health care and a passion for older adults, Brittany brings a fresh perspective and deep compassion to this essential program.

Together, we explore what Senior Life Solutions is, who it serves, and why supporting the emotional well-being of seniors is more important than ever—especially in rural communities. Brittany shares her goals as director, the challenges seniors often face, and the impact this program has had on countless lives. Whether you're caring for a loved one or want to gain a deeper understanding of the needs of our aging population, this conversation offers valuable insight, encouragement, and community connection.

Stay informed, stay healthy, and keep the conversation going with Healthy Talk.
www.boonehospital.com  |  Facebook  |  Instagram

In this episode of Healthy Talk, we dive into the world of nutrition and diabetes care with Jessica Van Dalen, Registered Dietitian and Diabetes Educator at Boone County Hospital. Jessica shares how her own health experiences and interest in food science led her to pursue a career in dietetics, and how that journey eventually brought her to Boone.

Jessica offers clear, compassionate insight into what it’s like to live with diabetes—whether Type 1, Type 2, or gestational—and how she works with patients to help them feel confident and supported in managing their health. From dispelling common myths to explaining how technology like continuous glucose monitors is transforming care, she walks us through the challenges, breakthroughs, and deeply personal nature of diabetes education.

Whether you’ve just been diagnosed, are caring for someone with diabetes, or want to better understand how nutrition impacts overall health, this episode is filled with expert knowledge and down-to-earth encouragement—straight from a provider who’s making a difference every day at Boone County Hospital.

Stay informed, stay healthy, and keep the conversation going with Healthy Talk.
www.boonehospital.com  |  Facebook  |  Instagram

In this episode of Healthy Talk, we explore the compassionate, community-driven care at the heart of F. William Beckwith Adult Day Services. Jennifer Clubine, RN and Supervisor of the program, joins us to share how Adult Day Services at Boone County Hospital is providing essential support to aging adults and their families.

Jennifer offers insight into what this program has to offer to participants and their families — from engaging activities and social interaction to health monitoring and personal care. But more than that, she highlights how the program allows seniors to stay connected, active, and independent, while offering caregivers the time and peace of mind they need.

Whether you’re a family member looking for support, a healthcare provider, or simply curious about local aging resources, this episode sheds light on an often-overlooked service that’s transforming lives in Boone County — one day at a time.

Stay informed, stay healthy, and keep the conversation going with Healthy Talk.
www.boonehospital.com  |  Facebook  |  Instagram