In this episode of Vitals & Voices, we sit down with Roger Wells, PA-C, to break down one of the most important health topics of our time—cancer. Roger helps explain what cancer actually is, how common it has become, and what each of us can do to reduce risk and catch it early.

Whether you’ve personally been affected by cancer, are caring for someone who has, or simply want to better understand your own risks, this conversation offers a clear, accessible, and empowering guide to the basics everyone should know.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How cancer begins in the body and why uncontrolled cell growth becomes dangerous
• Why cancer is so common, including key statistics such as how nearly 1 in 3 Americans will face a diagnosis
• The most common cancer types, including breast, prostate, lung, colorectal, and pancreatic
• Which cancers affect men and women differently—and why those differences matter
• What makes certain cancers more deadly, including late detection and aggressive disease patterns
• The power of early detection, and how screening dramatically improves outcomes
• Major risk factors you can control (like tobacco use, diet, alcohol, activity, UV exposure, and infections)
• Risk factors you can’t control, including family history, age, and genetics
• How lifestyle habits truly impact cancer risk—and how much they really matter
• Screenings everyone should know about, and the ages or risk factors that trigger important conversations
• Why talking with your provider early can change treatment options and survival rates
• Simple steps you can take today to lower your risk through movement, diet, screening, and awareness

Why This Episode Matters:

Cancer can feel overwhelming—but as Roger explains, understanding your risks, knowing what’s in your control, and getting the right screenings can make a life‑changing difference. With nearly 2 million cancer diagnoses each year, awareness and prevention have never been more important.

If you're ready to better understand cancer—and take small steps that make a big impact—this episode is a powerful place to start.

Vitals & Voices is a podcast powered by Lexington Regional Health Center, offering meaningful health conversations that matter to you. Each episode features authentic stories and expert insights from the people behind the care — including healthcare professionals, wellness advocates, community leaders, and patients — all aimed at helping you live your healthiest, most informed life.

Subscribe & Stay Connected:
Follow Vitals & Voices for more health insights and practical tips to help you live well and stay connected.

• YouTube
• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify

In this episode of Vitals & Voices, we sit down with Luke Ballmer, Emergency Department Director and Trauma Coordinator, to take the mystery out of one of healthcare’s most urgent settings—the emergency room. Luke walks us through when to seek emergency care, what happens from the moment you arrive, and how the ER team prioritizes patients based on medical need—not arrival time.

Whether you’ve never been to an ER or want to feel more prepared for a future health crisis, this episode offers clear, practical guidance that empowers you to make informed decisions when it matters most.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How the ER differs from a clinic or walk‑in visit, and why understanding those differences helps you choose the right level of care
• When to go to the ER, including symptoms and situations that always require emergency evaluation
• Common concerns better suited for clinic or walk‑in care, and how to decide if you’re “overreacting”
• What happens when you arrive at the ER, from check‑in to triage and beyond
• Why patients aren’t always seen in arrival order, and why being lower‑acuity is actually a good sign
• How ER teams balance urgent care with family presence, especially during critical treatments
• Key warning signs of a stroke, including the FAST mnemonic
• How heart attack symptoms differ between men and women, and when NOT to drive yourself
• Why calling 911 can save precious time, especially for strokes, heart attacks, and other time‑sensitive emergencies

If You’ve Ever Wondered:

• “Should I go to the ER or the clinic?”
• “Why is someone who arrived after me being seen first?”
• “When should I call 911 instead of driving?”
• “What happens behind the scenes in an ER?”
• “What should I expect when I walk into the updated LRHC emergency department?”

This episode gives you the straightforward, reassuring answers you’ve been looking for.

If you want to feel more confident navigating medical emergencies—or simply understand how your local ER operates—this conversation with Luke is the perfect place to start.

The information shared in this podcast is intended for general educational purposes only. Every person’s medical situation is unique, and you know yourself and your health better than anyone. This conversation provides broad guidelines—not personal medical advice.

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms that may indicate a medical emergency, call 911 immediately or go to the nearest emergency room. Never delay seeking professional care.

Vitals & Voices is a podcast powered by Lexington Regional Health Center, offering meaningful health conversations that matter to you. Each episode features authentic stories and expert insights from the people behind the care — including healthcare professionals, wellness advocates, community leaders, and patients — all aimed at helping you live your healthiest, most informed life.

Subscribe & Stay Connected:
Follow Vitals & Voices for more health insights and practical tips to help you live well and stay connected.

• YouTube
• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify

In this episode of Vitals & Voices, we sit down with orthopedic surgeon Dr. Jeffrey Schopp and nurse practitioner Travis Barkmeier to unpack one of the most talked‑about approaches in joint health today—the Jiffy Knee™ procedure and the modern approach to total knee replacement.

Dr. Schopp and Travis share how today’s knee surgeries are less invasive, more efficient, and designed to get patients up and moving faster than ever. From refined surgical approaches to team‑based care, this conversation gives listeners a clear, practical understanding of what to expect—and why so many people are walking away saying, “I should’ve done this years ago.”

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Who are Dr. Jeffrey Schopp and Travis Barkmeier? What led them into orthopedics, and how does their collaborative approach elevate patient care.
• What the Jiffy Knee™ procedure is—and how it differs from traditional knee replacement
• How Dr. Schopp does knees
• What knee replacement looks like today vs. 10–15 years ago
• Why patients walk almost immediately after surgery
• Real experiences from recovery
• Advantages of modern knee surgery

If You’ve Been Living with Knee Pain:
This episode provides a clear, encouraging guide to your options. You’ll hear from experts who help patients every day reclaim movement, independence, and confidence. Whether you’re considering surgery or simply want to understand today's knee-replacement approach, this episode is a great place to start. 

Vitals & Voices is a podcast powered by Lexington Regional Health Center, offering meaningful health conversations that matter to you. Each episode features authentic stories and expert insights from the people behind the care — including healthcare professionals, wellness advocates, community leaders, and patients — all aimed at helping you live your healthiest, most informed life.

Subscribe & Stay Connected:
Follow Vitals & Voices for more health insights and practical tips to help you live well and stay connected.

• YouTube
• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify

In this episode of Vitals & Voices, we sit down with Austin Eldredge, Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Manager, to shine a spotlight on a topic that impacts every one of us—heart health.
Austin works hands‑on with patients recovering from heart procedures and those striving to strengthen their cardiovascular health through lifestyle changes and structured rehab. His insights bring clarity to what heart‑healthy living really looks like and how cardiac rehab changes lives.

Whether you're curious about prevention, wondering what symptoms to watch for, or trying to understand what cardiac rehab actually involves, this conversation offers a practical, down‑to‑earth guide to protecting your heart.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• What cardiac and pulmonary rehab are and how they help patients recover, rebuild strength, and improve long‑term health
• Why Heart Health Month matters, and the importance of awareness and early prevention
• The core habits that keep your heart healthy, including diet, exercise, and routine screenings
• Heart‑related warning signs you should never ignore—and when to seek medical attention
• How diet affects heart function, plus simple, realistic nutrition changes that make a big difference
• Commonly misunderstood “healthy” foods that may actually be harmful for your heart
• How much physical activity is recommended for maintaining heart health
• Safe exercise options for beginners or those waiting for cardiac procedures
• What cardiac rehab really looks like, from who qualifies to what happens during a typical session
• Why attending cardiac rehab after a heart procedure is essential—and what risks come with skipping it
• How patients can complete cardiac rehab locally, even if their procedure took place in a different facility
• The benefits of receiving rehab close to home, especially within a critical access hospital setting
• One thing Austin wishes everyone understood about their heart health—and where to find help if you have questions

If You're Looking to Protect Your Heart:

This episode is a must‑listen. Austin breaks down heart‑healthy living into clear, doable steps that anyone can start today. Whether you're recovering from a procedure, supporting a loved one, or simply hoping to take better care of your heart, the guidance here can help you make meaningful, lasting changes.

If you think cardiac rehab might be right for you or want to learn more, Austin and the team are ready to help. For more information, please visit our website www.lexingtonregional.org or call 308-324-8315.

Vitals & Voices is a podcast powered by Lexington Regional Health Center, offering meaningful health conversations that matter to you. Each episode features authentic stories and expert insights from the people behind the care — including healthcare professionals, wellness advocates, community leaders, and patients — all aimed at helping you live your healthiest, most informed life.

Subscribe & Stay Connected:
Follow Vitals & Voices for more health insights and practical tips to help you live well and stay connected.

• YouTube
• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify

In this episode of Vitals & Voices, we welcome Dr. Alexis Davis, a vascular surgeon with Bryan Heart who is now seeing patients once a month at Lexington Regional Health Center. Dr. Davis shares what inspired her to pursue vascular surgery, breaks down what the specialty includes, and helps educate on common circulation‑related conditions that many people experience but may not fully understand.

Whether you’re dealing with leg swelling, have a family history of vascular disease, or simply want to know the difference between vascular surgery and cardiology, this episode offers an accessible, patient‑friendly overview of an essential specialty now available close to home.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• What drew Dr. Davis to medicine and to vascular surgery
• What vascular surgery is—and isn’t, including how it differs from cardiology
• The most common conditions vascular surgeons treat
• Dr. Davis’s philosophy of patient care, with an emphasis on education, prevention, long‑term vascular health

Why This Episode Matters:
Circulation problems often develop slowly, and early symptoms—like leg swelling, discomfort, or decreased mobility—can easily be overlooked. This episode helps listeners understand what vascular health truly means and who may benefit from seeing a specialist.
If you or someone you love has been experiencing circulation issues, swelling, or vascular‑related concerns, this conversation is an excellent place to start.

Vitals & Voices is a podcast powered by Lexington Regional Health Center, offering meaningful health conversations that matter to you. Each episode features authentic stories and expert insights from the people behind the care — including healthcare professionals, wellness advocates, community leaders, and patients — all aimed at helping you live your healthiest, most informed life.

Subscribe & Stay Connected:
Follow Vitals & Voices for more health insights and practical tips to help you live well and stay connected.

• YouTube
• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify

In this episode of Vitals & Voices, we sit down with two leaders at the heart of Lexington Regional Health Center’s mission and direction: CEO Jason Douglas and Board Chair Rob Anderson. Together, they open up about what it means to be a community‑governed hospital, why independence matters, and how every patient choice directly impacts LRHC’s future.

From the unique role of political‑subdivision hospitals to the real financial pressures rural facilities face, this candid conversation offers clarity, perspective, and a look at how LRHC is evolving to better serve the people who rely on it most.

Whether you’re curious about how LRHC operates, interested in recent improvements, or simply want to understand how your healthcare choices support the local community, this episode offers a thoughtful and accessible guide.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• What motivates long‑term board service
• What it means to be a critical access political subdivision hospital
• Why independence matters for LRHC
• How local governance strengthens community healthcare
• Why LRHC has chosen not to levy a tax
• How community choice directly impacts the hospital’s future
• What LRHC learned from its community sentiment survey
• Recent improvements in access and convenience
•  Why now is a great time to take another look at LRHC for your care
• The reality of rural hospital finances

If you’re interested in how your local healthcare system works, what challenges and opportunities lie ahead, or how your choices contribute to a stronger, more resilient community hospital, this episode is a meaningful and informative listen.

Vitals & Voices is a podcast powered by Lexington Regional Health Center, offering meaningful health conversations that matter to you. Each episode features authentic stories and expert insights from the people behind the care — including healthcare professionals, wellness advocates, community leaders, and patients — all aimed at helping you live your healthiest, most informed life.

Subscribe & Stay Connected:
Follow Vitals & Voices for more health insights and practical tips to help you live well and stay connected.

• YouTube
• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify

In this episode of Vitals & Voices, we sit down with Patrick Magorian, Physical Therapist, to demystify a trending treatment in modern physical therapy—dry needling. Patrick breaks down what the technique is, how it works, and why so many patients are finding relief through this specialized approach.
Whether you're dealing with chronic pain, recovering from an injury, or simply curious about the difference between dry needling and acupuncture, this episode offers a clear and accessible introduction.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• What dry needling actually is and how it uses thin needles to release tight or irritated muscles
• How dry needling differs from acupuncture—and why the distinction matters
• The top benefits patients experience, including pain relief, increased mobility, and decreased muscle tension
• Common conditions treated through dry needling, such as neck pain, back pain, and sports‑related injuries
• Which areas of the body can be treated, and why the neck, shoulders, and lower back are the most common
• What training and certification look like for physical therapists who perform dry needling
• Who is a good candidate for dry needling, and what age‑related considerations providers keep in mind
• Practical questions you’ve probably wondered, including: Do you need a referral? How many sessions are typical? Who at LRHC is trained in this technique?

If you’ve been curious about dry needling or are looking for new ways to address pain and improve mobility, this episode is a great place to start.

Take the next step in your wellness journey; call Lexington Regional Health Center's Rehabilitation Services Department at 308-324-8333 or visit our website at www.lexingtonregional.org to learn more or schedule an appointment.

Vitals & Voices is a podcast powered by Lexington Regional Health Center, offering meaningful health conversations that matter to you. Each episode features authentic stories and expert insights from the people behind the care — including healthcare professionals, wellness advocates, community leaders, and patients — all aimed at helping you live your healthiest, most informed life.

Subscribe & Stay Connected:
Follow Vitals & Voices for more health insights and practical tips to help you live well and stay connected.

• YouTube
• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify

In this episode of Vitals & Voices, we explore a topic that can make a big difference in your health journey—preventive care. Barb Foss, Nurse Practitioner, joins us to explain why the start of a new year is the perfect time to prioritize annual visits, screenings, and lab work. Barb shares practical insights on what preventive care really means, how it helps catch issues early, and why age-based recommendations matter for long-term wellness.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why preventive care is more than just “going to the doctor when you’re sick”
• The role annual visits and lab work play in detecting health issues early
• How updating your provider on health changes improves care plans
• Key differences in preventive care for men vs. women
• Age-based screening guidelines for mammograms, Pap smears, and colonoscopies
• Common barriers to preventive care—and how to overcome them
• Why delaying care often costs more in the long run

If you’ve been putting off your annual visit or screenings, now is the time to take action. Start the year strong by scheduling your preventive care appointment and building a relationship with your provider.

Vitals & Voices is a podcast powered by Lexington Regional Health Center, offering meaningful health conversations that matter to you. Each episode features authentic stories and expert insights from the people behind the care — including healthcare professionals, wellness advocates, community leaders, and patients — all aimed at helping you live your healthiest, most informed life.

Subscribe & Stay Connected:
Follow Vitals & Voices for more health insights and practical tips to help you live well and stay connected.

• YouTube
• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify

In this episode of Vitals & Voices, we dive into a topic that resonates with nearly everyone at the start of a new year—setting health goals that actually stick. Julie Levy, M.Ed., RD, LMNT, BC-ADM, CDCES, joins us to share practical strategies for building sustainable habits instead of chasing quick fixes. From SMART goals to aerobic activity guidelines and the seven self-care behaviors, Julie offers expert advice to help you start 2026 strong without feeling overwhelmed.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why health-related resolutions dominate January—and why most fail
• How to set SMART goals that are realistic and motivating
• The truth about aerobic activity guidelines and how to fit movement into your life
• The Seven Self-Care Behaviors that go beyond diet and exercise
• Why focusing on one goal at a time leads to lasting success
• Simple, realistic tips for building healthy eating routines

If you’re ready to make meaningful changes this year, start small, stay consistent, and give yourself grace along the way. For more resources or to connect with Julie Levy, visit https://lexingtonregional.org/ or call (308) 324-1680.

Vitals & Voices is a podcast powered by Lexington Regional Health Center, offering meaningful health conversations that matter to you. Each episode features authentic stories and expert insights from the people behind the care — including healthcare professionals, wellness advocates, community leaders, and patients — all aimed at helping you live your healthiest, most informed life.

Subscribe & Stay Connected:
Follow Vitals & Voices for more health insights and practical tips to help you live well and stay connected.

• YouTube
• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify

In this episode of Vitals & Voices, we explore a topic that impacts millions of Americans every year—physical therapy. Leeann Smith, Physical Therapist Assistant at Lexington Regional Health Center, explains what physical therapy is, why it’s so important, and how it helps people recover, manage pain, and improve mobility. She also shares insights into the different specialties within PT and even talks about a unique resource many people don’t know we have—a therapy pool!

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why physical therapy is essential for recovery and long-term health
• The most common reasons people seek PT services
• How physical therapy works in different settings—hospital, clinic, and schools
• The benefits of aquatic therapy and why our therapy pool is a game-changer
• Specialties within physical therapy and how they support diverse patient needs

If you’re dealing with pain, recovering from surgery, or just want to improve your mobility, physical therapy can make a big difference. Reach out to Lexington Regional Health Center’s therapy department at (308) 324-8333 or visit our website www.lexingtonregional.org to learn more and schedule an appointment.

Vitals & Voices is a podcast powered by Lexington Regional Health Center, offering meaningful health conversations that matter to you. Each episode features authentic stories and expert insights from the people behind the care — including healthcare professionals, wellness advocates, community leaders, and patients — all aimed at helping you live your healthiest, most informed life.

Subscribe & Stay Connected:
Follow Vitals & Voices for more health insights and practical tips to help you live well and stay connected.

• YouTube
• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify