Vitals & Voices

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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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In this episode of Vitals and Voices, we explore a topic that affects many families—feeding challenges in children. Justine Bauer, Occupational Therapist at Lexington Regional Health Center, explains what occupational therapy is, how pediatric feeding therapy works, and why early intervention can make a big difference. She also shares practical tips for parents and signs that it’s time to seek professional help.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• What occupational therapy really means for kids and families
• The difference between picky eating and feeding difficulties
• How the SOS approach helps children overcome feeding challenges
• Simple strategies parents can try at home
• When to seek a feeding therapy evaluation and how to get started

If mealtime feels overwhelming, you’re not alone. Reach out to Lexington Regional Health Center’s therapy department (308) 324-8333 or visit our website to learn more and schedule an evaluation.

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. 

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In this episode of Vitals and Voices, we dive into early speech and language development—what parents need to know and why early intervention matters. Aurora Grabenstein, Speech Language Pathologist at Lexington Regional Health Center, clears up common misconceptions about speech therapy, explains critical pre-verbal skills, and shares when parents should take action instead of “wait and see.”

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• What speech-language pathologists really do
• Risk factors that can impact speech and language
• Why early skills matter before words emerge
• When to seek help and how to get started

If you have concerns about your child’s communication, don’t wait—reach out to Lexington Regional’s therapy department today.

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. 

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In this episode of Vitals and Voices, we tackle a topic that’s on the minds of many families in our community—especially following the recent Tyson closure announcement: health insurance coverage after job loss. What happens when you lose your job? Should you apply for Medicaid right away? What if you get denied? And what exactly is the health insurance marketplace everyone talks about?
To help us answer these questions, Brenna Bartruff sits down with Sandra Carvajal, one of LRHC’s bilingual financial counselors. Sandra and her team work every day to make sure patients understand their options and get the help they need.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How LRHC’s financial counseling department supports our community
• What to do first if you lose your job and health coverage
• Medicaid explained in simple terms: who qualifies and what benefits it provides
• Why bilingual support matters for Spanish-speaking families
• The difference between Medicaid and the health insurance marketplace
• Special enrollment periods and how to avoid coverage gaps
• Practical steps for families feeling overwhelmed

Key Questions Answered:

• What are the first steps to take after losing employer coverage?
• Can you apply for Medicaid while applying for unemployment benefits?
• What happens if your Medicaid application is denied?
• How does the 90-day window work for fixing coverage gaps?
• What should families look for when choosing a marketplace plan to keep care local at LRHC? 

Resources & How to Get Help:
If you’re unsure where to start, LRHC’s financial counselors are here for you.
Ways to connect: Call Family Medicine Specialists Clinic at (308) 324-8308 to schedule an appointment today.

Closing Thoughts:
Sandra reminds us that losing coverage doesn’t mean losing care. LRHC is committed to helping families navigate Medicaid, marketplace plans, and financial assistance options. If you found this episode helpful, please like, subscribe, and share with friends and family. Together, we can make sure everyone in our community knows about these important resources.

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. 

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In this episode, we sit down with Marni Baker, Welcome Center Coordinator for Lexington Public Schools, and Beth Roberts, Executive Director of the Lexington Community Foundation, to talk about how our community is responding to the Tyson plant closure announcement.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• What employees should do if they know they’re impacted
• Workforce and unemployment resources for families
• Financial guidance and career fair information
• How the Lexington Community Foundation is helping—and how YOU can give back

Key Links:

• Lexington Community Foundation: https://www.lexfoundation.org/
• Give BIG Lexington: https://www.givebiglexington.org/
• Nebraska Department of Labor Resources: https://dol.nebraska.gov/
• Lexington Area Chamber of Commerce: https://lexcoc.com/
• Community Action Partners: https://communityactionmidne.com/

Let’s come together to support our neighbors during this transition.

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. 

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Colon cancer is one of the most preventable yet serious health conditions affecting adults today. In this episode of Vitals & Voices, we sit down with Roger Wells, a seasoned Physician Assistant specializing in primary care, prevention, and chronic disease management. Roger shares essential insights on colon cancer—from risk factors and screening tools to prevention strategies and treatment options.

If you’ve ever wondered when to start screening, what a colonoscopy involves, or how family history impacts your risk, this episode is for you. Early detection saves lives—don’t miss this important conversation.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• A brief history of colon cancer and why it matters today
• Common causes and key risk factors
• The most effective screening tools available
• How family history influences screening recommendations
• Colon cancer prevalence among adults over 40 in the U.S.
• Cure rates by stage and what outcomes look like
• Practical steps to reduce your risk
• What to expect when scheduling your first colonoscopy
• Emerging technologies and treatments on the horizon
• Meet the general surgeons serving Lexington and surrounding communities
• How to connect with Roger Wells and the Family Medicine Specialists Clinic

Resources & Contact:
For more information or to schedule a screening, visit https://lexingtonregional.org/ or call 308-324-8308.

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