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, C...

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 emergenc...

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 happ...

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 ther...

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...

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 responsi...

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 patien...

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...

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...

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 participan...

In this episode of Healthy Talk , we sit down with Chris Hanson, CRNA, ARNP, NSPMC, MSN, and owner of Mid-Iowa Anesthesia & Pain Services, to discuss how modern pain management is evolving to meet the needs of today’s patients. Chris shares how his team partners with Boone County Hospital to provide innovative, non-surgical options for managing chronic and acute pain. From spinal injections to...

In this episode of Healthy Talk , we explore how physical therapy supports healing, mobility, and quality of life at Boone County Hospital. Join us as we sit down with Ethan Patterson, Director of Rehabilitation Services, and Carolyn Siskoff, Physical Therapist specializing in pelvic floor and women’s health. From recovering after surgery or injury to managing chronic pain, incontinence, and mobil...

In today’s digital world, managing your healthcare should be as easy as checking your phone or computer. That’s why Boone County Hospital offers the BCH Health Portal—a secure, user-friendly platform designed to give patients 24/7 access to their health information. But how does it work, and why should you use it? In this episode of Healthy Talk , we sit down with Kelli Flynn, Clinical Analyst at...

In this episode of Healthy Talk , we explore the journey from hospital to healing with Addison Enns, a social worker at Boone County Hospital. Skilled care plays a vital role in helping patients recover after a hospital stay, but many families have questions about what it entails, who qualifies, and how the transition process works. Addison breaks down the key aspects of skilled care, explaining h...

This episode is about financial foundations supporting personal wealth and charitable impact. Shellie Grabau, Financial Advisor AAMS at Edward Jones and President of the Boone County Hospital Foundation Board, joins us to unpack a wealth of knowledge about estate planning, IRAs, Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs), and year-end giving strategies.  With the end of the year approaching, Shellie pr...

In this insightful episode of Healthy Talk , we welcome Chris Torres, the new Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Boone County Hospital, to discuss the complex and evolving financial side of healthcare.  Discover how hospitals like Boone County navigate the intricate balance between providing top-quality patient care and maintaining financial stability in a challenging healthcare environment. Chris T...

In this episode, we are thrilled to have Dena Systma, the Director of the Family Birth Center at Boone County Hospital, join us for an in-depth conversation. Dena brings her wealth of knowledge and experience to shed light on the incredible work happening at the Family Birth Center, where the journey of parenthood begins with expert care and unwavering support. Throughout the episode, we explore t...

In this episode, we're shining a spotlight on the Boone County Hospital Auxiliary and the incredible work they do. Joining us is Gayle Rinehart, the president of the Auxiliary, who will be sharing her insights and experiences with us. The Boone County Hospital Auxiliary is a group of dedicated volunteers who play a vital role in supporting the hospital, its patients, and the community at larg...

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. In this compelling episode of Health Talk, we are privileged to host Heidi Kennedy, the dedicated Program Director of Senior Life Solutions at Boone County Hospital. Mind Matters: Understanding Mental Health dives deep into the essential and often misunderstood topic of mental health. Heidi brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, shedding light on the cha...

In this episode of Healthy Talk, we're diving into the world of wound care and transformative treatments with Kathy Chapple,  program director of the Wound & Hyperbaric Center at Boone County Hospital. Wounds can be debilitating, affecting not only physical health but also mental and emotional well-being. However, advancements in medical science have brought about innovative treatments th...

In honor of Foot Health Awareness Month this April, join us for an insightful and informative episode of Healthy Talk as we delve into the realm of podiatric medicine and foot health with Dr. John Erickson, a distinguished Doctor of Podiatric Medicine and Foot & Ankle Surgeon at Boone County Hospital. Feet are often overlooked in overall health, yet they play a crucial role in our daily lives....

In this episode of Healthy Talk, we dive into the mysterious and often misunderstood realm of anesthesia with our esteemed guest, Genev Calek, CRNA, at Boone County Hospital.  Anesthesia plays a crucial role in modern medicine, enabling pain-free surgeries and procedures, yet many of us know little about what it truly involves. Genev Calek brings years of experience and expertise to the table, dem...

In this enlightening episode of Healthy Talk, we dive deep into the critical role of rehabilitation in the journey of cardiac care. Join us as we sit down with Kendle Demery, RN, BSN, a dedicated cardiac rehab nurse with a passion for helping patients navigate the challenging path to recovery after heart events. Kendle brings years of experience and a wealth of knowledge to the conversation, shedd...

In this episode, Molly Klatt, RN, BSN, discusses the critical topic of respiratory diseases and the vital role of vaccines in safeguarding our communities Molly shares her insights into the common respiratory illnesses affecting people today, the flu, RSV, and COVID-19. She explains the impact these diseases have on individuals and the healthcare system, drawing on her firsthand experiences in hea...

In this episode, our special guest, Amy Bachman, Radiology Supervisor, offers an exclusive look into the comprehensive radiology services at Boone County Hospital. Amy guides us through the cutting-edge technologies employed in medical imaging at Boone County Hospital, from ultrasound machines to MRI scanners. Discover how these tools contribute to precise diagnostics and optimal patient care, und...