Vitals & Voices

In this episode of Vitals & Voices, we sit down with Emilea Rogers, Occupational Therapist at Lexington Regional Health Center, to talk about helping children with sensory needs enjoy all that summer has to offer. From sensory-friendly pool events and interactive library programs to Mommy & Me gatherings and the upcoming Sensory Fair, Emilea shares practical strategies that can help famili...

In this episode of Vitals & Voices, we sit down with Nurse Practitioner Tara Lawless to answer a seasonal question that carries year‑round importance—is sunscreen really that big of a deal? Tara breaks down why sun protection goes far beyond avoiding a painful burn, how everyday exposure quietly adds up over time, and what that means for your long‑term skin health. From understanding ultraviol...

In this episode of Vitals & Voices, we share a powerful patient story that highlights the impact of local orthopedic care. We sit down with Chris Larsen, a Lexington-area farmer, and Dr. Jeffrey Schopp, orthopedic surgeon at Lexington Regional Health Center, to talk about Chris’s journey through chronic shoulder pain, surgery, and recovery—all while staying close to home. After living with sho...

In this episode of Vitals & Voices, we sit down with Ben Huls, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) at Lexington Regional Health Center, to answer a question many patients ask before surgery: “Why do I have to do so much before my procedure?” Ben breaks down the purpose behind fasting, medication adjustments, lab work, and other pre‑surgery instructions and why each step plays a criti...

In this episode of Vitals & Voices, we sit down with Dr. Matthew Rutman, visiting specialist urologist at Lexington Regional Health Center, to talk about a topic many people delay or avoid—when it’s time to see a urologist. Dr. Rutman breaks down what urology really involves, clears up common misconceptions, and explains why urologic care isn’t just for older adults or men. From urinary sympto...

In this episode of Vitals & Voices, we sit down with Lindsey Dittmar, Physician Assistant at Family Medicine Specialists Clinic, to talk about something that quietly shapes our days (and nights) more than we realize screen time. From smartphones and social media to tablets and TVs, Lindsey breaks down how constant digital stimulation affects brain health, sleep quality, mood, and even long‑ter...

In this episode of Vitals & Voices, we sit down with Stephanie Reutlinger, PMHNP, a Family Practice Psychiatric Mental Health Board-Certified Nurse Practitioner at Family Medicine Specialists, to have an honest, compassionate conversation about mental health medication what it is, what it isn’t, and how it can support whole-person care. Stephanie shares why she chose to pursue additional menta...

In this episode of Vitals & Voices, we sit down with Jamie Roberts, Provisional Licensed Mental Health Practitioner and Provisional Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor at Lexington Regional Health Center, to have an open, honest conversation about alcohol and drug counseling—and why support is available long before someone reaches “rock bottom.” Jamie shares her journey into mental health and...

In this episode of Vitals & Voices, we continue our mental health conversation with Tracy Weiland, Licensed Clinical Social Worker at Lexington Regional Health Center, to explore a therapy that many people have heard about—but few truly understand: EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). Tracy breaks down EMDR in plain language, explaining how trauma can become “stuck” in the bra...

In this episode of Vitals & Voices, we sit down with Ann Young, Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Lexington Regional Health Center, to take on a challenge many of us face every day—workplace stress. In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, Ann helps unpack when “being busy” crosses the line into burnout and how stress can quietly affect not just your job, but your sleep, health, rela...

In this episode of Vitals & Voices, we sit down with Karina Lupercio, Licensed Independent Mental Health Practitioner at Lexington Regional Health Center, to talk about a topic that quietly impacts many people in our community: trauma and PTSD. Karina breaks down what trauma really is, how PTSD is different, and why there’s no “right” or “wrong” way the body responds after overwhelming experie...

In this episode of Vitals & Voices, we sit down with podiatrist Dr. Joshua Wray to highlight National Foot Health Awareness Month and explore why foot health plays a much bigger role in overall wellness than most people realize. Dr. Wray shares how our feet often provide early warning signs of deeper health issues, why foot pain should never be ignored, and how simple daily habits can prevent...

In this episode of Vitals & Voices, we sit down with Leonard Wilson, Director of Respiratory Therapy at Lexington Regional Health Center, to break down a surprisingly common but often overlooked health issue—sleep disorders. Leonard explains why sleep is so much more than “rest,” how problems like snoring or daytime fatigue can signal something deeper, and when a sleep study can truly change y...

In this episode of Vitals & Voices, we sit down with Travis Barkmeier, Family Nurse Practitioner, to break down one of the most common—but most overlooked—topics in men’s health today: testosterone, energy, and overall hormonal wellbeing. Travis helps explain what symptoms really matter, why low testosterone is getting so much attention, and what men can expect from evaluation and treatment—in...

In this episode of Vitals & Voices, we sit down with Roger Wells, PA-C and Julie Levy, RD, BC-ADM, CDCES to break down one of the most common—and most misunderstood—chronic conditions affecting families in our community: diabetes. Whether you’re newly diagnosed, supporting a loved one, or simply want clear, trustworthy information, this episode offers practical explanations, myth‑busting insig...

In this second episode of our dementia series, Vitals & Voices continues the conversation with Dr. Francisca Carlson, family medicine physician and Chief Medical Officer at Lexington Regional Health Center, to further explore dementia—what it is, what it isn’t, and how to recognize it early. Building on the foundation from our first episode, Dr. Carlson begins with a brief recap of dementia be...

In this episode of Vitals & Voices, we sit down with Dr. Francisca Acosta-Carlson, Family Medicine Physician and Chief Medical Officer at Lexington Regional Health Center, to unpack a topic that touches countless families—dementia. Dr. Carlson helps break down what dementia really is, how to spot the early signs, and what steps families can take when concerns begin to surface. Whether you’re n...

In this episode of Vitals & Voices, Brenna Bartruff sits down with orthopedic surgeon Dr. Jeffrey Schopp for a practical and down‑to‑earth conversation about knee pain—one of the most common issues affecting people across all stages of life. Dr. Schopp shares the types of knee problems he sees in clinic and explains how patients typically fall into four general life‑stage categories: teenagers...

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 understan...

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...

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 patien...

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...

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 understan...

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‑subdivi...

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 ab...