Vitals & Voices

In this episode of Vitals & Voices, we sit down with Emily Tvrdy, IBCLC and Nursing Director of Obstetrics at Lexington Regional Health Center, to discuss one of the most talked-about and often misunderstood topics in early parenthood: breastfeeding. In recognition of World Breastfeeding Week, Emily helps separate myths from facts, explains why breastfeeding doesn't always come naturally, and reminds parents that no one should ...

In this episode of Vitals & Voices, we sit down with Vanessa Strong and Sandra Carvajal, Financial Counselors at Lexington Regional Health Center, to discuss Medicaid eligibility, changing income situations, and what local families need to know as our community continues to navigate the impacts of the Tyson closure and other employment changes. They explain why a previous Medicaid denial doesn't necessarily mean you're ineligib...

In this episode of Vitals & Voices, we sit down with Ashley Bellamy, Nurse Practitioner at Lexington Regional Health Center, to talk about one of summer’s most common health concerns—bug bites, tick bites, and seasonal skin rashes. Ashley shares what she's seeing in clinic this year, why ticks have been especially active, and how to tell the difference between a minor irritation and something that needs medical atte...

In this episode of Vitals & Voices, we welcome Dr. Brian Doss, one of the newest physicians to join Lexington Regional Health Center’s Family Medicine team. Raised on a farm in rural Texas and trained through one of the nation’s few combined Family Medicine and Emergency Medicine residency programs, Dr. Doss brings a unique perspective on caring for patients of all ages and stages of life.
During this conversatio...

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 families feel more confident navigating b...

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 ultraviolet (UV) radiation to choos...

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 shoulder pain for nearl...

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 critical role in keeping pat...

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 symptoms and kidney ...

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‑term physical health across all ages.<...

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 mental health certification aft...

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 addiction counsel...

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 brain and body, w...

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, relationships, and ov...

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 experiences....

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 long‑term complications.
From di...

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 your health—...

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—including ser...

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 insight, and hope. ...