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