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, young adults, middle‑age adults, and older/mature adults. From sports injuries to long‑term wear and tear, knee pain looks different for everyone—and so does the path to feeling better.
Together, Brenna and Dr. Schopp walk through treatment options, how knee care has evolved, and why patients shouldn’t wait to get evaluated. Dr. Schopp also highlights that LRHC performs knee surgeries every week, offering patients local access to advanced orthopedic care close to home.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Who Dr. Jeffrey Schopp is and the range of patients he cares for
• How knee pain presents differently in teenagers, young adults, middle‑age adults, and mature adults
• Common knee conditions and when to seek help
• What treatment options look like—from conservative care to surgery
• How LRHC performs knee surgeries weekly for faster access and continuity of care
• Why early evaluation can prevent long‑term damage
• How to schedule directly with LRHC Orthopedics

If You’ve Been Living with Knee Pain:
This episode offers a clear, encouraging look at what’s possible. Whether you’re dealing with a recent injury, long‑standing pain, or simply want to understand your options, Dr. Schopp provides practical guidance you can act on today. It’s an empowering conversation for anyone ready to move better, feel better, and get back to the activities they love.

For more information or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Schopp, please call (308) 324-8343. No referral needed!

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 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 understand your own risks, this conversation offers a clear, accessible, and empowering guide to the basics everyone should know.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How cancer begins in the body and why uncontrolled cell growth becomes dangerous
• Why cancer is so common, including key statistics such as how nearly 1 in 3 Americans will face a diagnosis
• The most common cancer types, including breast, prostate, lung, colorectal, and pancreatic
• Which cancers affect men and women differently—and why those differences matter
• What makes certain cancers more deadly, including late detection and aggressive disease patterns
• The power of early detection, and how screening dramatically improves outcomes
• Major risk factors you can control (like tobacco use, diet, alcohol, activity, UV exposure, and infections)
• Risk factors you can’t control, including family history, age, and genetics
• How lifestyle habits truly impact cancer risk—and how much they really matter
• Screenings everyone should know about, and the ages or risk factors that trigger important conversations
• Why talking with your provider early can change treatment options and survival rates
• Simple steps you can take today to lower your risk through movement, diet, screening, and awareness

Why This Episode Matters:

Cancer can feel overwhelming—but as Roger explains, understanding your risks, knowing what’s in your control, and getting the right screenings can make a life‑changing difference. With nearly 2 million cancer diagnoses each year, awareness and prevention have never been more important.

If you're ready to better understand cancer—and take small steps that make a big impact—this episode is a powerful 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.

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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.

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• Spotify