The Cass Health Podcast

Send us a textCass Health's ENT Dr. Rick Rinehart joins us to chat about sinus and nasal issues. Some of the highlights include:How many sinuses humans haveCommon causes of sinus issuesWhen to see your primary care provider for sinus issuesWhen to schedule an appointment with Dr. RinehartENT approved at-home treatments for sinus issues

Send us a textEmergency Department Physician Dr. Heather Hergott joins us for a conversation about strokes. Listen to learn more about:▪️ Types of strokes▪️ Symptoms▪️ Treatment▪️ How to reduce your risk of stroke▪️ & learn a little bit about Dr. Hergott as well!

Send us a textGet to know Megan Frederiksen, ARNP!Megan Frederiksen is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner and a member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). She provides family practice care for patients of all ages.Frederiksen earned a Bachelor of Science from Luther College in 2007 and then completed a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Nebraska Methodist in 2009. During her nursing career at Cass Health, Frederiksen primarily worked in the Emergency Department, Obstetrics, and most recently, Cardiac Rehab. After more than a decade in nursing, Frederiksen returned to school and completed her Master of Science in Nursing at Clarkson College, graduating in August 2024.During this mini-episode, we asked Megan about:Why she chose to become a nurse practitionerWhat she wants her patients to knowHer special interests in medicine Her hobbiesWhy she chose to stay in Atlanticand more! Listen now to this short, fun episode to get to know Megan Frederiksen, ARNP.

Send us a textCass Health Family Medicine provider Dr. Jeals Brines joins us to talk about all of the amazing ways fiber can help improve your health. Listen in to learn more about:Fiber-rich foodsDaily fiber goalsSupplementsGut healthCleansesCardiovascular healthWeight lossand more!

Send us a textJoin us as we talk with Human Resources Coordinator Kat Niemann and Director of Education Brittni Schmidt, BSN RN CEN about the Cass Health Nurse Apprenticeship Program. This first-of-its-kind program is building up the next generation of nurses through a unique framework.During the episode we talk about:How the apprenticeship worksOn-the-job trainingBenefits of the programOur relationship with Iowa Western Community CollegeAnd most importantly -- when and how to apply!

Send us a textGet to know Maria Hoegh, ARNP!Maria Hoegh is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner. She received her Doctor of Nursing Practice from Creighton University in 2021, and recently moved from Utah where she was practicing in a Family Medicine clinic.Prior to the start of her career as a Nurse Practitioner, Maria's nursing career began in 2013 after graduating with her BSN from Clarkson College. She has worked as a Pediatric Emergency nurse at Blank Children's Hospital, and she also worked at the University of Iowa's Children's Hospital in both the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit and Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and Medical Surgical Unit.During this mini-episode, we asked Maria about:Why she chose to become a nurse practitionerWhat she wants her patients to knowHer special interests in medicine Her hobbiesHer family & petsand more! Listen now to this short, fun episode to get to know Maria Hoegh, ARNP.

Send us a textTwo of Cass Health's Rapid Care Providers Emily James, ARNP and Linda Newsome, PA-C join us to chat about a variety of winter illnesses, treatments, and prevention. Some of the highlights include:The differences between Rapid Care and primary care providersWhat illnesses are circulating right now and what's aheadPrevention tactics to help keep you from getting sickWhat to keep ready at home for when you're sick& learn a little bit about Emily & Linda too!

Send us a textCass Health's Weight Loss Surgeon Dr. William Rizk joins us for a conversation about gastric sleeve surgery. Some of the highlights include:▪️   Defining who is a candidate for weight loss surgery▪️   The difference between weight loss surgery and a diet▪️   How Cass Health's weight loss program is designed to help patients succeed▪️   What patients can expect before, during, and after their procedure▪️   & learn a little bit about Dr. Rizk too!

Send us a textGet to know Dr. Jill Pollpeter!Dr. Pollpeter is a board-certified family medicine physician who joined Cass Health in the fall of 2024. Dr. Pollpeter received her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Creighton University in May 2017, and her Doctorate of Medicine from Creighton University in May of 2021. She then went on to complete her Family Medicine Residency at Unity Point Health Iowa Lutheran Hospital in Des Moines in June of 2024. Dr. Pollpeter provides the full scope of family medicine care, and her special interests include women's health, procedures, and preventive medicine, with her main goal being to treat each patient as an individual and provide the care that will help them reach their health-related goals.During this mini-episode, we asked Dr. Pollpeter about:What she loves about Family MedicineWhy she chose Cass HealthWhat she wants patients to knowHer hobbiesFavorite holidayand more! Listen now to this short, fun episode to get to know Dr. Pollpeter.

Send us a textGet to know Dr. Jeals Brines!Dr. Brines is a board-certified Family Medicine physician who provides care to all ages at Cass Health. Originally from Leon, Iowa, Dr. Brines received her Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from Northwest Missouri State University in 2017, and her Doctorate of Medicine from the Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine in May of 2021. She then went on to complete her Family Medicine Residency at Unity Point Health Iowa Lutheran Hospital in Des Moines in June of 2024.During this mini-episode, we asked Dr. Brines about:What she loves about Family MedicineWhat she wants patients to knowHer hobbiesFavorite teams and musicand more! Listen now to this short, fun episode to get to know Dr. Brines.

Send us a textOB/GYN Dr. Marcela Pineda joins us to talk about perimenopause and the impact this transition can have on so many aspects of a woman's life. Some of the highlights include:Defining perimenopauseWide range of symptomsHormone Replacement TherapyChanging nutritional needsPerimenopause's effect on weight gainImpact on women's sexual healthand more!

Send us a Text Message.Dr. Seema Harichand joins us for an insightful conversation about cancer care and prevention. From reducing your risk to receiving a diagnosis, we talk about it all. Some of the highlights include:Risk factorsThe link between aging and cancerThe types of cancer Dr. Harichand sees most oftenWords of wisdom for oncology patientsThe rapid advancements in oncology careand more!

Send us a Text Message.Dr. Adam Verhoef joins us for an incredible conversation about maternal health. From preparing for pregnancy to postpartum care, we talk about it all. Some of the highlights include:Healthy habits to adopt before you're pregnantTips for newly pregnant momsKeeping baby & you safe during pregnancyNutrition and exercisePreparing for laborImportance of having a provider you trustPostpartum support and more!Episode Notes & LinksCDC: Planning for Pregnancy (Webpage in English & Spanish)CDC Pregnancy Planner PDFGet to know and listen to more from Dr. Verhoef: Season 2, Episode 5Men's Health Month with Max Starlin, PA-C & Dr. Adam Verhoef

Cass Health's cardiology provider Kristin Babb, PA-C  joins us to talk about Atrial Fibrillation (AFib). Our topics included:What is AFib?Who is at riskThe connection between AFib and strokesTreatment options for patientsThe impact of caffeine and energy drinksDecreasing your risk of developing AFib& learn more about Kristin too! 

Cass Health's new podiatry provider Dr. Michael Egertsen joins us to talk about diabetic foot care. A native of Laurens, Iowa, Dr. Egertsen shares with us his background, stories of his time at the VA in Baltimore, Maryland and Washington, D.C., and how Cass Health led him back to Iowa. Dr. Egertsen also talked with us about:Red flags for diabetic patients to watch out forThe importance of good gear like socks and shoesProper foot care practicesLots of tips and tricksand learn more about Dr. Egertsen too! 

Join us for the latest episode of the Cass Health Podcast with our Dermatology Provider, Lace Sindt, ARNP.  November is Healthy Skin Month, and as winter approaches, we talked with Lace about topics like:What areas of the body are affected the most by dry skin Moisturizers and when to apply them Red flags of a condition more serious that just dry skin What soaps to use (and what ones to avoid) The importance of sunscreen during the winter months

Cass Health's Clinical Dietitian Beth Olsen joins us to talk about how to approach the holidays in a healthy way. Our topics included:How to manage holiday stressEnjoying the foods you don't typically getDinner plate sizesEating intuitivelyHoliday BeveragesGetting active after the mealBeth's favorite holiday dish

Cass Health's Athletic Trainer Andy Niemann joins us to talk all things sports. We talk about his background, how he got into athletic training, why he loves sports, and his favorite sports memories. A big part of Andy's role at Cass Health is supporting the health and safety of student athletes at Atlantic High School both on and off the field. Our topics included:The role of the AT and their relationships with coaches and athletesCommon injuries and injury preventionConcussion symptoms and return-to-play protocolsA parent's role during sporting eventsNavigating the maze of supplements & sports drinksThings parents and fans could have on hand for minor injuriesNutrition and hydration for athletesLooking for our Fueling Trojan Athletes nutritional information? Find those downloads and learn more about supporting the health of student athletes at casshealth.org/sports.

Join us for the latest episode of the Cass Health Podcast with our newest Nurse Practitioner, Lace Sindt.  In 2009, Lace began working in a dermatology clinic, sparking her passion for helping others feel comfortable and confident in their skin, and now she provides care to adolescents and adults at Cass Health.Listen to the episode to learn more about ... What medical dermatology is Different types of acne and how to treat it Skin checks and who needs them Importance of sunscreen use Why no one should EVER use tanning beds And what Lace likes to sing along to in the car! (Plus more fun get-to-know-you questions!)

Cass Health's Family Medicine providers Dr. Adam Verhoef and Physician Assistant Max Starlin joined us to chat about men's health. Listen in as we talk about: What finally brings men in to the doctorWhen farmers can find time for their yearly appointment Addressing the stigma around mental health and how your provider can help Why establishing care with a Primary Care Provider is so importantThe importance of routine visits and preventive care

Join us for a new episode with Cass Health's Pelvic Floor Therapist Amber Michael, OT. As an experienced OT and mom, Amber's passionate about helping women address pelvic floor issues that many women unfortunately consider normal. Women of all ages will benefit from this episode where we also talk about:What the pelvic floor is and why it's so importantSigns & symptoms that your pelvic floor might need some help!Preventive care & what you can do at homeFirst steps and treatments (including how personal is a pelvic floor therapy appointment??)What advice she'd share with young women

Meet Dr. David Ingvoldstad from Eye Associates for Healthy Vision Month.Listen to hear us talk about:▪️ The common types of eye issues he sees here▪️ Macular Degeneration & how it's treated▪️ How he and Dr. Goergen work together ▪️ and learn a little about Dr. Ingvoldstad, too!

On this episode we talk about all things related to breastfeeding with two of Cass Health's OB nurses and certified lactation counselors, Brooke Dreager and Britni Olson.Our topics included: ▪️ The first 24 hours of breastfeeding▪️ The importance of getting the right latch▪️ Breastfeeding tools & pumps▪️ Answering the question: Is breastfeeding for everyone?

Listen in as one of our OB/GYNs Dr. Emily Chang answers some of the most common gynecological questions, such as: What's human papilloma virus (HPV) and how did I get it?What does my abnormal PAP mean?Why do I keep getting vaginal infections?Why do I keep getting urinary tract infections?I'm told that I have an ovarian cyst, what does that mean?I'm told that I have a fibroid, what does that mean?

On this episode we welcome Cass Health's Senior Life Solutions Team of Karmen Roland and Kacey Peterson to talk about suicide awareness and prevention. Our topics included: ▪️ Warning signs and symptoms▪️ Steps of the #BeThe1To campaign ▪️ How mental & physical health are linked▪️ Risk factors to be mindful of -- especially important for rural residents!

On this episode we're joined by Susan Herr-McDowell, PA-C, who sees patients in AMC Rapid Care.Susan talks with us about: Common reasons people visit Rapid CareWho you'll be seen by in Rapid CareWhat a PA is and what they doWhy it's still important to maintain a relationship with your primary care provider& learn more about Susan, too! 

On this episode, Cass Health's Dr. Angela Weppler and Mary Robinson, PA-C talk with us about: ▪️ Addressing vaccine myths▪️ Why vaccine hesitancy has increased▪️ The importance of early childhood vaccinations▪️ Why vaccines are safe & can be trusted▪️ and more helpful information! For more information on vaccines, please visit cdc.gov/vaccines/index.html

Meet Dr. Jesse Himebaugh, one of Cass Health's visiting ophthalmologists. Listen to learn more about:Eye health mythsCataracts & cataract surgeryHow ophthalmologists & optometrists work togetherCorneal diseasesPlus, get to know Dr. Himebaugh  -- we loved learning about his unusual childhood pet!

On this episode we welcome Dr. Jeff Goergen from Eye Associates for Healthy Vision Month! Our topics included: ▪️ Why routine eye exams are important▪️ How age and disease can impact your eyes▪️ Glaucoma and Macular Degeneration▪️ and learn a little about Dr. Goergen, too! 

On this episode we welcome Cass Health's Senior Life Solutions Team of Karmen Roland and Kacey Peterson to talk about Mental Health Awareness month. Our topics included: ▪️ How common mental health illness and struggles are▪️ Signs and symptoms▪️ Monitoring your mental health▪️ How mental health is intertwined with physical health 

Learn more about Occupational Therapy and the services our team provides. Joining us are Cass Health's two OTs -- Ashley Williams and Amber Michael.What is Occupational Therapy?What does a day in the life of an OT look like?What types of patients do they work with?What should a parent watch for in their child's development that may be a red flag -- and that an OT might be the right choice to help?

Sara Beth Jones, RN, Lead House Supervisor and SANE Coordinator at Cass Health talks with us about Sexual Assault Awareness Month.We cover a range of questions including:What is a SANE nurse?What should I do if I have been the victim of sexual assault?How can I help or support a friend or family member if this happens to them?What is an advocate?Please note that this episode includes information that may be uncomfortable to some listeners.

General surgeon Dr. Chad McCance joins us on this episode to talk about colorectal cancer. Are there early symptoms and warning signs for colon cancer?What is it like to get a colonoscopy?Who is at risk to develop colon cancer?Is colon cancer preventable?Bonus! We also talk with Cass Health's dietitian, Beth Olsen, about how to incorporate more fiber into your diet.

On this episode, Cass Health's Dr. Edna Becht talks with us about: ▪️ Overall heart health ▪️ How to have a heart healthy diet ▪️ The importance of regular exercise▪️ Why stress management is so impactful ▪️ and other Heart Health informationIn this 2 for 1 episode we also hear from Cass Health's Cardiac Rehab lead nurse Megan Frederiksen! Megan gives us a breakdown of the awesome services cardiac rehab provides, with a family feel.

What do I do about my picky eaters?! What's for dinner?! Should I try that new diet??Director of Public Health and Registered Dietitian Beth Olsen answers all of these questions (and more!) during our chat about National Nutrition Month.

Dr. Rick Rinehart talks about children's ENT issues in this first episode.Learn more about Dr. Rinehart's background and why he chose ENTListen to his fun answers to our get-to-know-you questionsLearn about common kids' ENT issues and why surgery is not so scary after all!Hear what the ENT has to say about q-tips and adult ENT issuesLearn more about head & neck surgeries at Cass Health