Beyond the Checkup Podcast by Stellis Health

Stellis Health

Dive into the world of wellness with Stellis Health's, Beyond the Checkup Podcast. Every other month, join our diverse team of healthcare providers as they unpack a wide range of health-related topics. From the latest in medical innovations to everyday health tips, get ready for insightful conversations that go beyond the routine checkup. Whether you're a healthcare buff or just looking to improve your wellbeing, this podcast is your go-to for fresh, expert perspectives on health and medicine. Tune in and transform the way you think about your health.

  1. Aug 1

    New Breastfeeding Guidance: Mastitis, Milk Supply & More

    Breastfeeding recommendations have changed significantly in recent years. In this episode of Beyond the Checkup, Dr. Lindsey Latteman explains the latest evidence on mastitis, milk supply, oversupply, pumping, and breast inflammation. She discusses why old advice such as aggressive massage and excessive pumping has been replaced with a more evidence-based approach focused on reducing inflammation, supporting normal feeding, and helping parents feel confident throughout their breastfeeding journey. Episode Highlights 00:00 Introduction to today's topic 02:15 Why breastfeeding recommendations have changed 06:48 The biggest myth about "clogged ducts" 11:10 Why ice is now recommended before heat 15:35 Oversupply and the freezer stash myth 20:40 When pumping can actually make things worse 25:05 Signs of mastitis and when to call your provider 30:10 Supporting parents without guilt or pressure 35:50 The most important goal: Feed your baby Memorable Quotes "The goal should be to feed the baby." "More milk isn't always better." "Inflammation is usually the problem, not a clogged duct." "Every breastfeeding journey is different." "We want parents to feel confident, not pressured."

  2. May 26

    Jiffy Knee Replacement at Stellis Health

    For years, knee replacement had a reputation. Painful recovery. Weeks of rehab. Walkers, narcotics, and putting your life on hold. That reputation kept a lot of people waiting far longer than they wanted to But what if recovery looked completely different? In this episode of Beyond the Checkup, orthopedic physician assistants Brian Yost, PA-C and Jake Berwyn, PA-C explain how the new Jiffy Knee procedure is changing the way patients experience knee replacement surgery. Instead of cutting through tendons and muscles, this approach works by carefully moving tissues aside, helping patients recover faster with less pain and less downtime. Many patients are walking without a cane or walker within days, and most are recovering without narcotic pain medication. The results have been so significant that patients are already traveling from across Minnesota and neighboring states to have the procedure done at Stellis Health. This episode breaks down how Jiffy Knee works, who it is for, and why so many people are saying they wish they had done it sooner.

  3. Apr 16

    Designing Your Birth Experience with a Midwife

    What If Birth Felt Supportive, Not Stressful? You picture how your birth will go. The environment, the people in the room, how you want to feel. Calm. Supported. In control. But then the questions start. What if things do not go as planned? What if I do not know what to say in the moment? What if I am not heard? In this episode of Beyond the Checkup, certified nurse midwives Jessica Borgstrom and Kristin Hazeman walk through what it really means to design the birth experience you actually want. Not a perfect plan, but a supported one. They explain how trust, communication, and preparation can completely change how a birth feels, even when it takes unexpected turns. Because a positive birth is not about everything going exactly right. It is about feeling heard, respected, and supported every step of the way. This episode covers how to build a birth plan that reflects your preferences, how to advocate for yourself early, and why the relationship you build with your provider matters more than any checklist. [00:00:44] What “partnering with patients” really means in midwifery care [00:02:24] Why feeling heard is the most important part of a birth experience [00:03:34] Common fears during pregnancy and labor [00:06:04] How to advocate for yourself early in pregnancy [00:07:20] What makes a birth feel positive even when plans change [00:08:56] What a birth plan really is and how to think about it [00:10:28] How environment impacts labor and patient experience [00:13:05] Creating a plan that is both empowering and flexible [00:15:04] Staying grounded and avoiding overwhelm during labor [00:18:14] Final advice: trusting your body and the process Resources Beyond the Checkup Podcast – Stellis Health Jessica Borgstrom Kristin Hazeman Midwifery Services at Stellis Health Stellis Health Appointment Scheduling Memorable Quotes “Birth is unpredictable, but feeling heard changes everything.” “A positive birth is not about perfection. It is about feeling supported.” “Your birth plan is not a checklist. It is how you want to feel.” “We build trust early so you feel confident later.” “Your body is meant to do this.” What's inside this episode: What it really means to partner with your provider How to advocate for yourself before labor begins Why birth plans should be flexible, not rigid What creates a positive experience even when things change How environment and support impact labor What partners can do to be involved and helpful

  4. 12/01/2025

    Is Your Gut Trying to Tell You Something?

    Have you ever felt your stomach drop before a big moment? Lost your appetite under stress? Or turned to comfort food when you're down? You're not alone—and you're not imagining it. In this episode of Beyond the Checkup, Stellis Health mental health practitioner Tom Hawkins joins host Pete Waggoner to unpack the powerful relationship between your brain, your emotions, and your digestion. Together, they break down why anxiety and appetite are so closely linked, how your nervous system plays a role, and what simple tools can help bring balance to your body and mind. Whether you're dealing with nausea, overeating, or just wondering why your stomach reacts to stress—this episode will leave you thinking differently about the phrase “gut feeling.” What You'll Learn in This Episode How anxiety and digestion are connected Why your appetite changes when you’re stressed What it means to have a “gut feeling” How trauma or chronic stress can cause long-term digestive issues Easy holiday tips for emotional and digestive wellness A practical breathing technique that signals your body to relax Episode Highlights (Timestamps) [00:02:15] Is “gut instinct” real? How our brain and body communicate[00:04:08] Fight, flight—or digestion? How stress literally shuts down your gut[00:07:22] Why anxiety can feel like a stomachache[00:09:20] Top-down vs. bottom-up emotions—and how your gut and brain affect each other[00:12:19] Why holidays throw off digestion and how to help your body adjust[00:14:20] The small plate trick: easy mindful eating tip for big meals[00:16:00] Appetite changes and mental health—what your eating habits are telling you[00:20:00] A simple breathing exercise to calm your nervous system Listen to all podcasts here: https://stellishealth.com/category/podcast/

  5. 10/07/2025

    How mental health counseling really works

    The Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore About Your Mental Health Have you ever told yourself “I’m just tired” or “I’ll be fine once things calm down” - but deep down you weren’t actually fine? This episode of Beyond the Checkup shares why those thoughts matter. Stellis Health mental health practitioner Tom Hawkins joins host Pete Waggoner to explain what counseling really looks like, how to know when it might be time to reach out, and what small tools can help you start feeling better now.  Whether you’re curious about therapy or looking for simple ways to manage stress and overwhelm, this episode is packed with practical advice. Episode Highlights (Timestamps) [00:01:00] What a mental health counselor does and the different credentials you might see [00:03:11] The power of daily self-care, including movement, gratitude, and connection [00:05:00] Red and yellow flags: subtle signs it might be time to seek support [00:07:59] Common myths and misunderstandings about counseling [00:11:00] How Tom helps patients track progress and build coping skills [00:13:28] Practical tools: journaling, grounding techniques, gratitude Resources Mentioned Tom Hawkins, MHPRAC, Mental Health - Monticello location Quiet by Susan Cain Calm app Stellis Health Podcasts & Blogs

  6. 07/23/2025

    Menopause Isn’t a Moment—It’s a Journey

    Summary:In this episode of Beyond the Checkup, host Pete Waggoner is joined by three Stellis Health experts—Dr. Lindsey Latteman, Dr. Amanda Zehrer, and Dr. Danielle Schirm—for an open, honest discussion about menopause and perimenopause. The team breaks down what these phases really are, how symptoms vary, and what treatments can help women feel their best. What You’ll Learn: The difference between perimenopause and menopauseCommon symptoms and surprising mythsWhen to seek help—and why hormone therapy isn’t one-size-fits-allEpisode Highlights (Timestamps): 00:00 – Meet the Providers00:38 – What Menopause Really Means01:30 – Why It’s a Tunnel, Not a Doorway02:09 – How Long Symptoms Can Last03:41 – Top Symptoms: Hot Flashes, Brain Fog, and More06:37 – Hormone Therapy: What It Is and Isn’t08:42 – Support from Loved Ones10:00 – Bioidentical Hormones Explained12:00 – Why Hormone Testing Doesn’t Work14:20 – Common Misconceptions & Cultural Attitudes17:45 – The Importance of Pelvic Exams Post-Menopause19:00 – Most Common Symptom Combinations21:00 – Lifestyle Changes that Help22:45 – The Menopause Society & Red Flags to Avoid24:14 – Final Thoughts from Each ProviderResources Mentioned: The Menopause SocietyStellis Health Appointment Scheduling Provider Bios: Dr. Lindsey LattemanDr. Amanda ZehrerDr. Danielle Schirm, DO Memorable Quotes: “Menopause is a tunnel, not a doorway—you don’t just wake up one day and know you’re there.” – Dr. Lindsey Latteman “This isn’t something you just have to live with. There are real solutions.” – Dr. Danielle Schirm “It’s not about reversing age—it’s about feeling better today.” – Dr. Amanda Zehrer

  7. 06/03/2025

    Neighbors Caring for Neighbors: The Stellis Health Story

    Episode Summary In this inspiring episode of Beyond the Checkup, host Pete Waggoner sits down with Stellis Health CEO Brent Wilde and President Dr. Frank Anderson to discuss the heart of independent care, the power of community-rooted providers, and what’s ahead for Stellis Health. From the legacy of neighbor-driven care to future plans like imaging centers and ambulatory surgery, they open up about why leadership with values makes a difference. Key Takeaways Independent clinics offer personalized, community-based care. Stellis is committed to keeping costs low while providing top-tier services. Teaching, teamwork, and continuous learning are pillars of Stellis culture. Big plans are in the works for an imaging center and surgery center. Leadership isn’t just about running a business—it’s about staying connected to patients. Episode Highlights (Timestamps) [00:00:00] – Meet Brent Wilde and Dr. Frank Anderson [00:01:30] – Their professional journeys into healthcare and leadership [00:03:45] – The value of rural medicine and community connection [00:07:00] – Stellis' independent model and how it benefits patients [00:11:50] – Growth, history, and the founding mission of Stellis [00:15:10] – Recruiting the right people: values-based hiring [00:21:30] – How independent status impacts pricing and access [00:26:45] – What makes patients feel at home at Stellis [00:31:10] – Future goals: imaging center, surgery center, Monticello expansion [00:36:00] – Differences between Stellis and Stellis Health Skin Care [00:39:15] – Final thoughts on trust, transparency, and the team mindset

  8. 04/22/2025

    Fatty Liver & Metabolic Liver Disease

    Understanding Fatty Liver & Metabolic Liver Disease In this informative episode, Dr. Kari Fabian and Maura Romanshek, PA-C, break down the silent rise of metabolic liver disease, formerly known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. They explain how it’s connected to obesity, diabetes, and high-fructose diets—and why more Americans (including kids!) are being diagnosed earlier. Listeners will also learn about the FibroScan machine available at Stellis Health, a non-invasive test that helps detect liver stiffness before it leads to irreversible damage. Key Takeaways Fatty liver is often silent, meaning you could have it and not know it. The FibroScan test at Stellis Health helps detect early risk and prevent disease progression. Fructose-heavy diets, especially high-fructose corn syrup, are key drivers of liver damage. Early lifestyle changes and targeted medications can significantly improve or reverse liver disease. You don’t need dramatic weight loss to improve liver health—just consistent, practical steps. Episode Highlights (Timestamps) [00:00:00] – Introduction with Pete Waggoner, Dr. Kari Fabian, and Maura Romanshek, PA-C [00:01:15] – Dr. Fabian shares her background and passion for diabetes care [00:02:30] – Maura discusses her transition from family medicine to diabetes and weight management [00:04:20] – Understanding what metabolic liver disease is and how it differs from alcoholic liver disease [00:06:10] – What happens to the liver when fat builds up over time [00:07:45] – Surprising discovery: fatty liver is showing up in children [00:09:00] – The impact of diet, especially high-fructose corn syrup, on liver health [00:12:20] – The silent nature of fatty liver—how it often goes undetected without symptoms [00:14:15] – The importance of screening and using the FIB-4 score [00:16:00] – Introducing the FibroScan: what it is and how it works [00:18:45] – Lifestyle changes that help reverse fatty liver disease [00:21:30] – Fructose in fruit vs. processed foods—what’s safe and what’s harmful [00:24:20] – The role of coffee and tea in liver health [00:26:00] – How Stellis providers meet patients where they are in their health journey [00:28:15] – Available medications and why early detection is key [00:30:00] – Encouragement for listeners to ask about screening at their next appointment Resources Mentioned Stellis Health Diabetes Care Dr. Kari Fabian, MD – Internal Medicine & Diabetes Care Dr. Fabian is a board-certified internist and lipidologist with over 25 years of experience. She specializes in diabetes care and complex lipid disorders, practicing at Stellis Health’s Buffalo and Monticello clinics. Maura Romanshek, PA-C – Diabetes & Weight Management Maura is a board-certified physician associate focusing on diabetes and weight management. She practices at Stellis Health’s Monticello and Buffalo clinics. Stellis Health Liver Health & FibroScan Services Learn more about Stellis Health’s liver health services and the FibroScan technology used for non-invasive liver assessments. Book an appointment at Stellis Health More on Metabolic Liver Disease – CDC Memorable Quotes "It's estimated that 25 to 30% of U.S. adults have some degree of fatty liver disease." – Maura Romanshek, PA-C "Fructose in whole fruit is fine. It's the industrial high-fructose corn syrup that's harming your liver." – Dr. Kari Fabian "The liver is remarkable—it can heal itself. But only if we catch damage early." – Maura Romanshek, PA-C "We’re finding signs of fatty liver in children as young as kindergarten." – Dr. Kari Fabian "Screening for liver disease should be as routine as checking blood pressure or cholesterol." – Dr. Kari Fabian

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About

Dive into the world of wellness with Stellis Health's, Beyond the Checkup Podcast. Every other month, join our diverse team of healthcare providers as they unpack a wide range of health-related topics. From the latest in medical innovations to everyday health tips, get ready for insightful conversations that go beyond the routine checkup. Whether you're a healthcare buff or just looking to improve your wellbeing, this podcast is your go-to for fresh, expert perspectives on health and medicine. Tune in and transform the way you think about your health.

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