Blog Posts in 2026

Five Wishes: A Compassionate Conversation About End-of-Life Care Dr Henry Piñango Board Certified Geriatrics and Internal Medicine Livingston HealthCare End-of-life planning is one of the most personal decisions we make in our lifetime. Yet for many, it’s a topic that remains unspoken. The truth is, planning ahead isn’t just about preparing for the inevitable. It’s about living with intention, ...

When the Heat Rises, So Should Our Awareness Tim Benson, PA-C, Livingston HealthCare As long summer days settle into southwest Montana, it’s a great time for both visitors and locals to stay mindful of their health. Our region’s dry climate comes an increased risk of heat-related illness—a range of conditions that can affect anyone, but pose particular risks for certain members of our community. ...

Advancements in Wound Care with Spray-on Skin Treatment Dr Andrew Rice, DPM, FACFAS, Podiatric Medicine and Surgery Staff Physician, Livingston Health Care Throughout my career in surgery, I’ve had the privilege of working on some of the most complex and challenging cases involving burns, wounds, and infections of the lower extremity. One of the most transformative technologies I’ve encountered is ...

Traveling Safely: Planning Ahead When Flying with Medications Yvette Gross, DO, Family Medicine, Livingston HealthCare Summer travel has finally arrived! And with the road trips, family visits, and long-awaited vacations comes the packing lists, preparation, and last-minute pet-care arrangements. A successful getaway can hinge on something far less obvious than beach towels, hiking boots, or ...

Physical Therapy: A Smart, Safe Path to Recovery Holly May, PT, DPT at Livingston HealthCare When injury strikes—be it a sprained ankle, a pulled muscle, or lingering back pain—many of us instinctively turn to quick fixes like painkillers or jump straight to major interventions like surgery. But there’s another option that’s often overlooked, and it’s one that can offer lasting relief, improved ...

Livingston HealthCare Expands Specialty Services with New Pain Management Partnership (Livingston, MT)— Livingston HealthCare (LHC) is pleased to announce a new partnership with Montana Advanced Pain & Spine from Bozeman, MT to bring pain management services to the community. Beginning July 24, patients will have access to precision-guided pain management procedures at Livingston HealthCare, ...

Knowing Your Adventure Limits Adam Lugger, RRT, RCP, CRT, Livingston HealthCare With trails for every skill level, Montana’s mountains invite everyone to explore. Hikers here are rewarded with breathtaking views, wildlife encounters, and a meaningful connection to the natural world. But don’t overestimate your abilities. Take the time to ask these questions before you go: What is your experience ...

The Power of Protein (in moderation) Cassidy Crawford, LN, MS, RDN, Livingston HealthCare One nutrient that has been spending lots of time in the limelight recently is protein. With everything from popcorn to water being stuffed with protein and marketed like crazy, one may wonder, am I getting enough? Furthermore, what’s so special about protein anyway? Protein is one of the three macronutrients, ...

Livingston HealthCare Maintains Community Trauma Facility Designation (Livingston, MT)— Livingston HealthCare has successfully received full redesignation as a Community Trauma Facility within the Montana Trauma System, reaffirming its commitment to providing high-quality trauma care for Park County and the surrounding region. The designation was renewed on May 13, 2026, following a comprehensive ...

June 16, 2026 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Dr. Andrew Kutzner Joins Livingston HealthCare as Orthopedic Surgeon (Livingston, MT)— Livingston HealthCare is pleased to welcome Andrew Kutzner, MD, a fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon specializing in revision joint surgery and complex musculoskeletal care. Dr. Kutzner will begin seeing patients at Livingston HealthCare on June 22, expanding access to ...

Livingston HealthCare Partners with Park County to Deliver Stop the Bleed Training When an emergency happens, the actions taken in the first few minutes can make all the difference. That was the focus of Livingston HealthCare's participation in the Park County Annual Safety Training Day on June 10, where Trauma Coordinator Jenn Schmid, RN, CFRN, CEN, provided Stop the Bleed training to county ...

Wear the Helmet: A Simple Habit That Saves Lives Jennifer Schmid, RN, CFRN, CEN, Trauma Coordinator, Livingston HealthCare As a registered nurse, I have cared for patients whose lives changed in an instant because of a fall during an everyday outdoor activity. A bike ride, a scooter trip down the sidewalk, a day on the ski slope — what began as recreation ended in a preventable head injury. One ...