Health expert Jeannie Shanholtzer shares with us the importance of sleep in our health and in reducing the risks of strokes. 

Jeannie Shanholtzer is a highly experienced healthcare provider with over 25 years of experience. She emphasizes early detection and prevention of chronic diseases and specializes in telehealth care. So, in the wake of her participation in the Heart Attack And Stroke Prevention Conference, we couldn’t miss the opportunity to spend some time with her.

Her expertise includes heart health, diabetic care, mental health, wellness, weight loss, self-care, and lifestyle interventions. And, she holds a Master of Science degree from the University of Missouri, Kansas City, and a BSN from St. Luke’s College in Kansas City. She is board-certified as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, which allows her to practice independently as a primary care provider in many states throughout the United States.

Jeannie has been extensively trained in Dr. Brewer’s protocols and serves as one of his primary providers for the patients of PrevMed Health. She also oversees the Premier Home Monitoring program at PrevMed Health. You may have seen her as a frequent guest on Dr. Brewer’s YouTube channel.

Jeannie values her family immensely and enjoys various hobbies. She currently resides in Panama City Beach, Florida, where she can pursue her interests in gardening, painting, biking, and cooking. She believes in living a well-rounded life and is committed to promoting health and wellness in her patients.

Let’s get to know her a bit more!

1. What’s your main field of work nowadays, and why is it important for you? 

As an ARNP, I find telemedicine incredibly rewarding because it enables me to provide accessible, efficient, and personalized care to patients, no matter where they are located. This field combines my passion for healthcare with cutting-edge technology, empowering me to significantly impact people’s lives, particularly those who may have limited access to quality healthcare services.

2. Do you believe sleep has a significant role in our health? 

Getting enough sleep is crucial for our overall well-being. Studies have shown that not sleeping enough can lead to various adverse cardiovascular outcomes. In a 2016 scientific statement by the American Heart Association, sleep deprivation was identified as a risk factor for adverse cardiometabolic profiles and outcomes. Therefore, developing healthy sleep habits is essential for promoting optimal heart health. Additionally, it is important to address other established risk factors such as blood pressure, cholesterol, diet, blood glucose, physical activity, weight, and smoking cessation to achieve ideal cardiac health.

3. In general, people tend to overlook the importance of sleep in our health. Why do you think that is? 

There are several reasons people ignore the importance of sleep: occupations, demands of life and family, poor sleep quality (undiagnosed diseases like sleep apnea), hormone imbalances, and not understanding the adverse effects of sleep deprivation. 

4. In terms of cardiovascular disease, it has been said that now women share the same heart attack risk as men. In your opinion, are cardiovascular disease risks high for women in general? Why is this gender difference fundamental, and what is it attributed to?

This is crucial information. Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events (MACE), the leading cause of death in the USA for women (21.8%), is underdiagnosed due to varying presentation of symptoms. Most studies were done in men; providers/patients can underestimate the severity of symptoms; women tend to be ten years older than men at first MACE; women are more likely to have heart attacks as the first symptom of heart disease.

The reasons for this are numerous. We plan to discuss them in detail at our upcoming health education conference. However, it is a fact that women are at a higher risk of developing autoimmune diseases than men. Women also face more hormone-regulatory issues throughout their lives, including breast cancer. Additionally, women have the same cardiovascular disease risk factors as men, such as obesity, smoking, and diabetes, which can all increase the risk of heart disease. If so, why is it different for men? 

5. You’ll be a part of the Heart Attack And Stroke Prevention Conference in Tampa on December 1st and 2nd, right? Please tell us more about it and why anyone interested in their health would benefit from attending it. 

At PrevMed Health, we specialize in preventative medicine, which means that we identify potential health issues before they cause any damage to the vessels or body. We aim to help patients understand the information we obtain and mitigate further damage. This information is crucial and can save lives. We can assess the situation and recommend a specific treatment plan to help patients prevent having a cardiovascular event that could lead to a heart attack, stroke, and even death. Our organization believes in the importance of health education and prevention in ensuring a long and healthy life. With knowledge comes power, and we have an opportunity to empower our registrants to help their families, communities, and themselves. If you want to learn more or sign up, please visit our website at www.prevmedhealth.com. We still have a few seats left, and if you’re interested in becoming a patient, you can book an appointment online, too.

6. Most of our readers are travelers. Do you think we have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases because of our lifestyle? 

Traveling can be taxing on a person, and we know that there are increased risks from being sedentary, so it is essential to ensure you are getting enough activity, maintaining healthy eating, getting enough hydration, and getting plenty of sleep. 

7. Regarding lifestyle habits, what would you recommend our readers, and women in general, to live healthier and longer lives? 

It is crucial for women to prioritize their health by engaging in regular physical activity, such as taking long walks and doing HIIT workouts a few times a week. Women should also be mindful of their metabolic health by availing themselves of the appropriate lab tests and procedures to gain insight into their cardiovascular system. It is imperative to undergo proper screening tests for diabetes, which we specialize in.

We passionately believe in what we do to help people be in control of their health. We provide information, testing, and tools to help individuals reach their healthy, long-life goals.