Investing in Vitality: Unraveling the Complex Web of Healthcare and Personal Health

Unravel the intricacies of our healthcare system and shed light on the pressing challenges faced by the American population. This episode discusses the power of reclaiming good health through transformative lifestyle choices with the support of holistic health and wellness experts. We even touch upon new sciences that unlock the remarkable healing capabilities of our bodies, as well as advancements in AI and technology that promise to revolutionize health treatment, administration and procedures.

Our special guests include Jennifer Becker, a nutritional coach with Aspire Integrative Health, and Dr. Jon Repole, a renowned practitioner of holistic functional medicine and author of the groundbreaking book, Illness to Wellness.

Listen to the Episode

In this Episode

In Episode 3 of 'Investing in Vitality,' a VitalityXchange podcast, Shannon Vivar talks about the significant impact of healthcare costs on Americans. She emphasizes the heavy financial burden imposed by chronic illnesses and the healthcare system's focus on treatment rather than prevention.

Highlighting the U.S. healthcare system's complexity and inefficiency, Shannon critiques the high spending compared to other countries and the resultant strain on individual finances and quality of life. She shares personal experiences with the insurance marketplace, the rising costs of premiums, and the minimal coverage in times of need illustrate the system's challenges.

Shannon advocates for a proactive approach to health, exploring alternative medicine, holistic care, and the importance of lifestyle changes. She explores the potential of science and technology, like AI and telemedicine, to transform healthcare into a more sustainable, patient-centered model. This episode features discussions with healthcare professionals who underscore the benefits of prioritizing diet, exercise, and non-pharmaceutical interventions.

Episode Time Stamps

00:00 The Impact of Chronic Illness on Americans and the Economy

00:26 Navigating the Complexities of the Healthcare System

01:27 Personal Struggles with Health Insurance and Costs

02:30 The High Cost of Healthcare in America

04:32 Exploring Alternatives to Traditional Healthcare

05:00 Embracing Holistic Health Practices

05:20 Transformative Personal Health Journeys

06:52 Challenging the Pharmaceutical Dominance

07:54 Holistic Medicine: A Doctor's Perspective

11:38 The Future of Healthcare: Innovation and Hope

About our Guests

Jennifer Becker | Certified Health Coach, Hula Hoop & Yoga Instructor

Jennifer has lived in Saint Johns, Florida for nearly 30 years and is an active member in her community, both locally and here in our online platform.  She goes by “Fer,” a childhood nickname that she said just stuck.

She currently co-owns, and works part time at her family railroad business, Interrail Engineering, Inc. and works as a private nutrition counselor, detox coach and yoga instructor through Aspire Integrative Health.

She received her health coaching certification from the Institute of Integrative Nutrition (IIN) in 2019 and has focused her practice on plant-based digestive health and detoxification. She also received a hula hoop instructor certification in 2016.

In 2020 she completed her 200hr Yoga teacher training certification through the Regenerative Living School and found a passion for sharing the practice. In 2022 Jennifer and her husband became curious about microgreens and started growing them for friends and neighbors. Their curiosity quickly grew into another passion for bringing organic, nutrient dense food to their community. They are currently expanding their business 904Microgreens and hope to include more produce, herbs and citrus in the future. 

Jennifer is married to her high school sweetheart Jeff, and together they have two children. Their favorite pastimes are camping, traveling, gardening, boating and hosting guests in their Airbnb micro-farm in historical Switzerland, FL. Oh! And she also dabbles in Human Design!

Dr. Jon Repole | Coach, Author, & Clinical Director

Dr. Jon Repole is the clinic director at Jacksonville Health and Wellness Center and the founder and lead instructor for the certificate program Wellness by Design, a 6-month functional and holistic medicine coaching program. He is the author of the ground-breaking book, I-llness to WE-llness: A Revolutionary 11-Step Program to Conquer Disease, Create Everyday Miracles, and Reconnect to Your Highest Self.

He has been in private practice since 2001 and has personally treated over 7,000 patients. He holds a Functional Medicine Practitioner degree from Functional Medicine University, a Doctor of Chiropractic degree from New York Chiropractic,a Bachelor of Science degree from Siena College, a Holistic Health Practitioner and a Nutritional Consultant degree from the Global Institute for Alternative Medicine, and has received postgraduate training and advanced certifications in plant-based nutrition, endocrinology, antiaging, longevity, life coaching, and neurology.

When not treating patients or teaching, Dr. Jon enjoys musical composition, advocating for animal rights, researching, writing, studying A Course in Miracles, and spending time with his fur babies at home in Jacksonville, Florida.