Careful, effective management of cardiovascular disease can help you live a fuller, more active life. Our rehabilitation programs can stabilize, slow or even reverse the progression of cardiovascular disease and reduce your risk of future cardiac events. Our team will provide education and counseling support as you adjust your lifestyle behaviors, and help you develop sustainable, healthy habits in exercise, nutrition, and weight management.
Please call your primary care physician. If you have a medical emergency, call 911 immediately or go directly to the nearest emergency department.
Jamie Connors, LCSW offers supportive counseling to assist with psychological needs related to financial issues and creating a stable environment. She also assists patients in building coping skills to help lower stress and improve day-to-day life.
Jamie earned her master's degree in social work from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, as well as a master's degree in public health from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
Jessica Gefre, LCSW has a passion for supporting individuals who are often marginalized based on their mental health and physical health diagnoses, including those with personality disorders, substance use disorders, eating disorders, and obesity related concerns. She takes a motivational interviewing approach to support people in identifying and following through with their decision to change. This is particularly helpful for anyone struggling to make large lifestyle changes.
Jessica earned her bachelor's degree in social work from Brigham Young University-Idaho, and her master's degree in social work from the University of Louisville.
Dr. Melvin graduated from Idaho State University with a bachelor's degree in biology. He earned his doctoral degree in osteopathic medicine from Midwestern University's Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine and attended the Family Medicine Residency of Idaho through the University of Washington.
In his free time, Dr. Melvin enjoys fishing, skiing, upland bird hunting, and spending quality time with his family. He is also involved with his local school board.
Jennifer Shalz, MD is an internal medicine physician and the medical director of St. Luke’s Health System’s Lifestyle Medicine Department. A board-certified lifestyle medicine specialist and fellow of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, Dr. Shalz earned her medical degree from the Tufts University School of Medicine and completed her internal medicine residency at David Grant Medical Center, Travis Air Force Base.
As a former major in the U.S. Air Force, she later contributed to the VA health system as an educator and primary care physician, serving in Chicago, Portland, and Boise. In 2008, she diversified her expertise by joining a radiation oncology practice to provide supportive care, eventually becoming certified in hospice and palliative medicine while also serving as a hospice medical director.
Since joining St. Luke’s, she has been instrumental in developing heart rehabilitation and lifestyle programs, leading to the establishment of the Lifestyle Medicine Department, which includes the St. Luke’s Lifestyle Medicine program at the South Meridian YMCA. A pioneer in lifestyle medicine in Idaho, Dr. Shalz creates and directs programs that leverage lifestyle interventions to prevent, treat, and even reverse chronic diseases.
Outside of her professional pursuits, she enjoys exercising, outdoor activities of all kinds, cooking, reading, and embarking on travel adventures with her husband and daughters.
Melissa Sleight, RDN is a board-certified lifestyle medicine dietitian with experience in multiple areas. She has a passion for educating clients about improving health and reversing disease through nutrition and lifestyle changes. She loves seeing her clients motivated to improve their health each day.
Melissa is a diplomate of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. She earned her bachelor's degree in nutrition and food science from Utah State University and is a member of the Sports, Cardiovascular, and Wellness Nutrition Group as part of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. She is also involved at the local level as a president-elect of Magic Valley Dietitians and a board member of Idaho Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics as a liaison for her region.
Melissa is a facilitator of CHIP (Complete Health Improvement Program) and teaches healthy cooking classes. In addition to nutrition and cooking, Melissa is a lover of old houses and spending time outdoors, exploring with her family.
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Abnormality in heart structure present at birth.
Narrowing or blockage of arteries that causes poor blood flow to your arms and legs.
An interruption of the natural flow of blood through the chambers and valves of the heart.
The most common type of irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia), a problem with the heart's electrical system.
With MyChart, you’re able to view test results, contact your provider, request medication refills, schedule appointments and more. We encourage you to sign up for easy access to the tools and information you need to proactively manage your health. You can also set up online proxy access requests for medical records of children, spouses, or dependents.
There's also an easy-to-use MyChart app available for your mobile devices!