Executives are depended upon to lead companies, make decisions and drive performance. But when it comes to their own health, many fall into the same traps: poor sleep, skipped meals or overeating convenience foods, unmanaged stress and inconsistent care. Sapna Kripalani, MD, medical director of Vanderbilt’s Executive Health Physicals program, works with hundreds of company leaders each year to change that narrative.
In one comprehensive annual visit, EHP helps business leaders manage their preventive care, increase physical fitness, tackle stress and anxiety, reverse negative habits and make significant strides in their journey to better health. Below are four of the key lifestyle changes Dr. Kripalani focuses on with her patients.
1. Don’t Overlook Sleep
“Sleep is often the foundation for good health and good habits,” Dr. Kripalani said. “Not only for how we feel in terms of energy, but also for our brain health, cognitive and emotional well-being, and even our physical health.”
EHP providers screen for sleep apnea and other sleep-related issues, a step often skipped in traditional care. Many patients don’t recognize their fatigue as a medical concern until symptoms become severe.
Even if patients don’t have a sleep apnea diagnosis, Dr. Kripalani discusses the elements of good sleep hygiene, including increasing the duration and improving the quality of sleep. She also highlights the importance of minimizing sleep disruptors, such as alcohol, devices, and stimulants like caffeine and nicotine.
"We see people in their 30s and 40s rationalize fatigue with their busy lives. But by their 50s, it's caught up with them," she said. “When it comes to lifestyle changes, we should often address sleep first because a rested, healthy brain is going to make better choices overall.”
2. Prioritize Mental Health and Emotional Wellness
Executives face intense pressure, both professionally and personally. The EHP program addresses this by screening for depression and anxiety during every visit and offering real-time support. A licensed clinical social worker is now part of the team, helping connect patients to ongoing mental health services, sometimes even across state lines or internationally.
One patient with work-related stress and a recent medical diagnosis was connected to a psychiatrist through this service, receiving timely support that might have otherwise taken months to coordinate.
3. Cultivate Positive Habits
Frequent travel, long hours and high-stakes roles can lead to unhealthy behaviors. The EHP team works with patients to develop realistic strategies for maintaining good habits on the road—such as choosing healthy foods with a long shelf life or maintaining movement routines in hotel rooms.
"We explore options for making positive choices in the midst of a busy schedule," said Dr. Kripalani. "Even if you are on the road Monday through Thursday, there are ways to eat healthier or prioritize exercise every day. We don’t expect perfection, but being mindful is really important."
4. Developing a Long-Term, Wellness-First Mindset
Beyond treating illness, the EHP program focuses on optimizing well-being for the decades ahead.
"We want our patients to enjoy the retirement they’ve worked so hard for," Dr. Kripalani said. "That means making intentional changes now—even while they feel well—to prevent the kinds of health crises we often see down the road."
Through evidence-based care, lifestyle guidance and an expert team in their corner, executives who participate in the EHP program are doing just that: protecting their health and their future.
If you’re interested in learning more about Vanderbilt’s Executive Health Physicals program, fill out this interest form or contact us at employersolutions@vumc.org or (615) 421–0112 for more information.
