Take Care of Your Health by Partnering With a Health Coach

Behavior change isn’t easy. Dealing with stress, making healthy food choices, getting enough exercise — I don’t know anyone who doesn’t struggle with at least one of these issues. People don’t give up from a lack of desire to change, but rather, because they approach behavior change alone and in ways that aren’t productive or that don’t lead to lasting results.

That’s one of the reasons I became a health coach — to offer clients support, accountability, and hope. With evidence-based interventions and rigorous training, coaches are uniquely qualified to support individuals on their healthcare journey, helping them change behaviors so that they can live healthier lives.

WHAT IS A NATIONAL BOARD-CERTIFIED HEALTH COACH?

National Board-Certified Health Coaches (NBC-HWC) are credentialed members of the healthcare industry who have additional training in the science of health behavior change. As a Registered Nurse, I add coaching skills to my health care expertise to help patients better manage a variety of chronic medical conditions, such as: metabolic syndrome, diabetes, obesity and breast cancer.

A Health Coach is a partner in an individual’s behavior change process. This process involves supporting the patient or client as they set goals, unearth values & strengths, and access intrinsic motivations to encourage the development of sustainable healthy behaviors and attitudes.

Coaching is grounded in science and evidence-based interventions. Coaches are trained in psychological theories that they use to help their patients explore their own thoughts and make better decisions. With various evidence-based counseling techniques — motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy and appreciative inquiry, to name a few — health coaches can effectively guide their patients toward success.

THE EVIDENCE

Multiple studies have demonstrated that the rigorous training health coaches receive does improve patient outcomes for an assortment of specific conditions, including managing chronic disease. For instance, a study examining the impact health coaches had on elderly patients enrolled in a digital health diabetes program found that the added support and expertise encouraged more engagement with the program and improved weight and health outcomes.

Not only do health coaches support improved health and well-being, but they can also save health plans and employers money. Health coaching in general has been shown to significantly reduce total outpatient health care costs by $412 per person per month for high-risk patients.

We all know what we ‘should’ be doing to have a healthy life; things like eating healthier, exercising more and managing stress —but actually making these lifestyle changes can be challenging. Teaching resilience and empowerment helps individuals navigate difficulties and stay on track with their health goals. Coaches don’t diagnose, treat, or prescribe, but we do help prevent, promote, and heal. It’s what modern-day medicine is missing and we’re here to fill the gap.

Habit change is not always easy, but when you work with a Board Certified Health and Well-Being Coach, you get the support and accountability you need to stay on track – –  as well as evidence-based education to help you make informed choices for your unique goals and challenges.

READY TO GET STARTED?

Contact Janine for a FREE Discovery Call to see how working with Coaching for Healthy Living can help you achieve your goals.