May 2008 Newsletter-p.3

...From Leigh

   

 Can Health Coaching Help You?

By Mary Benton   

Professional Health Coaching is a fast growing business that has developed over the past few years to fill a need in the fast-paced American lifestyle. The health coach's goal is to help one not to get sick., whereas the health care provider's aim is often to help someone get well. The following table is an example of "not getting sick" verses "getting well."

Not Getting Sick	VS.	Getting Well
Nutrition	VS.	Medication
Exercise	VS.	Therapy
Rest	VS.	Miss Work
Reduce Stress	VS.	High Blood Pressure
Drinking 8 or more glasses of water daily	VS.	Dehydration

A few facts:

There are 6.2 million Americans who have Diabetes and don't know it.

Processed foods and fast foods make up a large percent of the American Diet.

Walking just 30 minutes per day can reduce stress.

Corporations are hiring health coaches to lower absenteeism in the workplace.

Sitting for long periods of time can interfere with circulation.

Story of long periods of sitting:

One of my neighbors recently had an aneurysm in his stomach. It was found while undergoing tests in the hospital. Fortunately it was located in time to place stints in both legs where the abdomen and legs join. His occupation for many years had been driving long distances day after day with little time for breaks. If he had been given the opportunity to walk and stretch several minutes every few hours each day to allow better circulation, he may have prevented this health crisis.

The role of a health coach:

Assisting clients in identifying areas of life that are out of balance is one of the main roles of a health coach. Setting realistic goals for achieving balance are done in very small steps to enable the client to see progress. Some health coaches have interactive websites where clients can gain additional help through the resources and assessments available there.

Health coaches and health care providers can work together to establish and maintain both quality and length of life. Health coaching is not intended to be a substitute for the advice, treatment and/or diagnosis of a physician, but rather as an enhancement to a balanced and healthy life.

For more information on how health coaching could help you, please click on this link.  It will allow you to listen to a coaching session.