We Could All Use A Health Coach

The following is an article published by the Institute for Integrative Nutrition -

Why work with a Health Coach?

It seems as though the health care industry is finally getting it – Jane Brody, longtime personal health columnist for the New York Times, said what Health Coaches have been shouting from the rooftops all along: "We could all use a Health Coach!"

Thirty years ago, the term and profession of Health Coach was unheard of. Today that is rapidly changing as public health in the United States and around the globe has declined due to:

• Increased prevalence of preventable lifestyle diseases

• Increased sedentary behavior and lifestyles

• Increased cost of healthcare

Brody outlined why someone would want or need to work with a Health Coach:

• You’re suffering from a chronic condition. (Nearly 150 million Americans currently suffer from at least one chronic condition.)

• You want to better understand how to manage your chronic condition through diet and lifestyle.

• You need support carrying out your doctor’s recommendations.

• You want to optimize your health and focus on prevention.

Whatever your reason, a Health Coach can guide you in making important changes that can ripple out into other areas of your life as well as the lives of other people!

Consider this: At your annual physical, your doctor notes that your weight and blood pressure have increased, and you need to focus on bringing them back down. You’ve also shared that you’re often fatigued and don’t have energy to spend with family and friends. Your doctor recommends modifying your diet, reducing stress, and incorporating more physical activity into your daily routine. In about 15 minutes, your visit is over and you leave with a list of to-dos but no blueprint for success.

Enter a Health Coach, whose primary goal is to empower clients to take a leading role in their health by providing knowledge, accountability, and motivation to inspire change. In the above scenario, a Health Coach would work with you to make changes to your diet that are achievable for the long haul.

They would also support you in exploring aspects of your life that could be impacting your health, such as identifying stressors and how to manage them better and figuring out how to overcome resistance to exercise. After working with a coach for several months, you might find yourself with more energy, less stress, and even healthier relationships with your loved ones – in addition to improved health biomarkers.

is water really that important?

Did you know that you make numerous investments in your health every single day? 

If you are going to the gym, taking a yoga class, seeing a chiropractor or getting a massage... you are making an investment in yourself and your health. 

Protect your investment

What is the most effective way for you to protect these investments?

Water.  Seriously.  Water.  

Drinking water before and after strenuous physical activity increases the body's ability to fully benefit from the experience and significantly reduce the likelihood of injury.   Does it make sense to spend this precious time and energy and only receive partial benefit?  

When a chiropractor is providing treatment to someone who is not properly hydrated, it is like working with a completely dried out stiff sponge... Do you think that adjustment is going to  be smooth and hold for long?  Visualize it.. the answer is No.  Drink a reasonable amount of water the day before, of and after a chiropractic appointment.

Many seek massage therapy for pain or stress relief.  Massage focuses on releasing toxins, tensions and restrictions in soft tissue, muscles and tendons.  Massage increases the flow of blood, which consist of about 82% water.  Imagine a new can of play dough.  Until the play dough is warmed, moist and worked through it is stiff and difficult to bend and mold.  Add water... and wow, what a difference!  Protect your massage therapy investment and hydrate... your massage with be more effective and the benefits will last significantly longer!

How much water?  Ideally, 1/2 your body weight in ounces daily. 

Expectations and the Connection to Stress

We have a tendency to create our own stress... based on unfulfilled expectations. 

We expect others to treat us the way we want to be treated.  We expect things to go our way.  We expect things to happen when we want.  We expect the world to be as we see it... not as it is. 

As seasons change it can be a good time of the year for shedding the old and seeking the opportunity in new growth. 

Take some time to understand what “expectations” you have that may need to be looked at in a different light… more sunshine and clarity is on its way!

Find yourself some peace to prepare for the next season.

An Ongoing Natural Process

Your body makes new cells from what you eat. During sleep, your body works to repair muscle, organs, and other cells. Additionally, chemicals are produced through the metabolism of the nutrients you consume that strengthen your immune system and are in full force of circulation through your system during your sleep.

You are what you eat and your body rebuilds while you’re asleep.

No matter how much it gets abused, the body can restore itself. The first step in to stop interfering with nature. -Deepak Chopra

Allow the time for change

Life is a delicate balance of holding on and letting go.

During this season of turning inward, seeking warmth and comfort, looking for change, uncertain of what direction to go or what are the best personal choices to make; the secret is in knowing …

What to hold on to, and what to let go…

• Let go, once the lesson is learned.

• Hold on to what is adding value.

• Let go of beliefs that no longer serve you.

• Hold on to what energizes you.

Letting go

- Holding on

When to stand your ground, or when to walk in someone else's shoes. When to hold yourself accountable, and when to forgive. When to remember and when to forget. When to accept and when to change. What to hold on to, and what to let go. The list goes on and on.

All of it comes down to choice. The choice is a personal one. A choice we each own. We can be influenced by those around us, although it still comes down to each of our choices.