Well here we go..my first blog post!
The process of becoming a health and wellness coach after working in healthcare for over 16 years as an Occupational Therapist has brought to light a significant issue that is often overlooked. There is a lack of guidance on how to follow medical advice or enhance our overall health and well-being. In essence, our healthcare system is flawed due to insufficient post-visit support, particularly in terms of the additional assistance individuals require after leaving their doctor's office.
Imagine the scene that most of us have traveled for ourselves or with our loved ones:
When visiting the doctor for symptoms, you provide a medical history, wait to see the busy doctor, who quickly examines you, provides treatment suggestions, and possibly orders tests. After a brief consultation, you may leave feeling unsure about what happened, potentially forgetting important details or feeling overwhelmed by the lack of guidance on implementing recommendations.
Surprise- this JUST happened to me this week! I went to the dermatologist for a suspicious spot on my face. Concerned for a while, that it was something serious (which it was not, thank goodness), I was seen by this doctor for a total of 2-3 minutes. During this time, she put words in my mouth, did not ask me any substantial questions, spewed only one treatment suggestion (not covered by insurance) and other things, that I did not even hear because it all flashed by so quickly. I felt rushed, frustrated and I also NO confidence in the provider.
At times, we receive a diagnosis that necessitates significant adjustments in our lifestyle, such as weight loss, dietary modifications, eliminating specific foods or ingredients, engaging in physical activity, managing stress, and enhancing the quality of our sleep. Unfortunately, regardless of their individual competence, doctors are primarily focused on diagnosing and treating numerous patients, within a limited time frame, due to insurance and billing constraints. While they may suggest treatments, they may only be able to provide follow-up care, every few months, for brief appointments. The responsibility of implementing lasting, lifestyle changes lies with you. And it's overwhelming! This transition from point A (diagnosis) to point B (implementing sustainable lifestyle changes to manage the diagnosis effectively) is critically disconnected and needs to be addressed more in our healthcare system.
Enter a health and wellness coach!
I do NOT go to doctor visits. I do NOT interpret tests, but I DO help you execute the mindset and lifestyle changes your doctor recommends. I am here for you on a level that doctors are unable to be. I help navigate next steps, create a plan, and help you establish new SUSTAINABLE habits that will help you meet these lifestyle recommendations. Furthermore, you have a space 1:1 with someone to process it.
When you are a wellness client of mine, you receive time and attention from a reliable professional who is familiar with the healthcare system but also knows the ins and outs of sustainable habit and lifestyle change. You, additionally, are given a 1:1 space to work through self-limiting beliefs, mindset and routines to help support your goals.
Many of us spend a significant amount of money on gym memberships, fitness apps, nutrition plans, recipe books, and groceries stocked with fresh produce, only to end up wasting it when the food expires or spoils. A considerable number of individuals struggle to achieve their health objectives due to the difficulty of consistently maintaining these lifestyle changes. How often do we return to our doctor for a check-up feeling disappointed because we didn't make enough progress?
Health and wellness coaches provide that link from the doctor's office recommendations to sustainability over time.
Think about having a health and wellness coach as someone who's akin to your own personal cheerleader, guiding you toward your health and wellness goals. This coach will keep tabs on your progress, give you tailored advice, and make sure you're staying on track. They empower you with knowledge and tools to step up your well-being game. Together, you set achievable personalized goals and work towards them, gaining the confidence to make smart choices and develop lasting healthy habits.
Do you have more questions? Or do you think a Health and Wellness coach might be just what you or someone you know might need? Drop an inquiry below and we can set up a Q&A call to see if we might work well together.
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