LifeSteps Health Coach Can Help You Be Healthier in 2007
There’s still time to make a healthy New Year’s resolution – weather it's to eat better, exercise more, use less tobacco or something else. You can get an early start by calling a LifeSteps health coach for help. "We are here to provide the kind of support people need to make changes in their lives," said Tracy N., a health coach and nurse of over 29 years.
How a Health Coach Can Support You
"Because health coaches can empower you with knowledge and assess your values and capabilities, it can be easier to set realistic goals and stick to them throughout the year," Tracy said.
Initially, a LifeSteps health coach will spend as much time as it takes to tailor a program to your specific goal and unique situation. All of the information you share with your health coach is completely confidential, so you can be truthful about your current health status and existing behaviors. Understanding your needs and developing a workable plan are the first steps toward change, Tracy said.
Your health coach will follow these steps:
Inform. Your health coach will speak openly with you to determine both the problem and the behaviors that need to change. Then they'll refer you to articles, online resources and videos so you can see the options available to you. They'll discuss various LifeSteps resources, such as Jenny Craig®, Weight Watchers®, GlobalFit and, for smokers, the American Cancer Society Quitline.
"We never aim to take the place of a physician," said Tracy. "But we can provide you with information and confidence so you can work with your doctor to make informed decisions and take appropriate action."
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Develop an action plan. Once you identify your goals, a health coach will help you create an action plan. It's critical to recognize the barriers that may derail your success so you can avoid or overcome those obstacles in the future.
"Most importantly, we want you to be accountable," Tracy said. "We’ll work with you to set a realistic timeline to reach your goal. Then we'll schedule a follow-up call to periodically check progress. We find that people really want to report successes, so they often take ownership for their actions," he said.
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Provide support. Think of a health coach as your personal trainer. There will be times when a mishap could cause you to give up. A health coach can guide you in your plan and offer ongoing support, techniques and encouragement. And because health coaches are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, you always have access to the help you need.
"Sometimes people just need to talk through a bad day or a slip up. That's what we're here for," said Tracy.
Key to Long-Term Success
While change is never easy, you can accomplish it with the right tools, attitude and persistence. Healthy behaviors are not about attaining perfection, but sustaining good habits over the long term.
"You can stick with your resolution this year," Tracy said. "We all usually find a way to make time for what we feel is most important in our daily lives. Once you've established change as a priority, why not contact a health coach for the support to make it happen?"
To reach a LifeSteps health coach, call 1-877-LIFE123, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Personal health information provided to a LifeSteps health coach is protected by federal and state privacy laws and will not be disclosed to American Standard Companies except as authorized by law for administration of the company's group health plans.