Health Coaching What it is, and what it is not

What it is? It's a relatively new buzzword. While health coaches are not new, they have become a somewhat new fitness trend. With health coaching (and other online programs) employees can get health and nutrition information sitting in front of a computer or talking on the phone. It's easy. What it's not? It is not a magic bullet and it is not a substitute for taking personal responsibility and action to make the lifestyle changes that will lead to better health.

While health coaching creates a sort of "virtual partner," and partnership is a good thing, it's significant to note (as in any comparison of wellness programs), that not all health coaching is the same. Many coaching services offer only controlled access, with limited appointment times each month, some for as short as 15 minutes. Other times might be "off limits" to the employee, disconnecting that employee from the coach/ partner. For coaching to be effective participants must be willing to share details of their lives with their coaches, that many are not comfortable talking with others about.

And, it's important to point out that with wellness programs in general, the progress doesn't come during the initial program presentation or, in the case of a health coach, the coaching session. Progress occurs between sessions, on a day-in, day-out basis, when participants implement the actions needed and make the positive choices that lead to results. Simply providing information is not enough -- success comes through sustainable behavior change.

Wellness programs are effective when participants identify reasons for making changes and set realistic, personal goals. When participants are encouraged to define their personal wellness goals, identify their motivational "triggers" and anticipate their real world obstacles to participation and success, they learn how to sustain the day-to-day behavior changes that will lead to long term health and wellness. Well-qualified, accessible wellness coaches can facilitate the process by "partnering" with the participant. On the other hand, many employees are more comfortable turning to other employees for help and support.

This is where LoneStart's Team Esteem comes in. Teams tend to create their own identity, become self-regulating and evolve over time to promote and maximize their potential. A conscious contribution to a shared purpose enhances motivation. Interaction among members with a shared purpose boosts "work life." And, fostering teamwork creates a work culture that values collaboration. In a teamwork environment with a shared goal (in this case weight loss and wellness), people understand and believe that their decisions and actions are greater when done cooperatively. In a team-oriented environment, each team member contributes to the overall success of the wellness goal. And, while on separate teams, members are unified with the other teams to accomplish the overall wellness objectives. The bigger picture drives team actions -- while the purpose of the team itself brings success to the bigger picture.

No matter what program you implement, your program will reach its employee health objectives only when the strategy being offered is embraced and utilized by those who need it most. This is obviously a challenge. And, to have any lasting impact on the dramatic increase in obesity and overweight and other lifestyle issues, programs must actually be used in order to affect change. Through its behavior-based program content, LoneStart addresses this challenge.