We found ourselves reading an article in The Australian this week not at all surprised to read how our hospitals are full of patients whose surgeries could have been prevented through earlier intervention of lifestyle related diseases.
Australia is buckling under a wave of chronic illness with the federal Department of Health releasing a report last month predicting the rise in demand for GP visits due to diabetes, obesity and mental health problems.
If Australia’s health system is to be sustainable in the long term, then the only option is to flip our thinking from providing care for established disease to preventing the illness in the first place. Preventing illness must become a high priority in Australia.
We know Health and Wellness Coaching is such a powerful approach for helping people overcome lifestyle-related diseases and one that should be included in all patient centered care plans.
Here’s how health coaching supports individuals in this process:
- Personalised Guidance
Health and wellness coaches create individualised plans based on each person’s unique health challenges, goals, and preferences. This personalised approach ensures that recommendations are realistic and achievable, increasing adherence to healthier behaviours. - Behavioural Change Support
Many lifestyle-related diseases are driven by habits, such as poor diet, lack of exercise, and stress. Health and wellness coaches use behaviour change techniques (e.g., goal setting, motivational interviewing, accountability) to help people gradually replace unhealthy habits with healthier ones. - Education and Awareness
Health and wellness coaches educate clients about the root causes of their conditions, such as the impact of diet, exercise, and stress on health. This increased awareness helps clients make more informed decisions about their lifestyle choices. - Accountability
Regular check-ins with a health and wellness coach provide accountability, making it more likely for clients to stay on track with their health goals. The consistent support and follow-up can prevent relapse into old habits. - Holistic Approach
Health and wellness coaching considers the whole person, addressing not only physical health but also emotional, mental, and social factors. This comprehensive approach helps people manage stress, improve sleep, and address emotional eating or other behavioral issues linked to disease. - Empowerment and Motivation
Rather than prescribing a set of rules, health and wellness coaches empower clients to take control of their own health. By fostering a sense of ownership and self-efficacy, health and wellness coaching helps clients feel more confident in their ability to make lasting changes. - Sustainable Changes
Unlike fad diets or short-term solutions, health and wellness coaching focuses on sustainable lifestyle changes. Coaches work with clients to make gradual, realistic modifications that can be maintained long-term, reducing the risk of disease recurrence. - Improved Health Outcomes
Through sustained behavioural change and better self-management of health conditions, people can improve their overall well-being. Research shows that health and wellness coaching can lead to reductions in weight, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar levels, which are all key factors in lifestyle-related diseases.
Health and wellness coaching acts as both a catalyst for change and a support system, helping individuals navigate the complex journey of improving their health and reversing or managing lifestyle-related diseases.
Our work is so important to help communities avoid unnecessary operations and reduce the burden on the public health system!
