A Health Coach Revolution
When I learned last year that of the $4 Trillion spent annually on health care in the U.S., just 2% was allocated to prevention, I knew I had to personally get involved in working for change. There was no time to waste.
As a former student and Ambassador Board member for the Institute for Integrative Nutrition I offered to assist them in their concerted lobbying efforts in Washington, DC. Although much has improved since I first became a Health Coach, there’s a great deal we can do to prioritize prevention in our health care system and our everyday lives.
The good news? In recent months Health Coaches have educated hundreds of our country’s top leaders about the value of prevention and shared ways they can personally change their own lifestyles. We’ve shared the level of dedication Health Coaches have to introducing behavior shifts and modifications that lead to long-lasting health improvements.
“Prevention is the key. Health and wellness coaches do a phenomenal job of bringing that message to the folks that we all have the privilege to serve.” – Adam Buckalew, Chief of Staff for Congressman Donald M. Payne Jr..
Payne and a bipartisan group of lawmakers introduced the Health and Wellness Coach Resolution on Dec. 3, which recognizes and supports health coaches’ work in combating the global health crisis
“We are in the midst of a global health crisis. For the first time in history children will likely have a shorter life expectancy than their parents. Sadly, of the $4 trillion spent on health care in the U.S. this year, only 2% goes towards prevention,” Rep. Tim Ryan, D-Ohio, said. “Preventive chronic diseases are costing us billions. It is imperative that we fight this epidemic with education and smarter lifestyle choices.”
Reps. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., Vern Buchanan, R-Fla., Grace F. Napolitano, D-Calif., Mark Takai, D-Hawaii, Grace Meng, D-N.Y.. and Ed Perlmutter, D-Colo., are also sponsors of this resolution.
From going on live television to hosting monthly workshops with staffers and members of Congress, I’ve been happy to play my part in bringing awareness to our Congressional offices.
