Health Coaching is a new concept here in the UK. Soon you will start to see and hear more about them in your local GP surgery as well as in private, online, and in-person practices.

Some health coaches will work alongside other practitioners such as physiotherapists, nutritionists, or personal trainers. Some may even be qualified in these extra disciplines.

The purpose of a health coach has been created for our modern-day society, where busy lives neglect our health and develop more illness, nutritionally depleted foods lead to more obesity and malnutrition, and the phrase “work until you drop” has become all too real in today’s society.

This is not how we should live - This is not a thriving life.

Our GPs are overwhelmed with issues from patients of all ages. The mere 10-minute consultation does not provide the time needed to understand a patient and their needs, it's only long enough for a quick check of vitals and a printout of the next pill to pop that will mask today’s symptoms until the next time for a repeat prescription and an addition to a colourful pill collection.

Have you seen a pill organiser?

Heard the sound it makes when you shake a full one! Recognise this scenario? It should not be music to your ears. Today’s medical treatments can be a sticking plaster over the problem and are now showing up as the causes to so many more problems of ill-health;

The maintenance of a chronic headache with pain killers, the contraceptive pill given for a skin condition and the basic advice of ‘eat less and move more’ is not helping to find the root cause of these displaying symptoms.

When each new medication is added, new problems are being created, this may be due to interaction with the medicines, or the body itself trying to scream out ‘help’ me stop giving me more chemicals!

Where do these scenarios lead?

To more severe problems, diseases that will need a lot more time and more expensive treatments. Cardiovascular diseases, autoimmune conditions, and potentially devastating cancers.

What is a health coach and why do you need one?

A health coach is someone who starts with a passion for caring. Those, like me, who do the correct training, become professional practitioners.

A health coach is there for a client, to help motivate and support them through their own struggles with an emphasis on health and wellbeing.

Health coaches empower their clients with the knowledge, skills, and the confidence they need to take responsibility for their diet and lifestyle habits.

Listening, motivating, and inspiring clients to remodel their lifestyles to achieve long term positive changes that they can sustain.

For you, the patient, the health coach is the bridge between the Medical Doctor and all the support needed to implement and make better choices in your life.

When you reach the conclusion that the band aid method you have been given so far is not the one for you. And you accept that change will take time and a willingness to want a better future then coaching becomes your bridge to your best health.

Even with underlying conditions, health coaches work with you and your medical protocol.

They do not advise you on your medication or take it away. When improvements to your health are achieved from working with a health coach, you can then discuss with your Medical Doctor how to reduce or change your medication. 

I love to care so I trained and qualified as a Health Coach.

My passion started with caring, ever since I can remember I have been the one to question the ailments of others, question how they choose to overcome or survive. I question doctors, I ask for evidence on their recommended treatments.

My own journey sent me into constant research from childhood. I have delved into medical research, read medical journals, and tried out various medical or holistic methods to improve my health. I challenge the medics and I look at the whole picture of what options are available and those not available.

Just as science evolves so have I.

I have tried fad diets, and various physical exercise routines. My conclusion to those after years of experimenting is this: each person is unique; their needs are unique and their abilities too. There is no one diet for all and no one way to be physically fit, you must listen to your body and find what suits you best.

Always questioning what is right for today, just as our bodies change through life so do our requirements.