Making long-term changes in your life that have a positive impact on your physical and mental health, can sometimes feel like an uphill battle. This is where a Health Coach comes in.
What is a Health Coach?
Health Coaches are wellness professionals trained in disciplines such as nutrition, psychological behaviour change approaches, physical movement and coaching techniques. Many of them are trained in complementary and alternative therapies which add to their armoury from which they serve as a guide to individuals on a one-on-one basis, or in group settings.
Health Coaches engage with individuals who are wanting to progress some aspect of their quality of life in terms of health and wellbeing outcomes. They help these individuals to define health and wellness goals and to make choices linked to lifestyle changes such that the individual can embrace a holistic approach to their health.Whilst not yet medically recognised as an allied health professional, Health Coaches play a pivotal role as part of an individual or patient’s care circle, filling a void that is often left by doctors and nurses who don’t necessarily have the time to provide personalised guidance for broader lifestyle linked elements that impact how an individual perceives their health status.
Health Coaches can support a wide variety of non-clinical health related matters, creating a safe space and supporting their clients with specific health and wellness goals with guided behaviour and lifestyle changes that can be sustained for the longer term.
Can a Health Coach provide a diagnosis for me?
No, a Health Coach should not diagnose you with anything, prescribe you medication or perform the tasks of your clinical team. If you are seeking support with medication or symptom guidance, then please consult your GP, Clinical Nurse Specialist or medical consultant.
Who is Alison Kent?
Alison’s passion for supporting people with inflammatory conditions started before she was a coach, working as a Rheumatology Specialist Nurse for 24 years and now, a trained Health Coach. She has also lived with rheumatoid arthritis for 30 years and is committed to raising awareness of rheumatological conditions and the impacts they can have on individuals living with them.
Alison works with people to empower them to make changes to manage their health and takes into account their individual life circumstances and lifestyle. Managing your health doesn’t mean doing it on your own, you have a support team to help you set the right goals and remain focused on them. As a coach, Alison can help those on a journey of transformation to feel healthier in body and mind leading to a happier life.
Who is Heather Savage?
Heather Savage is a dual certified Health and Life Coach. She is also a former Clinical Nurse Specialist in 3 different specialities, including inflammatory arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease and inflammatory skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. She has many years of coaching and mentoring experience and a strong passion for helping others grow and transform their lives in positive ways.
How can a Health Coach help someone living with an inflammatory condition?
A Health Coach can help someone living with an inflammatory condition, such as IBD or arthritis, by helping them create changes in their life that are specific to their situation and circumstance. Having a support team is very important, and a Health Coach can help you on your journey of transformation to feel healthier in body and mind – ultimately leading you to a happier life.
A message from Health Coach, Heather Savage:
“How does my expertise and coaching fit into the ecosystem of help for inflammatory conditions?
Have you tried to make lifestyle changes before but nothing works or it doesn’t last? Do you struggle to get clarity on what your best health looks like? Do you feel stuck in a rut or lost when it comes to your health?
Whatever your health situation I believe you can take back control of your health and life, one step at a time, making lifestyle changes to achieve your optimum health for you. I work with clients empowering them to make changes to manage their health that take into account their individual life circumstances and lifestyle. Managing your health doesn’t mean doing it on your own, you have a support team to help you and tools to use. As a coach, I help clients on a journey of transformation to feel healthier in body and mind leading to a happier life.
Imagine if you could go on a journey of transformation, developing your potential to improve your health and wellbeing, what would that do for you?”
Track your symptoms to take control of your health
The My IBD Care app allows you to track various aspects of your symptoms, your medications, and provides valuable information and courses. Combined this will help you to feel in control of your IBD and work with your specialist to improve your treatment plan.
Have questions? Let us know by emailing sarah@ampersandhealth.co.uk today.
