Archive for the ‘Health Coaching’ Category

« Older Entries

Meet Health Coach Judith Beaulieu: Network of RN Health Coaches Empowers Women and Children

February 8th, 2012 by Cheryl Miller

Judith Beaulieu
This month’s inside look at a health coach, the choices he or she has made on the road to success, and the challenges ahead.

Excerpted from the February 2012 Health Coach Huddle.

Judith Beaulieu, RN, BSN, MIS, Health Coach, President and CEO of FEMTIQUE Associates, Incorporated

HIN: What was your first job out of college and how did you get into health coaching?

Judith Beaulieu: When I graduated from Widener College in 1978 I had already been working as a nurse aide on an oncology unit in a city hospital. After passing my state boards and becoming a registered nurse, I continued to work as an oncology nurse. It was during this experience that I encountered coaching the family members of patients. Most of it was comprised of emotional support encompassing the spiritual realm of life (and death). Coaching patients to use relaxation techniques for their pain and anxiety was included in their care plans. These are only a few of the many ways nursing utilized coaching patients and their families.

Have you received any health coaching certifications? If so, please list these certifications.

February 2012 will be the completion of my 40-week webinar graduate level certification curriculum in health coaching from Health Coach Alliance. The standards of practice as well as the board certification are based upon the International Coaching Federation (ICF) of which I am a member.

Has there been a defining moment in your career? Perhaps when you knew you were on the right road?

The professional term “Health Coach” is only five years old in the United States. RNs have been health coaching when teaching patients, implementing care plans, hospital discharge instruction, grievance counseling, breastfeeding counseling, and so on for as long as the vocation of nursing has been in existence. When the health coach profession surfaced into existence as a separate entity, I jumped into searching the opportunities for RNs to become credentialed as Certified Nurse Health Coaches. I discovered that there were only a few programs out there specific to nurses and that most health coaches did not encompass the education nor experience to be able to best serve the consumer about health and wellness information. This was the ah ha moment that created FEMTIQUE Associates Incorporated.

In brief, describe your organization.

FEMTIQUE Associates, Incorporated is incorporated under the non-profit corporation law of 1988 as a ((501)(c)(3). We are a healthcare advocate and health coach organization providing health and wellness care information and resources for women and children. Our services are provided by professionals who have accrued knowledge and skills grounded in their professional education, clinical training, and experience with the aim of achieving and maintaining better health outcomes for those we serve.

What are two or three important concepts or rules that you follow in health coaching?

1: Our ability to hold attention on what is important for the client, and to leave responsibility with the client to take action.
2: To make plan adjustments as warranted by the coaching process and by changes in the situation.
3. Develop the client’s ability to make decisions, address key concerns, and develop himself/herself (to get feedback, to determine priorities and set the pace of learning, to reflect on and learn from experiences)

What is the single most successful thing that your company is doing now?

Providing financial aid to RNs that affords them an opportunity to become certified health coaches through Health Coach Alliance. Providing to the consumer the availability of qualified professionals that have an optimal level of health coach knowledge, experience and continuing education training is FEMTIQUE’s primary goal.

Do you see a trend or path that you have to lock onto for 2012?

Health communication and health information technology is congruent with one of the Healthy People 2020 objectives and the one that FEMTIQUE is positioned to lock onto in 2012. The FEMTIQUE Web site, Healthcare De-Mystified blog and tweets are aimed at providing helpful health and wellness information ranging from the physical, psychological, spiritual, social, financial, environmental, professional/vocational and academic realms of life.

What is the most satisfying thing about being a health coach?

Using an appropriate amount of time to devote to the client’s needs. The client is the only entity to which a private practice RN health coach devotes time and energy. One client at a time and one goal for the health coach to help the client formulate and strategize within a 60-minute coaching session. Spending the time necessary to effectively help consumers achieve health and maintain wellness is not available in the medical care arena.

Where did you grow up?

I spent my elementary years growing up as an only child in a small suburban town in Southeastern Pennsylvania. My parents sent me to a Catholic boarding school for my high school education. I loved it. Living with other girls supplemented for the lack of siblings. We were very close to each other.

What college did you attend? Is there a moment from that time that stands out?

When I graduated from high school I wanted to become a nurse so I applied to about three or four nursing schools. My high school advisor helped me to apply to two diploma programs and two college programs but there were waiting lists only. I ended up getting into Widener College six years after high school graduation. What stands out for me during this time was what I fit into the six years of waiting. The first year I went to a community college for secretarial studies and ended up working as a secretary while continuing to take college business courses in night school. These courses transferred into the nursing curriculum at Widener. I applied the typing skills learned as a secretary into typing term papers for other students in order to make extra money. The college did not permit nursing students to work full-time while in the BSN program.

Are you married? Do you have children?

I am happily married to Russell J. Beaulieu for 19 years. No children.

What is your favorite hobby and how did it develop in your life?

I love to garden. It has always been in my family starting with my late grandfather who came to America in the early 1900s, bought a plot of land and cultivated a huge garden. When my cousins and I were old enough, our grandfather would take us out to the garden and teach us how to pick ripe berries, fruit and vegetables. It cultivated a love of nature as well as a healthy diet. We were never overweight in our families. Today, I live within an Amish community where I share with other women within the Amish culture many healthy recipes made with vegetables that we all grow from our gardens.

Is there a book you recently read or movie you saw that you would recommend?

There are so many that I have enjoyed it is hard for me to say which one stands out. Biographies and autobiographies are my favorite types of literature. My heroes are people such as:
Life Without Limits by Nick Vujicic
Mother Teresa by Kathryn Spink
Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson
Beauty Fades, Dumb is Forever by Judge Judy Sheindlin
The Woman Behind the New Deal by Kirstin Downey
My favorite movie of all times is “The Miracle Worker” which is the story about Helen Keller. And recently I went to see “The Help” which I loved! I laughed and cried.

Posted in Case Management, Health Coach Profile, Health Coaching, Uncategorized | No Comments »

New Wellness Coach Profile: Meet Ramona Fasula

January 3rd, 2012 by Jessica Papay

Here we take an inside look at a wellness coach, the choices made on the road to success, and the challenges ahead.

Ramona Fasula, owner of Wellness by Ramona.

HIN: What was your first job out of college and how did you get into health coaching?

Ramona Fasula: My first job out of college was working for a mortgage company. I continued my path in the financial industry working in banking and then I worked as an analyst for an investment management firm. I was laid off during the financial crisis and it forced me to think about my life and what I wanted in my career. The day I was laid off, I had a conversation with a friend of mine, who said that I’ve always been into health and fitness and I was great with people. She encouraged me to follow my passion and start my own business. I always wanted to own my own business, but I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. It took losing my job to figure it out. The next day, I enrolled at the Integrative Institute for Nutrition and got my health coaching certificate 11 months later. It was the best decision I ever made in my life. My father always told me that if you do not have your health, you have nothing, and that is true. Your health affects every aspect of your life. To be able to help other people live longer, healthier lives is rewarding. I could not ask for a better job.

Have you received any health coaching certifications? If so, please list these certifications.

I am a certified holistic health coach. Beginning this month, I will be attending an integrative nutrition cooking program for six months. I will also be working on becoming a certified aromatherapist. Once I finish those programs, I will be pursuing a PhD in naturopathic medicine.

Has there been a defining moment in your career? Perhaps when you knew you were on the right road?

I knew I was on the right track when one of my clients, who has fibromyalgia, told me that she had been through 10 specialists in one year and I was the only person who has been able to help her. She had lost 40 pounds, which is something that she hadn’t been able to do before she started working with me. Symptoms of the fibromyalgia had also started to disappear.

In brief, describe your organization.

My goal is to offer many different healing modalities to my clients. Starting this month, I will be expanding the business. In addition to health coaching, I will be offering healthy cooking classes, Reiki and raindrop therapy, which is an amazing technique invented by Dr. Gary Young, who owns Young Living Oils. I strongly believe in the power of education. The more education that I receive, the more I can offer my clients.

What are two or three important concepts or rules that you follow in health coaching?

Every day, take the time to focus on your “primary foods” and evaluate what you are getting out of them. This includes career, spirituality and the relationships that you keep, among other things. If you are not getting out of them what you’d like to, then you need to make some changes in your life. Unfortunately, primary foods affect the types of foods that you eat. You want to make sure that you are nourishing your body, mind and spirit each day. They are all connected. I also strongly believe in the power of positive thinking. Positivity attracts positive things into your life, while negativity will do the opposite.

What is the single-most successful thing that your company is doing now?

Right now, the focus has definitely been school; however, I have been working on developing relationships with the American Diabetes Association and the Juvenile Diabetes Association. Diabetes is an epidemic in this country and it needs to be stopped. The way to do that is through education. I am planning to do many diabetes workshops this year to teach people how to not only manage this disease, but to prevent it. Knowledge is power.

Do you see a trend or path that you have to lock onto for 2012?

I will work with anyone who needs my help, but I would really like to focus on working with diabetics. My father passed away from complications of the disease 10 years ago and I’m convinced that if I knew then what I know now, he would still be alive today. There are 25.8 million Americans suffering from this disease and 8 million who go undiagnosed. That number is expected to triple by 2050. Diabetes is all about diet, and I believe that so many diabetics do not know how to eat for this disease. In memory of my father, I want to help people so that they don’t have to suffer the way that my father did.

What is the most satisfying thing about being a health coach?

To be able to wake up every day, knowing that you made a difference in someone’s life. That’s why I am a health coach — to make a difference.

Where did you grow up?

I was born in Staten Island, NY. I lived there for 10 years, moved to New Jersey for a year, and then to Pennsylvania where I still live today. I live right outside of Philadelphia.

What college did you attend?

I attended Millersville University in Lancaster, Pennsylvania for my undergraduate degree, which is in marketing. In December I finished up my MBA at UMASS-Amherst.

Are you married? Do you have children?

No, I’m not married yet. I believe that in order to have a successful marriage, you need to know who you are and what you want out of life. I feel like I’m just figuring that out right now.

What is your favorite hobby and how did it develop in your life?

Dance has always been my passion. I took dance lessons for many years. Thanks to the television show “Dancing with the Stars,” I really started getting into ballroom dance. I had to stop taking lessons for a while because my MBA became too time consuming.

Is there a book you recently read or movie you saw that you would recommend?

I recently read “Battlefield of the Mind” by Joyce Meyer. Health is not just about what you eat, it is also about what you think. Thinking positive thoughts has a profound impact on your health, so we definitely need to make sure that we are guarding our mind and thinking positive, healthy thoughts. I would definitely recommend this book.

Posted in Disease Management, Health Coaching, Wellness Coach Profile, Wellness/Prevention | No Comments »

Medicare Weighs in on Obesity Counseling for Seniors

December 15th, 2011 by Cheryl Miller

Call it Medicare meets the Biggest Loser.

CMS is now swallowing the costs of screening and counseling for beneficiaries considered to be obese, or at risk for obesity. Doctors determine patients’ eligibility, and those who meet the requirements, or have a BMI greater than or equal to 30 kg/m2, get to participate in the program.

Eligible “contestants” receive dietary and nutritional assessments and face-to-face counseling sessions in a physician’s office each week for a month, and then every other week for an additional five months. The “biggest losers,” or those that lose at least 6.6 pounds, or 3 kg during those six months, get continued sessions for up to a year.

The benefits of the program far outweigh the costs, given the burden that obesity places on states: a recent study from Duke University showed that obesity costs states $15 billion a year in medical expenses. And according to the CMS, over 30 percent of both men and women in the Medicare population are estimated to be obese, a condition that is directly and indirectly associated with many chronic diseases, including those that disproportionately affect racial and ethnic minorities such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

Efforts to help curb the epidemic aren’t new; as we reported in our recent survey on Obesity and Weight Management, nearly 72 percent of respondents said they were implementing programs to manage weight or prevent obesity. While adults accounted for the largest population target, 6.4 percent of respondents said that they were targeting the Medicare population with their weight control programs.

Unlike the “Big Reveal” on the network series, we won’t get to see the transformed patients, unless they land gigs with Weight Watchers or Jenny Craig. But the program might take an ever so small bite out of the existing healthcare costs facing us today, and the participants’ loved ones might get to hold onto them (figuratively?) for a little longer.

Posted in Behavioral Health, HIN Blog, Health Coaching, Wellness/Prevention | No Comments »

New Health Coach Profile: Meet Babs Hogan

November 10th, 2011 by Jessica Papay

This month’s inside look at a health coach, the choices he or she has made on the road to success, and the challenges ahead.

Excerpted from the November 2011 HealthCoach Huddle.

Babs Hogan, certified wellcoach and health and fitness specialist certified through the American College of Sports Medicine.

HIN: What was your first job out of college and how did you get into health coaching?

Babs Hogan: I coached swimming in Los Angeles, Calif. After graduating from Texas A&M University, I headed west until I hit sand. Health coaching at the time wasn’t invented yet.

Have you received any health coaching certifications? If so, please list these certifications.

I am certified through Wellcoaches, Inc.

Has there been a defining moment in your career? Perhaps when you knew you were on the right road?

When I started reading articles by Margaret Moore, the CEO of Wellcoaches Corporation, in the American College of Sports Medicine’s publications, I realized that I had been missing something important in my career as a personal trainer. At first, I thought that I was too rigid to become a wellcoach since I was always the one “in charge,” as a fitness trainer. After 22 years of making decisions for clients, I was concerned about making the transition. It took a few months of reading to consider registering for Ms. Moore’s well-established wellcoaching program. After the first day of class she asked, “What is your level of confidence that you will become a wellcoach?” I replied, “About 20 percent.” In a few weeks, I turned around.

In brief, describe your organization?

As a wellcoach, my focus is on parents. I coach families too, but I mostly work with parents by helping them adapt healthy behaviors. As they take control of their health, the children benefit too. It’s a trickle-down pattern of change.

What are two or three important concepts or rules that you follow in health coaching?

I try to heighten awareness of existing behaviors, assist clients in realizing how much control they have regarding their health and I identify a client’s personal strengths and continuously shine light on them.

What is the single-most successful thing that your company is doing now?

Focusing on preventing childhood obesity. I am presenting community seminars on reaching goals. I use Heidi Grant Halvorson’s book, Succeed: How We Can Reach Our Goals, as a guide. Last month, I started a book club in Arlington, Texas. I am also currently writing a book on childhood obesity and blogging about related issues. You can learn at my Web site. I am also presenting webinars on behavior change.

Do you see a trend or path that you have to lock onto for 2012?

Yes, I started a channel on YouTube called BabsWellcoach and most of my viewers are interested in the Les Mills Group Exercise videos. There are many great stories to be told and the Les Mills viewers are clearly tuned in. I will continue to create more videos about how people reach their health goals.

What is the most satisfying thing about being a health coach?

Helping people realize that wherever they stand right now is a great place to start. Wellcoaching discusses possibilities based on what you CAN do, not what you cannot. The mindset is always moving forward and not looking back. Once people realize that the power to change is in their hands and that they can move forward right NOW, amazing things begin to happen. The secret? Take small steps, gain confidence along the way, heighten awareness of the choices that are presented, and rely on your own strengths.

Where did you grow up?

I was born and raised in College Station, Texas.

What college did you attend? Is there a moment from that time that stands out?

I attended Texas A&M University. The honor of “College All-American,” which I received after 10 years and hundreds of miles of swimming, reinforced the old adage that hard work pays off.

Are you married? Do you have children?

I am married and have one grown son.

What is your favorite hobby and how did it develop in your life?

I like gardening. In my forties, I started paying attention to flowers. My next farming adventure will include growing herbs since my husband loves to cook.

Is there a book you recently read or movie you saw that you would recommend?

I’d recommend Heidi Grant Halvorson’s “Succeed” book that I mentioned earlier. This book should be on everyone’s coffee table.

Any additional comments?

Health coaching/wellness coaching/fitness coaching is not about forcing change. Change happens by choice. The process of coaching is an invitation for change carefully aligned with proper guidance and a gentle nudge along the way.

Posted in Disease Management, Health Coach Profile, Health Coaching, Uncategorized, Wellness/Prevention | No Comments »

New Health Coach Profile: Meet Amy Hendel, ‘The HealthGal’

September 8th, 2011 by Jessica Papay

This month’s inside look at a health coach, the choices he or she has made on the road to success, and the challenges ahead.

Excerpted from the September 2011 HealthCoach Huddle.

Amy Hendel, R-PA, CEO and health coach for HealthGal.

HIN: What was your first job out of college and how did you get into health coaching?

Amy Hendel: I went to college thinking that I would apply to medical school. My dad actually convinced me to look at the physician assistant (PA) degree, which would allow me to pursue a health career without the having to commit to a very extended education and the kind of financial debt I would be paying off for at least a decade. After three years as a PA in internal medicine helping people try to manage multiple diseases associated with poor lifestyle choices, I decided I would rather get involved in helping to prevent disease or helping patients to dig their way out of chronic disease by using lifestyle modification techniques. Back when I started there were no ‘coaches’ — just health professionals from a variety health backgrounds trying to modify people’s habits, one habit at a time.

Has there been a defining moment in your career? Perhaps when you knew you were on the right road.

In my third year as a PA, I was dragging my newborn quite early every morning to a babysitter near the hospital where I was working, so I could breastfeed her before and after my early AM duties in the operating room. My duties included performing routine pre-surgery history and physicals on patients with all kinds of complicated illnesses like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and I felt like I was watching a procession of ‘train wrecks’ pass before me. I was challenged as a mother and professional, trying to juggle the needs of my newborn and feeling escalating frustration with the typical patient who seemed to want pills to fix everything. One day I walked upstairs to the hospital administrator and gave notice to him that day. I also impulsively told him that I planned on setting up a lifestyle modification program and hoped he would tell doctors at the hospital to refer patients to me who were willing to work on modifying lifestyle habits contributing to their multiple health issues.

In brief, describe your organization.

The HealthGal is a name I began using about 10 years ago, after expanding my health coaching practice to include media projects. I started contributing weekly health segments to KCBS after a chance on-air guest appearance, which led to a one-year position there. I have been a contributing guest health expert on local and national news and talk shows — TV and radio — and I’ve been a host of a PBS health talk show, as well as a Westwood One radio show. I blog for several health Web sites and my most recent streaming video show is Food Rescue at www.healthination.com. I do a fair amount of consulting work, particularly on health campaigns, but still maintain a private practice in California and New York.

What are two or three important concepts or rules that you follow in health coaching?

As a coach I’m always truthful and empathic, and I always ask ‘the hard questions.’ Obesity is a disease, so you never ‘cure it.’ You simply put it into remission.

What is the single-most successful thing that your company is doing now?

Though I continue to coach individuals, I feel that my Tweets at HealthGal1103 and my blogs at www.healthcentral.com/obesity and www.healthcorps.net are reaching so many people who are struggling with obesity and health issues related to obesity. Getting outreach to parents who struggle with obesity themselves and so easily hand off these same issues to their kids, is hugely accomplished through my Internet efforts.

Do you see a trend or path that you have to lock onto for 2011?

Though I am a huge exercise fanatic and it is always a component of my health coaching, 2011 and 2012 will showcase a trend of accepting that we largely ‘are what we eat and we do need to label foods as either necessary foods or treat foods. Ninety percent of the time we need to be eating good or necessary foods.

What is the most satisfying thing about being a health coach?

When you can take a person who sees their weight as an insurmountable burden or someone who has been yo-yo dieting for years and show them the way and make them realize that they can manage their lifestyle, one habit at at a time — you, as a coach, feel like a true healer.

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Brooklyn as the daughter of a school teacher and a homemaker. Money was always tight but I was raised to believe that education and a profession was the key to success. The women in my family all struggled with weight issues — my mom was obese and by age 14 I was 50 pounds overweight.

What college did you attend? Is there a moment from that time that stands out?

I attended Brooklyn College and fell in love with organic chemistry…I know, what a crazy subject to love! I remember thinking that science explains pretty much everything. One of my professors was really into nutrition and spending time in his lab actually exposed me to rudimentary nutrition lessons.

Are you married? Do you have children?

I am married to a physician and we have a daughter who just finished her master’s degree in architecture. My son is a junior at MIT. They are both athletes — my daughter was a ranked junior tennis player in California and played for NYU and my son is a long distance runner. I suppose that I am most proud of the fact that both of them are active, healthy and understand the importance of living a healthy life.

What is your favorite hobby and how did it develop in your life?

My favorite hobbies are playing tennis and I’ve recently taken up gardening.

Is there a book you recently read or movie you saw that you would recommend?

I loved the book “Room,” probably because the young woman in the story was an extraordinary protagonist, surviving and raising a child under the most horrific circumstances. I also just saw “Sarah’s Key” and thought it told an important story from the Holocaust that had not received significant exposure.

Posted in Disease Management, Health Coach Profile, Health Coaching, Healthcare Trends, Wellness/Prevention | No Comments »

Adults’ Top 10 Health Concerns for Kids

August 17th, 2011 by Jessica Papay

Adults rate drug abuse and childhood obesity as the top health concerns for kids in their communities, according to the fifth annual survey of the top 10 health concerns for kids conducted by the University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on Children’s Health.

In May 2011, the poll asked adults to rate 23 different health concerns for children living in their communities. The top 10 overall health concerns for U.S. children in 2011 and the percentage of adults who rate each item as a “big problem” are the following:

  1. Childhood obesity: 33 percent
  2. Drug abuse: 33 percent
  3. Smoking and tobacco use: 25 percent
  4. Teen pregnancy: 24 percent
  5. Bullying: 24 percent
  6. Internet safety: 23 percent
  7. Stress: 22 percent
  8. Alcohol abuse: 20 percent
  9. Driving accidents: 20 percent
  10. Sexting: 20 percent

The poll also found that adults’ perceptions of top health problems for children in their own communities differ by race/ethnicity. The poll found that for both blacks and Hispanics, drug abuse was their top health concern, at 44 and 49 percent, respectively. However, drug abuse for white populations came in second at 28 percent, while childhood obesity came in first at 30 percent. Meanwhile, 44 percent of both blacks and Hispanics chose childhood obesity as their concern. When ranking smoking and tobacco use, 36 percent of blacks and 22 percent of whites both ranked this issue at number three, and 35 percent of Hispanics ranked it at number eight.

According to Matthew Davis, MD, director of the poll and associate professor in the Child Health Evaluation and Research Unit at the U-M Medical School, “The perception of drug abuse as a big problem matches recent national data showing increasing use of marijuana and other drugs by U.S. teens. Meanwhile, although obesity remains atop the list of child health concerns for the fourth straight year, the level of public concern has declined over the last few years in our poll. This may be a warning to public health officials, because it indicates how the public is hearing national messages that previous increases in children’s obesity rates have recently leveled off.”

Posted in Behavioral Health, Disease Management, Health Coaching, Healthcare Trends, Wellness/Prevention | No Comments »

New Health Coach Profile: Meet Mary Grazen-Browne

August 4th, 2011 by Jessica Papay

This month’s inside look at a health coach, the choices he or she has made on the road to success, and the challenges ahead.

Excerpted from the August 2011 HealthCoach Huddle.

Mary Grazen-Browne, owner at Wellness by Choice, holistic nutritionist/lifestyle educator at Manchester Athletic Club, and wellness coach/consultant and registered holistic nutritionist at Wellness by Choice.

HIN: What was your first job out of college and how did you get into health coaching?

Mary Grazen-Browne: My first job was physical education and health teacher/special education for 35 years. In my mid-40’s, I had a bad irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and I was ‘cured’ via a holistic nutritionist. Then, I pursued certifications as a health educator and registered holistic nutritionist. Then, I was certified as a wellness coach to help my clients with behavioral change.

Has there been a defining moment in your career? Perhaps when you knew you were on the right road.

Yes. After I was working part-time as a nutritionist, I realized that all of my teaching did not matter but that the behavioral change and support is what people needed to make the changes they wanted to make and keep.

In brief, describe your organization.

I am the sole owner of Wellness by Choice. I offer holistic nutrition consults, lifestyle education for weight management, and age-related disease and energy combined with wellness coaching.

What are two or three important concepts or rules that you follow in health coaching?

I follow consistency, commitment and mindfulness.

What is the single most successful thing that your company is doing now?

We are offering a program titled “Mindful Weighs.” It is a 12-session program including bioelectrical impedence analysis (BIA) screenings.

Do you see a trend or path that you have to lock onto for 2011?

To reach out more. Market to as many people as possible and be visible. Word of mouth is the best advertising.

What is the most satisfying thing about being a health coach?

Seeing people change and improve their health, and the gratification they have from their efforts.

Where did you grow up?

New York and Connecticut.

What college did you attend? Is there a moment from that time that stands out?

I attended Keene State College in New Hampshire. The moment that stands out to me is that I knew I was an educator and that I needed to be active. Therefore, being a physical education and health major was perfect for me.

Are you married? Do you have children?

Yes I have been married for 33 years and I have two children.

What is your favorite hobby and how did it develop in your life?

I like gardening, which I learned from my mom, and I like sewing, which I learned from Home EC in seventh grade. I like to kayak since I live on the water, and I like to golf — I had to give up tennis due to a low back injury — and I like being with my family as well.

Is there a book you recently read or movie you saw that you would recommend?

I loved the “Girl with the Dragon Tatoo” series and I am reading “Primal Body, Primal Mind.” This is an excellent book and it reinforces what I do now.

Any additional comments?

This is an evolving career. People who value their health will invest in it and I hope that someday there will be insurance to support the lifestyle coaching and nutrition information I offer to others.

Posted in Disease Management, Health Coach Profile, Health Coaching, Healthcare Trends, Wellness/Prevention | No Comments »

Reasons to Light a Fire Under Smoking Cessation Efforts

August 2nd, 2011 by Patricia Donovan

A recent study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that obesity is statistically a greater threat to overall public health than tobacco. However, there is still a burning need for programs to reduce tobacco use, according to findings from HIN’s 2010 survey on tobacco cessation and prevention efforts.

The percentage of respondents with programs focused on tobacco cessation and prevention remained constant (75 percent) from 2008 to 2010. However, 2010 respondents from more than 80 healthcare organizations are both planning future programs and adopting smoke-free policies in greater numbers, a trend perhaps fueled by federally mandated reimbursement of these programs.

There’s also another reason to light a fire under smoking cessation efforts: metrics on these preventive measures are increasingly included in value-based reimbursement models. In a recent interview, Dr. Mark Shields, senior medical director with Advocate Physician Partners, explained the business case behind the dedication of three of Advocate’s 41 physician performance measures to smoking cessation and prevention as part of its clinical integration effort:

“Smoking cessation is one of the very hot interventions. Our doctors know that it’s important, but don’t appreciate the major financial impact of this effort. We have documented that in our value report. Smoking cessation is a big deal as far as our ability to be successful at the bargaining table with managed care organizations. We point this out to our clinicians.

We have formal ways to gather the information about our performance and point this out. We have disease registries and patient and professional information that is Web-based and online for our providers, as well as face-to-face education programs for our providers.”

While 2010 survey respondents mostly rely on the honor system and self-reports to monitor relapses, 18 percent of respondents are reporting quit rates of 0 to 10 percent. That’s enough to extinguish some of the exorbitant healthcare costs associated with tobacco use.

Posted in Disease Management, Health Coaching, Healthcare Costs, Patient-Centered Medical Home, Physician Practices, Uncategorized, Wellness/Prevention | No Comments »

States Hungry for Obesity and Weight Management Programs

July 27th, 2011 by Patricia Donovan

Almost a third of people in 12 states were obese in 2010, according to a new CDC report. Also, no state met the national Healthy People 2010 goal to lower the prevalence of obesity to 15 percent.

Our country in general and the healthcare industry in particular are hungry for obesity and weight management interventions, according to this CDC report and recent market research by the Healthcare Intelligence Network. Among the program challenges reported by 130 survey respondents was an inability to respond to overwhelming demand for obesity and weight management programs. Some even had to limit the number of participants in programs.

The most revealing trend has been the increase in obesity and weight control programs for children and adolescents — up sevenfold in the two years since we last surveyed on this topic. Payors in particular are focused on these early interventions, launching obesity and weight management programs in schools, including family in weight management education efforts, and dedicating case management resources to this population.

Healthcare providers also are taking on a larger role, as more organizations rely on physician referrals to recognize weight and obesity issues in patients and educate patients on nutrition, the value of physical exercise and its potential to trigger more serious and costly health complications.

The survey results indicate that it doesn’t seem to take much to motivate and engage participants, and that efforts in this area need to be fun. Many are modeling competitions on television’s popular “Biggest Loser” program. While there are some high-priced incentives for profound weight loss, it seems that a $25 gift card or a discount to a weight management program or gym is enough to get people moving in the right direction.

Posted in Disease Management, Health Coaching, Patient-Centered Medical Home | 1 Comment »

New Health Coach Profile: Meet Claudine Reilly

July 6th, 2011 by Jessica Papay

This month’s inside look at a health coach, the choices he or she has made on the road to success, and the challenges ahead.

Excerpted from the July 2011 HealthCoach Huddle.

Claudine Reilly, RN, MA, COHN-S, CHES, Certified Intrinsic Coach®, and wellness manager at CVS Caremark.

HIN: What was your first job out of college and how did you get into health coaching?

Reilly: My first job was as an RN in the operating room and intensive care unit. One day I looked around at my patients in the ICU and said to myself, “At least half these people could have prevented their illness/injury with better lifestyle choices.” They were dying and it was all preventable. Some were young and it was heartbreaking.

Has there been a defining moment in your career? Perhaps when you knew you were on the right road.

It was in my very first class with Totally Coached in 2005 — I knew then I wanted to spend many years doing health coaching.

In brief, describe your organization.

Although I am the wellness manager at CVS Caremark, which is a Fortune 20 company with over 200,000 employees, my coaching work is part time with Progress Health Coaching. Progress is a small company that specializes in Intrinsic Coaching®.

What are two or three important concepts or rules that you follow in health coaching?

Intrinsic Coaching® methodology. I view everyone as creative, capable and complete. My purpose is to listen, serve and help my clients widen their thinking and get clarity about what is important to them. The goal is for clients to find their own path through increased intrinsic capacity.

What is the single-most successful thing that your company is doing now?

CVS Caremark is focusing on increasing the engagement of employees in health behavior change initiatives: biometric screenings, health assessments, activities and challenges on a wellness portal.

Do you see a trend or path that you have to lock onto for 2011?

The trend is risk factor reduction to help employees feel better and avoid chronic illness. We may see a change in incentives trends: from participation-based to outcomes-based incentives.

What is the most satisfying thing about being a health coach?

Watching people develop and grow as they expand their thinking and create goals that are important to them.

Where did you grow up?

Central Massachusetts.

What college did you attend?

I attended Emmanuel College (BS in Psychology) and Framingham State College (MA in Health Care Administration).

Is there a moment from that time that stands out?

One important moment that stands out was leaving hospital nursing in 1986 and moving into occupational health nursing. That was the first time I was not taking care of “the sick” and began working with “the working well.” I gradually moved into wellness and prevention in the workplace. I began coach training in 2005.

Are you married?

Yes

Do you have children?

I have four grown married children and nine grandchildren. There are five nurses in my immediate family: me, one daughter, two sons and one daughter-in-law. One of my sons is also a health coach. They all live within 15 minutes of my home.

What is your favorite hobby and how did it develop in your life?

Photography. I am a “serious amateur” and love taking candid photos of children. When I retire, I plan to have a business called “Kids at Play Photography: Candid, Creative Photography of Children.”

Is there a book you recently read or movie you saw that you would recommend?

South of Broad by Pat Conroy (I love all his books), anything by Maeve Binchey or John Irving and all the best-selling “dog books” like Marley and Me, The Art of Racing in the Rain and A Dog’s Purpose.

Posted in Disease Management, Health Coach Profile, Health Coaching, Healthcare Trends, Wellness/Prevention | No Comments »

« Older Entries