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Confused about health coaching? We’ve got a health coaching definition to clarify your understanding and improve your company’s physical and financial well-being!

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If the phrase “Health Coach” only brings to mind your junior high gym instructor who also taught the “Health and Hygiene” course (you remember, the class that made all the kids giggle and squirm), it’s time to think again!

What does a Health Coach do?

A health coaching definition for today highlights society’s realization that we can all benefit from someone who’ll keep us motivated and hold us accountable in our efforts to live healthier lives.

And not just any “someone”‘—an approachable authority, highly-educated in the latest health, nutrition, and exercise research, expertly trained in strategies for cultivating optimal well-being, able to bring it all into a supportive, one-on-one relationship.

Pages From The “Health Coaching Playbook”

Health Coaches don’t carry around physical playbooks scribbled full of Xs, Os, and arrows. But just as athletic coaches have plans of action to help their teams reach goals, Health Coaches have strategies to help you and your company’s staff achieve healthier living.

If they were playbook pages, these strategies might be titled…

Planning for Particulars

Health Coaches are mentors. They build one-on-one relationships in order to make wellness plans and set health goals that will work for a specific person. When it comes to cultivating healthier living, Health Coaches know “one size fits all” won’t cut it. Instead, they emphasize bio-individuality, and tailor diet and exercise plans for each person’s biological makeup and unique needs.

Full-Person Focus

Shedding a certain number of pounds or spending a specific number of hours a day in the gym are only good goals if they’re parts of a wellness plan that benefit the whole you. And Health Coaches take this holistic view. They respect the way our work and home routines, our personal relationships, even our emotional and spiritual lives all combine to shape our overall health.

Major Motivation

Doctors want you to meet your good health goals, but don’t have time to cheer you on each step of the way. That’s one gap Health Coaches fill. They are supportive allies who help you map and track your progress, identify and access all potential resources and supports, and break down external and internal barriers standing between you and better health.

Step by Step

No athletic coach expects players to hit a homerun their first time at bat or score a touchdown the first time they run the football. Likewise, Health Coaches don’t expect you to achieve total health overnight. They know sustainable health comes bit by bit, through incremental but important changes. No “miracle fixes” here—Health Coaches are with you for the long, but rewarding, haul to wholeness!

Head in the Game

Health Coaches bring not only practical experience but also specialized education and proven psychological theory to their work. Credentialed through such professional organizations as the National Society of Health Coaches (NSHC) and the American Council on Exercise (ACE), Health Coaches use academically rigorous models of behavioral change (like TTM and health belief) that are empirically proven to bring real, lasting results.

Health Coaching With Wellworks For You

According to Forbes, 70% of U.S. employers offer general wellness programs to employees. That’s up from only 58% just eight years ago! And Health Coaches have a big part to play in these programs.

Wellworks For You offers cutting-edge health coaching, among many corporate wellness programs, that help you and your valuable staff live healthier, happier lives, on and off the job—and boost your bottom line by decreasing sick leave absenteeism, workers’ compensation costs and healthcare costs. Decreased expenses and increased wellness go hand-in-hand!

Why not speak with one of our expert health and wellness consultants today about how corporate health coaching can speed your staff to health victories that benefit them and your business? Call us toll-free at 1-800-425-4657 or contact us through our website today!

Mental illness is a difficult challenge for anyone to face. It can affect men and women of any age. However, mental illness can cause different symptoms in men than in women, so some disorders in men may be harder to recognize. Men who are depressed, for example, may seem angry and grouchy rather than sad and withdrawn. It also may be harder for men with depression to get help. Some may see it as a sign of weakness rather than a treatable illness.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

PTSD is a type of anxiety disorder. Common in men, particularly those who have served in combat, it is caused by witnessing a violent or life-threatening event, such as war. Those with PTSD often relive the traumatic event. They are distrustful, always on guard, may have terrifying nightmares, and feel emotionally numb and detached. They may also have panic attacks, job and relationship problems, depression, and suicidal thoughts. Women may feel on edge or anxious as a result of PTSD. But men may get angry and aggressive. They may start abusing drugs or alcohol as a way to cope.

Depression

Depression affects many men, and both men and women may feel many of the same symptoms of depression, such as:

• A continually sad or grouchy mood
• Trouble focusing
• A major change in appetite and energy
• Feelings of guilt, hopelessness, or worthlessness
• Lack of interest in life
• Suicidal thoughts

But men and women often show different signs of the condition. Men who are depressed may not cry or talk about their feelings. They may not even hint that they're thinking about suicide. Men with depression may try harder to hide their symptoms. As a result, they may get angry and aggressive. They may also be more likely to seek relief through alcohol or drugs.

Eating and body image disorders

Anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorders are serious, possibly life-threatening disorders. They are marked by abnormal attitudes toward food and weight. Men with an eating disorder may watch calories obsessively, or they may work out at the gym to excess. Men with body image issues may also become obsessed with their muscles, skin, genitals, nose, or hair.

Bipolar disorder

This mental illness causes swings between depression and mania, a state of extreme euphoria and high energy. This disorder used to be called manic-depression. Other symptoms include:

• Racing thoughts
• Being easily distracted
• Talking too fast or too much
• Not sleeping for days at a time
• Making grandiose plans
• Taking part in high-risk activities, such as multiple shopping sprees

Like women who have the disorder, men may have ongoing problems with work, sex, and relationships. Without treatment, many turn to substance abuse, act out aggressively and in anger, or think about suicide.

Coping with mental health issues

If you are suffering from one or more of these illnesses, treatment will let you lead a full, productive life. These mental illnesses may be difficult and painful, but they are all very treatable. Treatment may include counseling, medicine, or both. You may possibly also be treated with complementary therapies, such as biofeedback.

It's important to know that you have nothing to be embarrassed or ashamed about. These conditions are illnesses, not weaknesses. The same goes for any addictions you might have.

Many men have had trouble communicating what they're feeling and figuring out how to talk about it.

Here are some important first steps:

• Get medical care. Your healthcare provider is used to dealing with these issues. He or she can help you get the treatment you need. In some cases, you may be able to resolve your problems with therapy rather than medicine.
  
• Find healthier ways of sharing your feelings. It can be tempting to yell or act out or turn to drugs or alcohol when you are feeling unhappy. But instead of lashing out in anger, try something different. Breathe deeply, count to 10, and give yourself some time to calm down.
  
• Manage your stress. Stress at work and at home can worsen the symptoms of many mental illnesses. Don't feel guilty about taking time for yourself to do things you enjoy. You may also want to see if deep breathing, meditation, or stretching helps you relax.
  
• Get regular exercise. Research suggests that daily exercise can help relieve the symptoms of depression. People who exercise regularly in their free time are less likely to have this mood disorder.
  
• Take care of yourself. You deserve it. Exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep and eat healthy meals with lots of fruits and vegetables. Stay away from drugs and alcohol. Being gentle with yourself can put you in a better frame of mind to deal with your mood disorder.
  
• Tell someone right away if you have thoughts of harming yourself. Call 911 or go to a hospital emergency room. Ask a friend or family member to stay with you. Don't stay alone. You can also call the toll-free 24-hour hotline of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (800-273-8255); TTY: 800-799-4TTY (4889) and talk to a trained counselor.

Remember, don't be afraid to talk with your healthcare provider. You can tell them about constant anxiety, grouchiness, depression, or any other abnormal moods or symptoms you are having. Getting treatment and learning some coping methods can help bring these disorders under control.

You’ve been doing it all wrong: Why running hasn’t worked for you, and a method to fix it!

Have you ever wondered how people actually enjoy running? Maybe you’ve scoffed at those who obsess over pounding the pavement, while secretly wondering if there might actually be something to it.  

Or maybe you’re one who has experienced too many failed attempts at running and has frustratingly decided you’re “not made for running.”

Maybe it’s time you try something new.

Maybe it’s time you learn how to start running for beginners. So many would-be runners try to start as if they’re already professionals. They think that the right shoes and enough gumption will accomplish their goal. But after 2 weeks of sore muscles, painful runs, and little results, most simply give up.  

But you can succeed.  With the explosion of running resources and programs, success has never been closer!  

One of the most used and celebrated running programs for beginners is the “Couch to 5K” program. Thousands of serious runners made their start with the couch to 5K methods that walk you through how to start running for beginners.

How to Start Running for Beginners: Methods Made Easy

The couch to 5K program has broken down running into manageable chunks that enable anyone to go from sitting on the couch to running a 5K. That’s 3.1 miles, non-stop.  Did you ever think that would be possible? It is.

Here’s why it works so well:

Starts Off Slow

When learning how to start running for beginners, you need to find a program that doesn’t have goals that are so difficult to attain that you give up after the first two weeks.  

The couch to 5K program starts off with a combination of walking and jogging. The distances are manageable and the increase is gradual. This allows your body the time to strengthen itself naturally. Your muscles, bones, and lung capacity are stretched just slightly with each session.  

Only 3 Times a Week

Adding another hour block of responsibility to your daily routine is sometimes simply not possible. The couch to 5K program doesn’t require that. It requires just 30 minutes, 3 times a week. Anyone can do that.  Coincidentally, this is the recommended time of exercise for someone wanting to maintain optimal health. In fact, the American Heart Association suggest just 75 minutes of running each week to prevent cardiovascular disease.

Provides Choices Within the Program

The couch to 5K method allows you to track your running by time or by distance, whichever is easier for you. There’s also an option that has broken the times down for treadmill running. There are numerous apps now available that have been designed specifically to fit the couch to 5K program, making it even more convenient to choose the plan that’s right for you.  

Only 9 Weeks Long

We’re not saying you have to give up a year of your life for this. It only takes 9 weeks to get yourself up to effortlessly running 3.1 miles within 30 minutes.  

Doesn’t that sound good? In a little over 2 months you could be the one telling your co-workers that you actually enjoy running!

Check out this site for more great tips on how to start running for beginners. And, as always, Wellworks For You offers the help you need--from nutritional tips to motivational quotes--anything to keep you moving and keep you well.

Despite increased awareness of the risks of smoking, a recent study revealed that almost 20% of adult employees smoke during work hours. Why do they smoke? Nicotine can produce a calming or pleasant effect that many claim, “calm the nerves.” Others may say that smoking helps to keep them awake during work. No matter the justifications for smoking, research proves that nicotine, whether absorbed through smoking or vaping, is harmful to the body. By helping employees find tools and techniques on how to quit smoking, employers can help promote improved health in the workplace, reduce expensive medical costs, and more.

Five Ways to Educate and Empower Employees on How To Quit Smoking

Many people, employers included, are curious about the most successful way to stop smoking. Like many things, there really isn’t one win-all solution. At Wellworks For You, we recognize that the best smoking cessation program for the workplace needs to be one that addresses the specific needs of each individual.

As an employer, offering a smoking cessation program for the workplace is a wonderful way to demonstrate support for employee wellness, reduce illness and modifiable chronic diseases, and can end up saving money on expensive health premiums and healthcare costs.

Ready to help learn about how to quit smoking? Here are a few ways to help employees find their personal method toward quitting vaping and smoking:

1. Resources and Reliability
   To add a level of transparency and authenticity, offering employees personal testimonials of success stories about quitting smoking can be a source of inspiration and encouragement. In addition to shared real-life experiences, providing the aid of a personal health coach who specializes in smoking cessation provides an accountable, reliable resource for employees seeking to kick a nicotine habit.
2. Power in Numbers
   Working as a group has a tremendous impact toward reaching wellness goals. A group setting invokes camaraderie among coworkers joined in the common endeavor to quit smoking.
3. Individual Challenges
   Some personality types are well-suited to solo challenges. In these instances, a smoking cessation program can be customized on a personal level. Rewards when particular milestones have been accomplished are often positive and successful motivators for individual-minded employees on the pathway to quit smoking.
4. Medications
   Medication may be helpful in certain scenarios based on the longevity and amount of nicotine used by certain employees. Those who have smoked large quantities of cigarettes for a number of years may potentially benefit from aids to stop smoking, such as nicotine replacement, or other types of supplements or medication designed to reduce cravings.
5. Behavioral Therapy
   Certain therapeutic modalities, such as cognitive behavior therapy, has been shown to be effective in helping individuals to stop smoking.

Quitting Smoking Saves More than the Life of The Smoker

While eliminating nicotine helps reduce the likelihood for developing a preventable chronic disease and adds benefits such as improvement in teeth, gums, and lung health, when a nicotine user ceases to smoke, even more advantages occur, including:

• Lower chance of bad breath
• Elimination of second-hand smoke around coworkers
• Increase in pocket change
• Stronger immune system
• Better cardiovascular health

If you’d like to learn more about how to help employees quit smoking, Wellworks For You can help. In addition to offering customizable smoking cessation programs, we also have a diverse range of programs to help newly non-smokers to continue to improve their health, such as health risk assessments, fitness and nutrition, education and ideas, and much more.

Please contact us any time at sales@wellworksforyou.com or call us at 800-425-4657 for more information.

The perfect Valentine’s gift? A healthy heart that you can celebrate for years to come!

This time of year, hearts of all shapes and sizes seem to be everywhere: supermarkets, drug stores, even gas stations are packed with heart-shaped gifts for your Valentine. Even food gets in on the act. There are heart-shaped pancakes and pizzas, not to mention all the themed cookies, cakes, and candies. Why is this day celebrating love and everything heart-shaped terrible for our actual hearts? Shouldn’t we be extra good to our hearts on Valentine’s Day?

After all, February is also host to American Heart Month, and heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. Why not try these heart healthy tips to be good to your heart and your sweetheart this Valentine’s Day!

Our 10 Heart-Healthy Tips For Valentine’s Day:

Enjoy the winter months with delicious, comforting, and easy healthy dinner recipes..

1. Raise a Glass: What’s Valentine’s Day without a little wining and dining? Research has shown that moderate consumption of red wine is part of a heart-healthy diet. The flavonoids in red wine have an antioxidant effect, can help raise good cholesterol and prevent blood clotting. As a general rule, the sweeter the wine, the lower the flavonoid levels. Stick with reds like Pinot Noirs and Cabernets, or any Bordeaux. Of course, the American Heart Association recommends no more than one drink (4 oz. of wine) per day for women, and two for men.
   

1. Eat the Chocolate: 58 million pounds of chocolate are sold the week of Valentine’s Day! While chocolate isn’t generally considered a heart-healthy food, certain variations of the sweet treat can reduce inflammation and risk of heart disease. Only dark chocolate meets the criteria - aim for a cocoa level of 60-70%. As always, moderation is key. Studies show that people who take time to savor the chocolate are satisfied with smaller servings. Whip up a batch of dark chocolate-covered strawberries for an antioxidant-packed treat.
2. Believe in the Power of Love: Love is more than a wonderful feeling - it has very real health benefits as well. One of the best ways to keep your heart healthy is to simply be in love. Studies of loving relationships (marriage, family, friendship) show that they boost levels of antibodies and lower stress hormones.
3. Switch to Olive Oil: Olive oil can be substituted for butter in most recipes, and is a good source of monounsaturated fats - which reduce cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Use extra-virgin olive oil in place of butter when cooking your favorite romantic meal.
4. Stay home: Cooking at home allows you to better control the quantity and quality of what you’re eating. Make it a date and take some cooking classes with your Valentine, and learn to make some new heart-healthy meals. If you do eat out, be mindful of the fat and sodium content of your order, and take some leftovers home - restaurant portions are usually huge!
5. Take a Romantic Stroll: Physical exercise is key to heart health. Take a long, romantic walk with your sweetheart - not just for Valentine’s Day, but make it a regular habit. Try to squeeze in a 30 minute walk 5 times/week.
6. Unwind: Staying stress-free is key to keeping your heart healthy. Find a relaxing hobby to enjoy - crocheting, cooking, woodworking - whatever helps relieve your stress. Read aloud, sip some tea, just make sure to set aside some time each day to decompress. And that’s not just a good heart health tip, but good advice for maintaining relationships as well!
7. Count Your Blessings: Just as worry and anger lead to high blood pressure and heart disease, their opposites - mindfulness and calm - contribute to better health and general well-being. Deep breathing and meditation also helps lower blood pressure.
8. Hit the Dance Floor: Dancing is not only romantic, it’s also a heart healthy workout. Sign up for a dance class, or just turn up some tunes and get shaking - dancing can burn over 200 calories an hour!
9. Get Between the Sheets: It’s Valentine’s Day after all. It turns out that sex not only adds pleasure to your life - but can add years to it as well. According to a study published by the American Journal of Cardiology, men who had sex at least twice a week were less likely to develop heart disease than men who only had sex once a month. Sex can also keep your heart healthy by releasing endorphins and easing stress.

Are you ready to give your heart the best Valentine’s Day ever? These 10 heart healthy tips will get you off to a great start, but it’s also important to “know your numbers” - your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Sign up for a biometric screening to find out if you need to take any other heart health actions.

“Brain food” or “food for thought” are expressions with more meaning behind them than you might expect.

According to a recent Harvard Health story, 95% of serotonin is produced in the gastrointestinal tract. In other words, it truly matters what you put into your body. This brings to mind another favorite metaphorical expression: “You are what you eat.” To help boost both brain and body health, there are a few staples you can easily and mindfully integrate into your daily diet.

10 Brain Foods to Boost Mental Health, Focus, and More

Here are 10 foods that boost your brain functions and give you a healthy glow:

1. Nuts
   Nuts are loaded with vitamin E, which has been shown to help prevent cognitive dysfunction, particularly for older adults. Walnuts, in particular, have been shown to improve mental performance; the omega-fatty acids further support healthy brain function.

1. Whole Grains
   The brain requires energy to perform properly. Whole grains provide some of the best fuel for the body by slowly releasing glucose into your bloodstream. Consider this a gradual energy blast that will keep your brain consistently active and alert throughout the day.
2. Fish
   Fish is the quintessential brain food. Oil-rich fish contain high concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids, including EPA and DHA. These support memory, brain function, and neurotransmitter regulation, which increases your ability to focus.
3. Eggs
   Egg yolks are an excellent source of choline, which supports the neurotransmitters that regulate memory. The protein in eggs is great for building overall cognitive function. Plus, the B vitamins in eggs reduce blood levels of homocysteine, a compound associated with Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive impairment.
4. Blueberries
   Blueberries and other dark berries, like black currants, house vitamin C, brain-healthy antioxidants, and protective compounds called anthocyanins. Eating blueberries has also been shown to delay memory loss.
5. Flaxseed
   Alpha-linolenic acid (also known as ALA) is a fatty acid that can improve the function of the cerebral cortex. Flaxseeds are the single strongest source of this healthy fat. Flaxseed intake can increase the brain’s ability to process sensory stimulation and information.
6. Spinach
   Spinach, the “superfood” poster child, is loaded with vitamins and minerals that support brain health. Leafy green vegetables, in general, are associated with reducing cognitive decline.
7. Pumpkin Seeds
   Pumpkin seeds have a high concentration of zinc, a mineral that enhances memory and thinking capabilities. These seeds are also rich in magnesium, tryptophan, and B vitamins, all of which promote mental and emotional stability and reduce stress in the body.
8. Broccoli
   Broccoli is an excellent source of vitamin K and includes glucosinolate compounds. Vitamin K improves brain power, while glucosinolates have been shown to slow down the degeneration of acetylcholine neurotransmitters, which are needed for a healthy central nervous system and memory function.
9. Sage
   The compounds in sage help to maintain acetylcholine. Furthermore, studies have demonstrated an association between sage and optimal concentration abilities.

Additional Food for Thought

Collectively, the healthy brain foods above can:

• Improve cognition
• Reduce the risk of certain diseases
• Function as powerful antioxidants for your body
• Improve memory
• Maintain healthy blood pressure

Providing brain food tips is only one of the many services Wellworks For You can offer companies. We offer diverse, comprehensive, and customizable wellness programs that include health coaching, wellness challenges, health-fair management, e-learning series, and more.

At Wellworks For You, we specialize in helping companies like yours maximize employee wellness rates to achieve quantifiable health improvements in the workplace and beyond.

To learn how Wellworks For You can boost overall health in your work environment, reach out to your wellness coordinator or click here to book a demo.

Whether you want a smooth, creamy ice cream-mimicking substitute or a cool, fruity frozen juice snack, WellWorks For You has great ideas for healthy ice cream alternatives.

A healthier lifestyle is always a good thing to strive for, and it will make you feel better in the long term. But sometimes in the moment, all you really want is something rich, creamy, cold, and decadent--ice cream. After you indulge, you may have some regrets, wishing you had stuck with your healthy regime. It just feels like you can’t win. Or can you?

You will be amazed at how satisfying these healthy ice cream alternatives are and how good you will feel after eating them. Feeling indulgent and healthy at the same time is possible after all!

5 Healthy Alternatives to Ice Cream

When you get a craving for something cold, sweet, and creamy, you won’t have to deny yourself--try these healthy ice cream substitutes.

Banana Ice Cream

Have you tried frozen banana ice cream yet? In recent years, this healthy ice cream alternative has become a bonafide household classic. For a healthy ice cream choice, simply freeze bananas and blend them into a creamy consistency. For added flavor, we recommend dark chocolate or a spoonful of peanut butter. Did we mention that frozen banana ice cream is also a great way to repurpose those bananas that are getting a little too soft and brown to be enjoyed fresh?

Cashew-Based Ice Cream

Cashews and cashew milk are rich, creamy, and mild-flavored. That makes them an ideal healthy alternative to ice cream. To make a thicker, denser vegan ice cream, we recommend starting with whole cashews; soak them for 12 hours, then blend with water and other select ingredients--salt, cocoa butter, vanilla extract, etc.-- process in an ice cream maker, and allow the mixture to harden to a frozen, scoopable consistency in the freezer. Using store-bought cashew milk will make for a thinner, silkier consistency than whole cashews--try both methods, and find your favorite!

Coconut Milk Ice Cream

Similar to cashew milk, coconut milk can serve as a stellar dairy substitute. Its texture is naturally comparable to milk, plus it adds a subtle coconut flavor that can be complemented by the addition of light sweeteners and flavors. You could go sweet by stirring in chocolate or caramel, or you could go fruity and add pineapple or mango. And, it’s loaded with good fats that satisfy cravings.

Italian Ice

Sometimes, you want healthy alternatives to ice cream that mimic ice cream--like the previously mentioned cashew and coconut milk substitutes--and other times, the best idea is to replace ice cream with a totally different frozen dessert. Most people have tried italian ice--but many probably don’t realize that this refreshing summer favorite can be surprisingly healthy. By freezing juice and shaving into a spoon-ready consistency or adding juice and flavor concentrates to shaved ice, you can create a delicious treat that only contains natural fruit sugars and no added ingredients!

Frozen Fruit Pops

While we’re making delicious frozen fruit desserts, why not bring back a childhood summer classic and make popsicles? Mix and match fruit juices or purées of any kind -- cherry, strawberry, orange, pineapple. You could swirl in some yogurt or coconut milk for a healthy take on the classic creamsicle. Just pour into popsicle trays and freeze. So simple!

Let’s face it: a summer without dessert would be a pretty sad summer. But indulging doesn’t mean you have to consume lots of sugars, fats, and dairy. With these healthy ice cream alternatives in your arsenal, you’ll be able to enjoy a frosty treat in delicious, healthy style.

If you’d like assistance promoting health and wellness in your life or workplace, please contact us at Wellworks For You-- we’ll be glad to provide you with the effective services you need.

As a part of your company’s comprehensive wellness program, you may consider developing and publishing a regular wellness newsletter. This is usually done via email and should go out to your corporation’s staff mailing list. Remember that a good corporate wellness program can help your company decrease sick leave absenteeism and significantly minimize workers comp and health care costs. Education is a key component of a successful wellness program and that’s why so many corporations have begun the practice of publishing a wellness newsletter.

3 Tips for Writing an Outstanding Wellness Newsletter

1. Set Some Goals:

• Remind employees of current challenges/incentives
• Promote the programs you are running that month
• Build a relationship with employees by offering them valuable information

You can also set goals for the success of your wellness newsletter:

• Establish a regular publishing schedule (once per month is recommended)
• Achieve a certain percentage for your open rates
• Increase employee involvement with your wellness programs

2. Keep it Practical and Educational:

• Recipes for healthy meals or snacks
• Interesting statistics or infographics on health issues
• Easy exercise recommendations

3. Encourage Engagement: While you don’t want to overburden your readers with too many calls to action, you do certainly want to use your newsletter to promote their involvement in the current programs and incentives that you’re offering through your wellness program. Always remind your employees about what’s happening at your company and how they can use those programs and tools to their advantage as they pursue a healthier lifestyle.

In addition, you’ll want to offer ways for readers to directly interact with the content in your newsletter. Here are some ideas on how to accomplish that:

• Include trivia questions and prizes for winners
• Prompt readers to engage with your company’s social media platforms in some way (example: Highlight the fact that a new photo album has been uploaded on Facebook, displaying pictures from your last corporate lunch and learn and invite readers to go check it out!)
• Include a prompt or survey that your readers can respond to via email

If planning, writing and publishing a quality wellness newsletter for your corporation sounds like a lot of work, then you may want to look into hiring a wellness company to produce these for you. Call Wellworks for You to ask about our wellness newsletter and bulletin program as well as our other services that may be helpful for your company!

Confused about health coaching?

We’ve got a health coaching definition to clarify your understanding and improve your company’s physical and financial well-being!

If the phrase “Health Coach” only brings to mind your junior high gym instructor who also taught the “Health and Hygiene” course (you remember, the class that made all the kids giggle and squirm), it’s time to think again!

What does a Health Coach do?

A health coaching definition for today highlights society’s realization that we can all benefit from someone who’ll keep us motivated and hold us accountable in our efforts to live healthier lives.

And not just any “someone”‘—an approachable authority, highly-educated in the latest health, nutrition, and exercise research, expertly trained in strategies for cultivating optimal well-being, able to bring it all into a supportive, one-on-one relationship.

Pages From The “Health Coaching Playbook”

Health Coaches don’t carry around physical playbooks scribbled full of Xs, Os, and arrows. But just as athletic coaches have plans of action to help their teams reach goals, Health Coaches have strategies to help you and your company’s staff achieve healthier living.

If they were playbook pages, these strategies might be titled...

Planning for Particulars

Health Coaches are mentors. They build one-on-one relationships in order to make wellness plans and set health goals that will work for a specific person. When it comes to cultivating healthier living, Health Coaches know “one size fits all” won’t cut it. Instead, they emphasize bio-individuality, and tailor diet and exercise plans for each person’s biological makeup and unique needs.

Full-Person Focus

Shedding a certain number of pounds or spending a specific number of hours a day in the gym are only good goals if they’re parts of a wellness plan that benefit the whole you. And Health Coaches take this holistic view. They respect the way our work and home routines, our personal relationships, even our emotional and spiritual lives all combine to shape our overall health.

Major Motivation

Doctors want you to meet your good health goals, but don’t have time to cheer you on each step of the way. That’s one gap Health Coaches fill. They are supportive allies who help you map and track your progress, identify and access all potential resources and supports, and break down external and internal barriers standing between you and better health.

Step by Step

No athletic coach expects players to hit a homerun their first time at bat or score a touchdown the first time they run the football. Likewise, Health Coaches don’t expect you to achieve total health overnight. They know sustainable health comes bit by bit, through incremental but important changes. No “miracle fixes” here—Health Coaches are with you for the long, but rewarding, haul to wholeness!

Head in the Game

Health Coaches bring not only practical experience but also specialized education and proven psychological theory to their work. Credentialed through such professional organizations as the National Society of Health Coaches (NSHC)and the American Council on Exercise (ACE), Health Coaches use academically rigorous models of behavioral change (like TTM and health belief) that are empirically proven to bring real, lasting results.

Health Coaching With Wellworks For You

According to Forbes, 70% of U.S. employers offer general wellness programs to employees. That’s up from only 58% just eight years ago! And Health Coaches have a big part to play in these programs.

Wellworks For You offers cutting-edge health coaching, among many corporate wellness programs, that help you and your valuable staff live healthier, happier lives, on and off the job—and boost your bottom line by decreasing sick leave absenteeism, workers’ compensation costs and healthcare costs. Decreased expenses and increased wellness go hand-in-hand!

Why not speak with one of our expert health and wellness consultants today about how corporate health coaching can speed your staff to health victories that benefit them and your business? Call us toll-free at 1-800-425-4657 or contact us through our website today!