What is health?

We use this definition from the World Health Organisation: "Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity."  

Yes, we can.  Most doctors' work relates to treating lifestyle-related chronic disease (1) however few receive more than a few hours training in nutrition or how to implement healthy lifestyle practices.  They also do not have the time to work with you outside of the clinic. 

We partner with you to regain control of your life and help you make diet and exercise plans that are unique to your circumstances. This is especially useful if you have, for example, struggled with weight loss or have been unable to start or adhere to an exercise regime. Plans are unique from individual to individual and inevitably there will be setbacks to be overcome.  We will work together to find your path to whole health.  

Often when our clients address one area of their health they discover a connection to other areas.   Stress, relationships, work-life balance, spirituality - all affect health. We assist you to break negative cycles and make lasting positive change. 

Note: (1) In developed nations the biggest killers are chronic (as opposed to infectious) diseases.  Most are directly related to lifestyle, specifically poor diet and lack of physical activity. Heart disease, cancer, hypertension (high blood pressure) and Type 2 diabetes are all examples of chronic disease.  

We view weight loss as an extension of healthy living. Diet and exercise play a massive role in weight loss, as do: sleep, stress, relationships and work life balance. Once we identify areas to work on we create a personalised plan based around your life. Every individual needs to find their own path to health and weight loss, we help you to find and stay on that path. 

Health coaching empowers you to make lasting health behaviour changes that are the cornerstones of lifelong well-being. For some it bridges the gap between medical recommendations and the ability to successfully implement those recommendations into a complex life. For others it can focus on areas that are identified as being important to health and they want to improve. 

You are the expert in your own life. Our role is to partner, support and encourage you to make sustainable changes that you choose. Using a process developed by Duke Integrative Medicine we:

· Explore your priorities and define a course of action for whatever health concern you choose to address. 

· Guide you through a proven process to maximise the possibility of success.

· Partner with you to identify obstacles to change and create strategies to progress to your goals. 

· Support you in tracking your progress and hold you accountable for commitments.

· Provide additional resources for making healthy behaviour change.  

Through our partnership you will develop clarity, insight and confidence to develop the right plan for you and to overcome obstacles that stand in your way to health.  

Note: A Health Coach does not replace a primary health practitioner (doctor or GP). Health coaching serves as a bridge between medical recommendations and the creation or management of healthy lifestyle behaviours. 

For more information on health coaching you might find these Harvard Medical School or New York Times articles useful.   

When implementing new practices some see quick results, for others it can take months.  At The Whole Health Practice we address lifestyle change rather than focusing on short term tactics that may result in yo-yo dieting, unused gym memberships and personal time never taken with loved ones.    

All change requires a step by step approach building on success.  After three months many of our clients are able to use the skills they learn without our continued support.  Some clients choose to continue with regular sessions, others check in on an ad hoc basis.  Everyone is unique. 

Contact us. We can arrange a call get to know each other, explore the key issues affecting your health and identify how our programmes can address them. Prior to the session you will complete a short health assessment that serves as a focal point for our discussion. 

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