Frequently Asked Questions

What is Health Coaching?

Health coaching is a personalized program with the intention of improving your health and sense of wellness. Where traditionally teaching and education is one that directs information “at” the patient, coaching by contrast guides you to discuss what is most troubling about your health condition, what you most want to change, what support you have to foster change, and what obstacles or difficulties must be minimized or removed to advance healthy behaviors. Health coaching focuses on the special issues and concerns unique to the individual patient that fit into the context of the person’s life.

 

Do I need to have a serious health issue to benefit from a health coach?

No. If you want to improve on your level of health and well being, you can benefit from working with a health coach. Health coaches help you assess your strengths, risks, and opportunities in order to enhance your quality of life. However if you do have a more significant issue that would benefit from modification of your lifestyle, a health coach can assist.

 

What sort of things can a health coach help me with?

While health coaches may have some areas of expertise, the main areas they can help you with are: diet and nutrition, eating habits, walking and fitness, family and social relationships, stress management, weight management, illness and disease management, addiction issues, work/life balance, maintaining independence with age.

 

Who is the health coach?

Dr. Joan Vernikos is a hormonal pharmacologist, retired from a career working on astronaut health. She finished her career as Director of Life Sciences at NASA and currently consults to the European Space Agency and other organizations, and gives motivations talks and workshops. Her new book, “Sitting Kills, Moving Heals”, is scheduled for publication later this year by Quill Driver Books. Dr. Joan has successfully coached people in various settings for much of her career.

 

I am not sure if this is right for me – how do I decide?

If you can see the benefit of someone providing support, guidance and motivation to achieve goals of improved well being, you will benefit from a relationship with Dr Joan as your health coach.

 

How much time will health coaching take?

The time you devote to health coaching is your choice, and communication between you and Dr. Joan will be as often or infrequently as needed and will be determined based on your needs.

 

How do I get started?

The best way to get started is to take advantage of a FREE Discovery Call with Dr Joan. On this call you will be able to share one or more of your key health issues, and get to know Joan. Click here to schedule your free call.