Did you know that April comes from the Latin verb “Aperire” which means “to open”? Like the flowers opening up across the valley, it is also time for you to bloom! How can you open up more this month? Whether it is discovering and saying yes to healthy foods, trying a new movement class or being open to receiving the good coming your way, there are always ways we can each be more open. And like a blooming flower, it is only once we open up that we can fully receive the light.
One of the ways I opened up as a doctor in my career was to train to be an Integrative Medicine Physician. I have always considered doctors to be the “original Health Coaches”. However, under the insurance system most doctors work, they’re sadly relegated to brief 5-15 minute visits with patients, and there’s almost universally no time for preventive care.
This is why I have created my practice to allow time for questions between myself and my patients and do a deep dive into prevention as it relates to health and well-being. This includes diet, movement, mind/body, supplements, and medications. Although I have structured my medical appointments this way, I realize that the actual implementation of suggestions can be difficult to put into practice in one’s daily life.
Bad habits are often hard to break, and new habits can be hard to create. Because of this, as an extension of our medical visits, I provide the option of health coaching to my patients. The Institute for Integrative Nutrition defines a health coach as “a wellness authority and supportive mentor who motivates individuals to cultivate positive health choices”. As your health coach, I will personally guide you through your journey in wellness.
Health coaching often includes nutrition guidance, which can involve going grocery shopping with you and explaining the best foods for your condition, showing you how to read labels, preparing meals with you either in person or via zoom or providing you with recipes. It often also includes doing dietary intakes from a lifestyle perspective. This involves helping you determine when the best times are for you to eat, when you have the most energy, what your cravings are, and favorite foods and substitutions for those things that are unhealthy.
As part of health coaching, I also coach individuals on the best ways to incorporate movement in their lives. We can move together in the studio, where I can demonstrate and guide stretches as well as help you evaluate and choose the best types of exercise for your body and mindset. I find it can be incredibly empowering for my patients to get feedback on how they move and ways they can explore movement to improve their overall well-being. In short, I help you implement healthy habits around movement.
Lastly, I provide mind/body sessions during health coaching. This means prioritizing the health and balance of your physical, mental, emotional and spiritual needs. These sessions can include introductions to meditation, body scans, one-on-one breath work, and much more.
The good news is that you may take advantage of health coaching with me regardless of whether or not you are a patient of mine. I charge $175/hour for health coaching, and I would love to meet with you to be your guide on your wellness journey. Here’s to opening up to asking for and receiving help!
To schedule a health coaching appointment with Dr. Bollmann,
call 480-460-8485.