According to Jane E. Brody, New York Times columnist, we could all use one.
Approximately 133 million Americans suffering from one or more chronic health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, arthritis, respiratory or digestive disease. And many of them do not truly understand their conditions and the course of treatment. If you do not you understand your condition and its treatment you cannot minimize potentially disabling effects or delay its progression.
“The doctor may tell a patient ‘eat less, exercise more, take your medicine and come back in three months,’ but not how to execute this plan,” said Dr. Rushika Fernandopulle. It is the job of a health coach, to give patients the knowledge, skills, tools and confidence they need to participate fully in their own care and well-being.