Health Coaching at PartnerMD: Everything You Should Know

Picture this: You're fully engaged in the busyness of life. Work is stressful but going well. Kids or grandkids keep your weekends and some evenings full. And aging parents or mostly grown children are increasingly on your mind.

Sleep is an inconsistent luxury. You're struggling to protect exercise time. And you're not sure whether a keto diet or intermittent fasting will be the ticket to losing that stubborn mid-body weight. 

You've tried the online workout tutorials and the recipes, but nothing is sticking.

While you're motivated and ready to make changes, you're not sure how to get where you want to be.

Sound familiar? This is a scenario most of us know all too well. 

Whether you're looking for someone to hold you accountable with your new diet, learn ways to get the best results on a GLP-1 medication, or how to reduce stress, health coaching can provide personalized support along the way.

With your PartnerMD membership, you get access to a health coach who offers the guidance and resources to help build lasting habits that fit your lifestyle and goals.

How do you get started? What can you expect? How can you best utilize having one?

These are all questions you've likely thought of. And after reading this, you'll become well-versed in all things health coaching, such as:

• What your first meeting will look like and how to make the most of health coaching.
• How your health coach works alongside your physician to support your overall care.
• Areas your health coach can help with, from nutrition and weight management to exercise, stress, and cognitive health.
• Additional resources and insights available from PartnerMD health coaches.

What Can You Expect During Your First Meeting?

Every member's experience is different, which is why having someone who can tailor a program for you is important.

PartnerMD health coaches work directly with you to build a customized plan centered around your own health journey.

The initial meeting with your health coach is designed for them to get to know you a little better. This might include discussing your health and wellness goals, daily routines, challenges you've encountered, what you're hoping to accomplish, and your likes or dislikes.

You can find our health coaches at our Richmond, Short Pump, Midlothian, Sandy Springs, and Greenville locations, and virtually at our Owings Mills location. All are equipped with the knowledge and experience to help you get where you'd like to be. 

How Does Your Health Coach Work Directly With Your Physician?

Each health coach works alongside your physician to keep you informed throughout your care and moving toward your health-related goals.

Your physician can help identify areas of your health that may benefit from lifestyle changes, while your health coach can help you put those recommendations into practice.

With an understanding of your care plan and access to relevant information in your medical record, your health coach can provide personalized guidance, education, and accountability that complements the medical care you receive. 

What Specific Areas Can Your Health Coach Help With?

Health coaches focus on a variety of areas, from weight management to sleep quality. Some other areas include:

• Diet, nutrition, and supplements
• Personal training
• Physical rehabilitation 
• Balance, flexibility, and endurance
• Stress management
• Cognitive strength

Whether you have one specific area you'd like to focus on or multiple, the unique thing about health coaching is that there isn't one specific path you have to follow.

How Can You Set Yourself Up for Success Once You Leave the Appointment?

After the first meeting and introductions, how do you best utilize a health coach or start implementing the changes into your lifestyle? 

1. Use Your Schedule

Changes require time management, especially when it comes to prioritizing healthy meals, getting quality sleep, or exercising. 

When meeting with your health coach, come prepared with your calendar and ready to have an open discussion on your schedule and how you plan to implement your goals. Look for realistic opportunities in your week to make these changes part of your regular routine. 

2. Find Your Purpose

Ask yourself the reason behind working with a health coach. Is it to lose weight? Are you going through a difficult time and need insight on ways to reduce stress?

By taking the step towards bettering your health and wellness, you get even closer to accomplishing your goals. 

Understanding why a goal matters to you can make it easier to stay committed when change becomes difficult. Your health coach can connect the changes you're making today with what you ultimately want to be able to do or accomplish.

3. Bring Your Information

Bring important information that might be relevant to your health coach. This might include allergies, your work schedule, and even what types of exercises you prefer. 

The more specific you can be with what you'd like to get out of the experience, the better your health coach can find the solutions that matter to you.

4. See How Your Goals Change Over Time

Your goals may evolve over time. What matters most to you today might look different a few months or a year from now. 

Your health coach can help you revisit those goals, adjust your approach when needed, and provide accountability as you continue making progress.

Progress won't always happen overnight. With ongoing support from your health coach, you can continue building on what's working, what isn't, and recognizing the progress you make along the way.

Ready to Get Started?

As a PartnerMD member, you don't need to have everything figured out before meeting with a health coach. You can come with a specific goal, a challenge you've been working through, or simply a desire to make a change.

Your health coach can help you determine where to start, create a realistic plan, and provide ongoing support as you work toward your goals. 

Ready to take advantage of PartnerMD health coaching? Get started by getting to know our coaches by office location. 

Stay Up to Date on Health Coach Insights

The opportunity to learn from our health coaches extends far beyond your appointments together.

Our coaches regularly share practical guidance on nutrition, exercise, stress, sleep, and other health and wellness topics through our social media channels.

Follow PartnerMD to hear more from our physicians and health coaches and stay up to date on the latest guidance, insights, and conversations to help you make informed decisions about your health.