The Lounge

February 25, 2021:

Someone asked me a great question the other day! "What exactly is a Conversation on Health call?"

Let's start with the conversation part.  A conversation is defined as an informal discussion or talk between two people where ideas and thoughts are exchanged. Perfect explanation of the conversation piece.

What about health? Well, I like the World Health Organization's definition: A state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Sometimes people think of health as just diet and exercise. The WHO's definition takes a more holistic and open-minded approach to health that recognizes the connections between our mind, body, and emotions.

Now, back to what is a Conversation on Health? A Conversation on Health is a talk or discussion between me and you where we exchange ideas and thoughts about your health. This conversation gives me the opportunity to understand your current health status and also allows you to share your vision of how you would like your health to change over time. 

These conversations are very informal, judgment-free, and you might be amazed what all can be discovered and accomplished in a few hours. Go ahead-- hit the SCHEDULE HERE button and let's have our Conversation on Health!

February 23, 2021

I know when you are diagnosed with diabetes, you can feel very overwhelmed. My goal is always to help clients learn at their own pace and develop a plan that works for them. There's nothing worse than trying to fit yourself into a place that just doesn't work with your lifestyle and goals. 

That's why a Conversation on Health is a perfect place to start! It's a free call where we explore where you are, where you would like to be, and begin to develop a plan that works for you. I encourage curiosity and self-compassionate! You can click on the "Schedule Here" link and get you on the path to a plan that works for you, minus overwhelm and overload!

February 4, 2021:

Healthcare can be very paternalistic. What do I mean by that? I would describe paternalism as the domination of one group (healthcare providers, for instance) over another group (clients and patients, in my example). Over the years, it was a common expectation that healthcare providers would make recommendations that were in the best interest of the person they were caring for. But ultimately, because the healthcare provider has the power, authority, and knowledge, they typically determined the plan of care without much input from the patient/client.

My advice to my clients? Listen carefully to what your healthcare provider says and be ready to speak up. You have the right to consider all options and make informed choices that you think will work best for you and your circumstance. If the healthcare provider finds this patient-centered approach to your care unacceptable, consider finding another healthcare provider. Your concerns deserve respect and consideration. Such consideration may lead to lively conversations but  partnerships for care should exist that promote your health and well-being.

February 3, 2021:

Many people tell me they don't know what it means to have a health coach or how a health coach might help them. I totally understand the question and that's why I always say a Conversation on Health is the perfect place to start.

The call is free, but that doesn't mean it isn't valuable.  First of all, it is a perfect starting place for getting your questions answered. Also, you can leave the call with a better understanding of how working with a health coach can help you. Most people are surprised by how much can be clarified in one call.

You can schedule your call by clicking on the "Schedule Here" button on the right. Let's talk about your thoughts, your concerns, your vision.  I look forward to hearing from you!

February 1, 2021:

Aaaah, I long for the day when our culture no longer stigmatizes people in larger bodies and makes no assumptions about their health based on their size. 

As a registered nurse (and health coach), I was educated in a prescriptive, paternalistic, privileged healthcare system that still equates thinness with health and happiness. 

My goal now is to disrupt that system, one conversation at a time and to help my clients who are living with diabetes manage their blood sugar with a compassionate, weight-neutral approach. 

Every time I feel worn out by it all, I think of my granddaughters and their children's children, future generations long after I am gone--I do this for them! 

January 15, 2021:

 I gave a presentation last night on weight stigma and Type 2 diabetes care. As I reviewed the science for that presentation, I was amazed and dismayed at the false narratives surrounding weight & health in our culture. 

Diets don't work for most people, and even if your eating can become disordered enough to lose weight, the results don't last for most people. 

In fact, our bodies have built-in responses to protect us from what the body considers to be a famine--restrictive eating through food deprivation.

Please consider rejecting the lies of diet culture and our fat-phobic society. There is so much more to health than a number on the scales and I will continue to disrupt the weight stigma and bias that occurs in healthcare every chance I get. ✊🏼⚔