Health and Wellbeing Coaching in Primary Care “This is the best thing I have ever done” said James (not his real name), a patient who was referred to me for obesity. He couldn’t believe how well he had done. He was so happy and proud of himself, and his confidence was soaring.
Caroline Haines Health and Wellbeing Coach at East Merton PCN Caroline Haines works part time as a Health and Wellbeing Coach for East Merton Primary Care Network (PCN) in Southwest London. She is also a regional Health and Wellbeing Coach Mentor for London. Caroline lives with her partner and four children. You can follow her on Instagram @carolinehainescoaching
www.bluestreamacademy.com
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find it a privilege to hear people’s stories and help them on their journey to better health. James also had longstanding depression and anxiety and hadn’t really left the house for a number of months. His goal was to lose weight.
He also added in some exercise. He started off by walking up and down his garden. This snowballed over time as his confidence grew and the last time I saw James he told me that he was jogging three times a week and also playing football with his friends.
The first couple of changes he decided to make were to stop drinking alcohol and to stop snacking in the evening. Over the course of a couple of months he made many more changes.
He said he couldn’t believe the things he is eating now and the weight that he has lost (over 13 kg so far!). He has also realised that he is having far fewer down days which is contributing to a happier life.
James improved his diet by adding in some vegetables, increasing fruit intake, and removing takeaways.
The health and wellbeing coach is there to provide patients with the tools, knowledge and skills to manage their own health. Continued on Page 34
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