Health Care Life Coaching

How to Build a Telehealth Nutrition Referral Pathway

Posted on by Joseph Gerard

Telehealth nurse working at a computerWritten by Jane Carter

Telehealth nutrition referral pathways enhance access to dietitians, enabling patients to make meaningful dietary changes without the need for in-person visits. By establishing an efficient workflow, care managers and clinicians can streamline referrals, enhance patient engagement, and support improved health outcomes.

From determining who qualifies for a referral to selecting the right virtual platform, each step requires careful consideration and planning.

Here’s a comprehensive overview of what’s involved. You’ll learn how to build a clear pathway that simplifies the process while maintaining high standards of care.

Establishing Screening Criteria for Nutrition Referrals

Screening ensures the right patients receive nutrition support. Start by identifying common health conditions that benefit from dietary intervention, such as diabetes, hypertension, or malnutrition. Use standardized screening tools like the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST) to flag nutritional risk factors, particularly in high-risk patients.

Collaborate with clinicians to define referral thresholds. For example, should patients with a BMI above 30 automatically qualify, or only if they have coexisting conditions? Align criteria with evidence-based guidelines.

Incorporate these into electronic health record systems to automatically prompt referrals when specific conditions are met. This reduces guesswork and improves consistency across providers.

Finally, ensure all team members understand and apply these criteria uniformly. A simple decision tree or quick-reference guide can help everyone stay on track without delays in care.

This step not only saves time but also ensures patients most in need have access to virtual dietitian services promptly.

Simplifying the Patient Consent Process

Clear communication facilitates the process of obtaining patient consent. Begin by explaining how virtual dietitian referrals work, emphasizing privacy and convenience. Use simple language to reassure patients about secure platforms and confidential sessions.

Offer a brief, pre-written script for clinicians that outlines the benefits of nutrition counseling. For example: “A dietitian can provide personalized advice to help you manage your condition more effectively.”

Streamline paperwork by integrating digital consent forms into your referral system. Patients can review and sign electronically during their visit or through a secure patient portal.

For those who are less tech-savvy, keep printed versions on hand as backups; however, ensure that all forms are concise and free of legal jargon.

Following up with an email summary or FAQ sheet reinforces understanding while building trust in the process. These steps ensure smoother transitions to telehealth care without adding extra burdens for patients or staff members.

Selecting and Integrating a Telehealth Platform for Referrals

Select a platform that facilitates seamless referrals and integrates seamlessly with your existing workflows. Look for features like HIPAA compliance, secure messaging, video capabilities, and scheduling tools. Platforms such as Doxy.me or Zoom for Healthcare are commonly used in telehealth settings.

Ensure the system integrates smoothly with your electronic health records (EHR) to prevent data entry duplication. Integration enables providers to track referrals, view updates from dietitians, and streamline billing processes without needing to toggle between systems.

Involve IT staff early to set up connections securely while minimizing downtime during implementation. Training sessions can help clinicians feel confident in using the platform before it is widely launched.

Patient-friendly interfaces also matter, so test usability from their perspective by checking ease of access and compatibility across devices. This makes virtual visits convenient for all users while reducing missed appointments due to technical issues or confusion about how the platform works effectively.

Documentation Best Practices to Streamline Workflow

Accurate documentation is essential for effective nutrition referrals. Begin by standardizing templates within your EHR system to capture necessary details like the reason for referral, patient history, and desired outcomes. This ensures consistency across all cases. If you’re using a cloud-based EHR, this will be simpler.

Use dropdown menus or checkboxes for common conditions to save time during data entry. Free-text fields should only be used when a specific context is required.

Set up automatic notifications that inform care teams when dietitians complete initial assessments or follow-ups. This keeps everyone informed without extra manual tracking.

Document feedback from dietitians directly into the patient’s record instead of maintaining separate logs. Consolidating information prevents miscommunication and enables effective guidance of ongoing care decisions.

Regular audits can identify gaps in documentation processes, allowing for timely corrections while maintaining compliance with regulatory standards, such as HIPAA. A well-documented workflow not only supports continuity of care but also reduces unnecessary administrative burdens on staff members on a daily basis.

Evaluating Success in Nutrition Counseling

Outcome tracking measures the effectiveness of your referral pathway. Start by defining clear metrics, such as improvements in lab results (e.g., A1C levels for diabetes), changes in weight, or reductions in medication use. Include patient-reported outcomes, such as increased energy or improved meal planning skills.

Integrate these metrics into follow-up appointments and dietitian feedback reports to inform ongoing care. Use EHR systems to track progress over time, creating visual trends that clinicians can easily review.

Set specific timelines for reassessments. 30 days, 90 days, and six months post-referral are common benchmarks. These intervals provide insight into both short-term wins and long-term impact.

Patient satisfaction surveys provide an additional layer of valuable data. Ask patients about their experience with virtual sessions to refine the process further.

Tracking results doesn’t just measure success; it helps justify the value of telehealth nutrition services to stakeholders while ensuring continuous improvement in patient care delivery systems.

Collaboration Agreements with Virtual Dietitian Services

Partnering with reliable virtual dietitian providers ensures patients receive expert care. Start by researching services that specialize in your patient population, whether it’s chronic disease management or preventive care. Look for certifications, testimonials, and compliant platforms to ensure the quality of the service.

Draft collaboration agreements that detail the responsibilities of both parties. These should outline referral procedures, expected response times, documentation practices, and communication protocols between your team and the dietitians.

It’s now easy to find registered dietitians online which means patients can access help quickly when partnerships are well-structured. Offer flexibility while maintaining clear expectations about service standards.

Establish a feedback loop where providers regularly share progress reports on referred patients. This enhances continuity of care while identifying areas for adjustment in the partnership as needed.

Strong collaborations save time for clinicians and simplify transitions into telehealth nutrition support systems, benefiting everyone involved, from staff to patients themselves.

Educating Patients About the Benefits of Virtual Dietitians

Helping patients understand the value of virtual dietitian services encourages them to engage. Begin by addressing common questions during consultations, including what to expect, how sessions work, and why the approach is effective. Highlight convenience as a key advantage, as appointments can be conducted from home without the need for travel.

Use relatable examples to illustrate benefits. For instance: “A dietitian can help you adjust your meals for better blood sugar control or create easy meal plans based on foods you already enjoy.”

Provide patients with accessible materials, such as brochures or digital handouts, that outline the role of dietitians and share success stories from others with similar conditions.

Ensure staff are equipped with simple scripts to recommend referrals during routine visits confidently. Emphasize privacy protections for telehealth platforms.

Ongoing reminders through follow-up calls or patient portals reinforce education while boosting participation rates in nutrition counseling programs designed for long-term health improvements.

Addressing Common Barriers to Telehealth Referral Adoption

Patients and providers may face barriers when adopting telehealth referrals, but these can be resolved with practical solutions. For patients, concerns about technology or internet access are common. Offer step-by-step guides on using the platform, and consider scheduling a test session for those unfamiliar with virtual tools.

Language barriers also arise in diverse populations. Partner with services offering multilingual dietitians or provide translation support during sessions to ensure understanding.

For clinicians hesitant to adopt new workflows, offer hands-on training that demonstrates time-saving features of referral systems. Highlight examples of improved patient outcomes from other practices to build confidence and credibility.

Financial concerns, such as insurance coverage for telehealth nutrition, should also be addressed early by confirming reimbursements under state policies or federal regulations.

By anticipating these challenges upfront and implementing targeted strategies, both staff and patients will feel more confident embracing telehealth as part of their care journey.

Automating Referral Workflows for Greater Efficiency

Automation simplifies the referral process, saving time and reducing errors. Start by integrating your EHR system with telehealth platforms to enable automatic triggers for referrals based on pre-set criteria, such as lab results or flagged screening tools.

Set up referral templates within your software to standardize information shared with dietitians. This ensures that every referral includes key details, such as patient history, current medications, and goals.

Automated appointment reminders sent via email or text help patients stay engaged while minimizing missed sessions. Select systems that track scheduling status, allowing staff to monitor progress without requiring manual follow-ups.

Workflow dashboards give care managers a real-time overview of pending referrals and outcomes at a glance. Use these to identify bottlenecks quickly and make data-driven adjustments. Also consider how AI can enhance this aspect of your operations, and consider adopting it as part of your wider patient portal.

By leveraging automation in daily operations, clinics streamline communication between teams while enhancing efficiency in delivering telehealth nutrition services that are consistent and reliable.

The Bottom Line

Building a telehealth nutrition referral pathway ensures patients receive accessible, personalized dietary care that fits into their routines. Thoughtful planning at each stage, from screening to outcome tracking, creates a seamless process.

When supported by automation, collaboration agreements, and patient education, these workflows become efficient and impactful. Both clinicians and patients benefit from the streamlined experience.

Investing time upfront to design an effective pathway improves long-term outcomes for your practice while empowering patients to take control of their health.

Author Bio

Jane Carter is a healthcare writer specializing in telehealth innovation and patient-centered care strategies. With over a decade of experience in health communications, she focuses on creating practical resources that help clinicians improve access to nutrition and wellness services.

 

Please also review AIHCP’s Health Care Life Coach Certification and see if it meets your academic and professional goals.  These programs are online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification

The Relationship Between Nicotine and Sleep Disruption

Posted on by Joseph Gerard

Lighted cigarette supported on ashtray. No peopleWritten by Pat Crilley

Nicotine is a chemical found in tobacco products such as cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, and many modern e-cigarettes. It acts as a stimulant by triggering the release of dopamine and adrenaline, which increases alertness and heart rate. However, this stimulation can interfere with the body’s natural sleep processes. Sleep disruption refers to difficulties in falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing restful sleep. Individuals who use nicotine frequently report shorter sleep duration and lower sleep quality. This pattern can affect both mental and physical health over time. Healthcare professionals should monitor this connection closely, as poor sleep worsens chronic conditions, affects mood regulation, and impacts treatment outcomes. Understanding the link between nicotine and sleep disruption supports better clinical decision-making and patient guidance.

How Nicotine Affects Sleep Architecture

Nicotine affects sleep by disrupting the natural flow of sleep architecture. It reduces the amount of time spent in both deep sleep and REM sleep, which are needed for body repair and mental restoration. These changes often lead to lighter, less restful sleep. Sleep cycles become shorter, and users tend to wake up more often throughout the night. As the stimulant effects of nicotine remain active in the system, falling asleep can also take longer. Non-users typically transition more smoothly through the sleep stages without repeated interruptions. On the other hand, those who use nicotine often experience increased restlessness and poor sleep continuity. The overall structure of their sleep becomes fragmented. Deep and REM stages are replaced by light sleep, which leaves the person feeling tired even after several hours in bed. Hence, consistent nicotine use gradually breaks down healthy sleep patterns.

The Role of Nicotine’s Half-Life in Nighttime Wakefulness

Nicotine stays active in the body for about two hours after use. This duration, known as its half-life, keeps the brain stimulated well into the night. The body stays alert, making it harder to wind down. Users often feel restless long after they stop smoking or vaping. The stimulating effect continues to interfere with the natural drop in heart rate and brain activity needed for rest. In contrast, those who avoid nicotine usually fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. Nicotine keeps triggering arousals that interrupt the sleep cycle. These interruptions delay entry into deep, restorative sleep. Users often struggle with falling asleep and staying asleep. Then again, lighter sleep replaces the rest the brain and body need. The lingering presence of nicotine causes ongoing wakefulness and prevents the body from reaching a truly restful state.

Nicotine Withdrawal During Sleep Hours

Nicotine levels in the body begin to drop during sleep, which triggers withdrawal symptoms in regular users. These symptoms often include irritability, sweating, and waking up frequently. The brain reacts to the absence of nicotine with increased alertness and discomfort. Users may wake up multiple times and struggle to fall back asleep. These interruptions break the flow of natural sleep cycles.

Besides, those not dependent on nicotine usually experience more consistent and uninterrupted rest. Cravings often intensify in the second half of the night, making it harder to return to sleep after waking. The brain stays active and agitated, reducing sleep quality. Then again, this pattern leads to fatigue and mood swings during the day.  Nicotine withdrawal during the night directly contributes to fragmented sleep and poor overall rest.

Smoking Before Bed is a Hidden Barrier to Deep Sleep

Many people think smoking before bed brings calm, however the effect is misleading. The nervous system becomes overstimulated due to increased heart rate and alertness caused by nicotine. This stimulation affects neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine, which control arousal and rest cycles. The disruption in these chemicals impacts sleep structure and delays deeper stages. The problem grows worse because nicotine’s role in brain activity heightens stimulation right when the brain should be slowing down. As a result, users spend less time in restorative sleep and more time in lighter stages. They often wake up and struggle to fall back asleep. With this in mind, even a single bedtime cigarette can break the body’s rhythm. People who smoke late often report feeling tired even after a full night in bed.

Nicotine in Vapes is a Modern Delivery, Same Sleep Disruption

Vaping delivers nicotine in a modern form, but the effects on sleep remain similar to traditional smoking. The method may feel cleaner or less intense, yet the stimulant response in the body stays the same. Users inhale vaporized nicotine, which enters the bloodstream quickly and triggers alertness and increased heart rate. Its damaging effects can also cause vein conditions. It disrupts the body’s ability to relax at night. The stimulating effect interferes with melatonin production and delays sleep onset.

Nicotine and sleep disruption, in this case, stay closely linked regardless of delivery method. Many users report restlessness after evening vaping sessions, often waking during the night or struggling to fall asleep. The perception that vaping is less disruptive proves inaccurate. As a matter of fact, the brain receives similar signals to stay alert, even when the user feels relaxed.

Nicotine and Sleep in Adolescents and Young Adults

Adolescents and young adults face greater risks from nicotine due to ongoing brain development. Their developing brains react more intensely, which increases the chance of early dependence. This early use interrupts sleep regulation. Frequent nicotine exposure throws off natural sleep timing and lowers overall rest quality. Then again, many young users overlook these changes and blame tiredness on school, social life, or stress. Above all, these patterns begin early and often worsen over time. Not to mention, consistent nicotine use during adolescence affects both short-term rest and long-term sleep health well into adulthood.

The Circadian System and Nicotine’s Disruptive Influence

Nicotine disrupts the body’s internal clock by interfering with melatonin production. This hormone helps regulate the circadian rhythm and signals the body to prepare for sleep. In contrast, nicotine increases alertness and delays melatonin release, especially when used in the evening. The brain receives conflicting cues—one pushing for rest, the other for wakefulness. This confusion delays sleep onset and shortens total sleep time. The natural rhythm that aligns with daylight and darkness shifts out of sync. As nicotine use continues, sleep patterns become irregular, and waking during the night becomes more common. Users may feel tired but struggle to enter deep, restorative sleep. Nicotine disrupts the body’s ability to follow its normal sleep-wake schedule. In short, the combination of delayed melatonin and overstimulation reduces sleep efficiency and leaves users feeling unrested even after several hours in bed.

Nicotine Replacement Therapies: Friend or Foe for Sleep?

Nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs) such as patches, gum, and lozenges help reduce withdrawal symptoms and increase the rate of quitting by 50 to 70% but may affect sleep differently. Patches deliver nicotine slowly through the skin and often keep levels steady overnight. This steady release can lead to vivid dreams, difficulty falling asleep, or frequent waking. Gum and lozenges, used during the day, wear off by bedtime and tend to cause fewer sleep problems. Many users report better rest when avoiding the nighttime use of long-acting NRTs.

On the other hand, using a patch too close to bedtime often delays sleep onset due to lingering stimulation. Then again, short-acting options may help reduce cravings without lasting into sleep hours. Choosing the right form and timing of NRT can make a difference in sleep quality. Those struggling with nicotine and sleep disruption should avoid overnight nicotine delivery and focus on daytime-only strategies.

Clinical Implications and What Healthcare Providers Should Monitor

Healthcare providers should routinely ask patients about sleep patterns during tobacco use consultations. Many users do not connect nicotine with sleep problems unless prompted. Brief sleep assessments can uncover signs of restlessness, early waking, or nighttime cravings. Tracking these symptoms helps tailor treatment plans more effectively.

 

On the other hand, ignoring the sleep-nicotine connection may limit the success of cessation efforts. Withdrawal-related sleep complaints often trigger a relapse, especially during the first weeks of quitting. Providers should document withdrawal patterns and adjust nicotine replacement therapies based on timing and severity. Combining sleep management with cessation improves patient outcomes. Cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia can support progress during nicotine withdrawal. Assessing sleep and addressing it alongside tobacco use helps create practical, patient-centred care plans that reduce both relapse and fatigue.

 

Comorbid Mental Health Conditions and Nicotine-Related Sleep Disturbances

People with anxiety, depression, or insomnia often use nicotine to manage symptoms, but this pattern can worsen sleep problems over time. Nicotine overstimulates the nervous system, increases heart rate, and interferes with neurotransmitters tied to mood and rest. Not to mention, withdrawal during the night can trigger irritability, panic, or sadness, especially in those with existing mental health conditions. Dual-diagnosis patients—those with both psychiatric and substance use disorders—report higher rates of sleep disturbances compared to the general population. Then again, many continue using nicotine for temporary relief without realizing it prolongs insomnia and worsens mental fatigue. For this reason, treatment plans should address both mental health symptoms and nicotine habits. In short, managing nicotine use in patients with anxiety, depression, or insomnia supports better emotional stability and improves long-term sleep quality.

Addressing Nicotine and Sleep Disruption for Better Patient Outcomes

Nicotine and sleep disruption are strongly linked through their effects on brain activity, sleep cycles, and rest quality. Healthcare providers should consider both substance use and sleep when treating patients. Addressing these factors together improves long-term outcomes. Reducing nicotine use—especially at night—supports better sleep and overall health. Monitoring habits and providing tailored care can make lasting improvements in both areas.

 

Author’s Bio:

Pat Crilley is a graduate of Indian River State College and currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of ARH Medical Group. He is also the Executive Director at Harmony Ridge Recovery Center, where he focuses on integrated behavioral health solutions. Outside of work, Pat enjoys hiking, playing guitar, and trying every local coffee shop he can find.

 

References:

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5003586/

 

 

Please also review AIHCP’s Health Care Life Coach Certification programs and see if it meets your academic and professional goals.  These programs are online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification

Moving more: the unexpected health benefits of increasing your steps

Posted on by Joseph Gerard

a couple walking a dog in the parkWritten by Harriet O’Neil,

With many people prioritizing convenience and becoming more reliant on technology, our lifestyles are only getting more sedentary – in fact, lots of us spend the majority of our days sitting down, whether at our desks, in the car, or at home relaxing. Unfortunately, it’s all too easy to overlook the impact that this can have on our health.

High-intensity workouts can be intimidating to many, so for an accessible way to stay active, medical professionals should promote walking as an easy and simple way to stay healthy. 

In addition to the well-known benefits of increasing step count, there are some more unexpected ways your health could get a boost when you walk more. From supporting mental wellbeing to helping the body fight diseases, here’s why staying active is a great way to take care of the body and mind.

Cognitive function and brain health

We know that walking benefits the cardiovascular system, but it’s less often that we discuss the impact of walking on cognitive function and brain health. Regular walking has been shown to enhance memory, attention, and problem-solving skills, thanks to the release of hormones that boost neuron generation as a result of increased blood flow to the brain. In addition, getting extra steps may reduce your risk of developing Dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

Mental health and mood

Walking stimulates the release of ‘happy’ hormones, such as endorphins and serotonin, which help us to feel good. It can also reduce cortisol levels, helping us to feel calm and centered.

Studies have found that the more vigorously a person walks, the higher their reported mental health perceptions – so it’s worth picking up the pace for a true mood boost. However, even ten minutes or so of gentle walking can help many people to feel better.

Many mental health professionals offer walking therapy, whereby the therapist provides counselling to their patients outside the usual four walls of the therapy room. Walking and talking can be a great way to open up, clear your mind, and feel better about issues that are troubling you.

Joint health and mobility

As a low-impact exercise, walking can be excellent for preventing joint and mobility issues, and can also help to alleviate the symptoms for those who already have them. Walking prompts synovial fluid to be released in the joints, helping to lubricate them, which can be particularly beneficial for people with arthritis or joint stiffness, allowing them to become more mobile while increasing their fitness.

Because the muscles around our joints are worked when we walk, we can build up strength in these areas over time. Not only does this boost mobility, but it can also make us more resistant to injuries. With stronger muscles, you’re less likely to hurt yourself during exertion, and even if there is an unfortunate accident, muscles can help to cushion the blow and protect your joints. 

Sleep quality

For people who struggle with sleep, walking during the day may help. Physical activity helps regulate the circadian rhythm by stimulating the release of melatonin, which helps us to feel alert during the day and sleepy at night – this aids us in getting a good night’s sleep.

Of course, a more vigorous walk will help to tire you out, setting you up for an even deeper night’s sleep. However, any amount of steps can be beneficial for improving sleep quality. As  walking also has a positive impact on our mental health, it can help you to feel more relaxed at bedtime, too.

Social connections and community

It’s common for people to join social walking groups, take walks with a friend, or even greet neighbors on short strolls around the neighborhood. Because of this, increasing daily steps can also boost opportunities for social interaction, which can have a positive impact on physical and mental health.

The health benefits of socializing include a reduced risk of experiencing loneliness, anxiety and depression. It may also lower your risk of developing diabetes, high blood pressure and impaired immune function.

A gateway healthy habit

Perhaps one of the most unexpected benefits of regularly walking is that it can have a knock-on effect on other healthy habits. For example, someone who starts walking and enjoys it may then go on to try a sport or other physical activity.

This may also extend to other areas of life. Those who focus on getting enough steps each day may then begin to make healthy changes to their diet, stress management, or sleep hygiene. In essence, once positive behavior leads to another, and simply getting into walking can often lead to a more proactive, positive mindset about overall health and self-care.

How can healthcare professionals encourage movement?

For many people, fitting in the recommended amount of steps each day simply isn’t feasible among other responsibilities. For example, commuting long distances to work at a desk will inevitably lead to less time spent walking. However, healthcare professionals can do their bit by encouraging those who don’t have the time to try online exercise instead, which they can do from the comfort of their homes each morning or evening – or even at the office during their lunch break.

It’s important to note that some people may not have access to safe walking areas, while others may not know just how much walking can impact their health. It’s a healthcare professional’s job to educate the public on the benefits of walking – and the risks of not moving enough – and to help find a solution if a patient finds it difficult to get out to take a walk.

By spreading awareness of the health benefits of getting enough steps, as well as acknowledging barriers to exercise, health professionals will be better equipped to support the community and advocate for their patients.

Author bio: Harriet O’Neil

Harriet is a healthcare professional who understands the value and importance of getting the recommended amount of daily steps. She supports her patients to improve their fitness and find joy in low-impact exercise.

References

Wojtys, E. M. (2015). Keep on Walking. Sports Health: A Multidisciplinary Approach, 7(4), 297–298. https://doi.org/10.1177/1941738115590392 

Han, A., Kim, J., & Kim, J. (2021). A Study of Leisure Walking Intensity Levels on Mental Health and Health Perception of Older Adults. Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, 7(1-8), 233372142199931. https://doi.org/10.1177/2333721421999316 

‌CDC. (2024, May 15). Health Effects of Social Isolation and Loneliness. Social Connection; CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/social-connectedness/risk-factors/index.html

Virtual exercise trends | Compare the Market. (2025). Comparethemarket.com; Compare the Market. https://www.comparethemarket.com/life-insurance/content/online-exercise/ 

  

 

Please also review AIHCP’s Health Care Life Coach Certification programs and see if it meets your academic and professional goals.  These programs are online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification

What Happens to Your Mind When You Skip Meals Too Often

Posted on by Joseph Gerard

A proper diet should not be replaced with supplements. Please also review our Holistic Nursing Program

Written by Marko.

Nobody in their right mind wants to skip meals because that makes you sluggish and irritable. But it’s something that just happens once in a while. You have a tight deadline, an early meeting, or maybe you saw yet another TikTok trend that says your focus will be sharper if you take up fasting. But what people don’t realize is that the brain can’t work on willpower alone; it runs on fuel. And if you miss meals too often, you cut off the fuel supply. 

Every time you delay a meal or skip eating altogether, you force your brain to work harder with less. So, what happens then? Your thinking is slower, your attention span is shorter, you have mood swings, and you start to feel so tired that no amount of coffee can help. But the worst part is that, over time, this nasty habit of skipping meals will actually change how your mind functions. 

How? That’s exactly what this article is about, so read on. 

The Brain’s Dependence on Glucose

Your brain weighs around three pounds, but it’s one of the hungriest parts of your body. It runs almost completely on glucose, which is a simple sugar that comes from the food you eat. Every time you eat, your body breaks down carbs into glucose, sends it through the bloodstream, and feeds your brain cells. 

But when you skip a meal, that flow of fuel slows down. And with less glucose, your brain has a hard time keeping up with its normal tasks. It can’t produce neurotransmitters efficiently, and those are important because they’re the chemicals that help your brain cells talk to each other. Signals slow down, and things that usually feel easy (even just remembering something) get harder. 

You might start to feel tired, you’ll notice your mind is foggy, and you probably won’t be able to think very straight. And if skipping meals becomes a habit, it won’t just make your day harder. As time goes on, your brain will start to suffer. Chronic undernourishment can lead to long-term problems with memory, learning, and even your mental sharpness in general. 

Emotional Impacts of Skipping Meals

Ever heard of someone calling themselves ‘hangry’? You know, being angry because they’re hungry? They weren’t being dramatic, it’s a real thing. Skipping meals affects your emotional state. 

Low blood sugar makes you irritable, anxious, and stressed. This happens because your brain relies on steady sugar levels to stay balanced, and when those levels drop, your body reacts. 

One of the ways it responds is by releasing cortisol, which is the stress hormone. Cortisol is meant to help you deal with emergencies, but when it’s triggered by something as simple as missing a meal, it leaves you feeling on edge. You might find yourself snapping at someone for something totally ridiculous, or you might feel overwhelmed by tasks that normally wouldn’t bother you. 

These emotional ups and downs spill over into your relationships and work, they don’t affect only how you feel on the inside. You’ll notice that you can’t stay as patient with others as you usually can, or you might struggle to focus during important conversations and meetings. 

Hormonal Disruptions That Affect the Mind

When you don’t eat regularly, the hormones in your body get thrown out of balance. Ghrelin, which is known as the hunger hormone, goes up when you skip meals and makes you feel even hungrier. At the same time, leptin, the hormone that tells you you’re full, can drop, which can make it harder to know when to stop eating later.  

These shifts don’t just mess with your appetite, they also mess with your mood. Serotonin, which is a key chemical that helps you stay calm and happy, depends on steady nutrients to be produced properly. Without regular meals, serotonin levels go down, and so does your mood. And since cortisol levels are already spiking because of low blood sugar, your stress levels will stay high longer than they should. 

All this also affects how you sleep. When your body is stressed and hungry at odd times, it’s harder to fall asleep or stay asleep. Skipping meals will lead to a cycle – you’ll feel starved, make quick, unhealthy food choices, and then you’ll struggle with focus, mood, and sleep. 

How Regular Small Meals Support Mental Stability

In short, if you eat small, consistent meals throughout the day, your energy stays steady and your mind is clear. Skipping meals or eating large amounts of food at once causes highs and lows, but regular eating keeps your body and brain balanced and fueled. 

And there’s really no reason for you to skip meals because you don’t need to cook and prepare everything all the time. When you’re on the go, a healthy snack mix will do the trick, plus you can easily take it with you anywhere.  

Here’s what happens when you eat regularly. 

  1. Balancing Blood Sugar Throughout the Day

When you eat regularly, your blood sugar stays much more stable. This means that your brain has a constant supply of energy, which helps you stay focused and alert. Without those sudden glucose crashes that come from skipping meals, you’re less likely to feel that afternoon slump or lose concentration halfway through a task. 

Your brain works best when it’s not swinging between too much and too little energy, and if you eat small meals or snacks every few hours, you’ll keep things even. 

  1. Reducing Cortisol Spikes and Making You Calm

Cortisol is your body’s main stress hormone, and it rises when your blood sugar drops. When you skip a meal, your body gets stressed out, so it triggers cortisol to help you stay alert. But if cortisol stays high for too long, it makes you feel anxious and wired. 

Eating regularly prevents those spikes because it gives your body what it needs before stress hormones take over. Think of small, steady meals as a buffer that keeps cortisol in check and makes you stay calm even if your day is hectic. 

  1. Supporting the Production of Neurotransmitters

Your brain relies on neurotransmitters to regulate mood, motivation, and focus. Serotonin and dopamine are two of the most important, and they’re made from nutrients in food. If you skip meals, your body doesn’t get the raw materials it needs to produce these chemicals properly. 

But when you eat regularly, your brain always has access to what it needs to keep neurotransmitters at healthy levels. As a result, you stay more balanced emotionally, and you stay mentally sharp. 

  1. Preventing Mental Tiredness Before It Starts

That slow build-up of mental fatigue is probably one of the biggest challenges when you skip meals. If you want to be able to process information, solve problems, and stay alert, your brain has to have a constant supply of energy. When it doesn’t, what usually feels manageable starts to feel overwhelming, and you start having a hard time concentrating. 

Eating small meals throughout the day helps prevent all this because it gives your brain what it needs before exhaustion sets in. 

Long-Term Cognitive Risks of Chronic Meal Skipping

Skipping a meal now and then isn’t that big of a deal; it happens to everyone. But it becomes a serious problem if this becomes a habit. Going without food on a regular basis means your brain keeps missing out on the fuel it needs to stay healthy and sharp. Even if you’re just skipping breakfast, it still leads to decreased cognitive performance and increased risk of MDD and ADHD. 

Habitually skipping meals affects your memory and makes it harder to recall things or learn new information. Over the long run, there’s also a greater chance of facing something more serious, like Alzheimer’s or dementia. When your brain is constantly without fuel, it simply can’t function as it should, and this will hold you back in both your personal and professional life. 

You’ll struggle to keep up with tasks, miss important details, and lose that mental edge you need to perform well and stay connected with others. 

The truth is, your brain simply isn’t built to handle long periods of being hungry. If you miss a meal today, it will make you tired. If you keep doing so tomorrow, the day after tomorrow, and so on, it will shape your cognitive health for years and limit your growth and potential if you don’t address it. 

If you want to protect your mental well-being in the long run, you have to keep the energy supply to your brain consistent. 

Conclusion

Mood swings, brain fog, and those awkward “Why did I walk into this room?” moments aren’t as random as we might think; they don’t simply appear out of nowhere. It’s your brain waving a red flag and asking for fuel. Powering through without eating might save you some time in that moment, but in the long run, it will only cause you problems. 

If you don’t have time to cook, that’s okay. After all, who wants to stand behind a stove several times a day? Pack a healthy snack to take with you to work, get a banana in the afternoon if you don’t feel like cooking just yet… Just eat something. Feed your brain, it’s earned it.

Author bio:

Author MarkoMarko is a freelance content writer with a strong focus on healthcare topics. He holds a Master’s degree in Marketing from the Faculty of Economics in Croatia. Marko’s 8+ years of content writing experience allow him to craft and deliver well-researched and informative content that supports health care professionals in advancing their knowledge and achieving certification in their specialized fields. As a hobby, Marko enjoys staying in shape via the gym and eating healthy foods!

 

Please also review AIHCP’s Life Coaching Certification program.  The program is online and independent study and open to qualified healthcare professionals seeking a four year certification.

How Life Coaching Can Transform Your Career and Personal Life

Posted on by Joseph Gerard

Woman with arms stretched out looking at a sunset on a beachWritten by Halley Jones.

Life might seem like a set of interconnected dots, a never-ending tug between your own aspirations and job path. Getting caught in the daily grind and whirling your wheels without genuine advancement is simple. But supposing there was a means to close those gaps and provide fresh direction and clarity into your life? More than just a catchphrase, life coaching is a transforming tool for enabling you to become your best. Life coaching may help you to take charge and flourish, whether your goals are job change, relationship improvement, or balance-seeking.

Unlocking Your Core Values

Helping you find your essential values is one of the first ways life coaching profoundly affects you. Though you never really expressed them, these are the guiding ideas behind your decisions. Whether it’s family, creativity, financial independence, or changing your community, a qualified life coach guides you down deep to find what really counts for you.

Everything seems more real when your everyday behavior reflects your principles. On the other hand, a mismatch might cause restlessness or be trapped without knowledge of why. For instance, it makes sense why your drive is declining if you desire autonomy yet feel confined in a micromanaged company. By means of life coaching, you become clear about what is lacking and how to realign your life to mirror what counts most. This clarity helps you in your endeavors as much as in your work; it also harmonizes your relationships.

The Art of Goal Setting

Often said easier than done is setting objectives. You could have made New Year’s resolutions or created lists that went neglected. A fresh viewpoint is offered by life coaching, which also teaches you how to make objectives that stick—and, more crucially, how to reach them. It’s about identifying practical, reasonable actions that propel you toward your goals, not only about having great ambitions.

A life coach guides you in setting priorities and dividing difficult goals into doable portions. If you find yourself caught in your job, for instance, you will cooperate to pinpoint the obstacles preventing you and create a strategy to go past them. The same holds for personal objectives, including boosting health or confidence. Regular check-ins and changes let your goals remain flexible enough for your evolving situation, thereby guaranteeing ongoing development over time.

Building Emotional Resilience

There is no manual for life; obstacles are certain. Emotional resilience—the capacity to recover from a difficulty—separates individuals who just survive from those who flourish. The development of this essential ability depends much on life coaching.

By means of deliberate dialogues and activities, you will be able to reinterpret unpleasant events and derive insightful analysis from them. You will start seeing a job failure or personal setback as a stepping stone toward something greater rather than as the end of the road. This kind of thinking may be transforming and help you to get the courage to meet challenges directly. Additionally, resilience enhances your connections. Emotionally grounded, you communicate better, manage conflict more skillfully, and create closer bonds. These abilities improve not just your professional life but also your whole personal one, therefore fostering a positive and progressive ripple effect.

Find Work-Life Balance

To maintain a good mental well-being long term, finding a healthy work-life balance is crucial.  In today’s fast-paced world, work demands can be relentless, and personal time often feels like an afterthought. Creating a balance is essential to prevent burnout. Burnout will make it more difficult for you to reach your goals.

Taking time away from work allows your mind to recharge, allowing you to strategize more effectively while at work. When not in the office engage in hobbies, spend quality time with family and friends, and practice self-care to foster a sense of fulfillment and contentment outside of professional obligations.

Achieving balance promotes better focus and productivity at work. A well-rested and mentally refreshed professional is more effective in their role. By consciously setting boundaries and prioritizing your time, you can cultivate a healthier mindset. Ultimately, balancing work and life isn’t just about managing time—it’s about creating a harmonious life that nurtures both career growth and personal happiness.

The Ripple Effect

Though it’s the foundation of success, effective communication is sometimes disregarded in conventional schooling and professional training. This is filled by life coaching, which teaches you effective expression, attentive listening, and graceful handling of challenging dialogues.

Better communication helps in any sphere of your life. Over your career, they can assist you in campaigning for promotions, negotiate better prices, and build closer collaboration. In your personal life, they help you to create closer, more significant relationships. Whether your communication barrier is fear of confrontation, trouble expressing your ideas, or just poor listening, a life coach helps you find and go beyond any one thing. These abilities also transcend speech. Your communications are greatly received in part by nonverbal communication, which includes body language and tone. Being more conscious of these subtleties can help you not only improve your expression but also increase your sensitivity to others, therefore promoting better understanding and relationships.

Conclusion

Life coaching opens potential rather than only addressing issues. Making this investment in your future will help you close the distance separating your present from your desired future. Life coaching helps you to develop self-awareness, resilience, good communication, and balance, empowering you to overcome challenges with confidence and clarity.

Coaching guides you in setting meaningful goals, taking actionable steps, and holding yourself accountable to your aspirations. With a life coach, you gain the support needed to stay focused on what truly matters, creating a strong foundation for long-term success and personal growth. This holistic approach doesn’t just tackle problems—it provides the tools and mindset necessary to thrive in all areas of life. By uncovering your strengths and values, life coaching enables you to make empowered decisions and live in alignment with your true self, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling, successful, and happy life.

 

Author Bio

Hi, my name is Halley Jones. I’m a freelance content writer and guest author with a passion for crafting engaging and informative articles on a variety of topics. I have 5 years of experience in the industry and know how to create content that resonates with readers. In my spare time, you can find me hiking, trying out new recipes in the kitchen, or curled up with a good book.

 

 

SOURCES

Garage Blog. “5 Ways Life Coaching Can Change Your Life (and How to Get Started with a FREE Session).” Garage Society | Co Working Space | Shared Office in Hong Kong, 2018, www.thegaragesociety.com/blog/5-ways-life-coaching-can-change-your-life-and-how-get-started-free-session. Accessed 4 Feb. 2025.

Shewach, Steven . “How Life Coaching Can Transform Your Career Path.” Shewach.com, 2024, shewach.com/blog/how-life-coaching-can-transform-your-career-path. Accessed 4 Feb. 2025.

 

 

Please also review AIHCP’s Health Care Life Coach Certification program and see if it meets your academic and professional goals.  These programs are online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification

Counseling and Attending the Client Video

Posted on by Mark Moran

Counselors study psychology, various therapies and devote themselves to understanding the science of the mind and behavior, but if the counselor is unable to communicate and attend the client properly, then the knowledge is useless.  Counseling hence is also an art.  Counselors must possess interpersonal skills that allow them to help their clients.  Various micro skills help the counselor attend the client.  Basic fundamentals of attending include empathetic listening, observation skills, and appropriate responses.  This forms the foundation of the counselor and client relationship and allows therapy to flourish.

Please also review AIHCP’s numerous behavioral health and healthcare certifications in Grief Counseling, Crisis Counseling, Christian Counseling, Spiritual Counseling, Anger Management, Life Coaching and Stress Management.  The programs are online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification.

Holistic Care in Advanced Practice Nursing

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

By – James M. Katz, BA

Holistic care in advanced practice nursing is transforming healthcare delivery, focusing on treating the whole person rather than just symptoms. This approach integrates physical, emotional, social, and spiritual aspects of health, leading to improved patient outcomes and satisfaction. Advanced practice nurses are uniquely positioned to implement holistic care strategies, combining their clinical expertise with a comprehensive understanding of patients’ needs and experiences.

The role of holistic care in advanced practice nursing encompasses various dimensions, including patient-centered care, integrative health practices, and wellness promotion. Certified holistic nurses and holistic nurse practitioners use holistic assessment techniques to gain a complete picture of their patients’ health status. This article will explore core competencies for holistic advanced practice nurses, evidence-based holistic interventions, and challenges in implementing holistic care across the lifespan. Additionally, it will discuss the future of holistic nursing practice and its potential to revolutionize healthcare delivery.

Holistic nurse practitioners, or HNPs, are specialized nurses who treat patients by looking at the whole person. They follow a philosophy that considers emotional, spiritual, and physical health. This way of thinking started with Florence Nightingale, who is seen as the founder of modern nursing. Holistic nursing is about creating balance and can be used in any healthcare setting.

Key Takeaways

  • Holistic nursing looks at the whole person, not just the illness.
  • Florence Nightingale started the idea of holistic nursing.
  • Holistic nurses can work in any healthcare setting.
  • They use different methods like mind-body practices and energy therapies.
  • Holistic nurses need special training and certification.

Text showing Holistic Care Approach, The Philosophy and Principles of Holistic Nursing

Historical Foundations

Holistic nursing has deep roots, tracing back to ancient healing traditions that viewed health as a balance of mind, body, and spirit. Over time, these ideas evolved, integrating with modern medical practices to form a comprehensive approach to patient care. Holistic nursing emphasizes the interconnectedness of all aspects of a person’s well-being.

Core Principles

At its core, holistic nursing is built on the belief that treating the whole person leads to better health outcomes. This philosophy includes not only physical care but also emotional, mental, and spiritual support. Nurses in this field use their knowledge, intuition, and compassion to create healing environments. They also prioritize self-care, understanding that a well-cared-for nurse can provide the best care to others.

Modern Interpretations

Today, holistic nursing continues to evolve, incorporating new research and techniques while staying true to its foundational principles. Modern holistic nurses work in various settings, from hospitals to private practices, always aiming to partner with patients on their journey to health. They respect each patient’s unique needs and cultural backgrounds, ensuring that care plans are personalized and effective.

The Role of Holistic Nurse Practitioners

Scope of Practice

Holistic nurse practitioners (HNPs) are advanced practice registered nurses who treat patients using a holistic approach. They focus on the whole person, not just specific symptoms or conditions. Their practice includes assessing physical, emotional, and spiritual health to identify imbalances and guide patients towards wellness. HNPs blend conventional medical treatments with holistic interventions to create a balanced care plan.

Key Responsibilities

HNPs excel in active listening, empathy, and building therapeutic relationships. They are skilled in recognizing both physical and emotional cues, which helps them provide comprehensive care. Their responsibilities include developing individualized care plans, educating patients on lifestyle changes, and using holistic therapies to promote overall well-being.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Holistic nurse practitioners often work with other healthcare professionals to ensure a well-rounded approach to patient care. They collaborate with doctors, therapists, and other specialists to create integrated treatment plans. This teamwork helps in addressing all aspects of a patient’s health, ensuring they receive the best possible care.

Defining Holistic Care in Advanced Practice Nursing

Holistic care in advanced practice nursing is an approach that addresses the patient’s physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs, aiming to enhance overall well-being and quality of life rather than merely treating illness. This comprehensive method recognizes the interconnectedness of the bio-psycho-social-spiritual dimensions of a person, acknowledging that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

Principles of Holistic Care

The core principles of holistic care, as outlined by the Academy of Integrative Health and Medicine (AIHM), emphasize prevention, integration of healing systems, relationship-centered care, and individualized treatment . These principles guide advanced practice nurses in delivering care that is:

1. Compassionate: Holistic nurses are attentive, present, and empathetic towards patients.
2. Comprehensive: They treat the entire person rather than focusing on a single symptom.
3. Curious: Holistic nurses consider various factors affecting health, including environmental influences and dietary choices.

Integrating Mind, Body, and Spirit

Holistic nursing recognizes the body’s innate healing and restorative capacities. This approach extends beyond physical well-being to include emotional, social, and financial aspects of a patient’s situation. Advanced practice nurses practicing holistic care understand that positive emotions can enhance immune system functioning, diminish the inflammatory response to stress, and positively impact brain function. To integrate mind, body, and spirit effectively, holistic nurses draw on nursing knowledge, theories, research, expertise, intuition, and creativity. They honor the individual’s subjective experience about health, health beliefs, and values, becoming therapeutic partners with individuals, families, and communities.

Mind-Body Practices

Holistic nurses use mind-body practices to help patients connect their thoughts and feelings with their physical health. Techniques like meditation and guided imagery are common. These practices aim to reduce stress and promote relaxation, which can improve overall well-being.

Energy-Based Therapies

Energy-based therapies focus on the body’s energy fields. Methods such as Reiki and therapeutic touch are used to balance energy and promote healing. These therapies are believed to help with pain management and emotional health.

Integrative Approaches

Integrative approaches combine traditional Western medicine with alternative therapies. This can include nutritional counseling, exercise programs, and herbal remedies. The goal is to treat the whole person, not just the symptoms, for a more comprehensive approach to health.

Patient-Centered Approach

A patient-centered approach is fundamental to holistic care in advanced practice nursing. This model encourages active collaboration and shared decision-making between patients, families, caregivers, and providers. Patient-centered care has been defined as “Health care that establishes a partnership among practitioners, patients, and their families… to ensure that decisions respect patients’ wants, needs, and preferences and that patients have the education and support they need to make decisions and participate in their own care”.

Key elements of patient-centered care include:

1. Respecting patients’ values, preferences, and expressed needs
2. Coordinating and integrating care
3. Providing information, communication, and education
4. Ensuring physical comfort
5. Offering emotional support and alleviating fear and anxiety
6. Involving family and friends
7. Ensuring continuity and transition
8. Facilitating access to care

By implementing these principles, advanced practice nurses can create a healing environment that supports the whole person, fostering better health outcomes and patient satisfaction.

Core Competencies for Holistic Advanced Practice Nurses

Advanced practice nurses (APNs) who specialize in holistic care possess a unique set of competencies that enable them to provide comprehensive, patient-centered healthcare. These competencies encompass a wide range of skills and knowledge that allow APNs to address the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual aspects of their patients’ health.

Advanced Health Assessment Skills

Holistic APNs excel in conducting thorough and comprehensive health assessments. They partner with clients to explore and validate their stories, find meaning in their statements, and investigate contextual issues. This approach allows for a deeper understanding of the patient’s overall health status and life circumstances.

Key aspects of advanced health assessment skills include:

1. Assessing the effects of relationships and interactions among the client, significant others, and the community on the client’s well-being.
2. Using multiple sources of knowledge to understand the client’s needs and problems.
3. Interpreting diagnostic tests and procedures.
4. Assessing the client’s sense of coherence.
5. Utilizing esthetic interpretation and experiential knowing as sources of data collection.

These advanced assessment skills enable holistic APNs to gather a more complete picture of their patients’ health, considering not just the presenting symptoms but also the broader context of their lives.

Integrative Treatment Planning

Holistic APNs are skilled in developing comprehensive, integrative treatment plans that address all aspects of a patient’s health. They combine conventional healthcare treatments with holistic and integrative health practices to create personalized care plans.

Key elements of integrative treatment planning include:

1. Partnering with clients and other healthcare providers to formulate inter-professional outcomes.
2. Considering the relations among cost, risks, and benefits of the care plan.
3. Evaluating system-wide resources needed to carry out the holistic plan.
4. Collaborating with nurses and inter-professional teams to integrate resources for optimal holistic care.
5. Maintaining a dynamic assessment-diagnosis-outcome-implementation process to ensure holistic practice effectiveness.

Holistic APNs also provide patients with appropriate information about both conventional and integrative health practices, including potential side effects and costs. This approach empowers patients to make informed decisions about their care and actively participate in their treatment process.

A Holistic Healthcare graphic of an apple with various Holistic Care statements on it.Therapeutic Use of Self

The therapeutic use of self is a crucial competency for holistic APNs. This involves using one’s personality, knowledge, and skills consciously to establish a therapeutic relationship with patients. The ability to engage in this type of relationship depends on the nurse’s personal and professional development.

Key aspects of the therapeutic use of self-include:

1. Developing self-awareness and engaging in self-reflection.
2. Integrating self-care and self-healing practices into their own lives.
3. Practicing mindfulness to enhance resilience and mental clarity.
4. Reconciling the ideal professional self with the actual professional self.
5. Cultivating empathy and building strong relationships with patients.

By developing these competencies, holistic APNs can create a healing environment that supports the whole person, fostering better health outcomes and patient satisfaction. Their unique emphasis on individually and holistically promoting health and well-being has resulted in APNs being the preferred healthcare providers for millions of patients worldwide.

Holistic Care Modalities in Advanced Practice

Advanced practice nurses employ a variety of holistic care modalities to address the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of their patients. These modalities complement traditional medical treatments and reflect a commitment to treating the whole person.

Challenges and Opportunities in Holistic Nursing

Regulatory Issues

Holistic nursing faces several regulatory challenges. Different states have varying rules, making it hard for nurses to practice uniformly. Navigating these regulations can be tough, but it also opens doors for advocacy and policy change.

Public Perception

Public perception of holistic nursing is mixed. Some people see it as essential, while others are skeptical. This mixed view can be a hurdle, but it also offers a chance to educate the public about its benefits.

Future Trends

The future of holistic nursing looks promising. With growing interest in wellness and integrative care, holistic nursing is set to expand. This growth brings both challenges and opportunities for those in the field.

Mind-Body Techniques

Mind-body interventions focus on the interactions among the brain, body, mind, and behavior to promote overall health. These techniques include:

1. Meditation: Adapted from traditional Eastern systems, meditation enhances mental awareness and clarity. Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), a form of meditation, has shown promise in oncology settings.
2. Relaxation Therapies: These techniques aim to produce a state of mental and physical relaxation. They may incorporate deep breathing, guided imagery, progressive relaxation, yoga, self-hypnosis, and biofeedback.
3. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Developed by Aaron Beck in the 1960s, CBT helps patients recognize and control their responses to symptoms through programmed education or counseling.
4. Hypnosis: This technique involves suggestions for changes in sensation, perception, cognition, affect, mood, or behavior within a therapeutic relationship.
5. Biofeedback: This process enables individuals to learn how to change physiologic activity to improve health and performance.

Nutritional and Herbal Therapies

Herbal medicine has been a cornerstone of healthcare for centuries, offering a rich source of bioactive compounds. https://aihcp.net/2024/06/13/role-of-holstic-nursing/ These treatments have been traditionally used for a wide range of conditions, including digestive disorders, respiratory ailments, and chronic pain. Advanced practice nurses may incorporate nutritional and herbal therapies as part of a holistic treatment plan, always considering potential interactions with conventional medications.

Energy Healing Practices

Energy healing practices are based on the belief that energy is vital and affects all body systems, impacting health and disease . Some common energy healing modalities include:

1. Therapeutic Touch (TT): A technique involving the practitioner moving their hands over the patient’s body to assess and manipulate their energy field.
2. Healing Touch (HT): Similar to TT, HT aims to restore balance in the patient’s energy system.
3. Reiki: An ancient healing method involving the laying on of hands to direct healing energy to various parts of the body. Reiki is thought to strengthen the immune system, restore vital energy, and ease various physical and emotional conditions.
4. Aromatherapy: The use of essential oils for therapeutic purposes. Anecdotal evidence supports its use in clinical settings to decrease pain and promote sleep.

These holistic care modalities are gradually being incorporated into clinical settings, with nurses observing improvements in vital signs, decreased pain and anxiety, and overall increased well-being when patients have access to these therapies. Advanced practice nurses are ideally positioned to identify patients who may benefit from these holistic approaches and to integrate them into comprehensive care plans.

Evidence-Based Holistic Interventions

Research on holistic nursing outcomes

Holistic nursing care (HNC) has gained significant attention in recent years due to its potential to improve patient outcomes and overall healthcare quality. Studies have shown that HNC enhances patient satisfaction by improving the quality of care. Conversely, the absence of holistic care has been linked to increased treatment costs, longer hospital stays, and a higher risk of developing new complications.A Holistic Healthcare Aromatherapy infographic. How to use essential oils. All objects are conveniently grouped and are easily editable.

The practice of holistic care has been found to be an effective way to prevent diseases and death, as well as improve the quality of health care provided to patients. This approach considers the physical, social, spiritual, emotional, and economic needs of the patient, as well as their response to illness and ability to meet self-care needs.
Integrating conventional and complementary therapies

The integration of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies with conventional medicine has become increasingly prevalent. Hospitals, health maintenance organizations (HMOs), and individual physicians are incorporating CAM therapies into their practices. In 1998, only 6 percent of hospitals reported offering CAM services, but by 2001, this number had more than doubled to 15 percent.

HMOs have also shown growing interest in offering CAM therapies. A survey conducted between November 1998 and January 1999 found that two-thirds of HMOs (67 percent) offered at least one form of alternative care, with chiropractic (65 percent) and acupuncture (31 percent) being the most common.

The integration of CAM and conventional medicine is driven by several factors:

1. Patient demand: 49 percent of hospitals cited patient demand as the primary motivation for offering CAM services.
2. Organizational mission: 24 percent of hospitals stated that offering these services reflected their organizational mission.
3. Physician interest: Doctors want to keep up with their patients’ growing interest in and use of CAM.

Measuring holistic care effectiveness

Measuring the effectiveness of holistic care is crucial to its continued integration into mainstream healthcare. Research has demonstrated several positive outcomes associated with holistic nursing interventions:

1. Improved quality of life: There is a direct relationship between quality of life and holistic care [3, 5].
2. Enhanced patient satisfaction: Holistic care respects human dignity and involves patients in decision-making, leading to increased satisfaction.
3. Increased self-awareness and self-confidence: Holistic care has been shown to improve patients’ self-awareness and self-confidence.
4. Better understanding of patient needs: Holistic care increases the depth of care providers’ understanding of patients and their needs.
5. Improved harmony: Holistic care enhances harmony between mind, body, emotions, and spirit in an ever-changing environment.

To effectively measure holistic care outcomes, healthcare institutions are implementing various approaches. For example, a Holistic Health Practice Program for nursing students in Macao demonstrated significant improvements in promoting holistic health, self-esteem, and self-efficacy among participants. This program included essential components of physical, psychosocial, and spiritual aspects of holistic health.

As the integration of CAM and conventional medicine continues to evolve, it is essential to develop robust measurement tools and conduct further research to validate the effectiveness of holistic care interventions. This will help ensure that the benefits of holistic care are fully realized and can be consistently replicated across various healthcare settings.

Holistic Care Across the Lifespan

Pediatric holistic care

In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of a holistic approach to pediatric care. This approach considers not only the physical health of the child but also their emotional and mental wellbeing. By addressing all these dimensions simultaneously, healthcare providers can create a more comprehensive understanding of the child’s overall health and tailor treatment plans accordingly.

A holistic approach to pediatric care emphasizes preventive measures and health education. By empowering parents and caregivers with knowledge about nutrition, hygiene, mental health, and safety practices, healthcare providers can reduce the incidence of certain illnesses and promote healthier lifestyles from an early age. This approach also acknowledges that a child’s health is influenced by their social and environmental context, including factors like family dynamics, socioeconomic status, and access to healthcare.

Complementary therapies, such as art therapy, music therapy, yoga, and mindfulness practices, can play a valuable role in promoting emotional and mental wellbeing. These therapies offer alternative avenues for expression, relaxation, and coping, which can be especially beneficial for children facing emotional or behavioral challenges.
The whole child approach uses collaborative care, including physical, behavioral, developmental, and environmental health. This integrated care model offers versatile solutions to the challenges facing children today. When primary and behavioral practitioners bring their skills together, they support the physical, mental, and social-emotional health of the child. It also makes it easier to detect early onset of behavioral health issues and family risk factors.

Adult and geriatric holistic approaches

As individuals age, their healthcare needs evolve, requiring a more comprehensive approach to maintain overall wellbeing. Holistic care for older adults involves fostering health for mind, body, and spirit. Those who work with older patients with chronic illnesses or geriatric-specific medical needs must understand the value of holistic care to best support the geriatric population.

Geriatric care, often referred to as gerontology, is a specialized field of healthcare focused on the unique needs and challenges of older adults. It’s provided by healthcare professionals with advanced training in geriatrics, such as geriatricians, gerontological nurse practitioners, and geriatric social workers. The primary goal of geriatric care is to optimize the overall health and quality of life for seniors.

Comprehensive health assessments are the foundation of geriatric care. These evaluations help identify any medical conditions, cognitive impairments, or emotional concerns that may require attention. Geriatric care professionals are well-versed in the complexities of medication management for seniors, ensuring that prescriptions are optimized for safety and effectiveness.

For seniors with chronic health conditions, geriatric care specialists create personalized care plans that address their specific needs and monitor their conditions over time. Cognitive health is also a crucial aspect of geriatric care, encompassing the assessment and management of cognitive health issues like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Home care is a flexible and personalized form of assistance designed to help seniors with their daily activities and needs while allowing them to remain in their own homes. Home care providers offer non-medical support and companionship to enhance seniors’ quality of life, assisting with activities of daily living, mobility support, meal preparation, and medication reminders.

End-of-life holistic care

Palliative care aims to alleviate the suffering of patients with life-limiting illness while promoting their quality of life. Its holistic approach means that care plans are tailored to treat symptoms such as pain, fatigue, nausea, and difficulty breathing, as well as to address psychological issues like depression or anxiety.
Symptom management is a cornerstone of palliative care. The palliative team works tirelessly to manage symptoms that cause discomfort, pain, or diminish quality of life. All therapies and medications are tailored to the individual’s needs and wishes and reflect the mind-body connection.

Facing a serious illness can be emotionally taxing for both the patient and their loved ones. Palliative care provides support through counseling, helping individuals navigate their feelings, manage stress, and come to terms with their situation. Some of the best types of psychological support include cognitive behavioral therapy, relaxation techniques, and meditation.

For many, serious illness prompts deep spiritual reflection. Palliative care teams often include or have access to spiritual care providers who can support patients and families through these existential explorations, respecting a wide range of beliefs and practices. This can help individuals in the moment and provide insight when making end-of-life decisions.

Palliative care also recognizes the social aspects of dealing with a serious illness. Social workers within the palliative care team can assist with practical issues such as coordinating care, understanding medical forms, and navigating the healthcare system. They can also offer support for the broader social impacts on the family unit.

Holistic Nursing in Various Clinical Settings

Hospitals and Clinics

Holistic nursing can be practiced in hospitals and clinics, where nurses provide care that considers the whole person. This approach integrates the patient’s mind, body, and spirit into the healing process. Nurses work closely with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive care.

Community Health

In community health settings, holistic nurses focus on preventive care and health education. They engage with community members to promote wellness and address health disparities. This setting allows nurses to build strong relationships with patients and understand their unique needs.

Private Practice

Holistic nurses in private practice offer personalized care plans tailored to individual patients. They often use a variety of holistic modalities, such as massage therapy, acupuncture, and nutritional counseling. This setting provides the flexibility to spend more time with each patient and develop a deeper understanding of their health concerns.

Patient-Centered Care in Holistic Nursing

Individualized Care Plans

In holistic nursing, every patient is seen as a unique individual with their own set of needs and preferences. Care plans are tailored specifically to each person, ensuring that their physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being are all addressed. This personalized approach helps in creating a more effective and compassionate care experience.

Cultural Sensitivity

Holistic nurses understand the importance of respecting and incorporating a patient’s cultural background into their care. By being culturally sensitive, nurses can build stronger relationships with their patients, fostering trust and better communication. This approach not only honors the patient’s heritage but also enhances the overall care process.

Patient Empowerment

Empowering patients is a key aspect of holistic nursing. Nurses encourage patients to take an active role in their own health and healing. By providing education and support, holistic nurses help patients make informed decisions about their care, leading to improved outcomes and greater satisfaction.

Challenges in Implementing Holistic Care

Barriers in Healthcare Systems

Implementing holistic care in healthcare systems faces several challenges. One of the primary obstacles is the shortage of nursing staff and the resulting heavy workload. Many nurses experience burnout due to non-standard nurse-to-patient ratios and overwork, which significantly hinders their ability to provide comprehensive care. The focus on routine tasks and physical problems often overshadows the importance of addressing patients’ emotional, spiritual, and social needs.

Another significant barrier is the lack of organizational support for holistic care practices. Some healthcare managers do not prioritize spiritual care or consider it outside the hospital’s mission. This is reflected in hospital accreditation metrics that often fail to include holistic care assessment. The management system’s emphasis on documentation rather than performance further complicates the implementation of holistic care approaches.

Education and Training Needs

The educational system plays a crucial role in preparing nurses for holistic care, but current curricula often fall short. More than 90% of nursing education focuses on patients’ physical problems, neglecting other aspects of holistic care. This imbalance in educational content leaves many nurses ill-equipped to address patients’ diverse needs comprehensively.

The lack of specialized training in holistic care approaches, particularly in spiritual care and effective communication, is a significant challenge. Many nurses do not fully understand the concept of spiritual care due to its absence in undergraduate curricula and nursing texts. Additionally, the teaching methods employed are often educator-centered, limiting students’ exposure to practical training in considering patients’ various needs.

Educators’ competence in holistic care also presents a challenge. Some educators have limited knowledge of the various aspects of patients’ needs and their effects on health recovery, focusing more on routine tasks rather than providing examples of comprehensive care.

Future Directions for Holistic Advanced Practice Nursing

Emerging Holistic Care Models

As the field of nursing continues to evolve, there is a notable shift towards holistic care that considers the overall well-being of patients. This trend acknowledges the close connection between physical and mental well-being and aims to address the mental health needs of patients alongside their physical health concerns. The American Nursing Association (ANA) defines holistic care as an integration of body, mind, emotion, spirit, sexual, cultural, social, energetic, and environmental principles and modalities to promote health, increase well-being, and actualize human potential. The goals of holistic nursing are centered around improving health, reducing suffering, and preventing illness. Holistic nurses focus on protecting, promoting, and optimizing health and wellness. They also strive to provide support to individuals in finding peace, comfort, and balance during times of illness. This approach has shown promising results, as holistic care leads to prevention of patients’ depression, improved physical conditions, decrease in the duration of hospitalization, and faster recovery.

Technology and Holistic Care

The integration of technology in holistic care is becoming increasingly important. Advanced practice nurses are surrounded by computerized equipment and systems that assist them in recording and accessing patient information, monitoring patients’ progress, and aiding with the caring and healing processes. These technological advancements have the potential to enhance the delivery of holistic care in several ways:

1. Data Collection and Analysis: The collection of patient and medical data over time enables nurses to utilize and analyze patient information that can be stored for current and future reference. This comprehensive data can be analyzed by doctors and nurses when considering changes to the way they currently administer healthcare to patients.
2. Patient Monitoring: Computerized equipment monitors patients’ progress and vital signs, sending out alerts and warnings, often in less time than it would take a nurse to manually identify a problem. These systems enable the prompt treatment of illnesses when time is of the essence, giving faster and more accurate diagnoses.
3. Telemedicine: With the advent of telemedicine technology, medical professionals are now able to consult with patients online and provide solutions to their problems.

Patients can be fitted with devices that monitor their condition and feed the information to their healthcare provider at a remote location.

However, it’s crucial to note that technology can never replace the human element in nursing. As far back as the 1800s, nurses were trained to take the ‘whole person’ into account when treating their patients – spiritually, mentally, and physically. The combination of advanced analytics with the experience, knowledge, and critical thinking skills of nurses would result in making better clinical reasoning and clinical decision-making, which improves patient care at lower costs. 

Policy Implications

The shift towards holistic care models and the integration of technology in nursing practice have significant policy implications:

1. Education and Training: There is a need to reframe nursing education to incorporate technology and machine learning in the curriculum. This will ensure that future advanced practice nurses are equipped to work effectively with emerging technologies while maintaining a holistic approach to patient care.
2. Evidence-Based Practice (EBP): The trend in many hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes today is toward evidence-based practice. Based on a combination of extensive research into practices that have had positive outcomes, as well as input from experienced medical practitioners and nurses, and taking into account the patient’s preferences, EBP has been found to be a more effective option in the treatment of patients.
3. Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Policies should encourage the formation of interdisciplinary medical and therapeutic teams to provide holistic interventions. This approach creates a communication channel between various team members, such as surgeons, general practitioners, physiotherapists, and dietitians, ensuring comprehensive patient care.
4. Ethical Considerations: As technology becomes more integrated into nursing practice, policies must address ethical considerations related to patient privacy, data security, and the appropriate use of artificial intelligence in healthcare decision-making.

By addressing these policy implications, the healthcare system can better support the future of holistic advanced practice nursing, ensuring that it continues to evolve and adapt to meet the complex needs of patients in an increasingly technological world.

Conclusion

Holistic care in advanced practice nursing has a significant impact on healthcare delivery, offering a comprehensive approach to patient well-being. This article has explored the core principles, competencies, and modalities involved in holistic nursing, highlighting its effectiveness across different life stages. The integration of conventional and complementary therapies, along with the use of technology, is shaping the future of holistic care. These developments have the potential to improve patient outcomes and transform the healthcare landscape.

To move forward, addressing challenges in healthcare systems, education, and reimbursement is crucial to implement holistic carefully. The evolving role of advanced practice nurses in delivering holistic care requires ongoing support through policy changes, enhanced training programs, and recognition of their unique contributions. As the field continues to grow, the focus on treating the whole person – mind, body, and spirit – will likely become an essential part of healthcare delivery, leading to better patient experiences and improved overall health outcomes.

Becoming a certified Holistic Healthcare Nurse can be earned completely online. Our Holistic Care program consists of 5 online holistic healthcare courses based off competency exams. Once finished, a candidate would then submit the online holistic healthcare application and would then be certified in Holistic and Integrative Healthcare for a period of 4 years. For full information about our Holistic Nursing program, please visit our site here. 

FAQs

  1. What is holistic nursing?
    Holistic nursing is a way of treating patients where nurses look at the whole person, not just their physical health. This means they consider emotional, spiritual, and other factors too.
  2. Who can practice holistic nursing?
    Any registered nurse can practice holistic nursing. It doesn’t matter where they work or what kind of patients they see.
  3. Where do holistic nurses work?
    Holistic nurses can work in many places like hospitals, clinics, community health centers, and even private practice.
  4. 1. What makes holistic care essential in the nursing field?
    Holistic care is crucial because it enables nurses to provide comprehensive care that encompasses not just the physical aspects of health but also considers other important factors like spirituality, social well-being, and overall life circumstances. This approach ensures that all facets of a patient’s health are addressed, including the effectiveness of their medications.
  5. Can you explain what advanced holistic nursing entails?
    Advanced Holistic Nursing (AHN) involves specialized courses that focus on integrating various healing practices to enhance health and well-being. These practices include mind-body techniques, manipulative body methods, and energy-based therapies, all aimed at promoting holistic health.
  6. What is the foundational concept behind holistic nursing practice?
    Holistic nursing is founded on the understanding that a patient’s health is influenced by a combination of biological, social, psychological, and spiritual elements. These elements are interrelated and contribute to the individuality of each patient. Holistic nursing, therefore, emphasizes personalized care that caters to the diverse needs of individuals.
  7. What holistic modalities are commonly used by advanced practice nurses?
    Advanced practice nurses have access to a variety of holistic modalities to enhance patient care. These include stress management techniques, breathing exercises, meditation, acupuncture, hypnotherapy, and therapeutic massage. These techniques and therapies are employed to support the overall health and well-being of patients.
  8. What are the main ideas behind holistic nursing?
    The main ideas are treating the whole person, using different kinds of knowledge, and working together with patients to help them heal.
  9. Do holistic nurses need special training?
    Yes, holistic nurses often get extra training or certifications to learn how to use holistic methods in their practice.
  10. Is holistic nursing recognized as a specialty?
    Yes, since 2006, the American Nurses Association has recognized holistic nursing as a specialty practice.

Research Articles:

Holistic care for patients with severe coronavirus disease 2019: An expert consensus. Hui Wang, Et Al. International Journal of Nursing Sciences, Volume 7, Issue 2, 2020, Pages 128-134, ISSN 2352-0132,

Access link here

Multidisciplinary and Holistic Models of Care for Patients With Dermatologic Disease and Psychosocial Comorbidity: A Systematic Review. Patel A, Jafferany M. JAMA Dermatol. 2020;156(6):686–694.

Access link here

Effects of hospital-family holistic care model on the health outcome of patients with permanent enterostomy based on the theory of ‘Timing It Right’. Xi Zhang RN, MD, Rui Gao MD, Et Al. Journal of Clinical Nursing JCN, Volume 29, Issue13-14 July 2020, Pages 2196-2208

Access link here

Holistic approach to care for patients with endometriosis. Molina, Andreaa; Et Al. Current Opinion in Obstetrics and Gynecology 36(4):p 266-272, August 2024.

Access link here

 

 

 

 

Challenging and Encouraging Clients in Counseling

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

To help transform a person to change, attending, listening and responding are key, but the skilled counselor needs to be able to help instigate change or water the seeds of the healing process within a client.  Whether loss and grief, or merely more daily stressors or emotional issues that are holding the client back from living life productively, the counselor needs to know how to coach the client and help the client find that preferred outcome.  This involves not only identifying the goals and actively pushing towards them but also motivating and challenging them.  Like a coach who is able to abstract the best out of their players on the field, a counselor needs to be able to encourage and challenge his/her clients to produce meaningful change.  Some clients respond better, others may be still facing inner turmoil and self esteem issues.  Some clients may be more resilient naturally, while others may need more prodding and gentle and empathetic guidance.  Each client is unique and different but the general ideas within this short blog complement the previous blogs on attending the client and responding to the client.

Challenging and encouraging a client to change is much like a coach trying to get the best of a player on the field

 

Some clients may have zero motivation to be challenged.  They may possess some world view or bias that prevents this change.  Some may be forced to attend counseling and feel no need to change.  This can occur with state mandated counseling or clients forced to attend because of family or spouses.  Some clients may feel motivated simply because of guilt and look to foster a positive change.  Some may simply have an interest in the counseling process and wish to see what happens.  In the best case, one will find a client who understands the critical importance of counseling and the changes that need made.  Regardless of the clients motivation level, it is the purpose of the counselor to help bring the best out of the client. This can be easier said then done.

 

 

 

The Counselor as Coach?

Life coaching in itself is a newer field within the Human Service Field.  It is not clinical or requiring of various licensing but it does promote the idea of healthy change and life styles.  It involves a professional who is trained to motivate, direct and help clients meet end goals.  This involves both encouraging and challenging the client.  Whether it is a weight goal, training goal, dieting goal, or health and life style change, life coaches are inherently trained to help produce change through motivation, encouragement and challenging of their clients.  Counselors, whether pastoral or clinical, working in grief counseling or other mental counseling disciplines, through empathetic listening and responding, should have a vested interest in helping their clients meet change, but some may lack the skills to help motivate the client to change.  As counselors, the client is directed and given options, but is never commanded or forced to change, instead, the client is invited to change through an array of options.  Many times, clients need motivated and encouraged and even challenged to push forward through these options. Many times they may fall and need help getting up.  Again, like a coach in sports, it is the counselor’s profession to not only direct, but also to help the client emotionally and mentally push towards that direction.

Challenging for New Behaviors

According to Egan, it is important to challenge clients to change.  He states,

“Help clients, challenge themselves to change ways of thinking, expressing emotions, and acting them mired in problem situations and prevent them from identifying and developing opportunities…become partners with your clients in helping them challenge themselves to find opportunities in their problems, to discover unused strengths and resources, both internal and external, and to commit themselves to the actions needed to make opportunity development happen (2019, p. 190).

In challenging, Egan emphasizes the importance of the counselor and client relationship which is based on trust and partnership.  A counselor, in the eyes of the client, needs to earn the right to challenge.  Once this is established, the counselor needs to ensure that challenges are presented tentatively but not apologetically, with a balance between not being too harsh but not also too passive.  In addition, counselors need to ensure the challenges are clear and specific.  Challenges also should not make demands or be forceful in nature but provide a structural system of choices.  As the term challenge indicates, it is never easy, so help clients utilize unused strengths to help meet the challenges and the ability to build on successful challenges to meet new ones (2019, p. 220-225).  As Egan points out, the counselor should be a “catalyst for a better future (2019, p. 190)”.

Many times, a counselor has to identify what is preventing the person from being able to face a challenge in life

In challenging clients, many times, they have many inherent issues that are already hampering them with the problem and maybe life in general.  To help clients become more resilient and able to create new behaviors, counselors sometimes need to identify blocks and issues within the client.  Egan lists a variety of target areas that negatively affect a client’s ability to respond to challenges and delay productive and healthy change.  Through attending, listening and responding, a counselor is able to identify certain issues that may restrict the ability of a client to respond effectively to challenges.

The first issue Egan lists are what he refers to as self defeating mindsets that include “assumptions, attitudes, beliefs, values, bias, convictions, inclinations, norms, points of view, perceptions of self and the world, preconceptions and prejudices (2019, p. 190-191)”.   Albert Ellis looked at facing irrational beliefs head on with interventions that would challenge irrational mindsets.  According to Ellis, many individuals have flawed misconceptions on life.  Egan lists a few of these ideals.

  • I must only be liked and loved in life
  • I must always be in control in life
  • I must always have my things done my way or no way
  • I should never have any problems
  • I am a victim and not responsible for any of my issues
  • I will avoid things that are difficult
  • I believe my past dictates what I do in the future
  • I do not need happiness in anything or anyone else

(Egan, 2019, p.191)

Ellis considered these mindsets as impediments to change because when something did happen that was bad, the person would tend to “catastrophize” it and become unable to adjust to the problem or even be remotely open to challenges to face it.  In addition to these mindsets, Egan points out that some individuals embrace in four fallacies that hamper change, as according to Sternberg.  Among those listed by Sternberg were egocentrism and taking into account only one’s own interests, omniscience and thinking one knows everything about the issue, omnipotence and feeling one can do whatever one desires and invulnerability and one will never face true consequences (2019, p.192).  Obviously these four fallacies are undesirable characteristics and whether naive or part of a greater personality disorder, they are issues that can prevent true change in the client.

In addition to mindsets, some individuals may have self defeating emotions and feelings that prevent them from achieving goals.  They may possess low self esteem or poor self image.  They may have fears that prevent them doing greater things.  Others may possess various dysfunctional behaviors that are external in nature.  In essence, the person cannot get out of their own way in life.  Their behavior, unknown to them sometimes, continues to create the issues they are trying to escape. Others may possess discrepancies in what they feel and think in regards to what they say and do and how they view themselves versus how they are truly viewed by others. Other times, individuals can be hampered in making true change or answering challenges because of unused strengths or resources (Egan, 2019, p. 194-197).

Other “Blind Spots” within the client preventing and hampering change can include various levels of unawareness.  This can include being blind to one’s own talents and strengths seen by others but not perceived by the self.   Some individuals may be unaware due to self deception itself, or choosing ignorance.  Some individuals will avoid issues and problems because they simply would rather not know because the truth may be too terrifying.  In helping clients challenge themselves to new behaviors, counselors can open clients to new areas of awareness with simple self questions.

  • What problem am I avoiding?
  • What opportunities am I ignoring?
  • What am I overlooking?
  • What do I refuse to see?
  • How am I being dishonest with myself?

(Egan, 2019, p. 204)

As the counselor, but also a coach, it is important to help clients identify these issues and understand why they are unable to move forward.

Helping Clients Identify These Issues and Healthy Challenging

Carl Rogers promoted a empathetic approach. In helping others face hard realities, a fact based empathetic approach is key.  Showing patience and empathy and carefully presenting the issue with assertiveness but compassion is key in helping the client awaken to certain issues.  Of course, timing, tone, and words all play a key role in helping the client become acceptive.  The counselor cannot come across as afraid to address issues but not confrontational.  Sometimes, certain words, may offset a client or labels, and the counselor will need to navigate why and how to discuss the issue.  Also within this process, the counselor cannot simply give a set of directions but present options.  Finally, again, the counselor needs to present the new awareness and challenge to the client without judgment but in a way that creates self awareness and pushes forward change.

Counselors help motivate clients to change through empathy and supplying the client with appropriate level challenges and options to meet

When discovering hindering blind spots and issues, the counselor needs to become a detective in some respects before he/she can truly become a coach.  What is the client truly trying to say, or hinting at, or half saying (Egan, 2019, p.206)?  Counselors need to help clients understand their implicit thoughts and words and make them become more explicit.  In doing so, counselors can help clients understand themes in their stories, make connections with what may be missing and share educated hunches in feedback (Egan, 2019, p. 207-210).  Counselors can through their hunches, help clients see the bigger picture, dig deeper in the story, draw conclusions, open up more, see overlooked aspects, or even own their own story (Egan, 2019, p. 210-211).

 

 

Of course how these opinions and disclosures are presented to the client are critical.  They are part of the art of counseling and also the product of good coaching. A good coach is able to present a deficiency in a player’s form or approach and help turn into change and better performance.  This however involves not tearing down the player, but building the player up and giving the player the tools necessary to improve.  As an teacher and encourager, a coach is able to transform the problem and help the player have success on the field.  Likewise, an counselor needs to be able to coach his/her client through approaching a weakness and being able to challenge the person to overcome it and make it a strength in the field of life.  Strength Based Therapies as proposed by Pattoni, (2012) help clients label their strengths and identify them and utilize them in variety of goal setting environments. The process looks to expand hope but also create autonomy in facing issues.

When providing factful information and options to a client, a counselor needs to remain empathetic and tactful in delivering the news.  Some news can be shocking to a client and the client may need time or understanding in the process (Egan, 2019, p. 213).  Hence Egan recommends sometimes sharing one’s disclosures and challenges, but he recommends it to be used with caution.  He recommends being sure to use it sparingly, appropriately and culturally aware.  Timing can be key.  One does not wish to have one’s own disclosure to become a distraction (2019, p.215).

As a counselor and coach, how one gives suggestions and recommendations for better improvements are critical.  Inspired first with empathy and secondly aware of internal issues of the client, a counselor needs to approach and challenge the client without confronting but at the same time presenting clear and factual options to promote change.  These challenges are not easy, so like a good coach, a counselor needs to find ways to provide encouragement during the change process.  Counselors should invite clients to challenge themselves and help them identify specific challenges that will make the best changes.  Like a sports coach, while identifying any issue, the counselor needs to encourage and identify strengths to overcome a particular challenge.  Furthermore, the challenge needs to be evaluated as not to be too intense to be self-demeaning to the client.  Sometimes, success is built upon.  So when identifying challenges, the counselor needs to present them in a fashion that leads to success (Egan, 2019, p. 220).

As a counselor-coach, a counselor identifies changes that are essential and helps the client identify change.  Some clients are more resistant to change.  In another blog, we discuss the Client Change Scale which lists the levels of difficulty for a client to accept change or implement it based on their stage.  It is the counselor’s job to help the client see the necessity of change and help the client find it through encouragement and help.  Some changes will be first order, or deal with the current situation, or others may be second order and more long term or permanent.  This depends on the nature of the issue and the needs of the client.  The counselor like a coach, helps the client implement goals, strategies and plans to implement the change.   The counselor helps the client see his/her possible self, delve into creativity,  and think differently (Egan, 2019, p. 315-318).  In essence, the counselor helps the client see a better future, set goals to attain it and help them put it into action (Egan, 2019, p. 314).

 

Conclusion

Counselors are like coaches.  They need to challenge their clients by identifying weaknesses and help clients overcome them with appropriate challenges.  This involves active attending and responding to the client and understanding the inner challenges the client faces.  The counselor then is able to better become a catalyst of change in the clients life with setting appropriate challenges to make the client a better person in the field of life.

Please also review AIHCP’s multiple counseling certifications in Grief Counseling, Christian Counseling, Life Coaching, Anger Management, Stress Management and Crisis Intervention Counseling

Please also review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Certification, as well as its Christian Counseling Certification.  Other mental health certifications for both pastoral and clinical counselors, or those engaged in the Human Service Fields, include Stress Management, Life Coaching, Anger Management, and Crisis Intervention. The programs are online and self study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification in any of these fields.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reference

Egan, G. & Reese. R. (2019).”The Skilled Helper: A Problem Management and Opportunity-Development Approach to Helping” (11th Ed). Cengage

Additional Resources

Sutton, J. (2022). “Motivation in Counseling: 9 Steps to Engage Your Clients”. Positive Psychology.  Access here

Sutton, J. (2022). “How to Perform Strengths-Based Therapy and Counseling”. Positive Psychology. Access here

“The Skill of Challenge in Counselling”(2019). Counseling Tutor. Access here

Voitilainen, L. et, al. (2018). “Empathy, Challenge, and Psychophysiological Activation in Therapist–Client Interaction”. Front Psychol. 2018; 9: 530. National Library of Medicine. Access here

 

Evaluating the Sustainability of Diet Trends: A Deep Dive into Ketogenic Practices

Posted on by Joseph Gerard

an array of keto friendly foodsWritten by Veronica Turner

In the wonderful world of health and happiness, eating patterns come and go just like the changing of seasons. From low-fat to low-carb, plant-based to paleo, the options seem endless, and each promises a journey to better well-being and zest for life.

One such trend that has captured the imagination of many is the ketogenic way of eating. But among all the exciting results of weight management success stories and mental boosts, it’s important to take a moment and consider the bigger picture impacts of our food choices.

What effect do diet fads like keto have on our planet’s well-being? In this guide, we’ll dive deep into the sustainability of keto habits, looking at how they interact with environmental protection and holistic health approaches supported by medical professionals.

 

Understanding the Ketogenic Diet: Beyond Bacon and Butter

The ketogenic diet has taken the nutrition world by storm with its focus on healthy fats and low-carb living. By emphasizing satisfying foods like avocados, nuts, and meat over sugary snacks and starches, this lifestyle helps slimmers say sayonara to belly fat.

The science behind it is simple – by trimming carbs down to a minimum, your body enters a natural fat-burning state called ketosis. Then, instead of crashing from blood sugar spikes and falls, you smoothly fuel up on the keto-friendly foods your genes were designed for.

While debates still swirl around long-term impact, one thing is clear – this approach makes sticking to a healthy routine effortless when you’re feeling full and fabulous every day.

 

The Environmental Impact of Ketogenic Practices: Beyond the Plate

When assessing how the ketogenic way of eating lifts up our planet, it’s important to look beyond personal wellness gains and consider how our choices impact the world around us.

This dietary trend has the potential to positively shape environments, communities, and global systems in some surprising ways if we make informed decisions and carry the principles of caring for our bodies into caring for our shared home. Excited yet? Let’s explore the possibilities!

 

  1. Organic Farming Practices: Cultivating Sustainability from the Ground

Organic farming is key to creating the amazing ingredients for all the best keto meal kits and recipes out there! Instead of depending on a lot of artificial pesticides and fertilizers like traditional farming, organic methods prioritize keeping soil and nature healthy.

Biodiversity and natural pest control are the name of the game. By choosing organic agriculture, keto folks help support soil sustainability and reduce pollution runoff that can hurt the earth. Choosing organic is a win-win for both your body and Mother Nature!

 

  1. Reducing Carbon Footprint Through Minimal Packaging: Thinking Outside the Box

While convenient packaging has its perks, we must consider our impact on the planet. These days, it seems everything comes pre-wrapped and ready to go. But all that plastic and packaging adds up fast!

The good news is that more and more keto brands are minimizing waste. They use eco-friendly materials that break down naturally. Or they go with packaging you can recycle curbside.

Take meal kit delivery services like Greenchef, for example. It delivers healthy keto meals wrapped in sustainable packaging. Plus, using a meal delivery service instead of going shopping significantly reduces your carbon footprint.

Opting for these greener options is a tasty way to feel good. You’re supporting companies who care about our shared home. And you’re doing your part to send less to the landfill. Small changes collectively make a difference.

 

  1. Responsible Sourcing of Proteins: Casting a Net for Sustainability

Protein plays an important role in many ketogenic diets, as followers commonly eat meat, poultry, and fish. However, the environmental impact of these protein sources differs greatly depending on how they are raised or caught.

By selecting proteins from sustainable sources, like wild-caught fish, people can reduce the effects of their food decisions on the planet and support the humane treatment of animals.

Environmental-conscious organizations, like Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch, offer helpful tools and tips for choosing seafood that won’t harm marine life, giving consumers knowledge to decide on healthy protein options for both humans and the environment.

 

  1. Minimizing Food Waste: From Farm to Fork

We all know that a ketogenic diet focuses on feeling our best through wholesome, unprocessed nutrients. But did you know that what we don’t eat can make just as big an impact?

Global food waste accounts for around 8% of greenhouse gasses each year. As keto kings and queens, cutting down on leftovers is our chance to feel good inside and out.

Meal prep is the key – planning healthy keto meals and only cooking what you’ll truly enjoy means less ends up forgotten in the back of the fridge.

Portion control is also our secret weapon, dishing perfect plates to satisfy without stuffing. And get creative with leftovers! Scramble eggs with yesterday’s steak or blend smoothies from last night’s salad – your trash will be someone else’s treat.

Once we’ve made the most of our meals, composting organic scraps does wonders. Those peelings and bones give back to Mother Nature, building rich soil and growing more nutritious plants. So by loving our bodies with low-carb eats and loving the earth in return, we nourish ourselves while nurturing our planet, too.

 

  1. Supporting Local Food Systems: Nurturing Community Resilience

There are so many positive ways we can promote sustainability within our ketogenic lifestyles! Connecting with local food systems is a fun and impactful choice.

When purchasing fresh foods directly from nearby farms and producers, we reduce carbon emissions from long-distance shipping while strengthening our community ties. Farmers’ markets offer a great shopping experience surrounded by ingredients perfect for keto recipes.

Community farms welcome volunteers to experience farm life firsthand. And farm-to-table restaurants pride themselves on sourcing from sustainable growers right in their backyard.

 

  1. Embracing Plant-Based Alternatives: Cultivating a Greener Plate

More and more people are discovering the benefits of a plant-powered ketogenic diet. Options like avocado, coconut, and olive oil deliver all the healthy fats your body needs to feel its best. No animals are harmed, and it is way better for the environment, too!

Can’t forget about protein – tofu, tempeh, and beans are awesome alternatives that support sustainability. Your health and the health of the planet both win with a keto approach featuring fabulous plant foods. Feel good knowing you’re nourishing yourself and nurturing the earth.

 

Conclusion: Striking a Balance for Health and Planet

The ketogenic diet is all about feeling your best through nourishing meals while saving the planet. As a growing movement, keto has the power to promote wellness from the individual to the global level. By choosing organic and locally sourced ingredients, reducing food waste, and even finding plant-based keto swaps, we can feel good while doing good for the planet.

Whether it’s shopping at farmers’ markets to support small growers, bulk meal prepping to eliminate excess packaging, or flexitarians exploring veggie-focused keto recipes, every decision moves us closer to healthier people and a healthier planet.

This journey is all about constant improvement – taking even small steps to align our nutrition with sustainability. Each meal is an opportunity to fuel our bodies and drive positive change. Together, through mindful choices, we can thrive on keto in a way that allows the earth and future generations to thrive, too.

 

Author Bio: Veronica Turner is a health and lifestyle writer with over 10 years of experience. She creates compelling content on nutrition, fitness, mental health, and overall wellness.

 

Please also review AIHCP’s Health Care Certification programs and see if it meets your academic and professional goals.  These programs are online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification.

Healthcare Life Coaching Advice for 2024 Wellness!

Posted on by Dominick Flarey
A figure at a fork in the road. One road is junk food and the other is healthy options.
Healthcare Life Coaching is all about making the best choice!

By – James M. Katz, BA

In today’s fast-paced world, maintaining optimal health and well-being can often feel like an uphill battle. Between work, family, and personal obligations, it’s easy to neglect our own health and put our well-being on the backburner. However, there is a solution that can help transform your approach to health and wellness: healthcare life coaching.

Life coaching is a powerful tool that can guide you on your journey to optimal health. It combines the principles of traditional life coaching with a deep understanding of the healthcare system and the unique challenges individuals face when it comes to their well-being. By working with a healthcare life coach, you can gain the knowledge, support, and motivation you need to take charge of your health and transform your life.

Healthcare Coaching advice can come from a number of sources. As seen in the quoted article below, it details small yet meaningful resolutions you can follow to improve your health and well-being into the new year! They article shows these resolutions don’t have to be monstrous or life altering to help improve your health and wellness.  The author suggests simple changes like a new health routine or simply expressing gratitude. For the full article please click the link below.

Making New Year’s resolutions is easy. Keeping them is hard. Too often, we set resolutions to make sweeping, multistep changes that are well-intentioned but unrealistic.

One year, I resolved to prep our family meals for the week every Sunday. I bought containers to store each meal, created a menu and grocery list, went shopping, and then came home with all the food, only to realize I was completely unmotivated to give up my Sunday afternoon cooking a week’s worth of meals at once. Instead, I decided to make each meal as needed, as I always did.

4 simple daily health resolutions that matter more than you think. By Dana Santas, CNN. Published 5:00 AM EST, Sun December 31, 2023

Full Article Here

Commentary:

Understanding the role of a healthcare life coach

A healthcare life coach is a trained professional who specializes in helping individuals achieve their health and wellness goals. Unlike traditional healthcare providers, who focus primarily on diagnosing and treating medical conditions, healthcare life coaches take a holistic approach to well-being. They work with clients on a one-on-one basis, addressing not only physical health but also the emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects of well-being.

One of the key roles of a healthcare life coach is to act as a guide and mentor. They help clients navigate the often complex healthcare system, providing them with the information they need to make informed decisions about their health. They also support clients in setting realistic goals and developing a personalized plan of action to achieve those goals. Whether it’s losing weight, managing stress, or improving overall fitness, a healthcare life coach can provide the guidance and accountability needed to succeed.

Benefits of healthcare life coaching

The benefits of life coaching are numerous and far-reaching. One of the primary benefits is the ability to gain a deeper understanding of your own health and well-being. Through working with a healthcare life coach, you can gain insights into your habits, behaviors, and beliefs that may be impacting your health. This self-awareness can be a powerful catalyst for change, leading to improved overall well-being.

Another key benefit of healthcare life coaching is the personalized support and accountability it provides. Unlike other wellness programs or self-help approaches, healthcare life coaching is tailored to the individual. Your coach will work with you to develop a customized plan that takes into account your unique needs, preferences, and circumstances. They will also provide ongoing support and encouragement, helping you stay motivated and on track towards your goals.A lady standing in her kitchen choosing a vegetable.

How healthcare life coaching can transform your well-being

Healthcare life coaching has the potential to transform your well-being in profound ways. By addressing all aspects of health – physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual – you can experience a holistic transformation that positively impacts every area of your life.

One of the ways healthcare life coaching can transform your well-being is by helping you make sustainable lifestyle changes. Many people struggle with making lasting changes to their health habits because they approach it from a place of deprivation or punishment. Healthcare life coaching takes a different approach, focusing on empowering you to make choices that align with your values and priorities. This shift in mindset can lead to long-term, sustainable change that improves your overall well-being.

Another way healthcare life coaching can transform your well-being is by helping you develop a positive relationship with yourself and your body. In a society that often places unrealistic expectations on appearance and promotes negative body image, it can be challenging to cultivate self-acceptance and self-love. A healthcare life coach can help you challenge limiting beliefs, develop a positive body image, and cultivate self-compassion. This newfound self-acceptance and self-love can have a profound impact on your overall well-being.

The importance of setting goals in healthcare coaching

Setting goals is an integral part of the healthcare life coaching process. Goals provide a clear direction and focus, giving you something to work towards. They also serve as a benchmark for progress, allowing you to track your success and celebrate your achievements along the way.

When setting goals in healthcare life coaching, it’s important to be specific and measurable. Vague goals, such as “get healthy” or “lose weight,” are difficult to track and can lead to frustration and lack of motivation. Instead, set goals that are specific and measurable, such as “exercise for 30 minutes, three times a week” or “reduce sugar intake to less than 25 grams per day.” This level of specificity allows you to track your progress and make adjustments as needed.

In addition to being specific and measurable, goals in healthcare life coaching should also be realistic and achievable. Setting unrealistic goals can set you up for failure and undermine your confidence. Instead, set goals that are challenging yet attainable, considering your current circumstances and resources. Your healthcare life coach can help you set goals that are both realistic and aligned with your long-term vision for optimal health.

Techniques and strategies used in wellness coaching

Healthcare coaching encompasses a wide range of techniques and strategies designed to support your well-being journey. These techniques are tailored to your individual needs and goals, ensuring that you receive the support and guidance you need to succeed.

One commonly used technique in healthcare life coaching is motivational interviewing. This approach involves asking open-ended questions and actively listening to your responses. Through this process, your healthcare life coach can help you explore your motivations, values, and priorities, and identify any barriers or challenges that may be preventing you from achieving your goals. Motivational interviewing can be a powerful tool for increasing self-awareness and generating intrinsic motivation for change.

Another technique used in healthcare life coaching is goal-setting. As mentioned earlier, setting goals is an essential part of the coaching process. Your healthcare life coach will work with you to set SMART goals – goals that are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound. They will also help you break down your goals into smaller, more manageable steps, making it easier to stay on track and measure your progress.

Finding the right healthcare life coach for you

Finding the right healthcare coach is crucial to the success of your well-being journey. A good fit between you and your coach is essential for building trust, establishing rapport, and creating a supportive and empowering coaching relationship.

When searching for a life coach, it’s important to consider their qualifications and experience. Look for a coach who has completed a recognized coaching program and has experience working with clients in a healthcare setting. It’s also a good idea to ask for references or testimonials from previous clients to get a sense of their coaching style and approach.

In addition to qualifications and experience, it’s important to find a coach who you feel comfortable with and can trust. Schedule an initial consultation or discovery session to get to know the coach and determine if you have a good rapport. Trust your intuition and choose a coach who you feel understands your needs and can support you in achieving your goals.

Integrating healthcare coaching into your overall wellness routine

Healthcare Life Coaching advice: a lady holding a small salad in a bowl.
Health and Wellness is simple when you have the right life coach!

Integrating life coaching into your overall wellness routine is a powerful way to enhance your journey towards optimal health. While healthcare life coaching can be transformative on its own, it is most effective when combined with other wellness practices and resources.

One way to integrate healthcare coaching into your overall wellness routine is to combine it with regular exercise. Physical activity has numerous benefits for both physical and mental well-being, and when combined with coaching, it can amplify the impact. Your healthcare life coach can help you develop an exercise plan that aligns with your goals and provides the support and accountability you need to stay motivated.

Another way to integrate healthcare life coaching into your wellness routine is to incorporate it into your self-care practices. Self-care is essential for maintaining optimal health and well-being, and coaching can provide the guidance and motivation you need to prioritize self-care in your daily life. Your healthcare coach can help you develop a personalized self-care routine that addresses your unique needs and supports your overall well-being.

Conclusion: Taking the first step towards optimal health with a healthcare life coach

Embarking on a journey towards optimal health and well-being can be both exciting and overwhelming. However, with the support and guidance of a healthcare coach, you can navigate the path with confidence and transform your life.

Healthcare coaching offers a unique approach to well-being, combining the principles of traditional life coaching with a deep understanding of the healthcare system. Through personalized support, goal-setting, and a range of techniques and strategies, healthcare life coaching can help you make sustainable lifestyle changes, develop a positive relationship with yourself and your body, and achieve your health and wellness goals.

So, take that first step towards optimal health today. Find a qualified healthcare coach who resonates with you, and embark on a journey of self-discovery, growth, and transformation. Your well-being deserves it.

Ready to transform your well-being with healthcare coaching? We offer a certification program in Healthcare Life Coaching. It’s 100% online, on open enrollment and self-paced. If you’d like more information in regards to our Life Coaching program please follow this link.

References:

Cleveland Clinic – Health Coaches 

NBHWC – National Board of Health and Wellness Coaching 

Additional Resources:

Does health coaching improve health-related quality of life and reduce hospital admissions in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease? A systematic review and meta-analysis. Hannah Long, Et al. British Journal of Health Psychology. Volume24, Issue3 September 2019 Pages 515-546

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Personal Health Coaching as a Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Self-Management Strategy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Pirbaglou M, Et al.  American Journal of Health Promotion. 2018;32(7):1613-1626. doi:10.1177/0890117118758234

Access link here 

Adolescents’ Use of Digital Technologies and Preferences for Mobile Health Coaching in Public Mental Health Settings.  Aschbrenner Kelly A., Et al. Frontiers in Public Health VOLUME=7 YEAR=2019 DOI=10.3389/fpubh.2019.00178 ISSN=2296-2565

Access link here 

Telemedicine-Based Health Coaching Is Effective for Inducing Weight Loss and Improving Metabolic Markers. Kelly E. Johnson, Et al. Telemedicine and e-Health Vol. 25, No. 25 Feb 2019

Access link here