Most people know exactly what they need to do to improve their health (quit smoking, exercise more, eat healthier, etc.).  The challenge lies in turning a good intention into action. 

End the cycle today with My Wellness Coach.

My Wellness Coach is a service that allows you to work one on one with a personal coach to help you reach desired health and wellness goals.  

This service is FREE for AU faculty and staff and completely confidential. 
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 GETTING STARTED IS EASY:

1. Contact Laurie Tucker for more info or to schedule an appointment

          Appointments available beginning Wednesday, November 4

           mywellnesscoach@american.edu | 202.885.3566

           Wednesdays , 10:00 - 3:30 PM | Fridays, 10:00 - 3:00 PM
            
           3201 New Mexico Ave. - room 236A

2. Complete the online Personal Health Assessment*.  Don't forget to bring your wellness  
     scorecard to your first session.

3. Work one on one with your wellness coach to develop a personalized plan for a healthier
     YOU!

*Note:  While this step is not mandatory, it is highly recommended.  Keep in mind that all information is completely confidential. The online assessment is administered by a third party vendor.  All Information is encrypted and stored using secured socket layer technology.  AU does not have access to specific responses, i.e. you and your answers cannot be linked, and data is only available in aggregate form.

 

1. What is a wellness coach?
   A wellness coach is an expert in health and wellness that can not only help you set health and wellness related goals, but will assist in creating a plan to help you achieve them.  Follow-up sessions are typically provided to keep you on track.
   
   
2. What qualifications or credentials does a wellness coach have?
   A wellness coach has an educational and professional background in health education/promotion.  Wellness coaches are experts in the field and often have a four-year or graduate degree in a health related field, such as health education, health promotion, exercise science, kinesiology, or nutrition.  Wellness coaching certifications are also available and may take the place of a health related degree.
   
   
3. What are some examples of why I would meet with a wellness coach?
   Most people know exactly what they need to do in order to improve their health.  The challenge lies in taking the steps make and maintain the desired change.  A wellness coach can offer motivation and accountability to increase your chances of success.  Sample topics include weight management, smoking cessation, nutrition, physical activity, or sleep.
   
   
4. How much does it cost?
   My Wellness Coach is a free service offered as part of the University's Faculty and Staff Wellness Program (AhealthyU).
   
   
5. How many sessions do I get with the wellness coach?
   Faculty and staff are afforded 6 sessions per area of focus.  All sessions are one-on-one and may be held in person or telephonically.  Each session may last from 15-50 minutes, and is dependent upon the person and need.
   
   
6. How do I schedule a session?
   Scheduling a session is easy.  Simply contact Laurie Tucker, MS, CHES at
        202.885.3566 | mywellnesscoach@american.edu
   
   
7. What resources are available through the wellness coach?
   Occasionally, your coach may refer you to other professionals or resources who she believes may be better suited to help you achieve your goals, ex.  registered dietician.  In such cases, your coach will provide reasonable assistance in helping you find the needed resources. 
   
   
8. How is my personal information protected?
   All information shared with the wellness coach is completely confidential.  Program data reported out is done so in aggregate form only.  All wellness programs provided by AU are HIPAA compliant.  For details on how your personal information is protected, please review the Notice of Privacy Practices seen under "forms". 
   
   
9. What are some questions the wellness coach may ask during a session?
   The wellness coach will ask you a variety of questions that are meant to challenge you in an effort to help you achieve your desired change.  The following questions are examples of questions that you may be asked during a session:
   
   Can you describe what changes you'd like to see?
   
   What benefits do you envision as a result of making this change?
   
   What obstacles in making this change do you foresee?
   
   What can you do to overcome these obstacles?
   
   What drives your desire for this change? 
   
   
10. How does the "My Wellness Coach" program really work?  What should I expect to see from start to finish?
    1.  Contact Laurie Tucker to schedule your first session.
    
    2.  Take the online Personal Health Assessment.  To make the most of your sessions, we recommend completing the online Personal Health Assessment.  Be sure to print your personal report (AKA wellness scorecard) and bring it with you to your first meeting.  Remember, all information shared with your coach is completely confidential. 
    
    3.  Your first session will last about 45-50 minutes.  During this time, you and your coach will discuss your priorities and will begin to develop an action plan that is right for you.  This plan will include short and long term goals to ensure success. 
    
    4.  Follow up sessions.  Depending upon your needs, you and your coach will schedule follow up sessions.  You'll be afforded up to 6 sessions per area of focus over a period of up to 16 weeks.  Follow up sessions may last 15-45 minutes and may be held in person or by phone.  Please note that the number of total sessions, length of time per session, and duration of service is personalized to meet the needs of each participant. 
    
    5.  During each session, you and your coach will discuss any challenges or barriers to achieving your goals and find realistic solutions to overcoming these obstacles.  You and your coach will also identify areas of success so you know you're moving in the right direction.  Goals for upcoming weeks will also be determined to keep you on track. 
    
    6.  Assess your progress.  Upon completion, we recommend that you re-take the online Personal Health Assessment to see how your score may have improved.
    
    7.  Checking in.  Your wellness coach wants you to be successful.  Even after your sessions are complete, your wellness coach may contact you, by permission, via phone, mail, or email to check on your progress.