faiezkirsten.com

 

Albert Einstein said that a problem cannot be solved with the same level of thinking or consciousness that created it but by a higher level of thinking or consciousness. The solution to the problem of healthcare affordability then is for people to do everything they can to remain as healthy and well as they can for as long as they can - or for as much of the time as they can. This is of course something that is entirely possible and the benefits derived from achieving such a status are many, including massive cost savings on healthcare expenditure.

 

In most companies the following percentages of employees have poor lifestyle habits that impact negatively on their healthcare costs and productivity:
* Poor exercise habits 32.4%
* Poor nutritional habits 20.2%
* Excessively high or low weight 20.0%
* Current tobacco user 19.1%
* High cholesterol 18.5%
* High stress 18.5%
* Excessive alcohol use 3.7%
* Depression 2.2%

 

The health of company employees in South Africa is no better. A study conducted by renowned sports scientist Professor Tim Noakes indicated that less than 15% of employees reach their daily required intake of fruit and vegetables, 20% smoke and a massive 88% did not meet the minimum recommended level of daily health-enhancing physical activity. In addition 20% had raised blood cholesterol levels with a similar numbers having a raised blood pressure and body mass. These factors contribute to the increased the risk of developing chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, strokes and respiratory problems, which all in turn lead to the problems of absenteeism and presenteeism.

 

So what can be done about these problems? Answer: All of the above can be improved with individualized online coaching.
In fact the risk of developing many acute and chronic physical and emotional illnesses can be significantly reduced by cessation of smoking, controlling weight, improving nutrition, reducing stress levels and increasing exercise.
It has been shown that all of these goals are achievable by online health coaching.

 

Return on Investment
Many studies have shown that the Return on Investment or ROI for both companies and individuals who invest in health coaching is significant. For example in 'The Cost of Wellness" from the Wellness Councils of America, 2004, the ROI average is $3 for every $1 invested (in personal coaching). Some Fortune 500 companies have even achieved a much higher reduction in costs than the industry average, and consequently a higher ROI ($5 for every $1invested) through health coaching.
One survey done amongst the members of an online health coaching program found the following:
* Member Success: 94% of participants reached their primary goal.
* Member Satisfaction: 96% reported overall satisfaction "good to excellent".

 

Coaching has thus been proven to provide an excellent ROI compared to other health interventions.
In the USA, as in South Africa internet use is growing in leaps and bounds. In the USA specifically more than 100 million adults now use the internet for health or medical purposes. In South Africa a similar trend is occurring i.e. more and more people are using the internet for these purposes also. It is projected that the online health coaching industry is set to enjoy significant and massive growth.

 

Research has in fact shown the following with respect to Personalized Online Health Coaching viz. that:
* It is significantly more effective for weight management than programs that provide only education, information, tools and resources.
* The results obtained are significantly superior as those obtained with static, information-only websites.
* It is as effective as face-to-face consultations with respect to weight management.
* In many instances patients prefer online support or coaching as opposed to support provided by a primary care physician.
* It is very effective in managing cardiovascular disease.

 

In addition to the above it has also been found that Online Health Coaching:
* Saves much more time as compared to telephonic health coaching.
* Is much more convenient than telephonic coaching and a more effective teaching model.
* Allows clients to feel more "at ease" and are also more willing to share their concerns i.e. they are more open due to the relative anonymity offered by the online coaching model as compared to telephonic or even face-to-face coaching. This enables the coach to identify the root cause of the person's problem much more quickly and thus help the individual bring about the necessary changes in their life more quickly and effectively.
* Enables client and coaches to interact much more frequently - and thus for coaches to provide more support - at much lower cost than other models.

 

 

Please login to post comments or replies.