By: Lou Hipps RN,
Asheville, NC
Employers (trucking companies), or insurance providers would provide Health and/or Wellness Coaches for the drivers. The drivers could also hire the coach. Coaching can be done over the telephone at a time that is convenient for the trucker and focuses on the desires and goals of the client. The trucker then has the tools to make positive lifestyle changes that are permanent.
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Response from Vicki:
Thanks for your submission, Lou.
Drivers, at the time that we received this submission, I emailed Lou for more information. The following is our exchange, edited slightly.
Mike and I realize (because we’ve been there) how difficult it is for drivers to maintain their health and wellness on the road. If you need a health and wellness coach, please carefully evaluate all of your options. In this particular area of life, a less expensive option may not give you the quality you’re looking for. Hiring a health and wellness coach may be the ticket toward preventing a more serious or even life-threatening health condition.
Without further ado, here is Lou’s and my email exchange…
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My first email to Lou (edited slightly):
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Hello, Lou,
Thank you for your submission of a Health and Wellness idea through this page of our website
https://truck-drivers-money-saving-tips.com/health-and-wellness/.
Before we approve this (or slightly edited) submission on our website, I would like to have more information. If you would be so kind, please answer these questions:
1. Where do trucking companies find health/wellness coaches?
2. What qualifications do the health/wellness coaches have?
3. Who employs the health/wellness coaches?
4. What kind of coaching do the coaches perform, either through the trucking company or privately by the drivers?
5. Does any of the coaching amount to a system of accountability, such as with weight loss or quitting smoking?
6. Who is your employer?
7. What online resource can you recommend where I can learn more once I receive your answers?
Thanks in advance for your reply.
Best regards,
Vicki Simons
https://truck-drivers-money-saving-tips.com/
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Lou’s response to me (edited slightly):
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Hi Vicki,
Thank you for your inquiries. I have so many patients that are truckers and I have seen such a need for help with their lifestyles. My sister is in the trucking business(selling services) and I am interested in pursuing a way to promote a healthier lifestyle for the trucking industry. I believe in coaching and it works. I would be glad to give you an example if you would like. I know that your website is informational and not promotional; I just want to promote coaching.
1. Where do trucking companies find health/wellness coaches?
Wellcoaches Inc. is a company that trains,certifies, and can also provide coaches. There are also many qualified coaches in private practice.
2. What qualifications do the health/wellness coaches have?
See www.wellcoach.com and www.wellcoaches.com for all prerequisites for training and certification. Certified coaches are already medical or health related professionals that incorporate their expert knowledge with their skills for encouraging lifelong behavioral change.
3. Who employs the health/wellness coaches?
I personally am employed by a Hospital in Cardiac Rehab, but also have my personal coaching practice. Blue Cross/Blue Shield uses Health Coaches for their cardiac patients. Many corporate Wellness programs use coaches to promote lifestyle changes with their education.
4. What kind of coaching do the coaches perform, either through the trucking company or privately by the drivers?
Coaching is a partnership to clarify a persons vision and goals. This can be done individually or in groups, in person, or over the phone(bridge lines for groups). Coaching uses already proven psychological techniques and methods to produce lasting change and promote self-efficacy. Clients are encouraged to participate for at least 3 months to establish healthier habits.
5. Does any of the coaching amount to a system of accountability, such as with weight loss or quitting smoking?
Yes, the client develops a healthy vision, 3 month behavioral goals(actions consistently involved in), and then weekly goals. The client is accountable to himself, the coach, and if in a group, the group members.
6. Who is your employer? Mission Hospital. My thoughts are my own and not generated by the hospital. My own personal business is HealthTrekCoaching.
7. What online resource can you recommend where I can learn more once I receive your answers?
The 2 previous Wellcoach websites will provide a lot of information. This company is supported by the ACSM–American College of Sports Medicine.
You can look at my website www.HealthTrekCoaching.com.
Lou Hipps RN
Cetified Health and Wellness Coach
{phone number and email address deleted}
HealthTrekCoaching.com [no longer online as of June 2022]
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I did send a follow-up email (edited to delete parts not needed here):
… One of the things that concerns me is the money aspect. I’m sure that one-on-one health coaching or wellness coaching must be a little pricey. I understand that there is a preventative aspect to some health matters. For example, if a trucker needs to lose 100 pounds to help avert a heart attack, alleviate high blood pressure, or help retard obstructive sleep apnea, one-on-one coaching might be worth the cost. As you know, our site is geared toward money saving tips for truck drivers.
Given the foregoing, I have a few more questions which I’d appreciate your answers to:
* Is there a set number of appointments that a client would make with a health coach?
* How much would each appointment cost (or does it depend on the coach or other factors)?
* What money saving tips can you provide on this subject?
Thanks again for your help.
Best regards,
Vicki Simons
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I have not received a reply to the follow-up. However, it is possible that there was a technical glitch and Lou did not receive it.
Drivers, if you need a health and wellness coach, please do your research carefully.
On behalf of Mike and me, we wish you safe travels and lots of money saving opportunities on the road.
Best regards,
Vicki Simons
https://truck-drivers-money-saving-tips.com/
Note: In June 2022, links in this post were updated.