A Health Coach is a supportive partner who helps individuals make lasting lifestyle changes to improve their overall well-being and quality of life. Health Coaches work with people to develop healthier habits in areas such as nutrition, physical activity, stress management, sleep, and emotional well-being. Whether someone wants to lose weight, feel more energized, reduce stress, or simply live a healthier lifestyle, a Health Coach uses evidence-based strategies to help them achieve meaningful, sustainable results. While Health Coaches may provide information when asked, they don’t diagnose or prescribe unless licensed to do so in a specific healthcare field. How Does It Work? Health Coaching is a personalized and collaborative process. The coach helps the client clarify their vision of
More than half of all Americans report experiencing stress on a daily basis, making the United States one of the most stressed-out nations in the world. Unfortunately, chronic and long-term stress can greatly increase your risk of developing a serious health condition. Too much stress can lead to health issues such as insomnia, anxiety or depression, low morale, short temper, headaches, stomachaches, and back problems. What is stress? Stress is your body’s natural response to any type of demand. It is a feeling of emotional or physical tension in response to an event or thought that causes you to be angry, nervous or frustrated. For example, you may feel stressed out about meeting a deadline or when traveling. Short-term instances
The usage of social media and gaming has been a hot topic for a number of years, but only recently were studies conducted to truly understand the effects that prolonged online exposure can have on mental health and the brain. Not all connections to social media are negative though, and some benefits can come from a healthy balance of time online. Benefits can include: Communicate and stay up to date with family and friends around the world. Find new friends and communities; network with other people who share similar interests or ambitions. Join or promote worthwhile causes; raise awareness on important issues. Seek or offer emotional support during tough times. Find vital social connections if you live in a remote
May 2nd, 2025 by JoAnn Cranson By: Nick Galanis My name is Nick Galanis, and I am 13 years old in 7th grade. Throughout the year, I actively participate in five different sports: wrestling, swimming, cross country, track, and triathlon. I have a passion for pushing my limits in new competitive settings, and each sport offers exciting opportunities for personal growth while fostering teamwork as we all strive toward a shared goal. Wrestling, in particular, is one of my favorite sports. I thrive on the intensity of competition and deeply value the camaraderie of the team, which motivates me to consistently improve—becoming quicker, stronger, and setting new personal records. My name is Nick Galanis, and I am 13 years old
Let’s Fix That! Waking up after a full night of uninterrupted sleep feels amazing! Unfortunately, about 1 in 3 adults don’t get enough sleep. We hear a lot about the importance of a good night’s sleep and receive many tips on improving the quality and quantity of sleep. If you’re like me, understanding the reason behind things inspires lasting changes. Knowing that blue light from screens messes with my melatonin and that alcohol disrupts my sleep makes me want to put down my Kindle and skip the nightcap earlier in the evening. Why is sleep important? Sleep is not a luxury; it is essential for our physical, mental, and emotional health, as well as healing. Here are some of the
The Science Behind Sunlight and Mental Health The Sun does more than light up our world—it plays a powerful role in our mental well-being. One of the main ways it does this is by triggering the production of vitamin D in our skin. When ultraviolet B (UVB) rays from sunlight hit the skin, they stimulate the production of this essential nutrient. Vitamin D is closely linked to mood regulation, and low levels have been associated with depression and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Sunlight also influences the production of key brain chemicals: Serotonin: Exposure to sunlight increases the brain’s release of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that boosts mood and helps you feel calm and focused. This is one reason people often feel
Athletic Mentors