We are thrilled to announce some amazing news: January 12-18th has received Congressional recognition as National Health Coach Week!

In a letter shared with Integrative Nutrition, U.S. Representative Tim Ryan congratulated Health Coaches on the importance of their work:

 “The United States faces a health crisis due in large part to the prevalence of costly chronic conditions, which are largely brought on by poor lifestyle choices… It is vital that Health and Wellness Coaches continue to expand their good work, the nation needs it … I want to congratulate the progress made by Health and Wellness Coaches and wish them the best during National Health and Wellness Coach Week.”

Read the full letter from Congressman Ryan here!

Obesity, Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and other preventable illnesses are at the heart of the current health crisis, and Health Coaches are poised to make a real difference.

The current healthcare paradigm depends on invasive surgeries and medications to manage symptoms rather than identifying and preventing the root cause of illness. Food, exercise, sleep, stress management – these day-to-day choices are vitally important, but they are all too often overlooked by healthcare providers.

Over the past 23 years, Integrative Nutrition has paved the way for a new approach. An increasing number of studies are showing that health coaching improves outcomes and is highly effective in improving people’s health.

More institutions are now recognizing the importance of health coaching, and it is so exciting to now see the Integrative Nutrition community valued by an influential member of Congress.

The purpose of Health Coach Week is to increase the visibility and viability of IIN students and graduates and celebrate the positive change they bring to their clients, families, schools, and communities. Throughout the week we’ll be sharing stories of career success, transformation, and inspiration.

We’d like to extend a huge thank you to Congressman Ryan as well as to all of you, who do incredible work every day! With this news, we are one step closer to our mission: to improve health and happiness, and through that process, create a ripple effect that transforms the world.

Join us in this week of celebration! Share your success, excitement, and inspiration with us in the comments below and use the hashtag #iinhealthcoach across social media!