WHAT INFLUENCES LIFESTYLE CHOICES AND HOW CAN WE CHANGE THEM?

Course overview

The prevention of chronic diseases lies in the choices people make every day. Decisions about what and how much to eat, level of physical activity, amount of sleep and many other health-related behaviors are self-determined and adaptable. Nutrition educators, wellness coaches and nurses have the potential to reverse the rising incidence of obesity, heart disease, diabetes and more if they can successfully help clients embrace healthier lifestyle choices. Recognizing the role of emotions, beliefs and personal preferences is key to this behavior change process. Practitioners will learn new ways to engage with clients that acknowledge their feelings and emotional needs before the transfer of knowledge is begun in order to spark the internal motivation needed for sustained behavior change.