Expressing support for health and wellness coaches and "National Health and Wellness Coach Recognition Week".

Whereas February 12, 2018, through February 18, 2018, is National Health and Wellness Coach Recognition Week;

Whereas lifestyle-related chronic diseases are at the heart of the current health care crisis in the United States;

Whereas the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has deemed chronic disease the public health challenge of the 21st century;

Whereas decades of research have linked lifestyle factors, such as inactivity, poor diet, tobacco smoking, and sustained stress, with increased risk for major illnesses and death;

Whereas attempts to reduce these lifestyle-related chronic diseases and costs have proven to be financially unsustainable within a system that rewards hospitalizations and invasive procedures;

Whereas incentives for interventions and technologies that achieve desired outcomes such as outpatient care, risk management, patient support, and health coaching should be encouraged;

Whereas a large gap exists between health care provider recommendations and sustainable health-related behavior change;

Whereas health coaches are a new type of health care worker who serve as wellness guides and supportive mentors that motivate individuals to cultivate positive health choices and move them toward those specific goals;

Whereas health coaches serve a vital role in improving an individual’s wellness that complements and does not replace the work of health care professionals; and

Whereas there are an increasing number of studies that show the effectiveness of health and wellness coaches in improving individual health and wellness and reducing health care costs: Now, therefore, be it