People Power

Monitor Your Progress And Meet Your Goals

By 

Bridget M.M. Simpson

ACE Personal Trainer

Masters of Health Services Management

Health care in our nation is a complex industry that attempts to meet the needs of a diverse population with a full spectrum of services.  In addition to general practitioners, specialists are available to offer additional care in the form of diagnostics, treatment plans, and most importantly, information.  Often, a visit to the doctor generates more questions on a range of issues, not just of the medical issue at hand, but the administrative concerns relating to how the care will be covered, what it will ultimately cost the consumer, and how the process will be navigated.

I once read Dr. Spock’s seminal work, Baby and Child Care, and remember one bit of reassurance that has stayed with me:  “Trust yourself.  You know more than you think you do.”  That applies to all of us, even in matters of health care.  If we are attentive, we will realize that there are many times when information will be presented to us that will cause us to think, “Wait a minute, I already knew that.”  One thing we need is a way to compile information in a way that reminds us of what we know, and enables us to be proactive in matters of our own health care, even as we consult with medical personnel.  Our priority is twofold:  We need to become a healthier nation and we need to spend less on our medical care whenever it is possible and appropriate. 

We are already seeing an increased awareness of the impact of lifestyle changes on health.  While some choices may contribute to risk factors, other choices may reduce risk factors.  When people become proactive regarding their wellness, it is helpful to do so within a framework of goals and rewards.  Goals can be as basic as being able to navigate from the car to the living-room with a bag of groceries, or a grandiose as participating in an IronMan triathlon.  In each case, people will have moments of progress, which I call Personal Best.  Your Personal Best is unique.  Many workplaces are incorporating workplace wellness programs in order to capitalize on the potential for healthier employees to qualify for lower priced premiums, which benefit both the employee and the employer.    

The Columbia Association in Columbia, Maryland, has what they call the WINN Program, which stands for When If Not Now.  It is aimed at new fitness center members who are interested in being introduced to the facilities with the help of a WINN coach who evaluates the WINNer’s medical limitations (based on a doctor’s input), possible impact prescription drugs may have on workouts, and interests.  The WINNer is informed about various group fitness activities appropriate to her level of expertise, and encouraged to try new things.  All WINNers are personally educated in the weight rooms to ensure proper posture and a workout is tailored to their needs and abilities.   WINNers use a low-tech chart to keep track of what machines they use, how many sets, and how many repetitions per set.  This chart allows a WINNer or coach to quickly scan weeks of work to see progress.  Being able to see clear evidence of progress can be motivating when a WINNer feels that she has not been making progress.  

My People Power goal is to introduce non-medical professionals and non-professional support groups into the lifestyle of a person interested in addressing the following general health concerns:  prevention, awareness of treatment options, and cost containment.  Health care is too important to take on faith, even if that faith is invested in a trusted doctor.  People need to be aware of options, but also, people need to be mindful of the importance of their own contribution and progress.  Culturally, we are conditioned to always see a fault that needs correction and to seek help to improve ourselves, and this can mean we overlook important accomplishments.  I would like people to look at their efforts and see accomplishments within the context of their own situations.