What Does a Wellness Consultant Do?
The wellness consultant is a fairly new concept that has gained popularity in recent years. In the last decade, an increasing amount of focus has been directed toward preventative medicine—maintaining a healthy lifestyle with the goal of preventing illness and disease. A wellness consultant is a person who assesses an individual's personal habits, then makes recommendations based on exercise, nutrition, and stress management. Wellness programs are especially popular in the workplace, where employers are beginning to notice an increase in productivity in healthy employees.
With corporate stress-related disability growing rapidly, it is no wonder there has been a rising need for wellness programs. Employment for wellness consultants has increased considerably, as corporations integrate programs with the hope of keeping their staff healthy and productive. Many companies now offer wellness programs in addition their employees regular health benefits. These programs develop fitness and nutrition programs for employees.
To become a certified wellness consultant, an individual must complete a number of courses on a range of subjects, and often take an exam. Certification programs are offered by several different organizations in a number of different countries, and requirements vary. Some science courses may necessary, including anatomy and physiology. Often, a student must be certified in first aid and CPR. A wellness consultant in training may also receive education on exercise, nutrition, and stress management.
When beginning a program with a new client, a wellness consultant must perform a comprehensive analysis of the client's current lifestyle and habits. This way he fully understands the needs of the client. He then will suggest simple solutions that the client can easily incorporate into her life. He will then track the clients progress and give guidance when needed.
Communication and approachability are very important for a wellness consultant. The consultant must be able to connect on a personal level in order to be effective. A certain amount of trust is needed for him to assess the client's strengths and weaknesses, and then offer suggestions without causing the client to feel uncomfortable or defensive. Many of the subjects addressed in a wellness program can be difficult for the client to discuss. The consultant must be able to make the client feel comfortable enough to openly talk about her fears and misgivings around these issues.
When a corporate wellness program is effectively designed and managed, it can be very successful. Wellness programs can help employers reach their goals of decreasing absenteeism as well as increasing productivity. Wellness programs also have been shown to decrease healthcare costs.
Written by Shannon Rist
