A health coach is a free, confidential, non-judgmental partner who can help you focus on what is within your control. Learn to make simple and sustainable changes, overcome obstacles, and create strategies to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Typical health coaching focus areas include energy, nutrition, exercise, stress management, and nicotine cessation. Work with a coach to:
- Develop a personalized plan for your goals.
- Receive support and accountability.
- Build lasting skills to maintain your well-being.
Ways to Participate in Health Coach Services
University of Iowa regular employees in a 50% or greater appointment (including house staff) are eligible for free health coaching.
| Individual Coaching | Group Coaching | Onsite Coaching |
|---|---|---|
|
Discussion is specific and led by the participant. |
Discussion is specific by the group. Individuals may enroll in group coaching programs to discuss nutrition, stress management, or physical activity, etc. |
Discussion is specific and led by the participant. |
|
Visits done in confidential, one-on-one setting. Includes up to 5 visits per 12 months. |
3-4 Weekly or biweekly visits are done in a group setting to build support. |
Initial visits are done in a confidential space onsite within the unit or department. Includes up to 5 visits per 12 months. |
|
Meet with a health coach in person, on the phone, or virtually. |
Meet with a group in person or virtually. |
For follow up visits, meet with a health coach in person, on the phone, or virtually. |
Small Changes, Big Results
Health Coaching Success Stories
Brett Cloyd Recalls His Experience with Health Coaching
Brett Cloyd worked with health coach Carla Melby over ten years ago. He sat down with us to encourage his fellow UI employees to make use of this beneficial service.
FAQs
No problem! You can still work with a health coach as long as you meet eligibility requirements of being a UI faculty or staff in a 50 percent or greater, regular position and have completed your Personal Health Assessment. Simply call 319-353-2973 or email livewell@uiowa.edu to get started.
With your consent, the information from the Personal Health Assessment and any referrals to a Health Coach or other liveWELL programs can be shared directly with your health care provider. These programs are designed to work collaboratively with your health care provider and offer you resources that may be beneficial to your health. However, no communication will occur without your written consent.
No. Your participation in Health Coaching and any other wellness programs is completely voluntary and you will not see any changes to your health insurance premiums.
The university’s health plans are considered self-insured, which means the university is responsible for the costs of the claims incurred. We hope that one benefit of liveWELL programs is a reduction in health care claims from health plan participants, and a measurable savings to the university health plans. Information is not shared with Wellmark. Limited UI Wellness staff will have administrative access to individual and aggregate information.
You may complete the Personal Health Assessment during work time if your workload allows. It should take 15-20 minutes to complete.
Meetings with a health coach must be done on non-work time or by receiving permission from your supervisor. The same is true for participation in any subsequent liveWELL programs. If you are unable to participate on work time, you can use vacation time to participate.
Health coaching appointments are available between 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday - Friday. Evening appointments after 5:00 p.m. are available 1-2 days per week from Monday - Thursday.