There are many people advertising as life coaches, nutritional coaches, or wellness consultants. The majority of them are not certified. To become certified, you have to prove you understand what has been presented in a course by passing an exam. Obviously, exams can be simple or difficult, but to advertise success in a program, most don’t want the exam to be too difficult. At this time, in the United States, there is no standardized exam for life coaches.
I happen to be a registered nurse, certified in diabetes education with a Bachelor degree in Nutrition and a special interest in children. In other words, to become an RN one is required to pass a national standardized test for nurses. Then after two years of specialized experience in diabetes, one has to pass another national standardized test for diabetes educators. Plus required continuing education to stay current in the medical field. Unlike so many of the other life coaches, I consider myself a Professional Wellness Coach. If need be, I can consult with doctors and registered dieticians and other certified diabetes educators. I believe, when dealing with children’s health issues, it is important to work with a medical professional team.
There are many American Association of Diabetes Educators (CDEs) in America. Some CDEs are registered nurses, some are registered dieticians, some pharmacists, some exercise experts, some nurse practitioners. They come from many areas of expertise. My point is, find someone who can understands you and can help you the most with your child’s needs.
I have a bachelor degree in nursing with a second bachelor degree in nutrition. I can help with diabetes disease progression, and general nutrition. Sometimes diabetes have specific nutritional needs like celiac disease. Those individuals need to find a registered dietician to work with (aka not me). I am willing to evaluate your case, but I may refer you to another professional. I am not a doctor or a nurse practitioner (NP) . I do not adjust medication or diagnose conditions. I make referrals when needed.
I have worked a lot with teens and their families with health issues.
Parents really want the best for their children but their kids want independence. I understand when teens want to make their own decisions. Unfortunately while they are living with their parents, this is really outside of their control. Let’s see if we can bridge that gap and come together.
I have a real passion for early diagnosis of prediabetes and diabetes prevention programs. Research shows that 58% of the time, diabetes can be prevented of delayed through life-style changes in people under 60 years old. In people over 60 the success rate jumps to 70% (I think they are more motivated due to their age.) I know, early detection and diagnosis of prediabetes is key to the control of diabetes and the damage high blood sugars can do on the body. Unfortunately in children, early detection and diagnoses of prediabetes is not possible. Pediatric health can be very complicated because they are growing and then hormone changes begin in puberty. There may never be a clear medical diagnosis for prediabetes in children, but the CDC has established risk factors. The main issue is controlling weight in children.
We know obesity put people at risk for all kinds of health issues; high blood pressure, cholesterol problems, gall bladder problems, joint pain, is just the beginning. I have seen it all in young teens. I have also seen 4 year olds diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. It doesn’t have to be this way. As parents we can control the future health problems in our children.
Let’s make a real difference in your family’s future! Email me at Julie@kidsatriskfordiabetes