Gerber Memorial Hospital

Gerber Memorial kicks off new health and wellness coaching program

June 5, 2020

FREMONT, Mich., June 4, 2020 – Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial is now offering a new health and wellness coaching program with a certified health professional to help people improve their overall health and wellbeing through changes in mindset and behaviors.

“The goal of health and wellness coaching is to help people develop sustainable healthy lifestyles so they can foster overall wellbeing,” said J.J. Schafer, Gerber Memorial fitness coordinator and a Wellcoach certified health and wellness coach. “The coach partners with the client to step through mental and physical barriers, for lasting change. During our time spent together, I can help the individual set attainable goals that align with their values.  As we all experience significant changes in our world today, reconnecting with our vision of staying healthy and well is more critical than ever. Our health and wellness coaching program is part of our effort at Gerber Memorial to care for the whole person.” 

To sign up for a session, call Schafer at 231.924.1894 or email Jehricole.Schafer@spectrumhealth.org. An individual 60-minute session is $40; a 30-minute session is $25. The Overall Well-being package program is also available for $150. The 6-week package includes a 60-minute kick start session with five 30-minute sessions during the next five weeks. Sessions can be performed in person, as well as remotely, via live teleconference and over the phone.

Schafer will help participants of the program identify their priorities and develop a personalized wellness plan that includes three-month goals, a vision and next steps. This process is expected to take 60 minutes. Subsequent 30-minute coaching sessions are for reviewing vision and goals, and exploring and resolving progress and obstacles.

To obtain the nationally accredited Wellcoach certification, Schafer sat for several exams and multiple individual mentoring sessions after completing a rigorous four-and-a-half-month training program. The certification is open to individuals with an associate’s degree or higher in a health-related field from an accredited institute of higher education, a fitness certification and other professional certifications or clinical licenses. It is also the first step to be eligible to earn the designation of “National Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach,” one of the only certification programs that meets the requirements.

“Health and wellness coaching can benefit everyone, and is especially helpful for those who want accountability for creating and maintaining behavior change physically, emotionally, mentally and socially,” Schafer said. “I chose to pursue this certification because I’m passionate about health and wellness and our coaching program will help individuals reach their fullest health potential beyond eating the perfect diet and exercising.”

People are at the heart of everything we do, and the inspiration for our legacy of outstanding outcomes, innovation, strong community partnerships, philanthropy and transparency. Corewell Health is a not-for-profit health system that provides health care and coverage with an exceptional team of 60,000+ dedicated people—including more than 11,500 physicians and advanced practice providers and more than 15,000 nurses providing care and services in 21 hospitals, 300+ outpatient locations and several post-acute facilities—and Priority Health, a provider-sponsored health plan serving more than 1.3 million members. Through experience and collaboration, we are reimagining a better, more equitable model of health and wellness. For more information, visit corewellhealth.org.

Contact:
Azlan Ibrahim
Communications Manager
Office: 231.924.1264
Mobile: 616.227-1940
Email: azlan.ibrahim@spectrumhealth.org