The rising cost of medical treatment is causing many to rethink healthcare. More and more people struggle with health care premiums and companies are reducing medical benefits to cut expenses.



This gives rise to an increasing trend toward preventative healthcare measures.

Preventative healthcare lowers costs and allows people to assume responsibility for health, but it often requires a shift in thinking.

In addition to treating existing conditions, preventative healthcare methods require people to monitor lifestyle choices before problems arise. Education and self-awareness are vital to preventative healthcare.

Indeed, people seek medical information to reduce costs before they arise. Healthcare providers and nurses fill this need in their current positions at corporations, wellness facilities and, increasingly, in their own practices.

The first step in preventing healthcare problems is self-awareness. Being aware of current lifestyle choices-and their affects-indicates where change is needed.

Often there are a number of ways to prevent a health problem. The real challenge is to determine what needs attention before it becomes a problem.

Self-awareness and life balance are crucial to sustaining health. More recently, hospitals, universities, corporations and healthcare providers are relying on health and wellness coaching to determine their patients' lifestyle balance.

But self-awareness doesn't always lead to positive shifts in behavior. For many, making healthy choices means change and, inevitably, resistance. Even in the best cases, change comes gradually.

Along with desire, lasting change requires understanding, coaching, accountability and a supportive community.

To meet this rising need for self-awareness and ongoing support, Healthy Living and Balance is offering a Health and Wellness Certification Training Program for Healthcare Providers, April 19-22, 2007 in Atlanta, GA.

For more information and online registration, please visit