Ever wondered how healthcare systems shape public health across the globe? Join us as we welcome back Dr. Natalie Grinvalds, an expert with firsthand experience in both the American and UK healthcare systems, for a compelling exploration of their structural differences. Natalie, with her unique journey from the U.S. to England, shares invaluable insights into how exercise professionals can bridge the gap between medical care and wellness, offering a holistic approach that could transform health outcomes. This episode promises to unravel the contrasts between a privatized, for-profit model and a universal, tax-funded healthcare system.

Our discussion takes a deep dive into the heart of the UK's National Health Service (NHS), tracing its evolution and examining the pressing challenges it faces today. From long wait times exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic to the urgent need for digital transformation, we explore how the NHS is adapting to meet modern demands. We also spotlight the vital role fitness professionals could play in this landscape, supporting the shift towards community care and prevention—key elements in achieving broader public health goals.

Finally, we tackle the economic and social impacts of physical inactivity in both the United States and the United Kingdom, highlighting innovative solutions like the UK's exercise referral schemes. Dr. Grinvalds offers inspiring examples of collaboration between allied healthcare professionals, emphasizing the potential for lifestyle medicine to revolutionize our approach to wellness. By examining the strengths of each system, we uncover opportunities for mutual learning and improvement, paving the way for a future where integrated healthcare is not just a goal, but a reality.

Show Notes Page: https://wellnessparadoxpod.com/episode136

Our Guest: Dr. Natalie Grinvalds, PhD
Dr. Grinvalds currently works as a Research Associate with Sheffield Hallam University Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre (AWRC) on a one-year project focused understanding the lifestyle support needs (including physical activity, nutrition, and psychological support) people living with metastatic breast cancer. In this role, she utilizes a range of skills that include research methods, stakeholder engagement, leadership, project management, relationship building and topical expertise in physical activity, nutrition, health, and wellbeing.

Her qualifications include a PhD in Physical Activity, Health and Wellbeing, an MPH in Behavioural, Social and Community Health and a BSc in Applied Health Sciences, Public Health, and Nutrition Science.

 Dr. Grinvalds runs her own business, Resilience Fitness + Wellbeing, focused on fitness instruction, workplace wellbeing and health coaching. Her aim is to help people build resilience through physical activity and develop and maintain healthy lifestyle behaviours.

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This is the twelfth, and final, episode of our special podcast series exploring the Sept/Oct themed issue of the American College of Sports Medicine’s Health & Fitness Journal on professionalization and advocacy. In this episode, we’ll unlock the secrets to advancing your career in the exercise profession. We guarantee you'll learn how to transform your role by acting as a healthcare professional today, while staying on top of industry developments.

Join our host, Michael Stack, as we weave together the collective wisdom of our esteemed guests from this special 12-part series, delivering a powerful call to action for exercise professionals. This is our chance to elevate the exercise profession, impact more lives, and shift from mere wellness to embracing a broader, more inclusive concept of well-being.

Our episode ventures into the heart of building trust within the healthcare industry, emphasizing the crucial step of relationship-building with clients, members, and policymakers. Discover strategies for creating a collaborative referral network that combines exercise, nutrition, mindfulness, and coaching, ensuring holistic well-being and improved exercise outcomes. This is not just a reflection but a heartfelt thank you to everyone, including our listeners, the Health & Fitness Journal team, contributing authors, and the ACSM, for being part of this journey. Let's champion the power of movement together and continue advancing the professionalization path.

Show Notes Page: https://wellnessparadoxpod.com/episodeacsm12

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This is the eleventh episode of our special podcast series exploring the Sept/Oct themed issue of the American College of Sports Medicine’s Health & Fitness Journal on professionalization and advocacy. In this episode, we’ll explore the important and complex topic of payment, with Christina Badaracco, the lead author for the article in the themed issue entitled "Compensation for Exercise Professional Services."

Christina has an extensive background in clinical research, healthcare policy, and public health program development. She’ll provide insights into various reimbursement models, including cash pay, health savings accounts, and insurance reimbursement, and how better understanding these methods and advocating for improvements can increase both accessibility and professional recognition in the exercise field. Christina shares her recent work with Avalere and the Physical Activity Alliance, shedding light on healthcare integration opportunities for interventions delivered by exercise professionals.

Discover the hurdles that exercise professionals may face in a changing compensation landscape, from increased paperwork and lower reimbursement rates to the necessity for specialized knowledge and additional staff. We delve into the importance of clear quality measures and evidence-based programs to showcase the impact of fitness on health outcomes and healthcare costs. Additionally, Christina's explore the parallels between physical activity and the food is medicine initiative, and the importance of advocating for better integration, reimbursement, and support for advancing lifestyle medicine. This is an episode packed with strategies and insights critical for all exercise professionals to understand as they travel on their professionalization journey. 

Show Notes Page: https://wellnessparadoxpod.com/episodeacsm11

Our Guest: Christina Badaracco, MPH, RDN, LDN

Christina works as a healthcare consultant and nationally recognized thought leader, focusing on advancing the role of nutrition and lifestyle medicine in healthcare. She also regularly writes, teaches, and develops curriculum about nutrition, culinary medicine, and sustainable agriculture—including publishing The Farm Bill: A Citizen’s Guide, publishing cookbooks with the Transamerica Institute, and co-developing a culinary medicine course at the Georgetown University School of Medicine and lifestyle medicine shared medical appointment series for MedStar Health in the DC metro area. She is currently guiding a start-up focused on healthy and sustainable food in hospitals and several other innovative food projects. 

In her most recent full-time role as a healthcare consultant at Avalere, Christina advised various healthcare industry clients (including the Physical Activity Alliance) in care transformation and evidence generation. Christina previously worked for the Environmental Protection Agency, Teaching Kitchen Collaborative, Oakland Unified School District, and other prominent organizations. She serves as president of the DC Metro Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and a Slow Food DC board member. She earned her MPH from UC Berkeley and her AB in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, with a minor in Italian, from Princeton University. 

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In this episode we welcome back Becky Searls to the podcast, who joined us originally in episode 48.  She is a former high school Spanish teacher turned personal trainer and fitness coach. In this episode she shares an update to her inspirational career journey. Discover how Becky's background in education seamlessly transitioned into the fitness industry,  highlighting the striking parallels between curriculum planning in teaching and program planning in personal training. Becky reveals her innovative approach to breaking free from the traditional time-for-money model, offering invaluable insights for fitness professionals eager to scale their businesses while maintaining work-life balance.

We tackle the pressing issue of burnout in the fitness industry by encouraging exercise professionals to visualize their ideal work-life scenarios. Explore how moving beyond the conventional hour-by-hour earnings model can lead to more rewarding career paths. Through Becky's experiences, we emphasize the importance of intentional career planning, networking, and mentorship. Learn how self-awareness and strategic connections can pave the way for a fulfilling professional journey that aligns with personal values and goals.

In a quest for efficiency, Becky recounts her transition from personalized coaching to an app-based model, beginning with a pivotal beta test. This crucial step not only refined her offering through valuable feedback but also highlighted the balance between personalization and scalable services. Dive into the growth mindset that fueled the evolution of the "Better With Becky" brand, and explore the ethical considerations and exciting potential future opportunities it promises. Through Becky's story, discover how a bit of strategy and a lot of passion can lead to a successful and sustainable fitness business.

Show Notes Page: https://wellnessparadoxpod.com/episode135

Our Guest: Becky Searls, CPT
Becky Searls is definitely not another influencer, and she’s more than a personal trainer. Her experience in education, embrace of evidence-based research, and personable judgment-free approach sets her apart in an industry famous for baseless hype and scammy practices.

Spending over a decade as an accomplished foreign language teacher, Becky truly has the heart of an educator. When she learns something important, her first thought is always how to best share it with others. She also knows life's greatest lessons are found outside of the classroom. So as she dives deeper into research papers spanning health, fitness, nutrition, and psychology, she can’t imagine keeping all the useful things she discovers to herself.

That's what Better with Becky is: the place she translates cutting-edge science into practical tools and everyday advice for the rest of us.

That may explain why, as her debut product, Build with Becky doesn't look like other exercise programs. Yes, it will give you a great workout. But you won't believe how much you'll learn along the way, without even realizing it. And yes, you'll probably see progress toward your fitness goals. But don't be surprised if you also gain deeper insights that connect with other parts of your life. That's just part of what you get with Becky!

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This is the tenth episode of our special podcast series exploring the Sept/Oct themed issue of the American College of Sports Medicine’s Health & Fitness Journal on professionalization and advocacy. In this episode, we’ll explore the exciting topic of technology, with Dr. Atkinson, the lead author for the article in the themed issue entitled "Emerging Health Technologies: Opportunities and Practical Applications for the Exercise Professional."

Dr. Atkinson, a leading behavioral scientist, explores the cutting-edge intersection of the exercise profession and health technologies. Discover how wearables, smart equipment, and digital platforms are transforming the way exercise professionals enhance their services and improve public health outcomes. Dr. Atkinson sheds light on the critical role of embracing these innovations, not as threats to job security, but as powerful tools to better serve clients and bridge the gap between fitness and healthcare.

This episode delves into the real-world applications of wearable tech and digital therapeutics in exercise routines. Learn how these tools can provide personalized exercise prescriptions, boost client engagement, and streamline administrative tasks. We also address the potential risks like health anxiety and emphasize the essential role of professional guidance in interpreting data, ensuring a balanced approach that leverages both technology and human expertise.

The conversation doesn’t stop there. We tackle the broader implications of integrating technology into the fitness industry, from making physical activity prescriptions accessible to a wider population to fostering virtual communities that motivate through gamification. Dr. Atkinson discusses the economic and ethical dimensions of wearable devices and highlights the significance of diversity, equality, and inclusion. Tune in to understand how this technological revolution can bridge the gap between fitness professionals and the medical community, ultimately enhancing public health across the board.

Show Notes Page: https://wellnessparadoxpod.com/episodeacsm10

Our Guest: Dr. Lou Atkinson, Ph.D., M.Sc., B.Sc.

Dr. Atkinson is a behavioral scientist and exercise professional, withmore than 15 years experience conducting applied health research, and over two decades of practice in the health and fitness industry. Her research and practice focus on the understanding and influencing the psychosocial determinants of health behaviors, including developing, delivering and evaluating behavior change interventions to reduce disease burden and address health inequalities. Alongside holding honorary posts at Aston University and the University of Warwick in the UK, Lou is the Head of Research at EXI: Exercise Intelligence. EXI is an FDA Class 1 digital therapeutic that provides personalized exercise programs and behavior change support for people with long-term health conditions. EXI is the global MedTech partner of ACSM’s Exercise is Medicine® program.

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This is the ninth episode of our special podcast series exploring the Sept/Oct themed issue of the American College of Sports Medicine’s Health & Fitness Journal on professionalization and advocacy. In this episode, we’ll discuss the  topic of risk management, with Dr. JoAnn Eickhoff-Shemek, the lead author for the article in the themed issue entitled "Essential Risk Management Competencies for Exercise Professionals."

Discover how to elevate your career as an exercise professional by mastering critical risk management skills in our latest episode of the Wellness Paradox podcast. I'm thrilled to sit down with Dr. Eickhoff-Shemek, a veteran with five decades of experience, who shares invaluable insights from her co-authored article on the subject. We uncover the necessity of understanding federal and state laws, adhering to HIPAA standards, and recognizing the boundaries of your professional scope. As the fitness industry increasingly intersects with healthcare, these competencies are more important than ever for maintaining credibility and professionalism.

This episode breaks down the often-unseen complexities, from HIPAA compliance to the Federal Trade Commission Act. We dive into the crucial aspects of confidentiality policies, data privacy, and the potential legal consequences of stepping outside your professional boundaries. JoAnn emphasizes the importance of a solid legal education for fitness managers and staff to mitigate liability risks and ensure the responsible handling of sensitive information.

Show Notes Page: https://wellnessparadoxpod.com/episodeacsm9

Our Guest: Dr. JoAnn Eickhoff-Shemek, Ph.D., FACSM, FAWHP

JoAnn M. Eickhoff-Shemek, Professor Emeritus of Exercise Science at the University of South Florida and President of the Fitness Law Academy, is an internationally known author and speaker. For more than 35 years, her teaching and research have focused on fitness safety, legal liability, and risk management issues. Dr. Eickhoff-Shemek is the lead author of a ground-breaking textbook, Law for Fitness Managers and Exercise Professionals, and co-author of another textbook, Rule the Rules of Workplace Wellness Programs, published in 2020 and 2021, respectively. She was invited to be a contributing author for a resource widely used in Australia -- The Australian Fitness Industry Risk Management Manual published in 2014.

Dr. Eickhoff-Shemek has authored several book chapters and authored or co-authored over 100 articles in refereed journals. She served as the Legal Columnist for ACSM’s Health & Fitness Journal for 10 years (2001-2010) and currently serves as the Fitness Safety columnist for the same journal. Dr. Eickhoff-Shemek is the lead author of a new textbook –Legal Toolkit for Health & Wellness Coaching – to be published in late 2024.  

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Unlock the potential of whole person health and wellness with insights from our special guest, Dr. Jessica Matthews. In this episode she shares her unique perspective, informed by her vast experience in exercise science, health coaching, and academia, to emphasize the importance of psychological and behavioral aspects in health behavior change. Learn how a coach-based approach can significantly improve adherence to exercise programs and lead to better outcomes for clients.

Explore the powerful role of lifestyle behaviors in preventing and managing chronic diseases, and see how empathy-driven coaching can empower lasting change. Through engaging discussions, we highlight the importance of meeting individuals where they are and utilizing their language to resonate with their personal health journeys. Dr. Matthews distinguishes between the expert and coach approaches, underscoring how focusing on the individual can lead to sustainable, long-term behavior change rather than relying on rigid guidelines.

We'll also delve into the professionalization of health and wellness coaching, you'll see the exciting strides being made in integrating these practices into healthcare settings, and how this parallels work in the exercise profession. This episode is a must-listen for those interested in advancing whole person health through a collaboration coach-based approach.

Show Notes Page: https://wellnessparadoxpod.com/episod134

Our Guest: Jessica Matthews, DBH, NBC-HWC, DipACLM, FACLM
Dr. Jessica Matthews is an industry leader in the fields of health and well-being coaching and lifestyle medicine. A passionate educator and innovative curriculum designer, she has created graduate degree and professional certificate programs at several college in Southern California, including the M.S. Integrative Wellness program at Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU) for which she serves as Program Director. Additionally, Dr. Matthews serves as Director of Integrative Health Coaching at UC San Diego in the Department of Family Medicine. There she has led the development and implementation of health and wellness coaching services within both clinical practice and research, to include hiring and supervising a team of national board-certified health and wellness coaches in the Centers for Integrative Health (CIH).

A passionate advocate for whole person health, Dr. Matthews serves as Chair of Board of Directors for The National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching (NBHWC) and was among one of the first national board-certified health and wellness coaches (NBC-HWCs) in the country. Additionally, she is board certified in lifestyle medicine (DipACLM) and served on the board of directors for the American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM) from 2020-2023. In 2021, Dr. Matthews was named a Fellow of ACLM for outstanding achievement in the field of lifestyle medicine and exceptional dedication to advancing the organization's mission. 

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This is the eighth episode of our special podcast series exploring the Sept/Oct themed issue of the American College of Sports Medicine’s Health & Fitness Journal on professionalization and advocacy. In this episode, we’ll discuss the professionalization in Wellness Coaching, with Margaret Moore, a contributor to the article in the themed issue entitled "Lessons Learned from the Wellness Coaching Profession: The Path to Healthcare Recognition."

Margaret is a trailblazer in the  health and well-being coaching field. With nearly 25 years of experience, Margaret shares her entrepreneurial journey and offers unique insights into the professionalization of wellness coaching. Discover the parallels between wellness coaches and exercise professionals as they both strive for recognition within healthcare, and learn about the importance of collaboration, unified standards, and national credentials in driving this change.

Margaret's story is an inspiring testament to the power of adaptability and strategic positioning. She recounts her unexpected path to engaging with major healthcare organizations, illustrating the importance of quality work and collaboration with other experts in the field. Through Margaret’s compelling narrative, uncover how wellness coaching is carving its place in healthcare, and what it means for the exercise profession.

This episode explores the complexities of gaining acceptance and reimbursement in clinical practice, while highlighting the evolving acceptance of lifestyle medicine. Learn how language and strategic positioning have been crucial in navigating healthcare policy, and the role of evidence-based practices in advancing the field. 

Show Notes Page: https://wellnessparadoxpod.com/episodeacsm8

Our Guest:  Margaret Moore, MBA NBC-HWC
Margaret Moore/Coach Meg, MBA, is an executive coach, coaching leader and entrepreneur. Following 17 years in the biotech industry, in 2000, Margaret founded Wellcoaches Corporation, a School of Coaching for health professionals which has trained 16,000 coaches in 50  countries. She is co-founder (2009) and chair of the Institute of Coaching at McLean Hospital and a course director of the Harvard Medical School Coaching in Leadership & Healthcare conference. In 2010 Margaret co-founded the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching, a nonprofit subsidiary of the National Board of Medical Examiners, establishing coaching standards, coach certification, CPT (billing) codes and healthcare reimbursement of coaching services in the US. 

Margaret is co-author of 26 peer-reviewed articles and 10 book chapters on coaching, the peer-reviewed Coaching Psychology Manual published by Wolters Kluwer, Harvard Health books Organize Your Mind, Organize Your Life and Organize Your Emotions, Optimize Your Life, and a co-editor and chapter author of the American Medical Association’s Coaching in Medical Education. Her new co-authored book ‘The Science of Leadership: Nine Ways to Expand your Impact’ will be published by Berrett Koehler in summer 2025.

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This is the seventh episode of our special podcast series exploring the Sept/Oct themed issue of the American College of Sports Medicine’s Health & Fitness Journal on professionalization and advocacy. In this episode, we’ll explore the important topic of developing trusted collaborative relationships with healthcare providers, with Dr. Amy Bantham, the lead author for the article in the themed issue entitled "Developing Trusted Collaborative Relationships between Healthcare Providers and Exercise Professionals."

Unlock the secrets to bridging the gap between healthcare providers and exercise professionals in this illuminating conversation. We're thrilled to welcome back Dr. Bantham, a long-time exercise professional with an impressive background in advocacy and health policy. Alongside her co-authors Jeff Young, a seasoned medical fitness expert, and Dr. Matthew Kampert from the Cleveland Clinic, Dr. Bantham shares groundbreaking insights from their collaborative article. Together, they emphasize the paramount importance of trust in fostering effective communication and collaboration between the medical and fitness communities.

Discover how building trusted collaborative relationships can transform healthcare. In our detailed discussion, we highlight the significance of maintaining a robust feedback loop, the obstacles hindering trust, and the innovative solutions provided by the BRIDGE project. By utilizing technology and pilot programs, we explore how the fitness industry can overcome barriers such as lack of time, tools, training, and concerns about costs.

Dr. Bantham offers actionable advice on building a collaborative referral network, underscoring the importance of curiosity, humility, and continuous professional development. Tune in to this rich episode, packed with wisdom on how to foster trust and collaboration in healthcare, and learn how you can play a pivotal role in creating sustainable, effective care pathways.

Dr. Bantham offers actionable advice on building a collaborative referral network, underscoring the importance of curiosity, humility, and continuous professional development. Tune in to this rich episode, packed with wisdom on how to foster trust and collaboration in healthcare, and learn how you can play a pivotal role in creating sustainable, effective care pathways.

Show Note Page: https://wellnessparadoxpod.com/episodeacsm7

Our Guest: Dr. Amy Bantham, DrPH

Dr. Bantham is the CEO/Founder of Move to Live More, a research and consulting firm helping clients combine evidence-based research with practice for improved communications, policy, and strategy to get people moving.  She is the Immediate Past President of the Physical Activity Alliance, the nation's largest coalition of organizations dedicated to promoting health and well-being through physical activity.  A certified health and wellness coach, personal trainer, and group exercise instructor, Amy holds a Doctor of Public Health from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. 

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What if blending physical and mental health could revolutionize your approach to wellness? In this episode of the Wellness Paradox podcast, we bring you an engaging conversation with Angela Moore, a unique professional who bridges the gap between fitness and mental health. Angela's journey from a personal trainer to a licensed counselor underscores the importance of understanding and integrating both physical and mental well-being. Discover how her dual expertise equips fitness professionals to better recognize their limits and know when to refer clients to mental health specialists.

Exercise adherence can be a monumental challenge, but it doesn't have to be. We discuss the power of morning routines and setting realistic, evidence-based goals tailored to individual lifestyles. Angela shares insights into how exercise professionals can help clients navigate the complexities of daily life, setting them up for long-term success. We also tackle the misleading expectations perpetuated by social media and emphasize the need for practical, achievable fitness goals.

Shift your focus from aesthetics to overall health with Angela’s wisdom on the mental health benefits of exercise. She opens up about her personal experiences, particularly how physical activity has aided her through grief and stress. The episode underscores the necessity of a holistic approach to health, advocating for strategic partnerships between fitness professionals and healthcare providers.

Show Notes Page: https://wellnessparadoxpod.com/episode133

Our Guest: Angela T. Moore 

With years of experience in the mental and physical health industry, Integrative Health Expert Angela T. Moore has helped countless individuals strengthen their minds and bodies through an integrative health approach, using proven therapeutic interventions, effective exercise methods, and healthy lifestyle strategies. She holds a master’s in counseling from Oakland University and a master’s in business management from Walsh College, as well as a bachelor’s in sociology from University of Virginia.  She is a NASM Master Trainer with specializations in Corrective Exercise, Performance Enhancement, Fitness Nutrition, and Group Personal Training.  She is also a wellness blog contributor to A Healthier Michigan. 

Angela is the founder and CEO of The Body Principle which provides Integrative health presentations, workshops, mental health counseling and integrative health coaching to organizations and school systems.  Angela is also the founder and CEO of Empowered By Angela, which strives to provide education, information, and resources to empower individuals to achieve mental and physical health and overall wellbeing.

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