This week, I would like to cover the differences between the various health and fitness programs that do not fall into the category of mainstream medicine. These programs and professions are based around the coaching/training for the purpose of lifestyle wellness and/or fitness.

There are many areas within the health and fitness professions that either cross over or sit next to the medical professionals we all rely on for health care. These include certified health coaches, certified personal trainers, certified strength/conditioning coaches, group fitness and yoga instruction, to name just a few. This also includes specialized health and fitness professionals trained as certified senior, youth, behavioral and weight loss instructors.

Nutrition is another big area that is covered by a wide range of certified professionals such as certified sports nutrition, weight management, holistic nutritionist and nutrition consultants. The field of certified health and wellness programs can be daunting to understand and confusing as to when and how they should be used in conjunction with mainstream medicine.

First, let’s be clear on the distinct areas of health care, wellness and fitness. The lines have become blurred in recent years between three areas: holistic health, fitness professions and mainstream health care. The traditional or commonly understood health care we all know and understand fall primarily under medicine, surgery, dentistry, psychology, nursing and physical therapies. Within these very general health care categories it breaks down into very granular areas with hundreds of specialties such as OBGYN, Oncology, Pediatrics, Podiatry and Radiology, etc.

For the most part, your health insurance covers traditional health care and some common areas that may be considered on the fringe of mainstream health care such as therapeutic massage and acupuncture for example. Although there are many beneficial types of preventative or treatment alternatives for health care, it is insurance guidelines and coverage that tend to keep health and wellness set apart into wide-ranging categories.

The good news is the lines that separate these alternative medicines and treatments are fading and finding new support within some insurance companies. These new avenues of treatment and prevention are starting to see more insurance coverage. A great example of this is chiropractic, which has become well covered by insurance over the last 20 years.

When we think of alternative medicines, we think of holistic health care and treatments. Holistic health care combines some modern medicine with a large selection of natural and/or alternative treatments, some of which is found in Chinese or eastern medicine. Holistic treatments have taken on a prominent role as a valid alternative to mainstream medicine. A holistic approach looks at the overall body, mind and nutrition of a person’s health and usually applies a broad course treatment. A good example of this is digestive disease. Holistic treatments will include a change in diet, add cultured foods to change the person’s gut flora and perhaps use a less aggressive or no pharmaceutical drugs as part of the treatment. Mainstream medical treatments may focus on a diet change, but lean more heavily toward an aggressive drug treatment and even surgeries. In some cases, both approaches are used in a blended approach depending on the health issue.

Another important aspect is the confusion around Holistic medicine and Homeopathic medicine with each of these terms getting tossed around as one and the same. I will save that discussion for a future article. Just know that there can be a big difference between the two and if you’re unsure about an alternative treatment, do the research and asking your primary care physician is always an option. Many primary care doctors have become very open to alternative treatments.

When you move outside standard medical treatments, you find preventative health and fitness programs. These wellness programs fall into the health and fitness certification category. These health and fitness specialists enroll and complete a detailed and rigorous array of certification testing from different organizations. To maintain a high standard of credentialing, these programs are governed by national organizations which ensure education and practices meet a high level of competency. That being said, there are a number of certification programs offered for personal training, fitness coaching and nutrition that are not reputable nor supported by national certification boards, so beware and verify your trainer, coach or nutrition specialist has a proper and recognized credential before paying for their services.

More often than not, health and fitness specialists are required to have a degree in exercise science, kinesiology, nutrition science or related fields. Many of the gyms, wellness centers, health agencies and community centers that employee health and fitness professionals require background checks and supporting certifications such as CPR and other related course work.

There are real advantages to working with health and fitness professionals that support lifestyle wellness. When you bring together family practice health care with some holistic medicines, then add health and fitness coaching, it becomes a powerful team. This approach is becoming more and more popular as people realize their cycle of ineffective diet programs, constant poor health and sedentary lifestyles are shortening their life expectancy.

When it comes to finding the right program, whether it’s health coaching, proper nutrition programs or fitness training, selecting the right professional that fits you is critical. You want results, so be sure to fully understand what areas you need help with, be sure to have a yearly exam and consult your health care provider, getting their perspective on your overall health.

Joining a gym, taking on yet another fad diet or buying some miracle and magical fitness device is not the answer. Your options are vast with really great programs and professionals out there who can really help you. Do the research, ask questions and define the direction you want to go with your wellness. Most of us can always use a little guidance and help to permanently shift our lifestyle to a healthy, happy one.

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Judd Jones is a director for The Hagadone Corporation in Coeur d’Alene.