IIN recognition grows on Capitol Hill
The Institute for Integrative Nutrition (IIN) is leading the entire wellness movement’s efforts in D.C. to create real policy change and increase the recognition and utilization of Health Coaches. We want to improve the health of the country and the world! We’ve been busy in Washington, D.C., reaching out to our allies on Capitol Hill by attending fundraisers and policy meetings and getting to know new staff.
When we started meeting with members of Congress and executive branch officials only a few years ago, very few knew what health coaching was or what Health Coaches did. Now when we meet with members of Congress, they (and their staff) know who we are and what we do – often someone even knows an IIN graduate. That’s the ripple effect in action!
The reason health coaching is becoming a popular practice in our lives, healthcare, and even policy is because it effectively addresses issues that we all deal with at some time in our lives, from improving diet to implementing stress-management techniques. That goes for office workers, stay-at-home parents, and even members of Congress!
Learn about some of IIN’s allies in Washington, D.C.
Just recently on a Zoom call with a member of Congress, I learned his wife is a wellness instructor and they’re both passionate about bringing wellness practices from their lives to improving policy. He is one of 11 children, born to Mexican immigrant parents who worked in the agricultural fields of California. His dedication to health and wellness is not just about policy – it’s personal to him as well. Many of his family members’ lives were cut short due to chronic disease and exposure to chemicals used while working in the fields. They came to understand the importance of health and wellness, and we’re honored to have him as an ally.
Another member of Congress who is an important ally for Health Coaches came to his beliefs through his own journey into mindfulness to manage stress, improve mental clarity, and get healthier in general. He went from being a star high school quarterback whose career ended due to injury to being one of the most dedicated wellness warriors in Congress – it’s clear we all take different paths to wellness. He’s helped get mindfulness, social, and emotional learning programs established in several schools in his district and for veterans all over the country through the Department of Veterans Affairs. Known by his colleagues as the Rust Belt Yogi, he’s been an outstanding ally who represents a blue-collar district.
These stories about our allies are powerful reminders that Health Coaches have important and influential ties to people who are just as passionate as we are about making a difference. If it weren’t for IIN dedicating time, energy, and resources to this effort, they may not know about IIN, Health Coaches, and the outstanding work you all do.
