[Congressional Bills 114th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 552 Introduced in House (IH)]

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114th CONGRESS
  1st Session
H. RES. 552

   Expressing support for health and wellness coaches and ``National 
             Health and Wellness Coach Recognition Week''.


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                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                            December 3, 2015

Mr. Payne (for himself, Mr. Mullin, Mr. Buchanan, Mrs. Napolitano, and 
    Mr. Ryan of Ohio) submitted the following resolution; which was 
            referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce

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                               RESOLUTION


 
   Expressing support for health and wellness coaches and ``National 
             Health and Wellness Coach Recognition Week''.

Whereas, January 11, 2016, through January 17, 2016, is ``National Health and 
        Wellness Coach Recognition Week'';
Whereas lifestyle-related chronic diseases are at the heart of the current 
        health care crisis in the United States;
Whereas the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has deemed 
        chronic disease ``the public health challenge of the 21st century'';
Whereas decades of research have linked lifestyle factors, such as inactivity, 
        poor diet, tobacco smoking, and sustained stress, with increased risk 
        for major illnesses and death;
Whereas attempts to reduce these lifestyle-related chronic disease and costs 
        have proven to be financially unsustainable within a system that rewards 
        hospitalizations and invasive procedures;
Whereas incentives for interventions and technologies that achieve desired 
        outcomes such as outpatient care, risk management, patient support, and 
        health coaching should be encouraged;
Whereas a large gap exists between health care provider recommendations and 
        sustainable health-related behavior change;
Whereas health coaches are a new type of health care worker who serve as 
        wellness guides and supportive mentors that motivate individuals to 
        cultivate positive health choices and move them toward those specific 
        goals;
Whereas health coaches serve a vital role in improving an individual's wellness 
        that complements and does not replace the work of health care 
        professionals; and
Whereas there are an increasing number of studies that show the effectiveness of 
        health and wellness coaches in improving individual health and wellness 
        and reducing health care costs: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) supports the designation of ``National Health and 
        Wellness Coach Recognition Week''; and
            (2) support the efforts of health and wellness coaches of 
        the United States on their important work to improve the health 
        and wellness of the Nation.
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