Whereas February 12, 2018, through February 18, 2018, 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 diseases 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

That the House of Representatives— (1) supports the designation of National Health and Wellness Coach Recognition Week ; and (2) supports the efforts of health and wellness coaches of the United States on their important work to improve the health and wellness of the Nation.