Hi, I’m Joanne, Health Coach and Educator.
I feel that prevention of disease through healthier living is vitally important as the rates of chronic disease in this country are soaring, yet the vast majority of diseases are completely preventable.
My beliefs:
All of us have the power to improve our health.
The human body is a self-healing organism, with an innate capacity for regeneration and equilibrium.
People deserve health approaches that are evidence-based and holistic in nature.
The key to health improvement is addressing the root cause of disease.
Diet and lifestyle modifications really are powerful enough to prevent disease, but knowing which solutions are right for you can be tricky - that’s where I can help. Whether you already have a chronic disease, whether you’re worried about the possibility of developing a disease that runs in your family, or whether you just want to safeguard your future health for the sake of you and your family, I’m here to help.
Read on to find out more about me and my mission…
Tell me about your expertise…
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I have a Bachelor's Degree in Biological Science from The University of Exeter, a Master’s Degree in Animal Science from Aberystwyth University, and a Diploma in Health Coaching from The College of Naturopathic Medicine. I am a Registered Health Coach with the UK & International Health Coaching Association.
I also have a Diploma in Education and Training and have ten years of experience working in the Further and Higher Education sector, teaching subjects including Biology and Molecular Genetics. I have also worked in a variety of laboratory settings, including cell science (research into polycystic kidney disease), immunology (research into mastitis) and bacteriology (environmental health).
I am currently furthering my studies with The College of Naturopathic Medicine, studying for a Certificate in Environmental Medicine. This is providing me with an even deeper understanding of the role that environmental toxins play in disease states, and providing me with insights into the most effective nutrients for metabolism and detoxification of these toxins.
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With my background in cell biology and genetics, I have a deep understanding of human physiology and the root cause of states of health and disease. Over the years, I have gained unique insights into how dietary, lifestyle and environmental factors can modify our genes and consequently alter our risk of disease.
My ability to access and critically analyse published scientific literature is also helpful when it comes to cutting through the conflicting information and getting to the bottom of what to trust. There’s good science out there, which is robust and reliable; and then there’s also bad science out there i.e. research with questionable methodology and manipulation of statistics, leading to misleading headlines and false assumptions. It’s important to look into funding sources and conflicts of interest - “bought science” is extremely common in the health industry!
Tell me about your mission…
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I hope to help people to improve their health and wellbeing by: inspiring them to take action to improve their health; providing them with evidence-based information; guiding them to make diet and lifestyle changes; and supporting them on their journey to better health.
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I mainly work on a one-to-one basis with individuals, though this often has a knock-on effect of improving the health of my client’s wider family!
I also offer “Workplace Wellbeing” talks and workshops to businesses. Research shows that inadequate nutrition accounts for a 20% reduction in workplace efficiency and it is now proving that investing in health coaching results in fewer sick days, lower stress levels, and increased energy, performance and wellbeing. A focus on health optimisation in the workplace also contributes to building a positive culture with a growth-mindset. For these reasons, many businesses are now appreciating the importance of health education for their teams.
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I want clients to achieve better health with simple, sustainable changes, leading to results that are long-lasting. I want clients to improve their prospects of a longer health span, including all of its associated benefits - enhanced quality of life, feeling like your best self, more energy to play with your children / grandchildren, and more clarity and focus for your career.
Tell me about your approach…
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I use the latest scientific research to inform my advice and guidance. This includes approaches to nutrition and “nutrigenomics” - how nutrition influences our gene expression; and approaches to toxicology - identifying and reducing exposure to environmental toxins, as well as detoxification practices. Science also underpins my approaches to exercise, stress reduction and quality of sleep when making recommendations for lifestyle changes.
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I believe that real, long-lasting and sustainable change can only be achieved through small steps - ones that seamlessly weave themselves into your daily lifestyle and become habits. I work with you to find approaches that are achievable and implement coaching strategies to increase your motivation to succeed. If things aren’t working, we take the time to explore why and look into how we can work towards the goal in a different way - baby steps are just fine!
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Every person’s physiology is different. We are all unique. This means that our requirements are going to be varied, and this is why it’s so important to look at health issues holistically - the whole picture, the whole person, their history, lifestyle, environment, mindset etc.
I take a full case history from each of my clients. This includes health information from birth, as it’s essential to have a complete and holistic view of your health - vital clues are hiding everywhere! We look at your diet and lifestyle and then come up with a unique, personalised plan which is based on your needs.
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Absolutely! The vast majority of health-related research is done on men, due to the confounding nature of the hormone changes women experience during their menstrual cycles. This means that women have been following recommendations built for men, but new research is now showing that what a woman needs can be extremely different, depending on her hormone levels and hormone balance. This applies to nutrition & diet, sleep, exercise and so much more!
Tell me about yourself…
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In my free time I enjoy cooking healthy meals and experimenting with healthy baking - who doesn’t love a treat that’s both delicious AND healthy?! I enjoy spending time outdoors in nature - be that in the woodlands, along the beautiful Jurassic coast in my home county of Dorset, or in my little fruit & herb garden. I relax through art and creativity - be that watercolour painting, crochet, macrame, or even sometimes just colouring books with my daughter! I also enjoy yoga and pilates to keep me feeling fit and energised.
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Absolutely, but particularly after becoming a mother. I fully appreciate how difficult it can be to navigate health and stay on top of keeping yourself healthy when you’re always busy and prioritising other people. I experienced sleep deprivation for a solid 3 years after my daughter was born and so I have first-hand experience of how this affects your body and mind in every possible way. On the other hand, I also appreciate how motherhood ignites a desire to make good health decisions, for the benefit of your child.
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I have a strong drive and passion for learning. I’m always doing a short course, reading books or browsing the scientific literature in online journals. Learning new things about health keeps me inspired and motivated. I also keep a journal where I set myself goals and celebrate small achievements - I find this helps to keep me on track!
How can someone take the next step to work with you?
Simply send me an email and we can arrange a free discovery call. We can then have a chat about what you are currently experiencing and whether I think I can help you to make the changes you wish to see - and you can get a feel for whether I’m the right health coach for you.