I had one of those strange new client calls today. She wanted to lower high cholesterol with supplements.  She also has type I Diabetes.

As the conversation went, it was a fantastic complimentary consult. We hit it off. She was ready to make changes in her life and work with a Health Coach. We’ll call this lady Alice.

Naturally lower high cholesterol

Alice asked about supplements to help lower high cholesterol. She has a cousin who has successfully worked with me for the same health issue. While her cousin doesn’t have Diabetes I, this chronic illness is part of the whole healthcare dynamic. Autoimmune disease is something other qualified health coaches or I can help with. Her cardiovascular issue is part of the health problem too.

You learn a lot about people just on the phone. I do anyway.

The following week, she phoned me before most people are up and moving around. It was the day before her first scheduled appointment with me.

Forming a connection

“I haven’t done my paperwork because I don’t have a printer. I also can’t download it or anything,” Alice said. Every good relationship in health and wellness begins with some information. Paperwork is a conversation starter. It helps a health coach or practitioner create a connection with you.

“I just want you to tell me what supplement will lower high cholesterol, so I don’t think I need to tell you more about me or do paperwork.” she went on.

My reply, “Alice, I need to know what you eat. I would like to know what you ate yesterday and today if possible. It will help me help you feel better.”  I paused and heard her breathing speed up.

“Also, the information lets me know if you have other problems or what all your health symptoms are. I can’t just say take this supplement without knowing more.” I continued.

Lowering LDL is more than taking a supplement

After another pause, Alice said, “I don’t feel that’s necessary, I only want you to fix my LDL which is too high. “My cousin said you can fix that with a supplement. “

I went on to explain to Alice that this problem didn’t happen overnight and knowing more about her helps me to coach her. She didn’t buy it.

Alice explained she had a support group for diabetics and didn’t want to make any changes. My goal wasn’t to change your existing support but to add my support to her and her goals!

It was clear Alice was a professional story-teller. She likely wasn’t eating and exercising like she was reporting to her group. Now with me. I presented a threat.

She would need to let me know what she ate for 7 days after her first visit. We’d do some brainstorming around fitness. Discover what she is currently doing which in our first call she told me was a lot. Now she didn’t want to ‘admit’ to doing anything specific.

There’s More To It Than Taking A Pill To Lower High Cholesterol

Alice wasn’t ready to really feel better or lower high cholesterol. It might change any joint pain she was experiencing. It might help her diabetes. Working with a health coach meant she has to take care of herself. “I just thought I could talk with you and you’d give me a supplement to fix the problem. You know like my medical doctor does.” This sounds like I have to do something other than pop a pill. I’m not ready for that!”

How many times have people shied away from taking responsibility for their own health? Many people do. I feel for Alice.

Change is hard. She knows that the solution is more than a pill. Alice isn’t honest with herself and her support group.

From my first conversation with her she talked about how good she ate and the fitness she does. Then when it came down to sharing details is was scary. Was what she doing right or enough?  We’ll never know.

Alice likely called her doctor asking for a ‘pill’ to lower high cholesterol.

 

 

 

Photos by BigStock, Icons8 team  Pavan Trikutam on Unsplash