As a Baby Boomer, your health and wellness depends on being a pro. In other words, you are your best advocate for the decisions you make or the information you seek regarding your health and wellness. As Baby Boomers age, informing ourselves about the mind, body and spirit is crucial to being well and staying well.

PREDICTION

The first "P", prediction, helps to educate ourselves. An example of prediction is the way life insurance companies look at lab tests and life styles to see if you might live 20 years, have genetic issues or other significant risk factors. This a type of predictive modeling your personal primary care doctor may use, too.

PREVENTION

The second "P", prevention, is knowledge you receive and apply to your lifestyle in order to stave off unhealthy disorders and diseases-- mental or physical. Daily lifestyle, nutrition, exercise, emotions, a genetically inherited disease, attitude and your belief system all play a role in health and wellness, or the whole self. An example of a preventative action would be visiting the dentist. You may go to the dentist every six months, but you still need to commit to the day to day care of your teeth.

PERSISTENCE

If you are uncomfortable with a health care provider's information or decision, don't take his/her word at face value. Challenge your medical provider's info and ask for more clarity. Ask questions. You are the customer. Write down questions before your appointment. Take notes during the visit. Take along a trusted friend or family memeber so they can hear what you missed. Baby Boomers are poilte and resorceful people and we do not have to be intimidated by asking questions. Some questions may be :

1) Why this medicine over another medicine?

2) What are the side effects of this medicine or procedure? When can I cut back or stop treatment?

3) When will I feel better?

4) What will I need to do to maintain improvement?

5) How will I know if this is going to work? Where can I get more information?

6) Is there an alternative or complimentary treatment available?

Practicing the 3 P's will help you to focus on what is possible for your wellness. Wellness is not static. It concentrates on the present and the future. Health and Wellness Coaching follows the same path. As Baby Boomers, focusing on where you are right now and desiring to enhance the future contribute to your overall well being and healthier senior years.