In 2020, health spending accounted for almost 18% of the U.S. gross domestic product.  Much of this spending can be attributed to lifestyle induced diseases such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and stroke.   Sedentary lifestyles, poor nutrition, lack of sleep, stress, and substance abuse, contribute heavily to these conditions.  Overall, there is a both an alarming lack of knowledge, and misinformation about what healthy lifestyle choices are.  As a result, the need for health education, and comprehensive wellness programs are critically important to promote the importance of healthier lifestyles.  Health and Wellness professionals will play a vital role in both the wellness of our nation’s population, and its economic state.

Health and Wellness educators teach people about behaviors that optimize health, promote wellness, and increase awareness of the availability of healthcare services. They establish and implement strategies to improve the health of individuals and communities.  This exciting field is set to grow for the anticipated future. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the projected job growth for health educator and community health care positions over the next decade is 13%, which is much faster than the national average.  In addition, health, wellness, and social assistance careers are set to grow into the largest occupation in the United States. This expansion will generate multiple opportunities, and offer a high level of career security.

What are health and wellness based careers?  According to Granite University: “Health and wellness careers are a great fit for people who want to be a part of the health care ecosystem, but not necessarily in a clinical role.  Positions in this field are focused on improving the health and quality of life of individuals, communities, and special populations such as the aging population. These are collaborative roles that often work in lockstep with a range of health care providers, businesses, and communities to create strategies to promote healthy habits, prevent disease, and more.”

The Health and Wellness industry is an exciting and gratifying profession for individuals with excellent communication skills and an ambition to help others.  The industry is comprised of four fundamental areas, providing a range of career opportunities:

1.      Community Health Workers, Health Coaches & Life Coaches

·         According to Wikipedia, Community Health Workers contribute to community development, and can help communities improve access to basic health services. Community health workers are the most promising form of delivering health services to resource-constrained areas. They are seen as secondary health services in most low-income countries are available as a service to the community.

·         Health Coaches guide clients in accomplishing their health and wellness goals, including how to make healthier nutrition choices, and learning how to manage stress and anxiety.

·         A life coach assists people in achieving progress in their life by working to identify specific goals, and developing detailed plans to overcome obstacles, and ultimately to realize success. 

2.      Health Educators and Health Education Specialists

·         According to BETTERTEAM.com, Health educators provide healthcare education to communities, organizations, or specific populations. They assess healthcare needs, develop health education programs, and perform targeted healthcare education interventions. Their duties also include coordinating with interest groups and healthcare specialists.

3.      Health Program Coordinators and Managers

·         According to WORK.CHRON.com, a health care program coordinator works in various settings from nonprofits and public health agencies to hospitals and assisted living facilities to manage day-to-day operation of a program that is designed to improve the physical state of participants. This position requires strong knowledge of specific health topics such as aging, nutrition or lung disease, and a solid background in health intervention, like smoking cessation counseling or tuberculosis screening -- sometimes requiring clinical training. A bachelor's degree is a standard requirement.

4.      Corporate Wellness Director

·         According to Wellnessconnectionutah.com, a Wellness Coordinator's responsibilities include:

• • Designing, Planning and Implementing Health Promotion Campaigns

  • Planning, Scheduling, and Hosting Wellness Events: 

  • Managing the Fitness Center

  • Employee Health Education

  • Tracking & Keeping Records, Statistics, and Program Results

o   Being a good communicator

Most of the careers listed will require at least a bachelor’s degree, and in some cases, a graduate degree.  The good news is that more and more colleges offer degrees in both Health & Wellness, and Health Education.  Looking forward, the Health and Wellness industry is essential to people living happier, healthier, longer lives, and for our country to prosper in the decades to come.

Dr. Richard Gennaro recently retired after 25 years of practice as a sports chiropractor.  He now works at Westchester Community College, where he is the Department Chair of Health, Human Performance & Physical Education, the Curriculum Chair of Health & Human Performance AS degree & the Curriculum Chair of the Personal Training Certificate program.  He is the President of the International Chiropractor’s Association Council on Fitness & Sports Health Science, and a former Army Master Fitness Trainer.