JENNIFER BALZANO
PROFESSIONAL EXPERTISE
As a health coach, I guide my clients to optimum wellness using Functional Medicine, Functional Nutrition, Mind-Body Medicine, Motivational Interviewing and Positive Psychology Coaching. I work closely with clients to help identify areas of their health and wellness they would like to improve. I also help clients manage and simplify specific medical protocols. I utilize evidenced-based, modifiable lifestyle strategies that include exercise/movement, sleep hygiene, support of healthy eating habits, meditation and relationship/connection support to help my clients address and synthesize short- and long-term health and wellness goals. I help clients to gain the confidence and skills needed to overcome feelings of overwhelm and despair when managing a diagnosis and/or chronic illness. I help bridge the knowledge gap between the healthcare provider and patient by providing resources and education. Together with my client, we co-create simple and achievable SMART goals that align closely with their values and vision. I always encourage small shifts that result in big change over time. When you work with me you walk away with resources and tools you can use for life. I consider it a privilege to be a part of my client’s wellness team.
PROFESSION
National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach, MA, BS
COMPANY
Sea Change Health Coaching
WELLNESS Q&A
WHAT IS THE GREATEST CHALLENGE OF YOUR PROFESSION?
Debunking the notion that health coaches are weight loss experts and fitness trainers who just want to sell you supplements. While these are noble professions, a trained Functional Medicine Certified Health Coach specializes in behavior change and lifestyle modification that is supported by science-backed research. A good coach will not “prescribe” or tell you what to do, rather they will guide, explore, educate and advocate for you.
HOW DOES YOUR WORK POSITIVELY IMPACT YOUNG WOMEN NAVIGATING LIFE DURING AND AFTER BREAST CANCER?
I believe that one of the major deficiencies in our healthcare system today is the lack of support and educational resources that women are provided when diagnosed with breast cancer. I believe that as a Functional Medicine Certified Health Coach I can help fill that void. I also believe in the power of connection and education and that, when combined, these two powerhouses can significantly decrease overwhelm and help women trust their bodies to work for them again. Women who are navigating life after breast cancer deserve to have as much support, education, resources and tools as possible at their disposal and a health coach can play a meaningful role in helping them to move forward.
WHAT IS THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE THAT YOU EVER RECEIVED?
One of the best pieces of advice I ever received was from my 8th grade basketball coach. At the time I was questioning my parents’ decision to send me to a particular high school. My coach knew this and said, “Jennifer, high school will be what YOU make of it!” These few words resonated with me and made me feel like I had some control and responsibility. High school wasn’t going to be about the four walls that held the school together, it was going to be about the experiences and memories I chose to make. I felt empowered! This advice truly helped me gain perspective. I remember the important words “what YOU make of it” whenever I am faced with situations that I have little or no say. No matter the context, these few important words can be just the perspective and motivation I need.
WHAT QUALITY ABOUT YOURSELF WOULD YOU LIKE TO PASS ON TO YOUR CHILD?
My hope and prayer are that I pass along the ability to develop meaningful connection with others. I believe that connection is the currency of life and that it is one of the most valuable tools you can have to help you navigate personal, professional and spiritual growth. I also believe the ability to connect with others helps cultivate a life that is full of meaning and purpose.
WHAT IS THE SECRET TO MAINTAINING A POSITIVE OUTLOOK?
As a coach, it’s all about building a wellness toolbox, and I believe gratitude and humor are two of the most valuable tools. Both are portable tools you can take anywhere and use when you need. My favorite way to express gratitude is through a handwritten note. The act of pausing to write a note grounds me every single time and keeps me in the present moment. Humor is also an essential tool I use to maintain a positive outlook. If I can’t find anything ironic or funny in the moment, I can almost always recall a memory, story or person that made me laugh. For example, one of my favorites is the time I fell off my paddle board and couldn’t fight the strong winds and current in the bay to get back up on the board. All I could see was my dear friend in the distance trying extremely hard to keep a straight face. It wasn’t until I finally made it back to shore that I realized I was struggling in just two feet of water. Using the tool of visualization to recall this event in my head has “rescued me” many times.
