The Worldwide Voice of Wellness
One of the fastest-growing careers in the healthcare industry is that of wellness coaches. These professionals are increasingly working with patients and clients in a variety of settings to help them achieve their wellness goals. Here at Pulse, we’ve begun partnering with the National Wellness Institute (NWI) to make our programs available to these professionals. We asked Stacey Krawczyk, a member of the NWI Board of Directors, to share her perspective on the organization and this growing field.
The global wellness economy is expected to grow into a 4.5 trillion-dollar market. With so much at stake, it is important that consumers work with credentialed wellness practitioners to find personal wellness solutions that empower, engage, and are effective.
In a recent Mintel blog, Wellness Trends to Watch in 2020, the author states that 2020 will be the year for “wellness for everyone.” Holistic wellness activities that are accessible and achievable will drive consumers’ success. As the practice continuum expands from wellness enthusiasts to practitioners, it is important to understand the landscape and where to go for evidence-based recommendations.
The National Wellness Institute (NWI), founded in 1977, has the vision to be the worldwide voice of the wellness community. The organization offers members and the marketplace evidence-based content and practice competencies for the Six Dimensions of Wellness model. In addition, NWI’s Council on Wellness Certification Excellence is the credentialing body for the Certified Wellness Practitioner (CWP) certification. In a crowded market where many people claim to be “wellness authorities,” often without adequate education or experience, the CWP designation is a cross-disciplinary solution grounded in NWI’s professional Wellness Promotion Competencies with a commitment to continued scholarship and professional development.
As we partner with fellow wellness professionals to collectively contribute to the health and well-being of our constituents, it is important to understand the various practitioners, their preparation, and their credentials. This is when the full body of professionals can work together to truly provide “wellness for everyone.”
Stacey Krawczyk, MS, RD, is the Secretary of the Board of Directors of the National Wellness Institute and President of FoodWell Strategies, a food & wellness marketing consultancy.