When Janet Smith, a Medi-Share member in Florida, searched for new health and wellness tips and tricks in an artificial intelligence app, a plethora of familiar ideas popped up. But Janet has learned that AI can’t compare to the encouragement and support of a live health coach.
Almost three years ago, Janet joined Medi-Share through her employer—a pregnancy support center. Prior to that time, she was on a healthcare marketplace plan, an experience that disappointed her on many levels.
“They would tell me a rate, then I would file my taxes, and they’d add on all these penalties because things were different. Every year I was owing hundreds of dollars on top of what I was already paying,” Janet said.
Joining Medi-Share helped to alleviate the uncertainty associated with the healthcare exchange while also providing the peace of mind for any health issues that may arise. Thankfully, Janet has generally enjoyed good health, but she says that she’s utilized several Medi-Share resources such as telehealth appointments, the laboratory locator, and health coaching.
Health coaching has been perhaps the greatest blessing of the program thus far for Janet. Since January of 2024, she’s met with her coach, Katie, via phone call every other week. During that time, she’s made huge strides in her health goals.
Janet attributes her success largely to a whole-person, lifestyle-driven approach. Working with Katie has helped her develop strategies that she can implement for the long haul, rather than quick fixes that fade fast.
“It’s collaborative,” Janet says, describing her health coaching experience. “It’s not someone telling me what to do. It’s us agreeing on my terms, what I’m willing to do. It’s setting goals that I am committed to.” For her, this works well because she feels empowered rather than forced into things at which she may fail.
A few of the commitments that Janet has made to her own health include spinning three times per week plus strength training. She also makes a smoothie every morning and pre-makes salads for when she gets home in the evening. Recently, she started keeping a beverage log for additional accountability.
“By taking these baby steps, my lifestyle is changing,” Janet says. “If I were to do it all at once, it would be overwhelming. With just adding these layers, it’s sustainable.”
Katie has also helped Janet brainstorm ways to keep up with her health even when her routine is disrupted. For example, when she had to go out of town for work, they discussed her eating and exercising plan for the trip beforehand. They talked through possibilities for each meal and found potential holes in her schedule when she could visit the hotel gym.
“It’s been a great form of accountability and also ideas,” Janet says. Prior to meeting with Katie, Janet would describe her eating as irregular – not eating at times, then eating the wrong things at other times. Now, there’s a whole new level of intentionality surrounding her habits.
As mentioned, at one point Janet turned to an AI app just to see if any new health and wellness ideas came up. The app produced a list of things she’d heard before. When she mentioned this to Katie, Katie laughed, saying that artificial intelligence would put her out of a job.
But Janet assured her that it would not. “AI cannot encourage me when I'm feeling down or celebrate my successes with me. AI cannot help me set goals and motivate me to achieve them, offering encouragement and grace when I need it the most. AI doesn't hold me accountable to do what I say I will do. And most importantly, AI doesn't pray with me or really even care about me at all.”
At this point in her journey, Janet has lost three inches from her waist and, more importantly, gained sustainable habits that have positively impacted her overall wellbeing. For anyone considering health coaching, Janet says, “You won’t regret it. It’s life-changing. You’ll feel better physically, mentally, spiritually, emotionally, and even relationally. It’s only a half hour call each time, but it’s a 24-hour benefit.”
We rejoice alongside Janet as she continues to claim health victories, and we’re so glad that she and her co-workers are a part of our Medi-Share community. For more information about personal health coaching, members can log into their Member Center and click “Schedule Now” under the Clinical and Health Coaching section. If you are not a member and would like more information about Medi-Share, call (800) 772-5623 or visit medishare.com.
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