What are some of the popular complementary health care approaches?

Larger numbers of Americans are embracing exercise. In fact, more met the federal guidelines for daily aerobic exercise than ever before in 2018, according to research from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Physical activity of this kind not only strengthens the body but also bolsters the brain, warding off mental health conditions, including anxiety and depression, per the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Even the most disciplined and knowledgeable health enthusiasts need help developing and maintaining lifestyle habits that boost their wellness. This is where health coaches contribute, leveraging evidence-based tools and techniques to help people everywhere develop customized plans that address everything from eating to exercise. The advantages that can come with working with a health coach include fewer doctor visits and reduced risk of disease.

Americans are taking steps to improve their eating habits, per analysts from the International Food Information Council Foundation, which found that almost 80 percent of citizens are attempting to remove sugary food and drinks from their diets. Those who succeed at cutting out sugar and swapping it for healthier alternatives, including the occasional dietary supplement, stand to see benefits that go far beyond weight management.

Stress is a major concern for virtually everyone, researchers for the American Psychological Association discovered. However, some generational groups are more susceptible to it — most notably millennials and Generation Zers, many of whom navigate stressful careers, classes and sociopolitical environments, according to the APA. Stress management activities and support gives them and other Americans the tools they need to improve their mental health.