Meet Jared Cannons, a Certified Health Coach making a positive impact on whānau wellbeing
Q&A: Jared Cannons
Meet Jared Cannons, a certified Health Coach at Turuki Healthcare, specialising in metabolic and mental health, weight loss, diabetes and men’s health. Discover how Jared’s journey from the construction and mining industry to health coaching in South Auckland is making a positive impact on whānau wellbeing.
What were you doing before you became a Health Coach?
I worked in construction as a Scaffold Supervisor/Manager and in the mining industry for over 12 years in industrial and domestic Fly in Fly out in Australia.
How are you using your coaching skills?
I’m employed as a Health Coach at Turuki Healthcare, working with high-need patients dealing with metabolic disorders, mental wellbeing issues, and lifestyle factors. I also apply Health Coaching skills and knowledge to myself, family, and friends.
What motivated you to become a Health Coach?
After being a stay-at-home dad, I sought new skills initially for the mining industry where there were several opportunities for lifestyle medicine in this field. But after working at Turuki Healthcare I discovered a greater need at a community level, especially in South Auckland.
What are you doing now since graduating as a Health Coach?
I’m working in primary healthcare with high-need patients, focusing on metabolic disorders and mental wellbeing. I’m part of a passionate Te Ao Māori Kaupapa with an amazing clinical team.
Is there a particular aspect of health coaching that you are especially passionate about?
I love teaching about kai as medicine through conducting weekly community low-carb cooking classes at the clinic. It’s a fantastic opportunity to discuss and educate on lifestyle factors that support prevention for health care.
Can you share a specific success story where your coaching has made a significant positive impact?
Despite facing adversities and setbacks, a whanau member had shown incredible resilience and determination on their health journey to reverse their Type 2 Diabetes. Their commitment to achieving this milestone was nothing short of extraordinary.
They really embraced exercise and nutrition into their life, by incorporating daily walks and actively participating in Low Carb Healthy Fanau (LCHF) cooking classes. This really helped them take charge of their own well-being and pave the way for sustainable lifestyle changes. Also by cooking LCHF meals at home and actively engaging in the Low Carb Healthy Fanau Facebook Group, they not only transformed their own health but also became a source of inspiration and support for others.
During a challenging period of relapsed drug use, their confidence took a real hit and their progress towards reversing T2DM was temporarily derailed. However, with swift action and support, including enrolling an AOD (Alcohol and Other Drug) practitioner and implementing weekly check-ins, they were able to refocus and get back on track.
Over the course of a few months, they successfully reversed their T2DM, shedding an impressive 20 kilograms of weight in the process. Their commitment to personal growth extended way beyond their own health journey, as they selflessly volunteered in South Auckland, addressing the handyman needs of a religious group. More recently, their dedication to further improving their outcomes led them to commit to attending the Tāne Wananga.
This step really reflects their ongoing determination and desire to continue their goal towards optimal health and well-being. Through perseverance, resilience, and willingness to share their experiences, this whanau member serves as a shining example of what can be achieved even in the face of adversity.
How has being a Health Coach enriched your life personally and professionally?
I am so grateful to be working with whānau that allows me to share in their healing journey. It has been a humbling experience, opening rewarding opportunities for personal growth.
What advice would you give others considering a career in health coaching?
Do it! Become the next change-maker. We need more Health Coaches, and that’s you! Be fearless, be courageous, and take the leap towards supporting/helping others become the best version of themselves.
What has it meant to you to be part of the PREKURE community?
Being part of the PREKURE community is special. It’s great to touch base with those doing the same mahi and have someone there to check in, serving as my Health Coach.
What does the future look like for you?
My mission is to work with whānau in their community to take back control of their health and wellbeing and to learn to live a balanced sustainable lifestyle. I enjoy teaching whānau how to make kai their medicine, as a Health Coach, my goal is to support whānau to confidently navigate their Hauora journey whether that be pre-diabetes, type 2 diabetes, exercise, sleep, weight loss and mental well-being. As a father of two tamariki I strive to be the best I can be in hopes of inspiring others to do the same.
“Me mahi tahi tatou mo te oranga o te katoa”
“We should work together for the wellbeing of everyone”.
Connect with Jared
Ko Mākeo te maunga e rū nei taku ngākau
Ko Waiaua te awa e mahea nei aku māharahara
Nō Ōpōtiki ahau
Kei Tāmaki Makaurau ahau e noho ana
Ko Jared Cannons tōku ingoa
E mahi ana au hei kaihapai
Ki Turuki Healthcare
Nō reira, tēnā koutou katoa.
Learn more about PREKURE’s Health Coach Courses and how you can turn your passion for health into a career and start on your journey to becoming a Health Coach.
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