The Salutogenic Solution for Your Health

I completed my undergraduate degree at Penn State in Biobehavioral Health, which focused on the integration of biology, psychology, and sociology. We looked at health as a whole, and my focus especially was on health promotion. I eventually was steered toward the world of research, and have spent the past several years working as research coordinator for various health-related studies. However, I realized my true passion lies in health and wellness and working with people, and pursued my master’s degree in Wellness and Human Performance from the University of Pittsburgh, learning how to use diet and exercise to do everything from help optimize athletic performance to manage chronic disease.

I quickly found my niche again in the health promotion realm. When I recently started teaching kickboxing at a local studio, this affirmed what I knew all along, my true passion lies in working with people and helping them live healthy lives!

My knowledge and skills from my education are deepened by my struggle to achieve my optimal healthy lifestyle and the discovery of exercise as a true medicine in my life. I struggled with chronic back pain for years until I was finally able to work with someone who helped me get back into physical shape. She met me where I was and worked with me to the point where my results exceeded both our expectations. Five years ago, I could barely go out for a walk because of my pain, now I’m healthy, active, managing my stress, and teaching kickboxing classes in my free time!

Over the years, I didn’t just learn to manage my pain, I learned how to live a healthy life and conquer my pain! Exercise, particularly kickboxing, has brought me pure joy, empowerment, and a sense of identity when it comes to my health. My stress and anxiety melted away, as did the pounds I had put on over the years, and I felt an unbelievable transformation physically, mentally, and emotionally.

I was drawn to Dr. Dan’s salutogenic-focused philosophy as it is very similar to what I practice in my own life and have preached to others over the years. I want to live a long life, but more importantly, I understand the importance of living as many healthy years as possible. Salutogenesis focuses on the factors that promote health, rather than focusing on treating disease. We all have unique barriers in life that are preventing us from making healthy choices.