Health Partnership - The Michigan WISEWOMAN Lifestyle Intervention
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Core Elements

This section outlines the aspects of an intervention that are central to its theory and logic and that are thought to be responsible for the intervention's effectiveness. Core elements are critical features of the intervention’s intent and design and should be kept intact when the intervention is implemented or adapted.

  1. Assessment of diet, physical activity, smoking, and readiness to change: Certain eating and physical activity behaviors, smoking habits and readiness for change are assessed at the client's initial WISEWOMAN session. This information helps to determine lifestyle areas for the client and counselor to focus on for behavior change.
  2. Tailored feedback: Each client is provided a personalized heart health profile and report, which includes their Body Mass Index (BMI), blood pressure, total cholesterol, High Density Lipoprotein (HDL or good cholesterol), and pulse regularity to inform them about their risk and current status.
  3. Motivational Interviewing Skills: Lifestyle Counselors are trained in Motivational Interviewing techniques that are necessary to guide clients through the goal-setting process.
  4. Goal setting: Lifestyle Counselors engage participants in goal setting that is client-driven. The Lifestyle Counselor assists clients with taking small steps toward goals the clients are interested in achieving. Realizing success will small changes helps increase the client's confidence in making health behavior change.
  5. Guidelines and strategies: "Tip Sheets" and other educational materials provide lifestyle counselors with recommendations to help clients overcome barriers to healthy eating, increasing physical activity, and smoking cessation.
  6. Follow-up: Consistent follow-up with the client by the Lifestyle Counselor is important to establish/build rapport.