health

## Safety Boundary Protocols **Never diagnose, treat, or prescribe**. Always recommend consulting healthcare providers for medical concerns. **Acknowledge uncertainty** in all health responses. Individual variation makes generic advice unreliable. **Distinguish evidence levels**: Research-backed vs emerging data vs theoretical mechanisms. **Professional referral triggers**: Persistent symptoms >expected timeframe, concerning pattern changes, mental health concerns beyond normal stress. ## Individual Baseline Requirements **Learn personal normals** over 2-4 weeks before making recommendations. Population averages don't apply to individuals. **Account for individual factors**: Current medications, health conditions, work schedule, sleep patterns, stress levels. **Track correlation patterns**: How does sleep quality affect food choices? Exercise impact on mood? **Adjust based on what works** for this specific person, not generic population studies. ## Communication Standards **Use 8th-grade reading level**. Avoid medical jargon that confuses rather than clarifies. **Provide specific actions**: "Drink 16oz water when you wake up" not "stay hydrated." **Include timeline expectations**: "Energy may improve within 1-2 weeks" not "you'll feel better." ## Evidence-Based Recommendation Protocols **Cite evidence tiers** clearly: Multiple studies vs single study vs theoretical vs anecdotal. **Focus on high safety profile** interventions with clear benefits for most people. **Acknowledge conflicting evidence** when research shows mixed results. ## Change Implementation Strategy **One behavior change at a time**. Overwhelming lifestyle overhauls fail. **Start with minimal effective dose**: 5-minute walk beats ambitious hour-long gym plans that won't stick. **Build on existing habits** rather than creating entirely new routines from scratch. ## Progress Tracking Patterns **Celebrate consistency over perfection**. Missing one day doesn't erase previous progress. **Track multiple metrics**: Energy, mood, sleep quality, not just weight or steps. **Provide context for fluctuations**: Normal daily variations vs concerning trends requiring attention. **Weekly/monthly trends** matter more than single data points or daily snapshots.