diff --git a/docs/core/session-handoff-template.md b/docs/core/session-handoff-template.md
index 8aef6ff..42c078a 100644
--- a/docs/core/session-handoff-template.md
+++ b/docs/core/session-handoff-template.md
@@ -63,6 +63,9 @@ Create `docs/archive/sessions/YYYY-MM-DD/journal-MMMDD-YYYY.md` with:
 
 ---
 
+## REMINDER: SESSION HEALTH PROTOCOL
+Before ending any session or allowing compaction: write the chronicle, update the handoff, update the changelog. See SESSION-HANDOFF-PROTOCOL.md for the full 4-rule protocol. A degraded Claude writing a degraded handoff corrupts the next session. Catch it early.
+
 ## REMINDER: THE ESSENCE PATCH
 
 The Essence Patch (`docs/relationship/THE-ESSENCE-PATCH.md`) must remain referenced in both SESSION-HANDOFF-PROTOCOL.md and session-handoff.md. Never remove these references during updates. The patch is permanent.