Let's Get Physical

Hello.

Welcome to the new phase of mental health care. This paradigm shift of mental healthcare being integrated with one’s physical healthcare will change the way you look at recovery for the rest of your life. Look around you; does it not seem that physical health does not directly correlate with your mental health and vice versa? Well it does more than you think and there are some very simple things you can do to stay physically healthy while staying mentally health at the same time! Although healthy eating, physical activity, and other healthy practices can be done; there is one simple thing you can do to practice prevention health: Start by making  sure you Get an Annual Physical. This is the starting  point  to know what condition your health is in and what you can do to add to your whole health recovery program. Statistically, it has been found that consumers who live with mental illnesses die on average 25 years earlier than the general population. This is largely due  to un managed, untreated or unknown health conditions.  We know  that unmanaged health conditions also  impair mental health. In other words, they died because of risk factors that could have been prevented if they were checking regularly with their primary care physician and managed these risk factors such as high blood pressure, hypertension, and diabetes early on so the symptoms weren’t exacerbated. Bottom-line: Get a physical.

The Circle is going something about it! Specifically in the Peer program we have challenged all peers to get a physical annually by Dec. 31st. in hopes of taking positive  steps  towards  'changing " the  statistics.. Check out  the  P.E.E.R. Pledge In this newsletter found on page 6. Take the time to read the pledge and sign up for the challenge.  (See the Did you know article for more info on getting a physical and enter our 'Test your  Knowledge Quiz))

Thank You,
 Louise and The Peer Support Team