What are some strategies for achieving healthy lifestyles and preventing medical problems in individuals and families of those with serious mental illnesses?

When individuals and families ask this question, clinicians can let them know that people with serious mental illnesses such as depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia are at elevated risk for developing medical problems including diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. Many of these problems can be prevented by addressing risk factors including eating a healthy diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and quitting tobacco and other nicotine products. Simple lifestyle changes including 150 minutes a week of moderate physical activity such as walking, and healthy diet (avoid fast food, cut down on soda and juice) can improve both your physical and mental well-being.

See more information about how to adopt a healthier lifestyle from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

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