Newcomer, who is the professor of psychiatry and psychology and of medicine and medical director of the Center for Clinical Studies at Washington University, said that people suffering from mental ailments including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and various forms of depression live 25 -30 years shorter than those with no such ailments. Though suicide remains one of the major causes of death among these individuals, but most of them die prematurely on account of cardiovascular diseases.

I can see it very clearly. It would be a vicious cycle indeed. Depression medications lead to weight gain, food cravings and feelings of lethargy. Feelings of lethargy lead to a sedentary and less than “healthy” lifestyle. And a round and around we go!

Severe mental illness can inhibit a person from working and thus having an income… more “cheap eats” and fast food. And then there is the little statistic that those that suffer from mental illness have more then a 50% chance at being a smoker. Hmmm… roll that altogether and you have a recipe for disaster, ie. heart disease. What are your thoughts on this?

And don’t forget that we have a mental health blog right here at b5media. Alicia is over there and has some great things to offer so if you are interested, go check her out at Mental health Notes.

via Med Headlines

Post from: Blisstree

Increased Risk Of Heart Disease Due To Mental Illness

A study published in the July 2007 issue of The American Journal of Medicine found that people 45 to 64 years of age who added healthy lifestyle behaviors could substantially reduce their risk for cardiovascular disease.

Once these people achieved 4 healthy behaviors, eating at least 5 fruits and vegetables daily, exercising at least 2.5 hours per week, maintaining their Body Mass Index (BMI) between 18.5 and 30 kg/m, and not smoking, investigators saw a 35% reduction in CVD incidence and a 40% reduction in mortality compared to people with less healthy lifestyles.

So how many of you are willing to make that change? Honestly, be real, do you have what it takes? The same study showed that less than 9% of people over the age of 40 attempt to change their lifestyle even after knowing the benefits.

It’s hard to kick it into high gear with all of our daily responsibilities, but don’t you think it is worth it? Get your big ol’ backside moving and make that change, I will do it with you. Being a diabetic, I exercise regularly and eat semi-healthy, but let’s start a “fat blogging” exercise type club. I will share my results and progress with you, and a few of my shameful stories, and y’all share with me. Come on, it’ll be fun. Whatcha think? Deal?

Post from: Blisstree

Your Healthy Lifestyle Change Could Be More Beneficial Then You Think

Cardiac disease deaths fall while obesity and diabetes are on the rise.

So, that’s surprising? How can the amount of diabetics rise and yet cardiac disease among the very same people is decreasing. Bizarre? No…

Epidemiologists at the University of Liverpool and the Heart of Mersey have found that approximately half the recent fall in coronary heart disease deaths in the US is due to positive life style changes and a further half to medical therapies.

So yet another tribute to the ol’ healthy lifestyle. Diet and nutrition play such a big part. So, I promise this will be my last soap box type post for a while. But ya’all better listen, or else….

via Science Daily

Post from: Blisstree

Cardiac Disease On The Fall As Diabetes And Obesity On The Rise