Research Shows Need For Health, Nutrition Education Among Mentally Ill

Statistics show that our mentally ill are in dire need of nutrition education and the introduction of employ into their lives. Compared to the non-mentally ill population, the mentally ill have a very high incidence of diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and obesity. For example, at the hospital I work at, I discovered that out of 692 patients that we currently treat, 211 Individuals on a Healthy Heart Diet for high blood pressure, cholesterol, or obesity. This is 34.5 % of the individuals we serve. 140 Individuals are on a Limited Carbohydrate Diets for diabetes. This amounts to. 22.8 % of the individuals we serve.

Statistics and data in research and professional journals back up the fact that health and exhaust education is needed among the mentally ill. The Modern York Times stated that among the mentally ill, roughly one in every five mentally ill people develop diabetes. This is about double the rate of the general population. (http://www.nytimes.com/2006/06/12/health/12diabetes.html? pagewanted=1&_r=1)

In addition, in a commentary article printed in the Oct. 17 issue of JAMA, John W. Newcomer, M.D., professor of psychiatry, of psychology and of medicine and medical director of the Center for Clinical Studies at Washington University states that those with mental illnesses lose 25 to 30 years of life expectancy compared to the general population due to high cholesterol and obesity. These statistics alone are repugnant and show the need for nutrition and exercise education among our nations mentally ill people.(http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/full/298/15/1794? maxtoshow=&HITS=10&hits=10&RESULTFORMAT=&fulltext=Newcomer+&searchid=1&FIRSTINDEX=0&resourcetype=HWCIT)

Research has also shown an increased rate of obesity in those with mental illness. Some relate it to the medications they are on, but others state that it is due to a lifestyle of poor nutrition and a lack of exercise. It is suggested that early intervention can prevent or minimize obesity in these patients. (http://www.cns-journal.com/pt/re/clnnursespec/abstract.00002800-200403000-00013.htm;jsessionid=LpnTv2MTRlNsqvC7GwKQN2MSX1fLq2BWC2sQcJFvvG2YQtDwRH93!851130288!181195628!8091!-1)

In my research of Southern Psychiatric Hospitals, I was only able to find two hospitals that currently offer health and exercise education for their patients. The first of these hospitals is Broughton Hospital in Morganton, North Carolina. They offer various courses for their patients on exercise and nutrition. (http://www.broughtonhospital.org) The second hospital is William R. Sharpe, Jr. Hospital in Weston, West Viriginia. This hospital has an Olympic size pool and offers exercise classes using the pool. They even offer a class for their seniors. They also offer nutrition classes. ( http://www.wvdhhr.org/sharpe)

Using the above mentioned research and information, I have formulated a proposed use and nutrition and exercise curriculum. The proposed outline follows:

Skill State 1: Benefits of Exercise
1-1: Benefits for the Body
1-2: Benefits for the Mind
1-3: Avoidance of Disease

Skill Dwelling 2: Anatomy of Exercise
1-1: Heart
1-2: Lungs
1-3: Bones and Joints

Skill Status 3: Types of Exercise
1-1: Warm-ups and Calisthenics
1-2: Aerobic and Anaerobic Exercises
3: Individual and Group Sports

Skill Area 4: Putting it Into Practice
1-1: Warm-Ups and Calisthenics
1-2: Aerobic and Anaerobic
1-3: Individual and Team Sports

Skill Area 5: Benefits of Eating Healthy
: Benefits for Body
: Benefits for Mind
: Avoidance of Diseases

Skill Residence 6: Nutritional Content in Food
: 3 Types of Nutrients
: Vitamins and Minerals
: Caloric Intake of Food

Skill State 7: Understanding the Fresh Food Pyramid
: Parts to the Food Pyramid
: Importance of Each Food Group
: Choosing a Balanced Diet from the Pyramid

Skill Area 8: Choosing Healthy Snacks
: How to Read a Label
: Choosing Sugar/ Fat Free Snacks
: Putting it into Practice

As my research progresses I will share what I have learned. At least to start with, the statistics point to a need for such a program. With the assistance of knowledgeable people, such a curriculum can be put in place to serve the mentally ill that we work with at Northeast Florida State Hospital.

Sources:

http://www.broughtonhospital.org

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