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Lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise play a large role in the increase of cardiovascular health risks, but certain anti-psychotic medications taken to control psychiatric symptoms can exacerbate these risks. It is important for people living with these illnesses to work closely with their physicians to get their risk factors monitored, to learn about their treatment options and whether adjusting medication may help reduce risks, and to incorporate healthy lifestyle habits.
Simple Measures for Improving Wellness in Mental Health is an educational program developed by Pfizer and independent medical and nutrition experts designed to help those living with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia improve their overall wellness and reduce their risks for heart disease. Simple Measures provides information through educational materials and community seminars to help patients, their loved ones and physicians adopt simple steps towards wellness such as improving food choices; increasing exercise daily; reducing smoking; keeping track of risk factors including weight gain, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels; improving patient-physician communication about risk factors; and understanding treatment options.
"When treating patients with a mental illness like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, we need to focus on both the mind and body," said Michael Sernyak, M.D., professor of psychiatry at the Yale University School of Medicine. "It is very important that patients work closely with their physicians to understand their treatment options and associated side effects, get their risk factors checked regularly, and discuss the positive impact healthy lifestyle choices can have on overall health."
For more information about Simple Measures or to find out if there is a seminar taking place near you, visit www.simplemeasures.com.
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