Authors: Philippa Boss, Michelle Kightley, Janice Plain and Jinny Le Page, NSW
Year: 2010
Event: 2010 TheMHS Conference
Subject: SELF CARE, SUSTAINABILITY
Type of resource: Conference Presentations and Papers
ISBN: 9780975765364
Abstract: Mortality rates of people with schizophrenia are excessive and premature, with life expectancy being 10 to 25 years less than the general population. The main cause of this excess mortality is cardiovascular disease (CVD). There is considerable evidence that antipsychotics, particularly atypicals, are associated with obesity, dyslipidaemia and impaired glucose tolerance. Routine monitoring of cardiometabolic risk factors and programs to improve physical health should be implemented in mental health services. Mental health professionals must recognise the clinical indicators for the early detection and management of cardiometabolic dysfunction. This paper will focus on the cardiometabolic parameters that are associated with SMI and how leading a healthy lifestyle can help prevent the risk factors associated with poor physical health. The paper incorporates an overview of the background and evidence of the poor health conditions and outcomes of people with a SMI. An overview of an inpatient adventure activity group at Macquarie Hospital will be presented. Consequently, an overview of the evidence based Eat Well, Move Well, Stay Well (EMS) sixteen week healthy lifestyle program for people with a SMI will also be presented.
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