AICAFMHA:
promoting mental health for young Australians
Australian Infant, Child, Adolescent and Family Mental Health Association Ltd
ABN 87 093 479 022
Back to AICAFMHA Homepage / News in Brief Index / Issue 26
Date 14 October, 2002
For immediate release
media release
SANE Australia
A national charity helping those affected by mental illness through campaigning, education
and research
Healthy minds and healthy bodies:
New Guide from SANE helps mentally ill to get fit
SANE Australia was today joined by celebrity TV chef and author, Elizabeth Chong, to launch a new book ? The SANE Guide to Healthy Living ? to help improve the physical health of people with mental illness
The book was prompted by alarming statistics showing people with a mental illness face much higher rates of physical illness and premature death than the general population. The SANE Guide to Healthy Living, developed by SANE, provides a practical guide to improving physical health.
Launching the book at the start of National Nutrition Week, Ms Chong said: ?Good, fresh food and regular exercise are important to everyone, and that includes people affected by mental illness.
?Not only are fresh food and exercise good for you, they help you feel better too! The SANE Guide to Healthy Living is a great start for anyone in this situation who wants a healthier lifestyle,? she said.
Recent research showed poorer physical health amongst the mentally ill is contributing to significantly higher rates of physical illness, resulting in a death rate 2.5 times higher than the general population.
The study, conducted by the University of Western Australia, says illnesses such as cancer, heart and respiratory diseases were to blame. Among the risk factors for the mentally ill were poor diet, lack of exercise and smoking.
One in five Australians experience a mental illness at some time in their lives. At high risk are the three percent of the population who will experience severe forms of mental illness such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or major depression.
Executive Director of SANE Australia, Barbara Hocking said: ?The benefits of being healthy should be available to all Australians. The mentally ill are being left behind. We can and must do more to improve the overall health of these marginalized and vulnerable people.?
Figures released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare demonstrate a growing divide, showing the smoking rate had fallen within the general population, to around 21 per cent, while the figures for those with schizophrenia were 70 per cent ? over three times higher.
The booklet was developed to address the unique factors faced by this group. It includes advice on improving diet, increasing exercise, reducing and quitting smoking and other health considerations. The Guide is suitable for people with a mental illness, carers and mental health professionals.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------Sally Higgins
Accredited Practising Dietitian
?Apart from helping to maintain a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet and
exercising regularly can also help to:
* Provide energy;
* Help beat fatigue and tiredness;
* Improve concentration;
* Boost the immune function;
* Protect against diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and certain cancers;
* Improve self esteem and body image?
The SANE Guide to Healthy Living costs $ 9.00 plus postage and handling. To purchase, visit the SANE website (www.sane.org) or call (03) 9682 5933
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