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Wellness Initiative Many Oregonians with serious mental illnesses are dying prematurely because of disease, poor access to medical care and related problems. The Oregon Department of Human Services has launched a statewide "wellness" initiative to turn things around.
Those with serious mental illness are dying an average 25 years earlier than the general population, often due to heart disease, diabetes and problems related to side effects of medications, smoking, obesity and lack of holistic medical care, according to research by a national mental health council.
DHS, Addictions and Mental Health Division has begun forming a peer-driven task force to develop health and lifestyle measures and resources to increase the lifespan of those affected by mental illness. The task force will include persons with mental illness, their families, advocates, physicians, mental health professionals, physical fitness experts and others. (Excerpt from a DHS media release).
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Tool for providers and policymakers
In the U.S. the six most common causes of death are: heart disease, cancer, stroke, lung conditions, accidents and diabetes. Most of these medical conditions occur in greater proportion in mental health consumers and may occur at an earlier age. The two exceptions are cancer, which may not occur at an increased rate, and accidents which occur at a higher rate in mental health consumers.
Smoking Cessation
Links Here are some great resources that address these six causes of death and other important topics.
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