People with mental illness are twice as likely to have an additional medical disorder such as cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, infectious disease or diabetes. In fact, people with mental illness die younger than everyone else ― on average 13 to 30 years younger.
At the New Foundation Center, we make our members’ physical health a top priority.
Our on-site nurse makes health checks, helps schedule medical appointments, and interprets doctors’ instructions. She answers questions about lab work and medications and teaches health education. Fitness groups and “clubs” ― covering all kinds of physical activities, from walking to tennis, from golf to yoga ― encourage members to get fit by making exercise fun and social.
We help members kick bad habits, from smoking to substance abuse. And, since compliance with medical treatment is so important to managing mental and physical illness, the center works closely with a local pharmacist to offer members “medicine on time” packaging, which helps them take the right pills, at the right times, every day.
“When I’m at my best physically, I’m at my best mentally and spiritually. Being at my best physically enables me to take part in the world.” ― Michael[read his story]