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New tools may help mental health hospitals close life expectancy gap through exercise

The article from MSN discusses how new tools and initiatives are being implemented in mental health hospitals to address the significant life expectancy gap between individuals with severe mental illness and the general population, largely through the promotion of physical activity. It highlights that people with severe mental illnesses like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder often die 10 to 20 years earlier than others, primarily due to preventable physical health conditions. To combat this, facilities like the Institute of Living in Hartford, Connecticut, are using innovative approaches such as the use of wearable fitness trackers to monitor and encourage physical activity among patients. These tools help in setting personalized fitness goals, tracking progress, and integrating physical health into mental health treatment plans. The article also mentions the broader implications of such programs, suggesting that physical activity not only improves physical health but also has positive effects on mental well-being, potentially reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety, and enhancing overall life quality.

Read the Full MSN Article at:
[ https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/mindandbody/new-tools-may-help-mental-health-hospitals-close-life-expectancy-gap-through-exercise/ar-AA1yLydA ]