By Melissa PatrickKentucky Health News The focus of April’s “Our Healthy Kentucky Home” initiative is mental health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly one in four adults reported having a mental health condition in 2023, which equates to more than 61 million Americans. Kentucky Public Health Commissioner Dr. Steven Stack stressed the importance of good mental health at an April 3 news conference, calling it “an integral component of overall health and well-being” that impacts every part of our lives. “Good mental health allows people to cope with life stressors, maintain a positive self-image, have healthier relationships, improve productivity and enhance overall quality of life,” he said. Stack said mental health and physical health are essential to a healthy lifestyle. “Mental health conditions, such as depression, increase the risk for many types of physical and chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease and stroke,” he said. “Similarly, the presence of these chronic conditions can increase the risk of developing a mental health condition.” Stack encouraged Kentuckians at every stage of life to incorporate modest lifestyle changes into their daily routines to improve their mental health. For example, he said research shows that eating healthy foods is associated with a reduced risk of mental health conditions. “High consumption of fruits, vegetables and nuts, moderate consumption of poultry, eggs and dairy products, and only occasional consumption of red meat can have a lasting positive impact on your mental health,” he said. “Even small dietary changes can make a big difference.” Further, he said regular physical activity helps to improve mental health. “Increasing physical activity can reduce feelings of anxiety and help you sleep better, “he said. “Try starting small consistently, including 30 minutes of moderate physical exercise at least three times a week is a great way to reduce... Continue Reading
