Happy World Mental Health Day!

We live in a changing world where it seems like the pressures around us grow every day. Mental wellness has never been more important. Mental well-being is not just trendy or a buzzword, it is an important part of our overall health and happiness. Just as we make the health of our body a priority, we must also make our mental wellness a priority. Some people think that these two parts of us are separate. In reality, they are tightly connected.

Keep reading for a sneak peek into part of my conversation with Dr. Kiran Palande as we discuss some common questions about how your mental wellness and physical health are connected.

Dr. Palande is a passionate Cardiopulmonary Physiotherapist from Mumbai, India. She received a Master of Physiotherapy in Cardiorespiratory Sciences from NMIMS University. In her current role, she especially enjoys connecting with her patients through pulmonary rehab (an exercise program for those with lung conditions) and is a member of the COPD Foundation’s State Captain program. Dr. Palande believes that pulmonary rehab is an essential aspect of care for people with lung conditions.

Dr. Palande, can you talk to us about how a person’s mental health can affect their physical health?

Physical and emotional health are connected.

Maintaining good physical health improves lung function while supporting good mental health reduces stress and worry. Both of these can worsen a lung condition. Mental and physical health have an unbreakable connection.

Regular exercise, a good diet, and pulmonary rehab can help to improve lung function. Meanwhile, controlling stress and anxiety with relaxation techniques helps both mental and lung health. For an all-inclusive approach, both mental and physical health must be a focus.

Stay tuned for the rest of the conversation coming soon in the COPD Foundation's Patient Digest Blog.

Meanwhile, check out some of the mental health resources on the COPDF website.

https://www.copdfoundation.org/Learn-More/I-am-New-to-COPD/Coping-with-COPD.aspx

https://www.copdfoundation.org/COPD360social/Community/Questions-and-Answers/Check-in-What-are-your-best-stress-relief-tips.aspx

https://www.copdfoundation.org/COPD360social/Community/Questions-and-Answers/What-Does-Mindfulness-Have-to-do-With-Pulmonary-Fitness.aspx

What are some ways that you practice focusing on improving your mental wellness? Let’s Chat!!