Flint, MI — Hamilton Community Health Network is aiming for a stress-less approach and healthier hearts this American Heart Month with a candid discussion on Feb. 20, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the North Pointe clinic. Hamilton’s North Pointe clinic is located at 5710 Clio Rd., Flint, 48504.
The dialogue will focus on the effects of stress on your heart and tips to get your stress under control with Hamilton’s very own, Stephanie Cates, LMSW.
“A common misconception is that physical health and mental health are separate from each other,” Cates explains. “If your mind isn’t healthy, your body will start to feel those effects. We must train the brain to take on a healthy lifestyle, and we are here to help guide you.”
Stress is a leading factor in developing high blood pressure which often leads to various forms of heart or cardiovascular disease. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in America and affects 1 in 20 adults over the age of 20. To help our community members, Hamilton wants to bring awareness to heart health and the relationship between our mind and heart.
Stephanie thinks it’s important to take the steps to destress, focusing on meditation, eliminating stressors, and picking up healthier habits such as journaling. There are many ways to achieve a healthy heart, but most of them start with a healthy mind.
“One person dies every 33 seconds from heart disease in America,” Stephanie emphasized. “Imagine how we could decrease that number by being aware of our health, be that physical or mental. The first step to a healthy body is a healthy mind.”
Hamilton Community Health Network offers a monthly discussion, “Happy Mind, Better Health,” that is open to the community. Each session features a speaker from our behavioral health team who shares information and tips on how to manage our emotional wellness. This month Stephanie Cates, LMSW, will break down the need to stress less to improve our heart health.
Hamilton encourages all who suffer from stress, heart disease, or just want to learn more, to attend the “Happy Mind, Better Health” talk. Hamilton will be providing a healthy brunch from Panera, a chance to win a gift card for attending (courtesy of Meridian Health), and informational packets from Hamilton merchandise to take home.