Discussion and expert tips to manage stress and heart health
FLINT, MICH. (Feb. 8, 2024): Hamilton Community Health Network is aiming for a stress less approach and healthier hearts this American Heart Month with a discussion on the effects of stress to your hearts and tips to get your stress under control with Hamilton’s very own, Stephanie Cates, LMSW.
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 relation of our mind and heart.
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.
“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.”
Cates thinks it is important to take the steps to destress, focusing on meditation, eliminating stressors, picking up healthier habits such as journalling. 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 encourages all who suffer from stress, heart disease, or just want to learn more, to attend their Happy Mind, Better Health talk from 11 a.m. to 12p.m., on February 20, at their North Pointe clinic.
Hamilton’s North Pointe clinic is located at 5710 Clio Rd., Flint, 48504.
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 and Hamilton merchandise to take home.
About Hamilton Community Health Network
Hamilton Community Health Network is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing comprehensive, quality, community-oriented health care for the underserved throughout Genesee, Lapeer County and surrounding areas. The organization is part of a national network of primary care centers (Section 330E) aimed at improving health services for inner-city populations. These centers provide comprehensive care to patients regardless of their ability to pay. For more information, visit hamiltonchn.org.
