By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law
In a recent interview, U. S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy said that mental health is the third “critical pillar” of wellness, along with nutrition and exercise. In Murthy’s role as Surgeon General, it is his responsibility to provide Americans with the best information for maximizing their heath in every way possible. That’s exactly why Murthy has made emotional well-being a priority during his tenure, emphasizing that emotional wellness is just as important as physical wellness.
Three Critical Pillars.
According to Murthy, nutrition and exercise are the “two critical pillars” when it comes to health and wellness. But the third pillar of the equation, he added, involves mental health. In a recent interview with HuffPost editor-in-chief Arianna Huffington he stated, “Emotional well-being is more than the absence of a mental illness,” Murthy said. “It’s that resource within each of us which allows us to reach ever closer to our full potential, and which also enables us to be resilient in the face of adversity.”
Significant Impacts on Mental Health.
As overall mental health and emotional well-being has gained more attention and more research is conducted, the more its “significant impacts” are realized on the risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes and other neurological conditions, he said. “So this is why I have been focusing on emotional well-being because I believe that it is the fuel that makes everything else possible,” Murthy said.
Murthy also spoke about the importance of rest during the recent interview. Many people view sleep as a luxury instead of a “biological necessity,” Murthy said. He explained how many don’t realize that lack of sleep is associated with health complications like obesity, diabetes, heart disease, depression and mood disturbances.
“What you quickly realize once you commit to getting more sleep is it can increase your productivity, it can improve your mood,” Murthy said. “And that doesn’t just help you at work, but it helps you be the kind of person you want to be with your family and your friends and that’s ultimately what matters most.”
Click here to watch the video of the recent interview conducted and learn more.
To learn more about mental health issues and the importance of research and knowledge, click here to read one of my prior blogs.
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Sources:
“Surgeon General Names Mental Health Third “Critical Pillar” Of Wellness.” AHLA Weekly Bulletin. (July 25, 2016). Web.
Diamond, Madeline. “Why Mental Health Is A Top Priority For The U.S. Surgeon General.” Huffington Post. (July 25, 2016). Web.
About the Author: George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., is Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law. He is the President and Managing Partner of The Health Law Firm, which has a national practice. Its main office is in the Orlando, Florida area. The Health Law Firm, 1101 Douglas Ave., Altamonte Springs, FL 32714, Phone: (407) 331-6620. www.TheHealthLawFirm.com
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