Mental Assessment

It is important to assess your behavioral, social, physical, occupational, affective and emotional state.  It is also important to identify how you have been impacted by life situations and circumstances.  Failure to proactively address those areas can produce barriers to your success.

Approximately 1 in 5 adults in the U.S.—43.8 million, or 18.5%—experiences mental illness in a given year.  Approximately 1 in 25 adults in the U.S.—9.8 million, or 4.0%—experiences a serious mental illness in a given year that substantially interferes with or limits one or more major life activities. (NAMI.org)

Individuals living with serious mental illness face an increased risk of having chronic medical conditions.  Adults in the U.S. living with serious mental illness die on average 25 years earlier than others, largely due to treatable medical conditions. (NAMI.org)

Nutritional Assessment

It is important to identify your food preferences, consumption patterns and relationship with food.  Identifying the types of foods that you prefer, the quantity and quality of those foods, and how you feel about your food choices is essential in creating a healthier way of eating that can be achieved and maintained long-term.

Unhealthy eating habits have contributed to the obesity epidemic in the United States: about one-third of U.S. adults (33.8%) are obese and approximately 17% (or 12.5 million) of children and adolescents aged 2—19 years are obese.  Even for people at a healthy weight, a poor diet is associated with major health risks that can cause illness and even death. These include heart disease, hypertension (high blood pressure), type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, and certain types of cancer. By making smart food choices, you can help protect yourself from these health problems. (HHS.gov)

Physical Assessment

It is important to identify muscle imbalances, postural dysfunctions and improper movement patterns.  Muscle imbalances and postural dysfunctions can cause improper movement patterns which can lead to injury.  It is also important to establish baseline performance measurements in terms of cardiorespiratory efficiency, core stabilization, balance, flexibility, muscular endurance and strength.

About one-third of U.S. adults (33.8%) are obese and approximately 17% (or 12.5 million) of children and adolescents (aged 2-19 years) are obese.  Approximately 80% of US adults and adolescents are insufficiently active. Regular physical activity can produce long-term health benefits.  Physical activity can prevent chronic diseases, control weight, increase muscle strength, decrease fat, promote bone, joint and muscle development, improve heart and lung function and build overall strength and endurance. (HHS.gov)