Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds

The Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds project will enable Torrance State Hospital patients to learn how to access reliable health information to implement a healthy lifestyle, one that leads to lower rate of obesity, improved mental health, and a longer life. Behavioral treatments for obesity generally include dietary change, increased physical activity, and behavior therapy techniques. Under the supervision of a psychological services associate and professional librarian, patients will learn to operate tablet technology to access health information using MedlinePus and the Pat Deegan Recovery Library and will track progress to dietary and fitness goals using SuperTracker USDA. In addition, medical and therapeutic activity staff working with the pilot group will be trained on the use of NLM information sources to assist patients in their efforts toward a healthy lifestyle.