Description

Welcome to the Mind the Kids podcast, and welcome to Clara Faria our host for this series. Mind the Kids is your go-to series for inspiring conversations and expert insights into the mental health of children and young people around the globe. Each episode dives into the latest research, real-world experiences, and practical strategies for supporting young minds. In Clara’s first episode, ‘Mental Health and Exercise’ we’re thrilled to welcome Dr. Nicolas Fabiano, a psychiatry resident at the University of Ottawa and a passionate science communicator. Together, they explore the powerful connection between exercise and mental health—discussing how physical activity can help prevent and manage depression, anxiety, and more. They also tackle the common divide between physical and mental health, and why it’s time to treat them as deeply interconnected aspects of well-being. Whether you’re a parent, educator, clinician, or just curious about mental health, this episode offers valuable takeaways and evidence-based advice.

Learning Objectives

1. There is a strong interconnection between physical and mental health.

2. Exercise can prevent depression and improve mental health outcomes.

3. Lifestyle interventions like exercise should be part of treatment plans and education for healthcare providers on prescribing exercise is necessary.

4, Adherence to exercise is crucial for its effectiveness as a treatment and exercise can be a scalable intervention with minimal side effects.

5. The initial benefits of exercise are most significant for those who are sedentary.

6. A stepped approach to exercise recommendations is beneficial for patients and engaging patients in discussions about exercise can enhance treatment outcomes.