Diet and exercise are crucial not only to physical well-being but also for mental activity at all ages.

Leading health experts will be addressing a one-day conference organised by the Division of Developmental Medicine, University of Glasgow on Tuesday 18 November 2003. Over 260 professionals from health, education and social case settings will hear the latest information in this area as well as learning about examples of good practice.

Conference Speakers include:

Professor Nanette Mutrie, Centre for Exercise Science and Medicine, University of Glasgow, who will be speaking on the current evidence for physical activity and mental health. She said:

"Research suggests that a healthy body can indeed help create a healthy mind. Studies show that regular exercise promotes positive moods and increased self esteem and suggests that exercise is as good as other well known therapies for helping people cope with depression. Thus physical activity should be promoted for mental health benefits as well as for the well known physical health benefits it provides."

Denise Thomas, Chief Dietician, Mental Health and Community Portsmouth Hospitals Trust, will be talking on what moods affect nutrition, how does nutrition affect mood and what does this mean for us? She said:

"When stressed, we often reach for a bar of chocolate or a glass of wine. Feeling low and we go for the tub of ice cream. Food raises feelings of nurture and reward, but does it also have a role in nature regarding mood?

Various nutrients have a direct affect on mood and mental state; similarly, mental states can affect the food choices we make and therefore nutritional status. Some mentally ill people are increasingly nutritionally vulnerable.

As mental health practitioners, we have a responsibility to assess nutritional status and to remember the consequences of poor nutrition on physical well-being"

Barbara Tootle, Senior Clinical Practitioner (Dietician), will be speaking about South West Yorkshire Mental Health Trust award winning project for mental health patients: Implementing nutrition policies and establishing exercise opportunities. She commented:

"The contribution of nutrition in achieving well-being can be overlooked within a mental health inpatient setting. The development of innovative food and nutrition policies and training within South West Yorkshire Mental Health Trust has enabled staff to competently assess nutritional needs and create the opportunity for early intervention".

Professor Robin McCreadie, Crichton Royal Hospital, Dumfries, will be speaking on his research work on diet and schizophrenia, in particular in increasing fruit and vegetable consumption.

His presentation will consider the association between intake of fruit and vegetables and negative symptoms of schizophrenia.

Other speakers include:

• Professor Mike Lean, Human Nutrition, University of Glasgow on Obesity, diabetes, schizophrenia and the role of anti-psychotic drugs.
• Dr Mary Millar, Eating Disorders Service, Royal Cornhill Hospital, Aberdeen on Eating Disorders.
• Christine Bauer and Brian Young from Stirling and District Association who will be presenting on their innovative project in action on food and nutrition.
• Morag Wilson, Yoga Therapist, Scotland on yoga therapy and mental health

The conference will take place at the Marriott Hotel Glasgow from 10.00 ﾖ 4.30 pm on Tuesday 18 November 2003

Media Relations Office (media@gla.ac.uk)

For further information in advance please contact: Carolyn Fraser, Human Nutrition, University of Glasgow on 0141 201 9264. On the 18 November, she can be contacted on 079 6656 1474 or contact the University Press Office on 0141 330 3535/8593

First published: 14 November 2003