Discovery has announced the introduction of a mental wellbeing module to Vitality, with members rewarded with Discovery Miles for taking proactive steps towards their mental health and wellbeing.<\/p>\n
The group said that members can now also track their mindful minutes and sleep goals on partner apps – including Headspace, Calm, The Mindfulness App and Buddhify – in the Vitality Active Rewards platform.<\/p>\n
“Improving mental wellbeing and resilience is integral to overall health,” said Dr Mosima Mabunda, Vitality\u2019s head of Wellness.<\/p>\n
“We know that mental and physical health are connected. While living with a chronic condition increases the risk for developing poor mental health, the opposite is also true \u2013 poor mental health increases the risk for developing chronic conditions.”<\/p>\n
“For example, depression is associated with an 18% higher risk of type 2 diabetes. This may be because people with a mental health condition find it more difficult to manage their physical health.”<\/p>\n
Vitality’s data supports the impact of healthy lifestyle behaviours on mental wellbeing:<\/p>\n
“This highlights the importance of preventative behaviours for both mental and physical health,” said Dr Mabunda.<\/p>\n
“These include mindfulness-based meditation \u2013 which has been shown to be useful in improving mental wellbeing \u2013 and adequate sleep. Physical activity and good nutrition have a well-established positive impact on our health,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
“This is what drove us to more purposefully and formally integrate mental wellbeing into the Vitality programme.”<\/p>\n