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Mental health topics discussed For more information about mental health or screening sites, visit the Wellness Wednesday booth from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 9 in the Children’s Hospital lobby. by Liz Puca Institute of Psychiatry Each day, Americans face hundreds of health choices.  Healthy habits such as eating well, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly positively influence how a person feels and how their body functions.  Unhealthy choices, on the other hand, can make a person susceptible to a range of health problems. This is particularly true for people who live with chronic illness—whether it’s a mental disorder or a physical ailment.   Far too many Americans fail to incorporate a principal component into their health choices: mental health. Yet, overall health and wellness are not possible without it. Poor mental health can significantly harm a person’s physical health. For instance, research shows that stress is closely linked to high blood pressure, heart disease and obesity. It also shows that people who feel depressed or chronically stressed may have a greater risk of physical illnesses.    In recognition of National Mental Health Month, the Institute of Psychiatry is offering free screenings for anxiety and depression. Drop in anytime between 5 and 7 p.m.  at the following MUSC Behavioral Health locations: Monday, May 7, 29-B Leinbach Dr., West Ashley Tuesday, May 8, 9225 University Blvd., Unit E-2A, North Charleston Wednesday, May 9, 1073 B Johnnie Dodds Blvd., Mount Pleasant The Institute of Psychiatry is one of the supporting partners with the National Alliance on Mental Illness for a 5 K Fun Run/Walk May 12 at Hampton Park. The event is designed to bring the community together to increase mental health awareness and decrease the stigma that is often associated with these illnesses. Register at http://www.namicharlestonarea.org or call 727-6405 or 792-6259.   For information on the services of the Institute of Psychiatry, call 792-9888 or visit http://www.muschealth.com/psychiatry. Editor's note: The preceding column was brought to you on behalf of Health 1st. Striving to bring various topics and representing numerous employee wellness organizations and committees on campus, this weekly column seeks to provide MUSC, MUHA and UMA employees with current and helpful information concerning all aspects of health.     Friday, May 4, 2007 Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Island Publications at 849-1778, ext. 201.