Mental Health & Your Gut – What’s The Connection?

Starting Point’s July 30 Community Conversation To Focus on Digestive Health And Its Influence On Mental Health

You have probably had a “gut feeling” or some stomach upset when you were stressed. Now, scientists are learning that there is actually a “second brain” in your gut that influences how you think and feel. In fact, studies show the “little brain” in your gut actually includes more than 100 million nerve cells that controls digestion. It is called the Enteric Nervous System (ENS) and it communicates with our big brain, impacting our mental health.

How is your gut tied to your mental health? Join Starting Point Behavioral Healthcare for How Your Digestive Health Impacts Your Mental Wellness: A Community Conversation to learn about and discuss the connection between your brain and your gut. The event will be held on July 30, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at The Peck Center, 516 South 10th Street in Fernandina Beach. 

Julie Schafer

Julie Schafer, Director of Health Partnerships at Baptist Health, will be the Keynote Speaker. Her presentation will include an overview of the neurological connections between the two, and how you can influence the health of both. The audience is invited to join in the conversation following her presentation. The event is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served.

Julie Schafer is the Director of Health Partnerships for Baptist Health, which includes oversight of 5 Healthy Living Centers inside YMCAs, a wellness office at the Jewish Community Center, and 3 convenient care clinics inside of Walgreens.  She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science, a Master’s degree in Public Health, and is finishing a certification in Integrative Nutrition and a degree in Functional Medicine.  She worked previously at Brooks Rehabilitation for 8 years, where she established wellness programs for persons living with stroke, MS, Parkinson’s, and brain injury, along with a Caregiver Support group.  Julie actively pursues learning new research in the fields of medicine, digestive health, nutrition, and the link to mental health and wellness.

To register for the Community Conversation, please Email dforbes@spbh.org or call 904.225.8280, ext. 428.