In newspapers across the United States, music is being used to help patients relax after having surgery, help critically ill patients in intensive care units to mend, and volunteer musicians are playing concerts at the bedside of patients. The articles are listed below with more musical tips:
- “Volunteer musicians give patients bedside concerts” (Dawn Fallik The Philadelphia Inquirer, August 8, 2006. Oct. 4, 2006)
- “Harpist provides soothing sounds for patients. Peaceful music is therapeutic in hospitals”.
(Chris Swingle, Staff writer Rochester Democrat & Chronicle)
Use Music Yourself
Music can help you or a loved one to deal with stress, illness or hospitalization. Bryan Hunter, professor of music therapy at Nazareth College, recommends taking along a CD or mp3 player with music that’s familiar and comforting to you. He did so and got through two colonoscopies without medication. “It takes you away from the immediacy of the moment, to another place mentally.” You could also make music by playing a drum or instrument or singing to help you relax or cope with stress — but probably not during a colonoscopy.
“Parkinson’s Sufferers Get Their Groove Back Through Dance. “This is the title of an article by Anne Gehris from NY Resident Magazine on Sep. 26, 2006. Dancing helps with balance, flexibility and posture. Music comes to the rescue.
Madeline’s 5 Musical Tips for Oct. 06
- Research shows that children and adults study better and get higher grades on tests while listening to Mozart and Bach.
- Studies show that shoppers buy more things while listening to Classical Music.
- Play classical music on buses to make school buses safer.
- Parents make sure Bach and Mozart are on your child’s iPod.
- Play classical music in the hallways while students are changing classes.