Music Soothes All Generations

“What is that you’re holding?” asked the Grandmother quizzically.

“It’s an MP3 player, Grandma! It has all my favorite music!” The 10-year-old child responded as if his grandmother should have known about the small shiny device he held.

Looking thoughtfully, Grandma leaned back in her chair and carefully told the child, “When I was your age, we had a Victrola.”

“What’s a Victrola?” The child struggled with the word.

Smiling as she looked at the MP3 player. “It’s like your device there, but much bigger.”

“It must have been hard to carry it around everywhere,” the child said, eyes wide.

Grandma let go a laugh. “We didn’t carry them around. We played records on them.”

The child stared at his grandmother, twisting his mouth into a wrinkled grin. “What is a record?”

Holding her hands in the air to form a round shape with her thumbs and forefingers, she described, “It is a large round disc made of vinyl. And, it held all my music on it.”

The child glanced at his MP3 player then back at the large round form his grandmother shaped with her hands and formed an astonished look on his face. “Wow, you must have had thousands of songs on something that huge!”

As you might imagine, this conversation and ones similar to it probably took place in every generation. But despite the changes in music formats over the years – from 78 records to 33 1/3 albums to cassette tapes and 8-tracks to CDs and now all sorts of digital recordings – the benefits of sound have remained consistent throughout the generations. Decades of research have shown music therapy to improve the well-being of people suffering from dementia and other long-term diseases; however, healthier individuals should also subscribe to a daily dose of music therapy to maintain and even improve their well being.

In ancient times, music was used as a healing tool, and was actually recognized as such by Pythagoras, Aristotle and Plato. During their time, they believed what research has since proven… that the quality of human life (physically, emotionally, cognitively and overall well-being) could be enhanced by just listening to music.

As people age, they often skip over some of life’s simpler enjoyments such as kicking back and listening to good music, whether it be via your old Victrola or through an iPod download. Skipping that simple pleasure of music could actually be detrimental to your health.

A 2007 study in the Journal of Happiness Studies found that people over age 65 who listened to music in their everyday life had improved psychological well-being and life satisfaction than those who did not regularly listen to music. In addition, they also reported experiencing more positive emotions, such as feelings of pleasure and relaxation as well as improved mood regulation. Two years later, the International Journal of Mental Health Nursing reported that people over the age of 65 could lower their risk of depression by listening to music. The research found that tuning into their most desirable sound lowered depression, blood pressure, heart rate and respiratory rate.

Here are 10 specific health benefits you could receive just by kicking back and listening:

1.       A natural pain killer. Music can divert your attention away from pain and encourage relaxation. A study in the Journal of Advanced Nursing found that listening to music reduced chronic pain by up to 21 percent.

2.       Reduces stress. Music can reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. A study found that listening to a half-hour of soothing music twice a day for two weeks significantly reduced anxiety in people.

3.       Lowers blood pressure. A study found that people who listened to music for just 30 minutes a day for one month had significant reductions in their blood pressure. In addition, the soothing music reduced the risk of stroke and other cardiovascular issues.

4.       Stimulates brain cells. Research found that music with a strong beat stimulates brainwaves to resonate in sync with the beat, bringing sharper concentration and more alert thinking. Listening to softer, classical music improves focus over longer periods of time, promoting a more meditative state. It was found that these effects often lasted long after the music ended.

5.       Boosts exercise performance. Music will often divert your attention from feeling fatigued and exhausted during a workout. Ever wonder why nearly all exercise classes use music? It helps intensity the workout, boosting performance as well as weight loss.

6.       Promotes sound sleep. Listening to music can reduce daily stress, putting your body in a more relaxed state that can assist in your sleep cycle.

7.       Increases optimism. Listening to music that you enjoy can perk up your mood, increase self-esteem and boost self-confidence. The positive music promotes a positive state of mind, keeping depression and negativity away.

8.       Assists cancer patients. According to research, music reduces anxiety in patients suffering from the effects of radiation and chemotherapy.

9.       Assists with socialization skills. Music has been known as a great conversation-starter as well as a method of bringing people together who share a similar passion. Rock concerts, symphonies or dances bring a variety of people together mainly because of their love of the music style being shared that evening.

10.   Improves spiritual health. Music has been used for spiritual connections across most religions. It is a way of worship or connecting to the Higher Power of the particular church. Chanting and other sounds are also considered modes of music used for spiritual health.

Considering that listening to music takes virtually no effort, every generation can enjoy the benefits. Make music a daily part of your lifestyle and take pleasure in knowing you are improving your health in the process.

References:

Chaudhari, M. (2010). 10 benefits of listening to music. Retrieved April 3, 2012 from http://www.lifemojo.com/lifestyle/10-benefits-of-listening-to-music-19402577.

Chan, M. F., Chan, E. A., Mok, E., & Tse, F. Y. K. (2009). Effect of music on depression levels and physiological responses in community-based older adults. International Journal of Mental Health Nursing, 18, 285-294. doi: 10.1111/j.1447-0349.2009.00614.x.

Laukka, P. (2007). Uses of music and psychological well-being among the elderly. Journal of Happiness Studies, 8, 215-241. doi:I 10.1007/s10902-006-9024-3.

Are You Having a Brain Attack?

Heart Attack. Most people understand these two terrifying words, but what about these two words: Brain Attack.

Just like a heart attack causes the heart to stop, a brain attack causes a malfunction in the brain. More commonly referred to as a stroke, brain attacks literally cut off the blood flow and oxygen to the brain leaving many people permanently paralyzed and others dead.

The biggest shock about brain attacks is that they are not just a senior citizen malady. In fact, a recent report by the National Stroke Association showed a sharp rise in incidence rates of people ages 15 to 44 who were hospitalized because of a stroke.

I recently sat down with stroke survivor Mike Zeller of Cochranton who suffered his stroke during his early 40s. At the time of that stroke, back in 2006, doctors predicted he would live only 24 more hours. Six years later, Zeller and his wife Kathy are strong advocates for stroke prevention, support, and awareness. While he walks with a cane and has permanent left-side paralysis, Mike displays a genuine positive attitude toward life. His mission today is to spread awareness among the community about the danger signs of stroke.

“People don’t think it can happen to them,” Zeller said, indicating he was once one of those people. Since his miraculous recovery, Zeller has joined the Different Strokes Stroke Support Group for which he has developed a brochure that talk about brain attacks. The group is planning their first Stroke Awareness Walk for Fitness scheduled for May 1^st on the Ernst Trail. The walk will be held at noon to 1 p.m. and is free to the public. Refreshments will be available along with stroke information.

“We planned this over the lunch hour so that those who wish to come out and walk can do so, and enjoy some refreshments and learn a little more about the danger signs of stroke,” Zeller commented.

According to the National Stroke Association, nearly 800,000 strokes occur annually, one about every 40 seconds. There may actually be more cases of stroke because some people who suffer the symptoms often don’t really know they are having a stroke. In many cases, the stroke will start off feeling like a very bad headache or migraine. If this happened to be a stroke, that person only has a three-hour window to get treatment before permanent damage ensues.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention along with the American Heart Association suggests that people need to act F.A.S.T. in order to prevent serious damage or death. The F stands for Face: check to see if there is an uneven smile or a facial droop. This is strong sign that a stroke is occurring. The A stands for Arms: check for weakness or numbness in the arms. The S refers to Speech: slurred speech or difficulty speaking or understanding are key signs of stroke. The T refers to Time, indicating the urgency of calling for help.

Zeller strongly recommends that people call for an ambulance rather than attempt to transport themselves to the emergency room. The ambulance crew can call ahead to the emergency room, who can then prepare for the stroke victim. According to Denise Johnson, Chief Medical Officer at Meadville Medical Center, “We have very specific stroke protocols and a neurologist on call 24-7.”

Stroke risk can be significantly reduced by employing overall healthy habits. Controlling high blood pressure and high cholesterol can sharply reduce your chances of stroke. Other risk factors include smoking, heavy alcohol use, physical inactivity, and obesity. By practicing healthy habits and eliminating unhealthy behaviors, your chances of suffering a stroke can shrink.

Download a F.A.S.T. Card here: www.strokeawareness.com

Passport to a Healthier You!

Research shows that 1 in every 10 children are either overweight or obese and that 17 percent of all children are classified as obese. Furthermore, recent studies have shown the prevalence of obesity in U.S. children has tripled since 1980, indicating that the disease has hit epidemic levels.

Locally, Crawford County appears to be in worse shape than the country as a whole where childhood obesity is concerned. Recent statistical data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Pennsylvania Department of Health show that 40 percent of our county’s children are either overweight or obese.

Those astounding numbers set off loud alarms among a group of concerned citizens, who now call themselves the BEAM Initiative. BEAM, which stands for Balancing Eating and Movement in Meadville, is a collective group of health and community professionals working to reverse the trend of childhood obesity within four main modalities: 1. Environment; 2. Grocery Stores and Restaurants; 3. Schools; and 4. Community Engagement. Recently, the fourth element on this roster prompted the creation of a community collaborative program called Passport to a Healthier You.

Thanks to financial commitments from the Crawford Heritage Foundation, Meadville Medical Center, Allegheny College, the Lion’s Club of Meadville, and the Kiwanis Club of Meadville, BEAM will operate a three-month pilot of Passport to a Healthier You beginning on April 14^th. The Passport program is designed to introduce lifestyle changes within children and their families that revolve around nutrition and physical activity. However, these lifestyle changes are integrated into fun activities that make it easy and desirable for adults and children alike.

The program involves recruiting up to 100 children and their families to participate in at least 12 events over the course of three months (April 14 through July 14). These events, which are currently existing endeavors in the Meadville area, focus on one of the two aspects of the Passport program: Understanding Your Food (nutrition) and Understanding Your Body (physical activity). As children and their families participate in these events, they receive credits that move them closer to special rewards. At the program’s grand finale on July 14, all children who earned 12 credits will be awarded fitness prizes which may include (but are not limited to) hula hoops, jump ropes, Frisbees and physical fitness treasures. Specific gifts have yet to be determined. As an incentive for the families to help support their child throughout the three months, the Passport program will provide a $25 gift card to a local grocery store as well as a tomato plant donated by Creative Landscapes. The hope is that the families will have learned how to shop for healthy foods and perhaps start their own vegetable garden.

Each child, along with their parent/guardian or entire family, will be required to attend at least three food-related events and three physical fitness-related events along with six other activities that count for credit in the program. The details are outlined in the “Passport” that each participant will receive upon signing up for the pilot program.

The goal of Passport to a Healthier You is to promote lifelong changes that need to take root within the family unit. Research has shown that children are very willing to participate in various activities and enjoy eating healthy foods; however, if their families are not supportive of such behaviors, the children will not maintain them over the long haul. Passport to a Healthier You intends to educate families on how their behaviors affect their children’s behaviors both now and in the future.

Participation in Passport to a Healthier You can be done starting April 14^th at the Meadville Family YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day event held in Diamond Park from 9 a.m. until noon. Children and families attending will receive the Passport along with a packet of information describing the program and activities for the coming three months. The following list are “Passport Approved” programs that will count for credit over the three months:

April 14 9am-noon: Diamond Park Healthy Kids Day

-          2 credits for the Understanding Your Body (Fun Run participation & a Healthy Well-Visit by a health educator and/or provider

April 20 9am-noon: Crawford County Care Center Dairy Princess Event

-          1 credit for Understanding Your Food

April 21 3:30-5:30pm: Park Avenue Lanes Bowling with the Children’s Center

-          1 credit for Understanding Your Body

May 5 10am-noon: MARC Swimming with the Children’s Center

-          1 credit for Understanding Your Body

May 19 6pm: Giant Eagle Tour (choosing the healthiest options)

-          1 credit for Understanding Your Food

May 23 11am: Giant Eagle Tour (choosing the healthiest options)

-          1 credit for Understanding Your Food

May 28 8am: Diamond Park Human Race - Kids' Race and Nutritional Information

(*Last day for Passport registration)

-          1 credit for Understanding Your Food (stop by the nutritional booth)

-          1 credit for Understanding Your Body (participate in the race)

June 16 9-10:30am: Woodcock Dam Walk/Bike w/Children’s Center

-          1 credit for Understanding Your Body

June 23 9am: Colonel Crawford Park Youth Triathalon and Nutritional Information

(*May be associated fees)

-          1 credit for Understanding Your Food (stop by the nutritional booth)

-          1 credit for Understanding Your Body (participate in the race)

June 30 11am or 2pm: Tops Market Tour (choosing the healthiest options)

-          1 credit for Understanding Your Food

July 8 7:30am: Starts at Ernst Trail, Trail Blazer 15K/5K

(*May be associated fees)

-          1 credit for Understanding Your Body

Anytime during the three months: Recipe Contest & Food Journal

-          1 credit each for Understanding Your Food

July 14 10am-noon: YMCA Final Event/Awards/Recognition/Prizes

Other activities not listed may also count as Passport credits. Details will be presented at the time of registration.

For more information, search for us on Facebook by keying in Passport to a Healthier You – Meadville. Like us and get updates throughout the program.

Reference:

Ogden, C. & Carroll, M. (2010). Prevalence of obesity among children and adolescents: United States, trends 1963-1965 through 2007-2008. Retrieved March 30, 2012 from http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/hestat/obesity_child_07_08/obesity_child_07_08.htm.