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Let's include 4 lovely employees, whom I had not previously met,at Arc/Pride for kids!

7 Days to Better Brain Power with Music! Day 5

Day 5 --      Join a choir or band, or take group lessons   

Some of the greatest benefits of music making include the social activity of group classes and performances.  A 1999 study showed people who participated in group keyboard lessons experienced significantly decreased feelings of depression, anxiety and loneliness, and showed an increase in human growth hormone (hGH).  hGH has been linked to positive effects such as increased energy levels,  reduced chance of osteoporosis, improved muscle mass, and fewer aches and pains.

Another study indicated that those who took part in a choir group did much better in a variety of social, behavioral, quality of life and mental health measures than did the control group who did not take part in musical instruction.  The choir participants reported better overall health including fewer doctor visits, fewer falls, fewer hip fractures, lower levels of depression, less loneliness and better morale, AND increased activity levels.  Wow – that church choir is looking more inviting now isn’t it?

523 - I'm past the halfway point!!

Thanks to an invitation to present for the HomeCare Southwest staff meeting this morning, I am over half way to my goal of 1000!  What an awesome group today -- There were RNs, OTs, PTs, and even a future music therapist and her mom.  I presented info about music therapy and led several experientials - including an egg shaker pass and relaxation music.  I shared with everyone the definition of music therapy and the fascinating way music affects brain power.  One young man shared with me how he used to write songs and played several instruments, but now that he was a dad and full-time home health employee, he had not written any music in a number of years.  I think he's probably going to pick up his guitar tonight and hopefully re-kindle the musical spark that I am sure still lives within. 

482

Adding Brenda and Lorie!

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Jane, Mike, Mary, Stephanie, Lucy, Carey and Cam, all business owners and members of Greater Vancouver WA Chamber of Commerce, all heard about music therapy today at the Leads and Needs meeting at Beaches Restaurant.  Such a great event offering wonderful networking opportunities!
One man came up to me afterward and shared with me that he has Asperger's Syndrome and has found music to be tremendously valuable as an outlet for his creativity, but also for social and communication skills.  Another man said that he is amazed at the power of music to evoke memories -- "I hear a song from high school and I'm immediately back there!!" 

San Diego Oncologist on Today Show

Check out this segment on the Today Show about an oncologist who uses songwriting in his work with cancer patients:
http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/41743465/vp/43793404/#43793404

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It's been getting more and more challenging to find people to talk to about music therapy, but I found some listeners yesterday at a local therapy center that works with children with autism.  Their wonderful staff and parents were very receptive to my short music therapy intro . . .  that added 9 people.
Then I spent some time at a local hospital and spoke to 10 nurses and administrative staff about music therapy and how it works in the hospital setting. . .  everyone said things.like, "Awesome"  and "We need that here"  and "can you work with staff as well as patients??"  I loved it!! 
There was one new person at my mastermind meeting today who also asked me about music therapy, and so I filled him in on the miracles that can happen through the healing power of music.
Almost half way to 1000!