Those with cancer or other chronic physical illness may benefit from the sounds of music at the next free interactive televideo (ITV) presentation at St. Rose Ambulatory & Surgery Center.
The “Wonderful World of Music” is scheduled for 3 to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 20 in the St. Dominic Room on the basement level of St. Rose.
“Research shows the tremendous benefits of music at every stage of life,” said Joy Zimmerman, who will be the ITV presenter. “We will talk about the healing qualities of music, and participants will have an opportunity to sing or just listen to music.”
Zimmerman is a social worker, singer and songwriter.
“Since music has been shown to reduce stress and improve the function of the body’s immune system, it can be helpful to those facing cancer or other illnesses,” Zimmerman said. “It also increases social bonding and interaction, as well as a sense of well-being.
“In addition,” Zimmerman continued, “music enhances cognitive performance and provides an avenue to creativity and fun. It also can arouse dormant memories, enhance sensory awareness, restore energy and alleviate pain.”
Zimmerman recommends finding particular songs for particular situations, purposes and feelings; using music to improve experiences such as exercising; and joining other people in creating or enjoying music.
The singer/songwriter will share her recommendations for viewing and reading at St. Rose.
“The bottom line,” she summarized, “is to encourage patients and their loved ones to take advantage of music as an inexpensive, non-invasive, quick intervention. Our lives can be enhanced by this simple idea.”
St. Rose offers regular ITV events through its membership in the Midwest Cancer Alliance, the outreach arm of The University of Kansas Cancer Center. Turning Point: the Center for Hope and Healing collaborates with the Midwest Cancer Alliance to offer these programs locally.
St. Rose is part of the Centura Health family, which connects individuals and families across western Kansas and Colorado with more than 6,000 physicians, 15 hospitals, seven senior-living communities, physician practices and clinics, and home-care and hospice services.