What a TRUE PRIVILEGE to be a guest speaker for the Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS) Geriatric Students for the Advancement of Geriatric Education (SAGE). The interactive presentation demonstrated “How MUSIC and RHYTHM enriches the Mind, Body, and Spirit” of older adults with memory impairments and as a SELF CARE practice for Health Care Professionals.The presentation began with a definition of the Music Therapy Profession with examples of cognitive, communication, gross/fine motor, emotional and spiritual (non-musical) goals for older adults with memory impairments. Additionally, an overview of the Scientific and Evidenced Based Research of the group empowerment drumming protocol (HealthRHYTHMS) was demonstrated through experiencing the 10 step protocol. The purpose was to allow the EVMS geriatric professors, staff and medical students to feel the benefits and power of RHYTHM as a SELF-CARE Tool.
Remo Healthrhythms is group empowerment drumming protocol developed by Neurologist Barry Bittman, M.D. and his research team, who discovered through 7 different research studies that group empowerment drumming contributed: increased the disease fighting activity of circulating white blood cells and natural killer cells seek out and destroy cancer and virally infected cells in the body, increased teamwork and bonding that lead to decreased burn out rates of long term care professionals (resulted in projected cost savings averaging $89,100), decreased dropout rates of nursing students, decreased anxiety, enhanced physical exercise, and built group relationships and fellowship.
The interactive session included an introduction, wellness exercise, icebreaker (shaker pass), rhythmic naming, ABC of drumming, group empowerment drumming, entrainment, Inspirational beats, guided imagery of drumming, wellness exercise and closing comments.
Reflective comments from the EVMS professors and students included “Intrigued, Invigorated, Rejuvenated, Calming, Enlightened, Wonderful, Awesome, Empowered, Grateful, Honored, and Feeling Complete.”
Photo includes: Dr. Robert M. Palmer, MD, MPH, John Franklin Chair of Geriatrics and Dr. Galicia-Castillo, Professor of Geriatrics at Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, Becky Watson, Owner, Music for Wellness, Patrizia Lo Betti,ODU Music Student, and several EVMS SAGE Students.
Thank you Madeline Dunstan for inviting me to share how MUSIC and RHYTHM can be a therapeutic tool for older adults with memory impairments and a SELF-CARE tool for Health Care Professionals! @music4well, #music4well #luvservingwithmusic
— withAlyssa Janney, Madeline Dunstan, Margaret Sowry, Remo Healthrhythms and Christine Stevens at Evms.
