Several years ago, one of the New York City daily papers published the responses of passers-by in response to the question, “What is your New Year’s Resolution?” Many of the answers were fairly predictable – better health, more exercise, improved diet – but one stood out.
“Next year, I’m going to daydream more,” answered one woman. It was a notable response because it was less intended toward making oneself “better,” and more intended to make oneself “happier.” What a novel concept!
The good news is that the link between happiness and good health is no secret and ongoing studies continue to support the connection.
Here are some great articles on the matter.
The Health Benefits of Happiness, Psychology Today
Six Ways Happiness is Good for Your Health, Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley
Take a look!
And, as we embark on a new year and a new decade and as you ponder and practice your 2020 Resolutions, we hope you’ll consider your happiness as an important force and guideline for your time and your energy.
Happy 2020!
To celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday, the RVNAhealth team put together plentiful Thanksgiving baskets and took to the road, partnering with local community organizations to deliver meals to those in need. In addition to our basket tradition, RVNAhealth has a food pantry that supports our own patients who are short on supplies and food. Schools, civic organizations and individuals make contributions and host food drives to help us keep the shelves stocked. Interested in helping out? Learn more and get details on making a donation at rvnahealth.org/support-us/food-pantry/.
According to the CDC, handling poultry (chicken and turkey) incorrectly and undercooking it are the most common problems that lead to foodborne disease outbreaks linked to poultry. These outbreaks increase every November and December due to improper food handling at holiday parties and dinners.
Follow these five tips to safely prepare your next holiday turkey meal:
NEVER thaw your turkey by leaving it out on the counter. Bacteria can grow quickly if left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours. The danger zone for bacteria to grow is between 40 degrees F and 140 degrees F.
Eat WELL!
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Above: Tammy Strom, MA-MTBC, plays her guitar at RVNAhealth’s headquarters on Governor Street in Ridgefield.
When Tammy Strom, MA-MTBC, visits RVNAhealth hospice patients, she’s equipped with a distinctive set of clinical tools. A guitar. Piles and piles of sheet music and songbooks. And a variety of handheld musical instruments (think tambourines, shakers, bells and other fun accessories).
As our hospice music therapist, Tammy also brings healthy doses of compassion and positivity, alongside a dedication to helping patients experience the best possible quality of life in their final months, weeks and days.
“Many people have the misconception that working with hospice patients is somber,” she says. “But as a music therapist I get to see, and be a part of, a lot of life and creativity.”
When hearing the term “music therapy,” you might think of listening to music performed by someone else. Or the opportunity for a patient and perhaps the family to play, sing or even write songs. The reality is that it depends – on what goals are appropriate for the patient and family.
Tammy shares how, in the case of a patient who had difficulty speaking, the simple act of slowing down a beloved song so she could sing brought “great joy” to both the patient and her family.
“If you’re with them for several months, as their condition progresses, it might be more about soothing with music that carries meaning,” she adds. She recalls this being the situation with a patient who was no longer alert, but the husband requested their wedding song from long ago.
“Musical interventions aren’t about being note-perfect, and it isn’t about teaching music,” explains Tammy. “It’s focused on providing comfort and memories. The goal might be to alleviate isolation; help a family connect with a patient who is unable to speak due to dementia; or distract from the patient’s physical discomfort or soothe the emotional pain the patient and family are experiencing.”
Music therapy can also be used as a restorative therapy in the bereavement process, especially with children mourning a loss.
Hospice music therapy is administered by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program and passed a national exam offered by the Certification Board for Music Therapists. In addition to being board certified in music therapy, Tammy holds a master’s degree in expressive therapies with a concentration in music therapy and mental health counseling. A lifelong musician, she has sung with the Ridgefield Chorale for two decades, and has performed with Troupers Light Chorale in the past.
“Music stimulates many parts of the brain – from auditory to motor to emotional – and it is often one of the last memories to remain intact,” she stresses. “Many studies have found that music therapy positively affects patients’ quality of life by addressing their spectrum of needs: Physical, psychological, emotional, spiritual, social and family support.”
Also, as she is fond of saying, in the words of Hans Christian Andersen: “Where words fail, music speaks.”
Read More Hospice & Palliative Care Month Articles
Hospice is for Living
How Spiritual Care Providers Help Hospice Patients and Their Families