Vim & Vigor - Fall 2008 - North Denver - (Page 48)

sound of music Music has existed in cultures around the world for thousands of years. So it’s no wonder that music provides more than emotional and social beneﬁts to the people who listen to and produce it. In a therapeutic environment, music can promote healing and enhance the quality of life. According to the American Cancer Society, when used with conventional treatment, music therapy might help to reduce pain and relieve chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. It also might relieve stress and provide an overall sense of well-being. “Most people enjoy music and can relate anecdotes about how their favorite music calms them in stressful times or distracts them from unpleasant thoughts,” says Ted Gansler, M.D., MBA, director of medical content for the American Cancer Society. “In the past few years, there have been several studies that rigorously evaluated the effect of music therapy on pain, anxiety, nausea and other symptoms, generally with positive results.” ❋ go ✽O ON where to start To learn more about St. Anthony Hospitals’ smoking cessation classes and individual lifestylechange sessions, call Andrea Bon-Wilson at 303-629-4051. N I VAC ATI V ✽O N 48 ON stress management,” says David Shern, Ph.D., president and CEO of Mental Health America. “Not taking time out can lead to decreased energy and concentration, job burnout, troubled relationships and depression. People who feel depressed or overly stressed may be at greater risk of physical illness, such as high blood pressure, heart disease and obesity.” Goldberg supports the rejuvenating qualities of a little time away. “I wish I could prescribe vacations to all of my patients—and myself,” she jokes. But even if you can’t get away for an extended vacation, it’s important to take small breaks throughout the day—whether it’s a short walk, a few yoga poses or just by taking a good, deep breath. don’t forget ❋ Yes, the keys to good health still lie in eating right, exercising and avoiding unhealthy habits. But you can add a few simple pleasures to your life and enjoy a good—even healthier—life. make a pleasure plan Making lifestyle changes? Andrea Bon-Wilson, psychosocial counselor for St. Anthony Hospitals Cardiac Rehabilitation, strongly suggests you make pleasure a part of your plan. “Pleasure is an incredibly important need for all humans,” she says, “and it’s one that’s frequently met through consumption.” A certified addictions counselor, Bon-Wilson advises those working to stop smoking or break through obesity to consider seriously what they find enjoyable. She also provides clients a three-page leisure interest survey that addresses physical, creative and social preferences. “Some people need to learn how to recreate,” Bon-Wilson says, “and others need to find ways to fit it in. We weren’t designed to work all the time. Just taking a short break can make a major difference. Perhaps it’s taking a walk instead of visiting the coffee cart and consuming, again. Maybe it’s saying a little prayer. “Every individual has to find it for him or herself.” that’s what friends are for Meeting the girls for brunch, the guys for poker or calling up an old buddy to chat—spending time with your friends is more beneﬁcial to your health than you might think. “Connectivity is important for our mental health,” Shern says. “Spending time with others raises spirits. It helps us feel loved and appreciated and reminds us that we are not alone. People feel more mentally healthy, overall, when they have stronger social networks.” It’s also important to turn to your friends when you are feeling stressed or overwhelmed— they can help take the load off you. Goldberg says that it’s OK to delegate when you need help and let someone else pick up the slack. ❋ vim & vigor · fal l 2 008

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Vim & Vigor - Fall 2008 - North Denver

Vim & Vigor - Fall 2008 - North Denver Contents A Mission in Motion For Your Health Goal! Seeing Beyond Time Equals Muscle The Fiber Solution Prize Fighters On the Cover: Spreading the News I'm Glad I Had a... Tailor-Made Beyond the Bedside On Track Living the Good Life Little Kids, Big Decisions Zeroing In Right At Home Beating the Clock Community Connections Ask the Experts

Vim & Vigor - Fall 2008 - North Denver

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