Rest and Balancing :)

These few months it's been hecticly busy, with new work and new clients! However, I have come to realise the importance of balancing my life with work. Doing something you like as work can be so satisfying and tempting to constantly think about work and make it constantly on my mind. I have set a few things for myself, hope it's helpful for yourself as well!

1. Make time - you can't produce time, but you can make time. Spare time to do certain things
2. Prioritize - First things first, one thing at a time. Things can all happen at the same time but you can do them one by one as well!
3. Do something not related to work - something completely out of it - it can produce different energies in your mind!
4. Rest - Rest as much as you need, you don't realise how much rest you need! Rest somewhere without any distractions - a bubble bath, a jog, a walk in the bushes/ nature, somewhere out of the crowds....
5. Well-Being - Have a balanced lifestyle of well being - think about what you need to do

Cancare news

5 Things You Need to Know About Music Therapy

from music bridges

http://www.musicalbridgesmt.com/2014/02/10/5-things-you-need-to-know-about-music-therapy/ 

never heard of it before.” If you are one of the people who are unaware of what music therapy is, here are 5 things you need to know which will help answer that question! Music therapy has been gaining much more publicity with social media so why not add another source to the list 

So here is the scoop…

1. Music Therapy is an Accredited Health Care Profession

Music therapy has been an accredited profession since the 1950s, however most people are not aware of this. When most people think of therapists their minds go to the classic Freudian psychologist, speech therapists, occupational therapists or physical therapists. Music therapists should also be considered in this list as we are similar to the other therapies in that we work towards non-musical goals, provide documentation towards progress, are well educated in the areas of music and psychology, accredited and certified to practice, and often times we can co-treat alongside other therapies to help you achieve quicker and better results. Currently, there are around 5,000 board certified music therapists working in the United States. Each one has completed at least an undergraduate degree in music therapy, has completed a required 1,040 hour internship and passed the national board certification exam required by our professional organization in order to practice. In addition to this, our profession requires continuing education to keep this certification, so we are constantly improving ourselves to benefit you! So remember, if your music therapist doesn’t have the credentials of MT-BC (Music Therapist, Board Certified) then they are not a true music therapist.

 2. You DON’T Have to Be a Musician to Benefit!

I have had countless participants express to me at the beginning of a session, “I’m not a musician so I don’t know how good I’ll be”, or “I can only play the radio”.  The truth of the matter is, music therapists strive to make sessions non-musician proof, meaning that we want you to have a successful musical experience and be fully involved even if you have no idea how to play a note. More often than not we are actually working with people who do not consider themselves musicians. If you are one of these people I encourage you to consider that you actually ARE a musician! Everyone has an inherent rhythm which is our living, breathing, physical body. Every part of you is made up of millions of tiny rhythms all working together, from our hearts all the way down to our cells. In music therapy the therapist works with you to successfully create music and be a part of a powerful musical experience even if you have never had any formal musical training.

 3. Music Therapy Can Benefit ALL Populations (Even Healthy People!)

One of my favorite observations is when I work in the hospital treating cancer patients while they receive chemotherapy. I enter the room and it is mostly quiet with only the sounds of beeping and televisions buzzing from the patients barricading themselves off from their surroundings. How quickly the atmosphere changes once music is introduced! Before you know it everyone in the room is focusing on the music, interacting with those around them, smiling, relaxing and even the staff gets involved by singing along and participating in discussions. Not only am I treating the patients, but their loved ones and the staff are receiving benefits as well. That is one of the unique characteristics of music therapy… everyone around is effected and can benefit, even if they are not the targeted patient being treated. Music has the power to express when words cannot be found, guide when there is no sight, uplift when the spirit is broken, teach when one struggles to be taught and so much more. I have yet to find a population that music therapy cannot aid in treating.

 4. Music is a Whole Brain Process

The crazy thing with music and the brain is that no one area of the brain processes music alone. There are so many different aspects of music that even if half of your brain is removed you will still respond and be able to decipher it to some extent because both hemispheres play a part in musical processing. This is why music therapy is so effective with victims of brain injuries. Music very often can bypass where the injury is and lead to new connections aiding in recovery or relearning. In addition, memories of music are also stored throughout your brain, not just one localized section. Have you ever witnessed someone with dementia finish an entire chorus of a song with just a few notes reintroduced? I do almost every day! Try it on yourself! Just by hearing a few notes of a song you haven’t heard in years you will be surprised how much of the song you can continue to sing. Long story short, our brains are heavily influenced by music and there are connections to music throughout them making it a great therapy especially when a neurological impairment has occurred.

5. Music Therapy is Very Effective… We Have Research!

There are countless publications in the Journal of Music Therapy and Music Therapy Perspectives the two largest periodical collections put forth by our organization, AMTA (The American Music Therapy Association). You can find numerous studies and abstracts simply by searching Google or visiting the AMTA website (click the link to access bibliographies for specific populations). So why is music therapy so effective? There are many reasons, in fact too many to get into in this post, but consider #4 as mentioned above, the fact that nearly everyone on the planet enjoys music to some extent, music is fun and non-invasive which always helps with motivation, and it has the ability to affect us physically, emotionally, cognitively and spiritually. The best part is that music therapy can affect all of these things at the same time!

Concord Hospital - Cancer patients

SBS Radio Interview

Dear all,

Again I am honoured to be interviewed on SBS Radio again to talk about Mental Health. I shared what music therapy is with case studies and sharings. Hope you find it useful!

Part 1 - Pulse: Music Therapy Mental Health Part 1
http://www.sbs.com.au/yourlanguage/cantonese/en/content/pulse-music-therapy-mental-health-part-1

Part 2 -  Pulse: Music Therapy Mental Health Part 2
http://www.sbs.com.au/yourlanguage/node/559373

Hanna

Mindfulness Music Therapy Program for HSC Students

15/07/2016

HSC got you down? Are you stressing out?

Music therapy is a research-based practice and profession in which music is used to actively support people as they strive to improve their health, functioning and wellbeing. It's different from music education and it uses the power of music and music-making to help you get you through those tough times.

At headspace Chatswood we're offering a free 5-week music therapy program which incorporates creative mindfulness exercises for HSC students. You don't need any background in music and you don't even need to bring your own instrument.

For more information contact us on 8021-3668 or email us at info@headspacechatswood.org.au

http://www.sbs.com.au/yourlanguage/node/559373

Dear all,

Just wanted to say that MOCC (Massive Online Course ) are very useful for everyone!
They are all free and are recommended for those who are interested in specific courses:
They are usually 1) Fun and interactive - with online discussions and videos
2) Easy and practical - lots of useful resources
3) Accessible and short -usually around 12 weeks and you can access it online anytime
Here are some courses worth doing -

Dementia course -
http://www.utas.edu.au/wicking/understanding-dementia
Palliative Care
https://illinoispalliativecaremooc.coursesites.com/
Here's a comprehensive list as well -
https://www.mooc-list.com/

Best regards,
Hanna

Live like you're dying

Dear all,

It's been quite a while since I've written to you all! I'm sorry for the delay as the past two months were really busy.

I would like to write about Palliative Care - I've been doing a special pilot project at the Palliative Care Ward. What the ward tells me , is about Death and Dying.When I was working with them, most of them were really trying to stay and live til the very last minute. They treasued life as much as they can, and also told me the things they wish they could have done.

 I would like to tell you about that -

1. Death is beautiful - you can die beautifully. You can be pretty and treasure death.

2. After death, there will be stage of grief and loss - it is natural and it takes time.

3. Be ready to face death - it helps you to be mentally and psychologically prepared.

4. Don't be shy about your tears - A good cry can be a good heal for you. Say what you need to say and do what you need to do for that person and for yourself.

5. Most patients just want their cloest ones to be taking good care of themselves. That will be their best wish.

Live beautifully, die beautifully.

“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.”

"As you grow older, you'll find the only things you regret are the things you didn't do."

A few questions to ponder :

1. Is there anything that you are pondering on doing? Do it now, don't wait. Plan it and do it. You can make it happen

2. Are there things that you wish you have done, or you have regretted doing? Don't regret before it's too late.

3. What are the things that you treasure the most now?

Thanks all, chat soon! :)

Best regards,

Hanna

Magazine

Alzheimers' Disease and Music Therapy

Dear all,

How are you all? Just want to share a SBS radio interview clip about Alzheimers' Disease :
www.sbs.com.au/yourlanguage/cantonese/en/content/music-therapy-alzheimers-disease

This is in Chinese.

Best regards,
Hanna

5 Reasons Why Music Boosts Brain Activity

Music has been known to affect those with dementia and Alzheimer’s, but why it has an effect on these patients has not always been clear – until now.

Music Helps Dementia Patients Recall Memories and Emotions

A recent study shows that dementia and Alzheimer’s patients can recall memories and emotions, and have enhanced mental performance after singing classic hits and show tunes from movies and musicals – a breakthrough in understanding how music affects those with dementia and Alzheimer’s.

Researchers determined the effect music has on dementia patients, by leading half of the participants through selected songs while the other half listened to the music being played. After the musical treatment, all participants took cognitive ability and life satisfaction tests. which showed how participants scored significantly better when being lead through songs, rather than only listening.

Here are five reasons why researchers believe that music boosts brain activity:

1. Music evokes emotions that bring memories.

Music can evoke emotion in even the most advanced of Alzheimer’s patients. NeurologistOliver Sacks says that, “Music evokes emotion, and emotion can bring with it memory… it brings back the feeling of life when nothing else can.” By pairing music with every day activities, patients can develop a rhythm that helps them to the recall the memory of that activity, improving cognitive ability over time.

2. Musical aptitude and appreciation are two of the last remaining abilities in dementia patients.

Linda Maguire, lead author on the study wrote, “Musical aptitude and music appreciation are two of the last remaining abilities in patients with Alzheimer’s.” Because these two abilities remain long after other abilities have passed, music is an excellent way to reach beyond the disease and reach the person.

3. Music can bring emotional and physical closeness.

In the later stages of dementia, patients often lose the ability to share emotions with caregivers. Through music, as long as they are ambulatory, they can often dance. Dancing can lead to hugs, kisses and touching which brings security and memories.

4. Singing is engaging.

The singing sessions in the study engaged more than just the brain and the area related to singing. As singing activated the left side of the brain, listening to music sparked activity in the right and watching the class activated visual areas of the brain. With so much of the brain being stimulated, the patients were exercising more mind power than usual.

5. Music can shift mood, manage stress and stimulate positive interactions.

The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America has an entire web page dedicated to music therapy in Alzheimer’s patients. They say that, “When used appropriately, music can shift mood, manage stress-induced agitation, stimulate positive interactions, facilitate cognitive function and coordinate motor movements.” This is because music requires little to no mental processing, so singing music does not require the cognitive function that is not present in most dementia patients.

Which Musicals or Movies Work Best?

Getting a loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s  to engage with music and movies may depend on which  genre they enjoy the most. But, the suggestions below can help you get started:

• The Sound of Music
• When You Wish Upon a Star (from Pinocchio)
• Somewhere Over the Rainbow (from The Wizard of Oz)

Dr. Jane Flinn, a researcher from George Mason University says that the study should encourage caregivers.

“The message is: do not give up on these men and women. You want to be performing things that engage them, and singing is cheap, effortless and engaging.”

Do you or a loved one have any experience with music therapy for dementia? Share your story in the comments below.


http://www.alzheimers.net/2014-07-21/why-music-boosts-brain-activity-in-dementia-patients/

Apps - are you a techie person?

Dear all,

I think everyone has been looking for resources, and it's always hard to find a definite resource. Here are some good, guided, guarded source of apps for Health, Well Being.. :) :)

I find it particularly useful for clients, caregivers and parents that if they're after their session, they can be a good resource to keep you going during the week, or to keep up with your recovery before and after the sessions with the therapy.

Apps for well-being
http://www.healthdirect.gov.au/health-and-wellbeing-apps
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/reviews/category/app/genre/health-fitness-65

Apps for Music
http://www.educatorstechnology.com/2014/10/10-great-ipad-apps-for-teaching-and.html

Apps for coping with stress, anxiety
http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2013/09/20/top-10-free-mental-health-apps/

Do you have more to share? Please share it with us, click "Comment" or email me!

Thanks again!

Best regards,
Hanna

音樂療法

音樂療法

 音樂可以陶冶身心，也可以作為一種醫學療法來健身養生。音樂運動療法是
在音樂伴隨下進行適度的運動，以達到健身養生防病治病的目的，它屬自然療法
系列，對人類健康長壽有良好的效果。音樂療法又不會傷害到身體，也不會有後
遺症，所以讓我們來探討一下音樂到底能給人怎樣的好處吧。

什麼是音樂療法？
長久以來音樂被用在治療上。今天大家都知道音樂能夠影響我們的情緒和感覺。
音樂有時有鎮靜作用，有時則能使人興奮。它能使人睡著，也能在大學的足球比
賽上激起人們的興奮。它能表示我們的深情，悲痛，慶賀，和祝福。
在電梯，工作房，或百貨公司裏，柔和的幕後音樂陪伴我們。市面上有一種新興
工業，是為了設計提高商品出售和工作效率的音樂而興起的。發展並提供此類音
樂的第一家公司叫做睦扎（Muzak）。
從貝多芬的交響樂到普勒斯萊（Presley）的情歌，音樂有不同的品質，音調，和
格式。年輕人往往大聲的奏放音樂，使人不能忍受。在嬰兒室媽媽們則選擇輕柔
的催眠曲幫助他們的嬰兒入睡。
因此音樂被用做治療的工具是可以想像的。它能加快恢復，減少緊張和焦慮，使
人覺得舒服。音樂療法可以是主動的，也可以是被動的。也就是說我們可以坐下
來靜靜的欣賞它，也可以親自去演奏。兩種方式都有醫治的效果。對任何年齡、
種族、宗教、疾病的輕重，音樂都有益處。
音樂對個人或團體，不管有沒有人教你，有沒有治療師在場，或是你自己聽，都
是有效的。音樂治療師看病人的情況會選擇特別的音樂給他。音樂治療可以在醫
院、房間裏、療養院、或自己家裏做。
第二次世界大戰後不久，音樂療法被用在全美國的退役軍人醫院裏當作獨特而且
有紀律的治療方法。今天美國有許多地方在訓練音樂治療師，估計正在執業的音
樂治療師估計有5,000人。

有效嗎？
音樂療法對任何病人都有良好的效果。它能減少疼痛和減低由疾病引起的心理不
適。它對末期病人、早產嬰兒、腦部受傷的人、和慢性病的疼痛都有幫助。
音樂療法可以用在智能不足的病人、身體有障礙的人、愛滋海默症病人、和有發
育障礙的小孩。它也用在產房裡幫助產婦。在生小孩時放音樂似乎能夠減少麻醉
藥的用量。
音樂療法能夠幫助神經或發育失調的人增進身心機能。它幫助酗酒和用麻藥的病
人，減少焦慮、憂鬱、和疼痛的藥量。它也能幫助有肌肉控制問題的人恢復。
研究顯示，早產嬰兒的加護病房如有音樂，體重會增加得快一點。另外也有記錄，
音樂能夠減低即將開刀的小孩子的焦慮，和促進聽力有障礙的人學習講話的能
力。音樂用在牙科診所舒解治療牙齒的疼痛，並幫助中風病人的恢復。
音樂療法不能醫好疾病。但是有許多科學根據支持它對各種疾病的病人有眾多益
處。它能減輕症狀，幫助復原和康復，增進生活品質。它是低價的，設備簡單的，
而且能夠在任何環境裏使用。


音樂能夠用來做為治療的輔助或者主要工具，是由於它具有很多除了旋律與節奏
之外的潛在特性，聆聽音樂或者演奏樂器，可以獲得除了樂音之外的「外部經
濟」：
A、音樂能直接影響一個人的內在感情
B、音樂能使一個人得到對“美”的滿足感
C、音樂能誘發一個人的活動力
D、音樂是多元性的
E、音樂是一種非語言的溝通工具
F、音樂有一定的構造性與組織性
G、音樂活動能使一個人感到自我滿足
H、音樂活動能促進一個人統合運動機能
I、音樂活動能幫助一個人宣洩內在的情緒
J、團體音樂活動能幫助促進人際關係（註四）

http://www.shs.edu.tw/works/essay/2007/03/2007033112072741.pdf

A trip of music, teaching to Cambodia

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U4GexaVF3qE