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Posted: Wed 8:29 PM, Feb 22, 2012
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Reporter: Stephanie Satchell Email
Updated: Wed 11:17 PM, Feb 22, 2012

Healthwise: Music Therapy

February 22, 2012

Kate Arnold is a music practitioner and plays her harp for patients at Martha Jefferson Hospital.

"I've played for people in comas, mothers awaiting delivery of babies, it can be anything," said Kate Arnold, a music practitioner.

Despite being hooked up to machines and suffering an illness, Arnold is able to bring comfort to patients and their families through music.

"Music is therapy for many people. It is part of their daily life, it is what they need to recover from a stressful time or an illness or pain," said Martha Hunter.

While Arnold says unrecognizable tunes calm patients the best, there is one song that is a hit with most.

"You wouldn't believe the success I've had with Puff the Magic Dragon," said Arnold.

That's what she plays in the Infusion Center to help patients relax during a massage treatments.

"Its just another way we can create a healing environment and its all about the patient. Patient centered health care, it's just another tool that we have that we can offer the patients in a time of distress," said Hunter.

Proving that treatment isn't always in pill formation, sometimes all you need is a nice melody to soothe your soul.

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Don’t wait until your family needs a doctor to find one. Martha Jefferson Hospital has more than 300 affiliated physicians representing more than 35 specialties. Click Here to find one that matches your needs.

MJH Resources

Advance Directives:
Martha Jefferson Hospital supports your right to make decisions about your future medical care. We want to know your wishes so we can provide the care you desire. We never know when an accident or serious illness will leave us incapable of making our own health care decisions. For peace of mind, it is important to think about and talk about your values and wishes for medical care and to put those wishes in writing. Download the Advance Directives form by clicking here.

MJH Calendar of Events:
Each quarter Martha Jefferson Hospital holds more than 75 informational classes focusing on everyday health, help for diabetes, women’s health, and family centered maternity care. We also have free support groups to help new mothers, patients and families affected by cancer and those struggling to get a good night’s sleep. The calendar is searchable by week, month and year or by keyword. Click Here to find a class to help you. If you don’t see a class that meets your health needs call Health Connection at 434-654-7009 or toll free 1-888-652-6663 and ask to see if you qualify for a free consultation with a community health specialist.

Health Connection:
Register for classes, find a doctor and learn about our community education programs and health screenings by calling 434-654-7009 or toll free 1-888-652-6663.