Healing power

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KANKAKEE — Research has shown that music has a profound effect on the body and mind.

To exemplify its mission in providing remarkable health care experiences, Riverside Medical Center is now offering a new volunteer program that brings the love of music to promote healing.

Made up of a group of local performers, Riverside’s Music Volunteer Program offers a venue where musicians specializing in strings, as well as piano, woodwinds and some brass instruments (saxophone and flute) can share their talents to help make a difference in the recovery of a patient.

“Music has always had such a healing effect, whether you are recovering in the hospital or not,” said Sherri Guertin, Riverside’s director of volunteer services.  “Strong beats can stimulate brainwaves to resonate alertness, while a slower tempo can promote a calm, meditative, more restful state.

“Music helps us to provide our patients with familiar and positive ways to cope with their hospitalization, while offering local musicians a place to share their love of music.”

Fifteen-year-old Susan Oo, from Bourbonnais, is just one of those musicians. 

“I really enjoy being a part of the Music Volunteer Program,” said Oo. “Not only does it enable me to express myself through my music, but it also can make others feel good.”

Susan, who has been studying the piano for 10 years, is a sophomore at Bradley-Bourbonnais Community High School and started in the Riverside Music Volunteer Program this past summer.

She, like the other musicians, went through an application and audition process before being selected into the program. Once selected, volunteers perform a couple of hours each month depending on the availability of their schedule.

“It is great to provide a program for patients and volunteers that use the natural healing impacts of music to compliment Riverside’s institute of comprehensive health care services,” Guertin said. “We are always looking for new members to join Riverside’s Music Volunteer Program.”

If you are interested in finding more out about the Riverside Music Volunteer Program, please contact Sherri Guertin at 815-935-7873 or by emailing Sherri-Guertin@RiversideHealthCare.net. 

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