July 2012

Q. I have several lovely Fuchsias hanging on my back porch. Should I clip off the old flowers along with the little green bud above it or leave them? Also, how do I get them to flower more often?

A. Fuchsias are just gorgeous at this time of the year. I particularly enjoy the trailing varieties like you have. Fuchsias are not that difficult to keep compact and loaded with flowers right on through the fall. It starts in the spring around St Patrick’s Day with a severe pruning. The long and now leggy branches from the previous year should be cut back to the edge of the container while reducing the height by a third. In many cases, you’ll be removing fifty-percent or more of the previous year’s growth and this would be normal. The new growth should begin on short, stubby old growth; otherwise, the plants will have a shaggy growth habit the rest of the year and never truly be full like they are now. In addition, Fuchsias bloom only on the current year’s growth, never on the previous years or old wood. To increase the flush of flowers, you need to pinch back the new growth during the growing season and remove the old and faded flowers regularly. This is called “Deadheading.” If left alone, the old Fuchsia flowers do drop off but not before, they form a seedpod. The seedpod is the round, green structure that forms at the end or top of the flower just before the flower petals. Some folks refer to it as a berry as it remains after the old flowers drop off while others think of it is a new flower bud. Unless you’re a hybridizer, the formation of the seedpod(s) is a lot of wasted energy that the plant can then use to produce new flowers. The old flowers can be cut or pinched off. I’m not that particular what you use, it could be a pair of scissors, hand shears or just your fingers. The seedpods do pull off easily. By continually deadheading your Fuchsia plants during its growing season, you can maintain a high volume of blooming flowers and reducing the amount of the seedpods. The other advantage is you minimize the mess from the fallen flower parts under the plants that has to be cleaned up. Fuchsias should be fed regularly to encourage the new growth. A monthly feeding from March through October is recommended. Old school gardeners would use Fish Emulsion through July and then switch to 0-10-10 for the balance of the year. Today, you can use Miracle Gro, Dr Earth, Osmocote and others. The nitrogen in these fertilizers promotes the lush green foliage. By July, the plants should have enough size so you should lower the nitrogen and increase the phosphorus and potassium for flower production. Liquinox Bloom, O-10-10 or similar fertilizer is suggested for the balance of the year. In summary, feed often and remove the old flowers along with the seedpods is how you keep your Fuchsia blooming.

Buzz Bertolero is Executive Vice President of Navlet’s Garden Centers and a California Certified Nursery Professional. His web address is www.dirtgardener.com and you can send questions by email at dirtgarden@aol.com or to 360 Civic Drive Ste. ‘D’, Pleasant Hill, Calif. 94523 and on Facebook at Facebook/. com/Buzz-Bertolero

What is Golfer’s Elbow?
Golfer’s elbow, or medial epicondylitis, is similar to its counterpart, Tennis elbow. The primary differences between these conditions are the location of the pain and the activity that leads to injury. However, both conditions are caused by overuse of the muscles and tendons of the forearm, leading to inflammation and pain around the elbow joint, commonly called tendonitis. Golf is one common cause of tendonitis, but many other sports and work related activities can cause the same problem.

The cause of golfer’s elbow can vary from a single violent action (acute injury) to, more commonly, a repetitive stress injury where an action is performed repeatedly and pain gradually develops. In an acute injury of the elbow inflammation occurs without substantial tissue damage. However in a repetitive stress situation a person may experience damage to the tendon and surrounding soft tissue causing tissue degeneration over time. Inflammation from acute injury often responds quickly to rest and anti-inflammatory treatment. However, if the injury is due to tendon tissue degeneration, treatment will be longer and will be focused on improving the strength of the tendon as well as rebuilding tissues.
Golfer’s Elbow Symptoms

With golfer’s elbow pain is on the inside of the elbow, usually during or after intense use. Typically the pain increases during wrist flexion or pronation and often radiates to the forearm. Because this frequently occurs in golfers, it has become known as “golfer’s elbow”. However, it is also known as “pitcher’s elbow”.

Treatment for Golfer’s Elbow
Golfer’s elbow does not usually cause any long-term disability. However, the condition may become stubborn and proper rehabilitation will help alleviate the symptoms and get you back to life again.

Rest and Reduce Inflammation: The first step a person should take if tendinitis is suspected is to stop the activities that cause the pain and inflammation in this case, rest the arm. Use a topical cream containing Arnica to begin to reduce the inflammatory process quickly.

Laser Therapy to Heal the Damaged Tissue: Ending the pain caused by golfer’s elbow requires healing the damaged tissue. Class IV laser therapy is an excellent method for this, because it is presently the only form of therapy that can both reduce inflammation and heal tissue simultaneously. Laser treatments at Align Healing Center are done with the K-laser 1200 a Class IV Laser. This laser does not cut or burn but is gently absorbed by the tissue. During Laser Therapy the infrared laser light interacts with tissues at the cellular level, increasing metabolic activity and improving the transport of nutrients across the cell membrane. This initiates the production of cellular energy (ATP) that leads to a cascade of beneficial effects, increasing cellular function and health. This creates an optimal healing environment that reduces inflammation, swelling, muscle spasms, stiffness, scar tissue and pain.

Correct the Mechanics of Motion: Assessing the forearm, elbow, shoulder and spine for proper postural feedback is done to diagnose and correct improper alignment. After proper alignment is restored specific muscular taping is applied to improve circulation and insure proper motion on a daily basis. Lastly, specific strengthening and stretching exercises are given. By strengthening the muscles and tendons involved with golfers’ elbow, you can prevent the problem from returning.

At Align Healing Center we are having great success treating golfer’s elbow, tennis elbow, plantar fasciitis, sciatica, shoulder and neck pain, migraines, arthritis, carpal tunnel, post surgical pain, sports injuries and more; even long-term residual pain. Arthritis and degenerative disc disease sufferers can see long term benefits from this treatment without any of the negative side effects experienced with the long term use of medications.

Dr. Niele Maimone, DC is the owner and founder of Align Healing Center in Danville, CA. She has been active in our natural health & wellness community since 1999. For more information or to set up a consult call 925.362.8283 or visit www.alignhealingcenter.com.

Ahh… Summer is here: hot days, warm breezes, vivid sunsets and longer days. We spend a lot more time outdoors, so it is essential to add some summer time radiance to our everyday routine.

Sunscreens: Micronized zinc oxide is one of the best sunscreens out on the market to date. It deflects the suns harmful rays, (Like wearing a tee-shirt on the face). Chemical sunscreens work, but they absorb the sunrays, which penetrate the skin that could cause premature aging.

Self-tanners: Clear cream self-tanners are the most realistic. They work with your own melanin to give your skin the most natural looking bronzed tan appearance.

Summer Foundation Color: It is important to change and adjust your foundation color to match your tanned body. You don’t want to be walking around white faced with a bronzed body.

Body Exfoliants: During the summer our skin can get dry and parched. It is important to help scrub the top layer to allow moisture to penetrate deeper. It is also important to exfoliate when using self-tanners so it goes on smooth and evenly.

Blushers: Choose a color that brightens the complexion and ditch the darker blush shade for now. It’s summer time, so choose a bright warm tone to look fresh, healthy and brighter to give the skin a nice and natural glow. We recommend a pinky peach shade to add to your summer cosmetic wardrobe.

Surgi Cream: Instant Hair Removal: Instead of bikini waxing use this no-nonsense incredible hair removal system. Apply to your desired area for eight minutes, then rinse off. No painful waxing! No appointments needed!

Instant Bronzing Powders: Unlike self-tanners, instant bronzing powders are the best way to look like you have that nice summer glow. They are also so easy to apply, simply brush on the cheeks, forehead and chin for that beautiful sun kissed look.

Lip Color: When choosing a new lip color this season, think bright! You are seeing vivid corals, bright pinks and luscious reds. Try a couple of different shades to see what works the best for your skin tone color.

Summer Time Lip Glosses With Peptides: Discover the benefits of peptide moisturizing lip-glosses from Fleur Visage Cosmetics. We have over 20 tantalizing summer colors. Peptides moisturize, heal and stay on longer than regular lip-glosses. A wonderful addition to your summer time beauty fun!

Aloe Vera Gel: Known as the healing plant, Aloe Vera helps to reduce redness and irritation. Ideal for soothing skin after sun exposure.

At The Rouge we carry only the finest cosmetics and ingredients on the market. Please come in Tuesday through Saturday to sample some of our summer time essentials and our beauty experts can help you with all your cosmetic needs.

Punishment for finishing second in the annual Kings X Trivia Tournament fell on me last month, when I had to prepare the questions for our monthly get together. Having done the work, I should share the nonsense with you folks. Here we go:

1. What former distance runner is the chairman of the 2012 Summer Olympics to be held in London this year?
2. At what famous location would you find Traitor’s Gate?
3. What popular snack food was introduced at Disneyland in the 50s and 60s as a way to make use of certain leftovers?
4. Who was the youngest actor to receive an Oscar nomination for a starring role?
5. Who sang a controversial version of the “Star Spangled Banner” before a game in the 1968 World Series?
6. Parkyakarkas was a comedy performer on whose radio show of the 40’s?

June 2012 Answers

1. Indiana Pacers
2. “Sands of Iwo Jima”
3. Lake Titicaca
4. Bailey and Spencer
5. Ted Weems
6. Zihuateno

JUNE WINNER: NONE!

WIN LUNCH ON BEN!
The first person to email or mail, no calls please, the correct answers to all of the above questions will win a $25 gift certificate for The Uptown Cafe in downtown Danville, compliments of Ben Fernandez! Entries must be received by July 20,
2012. In the event of a tie, the winner will be drawn at random.

Please email your answers to info@aliveeastbay.com, or mail to ALIVE East Bay, 3200 A Danville Blvd., Ste. 204, Alamo, CA 94507. Employees and family members of employees of ALIVE East Bay are not eligible. Restaurant may be changed without
notice.

For the most part, golf movies are not at the top of my list. Maybe that’s because I’ve tried (even took lessons) and never really found the rhythm of the game. I loved the socializing. I even loved being out in a lush green environment on a beautiful sunny day but just never enjoyed spending four hours playing a game and then another two at the clubhouse, drink in hand rehashing every moment.

Seven Days in Utopia is a golf movie, but it’s not as much about the game of golf as it is about the game of life. Last year I reviewed the sleeper movie, Get Low. I wrote, “newcomer Lucas Black stands out by stepping back,” well, I am happy to say Lucas is stepping forward in Utopia and looking great as Luke Chisolm, budding pro golfer.

Luke’s father has been grooming him to be a pro golfer most of his life. A natural talent, he finally gets to the spot on the green where it looks like he’s going to bridge from amateur to pro and he has a complete meltdown right in front of millions of people on the golf channel. His father walks off, gets in his car and drives away. Luke wants to be anywhere but there.

After almost running into a bull on a lonely country road, Luke finds himself sitting by his wrecked car in a field of cow paddies. Up rides Johnny Crawford on his horse. Johnny, played by the amazing Robert Duvall (also cast in Get Low), welcomes Luke to Utopia, Texas, population 355. This is the start of Luke’s Seven Days in Utopia.

Johnny takes Luke to the Lost Maples Café where it seems everyone in town is gathered. He is introduced and his wounds are tended. Johnny seems to own most of the businesses in town including the local B & B. While snooping around, Luke wanders into Johnny’s den and realizes from all the memorabilia that Johnny used to be, in fact a pro golfer, so when he offers him lessons, Luke accepts. Herein begins the journey; Johnny was offering more than lessons on golf. By the way, did I tell you that Utopia has a golf course, yup … owned by Johnny? For the next seven days, Luke gets lessons in fly fishing, art, rodeo; you name it, different day, different lesson. The first step was to find his conviction about his foundation. The second was never let a casual comment erode your confidence. Luke learns to SFT; See, Feel, Trust. The lessons and the healing just kept coming.

Of course, most good movies have a little of everything so we do have Johnny’s strawberry blonde, wholesome as sunshine niece, Sarah (Deborah Ann Wohl) and her supposed boyfriend. There are sparks but this early budding relationship is definitely not the focal point of the movie, so you guys don’t have to fidget.

All in all, this is a wonderful movie about mentorship and learning why we do what we do. If we’re blessed enough we learn that “we don’t need a ball to validate us.” I highly recommend Seven Days in Utopia. I welcome your comments at chastings@rockcliff.com.

One of the joys of my work is the opportunity to read new articles each month about a variety of topics. I look forward to learning new things and the fact that all of our writers are passionate about their particular area of interest ensures that I always enjoy what they have to say.

It doesn’t matter whether I am reading the latest automotive review in Passing Lane by Charles Donaldson, a stock market forecast by Damien Couture in Market Watch, or about the history of Jazz in Dr. Anderson’s Notes on Key music column, I always find much to appreciate.

Apart from the subject matter, the quality of the writing makes all of our columnists’ work a pleasure to read—something equally valid whether it is Paul Hirsch writing about the Giants in Off the Bench or Peggy Fallon offering up a new recipe for apricot pie in Market Fresh.

From time to time, all our writers inject a bit of humor into their articles but over the past five-plus years it has been the responsibility of Michael Copeland to poke our readers in the ribs every month. If you follow Mike’s column, you know that feeling of anticipation as you wonder what smile-evoking spin Michael has placed on some otherwise common-place topic.

While many of our writers, including Peggy Fallon, Bob Fish, Trina Swerdlow and Anita Venezia are accomplished authors, we are excited to announce the addition this month of yet another ALIVE columnist to that list — our own Michael Copeland — with the publishing of his book, ALIVE & Kickin’: Sideways Views from an Upright Guy.

As always, I hope you enjoy this month’s issue of ALIVE — and if you yearn for more rib pokin’, be sure to order a copy of ALIVE & Kickin’, too!

Crossing a street can be a simple act of meandering from one curb to the next, or it can become a dangerous game of defiance. Now we who live here in the somewhat civilized United States expect a certain measure of courtesy from our compatriots who travel on the highways and byways in various-shaped vehicles. Whether the road traveler is on a bicycle or in a huge overblown SUV, we assume the driver is aware and will not run us down. There are certain rules – actually laws – which we expect others to abide by. The pedestrian has the right of way in a crosswalk. When the traffic light is red, the cars are to stop. Bumpers over the limit line are in violation. These are a few of the standards we hope everyone will follow. Mostly true here in the United States. But, alas, not always the case when we take our expectations abroad.

One of the variations which continues to put me in harms way occurs in the most civilized nation in Europe – England.

You see, when we ceded from English rule, or at least some years thereafter, we in the United States decided to drive on the right side of the road as opposed to the English style of driving on the left. We grew up looking left as we ventured out into a traffic lane. This error could land you on a bumper in London. Thank heavens for all those red painted warnings at most crosswalks that say “Look Right.” The life you save may be your own.

Another area which can be classified as the high risk area for pedestrians is India. This country has never fully accepted the precept that roads are for cars and trucks. I have no knowledge of what the actual laws consist of there, but by observation I have concluded that there are none. Here one is likely to find three cars traveling abreast in the same direction on a two lane road. Elephants and dancing bears can be seen intermixed with buses and trucks – all happily avoiding one another. The sight of a family of three – dad driving, mom behind, and baby in backpack – all helmetless on a motor bike is not an unusual scene. Trucks are painted in garish colors, presumably to frighten others. I often wonder how many pedestrian fatalities occur each busy weekend.

I have long suspected that the ignition key and the horn are directly connected in a number of countries. I will use Nepal as my example. As soon as a vehicle begins to move, the horn commences to toot. I doubt if it serves a purpose, because it has become so commonplace that it is totally ignored. Taxis race toward an intersection each warning the approaching target of their preemptive rights to the crossroad. Although slight scrapes on front fenders are commonplace, there is almost always a chicken and always a winner. But, pedestrians beware – the horn blows, and it blows for you.

Italian drivers have an interesting courtesy. If you dart out on a busy street without giving the “arm in the air signal” they will bowl you over. But if you abide by this rule, they will probably stop or at least politely avoid you as you cross a boulevard. Now what is especially strange about this is that no one, as far as I know, pays any attention to the red, yellow, and green traffic lights. Drivers totally ignore these mechanical signals. But let a pedestrian raise an arm and step off a curb, and the busy flow comes to a halt and respects this lone, vulnerable soul.

I could go on and on philosophizing on these “foreign to us” customs. We could discuss the policy of round-abouts, unusual traffic signs, and the speed limit on the autobahn. But, alas, my dead line approaches and I must leave these other topics for some later issue. Until then, I urge you to be cautious on the highways of the world. Your trip to the airport may be more hazardous than your flight.

 

Summer is here and so is the desire to get rid of my winter-infused white skin tone. It’s time to cut loose and get fancy-free with the wind in my hair, and the sun’s warmth on my skin as I cruise from meeting to meeting. At the same time, having the confidence of knowing you are driving a vehicle from a manufacturer with a reputation for providing the highest levels of safety, just helps make the ride much more enjoyable. Where can you find this combination of characteristics? Try the 2012 Volvo C70.

The 2012 Volvo C70 is a beautiful luxury hardtop convertible with flowing lines. With the push of a button, in just 30-seconds, the C70 transforms from the safety of a hardtop coupe to an open-air convertible. The C70 seats four in luxury and comfort.

What’s new for 2012 includes Bluetooth with audio streaming capability, a new smartphone application featuring concierge, and available LED daytime running lights. The 2012 C70 comes in one model, T5 ($40,450), and five major packages: Climate Package ($1,000), Dynamic Package ($1,000), Inscription Package ($3,900), Platinum Package ($3,600) and Premier Plus Package ($1,000).

The three-piece C70 coupe roofline was developed in Italy by Pininfarina. The profile of the C70 reflects the aggressive styling of a coupe. Sweeping A-pillars, flowing lines, and enlarged wheel-wells create a strong presence. With the top down, the silhouette morphs into a stylish up-scale roadster. The rear shoulders cascade into the tail lights and raise up to meet the truck lid, adding an up-scale image.

The interior is handsome and dressed in high-quality fabrics. The cabin features ergonomically designed front bucket seats that are extremely comfortable. They slide forward with the touch of a button to ease the entry and exiting of occupants to the rear seats, which accommodate two passengers.

The dash and instrument panel are clean and simple to use. A navigation screen rises up from the center of the dash. The C70 has Volvo’s flat-panel center stack that is extremely thin and has a small storage area behind it. The C70 has lockable storage compartments in the cabin area, which are quite beneficial when the top is down.

The 2012 Volvo C70 is made for highway cruising verses high performance. My guess is that the C70 is catering to the more conservative driver looking for style, luxury, and safety. It doesn’t accelerate as quickly as say, a BMW 3-series convertible; however, at freeway speeds it purrs just fine. Handling is light and confident with precise electric power steering.

The 2012 C70 is front-wheel drive and is powered by the proven 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder engine that delivers 227 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque on the T5 model. The Inscription trim package boosts the horsepower to 250 and torque to 273 lb-ft. Both versions of the 2.5-liter engine are mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. (It surprises me that the C70 hasn’t upgraded to at least a six-speed automatic transmission which would help increase its fuel mileage).
Room for improvement:

• The performance could be somewhat enhanced

Cool Features:

• Smart Key feature
• Rollover Protection System with pop-up roll bar
• Side mirrors automatically fold in when car is turned off

The standard safety equipment for the 2012 Volvo C70 includes: front airbags, side airbags in front, and head-protection air curtains that activate upward from the doors even with the windows rolled down. Electronic stability control with traction control, antilock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake Assistance, and a tire-pressure monitoring system, rounds out these features. Volvo offers an optional blind-spot information warning system and rear park assist.

In Summary – The 2012 Volvo C70 is a beautifully crafted car delivering the duel convenience of being a hardtop coupe and a luxury convertible. There may be other vehicles faster off the line, but if that isn’t a concern for you, then I suspect you will be happy with the acceleration of the C70. The C70 is quiet, comfortable, and very sophisticated. Inside and out the C70 is built with high-quality materials including aluminum trim and sculpted wood. You won’t find another convertible in its class that can compete with the variety of safety features equipped in the C70.

Specifications
2012 Volvo C70 Inscription

Base price: $40,450 as driven: $51,570 (including destination and optional packages)
Engine: 2.5-Liter 5 cylinder turbocharged
Horsepower: 250 @ 5000
Torque: 273 foot pounds @ 1500-4800
Transmission: 5-Speed Automatic
Drive: Front-Wheel Drive
Seating: 4-passenger
Turning circle: 38.7 feet
Cargo space: 12.8 cubic feet
Curb weight: 3,627 pounds
Fuel capacity: 16.4 gallons
EPA mileage: City 18 / Highway 28
Wheel Base: 103.9 inches
Warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles bumper to bumper
Also consider: Acura TT, BMW 3-Series, Lexus IS, and Volkswagen Eos

The fireplace is the heart of the home and should be designed as such. It brings warmth to the room and everyone is drawn to the fire for intimate, comfortable conversation. The TV is mounted above it in the Family Room; the family portrait is hung above it in the Living Room; the furniture is placed in front of it. A well designed fireplace surround is important to the look and feel of the room. A dated brick surround can be updated by mudding over the brick to create a smooth texture, or the brick can be torn out to create a completely different look. For a more contemporary look, use large horizontal rectangular tiles on the face of the fireplace to add drama and interest. Raise the hearth for a more comfortable sitting height or for the rustic cabin look, throw some pillows on the ledge for a welcoming additional seating area in a Family or Living Room. Lowering the hearth so it is flush with the floor can open up a small room and leave more space for chairs and ottomans.

Firebox doors can be changed to create a larger opening with more glass, which will let the beautiful glow of a fire into the room. There are many options for the finish, oil rubbed bronze, antique gold, or nickel to name a few. Decorative mantels are created to draw the eye to the focal point of the room and can be made from cast stone, carved wood, or metal. Creating a new mantel gives you a chance to get more depth and space to showcase candlesticks or family heirlooms.

Stone, tile, granite, faux finished materials are all great options for the face of a fireplace wall. Nothing draws attention to a grand fireplace wall better than a floor to ceiling decorative faux treatment. A designer will coordinate the flooring material with the mantel and fireplace surround material to fit in with your home and look as though it has been there for years.

According to numerous research studies the question – can music help relieve pain? is answered by an emphatic, yes! Experts have shown that music has great benefits for those with various kinds of pain.

Background
For hundreds of years professionals involved in health care have used music in some form to treat illness in both mind and body. These reports were basically of a nonscientific nature. However, scientific studies done in recent years have measured the benefits of treatments involving music.

Music Therapy
Because music can influence us both physiologically and psychologically it is receptive to treatment by trained music therapists. Music is an important area of therapy for stress management. Also biofeedback, guided imagery and other techniques play an important role in the treatment of people with stress-related disorders, according to Researcher, Jane Collingwood.

Recent Findings
“Listening to music can have a tremendous relaxing effect on our minds and bodies, especially slow, quiet classical music,” wrote Collingwood in an article, The Power of Music to Reduce Stress. “This type of music can have a beneficial effect on our physiological functions, slowing the pulse and heart rate, lowering blood pressure and decreasing the level of stress hormones.”

“In our hand therapy clinic at Webster Orthopedics in San Ramon, we select and play music that enhances the patient’s rehab experience and fosters a healing environment,” said Certified Hand Therapist, Deborah Vanderbilt-Anderson.* “Studies have substantiated the positive effects of music on chronic pain, pre and post-operative pain, as well as anxiety related to injury or illness,” said Vanderbilt-Anderson. “Some of our goals in working with pain management are to teach techniques to reduce muscle tension, reduce anxiety and stress, increase muscle control and improve breathing,” she explained. Techniques such as progressive neuromuscular relaxation (PNR), diaphragmatic breathing, visualization and biofeedback are all enhanced when playing light, soft music.

“Half an hour of music produced the same effects as 10 mgs. of Valium,” said Dr. Raymond Bahr of St. Agnes Hospital in Baltimore.

Dr. Sandra Siedlecki, of the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, discovered that people in two music groups had a statistically significant effect over the control group that had no music exposure. The music groups had reduced pain, depression and disability and increasing feelings of power over their pain. The control group had no exposure to music thus did not experience the benefits of the two music groups.

Listening to music helps reduce pain by activating sensory pathways that compete with pain pathways thereby stimulating emotional response. Music, therefore, provides meaningful, intellectual and emotional engagement to help reduce pain.

“Music may have the most benefits for the anxiety-prone,” said Researcher, Denise Mann in a study, Music Can Ease Pain. “Engaging activities, like listening to music may be most effective for reducing pain for anxiety in persons who easily become absorbed in activities.” Researchers measured participant’s responses to pain via electrical activity in the brain, dilation of their pupils and other methods. These methods are considered more objective than self-reports about pain.

Listening to music is an excellent means of reducing stress and physical pain,” said Dr. Harris Mcllwain, in The Journal of Pain. Anahad O’Connor reports music exposure reduces pain responses. People who are anxious may find listening to music especially effective in helping to relieve pain.

There is almost universal agreement among researchers and pain management professionals that music can indeed help reduce pain in people who suffer from both mental and physical pain. Most professionals advocate that pain management treatment be under the guidance of trained professionals that are recognized experts in their field. This is not an area where amateurs should dabble.

There is a caveat however, not all people with varying kinds and degrees of pain will find relief listening to music. The positive side of the question is a significant percentage will find some real relief.

For people with chronic pain and distress – there is hope. There are many avenues for pain reduction or elimination. Music can be a source of non-drug intervention, the research says it can work – it may work for you – why not give it a try.

*The idea for this article was contributed by Deborah Vanderbilt-Anderson (MOTR/L, CHT) Certified Hand Therapist for Webster Orthopedics in San Ramon, CA.

Please submit your questions and comments to banddirector01@comcast.net
Visit our website at www.danvilleband.org “>www.danvilleband.org for up-to-date information about the Danville Community Band.