Hendrick Health pharmacist discusses music’s health benefits at stroke support group meeting

Research documenting the therapeutic value of music strikes a chord with Greg Young, pharmacy manager at Hendrick Pharmacy on Ambler. While most know him as a pharmacist for many years, some may not be aware he is also an accomplished musician and singer.

The definition of a drug – a substance that has a physiological effect when introduced into the body – could apply to music, Young said during his presentation “The Healing Power of Music” at the January meeting of Hendrick Health’s Surviving and Thriving After Stroke support group.

Evidence-based research shows music therapy lowers the heart rate and blood pressure, decreases symptoms associated with anxiety, contributes to a steadier gait and improves communication and overall quality of life, Young said.

From his decades of performing, Young said listening to a catchy tune also elicits smiles, laughter and a better outlook on life. The support group members proved his point when he plucked on his guitar and sang a familiar tune to their obvious enjoyment.

Young’s program also included performances by musicians who talked of how music benefited them during their own medical challenges. Bill Casey, who performed with Young for many years in Catclaw Creek band, continues to recover from meningioma, a non-cancerous brain tumor diagnosed in June 2021.

Casey’s recovery from surgery in some ways was similar to recovery from a stroke. When Casey was in a rehabilitation hospital, Young visited with guitar in hand. At the time, Casey struggled to talk, but he immediately perked up and joined Young in singing “When the Saints Go Marching In.”

Prior to the acquired brain injury, Casey could sing and play an instrument simultaneously. He now can do one or the other, which he demonstrated during the support group when he sang the song again with Young. For one verse, Casey played the kazoo.

Recovery from back surgery last year has kept Jenni Jamison from performing in her namesake trio JamisonPriest with Ed Priest and Cole Bennett. During the support group, the trio performed a new song. It was their first public performance in months.

Young ended his presentation with all the performers leading the support group in singing “Amazing Grace.”

Whether performing or listening to music, the experience is healing, Young said. He offered several strategies for adding music to a daily routine:

• Discover new music.
• Revisit music you enjoyed as a teenager and young adult.
• Learn to play a musical instrument.
• Attend live performances.
• Attend worship services.
• Sing in the shower.
• Play music or sing as you do a task.

Surviving and Thriving After Stroke is for those who have had a stroke, their family members and caregivers. Visit hendrickhealth.org to learn more or call 325-670-3412.