Music as Therapy for sick children

I have four daughters that are performing artist, 2 violinist and 2 ballerina who can also play the violin not to mention the piano and organ as well. Music do wonders to our life, that’s why I had invested so much in music lessons for my children. It had help them with their studies and thru life , I may say.  Having the art of music as part of my children life is a wonderful thing and so many benefits were gained. 

This also holds true among children who are ill. Foreign health experts recommend the use of music to deliver positive changes In children’s psychological, physical and cognitive development and the improvement of the social functioning of children with health or educational conditions.  

According to the American Music Therapy Association, Music therapy is an interpersonal process in which the therapist uses music and all of its facets-physical, emotional, mental, social, aesthetic, and spiritual-to help clients to improve or maintain their health.  

In the past, music has been used as a “healing force”. The Roman god of medicine Aesculapius was said to cure diseases of the mind by using song and music. In Egyptian temples, music therapy was also reportedly used for healing. Even ancient Greek physician Hippocrates played music for his mental patients as early as 400 B.C.

The most extensive account of music in general hospitals appeared during the first half of the 1900s, when health care practitioners used music in conjunction with anesthesia and analgesia

Music therapy is used on individuals of all ages  for a variety of conditions, which include: psychiatric disorders, medical problems, physical handicaps, sensory impairments, developmental disabilities, substance abuse, communication disorders, interpersonal problems, and aging. 

A theory points to the ability of music to distract a patient from pain, anxiety and stress as it enables the patient to focus on something pleasant and encouraging.

When soothing music occupies the mind, it somehow allows the patient to ‘escape’ into ‘his or her own world’, also facilitating relaxation for the patient. 

Recognizing the Filipinos’ ultimate love for music and the benefits of music in improving health and healing, GlaxoSmithKline Philippines, Inc. (“GSK”) instituted the Himig ng Kalinga program supported by doctor-recommended Paracetamol (Calpol) and in partnership with key hospitals in GMA and Luzon. The pilot launch of the music therapy activities was led by prominent TV personality Suzi Abrera at the Philippine Children’s Medical Center (PCMC) and Cardinal Santos Medical Center recently. 

The program aims to bring appropriate and familiar nursery rhyme songs to in-hospital pediatric patients that will be performed by the program volunteers. An original song written by well-known song composer, Jimmy Antiporda, entitled “Gagaling Ka Rin” will also be taught to the patients and parenssts to further uplift the spirits of these hospitalized children. 

GSK Philippines, through its doctor-recommended and mom-trusted fever reliever Paracetamol (Calpol), supports the use of music therapy to pave the way for the holistic wellness of every Filipino child.

Paracetamol (Calpol®) is an alcohol-free suspension with Paracetamol that relieves mild to moderate fever and pain associated with:

• Headache • Migraine• Muscle ache • Sore throat • Musculoskeletal pain • Fever and pain after Vaccination • Pain after dental procedure/tooth extraction • Toothache 

Doctor-recommended paracetamol (Calpol®) is suitable for children ages 0-12 and comes in orange and strawberry flavors kids will surely love. It is available in leading drugstores nationwide.

0-2 yrs old:Drops 10ml(100mg/ml)

Orange flavor: SRP: Php49.25

2-6 yrs old:60ml and 120ml(120mg/5ml)

Strawberry flavor: SRP:60ml: Php 81/120ml: Php134

6-12 yrs old:60ml(250mg/5ml)

Orange flavor: SRP:60ml:Php124

Calpol Design is a registered trademark of the GlaxoSmithKline group of companies