Did you know that learning a new musical instrument actually makes you less stressed and improves immune system function? Sounds obvious, I know. But what is perhaps remarkable is that scientists have discovered that this benefit is not merely psychological or physical… it is actually genomic, which means there is an actual benefit at the molecular level that is measurable and potentially reversible. One study has even measured the average health benefit of learning a new musical instrument at 7 per cent.
Another study I read a while ago determines that people in high-stress jobs visited doctors significantly more, upwards of 25 per cent more, than people in low-stress jobs. It would be interesting to correlate those statistics and the measurable health benefits of music, for example, with our rising health care costs to determine a positive health and beneficial fiscal outcome.
The recently announced 2014 provincial budget/fiscal plan outlines health care spending in B.C. will reach $19.6 billion by 2016–’17, more than 42 per cent of all provincial government spending. It makes one think that perhaps we’re dealing with health care from the wrong side of the conundrum; we should be understanding cause more profoundly and working toward proactive and creative prevention.
I currently sit on the executive of the Union of B.C. Municipalities that takes direction from its membership as voted on at our AGM to the provincial government to invoke policy change.
One of my appointments on UBCM is to the Healthy Communities Committee that is working on a number of policies and strategies including: rural and remote community health care and perinatal services, regional community poverty reduction strategy, healthy eating and physical activity strategies for B.C., mental health/addiction and related housing policies, first responder protocols, and a healthy built environment toolkit in concert with B.C.’s PlanH, to name a few.
There is significant traction with the provincial government on many of these issues, which is encouraging. But one aspect in which municipalities can effect positive and tangible change, without having to wait for provincial political will, is to design our communities with health outcomes top of mind; to link community design, planning and health to promote active living, healthy food systems, healthy natural environments, safe and accessible transportation modes, diverse and affordable housing, and neighbourhood design where people can easily connect with other people and services. I’ve been actively involved with the rolling out of this PlanH Healthy Built Environment Toolkit and will be part of a cross-country webinar on April 30.
Hmm.
Maybe part of that healthy built environment we espouse is free ukulele lessons for every citizen in town... I’ll make that suggestion.
Time now for me to step away from my computer and do my part by strumming out a happy tune on my newly acquired, not-ready-for-prime-time, ukulele… I’m thinking Brother Iz’s version of What a Wonderful World/Somewhere Over the Rainbow...
Oo-o-oo, oooooo, ooooooooooo…
