St. Louis Front Page - Not Just For KIDS!

Not Just For Kids!
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Recreational Music Making Results in Breakthroughs for Inner City Youth
ST. LOUIS (PRNewswire), June 28, 2009 - There is new hope for rehabilitating the often angry, detached, frustrated inner city youth in secure residential treatment centers across the country, according to a new study recently published in the June issue of the medical journal, Advances in Mind-Body Medicine.

According to research conducted at the Bethesda Children's Home in Meadville, Pa., adolescents who participated in a structured recreational music making (RMM) protocol as part of their rehabilitation process demonstrated statistically significant improvements in school/work performance and behavior toward others, with less depression, negative self-evaluation, anger and interpersonal problems than a control group who did not participate in the music making activities. A total of 52 adolescents were comprehensively evaluated in the research study, which spanned more than a year and incorporated the use of drums and a Clavinova computerized keyboard.

The study was led by neurologist and researcher, Barry Bittman, MD, CEO/Medical Director of Meadville Medical Center's Mind-Body Wellness Center and CEO of the Yamaha Music & Wellness Institute. His prior recreational music making research has demonstrated improvements in mood states, reduction of employee turnover and diminished impact of stress on psychological, biological and genomic levels. The study was funded by the NAMM Foundation, with support from the Yamaha Music & Wellness Institute and Remo, Inc.

"This study is the first of its kind using music as a catalyst for non-verbal and verbal disclosure leading to improved quality of life for troubled at-risk youth," said Bittman. "Our research showed how playing music can help them move past their perceived obstacles and build new bridges."

"The phenomenal breakthroughs that occurred for these adolescents were truly astounding to observe," said Larry Dickson, MA, Clinical Director for Bethesda Children's Home. "Resistant kids who entered our facility angry, bitter and disruptive progressively discovered a productive way to express and better understand their feelings. Expressing themselves musically as part of a group, they discovered a new sense of self-worth and respect for others that often led to surprising transformations."

"The challenges these children face must not be underestimated," said Bittman. "We believe that this program can be used by thousands of treatment centers across the country to produce similar results, which, in turn, could generate a remarkably positive long-term impact on our society."

Billions in Potential Economic Impact

Hundreds of billions of dollars are committed to support disadvantaged children and their families each year, according to the 2008 annual report of the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, which coordinates the federal response to juvenile crime. Bittman points out that the cost of introducing RMM would be very low by comparison.

"RMM is an accessible, affordable and sustainable strategy that can positively impact juvenile rehabilitation," said Bittman. "Our present treatment approaches are often ineffective - a fact that often seems unnoticed. In addition to boosting quality of life and generating positive societal impact, this unique intervention could save our nation billions of dollars."

How Playing Music Leads to Personal Transformations

During each six-week period, groups of 6 to 12 participants met with a trained facilitator who guided them through a progressive structured recreational music making protocol focusing on issues such as self-esteem, tolerance, dealing with grief and loss, anger management and conflict resolution.

As part of the sessions, hand drums and other percussion instruments as well as an electronic keyboard allowed the kids to express many of their feelings non-verbally, effectively generating what Bittman describes as the "disclosure" necessary to help them positively move on with their lives.

Bittman said, "This research represents a meaningful step toward enabling adolescents to build self-control, self-esteem, respect, empathy and tolerance for others. With substantial potential for widespread utilization by behavioral health professionals without prior musical experience, this strategy that can save a child, transform a community and positively impact society justifies ongoing exploration."

Pageturners Reading Club Offers Opportunity to win Cardinals Tickets
ST. LOUIS, (SLFP.com) - The St. Louis Public Library's reading club for adult and high school readers, Pageturners, is in high gear and continues through Saturday, August 8, at all St. Louis Public Library locations. This year's theme is "Inspiration Strikes. . . When You Read." It's a fun and rewarding way for readers to spend their summer.

To take part in Pageturners, readers should register ONCE at any Library location and then pick up a reading log to record the books, magazines, or audio books that they complete. Each person who signs up and completes the program by reading or listening to 10 books will receive a reading certificate and special Pageturners prizes. Those who complete the club also have the chance to win two tickets to a Cardinals baseball game and are entered into a drawing for a laptop computer! Participants must be high school age or older and current St. Louis Public Library cardholders. No prizes will be awarded after August 9.

Remember-people who join Pageturners at the Library really do KNOW BETTER! Major funding and support for Pageturners is provided by the St. Louis Cardinals.

For more information, visit any Library location, the Library's website at slpl.org, or call 314-539-0340.

Summer Fun at the Butterfly House
ST. LOUIS, (SLFP.com) - The Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House is offering two new perks for families this summer! Take advantage of half-price admission ($3 adults and $2 children ages four to 12) during special extended evening hours from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesdays in July and August.

Stroll through the 8,000-square-foot Tropical Conservatory to witness hundreds of butterflies from around the world in free flight. Enjoy living displays of arachnids and other insects inside the exhibit hall, and step outside to view the backyard Butterfly Garden and its natural residents.

The Butterfly House is located at 15193 Olive Blvd. at Faust Park in Chesterfield. Free parking is available on site.

Regular hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, Memorial Day through Labor Day, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays the rest of the year. Admission is $6 for adults, $4 for children ages four to 12, and free for children ages three and under.

For general information, call (636) 530-0076.

Archived St. Louis Community News and Information:

President Barack Obama Visits Year Up

What All Parents Should Know About Swine Flu

Maryland Heights Chamber of Commerce Will Award Five Scholarships

St. Louis Area Robotics Team Advances to National Finals

Obama Budget Proposes Direct College Aid for 5,186 More Students in Missouri

Tobacco Marketing Influences Kids to Smoke

Sharp Increase in Use of Sleep Medications by Young Adults According to a New Study

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