At this very moment in the United States there is a monumental debate going on about health care reform. Some citizens and politicians are proposing significant changes to the current paradigm while others are generally in favor of maintaining the system that’s already in place. I think there’s at least one issue that all sides can hopefully agree on – health care can and should be improved, in part, by the efforts made by individuals. One way to accomplish this is to take steps to improve personal health. Another important strategy is to help others enjoy better health. It may seem far-fetched, but simple acts of compassion and kindness can sometimes be a profound and essential adjunct to virtually any medical treatment.

21st century medicine provides us with medical and surgical options that were unimaginable in the recent past. There is virtually no part of the body that can’t be viewed or otherwise accessed by way of computer assisted technology. But the truth is that all of these scientific breakthroughs can never completely fulfill the core needs of every patient. There are parts of the mind or, as some might say, the “heart” or “spirit”, that are better touched in decidedly simple and traditional ways.

Two recent studies demonstrate the absolutely vital role that one’s mindset can play in supporting physical health. An upcoming meta-analysis in the journal Cancer looked at the role that depression plays in the quality of life and survival outlook for those with malignancies. A total of 25 studies were evaluated. Over 9,400 patients were taken into account for this summary.

• The researchers found that “death rates were up to 25% higher in patients experiencing depressive symptoms”.
• They also noted an even higher figure (39%) when looking at patients with clinically diagnosed depression.

A different study evaluated the effects of “profound loss” on cardiovascular health. 160 individuals were included in this research. Half of the group had recently experienced the loss of child or mate. During the first 6 months of the evaluation, the grieving group demonstrated a 6 times higher risk of having a heart attack. This elevated risk did not seem to be age-related, as individuals as young as 30 were vulnerable. By the completion of the 2 year examination, the additional threat appeared to fade. The authors of this research suspect that temporarily elevated stress hormones may be the cause of this phenomenon. (1,2)

There are many pharmaceutical agents that could help address the depression and stress related to the passing of a loved one or the onset of a life-threatening illness. In certain circumstances, such measures may be necessary. But it’s also important to consider that these physically damaging reactions are provoked by a specific change in life. The feelings involved are as justifiable as can be. Therefore, perhaps a more humanistic approach may be called for in these types of situations.

My initial reaction was to assume that offering a “sympathetic ear” would be the best form of comfort. The scientific term for this is “expressed emotion” and it has been shown to afford benefits to those with cardiovascular disease and in oncology patients. But not everyone feels comfortable sharing their innermost feelings at these sensitive times. Fortunately, there are other alternatives that may prove equally effective. (3,4)

• Healing Touch - A supportive back rub or a heartfelt hug could be just the ticket to reduce the depression and stress relating to physical illness. A published trial just conducted at the Wake Forest University School of Medicine attests to that fact. In this instance, the benefits were found in a group of young cancer patients. Another recent study concluded that, “therapeutic touch may be effective for management of symptoms like restlessness coupled with stress reduction. At a time when cost containment is a consideration in health care, therapeutic touch is an intervention that is non-invasive, readily learned, and can provide a non-pharmacologic alternative for selected persons”. (5,6,7)

• Music Therapy - A big part of the success of any healing protocol is knowing the individual who’s being treated. Many studies demonstrate that enjoyable music can help lift spirits. Music can literally stimulate parts of the brain that are incapacitated during anxious and depressive episodes. The key, of course, is to select the music based on the preferences of the person you wish to help. It’s not often that a physician or psychiatrist will prescribe a CD to promote recovery. This is a fact that’s unlikely to change. But a musical gift from a caring soul can be delivered without the assistance of a prescription pad or pharmacist. (8,9,10)

• Warmth Therapy - The idea of warming up to lighten up may be foreign to most of us. But this is the basis for some very exciting research from the University of Colorado at Boulder. Dr. Christopher Lowry was recently granted $500,000 by the National Science Foundation to further his study of this theory. According to Dr. Lowry, “Whether lying on the beach in the midday sun on a Caribbean island, grabbing a few minutes in the sauna or spa after work, or sitting in a hot bath or Jacuzzi in the evening, we often associate feeling warm with a sense of relaxation and well-being.” He goes on to explain that, “One mechanism through which sensations of warmth may modulate neural circuits controlling cognitive function and mood is the activation of temperature-activated transient receptor potential (TRP) ion channels, including TRPv3 and TRPv4 which are active in the non-noxious thermal range, 27–42 °C”. So maybe sharing a blanket or asking a struggling family member or friend to join you in the hot tub or sauna could help them through a particularly rough stage in their life. It’s an unconventional approach to be sure, but that doesn’t mean it won’t be effective. (11,12,13)

There is a certain set of skills that doctors and nurses possess that are beyond those of laypeople. But there is a level of caring and concern that we cannot expect the medical community to provide for our loved ones. It’s not unreasonable to expect a medical staff to treat their customers (patients) with compassion and dignity. However, it is unrealistic to depend on them to have all the answers and to provide enough attention to fully nurture the human spirit. That’s our job, as family, friends and neighbors.

Be well!

JP

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