Explore beneficial effects of music therapy on brain function at Jan. 25 program
Music saturates our lives: We enjoy it, we relax with it, we use it as a background for a variety of activities, it plays a vital part in a broad spectrum of programs and religious services.
Learn about music's powerful effect on memory and the brain - and how music therapy aids neurological rehabilitation - by attending "Music, Memory and the Brain: a Neurological Perspective" on Wednesday, Jan. 25.
The program begins at 7 p.m. in the lighthouse room at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 1500 Brookdale Road, Naperville. Refreshments will be available at 6:30 p.m.
Mary Helen Ekstam, a board-certified music therapist and certified dementia practitioner who maintains a private practice in music therapy, will be the guest speaker for this free program.
Ekstam, who specializes in neurological rehabilitation, hospice and palliative care, and home health, has presented over 3,000 musical programs throughout the United States on the neurological implication of music, memory and the brain as well as other end-of-life topics. A professional health care executive, her leadership expertise also includes business development, community outreach and music therapy.
To register for "Music, Memory and the Brain," contact Diane McQueen at dmcqueen@stapostle.org or (630) 355-8980, ext. 101.
Registration is recommended by Monday, Jan. 23, to ensure seating accommodations. Free-will offerings will be accepted at the door.
The program, co-sponsored by the pastoral care and adult faith formation departments at St. Thomas Church, is part of the Wellspring Educational Events series. The series' goal is promoting a holistic way of life that includes body-mind-spirit integration and well-being.
For more information about "Music, Memory and the Brain" or the Wellspring Educational Events series, contact Felicia Lawlor, faith community nurse at St. Thomas the Apostle, at flawlor@stapostle.org or (630) 355-8980, ext. 104.
St. Thomas the Apostle, a parish of the Diocese of Joliet, strives to bear the Good News of God's unconditional love to all generations through worship, faith formation, witness and service. Organized in 1984, the St. Thomas faith community numbers more than 3,400 households of more than 10,750 people. Complete news and information on parish events, guest speakers and special programs is available at www.stapostle.org. For general parish information, call (630) 355-8980.