Music Heals
Researchers are finding more positive health effects from simply listening to music. At a basic level, fast tempo music increases blood pressure, breathing and heart rate, while slower tempo lowers them. In general, music with a mix of slower and faster tempos along with lower and higher volumes is best for your heart and circulation.
A recent trial divided stroke patients into three groups. One listened to music, one listened to audio books and one listened to whatever they wished. (All of them also had standard stroke treatment.) The music group improved their attention focus and mental operations significantly along with improvements in their verbal memory. They also tended to be less confused and less depressed. Stroke victims can apparently move in time and sing along to familiar tunes even when they are unable to talk. What are we waiting for? Let’s get those iPods working!