Inspirational young patients along with Florida Hospital South and Conway Lakes Health & Rehab Center were picking up brushes, painting on canvases, or putting on costumes for the camera to bring hope and healing.
“Florida Health South and Conway Lakes Health and Rehab Center make a difference in the Orlando community at this one-day collaboration art event,” says Jeff Cleveland, president of Clear Choice Health Care, “It’s just one example of the difference that they’re making in young patient’s lives,” says Cleveland.
Increasingly, arts programs are becoming an important part of medical treatment and the local medical community has developed a greater under- standing of the emotional benefit of such programs.
Recent research shows that art has been proven to improve the well-being of patients and staff members. Researchers have found that such programs decrease patient stress and improve quality of life.
Art creates stimulation and vibrancy and is known to soothe and distract in intense situations, such as cancer and chemotherapy. And it’s especially effective when the patient is a child.
In a recent report from the Society for the Arts in Health Care, data showed that 45 percent of the country’s health care institutions use art in their programs. These included displays of art, bedside workshops and performances.
Regarding serious illness and children, families also have a hard time on this journey. “I believe that it’s not just the medical care that is important, but complementary therapies like art can improve a family’s coping mechanism and help make a difference in the lives of these little ones,” says Joshua Wagoner, administrator for Conway Lakes Health & Rehab Center, a facility that specializes in the active and aging population.
“We’re known for our services to seniors and our community involvement, but this event is a great way to give back to our community, our children and our medical advocates,” says Wagoner. “Art allows us to come together for the betterment of us all.”
“I think that an important part of our art day work- shop is that young patients can be considered by
an adult not for their illness, but for their imagination and skill,” says Crystal Acevedo, community relations liaison for Conway Lakes Health and Rehabilitation Center. She reports that the day event coincided with Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
She reports that young patients being treated for a variety of serious conditions were able to offset the gravity of their situation. “You should have seen all the smiles,” says Acevedo… “These programs are so therapeutic.
When you see a child escaping from the beeping machines and spend time in the moment to have fun, it’s all very rewarding.”
By catering a Chick-fil-A luncheon, more smiles were seen on young patients. The event took place in the oncology unit as well as outpatient and inpatient departments. At event’s end, each child was offered a blanket of their choice.
“Helping to keep them warm is important when you consider that most sick patients have a depressed immune system,” says Acevedo.
“We have such a close-knit medical com- munity that readily meets the needs of the physical body but integrating the arts into the healing environment can ease the mind, body, and spirit for all involved,” says Wagoner.
“I am proud of the efforts to make a difference in our community,” says Cleveland.