8-15 December 2009

Singing on prescription?

National charity, Heart Research UK wants to get everyone singing during the week of the 8-15 December 2009 to help raise money to find a cure for heart disease, however this isn’t just for our benefit, there is evidence to show that singing is good for you.

Musical medicine

Professor Graham Welch, Chair of Music Education at the Institute of Education, University of London, who has studied developmental and medical aspects of singing for 30 years says, “The health benefits of singing are both physical and psychological. Singing has physical benefits because it is an aerobic activity that increases oxygenation in the blood stream and exercises major muscle groups in the upper body, even when sitting. Singing has psychological benefits because of its normally positive effect in reducing stress levels through the action of the endocrine system which is linked to our sense of emotional well-being. Psychological benefits are also evident when people sing together as well as alone because of the increased sense of community, belonging and shared endeavour.”

Singing is a great work out

Regular exercising of the vocal cords can even prolong life, according to research done by leading vocal coach and singer Helen Astrid, from The Helen Astrid Singing Academy in West London. “It’s a great way to keep in shape because you are exercising your lungs and heart. Not only that, your body produces ‘feel good’ hormones called endorphins, which rush around your body when you sing. It’s exactly the same when you eat a bar of chocolate. The good news with singing is that you don’t gain any calories! Not only can it increase lung capacity, it improves posture, clears respiratory tubes and sinuses, and can increase mental alertness through greater oxygenation. It even tones the muscles of your stomach and back, that is if you’re singing correctly.”

Singing even helps you live longer according to the findings of a joint Harvard and Yale study which showed that choral singing increased the life expectancy of the population of New Haven, Connecticut. The report concluded that this was because singing promoted both a healthy heart and an enhanced mental state.  Another study at the University of California has reported higher levels of immune system proteins in the saliva of choristers after performing a complex Beethoven masterwork.

Sing for your Heart

Barbara Harpham, National Director of Heart Research UK says; “If you want to increase the feeling of wellbeing that singing naturally gives you then why not sing for charity, and join in Sing for Your Heart this December?  We’ll send you a free fundraising pack full of everything you need, from inspirational ideas for singing activities, practical tips, posters and stickers. All money raised will help us to fund more pioneering research into the prevention, treatment and cure of heart disease.”

Sing for Your Heart is Heart Research UK’s national fundraising event which takes place during the week of 8-15 December, as people all over the UK organise carol singing, sponsored sing-songs, karaoke, concerts and gigs to raise money for heart research. 

Go on, have a heart and get singing!

Contact Heart Research on 0113 234 7474 or email info@heartresearch.org.uk for a free Sing for Your Heart fundraising pack

Click here to visit Helen Astrid's website