the best medicine, laughter is known to alter levels of neuro-chemicals and boost the immune system, as well as reduce muscle tension and improve respiration.


Visual arts focus on behavioral health through group activities that can include painting a “living canvas” that is on display in the virtual gallery at NCHMD.org. “This form of art journal- ing, which is accompanied by Griggs, is generally cathartic for patients, who are able to get in touch with their feel- ings and sometimes even write poetry,” remarks Schroeder.


Volunteers also schedule their Pet Partner dogs for sessions with patients, she says, noting, “Visits from therapy dogs often decrease blood pressure, relieve loneliness and depression, and are just plain fun.”


AVOW Hospice


Collier County’s nonprofit AVOW Hos- pice recognizes that each patient is an individual with a unique life narrative, who deserves a program of physical, emotional and spiritual support to bring their story to a graceful end. Such a lev- el of personal attention is achieved in several ways. A DVD series, Comforts of the Journey, is available for patients and families cared for in the hospice house, at home or in the hospital or nursing home.


“Each DVD has a different focus,” explains Karla Mramor, manager of Complementary Therapies. One is geared to the patient and teaches relax- ation, breathing and guided imagery, while another focuses on the caregiver and provides suggestions for how to create a more comforting environment


46 Collier/Lee Counties swfl.naturalawakeningsmag.com


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