New Music App Enables Millions of Healthcare Professionals and Informal Caregivers to Provide Improved Care With Singing
(Los Angeles, CA – January 4, 2012) – As complicated healthcare challenges continue to rise, including Autism Spectrum Disorders (124% increase since 2001) and Alzheimer’s (expected to quadruple by 2050), so do the ranks of the estimated 25 million informal caregivers. These trends are placing new demands on our overall healthcare system. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the healthcare industry will create 3.2 million new jobs before 2018 (more than any other industry) in response to the demand largely created by a rapidly aging population. How will these informal caregivers and healthcare professionals utilize technological advances to care for their patients and create solutions to vexing healthcare challenges?
One revolutionary new tool is SingFit, the music therapy app that was awarded the “Most Innovative” prize at the American Telehealth Association’s 2011 Fall Forum.
SingFit harnesses an array of new scientific studies surrounding the benefits of singing, ubiquitous mobile technology, and an ever-growing catalog of music that features some of the biggest hits and most beloved songs of all time, including “Lean on Me,”Get Up, Stand Up,” and “New York, New York.” SingFit’s patented Lyric Coach system allows users to enjoy a successful singing experience regardless of their ability to read or see the lyrics to a song. This handicapped accessible technology enables those with Alzheimer’s, autism, brain injuries, and other special needs to engage in the health-enhancing, mood-elevating, joyful activity of singing. Recently launched on iTunes as a free download with a monthly subscription option for Apple mobile devices, SingFit’s Enterprise Edition is now available for bulk purchase and is customization by business customers that include senior care facilities, hospitals, schools, and home healthcare agencies. The Enterprise Edition makes it easy for all types of businesses, non-profits and government agencies to inexpensively distribute a powerful and FUN health and wellness tool to their staff, patients, or potential customers.
RECENT STUDIES:
A recent study out of Drexel University found that musical activities (including singing) reduce pain and anxiety in cancer patients. Scientific research has also found that singing in general reduces pain, boosts mood and relieves anxiety due to the many “feel good” chemicals that are released, including dopamine, serotonin, endorphins, oxytocin and melatonin.
IN THE MEDIA:
Singing has been proven to help people regain speech after experiencing traumatic brain injury. Several news organizations, including ABC and CNN, have followed the successful speech rehabilitation of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, who was tragically shot in the head in 2011. The congresswoman herself has credited much of her remarkable recovery to singing therapy.
Yet with only five thousand music therapists licensed to practice in the U.S., singing therapies can be difficult to access – until now. Developed by a board-certified music therapist, SingFit offers an affordable, portable and easy to implement tool that allows people to become better caregivers. While not taking the place of a certified music therapist, SingFit makes it easy for other healthcare professionals and informal caregivers to facilitate a successful singing experience.
“As a music therapist for the past 15 years, I’ve experienced firsthand the powerful benefits that singing can create for people of all ages,” stated Andy Tubman, co-founder of Musical Health Technologies. “I’ve also witnessed how access to healthcare has become more difficult with budget cuts. The SingFit Enterprise Edition utilizes Apple’s tried and tested B2B program to make distributing a valuable, affordable and enjoyable therapeutic tool turn key to a staff of twenty or constituents of 20,000.”
About SingFit:
SingFit is an innovative new music app that was developed by a board-certified music therapist to bring health, wellness and joy to everyone through the universal act of singing. SingFit’s new enterprise program includes clinical music therapy support services, volume discounts, educational and nonprofit pricing, and customizable branding. SingFit’s handicapped accessible technology is designed for healthcare professionals, and is easily used by patients, family members and caregivers alike. The SingFit app and a collection of public domain songs are free to download from the Apple App store for use with iPhone, iPad and iTouch hardware. For additional information and to see “how it works,” visit www.isingfit.com.
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Contact:
Rachel Tubman, SingFit
323-677-2575 | Rachel@MusicalHealthTech.com
