Singing – not just good for the soul

Can

singing really be good for us? Yes, it appears so.

Research

has been carried out by Professor Grenville Hancox at the Sidney de Haan

Research Centre for Arts and Health in Kent in order to back up his claim that

singing should be prescribed on the NHS. He worked with 12,000 individuals who

sing in choirs and discovered several benefits to regular singing.

If the

gym is not the place for you, then try choir practice. It is an aerobic

exercise that increases oxygen levels in the blood. This means an increased

state of alertness, stress reduction, longevity and better overall health. The

improved airflow in the upper respiratory tract can lessen the opportunity for

bacteria to flourish there, helping you fight the symptoms of colds and flu.

Singing also aids the development of motor control and coordination, and recent

studies have shown that it improves neurological functioning.

Singing

can also improve your appearance. Posture is improved and tummy muscles are toned. 

Choirs

are a great place to meet people from your community. Lasting friendships and

even romance can blossom. The City of Glasgow Chorus boasts four married

couples who met over sheet music.

For many,

singing is a great form of stress relief. After a hard day at work or with the

children worries are soon forgotten and blood pressure reduced.  Professor

Hancox has been working to persuade the medical profession to prescribe singing

instead of Prozac. He firmly believes in singing as a force for social

cohesion. "If we could engage more and more people in singing, I'm sure we

would have a healthier nation.

The good

news is that if you fancy giving it a go, a choir for all abilities and ages

currently meets at The Wellstead Primary School, Hedge End.  The Wellstead

Community Choir is led by David Mallet, who is an experienced music

teacher.  A broad range of music is sung, including songs from the shows,

familiar songs both old and new with the odd classical tune thrown in for good

measure.  Rehearsals are fortnightly on Monday evenings, 7.30, the next

being 9th and 23rd May.  New members are always

welcomed.  Check out the Wellstead Community Choir Facebook page or call

01489 798681 for more details.