Gustavus Pre-Health Volunteer partner programs

In this episode we talk with three Gusties: Quintin Morris '23 Ezedin Seid '24 Sydney Regalado '22 These three students have been active participants in our volunteer programs. Great way to learn more about each of the programs, what skills you will gain and ways for you to give back. The three featured programs: ⁠Mayo Clinic Caring Hands Program⁠: Caring Hands Service Summary: Massage therapy has shown to aid in addressing pain, distress, fatigue, anxiety, stress and muscular discomfort in patients with various types of disease. Hand massage is simple, comforting and less time consuming than a standard massage session. Because of its shorter duration, hand massage is an ideal intervention in a busy hospital and clinical settings. Volunteers provide 10 -15 minute hand massages. The Gustavus Caring Hands volunteers provide a non-therapeutic, light, gentle and slow hand massage to patients, caregivers and/or family members.  ⁠Ecumen Hospice Program⁠:  As a volunteer, you are an important part of our multi- disciplinary team, offering comfort, support, friendship and presence to our patients and their families at an important stage of life. A Companion volunteer provides a personal interaction, comforting presence, and small moments of joy. Companions can also offer caregiver respite and/or practical help around the home. Parkinson's Exercise Class and Parkinson's Kicking Boxing Class: Big for Life LSVT BIG® Certified clinician. LSVT is an innovative and CLINICALLY PROVEN method for improving communication and movement in individuals with Parkinson’s disease with application to other neurological conditions.  Rock Steady Boxing is an exercise program specifically designed for men and women at all stages of Parkinson's to manage their symptoms through exercise.  Several medical studies on exercise and Parkinson’s have concluded that forced intense exercise can slow the progression of Parkinson’s. In other words, when exercise is done at a volunteer rate, there is less benefit than when exercise is done that pushes or forces someone out of their comfort zone.