In this week’s episode, we explore what is often considered the forgotten fifth pillar of health: creative arts. We are joined by expert Dr. Rebecca Barnstaple, Assistant Professor in Theatre and the new Bachelor of Creative Arts, Health and Wellness program at the University of Guelph.
We explore the idea of prescribing art as medicine and how engaging in creative activities can encourage us to shift our focus from simply asking “What is the matter?” to considering “What matters most to you?”and tips on how we can incorporate more creativity and artistic activities into our busy everyday family lives.
More about Dr. Barnstaple
Dr. Barnstaple is an Assistant Professor in Theatre and the new Bachelor’s of Creative Arts, Health and Wellness at the University of Guelph. She researches the biological dimensions of participation in cultural activities, specialising in dance. She has provided dance-based programs for people with Parkinson’s for over a decade and has also worked with people with MCI/Alzeimer’s Disease and Chronic Pain. She investigates new forms of holistic treatment for chronic and complex diseases that draw on the power of the arts to support health and wellness. She is also interested in shifting policy and direction in healthcare towards upstream treatment models and holistic supports such as Social Prescribing and Arts on Prescription. She has worked in community health settings and is knowledgeable about the Ontario health-care system.
See below some links related to Dr. Barnstaple & her work
Dancerxlab
Arts4PD: research project on arts and social prescribing for PD
Dr. Barnstaple’s website
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