Today's Takeaway with Florine Mark
Health & Fitness:Mental Health
With Keith Fishman, Therapy Dog Program Coordinator at Henry Ford West Bloomfield
Did you know that sometimes the very best medicine for a hospital patient is a visit from a therapy dog? Whether you’re a patient or a visitor, the sights and sounds of medical emergencies along with overwrought individuals can create a very stressful environment. Sometimes even a routine doctor’s visit can be nerve-wracking, so the thought of checking into a hospital may be an alarming prospect for many. That’s why the Sally and Bob Goldman Therapy Dog Program at Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital is such a wonderful benefit for patients and hardworking staff. The calming presence of a trained therapy dog can work wonders in terms of reducing stress by providing a pleasant distraction from overwhelming fear and anxiety. Unlike service dogs that wear vests cautioning strangers not to pet or approach them while working, Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital therapy dogs wear vests that say, “PLEASE PET ME”! And the dog’s entire day is focused upon encouraging contact and earning smiles from anxious or stressed-out individuals. If a chance meeting with one of the trained therapy dogs can put a smile on someone’s face, even just for a moment, and distract them from their pain or anxiety, that dog has done its job.
My guest today, Keith Fishman, is the Therapy Dog Program Coordinator at Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital. He’s here to tell us about these amazing dogs and how they benefit everyone they come in contact with at the hospital.
What You’ll Hear on This Episode:
Today’s Takeaway: We tend to think of our beloved pet dogs as members of the family, but we might not think about all the different ways therapy dogs can provide help and healing. Having specifically trained therapy dogs present during a stressful situation has proven very effective in a variety of ways. The unconditional love and affection of a dog have been shown to benefit trauma victims who testify in court, help students heal in the aftermath of school shootings, and even calm autistic children. My dog calms me all of the time! So it makes sense to have therapy dogs in hospitals where they can support both patients and staff. Research shows therapy dogs can help lower blood pressure, reduce feelings of loneliness, and minimize stress. The Sally and Bob Goldman Therapy Dog Program relies 100% on public donations to cover the costs of training and operation. If you want to learn how your donation, no matter how big or small, can support the program, visit their website, call the Development Office at (313) 876-1031, or email Developmenthf@hfhs.org. Remember that today is a gift and you make it what it is! I’m Florine Mark and that’s “Today’s Takeaway.”
Quotes:
Brought to You By:
Gardner White Furniture
Mentioned in This Episode:
Sally and Bob Goldman Therapy Dog Program
Click here to donate to the Sally and Bob Goldman Therapy Dog Program
Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital
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