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Frequently Asked Questions
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We provide clinical services in our clinic sites which include primary, dental, mental care, as well as pharmaceutical assistance.
We also conduct injury prevention and maintenance workshops, social services referral information and training for healthcare providers.
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Musicians have many of the same health problems as everyone else but, in addition, they have others which are either specific to their occupation or at a higher incident than in other professions. Some of these are tendonitis, carpel tunnel syndrome, hearing loss, glaucoma, insomnia, and recurring upper respiratory problems. Additional health risks are posed by exposure to cigarette smoke in poorly filtered air for long periods of time, late work hours resulting in irregular eating and sleeping patterns, eating poorly or not at all due to time constraints of traveling, sound checks and show times... What looks like a glamorous life to the non-musician is actually very physically and emotionally demanding.
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No, most musicians are not really aware of or think about the health risks before they become a working musicians. They learn the risks "on the job" over time.
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It might have been true in the past but not today in a more health conscious world. More and more working musicians are seeing the cause and effect of their work conditions and lifestyle choices and are searching for ways to improve them. In the past, there was very little awareness of the danger of hearing damage from playing music; now many musicians are choosing to be fitted with ear protection that gives them the possibility of preventing hearing loss and tinnitus. Because laws have been passed in may cities and states to ban smoking in public places (e.g. -New York City, Dallas, the state of California) some musicians now have the opportunity to avoid countless hours of exposure to second hand smoke. The move for smoke free clubs and other venues has been joined enthusiastically by musicians.
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| Our desire to respond to musicians' needs is both economical and cultural. Musicians bring billions of dollars into the state economy and generously contribute their music for good causes. Still, musicians are never offered health insurance from their employers: the clubs, festivals, or concert promoters. When musicians do have health insurance, it's usually only for hospitalization. Because they can't afford the out of pocket expenses, they will put off going to the doctor to get checked for health problems until they develop into more serious or life threatening illnesses. H4M helps musicians receive affordable, preventative healthcare. We believe musicians are our cultural ambassadors. We have lost many of them to preventable illness and early death. We want musicians to have the opportunity to stay healthy, play well and have long lives. Our musicians are the key to what makes life in south Louisiana so special. |
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There are lots of ways to help and contribute. Categories include monetary donations, provider services, and volunteer hours.
Because Healthcare for Musicians is a non profit organization, donations are tax deductible and gratefully accepted. If you are a healthcare provider you can join our referral network. Others can volunteer to help with upcoming musical events, be part of our planning group for health fairs, donate something on our wish list... or just tell us what you'd like to do!
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