Long before we understood how neurons activate in response to sound or had modern imaging and diagnostic tools, humans were already singing, drumming, and gathering around sound. Music has been present in nearly every culture throughout history whether as a form of entertainment, ritual, identity, comfort, storytelling, or social connection. Even today, when someone is grieving, celebrating, or trying to make sense of life, music often finds its way into the moment.

As a lifelong musician, community health advocate, and President of Musicians in Medicine – a student-led organization at the University of Kansas that uses music to promote health and wellness among senior home residents – I know firsthand how music can support well-being and social connection. Music can do something powerful for our health. Science increasingly supports that intuition.

One reason music is so effective is that it works through multiple pathways, pulling on our emotional, social, cognitive, physical, and cultural experiences to elicit a reaction. A large review from the University of Queensland found that musical activities of all kinds (including singing, dancing, playing instruments, songwriting, and even just listening to music) consistently reduced pain, boosted emotional health, strengthened social connections, supported memory and thinking, reduced stress, and even aided physical recovery.

As a non-invasive and non-pharmaceutical intervention, music meets people at every level. A growing body of research supports its efficacy in managing lung disease, pain management in obstetrics, improving health outcomes for babies in the neonatal intensive care unit, treating depression and anxiety, improving schizophrenia symptoms, stroke recovery, mood disorders, Parkinson’s disease, and symptom severity in autism. Because music facilitates connection without the need for complex social cues, it’s also wildly beneficial to those with mixed abilities, and modern tech advancements in adaptive use/specialized instruments have been a game-changer for enhancing social and emotional connection for everyone in our community.

Perhaps most importantly, music also plays a meaningful role in social and community health. Visiting senior homes has been one of the most meaningful parts of my experience with Musicians in Medicine. Older adults are often overlooked in our society, but when we play music, we often see residents gather together, sing along, and connect with one another.

I recently spoke with Darla Krambeer, a retired psychologist and senior home resident whom we often see through Musicians in Medicine, about how she’s seen music impact health. For Darla, music provides imagination: “Probably the main thing I use music for is to get away from things. It’s good for imagination, relaxation, and for the ability to think beyond what’s going on right now,” she said.

“Some patients may not respond to anything else rationally, but they really respond to music,” Darla told me. “It reaches parts of the brain that you can’t reach with words anymore”.

Both music and medicine are centered on the same foundations: the desire to heal and build community and connection. In healthcare, we often focus on treating illness after it appears. But music reminds us that health is also about prevention, resilience, and connection, and these small moments may contribute more to our well-being than we realize.

One of the most common winter health concerns is respiratory illness, including coronavirus, influenza (flu), and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). According to Johns Hopkins physician Michael Albert, every year 5% to 20% of Americans will catch the flu, and 60,000 to 160,000 older adults are hospitalized with RSV. This is in addition to COVID-19 variants which are contagious and tend to occur in waves. These illnesses often spike during the winter months for several reasons. According to the Mayo Clinic Minute, these illnesses often spike during winter months as people spend more time indoors, allowing viruses to spread more quickly. Cold, dry air also allows respiratory droplets to stay airborne longer, while the cilia (hairlike projections in the upper respiratory tract that help clear out germs) do not function as well in dry, cold conditions.

Fortunately, there are several simple ways to reduce the risk of infection. Regular handwashing is one of the most important steps, especially after being in public spaces. Cleaning and sanitizing frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs, countertops, and phones can also help limit spread. Staying up to date on recommended vaccinations each year provides added protection, particularly for older adults and those with chronic conditions. Covering coughs and sneezes, avoiding close contact when sick, and staying home when you have symptoms (such as cough, sore throat, or fever) can help protect family members, coworkers, and the broader community.

Cold-related illnesses are another important winter health concern. Hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it, and can happen during prolonged outdoor exposure, power outages, or when homes are not adequately heated. Warning signs include uncontrollable shivering, confusion, slurred speech, and extreme fatigue. There’s also frostbite which occurs when skin and underlying tissues freeze, most often affecting fingers, toes, ears, and nose. Early signs include numbness, tingling, and pale or waxy skin. To reduce risk of both illnesses, dress in layers, keep clothing dry, cover exposed skin, limit time outdoors during extreme cold, and check on neighbors, especially older adults, during severe weather.

Lastly, winter can impact mental health. Shorter days, reduced sunlight, and increased isolation, especially in rural areas, can contribute to low mood, anxiety, or symptoms of seasonal depression. Some easy ways to protect your mental health include staying connected with friends and family, maintaining daily routines, and spending time outdoors when weather allows. You can also reach out to local resources or healthcare providers if symptoms persist.

As a community, we all play a role in staying safe and healthy during the winter. Checking in on neighbors, preparing homes, and taking simple preventive steps can make a huge difference. Midwestern winters can be challenging, but with awareness and preparation many winter related health risks can be reduced.