Profile: The Al and Malka
Green Artists’ Health Care Centre
Artists are often thought to live on bread alone—and
some do! But often neglected are the health needs of the
artists who make our city great. New options, including
support groups and health coverage is coming to the fore.
Margo Charlton reports.
The idea for a centre focused on the specialized needs
of creative and performing professional artists was first
discussed in 1994. In 1995, an extensive needs assessment
survey was conducted concerning health care needs of artists
in Toronto. The information gathered confirmed the need
for an integration of alternative and conventional health
services, as well as researching the field of artists’
health care. Artists face many health concerns such as exposure
to toxic materials in art making, repetitive stress on joints
and financial and emotional stress caused by the pressures
of making a living in a highly competitive atmosphere.
After much study and lobbying, the Al and Malka Green Artists’
Health Care Centre finally opened their doors in 2003 at
the Toronto Western Hospital. The Centre includes an acoustic
studio, a movement assessment studio with a sprung floor
and video equipment to aid in diagnosis and treatment. Other
services include: family practice and medical specialties,
massage therapy, physiotherapy/acupuncture, psychotherapy
services, naturopathic services and chiropody.
In January, the Artists’ Health Centre will start
a new support group for artists to discuss, explore and
deal with the challenges faced by career and life pressures
and offer an 8-week course for coping with stress and anxiety
that are unique to artists such as worries about injury,
illness, financial pressures, auditioning and facing critiques.
For more information contact 416-603-5263.
Most artists do not have access to health plans so the
Arts and Entertainment Health Plan was created by the Actra
Fraternal Benefit Society, specifically for members of the
entertainment industry. The plan covers dental procedures,
prescription drugs and vision care. For more information
contact A & E customer service at 1-866-886-2327.
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