Sterling Heart, Inc. Launches as Self-Care Resource for Care Providers, Health Organizations and HR Departments

New Self-Care Handbook Helps Manage “Compassion Fatigue”
SAN DIEGO, CA -- 03/29/2005 -- Launching this week, Sterling Heart, Inc. (www.sterlingheart.com) is introducing a new generation of self-care resources, including music, books, seminars and training, for caregivers, families and healthcare providers dealing with end-of-life and life-changing situations.

Fifty million Americans identify themselves as caregivers -- from baby boomers assuming increased medical and lifestyle responsibilities for their parents to healthcare professionals and volunteers working in healthcare facilities and homecare programs. On a daily basis, caregivers must balance their family, personal and professional lives with patient-care responsibilities, often leading to “compassion fatigue.”

Making its debut is the company’s first book, “HEART WIDE OPEN -- Self-Care for Caregivers,” written by Sterling Heart co-founders and husband-wife team, Sandi Kimmel and Patrick Murphy. The 48-page handbook, priced at $9, provides 21 helpful techniques to relax, recharge and rejuvenate people experiencing compassion fatigue. Editions in other languages, Braille, and large-type are planned.

Many healthcare professionals say compassion fatigue is reaching epidemic proportions for caregivers supporting patients and family members facing long-term illnesses, disabilities and approaching death, as well as people processing life-challenging events like grief, divorce, terrorism and war.

Also available from Sterling Heart is the successful CD, “TRANSITIONS -- Music To Soothe the Soul,” featuring healing and inspirational songs written and performed by co-founder Sandi Kimmel. Released in 2000, the CD is in its second printing, with more than 5,000 copies sold into patient and care-provider environments. The CD is priced at $17, as is Ms. Kimmel’s most recent CD, “MUSIC IN MY SOUL.”

Sterling Heart is also announcing its 2005 workshops for caregivers and volunteers that use music, patient experiences and self-care techniques. The programs are held throughout the U.S. at hospices, hospitals, healthcare conferences and caregiver support groups such as those sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Association, the American Cancer Society, National Parkinson’s Foundation and the American Heart Association.

“We are bringing our message of ’Taking care of people taking care of others™’ to the millions of people that every day provide care to millions of others,” explained co-founder Patrick Murphy. “There is also growing awareness of companies to provide self-care programs to their employees as they try to balance their personal and working lives.”

Sterling Heart co-founders Sandi Kimmel and Patrick Murphy are both interfaith ministers and hospice volunteers. Ms. Kimmel is a nationally known inspirational speaker, music healer and songwriter. She has conducted programs for hospices nationwide, as well as for the New York State Hospice Association, the California Hospice Foundation, and the National Hospice & Palliative Care Organization, among others.

Mr. Murphy was the founder, CEO and creative director of one of the West Coast’s largest advertising/marketing agencies. He is also a widely recognized teacher and author, and has recently completed a memoir of his childhood titled “Altar Boy.”

Additional information is available on the Sterling Heart website, www.sterlingheart.com, email: info@sterlingheart.com, or contact Robert Fisher, Media Relations, 760-518-8420, email: rfisher@sterlingheart.com, or co-founders Sandi Kimmel and Patrick Murphy, 619-838-1170, email: sandi@sterlingheart.com and pat@sterlingheart.com.

Contact Information

Robert Fisher

Media Relations

Sterling Heart, Inc.

Contact via E-mail