Health Benefits of Humor and Laughter
The holiday season is all but on top of us! Even though anticipation of this time of year can bring great joy and delight to us, it can bring a tremendous amount of pressure, fear and stress as well. How we COPE with “personal” drama in our lives can make a difference in our health. The sound of roaring laughter is far more contagious than any cough, sniffle, or sneeze and can cause a domino effect of joy and amusement. Humor and laughter can have a number of positive physical effects. They strengthen our immune systems and help us recover from illness.
Medicine From Henny Youngman:
"Doctor I have a ringing in my ears." "Don't answer!"
The Doctor says "You'll live to be 60!" "I AM 60!" "See, what did I tell you?"
A good hearty laugh can help:
- reduce stress
- lower blood pressure
- elevate mood
- boost immune system
- improve brain functioning
- protect the heart
- connect you to others
- foster instant relaxation
- make you feel good
Laughter activates the chemistry of the will to live and increases our capacity to fight disease. Laughing relaxes the body and reduces problems associated with high blood pressure, stroke, arthritis, and ulcers. Some research suggests that laughter may also reduce the risk of heart disease. Historically, research has shown that distressing emotions (depression, anger, anxiety, and stress) are all related to heart disease. A study done at the University of Maryland Medical Center suggests that a good sense of humor and the ability to laugh at stressful situations helps mitigate the damaging physical effects of distressing emotions. Laughter and humor are two powerful tools, helping people cope, keeping things in balance and perspective. We often forget this when caught up in the troubles of life.
What You Get When You Laugh - While we are working at surviving, laughter can help us to maintain our perspective. The next time you feel like you're losing control, allow yourself a little "humor time." If you can find what's funny in a situation, your upsets might not seem as important as they once did.
Humor gives a sense of power- There are many things in life that we have no control over and can't change. As long as we have a sense of humor, however, we can do something -- such as minimize the hold that upsets have over us. Humor has the power to turn any situation around.
Medicine From Steven Wright:
“If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.”
“Smoking cures weight problems, eventually”.
Humor helps us cope - A lot of the suffering and troubles we experience are not a result of our difficulties, but how we view them. Gail Sheehy notes in her best seller, Pathfinders, that the ability to see humor in a situation was one of the four coping devices that "pathfinders," people, who overcome life's crises, used as a protection against change and uncertainty. Using humor in difficult times can be one of the smartest ways of coping with them, easing our worries, and getting on with life.
Humor helps establish communication and rapport - Laughter knows no cultural boundaries. You don't have to speak the same language to laugh together. Laughter also helps break the ice when you're in a group. It is the one form of communication to which everyone can relate.
Humor relieves tension - We all know the relief we feel when someone in a group makes a funny comment during a tense situation. Humor dispels anger and aggression in ourselves and others. It helps to use humor when dealing with an angry child. A study of humor in the classroom showed lower scores on aggression for students viewing a humorous videotape. Be aware of taking yourself too seriously. It is important to learn to laugh at yourself.
Humor increases learning and retention - Laughing stimulates both sides of the brain. People get the message quicker and remember it longer.
Humor can be used as "diagnostic tool" - If we listen carefully to a person's humor, it can help us realize his or her fears and worries. When a person jokes around, he or she may be indirectly telling us about the things that are bothering him or her.
Remember that laughter not only makes you feel better, but the use of humor can be a major tool for insight. George Burns says it best: "You can't help getting older, but you can help getting old. Chronologically, the clock is going to keep on ticking for all of us, but if we take a lick of humor, we can prevent a hardening of the attitudes. If we savor humor, humor can be a lifesaver."
Source / References
Klein, Allen. The Healing Power of Humor. Los Angeles: Jeremy P. Tarcher, Inc., 1989.
Nelson, Donna, One Life to Laugh. Glendale: Potentials, 1990.
Recker, M.K... (1996). Laughter Is Really Good Medicine. Retrieved February 8, 2005, from the Ohio State University Extension web site: http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/5000/5219.html
HELPGUIDE.ORG A TRUSTED NON-PROFIT RESOURCE Understand, Prevent & Resolve Life’s Challenges http://helpguide.org/life/humor_laughter_health.htm
A ‘Healthy Together’ look at the stages of change and how you can achieve healthy habits for a healthier life
Research has shown why some people adapt to use healthy behaviors and lifestyles more easily than others do. Understanding the stages of change can help you to begin your own healthy behaviors
and goals.
Here is a short explanation about the transtheoretical model (TTM) in health psychology. The model explains or predicts a person’s success or failure in achieving a proposed behavior change such as developing different habits. The TTM attempts to answer why the change “stuck” or why the change was not made.
Understanding TTM has proven successful with a wide variety of simple and complex health behavior goals such as smoking cessation, weight control, sunscreen use, reduction of dietary fat, exercise, quitting alcohol and routine mammography screening.
Individuals move through a series of five stages and can go back and forth and even stay “stuck” on certain stages. Recognizing where you are with change may help you to complete your goal. Simply stated the five stages are as follows…
(1) Pre-contemplation: People at this stage usually have no intention of changing their behavior and deny having a problem.
(2) Contemplation: People at this stage acknowledge that they have a problem and begin to think about possible solutions.
(3) Preparation: People at this stage are planning to take action and making adjustments before they begin to change their behavior. They may still feel some confusion about making the change.
(4) Action: People at this stage are modifying their behavior. This stage requires a true commitment of time and energy.
(5) Maintenance: People at this stage must continue with the commitment of time and energy to maintain the new behavior. This is important to prevent relapse.
Do you want to quit tobacco?
Have you thought about making a change for your health?
ASHLine of Arizona can help you find your way! Call (800) 556-6222
Did you know that when you quit
smoking…?
In 20 minutes, your heart rate returns to normal.
In 24 hours, your chance of a heart attack drops.
In 48 hours, your ability to smell and taste improves.
In 72 hours, your lung capacity increases and breathing becomes easier.
In three months, your circulation improves and your lungs become stronger.
In nine months, fatigue and shortness of breath start to go away and your energy level goes up.
In five years, your chance of dying from lung cancer drops by almost half.
In 10 years, your chance of dying from lung cancer is about the same as a person who has never smoked.
A certified coach can help develop a plan that’s right for you. Your coach will work on issues that matter to you most, whether it’s nicotine cravings, trouble concentrating or building a support network so you stay tobacco-free. Your plan may include:
Calls scheduled at your convenience. You can also listen to the Stop Tobacco Tip Line.
Medication assistance for nicotine patch, gum and lozenges, Zyban and Chantix.
Online help at www.ashline.org.
Classes or support groups that meet in your community.
ASHLine/QuitNow is funded by the Arizona Department of Health Services Bureau of Tobacco Education and Prevention in partnership with the Mel & Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health at the University of Arizona.
Safety under the sun
Summertime activity, whether on the playing field or a construction site, must be balanced with measures that aid the body’s cooling mechanisms and prevent heat-related illness.
Protect the skin
Sunlight contains ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which causes premature aging of the skin, wrinkles and cataracts. It also appears to be the most important environmental factor involved with developing skin cancer, the most common form of cancer in the United States.
The amount of damage from UV exposure depends on the strength of the light, the length of exposure, and whether protective measures are taken.
During the summer months, UV radiation tends to be greater.
Sun exposure at any age can cause skin cancer. There are no safe UV rays or safe suntans.
Basal cell and squamous cell are the most common types of skin cancer and are highly curable. However, melanoma, the third most common skin cancer, is potentially life-threatening.
It’s important to examine your body monthly, because skin cancers detected early can almost always be cured. The most important warning sign is a spot on the skin that is changing in size, shape or color during a period of one month to one or two years.
If you find any unusual skin changes, see a health care professional immediately.
Be especially careful in the sun if you spend a lot of time outdoors, burn easily or have freckles, fair skin, light-brown, blond or red hair, or numerous, irregular or large moles.
Here is how you can protect yourself and your family:
- Seek shade when possible, especially during midday hours (10 a.m.-4 p.m.), when UV rays are strongest and do the most damage.
- Cover up with clothing to protect the skin.
- Wear a hat with a wide brim to shade the face, head, ears and neck.
- Grab shades that wrap around and block as close to 100 percent of both UVA and UVB rays as possible.
- Rub on sunblock with Sun Protective Factor (SPF) 15 or higher with both UVA and UVB protection. Apply it often.
Prevent heat-caused illness
Your body normally cools itself by sweating. During hot weather, especially with high humidity, sweating isn’t enough. Your body temperature can rise to dangerous levels and you can develop a heat illness:
- Heat stroke — a life-threatening illness in which body temperature may rise above 106° F in 10-15 minutes. Symptoms include hot, dry, red skin; a rapid, strong pulse; throbbing headache, dizziness, confusion or fainting; or convulsions.
- Heat exhaustion — an illness that can precede heat stroke. Symptoms include heavy sweating, lethargy, weakness, rapid breathing and a fast, weak pulse.
- Heat cramps — muscle pains or spasms that happen during heavy exercise.
- Heat rash — skin irritation from excessive sweating.
Keeping yourself hydrated when in the sun is critical for avoiding these illnesses. At a minimum, it is recommended to drink two to four glasses (16-32 oz.) of cool fluid every hour, or even more during rigorous activity. Avoid drinking beverages that contain alcohol, caffeine or a lot of sugar, since they cause the body to lose more fluid.
Know the symptoms of heat disorders and overexposure to the sun. Be ready to give first-aid treatment. When working in the heat, monitor the condition of your coworkers and have someone do the same for you.
Heat-induced illness can cause a person to become confused or lose consciousness. If you suspect heat exhaustion, move to a cool spot out of the sun, sit or lie down, and drink lots of cool water a small amount at a time.
When symptoms of heat stroke are present, begin cooling the victim by any means available — remove clothing, apply cool water from a hose, immerse in a tub of cool water or a shower, and seek emergency assistance immediately.
Sources:
www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/heatillness.html
www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/heat_guide.asp
www.aad.org/aad/Newsroom/factsunscreen.htm
(The contents of this article and referenced websites, such as text, graphics, images and other material contained on the site are for informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Reliance on any information provided by these websites is solely at your own risk. APS is not responsible for the contents of any “off-site” web page referenced from the server. © APS Healthcaresm, Inc., Silver Spring, Md.)
May is Asthma Awareness Month!
Do you put up with frequent asthma symptoms instead of controlling them? Do you avoid places or activities because you are afraid to trigger asthma symptoms? You may think you’re controlling your asthma, when in fact it is controlling you.
Why it matters…
Asthma is unpredictable…symptoms may be mild or even nonexistent, but they can flare up and become severe at any time.
Asthma is serious… each year approximately 5,000 Americans die from asthma.
What you can’t feel, CAN hurt you… if left untreated; inflammation may cause lung damage and a loss in lung function.
Asthma basics:
Asthma is a chronic lung disease with two main components:
- inflammation (airway swelling and irritation)
- bronchoconstriction (tightening of the muscles surrounding the airway)
Both cause airways to narrow making it hard to breathe.
Common symptoms include:
- cough, wheezing
- shortness of breath
- chest tightness
Symptoms may occur during the day or night and may be triggered by tobacco smoke, dust mites, animal dander, indoor mold, odors like (gasoline, perfume and paint) exercise, cold air and viral respiratory infections like a cold.
When you control your asthma, you should expect:
- to be symptom-free all or most of the time
- enjoying being physically active with out having asthma symptoms
- to not miss school or work because of asthma symptoms
- to sleep through the night without asthma symptoms
If you need to use an albuterol inhaler – sometimes called a “rescue” inhaler – more than twice a week to treat asthma symptoms, it may mean that your asthma is poorly-controlled.
Symptoms triggered by exercise may be an exception and need to be discussed thoroughly with your physician.
TAKE THE ASTHMA AWARENESS TEST
1. In the past four weeks, how much of the time did asthma keep you from getting as much done at work or home as you usually do?
A. none of the time B. some of the time C. most of the time D. all of the time
2. During the past four weeks, how often have you had shortness of breath?
A. not at all B. once a day C. three to six times a day D. more than once a day
3. During the past four weeks, how often did your asthma symptoms wake you at night or earlier than usual?
A. not at all B. once a week C. two to three nights a week D. four or more nights
4. During the past four weeks, how often have you used your rescue inhaler or nebulizer medication?
A. not at all B. a few times a week C. one or two times a week D. three or more times a day
5. How would you rate your asthma control during the past four weeks?
A. completely controlled B. somewhat controlled C. poorly controlled D. not controlled at all
If you answered anything other than (A), your asthma may not be well-controlled.
Be sure to talk with your health care professional about developing your asthma treatment plan. |
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