benefits to relief of specific diseases. While less well-estab- out and destroy tumor cells and also help fight off the latest
lished than the findings relative to pain and the immune cold and flu viruses and other foreign organisms.
system, several humor-related studies published in The While humor and laughter are not a substitute for a
Journal of Rheumatology, Journal of Behavioral Medicine, physician’s or practitioner’s care, findings show that they do
Journal of Psychosomatic Research and The Journal of help. A developed sense of humor, let loose to play, assures
the American Medical Association have demonstrated that our body and mind, supported by positive emotions, are
significant contributions to health or well-being in cases at work on our behalf, helping to sustain good health and
of diabetes, certain skin sensitivities, arthritis, asthma and wellness.
even chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (one European
study to date). Paul McGhee, Ph.D., president of The Laughter Remedy,
in Wilmington, DE, is internationally known for his own
humor research; for supporting references and detailed
Humor shifts perspective, allowing us to
discussion of humor/health issues, see Humor: The Lighter
see situations in a more realistic, less threat-
Path to Resilience and Health, released this month via Au-
thorHouse.com. Also visit LaughterRemedy.com.
ening light. A humorous perspective creates
psychological distance, which can help us
avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Just for Grins
Many cancer patients claim that their sense of humor
Baby Beyoncé at YouTube.com/watch?v=xSdZ6akE02I
has helped keep them alive, while plenty of evidence
points to humor as a powerful tool in helping cancer pa-
Dog Leg Stealing Bone at YouTube.com/
tients and others cope with serious illness and other highly
watch?v=JSToLWAwebA
stressful life circumstances. In one large Norwegian study
of individuals diagnosed with cancer, those with a stronger
Best Cat Tricks at YouTube.com/watch?v=Wvo-g_
sense of humor (as measured by a standardized sense-of-
JvURI&NR=1
humor test) also had a 70 percent higher survival rate than
others over the following seven years.
JK Wedding Dance at YouTube.com/watch?v=4-94-
Finally, it’s interesting to note that in healthy individu-
JhLEiN0&NR=1&feature=fvwp
als, watching a one-hour humorous video also increases
the number and activity of the natural killer cells that seek
Pr i n t e d o n re c y c l e d Pa P e r t o Pr o t e c t t h e en v i r o n m e n t
February 2010 17
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