Medical Association have demonstrated significant contribu-
tions to health or well-being in cases of diabetes, certain skin
sensitivities, arthritis, asthma and even chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease (one European study to date).
Many cancer patients claim that their sense of humor
has helped keep them alive, while plenty of evidence points
to humor as a powerful tool in helping cancer patients and
others cope with serious illness and other highly stressful life
circumstances. In one large Norwegian study of individuals
diagnosed with cancer, those with a stronger sense of humor
(as measured by a standardized sense-of-humor test) also had
a 70 percent higher survival rate than others over the follow-
ing seven years.

Humor shifts perspective, allowing us to
see situations in a more realistic, less threat-
ening light. A humorous perspective creates
psychological distance, which can help us
avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Finally, it’s interesting to note that in healthy individu-
als, watching a one-hour humorous video also increases the
number and activity of the natural killer cells that seek out
and destroy tumor cells and also help fight off the latest cold
and flu viruses and other foreign organisms.
While humor and laughter are not a substitute for a physi-
cian’s or practitioner’s care, findings show that they do help.
A developed sense of humor, let loose to play, assures that our
body and mind, supported by positive emotions, are at work
on our behalf, helping to sustain good health and wellness.
The Green Way to Read
Paul McGhee, Ph.D., president of The Laughter Remedy, in
Wilmington, DE, is internationally known for his own humor
sign up for
research; for supporting references and detailed discussion of
Natural awakenings
humor/health issues, see Humor: The Lighter Path to Resil-
ience and Health, released this month via AuthorHouse.com.
triangle e-Zine
Also visit LaughterRemedy.com.

Just for Grins
Baby Beyoncé at YouTube.com/watch?v=xSdZ6akE02I
Dog Leg Stealing Bone at YouTube.com/
watch?v=JSToLWAwebA
Best Cat Tricks at YouTube.com/watch?v=Wvo-g_
JvURI&NR=1
JK Wedding Dance at YouTube.com/watch?v=4-
94JhLEiN0&NR=1&feature=fvwp
send email address to:
triangleeditor@NaturalawakeningsMag.com
natural awakenings February 2010 59
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