April 2006
Important Notice:
Members who consult the AATH E-zine know that the editor regularly states that the association of laughter and endorphin release has not been scientifically proven. This may be changing. In a recent study, Dr. Lee Berk of Loma Linda University in Southern California demonstrates endorphin release in a group of subjects who watched a comic video. This study has gone through peer review and has been presented at a major medical meeting, however it has not yet been published nor have these findings been independently repeated by other investigators. Both need to be done before we should fully embrace this finding. However, in light of Dr. Berk’s findings, the E-zine editor will no longer be correcting authors and speakers claiming the association of laughter and endorphins. Still, we advise caution in stating this until Berk's research has been reviewed and published.
The monthly, members-only, e-zine keeps AATH members updated on the latest developments in the world of applied and therapeutic humor. Each link will open a new window for anything outside the AATH website. All web links below have been carefully checked and worked at the time of publication. If the link does not take you to the listed article, please contact the owners of that website about finding that article. Disclaimer: Published by Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor. AATH accepts no responsibility for any claims, either expressed or implied, in this publication. The information and opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of AATH, its officers, directors, staff, or members. |
Humor Research:PsiChi
Is Laughter the Best Medicine of Any Medicine at All?
By Diana L. Mahony, Spring 2000
The purpose of this paper is to address the two questions posed in the title. I will first present some basic concepts from the field of humor studies, then outline some of the mechanisms by which humor and laughter are thought to affect health and discuss these in the context of the research on laughter and pain. www.psichi.org
Society for Neuroscience: Brain Briefings
Humor, Laughter and the Brain, December 2001
Researchers believe that uncovering the brain and body's specific response to positive stimuli like humor and laughter may lead to new therapies. http://apu.sfn.org
DA Newsroom
Humor and Laughter offer power of healing, says communication expert
By Susan Tuman,
March 28, 2006
Wanzer's current research utilizes a character-trait scale developed by her WVU communication professors, Dr. Steven Booth-Butterfiel d and Dr. Melanie Booth-Butterfield. Their 17-point assessment, Humor Orientation or "HO," asks citizens to agree or disagree with statements like "I can be funny without having to rehearse a joke," or "I don't tell jokes or stories even when asked to." www.da.wvu.edu
AATH in the NEWS:
Soundlife
Airline delays can't put the brakes on laughter
By Dorothy Wilhelm, March 7, 2006
I was on my way to the annual Conference of the Association of Applied and Therapeutic Humor in Austin, Texas. Well-known research suggests that therapeutic laughter is helpful for everything from lowering blood pressure to enhancing graceful aging. As a person who has spent her life raising six kids, I need to laugh a lot, so I'm an enthusiastic member. www.thenewstribune.com
The Times Picayune
Learning to laugh once again
By Carol Wolfram, March 9, 2006
Feeling stressed? Laugh a little, you'll feel better. That was the message (AATH members) registered nurse -- and certified clown -- Patty Wooten and Dr. Ed Dunkelblau, (both former AATH Presidents) a licensed clinical psychologist, brought to Slidell last week as they presented a free "Finding Comedy in Chaos? You've Got To Kidding" seminar. www.nola.com
WebWire
Recreation and Humor Therapist Gives Tips For Humor Month
March 8, 2006
She (AATH Board member Roberta Gold) says to share funny stories with family and friends; look for the humor all around you and laugh out loud (you won't be laughing alone for long!). http://webwire.com
SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER
Humor has fans in medical circles
By Susan Phinney, March 14, 2006
Coach (AATH member) Gail Wolz, a laughter leader certified by an organization called the World Laughter Tour, gave a quick review of the health benefits of laughter: "Don't get mad, get funny," she advised. http://seattlepi.nwsource.com
Central Valley Business Times
Small business success can be helped by humor
March 14, 2006
Even the grumpiest of bosses can learn to use humor in the workplace to help the team succeed, says (AATH Board member) Roberta Gold, a Los Angeles-based humor therapist and owner Laughter For The Health of It. www.centralvalleybusinesstimes.com
Positive Thinking Magazine
Find More Ways to Tickle Your Funny Bone!
By Paul Sturman, March/April 2006
Allen Klein, president of the Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor, has written the well-regarded books The Healing Power of Humor and The Courage to Laugh. www.positivethinkingmag.com
TheJapanTimesOnline
Speaking Circles sets natural tone for open arms
By Angela Jeffs, March 18, 2006
Mary is preparing to launch Laughter Clubs in Japan. She became a certified laughter leader through founder (AATH Board member) Steve Wilson's World Laughter Tour. http://search.japantimes.co.jp
My SA.com
Laugh till it doesn't hurt
By Nicole Foy, February 19, 2006
Sure, it's silly. But Allen Klein, a self-described "Jollytologist" who concocted the exercise for his often-stuffy corporate audiences, wants us to stop taking ourselves so seriously. Humor can go a long way toward relieving stress, stimulating learning and gaining a healthy perspective on life's little and not-so-little upsets, he says. www.mysanantonio.com
Brigham and Women's Hospital Health Topics A-Z
Laugh Three Times and Call Me in the Morning
By Tina Coleman,
2005
(AATH President: Allen) Klein has found that people who can laugh seem to be more resilient..Pain sensation, (AATH member: Steve) Sultanoff says, doesn't come from just the physiologic sensation, but also from your attitude regarding that sensation. http://healthlibrary.epnet.com
Dickinson State Digest
Vol: 23 - Iss: 27
March 23, 2006
(AATH member) Dr. Ed Dunkelblau, director of the Institute for Emotionally Intelligent Learning in Chicago, Ill., will present "Do We Laugh Enough? Helping Young People Deal with Stress and Cynicism." Dunkelblau is a licensed clinical psychologist and nationally known speaker on emotional intelligence, humor, and health. www.dickinsonstate.com
The Eagle-Tribune-Haverhill News
How do you spell stress relief? H-U-M-O-R
By Mike LaBella, March 29, 2006
The husband and wife team of (AATH member) John and Ann Murphy, self-proclaimed humor consultants, visit organizations throughout the nation to share the secrets of how to reduce stress from daily life. www.ecnnews.com
HUMOR in the NEWS:
WJZ Baltimore
Humor Hides Sorrow At Mardi Gras
February 28, 2006
The crowds were small and the costumes wickedly satirical as Mardi Gras built toward its rowdy climax Tuesday in this hurricane-buckled city that could use a few laughs. http://wjz.com
Seattle Times
New Orleans hurricane humor searching for gales of laughter
February 28, 2006
If humor is the best medicine, storm-shocked New Orleans is still tinkering with the dosage. http://seattletimes.nwsource.com
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Mother hopes laughter spurs a cure
By Sammie Zier, March 2, 2006
Johnson and six other women on the foundation's board of directors will hold their second "Laughter is the Best Medicine" comedy benefit in March to support brain tumor research. http://pittsburghlive.com
StatesmanJournal.com
The value of Irish humor
By Tom Purcell,
March 16, 2006
The Irish have long known that humor and laughter are our chief weapons for combating sadness and pain. http://159.54.226.83
Parents.com
Comic Relief
By Eric Messinger, March 18, 2006
Parents who joke around with their children, share funny incidents from their own day, and generally try to see the humor in life's day-to-day challenges are more likely to raise children who like to laugh and can roll with the punches. Says Dr. Franzini, "You want your children to appreciate the lighter side of life." www.parents.com
Pocono Record
Humor helps kids discover books
March 17, 2006
Laughter is good medicine in more ways than one, and when a child hears a funny story, there can be no other conclusion on the child's part - reading is FUN! www.poconorecord.com
Vindy.com
Speaker spreads the gospel of laughter
By Linda M. Linonis, March 13, 2006
"It brightens the spirit," Mullen said of participation, and everyone can use a dose of that. "The goal is to prevent hardening of the arteries because of hardening of the attitude. This helps balance the mind, body and spirit. www.vindy.com
Saratogian.com
Laughter in the BaHaHAmas
By Jill Wing, March 19, 2006
'This is the 30th year of international humor programs. It was held in the Adirondacks for 29 years and 20 years in Saratoga Springs. This then is the 50th annual,' Goodman said in a twisted rationalization of going all out for this semi-golden anniversary. www.saratogian.com
The Jewish Week
Fighting Back With Satire
By Steve Lipman, March 20, 2006
The battle of cartoons is making clear the divide between the Jewish community, a perennial target of the haters of the West, and the Muslim world. Different cultures with different approaches to humor and self-criticism.www.thejewishweek.com
The Village Daily Sun
Captain Chemo uses humor to help others cope with cancer
By Theresa Campbell, March 21, 2006
"It must be something with the name Clark," he quipped. Yet, he admits it was more than Superman that inspired him to create Captain Chemo. It was his own battle with cancer that inspired him. Humor became his way of coping with leukemia and Hodgkin's lymphoma. www.thevillagesdailysun.com
MSNBC
Family lost 17 days rationed food, told jokes
March 22, 2006
The two children passed the evenings by reading jokes from the Reader's Digest to the adults, Higginbotham said. The family lived through the ordeal on dehydrated food and other provisions. The area is too remote for cell phone service. www.msnbc.msn.com
El Paso Times--Living
Have a good laugh for your health, social live
March 24, 2006
Laughter can also be a great workout for our aging bodies. Laughing works out our diaphragm, abdominal, respiratory and facial muscles while it also benefits digestive functions and burns calories. (Ezine ed. note: article says that children laugh 300 times, adults only 17 times pre day. This is unproven and probably false information). www.elpasotimes.com
Processor
Keeping Yourself & Your Staff Happy
By Chris A. MacKinnon, March 24, 2006
Using humor in the workplace can foster health and wellness, improve stress management, and increase productivity and morale. The goal is to replace negative thinking with a positive attitude. Using humor is also a great way to build up and fortify the team. After all, laughter is the best medicine. www.processor.com
Post-Gazette.com
Laughter can make life last longer
By Lynn Shea, March 23, 2006
During a recent laughter fitness class at the Crafton church, Mrs. Mullen told the group of about 35 participants that laughter activates the immune system, decreases stress, relieves depression, exercises the heart and lungs and improves digestion and mental functions. www.post-gazette.com
Courierpress.com
USI class takes its humor seriously
By John Martin, March 23, 2006
"Of the three major theories of humor," Palladino said, "I ask students to pick one and defend their choice as the most comprehensive." The three choices are incongruity, release and relief and superiority and hostility. www.courierpress.com
TheReidsvilleReview online
Prayer, Laughter The Answer
By Miranda Baines, March 22, 2006
Tillman (e-zine ed note: who has Hermansky-Pudlak Syndrome) said she believes laughter is the best medicine. She points out that anyone dealing with life and death on a daily basis must have a great sense of humor to keep a positive attitude. www.reidsvillereview.com
INdeOnline
Coping with Parkinson's a daily battle
By Erin Pustay, March 22, 2006
Her sense of humor and determination are keys, Uebing said, in helping her cope with the disease. Early on, frustrations caught up to her at times. www.indeonline.com
Hattiesburg American
Muslim comics use laughter to tackle discrimination, fear
March 25, 2006
The 30-year-old Usman, who calls himself "a very patriotic American Muslim" in his act, is one of several emerging Muslim comics who are touring in an attempt to break down stereotypes, encourage critical thinking, create an identity and, most importantly, get people to laugh. www.hattiesburgamerican.com
MiamiHerald.com
Humor: Key tool for breast cancer doc
By Carol Susman, March 26, 2006
If laughter is the best medicine, Weiss -- who practices in Pennsylvania -- has brought huge spoonsful to this Palm Beach audience. The return on this investment, she hopes, is support for her website. www.miami.com
The World of HUMOR
HUMOR IN THE NEWS: RELATED ARTICLES
KUTV
Americans Have Keys To Happiness, Don't Use Them
March 1, 2006
"Research shows that people who are grateful, optimistic and forgiving have better experiences with their lives, more happiness, fewer strokes, and higher incomes," according to Easterbrook.
http://kutv.com
News 14 Carolina
Radio host wrote book on happiness
By Rob Boisvert
March 1, 2006
"It's just the realization that you can't chase happiness, it's a decision that you make to love the life that you have and to commit to it fully," she said. "As soon as you do that, happiness stops being a destination and it starts being a habit."
www.news14charlotte.com
eMediaWire
Laugh Doctor's Happiness Survey Uncovers Tips for Self Improvement
March 2, 2006
The survey also revealed that health ranked most important as a factor to one's happiness. Kuhn said current research proves that bringing more fun into one's life aids health by reducing stress and anxiety, boosting morale, enhancing communication, inspiring creativity and maintaining hope. www.emediawire.com
The Wall Street Journal Online
Happiness Inc.
By Jeffrey Zaslow, March 18, 2006
Science is exploring the roots of joy - and companies are putting the findings to work. How it's changing your appliances and cheering up your sales clerks. online.wsj.com
HUMOR MEETINGS
European Travel News
Laughter Down Under
March 2006
Melbourne hosts one of the world's largest comedy festivals every year in April and it's a great time to visit the city for a true taste of the unique Australian sense of humour. This year the comedy festival takes place from 12 April until 7 May. http://europetravelnews.com
Liverpool Comedy Festival
The dates for Liverpool Comedy Festival 2006 have been set and this year's fun fest will be 13 to 23 July. Shows are still being booked and big names are yet to be confirmed so keep checking this site and we will share the information as soon as we get it.
www.liverpoolcomedyfestival.com/
CNW Group
The Real Dr. Patch Adams (portrayed by Robin Williams in the movie "Patch Adams") speaks to humor and health in the health care system at Canada's Largest National Consumer Holistic Health Expo tour.
March 18, 2006
Presented by the Provision Centre, the Metro Convention Centre will host hundreds of exhibitors, countless hands-on demonstrations that presents you with a well-rounded view of holistic health benefits, www.newswire.ca
ish 2006
6th International Summer School and Symposium on Humor and Laughter:
Theory, Research and Applications 10. - 15. July 2006
For new research students just beginning their research careers or those already-trained researchers considering a first research project on humor, this course will ensure that they enter the field with a strong foundation in existing theoretical and methodological issues - in dimensions ranging from the philosophical, to the physiological, to the practical - , and are well versed in the pitfalls confronting the scientific study of humor.
International Congress on Complementary, Holistic & Naturopathic Medicine and Expo "World Health" that
September 21-23, 2006 in Samara, Russia
Registration Fee - US $ 100.
All submissions for participation and any questions shall be sent by e-mail:
peunova@smtlc.ru (please indicate the topic of your e-mail as a "congress").
Reports are due by June 1st, 2006. Papers should not exceed 5 pages A4 in
length (font size: 14 pt, line spacing: 1,5).
Flyer News, Vol. 53, No. 35
Humor writers meet at 4 th annual workshop
By Tara Adlard, March 24, 2006
Well civilization will be in full-force this weekend. Thursday marked the beginning of the fourth annual University of Dayton's Erma Bombeck Writers' Workshop.
If you see something you would like to share in our E-Zine, send the lead to
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