May 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:WebMD
Laughter May Trigger Asthma
Reviewed by Brunilda Nazario, MD
May 25, 2005
As part of a disease management program, researchers analyzed asthma triggers for a group of 235 patients. Of these, 132 patients (58%) reported laughter-induced asthma.
http://foxnews.webmd.com/content/article/106/108208.htm?src= rss_foxnews
YubaNet.com
Laughter Ups Endorphins
By American Physiological Society (APS)
April 1, 2006
According to Berk: "The blood drawn from experimental subjects just before they watched the video had 27% more beta-endorphins and 87% more human growth hormone, compared to blood from the control group, which didn't anticipate the watching of a humorous video.
http://www.yubanet.com/artman/publish/article_33709.shtml
Los Angeles Times
A chuckle a day
By Janet Cromley
April 10, 2006
"The benefits of laughter are similar to exercise," says lead researcher Lee Berk of Loma Linda University. "Laughter has a positive effect on the cardiovascular system. Blood pressure is lowered overall and resting heart rate decreases. Additionally, the immune system appears to get tuned up."
Holisticonline.com Humor
Humor Therapy Info Center
Multiple articles featuring the health benefits of laughter and humor
http://holisticonline.com/Humor_Therapy/humor_therapy.htm
New England Journal of Medicine
Does Laughter Make Good Medicine?
By R. K. Sobel
16.354 (2006), 1114-1115
BBC-Science & Nature
Spot The Fake Smile
April 7, 2006
- This experiment is designed to test whether you can spot the difference between a fake smile and a real one
- It has 20 questions and should take you 10 minutes
http://www.bbc.co.uk/science/humanbody/mind/surveys/smiles/index.shtml
AZCentral.com
Laughter really is best medicine
By Janet Crowley
April 19, 2006
The scientists found that those chosen to watch the humorous video had, on average, 27 percent more beta-endorphins and 87 percent more human growth hormone in their blood than the control group --
http://www.azcentral.com/health/wellness/articles/0419laugh.html
AATH in the NEWS:
Neurology
Humor and smiling
By B. Wild Privatdozentin, (AATH member) F. A. Rodden, A. Rapp, M. Erb, W. Grodd and W. Ruch
These results confirm the clinically derived hypothesis of separate cortical regions responsible for the production of emotionally driven vs. voluntary facial expressions.
Neurology 2006; 66; 887-893
WebMD
Why We Laugh
By R. Morgan Griffin
March 31, 2006
"Infants laugh almost from birth," says (AATH BOD member) Steve Wilson, MA, CSP, a psychologist and laugh therapist. "In fact, people who are born blind and deaf still laugh. So we know it's not a learned behavior. Humans are hardwired for laughter."
http://www.webmd.com/content/article/120/113762.htm
Toronto Sun
You crack me up!
By Joanne Richardson
March 31, 2006
"April Fools is a good reminder to lighten up -- whole-hearted laughter bonds people together and the best part is that it's contagious," says laughter expert (AATH BOD member) Steve Wilson, adding that "the richest laugh is at no one's expense." (AATH member Catherine Lawrence quoted in this article) (e-zine ed. note: article quotes that children laugh 300 time per day to adults dozen; not proven and probably untrue)
http://www.torontosun.com/Lifestyle/2006/03/31/pf-1513692.html
Fast Company
Laugh Your Way to Success
By Michelle Dammon Loyalka
January, 2006 issue
Joking on the job has also been known to stimulate creative thinking, prevent burnout, generate loyalty, and increase productivity. "The more fun you have, the more you can get done," says Bruce Baum, professor of exceptional education at Buffalo State University and a former board member of the Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor.
www.fastcompany.com/articles/2006/04/laugh.html
Appleton Post-Crescent
April reminds us laughter is best medicine
By Steven Hyden
April 1, 2006
"We're admonished" for laughing, whether it's children clowning around in school or employees passing around goofy e-mails in the workplace, (e-zine ed. note: AATH BOD member) Wilson said. Laughing makes us feel good, but it's just not very, well, serious. Sociologists trace this attitude back to the Puritans, a group that valued hard work over amusements.
http://www.postcrescent.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060401/APC0101/604010595/1004
WWAY News Channel 3
Is laughter the best medicine?
April 7, 2006
(e-zine ed. note: member Chris) Miles suggests you get in touch with your sense of humor to make yourself feel better.
http://www.wwaytv3.com/Global/story.asp?S=4742345&nav=menu70_2
CBS Early Show
Spotlights ComedyCures Founder and Cancer Survivor Saranne Rothberg
April 8, 2006
CBS features our award-winning ComedyCures LaughingLunchT, an event created
by (AATH member) Saranne Rothberg for patients. Held monthly at The NY IMPROV. (ComedyCures
LaughingLunchT Launching Nationwide 2006-2007)
Funny Times
March, 2006
Both AATH member James Scott and board member Steve Wilson
appear as cartoon characters in the March issue of Funny Times (page 15).
http://www.mattbors.com/archives/163.html
TheNewsTribune.com Soundlife
Airline delays can't put the brakes on laughter
By (e-zine ed. note: AATH member) Dorothy Wilhelm
April 13, 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.
http://www.thenewstribune.com/soundlife/story/5569480p-5011023c.htm
CBS Early Show Feature
ComedyCures LaughingLunchT
An event created by (e-zine ed. note: AATH member) Saranne Rothberg for patients held monthly at the NY Improv, 2006-2007
http://www.barberassociatesinc.com/cbs/
Belleair Bee
Community mourns passing of service dog
By Marianne Klingel
April 13, 2006
Peay (e-zine ed. note: Member Grace Peay) and Ackerman visited nursing homes, rehab centers and schools, spreading laughter and teaching by example how animals can help to heal the human spirit. They were featured speakers together at a recent therapeutic humor conference in Austin, Texas.
http://www.tbnweekly.com/content_articles/041306_bee-01.txt
Sick Humor: The Lighter Side of Illness
April 27, 2006
This program of AATH Member, Carla Ulbrich was performed at the New Member breakfast at The Society for the Arts in Healthcare (SAH) Annual Conference, Charting the Course of Arts, Health and Medicine, in Chicago.
HumorPress.com
Hearing (Electronic) Voices
By Noreen Braman
February/March 2006
(E-zine ed. note, AATh member) Noreen Braman won the HumorPress.com award's funniest humor showcase with her story: "Hearing (Electronic) Voices.
Westchester County Business Journal
Linda MacNeal (e-zine ed. note: Linda is an AATH member)
By Bob Rozycki
April 24, 2006
Laughter, she will tell you, lowers muscle tension, the effects of stress, blood pressure, serum cortisol levels and anxiety. It improves sleep and digestion, bolsters morale, stimulates the immune system, boosts endorphins, has a cleansing effect similar to deep breathing and is a good cardiovascular exercise for the heart.
http://www.westchestercbj.com/current_issue/feature21.php
Richmond.com
The Gift of Laughter
By Polly Roberts
April 27, 2006
"Children enjoy a place where their ailments aren't the dominating factor of their lives," said Joel Bolton , a psychology major from Manassas who is taking the class. "Laughter is a big part of taking away that stress." (E-zine ed. note: AATH member Saranne Rothberg will speak at a free lecture at 'Randolph-Macon).
http://www.richmond.com/education/output.aspx?Article_ID=4228801&Vertical_ID=127&tier=1&position=1
HUMOR in the NEWS:
WDC Media News
'In The Beginning' Comic Strip Brings Laugher by Presenting the 'Lighter Side' of Religion
March 31, 2006
"One of the most important ways to receive healing is by laughter," says Sushynski. "I started In the Beginning to get people to laugh. Laughter brings healing to any kind of situation."
http://www.wdcmedia.com/newsArticle.php?ID=972
Watertown TAB & Press
Standing up for life
By Jessica Goldings
March 31, 2006
While undergoing treatment at the Mayo Clinic, Schimmel not only realized that his humor helped him during these difficult times, but also those around him.
http://www2.townonline.com/watertown/localRegional/view.bg?articleid=462347
The Post-Crescent
April reminds us laughter is best medicine
By Steven Hyden
April 1, 2006
When you laugh, there is intellectual recognition of something funny; motor reaction involving movement of facial muscles and diaphragm; and the release of endorphins, the body's natural painkillers, which makes us feel good.
http://www.postcrescent.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060401/APC0101/604010595/1004
PJI
Laughing all the way
Editorial
April 3, 2006
A report released last month from the University of Maryland Medical Center found laughter makes blood vessels function better, causing the tissue lining the vessels to expand, increasing blood flow. A previous study at the same institution concluded that laughter and an active sense of humor may protect against heart attacks.
http://www.journal.com.ph/news.asp?pid=2&sid=3&nid=22204&month=4&day=3&year=2006
Dailyrecord.com
Laughter is his best medicine
By Andrew Medeiros
April 3, 2006
"We try to do things that are age-appropriate," she said. "We'll dance around in our gowns, blow up gloves with water and throw them, anything really. The kid has a great sense of humor. He pulls us along. Every day, he makes me crack up laughing."
http://www.dailyrecord.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060403/COMMUNITIES10/604030309/1203/NEWS01
Diabetes Self-Management
Laugh for the Health of It
By Diane Fennell
April 2006
But laughter isn't good just for your state of mind: A number of studies have found that laughter can have beneficial effects on health, including aspects of health related to diabetes.
http://www.diabetesselfmanagement.com/article.cfm?aid=2235&sid=8
About Stress Management--Newsletter
The Stress Management and Health Benefits of Laughter-The Laughter Cure
By Elizabeth Scott
April 2006
Research has shown health benefits of laughter ranging from strengthening the immune system to reducing food cravings to increasing one's threshold for pain . There's even an emerging therapeutic field known as humor therapy to help people heal more quickly, among other things. Humor also has several important stress relieving benefits. (E-zine Ed.: this Newsletter states that children laugh 400 times per day, adults 17 times; this has not been proven and is probably not true)
http://stress.about.com/od/stresshealth/a/laughter.htm
Commercialappeal.com
Chuckle your way to a healthy tomorrow
By Dr. Scott Morris
April 10, 2006
Numerous scientific studies have clearly shown the benefits of laughter. People who laugh more often tend to have stronger immune systems, fewer complications after heart attacks, and less pain after surgery. Laughter also decreases the impact of stress on our health and improves our creativity and self-control.
http://www.commercialappeal.com/mca/health_and_fitness/article/0,1426,MCA_522_4608898,00.html
U. S. Newswire
New Book Unlocks Secret to Staying Motivated and Living the Good Life: Take the Focus off You
By Cindy Carway
April 11, 2006
"Life is just too strange not to find the humor in it. Engage your sense of humor. Connect your creativity and your funny bone. After all, laughter helps us move past pain, freeing and inspiring the creativity from which motivation springs."
http://releases.usnewswire.com/GetRelease.asp?id=63860
Deccan Herals
A riot of laughter
March 19, 2006
According to Harish, the Chakyar is the modern-day avatar of the sootan, who entertained the devas in Indra's court. Stories taken from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata form the base for Chakyarkoothu.
http://www.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/mar192006/finearts171512006316.asp
The Japan Times Online
Poor health may be no laughing matter
By Rowan Hooper
April 12, 2006
Meanwhile, another U.S. study found that people with heart disease were 40 percent less likely to laugh in a variety of situations compared to people of the same age without heart disease.
http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/fe20060412rh.html
Belmont Citizen Herald
At the library
April 13, 2006
Did you know that April is National Humor Month? Celebrate during spring vacation. Comedian and mime Robert Rivest will present "Laughter Is the Best Medicine," a collection of humorous and heart-warming stories
http://www2.townonline.com/belmont/atGlance/view.bg?articleid=471591
Star-Gazette.com Twin Tiers Life
Laughter takes edge off worry
April 14, 2006
It's these laughs and smiles that make me confident, less than 24 hours away from my surgery, that in the end I will be OK, and my brain will be even better!
http://www.star-gazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060414/LIFE/604140318/1035
The Bismark Tribune
Faith and laughter
By Karen Herzog
April 16, 2006
For churches facing the Sunday-after-Easter slump, reviving the old Greek custom of "Holy Humor Sunday" or "Bright Sunday" for that day has been a great success, said Samra, who has edited the Merry Christians' publication, "The Joyful Noiseletter," for 21 years.
http://www.bismarcktribune.com/articles/2006/04/16/news/topnews/113293.txt
Jacksonsun.com
You otter be in glasses: Animals on display put kids at ease in Milan optometrists shop
By Wnedy Isom
April 17, 2006
"Using humor and playfulness, you get in this psychological bubble of protection. Humor gives you an altered state of consciousness. Nothing can hurt you when you're feeling playful," Vickery said. "When you're laughing and lost in laughter you're completely safe in your mind."
http://www.jacksonsun.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060417/LIFESTYLE/604170301/1024
Iceland Review Online-Daily News
Bishop says Easter is a Joke of God
April 16, 2006
The bishop said that in ancient times the "Easter laugh" was a well known concept. On the morning of Easter Sunday the churches were filled with jokes and laughter over the most incredible of all, that the crucified Jesus had come back from his death, and life had prevailed over death.
http://www.icelandreview.com/icelandreview/daily_news/?cat_id=16539&ew_0_a_id=197469
PR Web
A Chuckle A Day Keeps the Doctor Away
By Jennifer Quint
April 19, 2006
"Research shows that the use of comedy in the workplace is very beneficial for an employees health, happiness and even productivity," Carter said. "When an employee is happy, the company is likely to benefit from increased productivity, lower insurance premiums and less paid sick days."
http://www.prweb.com/releases/2006/4/prweb373920.htm
The East Carolinian
Laughter is the best medicine after all
April 19, 2006
It doesn't require jokes or a sense of humor, so virtually everyone can do it, even if you aren't exactly a born comedian. It revolves around traditional yoga's breathing exercises and simulated laughter, and it only takes 20 minutes. When exercised in a group setting, the simulated laughter quickly turns into real, very contagious, laughter that 'flows out like a fountain.'
http://www.theeastcarolinian.com/vnews/display.v/ART/2006/04/19/44458e4ec2df9
Spiegel Online
Vee Have Vays of Making You Laugh
April 20, 2006
Germany has almost as many different ways of making you laugh as there are different dialects in the country.
http://service.spiegel.de/cache/international/0,1518,411790,00.html
The Marshall Democrat-News
Come by the library, find your funny bone, fine art and family activities
By Amy Crump
April 19, 2006
We have plenty of materials, books and movies, available at the library to help you find your funny bone and improve your health. Just stop by.
http://www.marshallnews.com/story/1149295.html
MSNBC
A graveyard for failed greeting cards
March 27, 2006
Marn Jensen, a creative director at Hallmark who oversees lines including Shoebox, said consumers have shown an interest in humor that is more positive than may have been popular five or 10 years ago, when sarcastic, biting, even mean-spirited messages sold well. She said that shift hasn't been easy for writers.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/12040143/from/ET/
Independent Record
At the Water's Edge - Holy Humor
By Joan Uda
April 22, 2006
God was not offended by their laughter; in fact God named their son Isaac, which means laughter.
http://www.helenair.com/articles/2006/04/22/helena/c02042206_01.txt
The Beacon Journal
Erma Bombeck's jumor still loved decade after her death
By James Hannah
April 21, 2006
Bombeck's columns and books served as coping mechanisms for many people trying to raise families, Bete said.
http://www.ohio.com/mld/beaconjournal/news/state/14399824.htm
Village Soup
Hold onto your hat-find a reason to cdlebrate
By Tanya Mitchell
April 23, 2006
April is the 30th anniversary for National Humor Month, founded by Canadian humorist Larry Wilde in 1976, in the United States and Canada.
http://waldo.villagesoup.com/guestcolumns/story.cfm?storyID=70569
Forbes.com, AP
China Tries Using Clowns in Hospitals
By Cassie Biggs
April 22, 2006
"For the kids, just seeing these guys in costumes and with their painted faces, it's different from the endless parade of white coats. They know they are going to have some fun," said The. "It's also a bit of a respite for parents and the nursing staff."
http://www.forbes.com/entrepreneurs/feeds/ap/2006/04/22/ap2689469.html
The Reflector
Enjoy simple pleasures
By Tracey Apperson
April 25, 2006
Humor is another intrinsic part of most of my days. Being able to laugh at yourself and your circumstances is indeed a valuable quality. It really reduces your stress.
http://www.reflector-online.com/vnews/display.v/ART/2006/04/25/444d93a9cf38e
DenverPost.com
Assault victim uses humor in telling about her ordeal
By Howard Pankratz
April 25, 2006
Tiffany Engle, savagely beaten by serial rapist Brent Brents and left for dead, made hundreds of people laugh Monday by making fun of herself.
http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_3748118
Edwardsville.com
Expert: kids need caring adults
By Steve Horrell
April 26, 2006
Laughter can be helpful, as well. In her dealings with abused children, Khan said she laughs frequently and often swaps jokes with them. "A good sense of humor can get you through a lot," she said. "Laughter is a good medicine. You get a 12-year-old, especially, and they like those knock-knock jokes. Those kinds of interactions are so important for them."
http://www.goedwardsville.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=16537066&BRD=2291&PAG=461&dept_id=473648&rfi=6
The York Daily Record
Giggling away the pain
By Teresa McMinn
April 27, 2006
"I'm glad we held the event because I got to be there," said Shultz, a two-time breast cancer survivor. She said laughter played a big role in her own fight against cancer. Humor, she said, reminded her that "I am the only one responsible for my attitude."
http://www.ydr.com/newsfull/ci_3757669
The Carmi Times
Humor and humility sustained her: O'Neal
By Barry Cleveland
April 28, 2006
O'Neal said medical science has discovered the benefits of laughter and humor, learning that they help maintain hope and improve morale. The Bible's admonition that "A happy heart is good medicine" has been proven true, she said, adding that not just laughter but a smile can be therapeutic.
http://www.carmitimes.com/articles/2006/04/28/news/news1.txt
The World of HUMOR
HUMOR IN THE NEWS: RELATED ARTICLES
Star-Telegram
If you're happy and you know it, you're lucky
By Don Mayhew
April 6, 2006
But although the wealth of the United States has expanded during the past 50 years, well-being hasn't always kept pace. Edward Diener, a psychology professor at the University of Illinois, has spent the past 25 years trying to figure out why.
http://www.dfw.com/mld/dfw/living/14277353.htm
Columbia Spectator
Happiness In College: Possible
By Sara Frankel
April 14, 2006
On Harvard's campus, 842 students file into Memorial Hall Sanders Theater twice a week to learn what Ben-Shahar calls "the psychological aspects of a fulfilling and flourishing life" or "how to get happy."
http://www.columbiaspectator.com/vnews/display.v/ART/2006/04/14/443f3b8950d30
Medindia.com
Self-Employment Key To Happiness
April 14, 2006
Those who are self-employed have been found to be happier compared to those who work under an employer, reports a new study conducted by Researchers at the University of Durham. This could perhaps be due to the increased flexibility, independence and superior job satisfaction.
http://www.medindia.net/news/view_news_main.asp?x=9427
Ventura County Star
A lesson in optimism Max Buelow's legacy is one of resilience and faith
By Terry Paulson
April 17, 2006
Research on optimism indicates that optimists are not Pollyanna thinkers. They're realists who face problems objectively and, because they have a track record of overcoming past obstacles, they believe that they'll find a way to do it again. They persist in turning setbacks into opportunities.
http://www.venturacountystar.com/vcs/opinion_columnists/article/0,1375,VCS_223_4626392,00.html
delawareonline
Tying happiness to possessions not healthy
By Dr. Kate McGraw
April 18, 2006
One of many recent studies in the United States suggests that much of our happiness is tied to the quality of our relationships with family and friends, not to the amount of money we have.
http://www.delawareonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060418/HEALTH/604180309/-1/NEWS01
Telegraph -- Education
True happiness is more than feeling good
By Richard Schoch
April 21, 2006
In short, there is a morality of happiness, and you'd be hard pressed to find it in the fuzzy platitudes that masquerade as the science of wellbeing.
Salon.com
Getting over happiness
By Rebecca Traister
February 25, 2006
Psychologist Steven Hayes says the American obsession with feeling good is preventing us from living good -- and that living life to the fullest means a lot of pain.
http://www.salon.com/mwt/feature/2006/02/25/happiness/
Kuenselonline
Gross National Happiness; Before it's too late
By Meiko Nishimizu
April 24, 2006
Bhutan has taught me to think of citizens' happiness as a matter of national security. As the Prime Minister recently said, "Unhappy people make an unstable nation.
http://www.kuenselonline.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=6852
The Economic Times
Are we buying happiness or misery?
By Mukul Sharma
April 25, 2006
In is the American Dream Killing You? How "The Market" Rules Our Lives, author Paul Stiles says that what's needed is a global shift in consciousness - away from conspicuous consumption and towards a more meaningful, balanced way of life. "Moderation," he says "arises from a spiritual awakening, an elevation of consciousness, an awareness of the way things truly are."
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1502627.cms
USAToday.com
Who's winning the Happiness Wars?
By Michael Medved
April 25, 2006
The Pew researchers saw a major happiness gap between Republicans and Democrats - with just 30% of Dems describing themselves as "very happy," compared with 45% of all GOPers.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/opinion/editorials/2006-04-25-forum-happiness_x.htm
The Oxford Press
A change in outlook may help you turn that frown upside down
By Virginia Anderson
April 28, 2006
"The positive things that we do and think can have a similar effect on neurotransmitters in the brain as do prescription drugs [used to treat mood disorders]," said Dr. Lara Stepleman, an assistant professor in the department of psychiatry and health behavior at the Medical College of Georgia.
http://www.oxfordpress.com/life/content/shared/health/stories/GET_HAPPY_0426_COX.html
Zenit-The World Seen From Rome
God Guarantees Happiness, Affirms Pope
April 27, 2006
God is not an obstacle to happiness, as is often thought, but rather he guarantees it, says Benedict XVI.
http://www.zenit.org/english/visualizza.phtml?sid=88147
HUMOR MEETINGS
Hamilton College
Picture This: A Symposium on Political Cartooning and Illustrating
By Sharon Rippey
April 12, 2006
Williams concluded the symposium with a discussion of "Thomas Nast and Multiculturalism," using the historical examples of Nast's work from the 1800s, and applying them to modern ideals of multiculturalism.
http://www.hamilton.edu/news/more_news/display.cfm?ID=10645If you see something you would like to share in our E-Zine, send the lead to
Bob Nozik, E-zine Editor ezine@aath.org
