November 2006
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: Int J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2006 Sep 15
Humour therapy
in patients with late-life depression or Alzheimer's disease:
a pilot study.
By Walter M, Hanni B, Haug M, Amrhein I, Krebs-Roubicek E, Muller-Spahn
F,
Savaskan E.
Psychiatric University Clinics, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
CONCLUSIONS:
Although there was no significant effect of
humour therapy comparing with standard therapy on quality of life, these
findings suggest that humour therapy can provide an additional therapeutic
tool.
Discovery Channel
Researcher: Humor Comes From Mismatching
By Judy Skatssoon
October 3, 2006
Ann Hale, a medical anthropologist from the University of
Sydney, spoke about the social and cultural context of laughter at a recent
conference of the Australian Anthropological Society in Cairns. She believes
jokes rely on the juxtapositioning of two mismatched or incompatible concepts. http://dsc.discovery.com
The Psychology of Humor: An Integrative Approach
.
Martin,
Rod
2007
Elsevier, London, England
Health Data Manag.
I.T., laughter make good medicine.
By Cross M.
2006 Sep;14(9):64, 66.
J Cancer Educ.
Healing hearts: laughter and learning.
By Cueva M, Kuhnley R, Lanier A,
Dignan M.
2006 Summer;21(2):104-7.
Results. 94% (235/259) of Community Health Aides
and
Community Health Practitioners surveyed emphasized the importance of
laughter to support adult learning.
KRT Wire
Thinking can alter the way the body fights disease, new research
shows
By Ronald Kotulak
October 23, 2006
Berk's study of patients who suffered their first heart
attack showed that those who watched a comedy or sitcom half an hour a
day were significantly less likely to suffer a second attack than comparable
patients who were not given a prescription for humor. "If we could
package mirthful laughter in a pill, it would literally require FDA approval
to give it to patients because of all the changes that take place," he
says. www.belleville.com
AATH in the NEWS:
2theadvocate.com
Laughter is good medicine
By Laurie Smith Anderson
September 29, 2006
Weeks (E-zine Ed. note: AATH member Ann Weeks) has a
standard prescription for patients with cancer and other serious illnesses. “Fifteen
minutes of laughter, four times a week,” she told cancer patients
at a recent luncheon at Wom-an’s Hospital. I love to laugh. I know
that I’ve cried more since my diagnosis of colon cancer, but I’ve
laughed more too. I find that both crying and laughing provide important
releases. www.2theadvocate.com
PhilippineNews.com
Humor club wins grant to help military families
September 20, 2006
Laughter is a great stress-reducer – and no one
needs laughter more than the families of military personnel shipping out,
serving in Iraq, or returning home with permanent injuries. So says the
Association of Applied and Therapeutic Humor (AATH) who recently won a
grant from the National Speakers Association to provide training in stress-busting,
morale-boosting, laughter-filled therapeutic programs to the families
of military personnel. www.philippinenews.com
News-Record.com
Get your smile on
October 6, 2006
Sprague-Smith (E-zine Ed. note: Member Marilyn Sprague-Smith)
will host a therapeutic laughter program, which creates laughter without
the use of jokes or humor. www.gotriad.com
Daily Journal
Memphis breast cancer survivor to share humor prescription
By Michaela Gibson
Morris
October 13, 2006
Author, humorist and breast cancer survivor (E-zine Ed.
Note: AATH member) Pat McRee aims to have them rolling in the aisles at
the Oct. 26 luncheon at Harrisburg Baptist Church in Tupelo with her laughter
workshop – “Squeeze the Day.” www.djournal.com
AATH President, Allen Klein has had three books just published by Gramercy Books, a division off Random House, 2006:
PARENTLAUGHS : Quips, Quotes, and Anecdotes about
Raising Kids
From babies to teenagers, and beyond, this fun-filled book gathers witty words
about the funny side of being a parent.
TEACHERLAUGHS: Quips, Quotes, and Anecdotes about the Classroom
From the preschool classroom to the college lecture hall, this witty and wonderful
book finds the humor in such things as homework, report cards, and the dreaded
parent-teacher conference.
WORKLAUGHS: Quips, Quotes, and Anecdotes about Making a Buck
From job interviews to meetings to dealing with the boss, this fun and funny
book shows readers that all aspects of the job can be a laughing matter.
Leader Times
Dunkelblau (E-zine Ed. note: AATH member and past president,
Ed Dunkelblau) will present the one-day workshop "Humor and Therapy:
It's the Laughter You're After" from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 3 and "Humor
in the Classroom: Helping Students Learn While Laughing," geared
toward professional school counselors and educators at all levels from
9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 4. The events will be in the Performance Hall of
the CCAC-Boyce Campus, in Monroeville. www.pittsburghlive.com
Humor expert spreads message of fun, healing
By Linnea Brown
On Oct. 20, (E-zine Ed. note: AATH member Janet, Sue Lifshin)
Ms. Lifshin, whose festivities were recently featured on the “Today” show,
will host “Access Your Inner Princess,” a Jupiter event designed
to teach local women of all ages how to do just that. Held at Abacoa’s
Go Van Gogh art studio, the night will include blowing bubbles, telling
stories, painting a ceramic and playing dress up with feather boas, tiaras
and capes
Oshkosh Northwestern
Nationally renowned humorist speaks to group
By Krista B Ledbetter
October 28, 2006
The topic of (E-zine Ed. note: AATH member Stuart) Robertshaw's
speech was "The Healing Power of Humor." He founded the National
Association for the Humor Impaired, and has been giving humorous presentations
across the nation since 1998. www.thenorthwestern.com
Tampa Bay Newspapers
‘Laughter is the music of the soul’
by Mary Burrell
October 30, 2006
She (E-zine Ed. note, AATH member: Mary Kay Sturdevant)
uses music and her personal spirituality to make people feel better and
brings her therapy to Hospice patients, senior facilities and others who
suffer from physical and emotional ailments. http://tbnweekly.com
St. Petersburg Times Online
A funny thing happened on the way to health
By Paul Swider
Published April 12, 2006
Convinced that music and laughter fixed her body
and mind, (E-zine Ed. note, AATH member: Mary Kay) Sturdevant went on to
train in their use and now shares her skills at Hospice of the Florida
Suncoast and in "laughter club" sessions at Sacred Lands, a nonprofit
history, archaeology and spiritual center on Park Street. www.sptimes.com
The Free Lance Star
Laughter can lighten workload
By Elizabeth Pezzullo
October 27, 2006
We all know laughter is good for the soul. But it's also
good for the workplace. According to clinical psychologist (E-zine Ed.
note, AATH member and former president:) Steven M. Sultanoff, humor has
become a corporate asset because it eases communication, builds relationships,
reduces stress and generally re-energizes workers. http://fredericksburg.com
HUMOR in the NEWS:
The Plain Dealer
It’s no joke: a laughter class without a punch
line
By Anita Huslin,
September 28, 2006
But according to Provine, who has done field research
on the subject, 80 percent to 90 percent of the times people laugh, nothing
funny was said. People laugh to be agreeable. Or because they're nervous.
www.cleveland.com
Townhall.com
Shofar, so good
By Suzanne Fields,
September 28, 2006
"Oppressed people tend to be witty," wrote
Saul Bellow, and Jews know a lot about oppression, too. Humor soothes
pain with laughter, though the laughter that brings tears to the eyes
may reflect anguish and despair, too. www.townhall.com
Hometown News
Laughter Therapy At University Hospital
September 27, 2006
At University Hospital, the Acute Pain Department
is incorporating laughter therapy as part of its therapeutic regimens
for medical staff. http://216.87.159.39
Exeter News-Letter
What women really want from men
September 29, 2006
Well, the answer is "sense of humor." Ask
100 single women to name the type of guy they are seeking, and I guarantee
that a majority will immediately blurt out "I just want a guy
who can make me laugh." www.seacoastonline.com
Ruidoso News
Laughing at life
By Julie Carter
September 29, 2006
Laughter is a precious gift. It dislodges anger in
the way a summer rain washes the dust from the landscape. It fosters
friendship and dilutes hostility. Medical science says laughter helps
the healing process. www.ruidosonews.com
Sacbee.com
Cancer tale helps heal with plenty of laughter
By Jennifer Garza,
September 30, 2006
Some people have asked me -- because of the humor
-- if it's appropriate for women who are first diagnosed. Of course
it is; they need to laugh -- and believe me, they'll relate to what
Natalie goes through. www.sacbee.com
New York Post
Finding Humor In A Tumor
By Rachel Kramer Bussel,
October 1, 2006
Her sense of humor keeps even the darkest moments from
being too emotionally devastating www.nypost.com
Charleston Daily Mail
No humor required for ‘laughter therapy’
October 3, 2006
But as a concept, laughter without humor is not new.
It started out as grunting noises emitted by primordial man when he
was tickled, as a part of chasing and play, if you buy into the evolutionary
tale mapped out by Robert Provine, a neurologist and psychologist at
the University of Maryland Baltimore County www.dailymail.com
Macon Telegraph
Author brings laughter, inspiration to breast cancer
survivors
By Jenny Gordon,
October 5, 2006
He went on to point out that individuals battling
breast cancer and their caregivers should learn to communicate and,
most importantly, to laugh. "Nothing is funny about breast cancer,
but there are a lot of situations you find yourself in because of
breast cancer," he
said. "Humor doesn't change anything, it just makes you feel
better." www.macon.com
The Phoenix Online
Laugh the stress away
By Brendan Work,
October 5, 2006
Humor has been called the lubricant of life’s
machinery. But on a campus long on cogitating and short on comedy,
maybe we’re
using the wrong stuff. http://phoenix.swarthmore.edu
Tri-Town Transcript
Laughter is the best medicine
By Renee Seymour,
October 6, 2006
Now, after telling her tale of recovery and self-medication
through humor, Garrison wants to get to as many people as possible
with this message, which is her personal motto: Positive attitude
equals positive outcome. www2.townonline.com
Seatlepi.com
Best medicine is available without a perscription
By Cathy Sorbo,
October 7, 2006
When humans laugh, the brain gets natural doses of serotonin,
endorphins and immunoglobin A (or in Canada, immunoglobin, eh?), all
which aid in the relief of stress and anxiety. The act of laughing
stimulates blood circulation, which helps to transport nutrients all
through the body. Laughing strengthens the respiratory apparatus that
supplies oxygen to the body. This increased oxygen supply aids in removing
the negative effects of stress and boosts the immune system. And
that is no joke. http://seattlepi.nwsource.com
TheNorthwestern.com
A good laugh may carry health benefits
By Krista B. Ledbetter,
October 9, 2006
"It makes us feel better because it makes us forget
some things that are causing stress or pain," Kroncke said. "Laughter
may help the immune system and cause muscle relaxation in addition
to distraction from stress." www.thenorthwestern.com
Journalstar.com
Woman uses humor to cope with struggle of breast
cancer
By Erin Andersen,
October 8, 2006
Cancer is not funny, Heier said. But humor gets you
through the icky stuff: The hair loss. The chemo brain. The unbearable
constipation they neglect to warn you about. The humiliation of baring
your breasts to roomfuls of strangers with the same air of indifference
as you have walking outside barefoot. The insidious feeling that
losing a breast leaves you less of a woman. www.journalstar.com
TorontoSun.com
The best medicine
By Thane Burnett,
October 8, 2006
Most doctors can quickly tell you about the health benefits
of laughter. Research conducted at Loma Linda University in California
has found humour can be an elixir in cardiac rehabilitation, pain management
and can jump-start the immune system. Even thinking about something
funny can increase beta-endorphins, which reduce pain, and human
growth hormones which massage immune cells. A single hour of laughter
can, biologically, last up to 24 hours. http://torontosun.com
Medical Leader News
Family ties and laughter as medicine
By Sheldon Comton,
October 12, 2006
Gayle reminded anyone who happened to read anything
of his that the most important thing about living our lives was the
capacity to find humor and laughter in the world around us. www.medicalleader.org
Delawareonline
Laughter: A stress reliever, painkiller, workout
October 17, 2006
After the study, the members of the group who watched
the humorous film produced more natural killer T cells, and produced
significantly more T cells than the people in the tourism film group.
www.delawareonline.com
The Salt Lake Tribune
Facing Breast Cancer With Courage and a Little
Humor
By Amy Amatangelo
October 17, 2006
Lucas, now director of public affairs at Lifetime
Television, wrote about her experience in the book "Why I Wore
Lipstick to My Mastectomy." It's a sobering yet irreverent and
humorous look at her journey from diagnosis to mastectomy to breast
reconstruction. www.sltrib.com
Daily Democrat Online
Laughter’s still the best medicine
By Chris Erickson,
October 30, 2006
While the detrimental effects of stress are well known,
laughter seems to have the opposite effect on the body. A study conducted
by the University of Maryland Medical Center in 2000 concluded that
an active sense of humor might actually prevent heart attacks. www.dailydemocrat.com
AZCentral.com
Laughter could be best medicine
By Luci Scott
October 28, 2006
"Sometimes when there's a death and we're at the
bedside, people often use humor as a coping mechanism…” www.azcentral.com
Sappiens.com
How to Sharpen Your Sense of Humor and Improve Your
Health and Relationships
By Mike Moore
October 26, 2006
If there is laughter present you can assume that
the relationship is a healthy one. When the laughter ceases you can
be quite certain that the relationship is on the down slide.
www.sappiens.net
AARP Magazine
Tour de Frantic
By Nancy Griffin
November/December 2006
We (E-zine Ed. note: Robin Williams) did a show
in Washington, D.C.—it was about two months after 9/11. And people
said it was like we had broken a siege. With comedy you are allowed
to laugh about the insanity. You realize how absurd it all is, the
painful stuff and the wonderful stuff, too. For a brief moment everyone
is connected, and you all go "Hey, we're human." www.aarpmagazine.org
TheDerrick.com
Comedian, author will speak at Clarion about mental
health
October 23, 2006
He (E-zine Ed. note: Paul Jones) has also performed
on stages across the United States and Canada as a comedian for the
past 15 years in which he raises awareness by using his sometimes "politically
incorrect" humor and profound insight toward handling many of
life's problems through laughter. www.thederrick.com
Great Falls Tribune online
Cancer survivor leaves them laughing
By Keila Szpaller
October 23, 2006
A cancer survivor and comedian told stories about his
illness Sunday night to show people how to find humor in their lives….
This year's theme is healing humor, said Amy Karriker, a chaplain. www.greatfallstribune.com
The World of HUMOR
HUMOR IN THE NEWS: RELATED ARTICLE
Onrec.com
Happiness not profit is the true sign of business success
September 27,
2006
Despite the old saying ‘money makes the world go round’,
nearly six out of 10 (57%) UK entrepreneurs would ‘rather enjoy
what they do’ than
have a business that makes huge profits
according to new research by Bibby Financial Services. www.onrec.com
The Financial Express
Happiness quantified?
September 30, 2006
My basic issue is that it does not have an operational
definition of what it is measuring. I think statements like “X
makes people happy” are faux-empirical. You don’t have
a clear definition of happiness to begin with. When you ask someone
to rate their happiness, does it indicate a universal, biological human
phenomenon? www.financialexpress.com
Globeandmail.com
Jackpots bring contentment, study finds
By Paul Taylor
September 29, 2006
British researchers found that people who win a lottery
-- even a modest-sized jackpot -- experienced a long-term lift in their
overall level of happiness. www.theglobeandmail.com
Bankrate.com
Money can…and does…buy happiness
By Tamara E. Holmes
October 1, 2006
"There's a very strong relation between income and happiness," says
Cary Funk, senior project director for the Pew Research Center and
author of the happiness report. www.bankrate.com
STLtoday
Meditation calms mind, helps heal body
By Harry Jackson Jr.
October 2, 2006
"The goal is happiness," Bodian says. "What
kind of a therapeutic effect does happiness have? Isn't that what we
go to therapy for? Happiness is the ultimate cure." www.stltoday.com
Bankok Post Breaking News
Happiness is what Thais want
October 4, 2006
Residents of Bangkok have expressed overwhelming support
for new Thai prime minister Gen. Surayud Chulanont and endorsed his
policy of stressing gross national happiness rather than economic growth,
according to an opinion poll released Tuesday. www.bangkokpost.com
Peterboroughtoday
Discover more about happiness
October 4, 2006
The healing power of happiness is set to be explored
at a unique workshop.
The seminar will aim to throw light on what happiness
is and how the state of being happy can affect physical well-being. www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk
MSNBC Newsweek
Worry. Don’t Be Happy
By Rabbi Marc Gellman
October 5, 2006
Why is it that bad people can be happy? The reason is
that happiness as defined by our culture has become just a synonym
for pleasure, and anyone can feel pleasure…The problem is the
linkage between happiness and pleasure. Feeling good has no natural
connection to doing good. http://msnbc.msn.com
Scotsman.com
Is happiness key to health?
October 7, 2006
According to Scotland's chief medical officer, if only
we were happier, we would be healthier. We should concentrate more
on pursuing happiness for the sake of our health. http://news.scotsman.com
Charlette.com
Psychologist: Happiness is not a goal
By Karen Garloch,
October 9, 2006
Some people are genetically programmed to feel positive
emotions most of the time, he said. But those not born to ebullience
can still flourish, said Howard. "Flourishing is a better god
than happiness. One can be full of negative emotions and still flourish." www.charlotte.com
Star-Teltgram.com
In later years, quality of life is key
By Robert Jenkins
October 9, 2006
What they want is to assure that the life they do have
is of the highest possible quality, that they remain independent, living
in their own homes with dignity. ... To live a long and independent
life, two things are critical. The first is to be happy -- the key
to longevity -- and then to be healthy.
www.dfw.com
TVNZ.co.nz
Funding for depression initiative
October 10, 2006
Woolley says the foundation is concentrating on trying
to prove to people how important community and happiness is for good
mental health. http://tvnz.co.nz
The Raw Story
Happiness is no coincidence, study finds
October 11, 2006
-- Think positive and say stop whenever you think negative--
Don't expect others to make you happy. Become active yourself and be
generous. If you want to be invited, take the first step and invite
others-- Be thankful for what you've got. It is more than you believe.
http://rawstory.com
Ninemsn
Humans need happiness, Patch Adams says
October 17, 2006
Born in 1945, he founded the Gesundheit Institute in
1972 and has made it his life's work to bring joy and happiness to
less fortunate people around the world. http://news.ninemsn.com.au
The Vancouver Sun
Happiness – We all need a little faith
and a point of view
By Karen Gram,
October 28, 2006
Davidson is famous for his work scanning the brains
of Tibetan monks, whom he calls the Olympic athletes of brain training,
and who say they are extremely happy. Images of their brains backed
that up, showing considerably more activity in the area known to
regulate happiness. www.canada.com
Chicago Tribune
The extra efforts of the early bird often go unseen
AP,
October 30, 2006
Bosses have more control over employee happiness than
productivity, at least according to their staffs, a recent survey found.
While 56 percent of American workers said that their supervisors have
a direct impact on their work-life happiness, less than half believe
their bosses influence productivity. www.chicagotribune.com
American Chronicle
Research Shows A Positive Attitude Can Lead To
Success And A Longer Life
By Edward Smith,
October 23, 2006
The study showed that people that had a more positive
view about aging lived an average of 7.8 years longer than those than
those who did not hold positive views about aging. www.americanchronicle.com
If you see something you would like to share in our E-Zine, send the lead to
Bob Nozik, E-zine Editor ezine@aath.org
