June 2007
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
News-Medicine.Net
Laughter increases altruism—unselfish concern for the welfare of others
March 12, 2007
A new study from psychologists at the universities of Kent and Liverpool has revealed that laughter increases altruism towards strangers, a finding which may have important implications for charities and other fundraising bodies. www.news-medical.net
Tenerife News Online
Sense of humor reduces mortality
2005
New research suggests that sense of humour increases the probability of survival when people are hit by severe diseases. www.tenerifenews.com
The New York Times
The Laugh Gap Explained
By John Tieney,
March 16, 2007
Even if men do most of the joke-telling, that in itself doesn’t explain the Laugh Gap, because Professor Provine’s research also shows that most laughter isn’t prompted by conscious attempts at humor. http://tierneylab.blogs.nytimes.com
The Ability to pun may be retained in Alzheimer disease.
Hawkins DB, Graff-Radford NR
This case report describes an 81-year-old female with moderately
severe Alzheimer disease who, in spite of some severe cognitive deficits, is
able to express impressive humor through the extensive use of puns.
Neurocase 2007 Feb, 13:50-4
Alleviating stress with humour: a literature review
Author: Chinery, W
Source: Journal of Perioperative Practice, 2007, vol. 17, no. 4, pp. 172-182
"The Ability to Pun May be Retained in Alzheimer Disease." By Hawkins, D. B., and N. R. Graff-RadfordNeurocase 13 (2007): 50-54.
Oxford Journals
Review: Humor and Laughter may Influence Health. I. History and Background
By Mary Payne Bennett and Cecile A. Lengacher, originally published online on January 16, 2006
Current research indicates that using humor is well accepted by the public and is frequently used as a coping mechanism. However, the scientific evidence of the benefits of using humor on various health related outcomes still leaves many questions unanswered.
http://ecam.oxfordjournals.org
Humor and Laughter May Influence Health: Laughter and Health Outcomes
By Mary Payne Bennett and Cecile Lengaucher
Given these limitations, we have outlined what is known about the physiological effects of laughter.
eCam 2007; Page 1-4, doi:10,1093/ecam/nem041 http://ecam.oxfordjournals.org
AATH in the NEWS:
The Jerusalem Post
Life of laughter
By Dorit Ofek-Arnon, April 30, 2007
“…I (E-zine Ed. note: AATH member, Dr. Patch Adams) travel around the world and meet lots of people who fear and hate us. If we spent our energy and resources uplifting people in need - spreading laughter and light instead of bombs and bullets - we'd live in a world that was happier, healthier and safer." www.jpost.com
CG Newspapers
Laugh your way to good health
By Linda Shepard,
April 2007
Laughing elevates the heart rate and changes breathing patterns. “You feel more alert,” (E-zine Ed. note: AATH member Paul:) McGhee said. “It’s a good way of releasing tension.” Studies have shown that laughter can aid a compromised immune system and is effective in reducing pain, he said.www.candgnews.com
Market Wire
Comedian Launches "Long Term Care Tour" to Celebrate National Nursing Home Week
May 2, 2007
"New York's Funniest Psychologist," (E-zine Ed. note: AATH member:) aka Drew Velting, will take his geriatric-friendly, stand-up comedy on the road to observe National Nursing Home Week (May 13-19). www.marketwire.com
Edmonton Journal
U of A prof a standup for health
By Andrea Sands,
May 7, 2007
(E-zine Ed. note; AATH BOD member:) Billy Strean loves it when people laugh at his work. It's the whole reason the University of Alberta associate professor of physical education became a certified laughter leader nearly three years ago. www.canada.com
The Urbana Daily Citizen
Funky Winkerbean artist intensifies character’s cancer struggles
May 9, 2007
Batiuk said his research involved sitting with breast cancer patients in a lounge at a Cleveland hospital while they were awaiting chemotherapy. He said they laughed and shared their concerns, which will be reflected in the strip.
www.urbanacitizen.com
United Press International
Caregiving: Radio minus Imus
By Alex Cukan,
May 9, 2007
"There are two kinds of humor; one is when Jewish or black comedians laugh at their own humanity -- they are laughing at themselves," (E-zine Ed. note: AATH member and past president Steve:) Sultanoff told United Press International's Caregiving. "The other is from outside the group -- it says, 'I am better than you' -- it establishes the person's superiority unless that person belongs to the group being made fun of." www.upi.com
The Queens Gazette
Psychologist-Comic Celebrates National Nursing Home Week With Tour
May 23, 2007
Noted for his quick wit and dry delivery (Dr. Drew) Velting, a clinical psychologist and member of the Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor, performs stand-up comedy in cafes, comedy clubs and nursing homes.www.qgazette.com
Research at IU
Ha Ha for Health
May 2007
If you're a nurse and you want to get a patient to take deep breaths after surgery to boost respirations and prevent postoperative complications, walk in wearing Groucho Marx glasses, suggests (E-zine Ed. note: AATH member:) Candy Waters, R.N., M.S.N., visiting lecturer at Indiana University Kokomo's School of Nursing .
www.research.indiana.edu
HUMOR in the NEWS:
The Urbana Daily Citizen
UU speaker advises ‘heal with humor’
April 27, 2007
Stating that "laughter doesn't just feel good, it's good for you," the speaker contends a sense of humor has been associated with several health benefits in individuals, including stress reduction.
www.urbanacitizen.com
Cincinnati.com
Family uses laughter in tumor fight
By Chris Mayhen,
April 28, 2007
The tumor in 47-year-old Tom Northcutt's brain horrifies people when they first learn of it, often after Tom cracks a joke, said his wife, Lisa Northcutt, of Alexandria.
http://news.communitypress.com
The Washington Times
Humor in Iraq
By David W. Jones,
April 29, 2007
The letter writer was upset by reporter Sharon Behn's article on Monday's front page, in which she explained how the troops in Iraq use humor to maintain their sanity amid the everyday carnage of Iraq.
http://washingtontimes.com
PF.com
Make office humor fun, not a problem
By Mark Muckenfuss,
April 30, 2007
Humor in moderation is a very appropriate thing in the workplace, but again, it's always about knowing your particular environment. There are times when humor just isn't appropriate." www.pe.com
The Gazette
Laughter Therapy: On the Couch
By William J. Kole, AP,
May 1, 2007
On the Couch: Cartoons From The New Yorker features more than 80 drawings lampooning the hand-wringing over human angst. The exhibition runs through June 24 at Vienna's Sigmund Freud Museum, located in the Berggasse apartment where the good doctor first hung out a shingle and began treating patients.
www.canada.com
The Daily Record
Laughter is the best medicine
By Rosemarie Lynass,
March 12, 2007
Humour is important and can keep the fun in your relationship when life seems a bit too serious. www.dailyrecord.co.uk
USA Today
Some funerals evolving into life celebrations
By Angela Cara Pancrazio,
May 4, 2007
A funeral is no longer a day in the life, Hansen said. "It's a lifetime in a day. They're well thought out, well-planned. We see more humor," he said. "Of course there is remorse and sadness. We have laughter and tears."
ChillicotheGazette.com
Laughter is the best medicine—especially for teachers
By Jona Ison,
May 5, 2007
Sometimes, if you don’t laugh, you’re going to cry. Sometimes our jobs are so hard … that’s why it’s so important to have a friend in the (school) building.” www.chillicothegazette.com
Lake County News-Sun
Laughter is the best medicine
By Kendrick Marshall,
May 7, 2007
Cadlec, who suffers from osteoarthritis and other minor aches and pains, said enrolling in a laughing class has improved the attitude even more than her joints. www.suburbanchicagonews.com
The Weedpatch Gazette
Where is the humor in America today?
By Samuel Heath,
May 6, 2007
Real humor like that of the master, Sam Clemens, begins with the humorist goring his own ox, laughing at himself before turning the joke on others and making them laugh at themselves. This isn’t possible today, because if you were to write as did Sam you would find yourself being sued. www.tehachapinews.com
Journal and Courier Online
How’s your emotional health? A positive attitude may be the key to total health
By Dorothy Schneider,
May 8, 2007
"Humor is a real valuable tool when it comes to emotional health," Potuck said. "Life's too short not to have some fun." www.jconline.com
Leader-Post
Laughter is a fine medicine
By Heather Polischuk,
May 7, 2007
she said. "It was very difficult for me to deal with life, so I found a spark of joy and started to incorporate laughter into my life." www.canada.com
The Post Chronicle
The Real Meaning of Laughter
By Alan Billings,
May 7, 2007
Human progress actually depends on our keen intellect, and laughter itself is a stone on which that blade is sharpened. Laughter is not one of life's trinkets, but a serious undertaking necessary for stimulating much of human progress by encouraging thinking outside the box. www.postchronicle.com
The Daily Tribune
The fight against MS
By Melissa Cox,
May 5, 2007
It may have slowed her body down, but she is determined to not let it get her down. She tries to keep a positive outlook and uses a lot of humor and laughter to get through.www.hibbingmn.com
Newsday.com
A friend in deed
By Pat Burson,
May 14, 2007
"Laughter is very therapeutic," Kafenbaum says. "If you see the person can laugh about certain things, then you can take that approach. If they appear fragile, laughter could backfire. You always need to take the cues from the person." www.newsday.com
Thestreet.com
Network Through Laughter
By Danielle Sonnenberg,
May 14, 2007
Laughter puts people at ease and makes them feel comfortable -- and that's one of the reasons why comedy shows are now being used as a new type of networking event. www.thestreet.com
Stuff.co.nz
When laughter can be the best medicine
By Gregg Growden,
May 14, 2007
That happens when a country can't get a team in the Super 14 finals, exposes itself to ridicule by naming a 59-man training squad, then allows the tournament's also-rans to at last have their moment in the sun.
www.stuff.co.nz
Star-Gazette.com
Laughing in the face of cancer
By Jim Pfiffer,
May 18, 2007
Jokes help the body heal. Laughter relieves stress, exercises the heart and chest muscles, improves blood circulation, powers-up your immune system and increases your body's production of natural pain-killers, says Linda MacAuslan, a registered nurse and director of education and the school of nursing at Arnot Ogden. www.stargazettenews.com
4Hoteliers
The Power of Laughter
By Enda Junkins,
May 20, 2007
What causes the mental health community to be so slow in accepting laughter as a healing tool? It’s not comfortable. “Like any expression of the true self, laughter is radical and revolutionary, and it upsets conformity.”
Some economists argue that the goal of society should be happiness as opposed to the focus on improving living standards. Taxation is, therefore, seen as the measure to manage the level of happiness in the economy. www.4hoteliers.com
The Capital Times
Go ahead and laugh! Research shows it truly is good medicine
By Debra Carr-Elsing,
May 22, 2007
Another study published in the American Journal of Hospice Care found that 85 percent of terminally ill patients felt that humor would be helpful in their care, but only 14 percent experienced humor from caregivers. www.madison.com
11Alive.com
Laughter Improves Health? No Joke!
By Josh Roseman,
May 17, 2007
"Laughter lowers blood pressure. Laughter lowers the cortisol, the stress hormone in our bodies. And often times it's the cortisol that increases weight gain," she said. (E-zine Ed. note: this article says children laugh 400 times and adults 10-15. This is not proven and is likely incorrect info.) /www.11alive.com
Newsday.com
Lucie Arnaz explores humor as healer
By Carolyn Thompsonm,
May 22, 2007
"It takes away your stress, it brings more oxygen to your brain, it starts your antibodies kicking in and things like this _ powerful stuff, this humor," Arnaz said by phone during a hectic week that included graduation ceremonies for two of her children and legwork for a move to a new home. www.newsday.com
Hardin County News
Joy can be found in a dark day
By Annette Bridges,
May 23, 2007
Our five senses are not enough to get us through life successfully. We also need to use our sixth sense - our sense of humor - as a way to view the world that surrounds us and often troubles us.www.thehardincountynews.com
Cayman NetNews
Last word: Humour and top ten signs of burnout
By Barrie Quappe,
May 25, 2007
In times of great stress, the last things you may think you are capable of is laughter. However, it may be the one thing that helps you put the problem in a healthier perspective and you feel that pressure relief! www.caymannetnews.com
Tribune & Georgian
Opinion: Learning to laugh is serious business
By Emily Goodson,
May 28, 2007
In just a few seconds, laughter can take you from having a low-down, no-good, lousy day to having one of the best days you've ever had in your life, during which you will find your soul mate and win the lottery. OK, maybe not that extreme, but it can at least make your day a little less lousy. www.tribune-georgian.com
The World of HUMOR
HUMOR IN THE NEWS: RELATED ARTICLE
RxPG News
Steer the mind towards happiness, advises spiritual guru
By Ians
April 27, 2007
'Detachment, which most people think is the answer to unhindered happiness, is simply a fear of getting entangled. It means you are running away from life. Be involved in life's smallest activities. That is the best way to live and the mantra for a happy life,' the Sadguru said.
www.rxpgnews.com
North Star Writers Group
Long Life is Good; Good Life is Better
By David J. Pollay
April 16, 2007
While genetics do play a role in affecting our happiness, Sonja Lyubomirsky’s research has demonstrated that as much as 50 percent of our happiness is within our direct control. www.northstarwriters.com
Keep The Doctor Away
Dark Chocolate ‘Good for Blood Vessels’
March 26, 2007
"In this sample of healthy adults, dark chocolate ingestion over a short period of time was shown to significantly improve function," he added. It is not the first time that chocolate lovers have had their habit vindicated by scientists. Last year, a similar study in Italy suggested that dark chocolate can help to control diabetes and blood pressure. www.keepthedoctoraway.co.uk
UK News
Why Life’s Little Pleasures Are Worth So Much
May 1, 2007
Researchers from the Institute of Education found that increasing seeing friends and relatives from "once or twice a month" to "on most days" gives the same contentment as a big pay cheque, with around one per cent of Brits getting a warm feeling to the tune of £85,000.
www.lse.co.uk
BBC News
Pupils ‘need happiness lessons’
By Nazneen Khan,
May 3, 2007
Professor Lord Richard Layard, from the London School of Economics, believes the central purpose of schools should be to teach "the secrets of happiness". http://news.bbc.co.uk
The Capital Times
Happiness and harmony
By Pat Schneider,
May 5, 2007
The calmer and happier one is, the better one can weather tragedy, the Dalai Lama said, just as the deep ocean is undisturbed by the waves that ruffle its surface.www.madison.com
Cape Gazette
Pets on Wheels brings happiness to senior citizens
By Ron MacArthur,
May 2, 20007
“Seeing any emotion and calling it a minor miracle is just lightly touching it,” said Tomie Kay Davis, director of arts and entertainment at Brandywine Assisted Living at Seaside Pointe. www.capegazette.com
The Albuquerque Tribune
The elusive secret of happiness
By Russell Williams,
May 4, 2007
These character milestones are potential steps to a lifetime of happiness that is understood as the problem-solving that Maxwell Maltz described when he wrote, "We find no real satisfaction or happiness in life without obstacles to conquer and goals to achieve."
www.abqtrib.com
The Independent
‘Happiness Tsar’ warns of therapy funding shortage
by Sophie Goodchild
May 6, 2007
The eminent economist has said he believes mental illness is the single greatest threat to a happy life. http://news.independent.co.uk
Capital online
Achieving Happiness; Taking control of your life
By Tom Muha,
May 7, 2007
If you don't generate five times more good feelings than bad, then you're emotionally vulnerable to having negative emotions rule your life. Knowing your values gives you a roadmap for being able to consistently produce the positive experiences that keep you above the 5:1 ratio necessary for sustaining happiness.www.hometownannapolis.com
CBS News
Jois De Vivre? Not So Much
By Will Wilkinson,
May 6, 2007
Every country that practices “the happy variety of capitalism” ranked as “free” or “mostly free” on the 2007 Heritage Foundation–Wall Street Journal Index of Economic Freedom, while France — narrowly edging out the likes of Jamaica and Panama for 45th place — is merely “moderately free,” and merely moderately happy. www.cbsnews.com
Reuters
Study shows children aren’t key to women’s happiness
May 8, 2007
Women who had children in their teens were more depressed and lonelier than those who had their children later. http://uk.reuters.com
Businessprotal24.com
Goodfinding Issue One: Ways to Build Your Health and Happiness
May 9, 2007
Goodfinding is the art and science of finding the good in you and the world around you. It will raise your happiness level and enhance your relationships. www.businessportal24.com
Telegraph.co.uk
Of course happiness can’t be taught
By Michael Henderson,
May 5, 2007
"How to be happy" indeed! Our lives have been infected enough already with this sort of clap-trap. Do we want to produce another generation of namby-pambies? www.telegraph.co.uk
The Jerusalem Post
The secret to happiness
By Erica Chernofsky,
May 10, 2007
The No. 1 predictor of well-being is interpersonal relationships, he continues. People who have deep, intimate connections, whether with friends, family or spouses, show higher degrees of happiness….Meditating or doing yoga for even 15 minutes a day can actually change the structure of the brain, he explains, shifting activity to the left prefrontal cortex, proven for years to have high activity in happier people.
www.jpost.com
boston.com monster
How a job can save your life
By Penelope Trunk,
May 13, 2007
The reason for this is that our happiness comes, for the most part, from the amount of optimism we have. Daniel Gilbert, in his book "Stumbling on Happiness," spends 300 pages talking about all the research that shows how misguided we are about our ideas of happiness. The biggest mistake is thinking we can influence it much. www.boston.com
ScienceCareers.org
Public Opinion: Measuring Happiness
By Krista Zala,
May 18, 2007
But it's hard to compare happiness across cultures, she explains, when some countries are intrinsically happier than others--or say they are, at least. Danes claim to be very happy with their lives, as do Americans--which is odd, she continues, considering how different the countries are. http://sciencecareers.sciencemag.org
pntonline.com
Happiness can’t be found in material things
By Joan Clayton,
May 17, 2007
People who live one day at a time and are grateful to be alive find happiness. Real freedom concentrates on what one can do for others. www.pntonline.com
Guardian Unlimited
Smiles better
May 22, 2007
One of positive psychology's most consistent findings in happiness research is that people tend to be at their most content when deeply involved in activities that require their full attention. http://society.guardian.co.uk
Online Opinion
Don’t worry, we’re happy
By Cassandra Wilkinson,
May 23, 2007
A phoney crisis of national happiness is being manufactured to "prove" that economic liberalism causes depression, divorce, child abuse, environmental chaos, terrorism and bad manners. www.onlineopinion.com.au
PR Newswire
Debate Over the Importance of Self-Esteem, From the Harvard Mental Health Letter
May 23, 2007
There is convincing evidence that people with high self-esteem are happier, as well as more likely to undertake difficult tasks and persevere in the face of failure. http://sev.prnewswire.com
Telegraph.co.uk
Teaching happiness is no laughing matter
By Anthony Seldon,
May 24, 2007
It is paradoxical that the teaching of wellbeing and happiness has been attacked by the Right, when it is so clearly directed at helping young people take responsibility for themselves./www.telegraph.co.uk
Kuwait Times
Cuba’s secret to becoming a centenarian? Happiness
By Silvia Ayuso,
May 28, 2007
One characteristic they all share is their "tendency to be very positive" in life despite all the adversities, explained the authors of the study.
www.kuwaittimes.net
Capital Online
Achieving happiness: Making plans for a happy retirement
By Tom Muha,
May 28, 2007
It's important to take as much time to do your happiness planning as you do your financial planning. Because, as Eleanor Roosevelt put it, "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." www.hometownannapolis.com
The Seattle Times
Health and happiness go hand in hand
By Astrid Pujari, MD,
May 27 2007
Contrary to what many people would tell you, people don't just randomly "become happy." They work at it. They practice. They take care of their emotional health with the same attention others would give to their cholesterol or weight. http://seattletimes.nwsource.com
The Star Online
Find happiness from within
By T. Selva,
May 27, 2007
For peace of mind and happiness, we need to look inwards rather than outwards. We need to find harmony within ourselves because it is not available through other means – no matter what price one is willing to pay. http://thestar.com.my
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
