(7) Let us Laugh

Although I have put much emphasis on changing the visual and aural aesthetics of Saint Mary's Hospital--colors, openness, music, decorations, and artwork--a positive atmosphere does not end here. There are psychological and physiological needs that seek further help than a Monet painting. One of the most effective and inexpensive ways of achieving good health is through laughter. Many research have said that laughter releases endorphins and rids the body of harmful toxins. Now, there is scientific proof to back up this claim.

In 1979 Dr. Norman Cousins published a book entitled, Anatomy of an Illness. More than a decade prior to his publication, he suffered from a painful disease known as ankylosin spondylitis, or "bent spine." It is a form of inflammatory arthritis that specifically effects the joins in the spine and hips. Eventually, the spine becomes crooked and the rigid vertebrae fuse together.

During his illness, Cousins received enjoyment from watching hilarious Marx Brother movies. After a while, he noticed the pain beginning to subside, until one day it was gone completely. Cousins attributed his miraculous recovery to laughter. He then spent ten years researching at the UCLA medical school where he established the Humor Task Force. Cousins did work in the field of psychoneuroimmunology (PNI), which studies both the psyche and nervous system as they affect the immune system. Cousin's work evolved, and in 2005 the University of Maryland Medical center proved that positive emotion has a positive effect on cardiovascular health.

Atherosclerosis, hardening of the blood vessels, is caused by constricted inner lining of the vessels--otherwise known as the endothelium. When a person laughs, blood vessels dilate, creating larger passageways and more blood flow.

The University of Maryland's clinical study involved healthy, non-smokers who were subject to 30 minutes of two emotionally charged films. The first, Saving Private Ryan, caused mental stress; while the second film, King Pin, was lighthearted and humorous. After testing the patients, they found that their blood vessels decreased in diameter by 35% from the stressful film. Conversely, blood vessels increased 22% after watching the comedy. The results confirmed Cousins' earlier study that laughing helps the body.

Dr. Michael Miller was in charge of the Maryland study. He relates laughing to exercising, in that they both contribute to elevated blood flow. Miller advises that 30 minutes of exercise three times a week, and 15 minutes of laughter will maintain a healthy body.

Now, the question is: How do we make our hospital patients laugh? There are many ways, really; however, an effective tool would be to bring in comedians once a week for hour-long shows. This may sound far fetched, but such a performance will produce more than just laughter. It will create a sense of friendship, belonging, community, and love--all of which are components of Maslow's hierarchy of needs.

In a previous post, I spoke of guest performers and shows brought to the hospital to entertain patients. After construction is finished, Saint Mary's will have its own theater in which it can host the entertainers. This, again, is where Linda Dierk's enthusiastic fund raising comes into play!

In conclusion, when you're having a bad day, tune into Dane Cook, Brian Regan, or read the comics section in the newspaper. You'll be surprised at how much better you will feel!