6 Reasons Why Laughter Is the Best Medicine
Have you ever been in a tense or difficult situation when you suddenly burst into a fit of giggles? Or feel a release or rejuvenated after watching a side-splittingly funny movie?
It turns out there’s some scientific veracity behind the old adage “laughter is the best medicine.”
“Laughter activates the body’s natural relaxation response. It’s like internal jogging, providing a good massage to all internal organs while also toning abdominal muscles,” says Dr. Gulshan Sethi, head of cardiothoracic surgery at the Tucson Medical Center and faculty at the University of Arizona’s Center for Integrative Medicine.
Perhaps that’s why Deepak Chopra says the healthiest response to life is laughter.
Studies have found that laughter can have healing properties; and it’s contagious. Here are six reasons why you should start laughing today.
Laughter is Contagious
The discovery of mirror neurons—what causes you to smile when someone smiles at you—gives credence to the belief that laughter is contagious.
When you’re feeling down finding friends to laugh with can help your brain trigger its own laughter response and foster closeness, both of which contribute to your sense of well-being. Why do you think that sense of humor is such an important trait when looking for a partner? We like the feeling of shared laughter and our body wants as much of this feeling as possible.
Laughter Reduces the Stress Response
When you laugh there’s a contraction of muscles, which increases blood flow and oxygenation. This stimulates the heart and lungs and triggers the release of endorphins that help you to feel more relaxed both physically and emotionally.
Laughter Boosts Immunity
According to one study done at Indiana State School of nursing, mirthful laughter may increase natural killer cell levels, a type of white blood cell that attacks cancer cells.
Laughter Increases Resilience
Resilience is the ability to see failure as natural progression to success rather than as a negative outcome.People who are resilient are happier and more successful.
The ability to acknowledge mistakes without becoming angry or frustrated plays an important role in developing resilience. Laughing at mistakes allows us to recognize that making errors is a part of being human.
Laughter Combats Depression
Studies support laughter as a great way to get outside the downward spiral to depression. Being unhappy can become a pattern or mindset if we don’t step outside of ourselves occasionally. By being a witness to our situation rather than allowing ourselves to feel the victim we can find the humor in it and see with fresh eyes. Even forced laughter releases a cocktail of hormones, neuropeptides, and dopamine that can start to improve your mood.
Laughter Relieves Pain
People who are laughing don’t experience less pain, however they report being less bothered by the pain they do experience. It’s not about changing pain levels. The amount of pain remains the same, but your perceived pain levels reduce and your belief that you can cope increases. Laughter by itself isn’t the solution but it can help a person overcome discomfort.
Quick Hacks to Bring More Laughter Into Your Life
- Make humor a priority by reading a funny book, watching a comedy, or listening to your favorite comedian.
- Share laughter with friends. Spend more time with people who have fun.
- Practice laughter yoga, which Dr. Sethi practices and teaches on occasion.
- Remember that life is funny. The ability to laugh at yourself makes you attractive to others and can help relieve your own stress. Focus on finding the laughable moments in your day, and then tell a friend your funny story as a way to increase the power of laughter by sharing.
- Know what isn’t funny. Laughing at the expense of others isn’t funny. Be discerning about your humor by laughing with—not at—people.
Your ability to laugh can be cultivated with practice so start by prioritizing fun. Find occasion to be silly. Remember laughter, like smiling, is never depleted when you share it.
This article was previously published by The Chopra Center.
According to the American Cancer Society, “Breast cancer starts when cells in the breast begin to grow out of control. These cells usually form a tumor that can often be seen on an x-ray or felt as a lump. The tumor is malignant (cancerous) if the cells can grow into (invade) surrounding tissues or spread (metastasize) to distant areas of the body.” What else should you know about breast cancer?
- One in eight women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime.
- Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women.
- Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women.
- Each year it is estimated that over 246,660 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer and more than 40,000 will die.
- Although breast cancer in men is rare, an estimated 2,600 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer and approximately 440 will die each year.
- On average, every 2 minutes a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer and 1 woman will die of breast cancer every 13 minutes.
- Over 2.8 million breast cancer survivors are alive in the United States today.
The statistics stated above were reported by the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc (NBCF). To learn more about breast cancer, we encourage you to visit the NBCF FAQs page.
What a great time we had in Lansing for the Brain Injury Association of Michigan’s 36th Annual Fall Conference! As a member of the Brain Injury Association of Michigan, we are proud to be a part of the largest brain injury conference in the nation! The two day conference received over over 2,000 attendees and Jenna Schrumpf (Director of Operations) and Jami Dobson (President & Founder) met with many of the supporters of brain injury awareness, education, and advocacy at the Dobson Healthcare booth!
A conference re-cap will be featured in our upcoming Thrive quarterly newsletter edition, but in the interim please make sure to check out “Unmasking Brain Injury,” an Art Prize entry created by our Neuro Rehab residents that was on display at the conference the last few days. Each mask was created by someone who has suffered a brain injury, each with their own unique story.
Hydration and Sun Protection
- Stay hydrated with water instead of sugary drinks like soda and juice.
- If you plan on drinking alcohol, drink in moderation and drink one glass of water in between alcoholic drinks.
- Do not drink and drive. If you plan on drinking alcohol at a neighborhood party, have someone be the designated driver so you can return home safely.
- Apply sunscreen before you head outside and reapply throughout the day.
Water Safety
- Check weather and water conditions beforehand and throughout the day.
- Always swim with a buddy in a designated swimming area supervised by a lifeguard.
- Provide constant supervision to children in or near the water and always stay within arm’s reach of young children and inexperienced swimmers while they are in the water.
- Young children and inexperienced swimmers should wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets.
- Make sure you boat is in good mechanical condition and carries all safety equipment (personal flotation devices, emergency kit, and a first aid kit).
- Keep away from restricted areas (both for swimming and boating).
- Before heading out on the boat, tell someone on land where you are heading and what time you expect to return.
Grilling Tips
- Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Keep children and pets away from the grill.
- Never add charcoal starter fluid after coals have been ignited.
- Use long-handled utensils.
- Wash your hands before and after you touch raw meat.
- Don’t leave the grill unattended while in use.
- Keep the grill away from the house, tree branches, or anything that could catch fire.
- Never leave food that requires refrigeration (such as potato salad, coleslaw or chicken salad) out in the sun.
Traveling
- Carry an emergency supply kit in your trunk.
- Let someone know your destination, your route, and when you expect to arrive.
- Buckle up and obey traffic signs.
- Avoid texting and talking on the phone while driving.
BAY CITY, MI, Aug. 10, 2016 – Dobson Healthcare Services, Inc. is hosting two Recruitment Open Houses next week. On Wednesday, August 17, from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. interviews will be held at the Bay City Corporate Office located on 3741 Wilder Rd., Bay City, MI 48706. Then, on Friday, August 19, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. interviews will be held at the West Branch Regional Office on 400 E Houghton Ave., West Branch, MI 48661.
The goal of the Recruitment Open House is to fill open caregiver positions including but not limited to Home Health Aides (HHAs), Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), and Registered Nurses (RNs). These openings are throughout the 45-counties Dobson Healthcare serves. Attendees to the event will be able to speak with the Recruitment and Scheduling Team at Dobson Healthcare and participate in on-the-spot interviews.
The Recruitment Open House is open to the public and walk-ins are welcomed. Before attending on Wednesday or Friday, Dobson requests that applications for employment are to be completed online and a call made to the Recruitment and Scheduling Team to schedule an appointment. “Before the Open Houses, we’re encouraging those interested to visit our website and to submit an online application,” said Barbara Reynolds, Human Resources Director for Dobson Healthcare. “Submitting an application prior to the event allows us to pre-schedule interviews for a specific time during the open houses.” The application can be found at http://www.dobsonhealthcare.com/careers/.
In addition to being one of the highest paying home healthcare agencies within the region, Dobson Healthcare offers caregivers opportunities to earn Holiday and Service Award Bonuses, as well as flexibility with their schedules.
Founded in 1988, Dobson Healthcare Services, Inc. has over 100 years of combined experience in the Private Duty Home Care industry. Clients of all ages, from pediatric to geriatric, who benefit from services generally include individuals with Spinal Cord Injuries, Traumatic Brain Injury survivors, individuals requiring Infusion Therapy, ventilator/trache dependents, veterans with qualifying benefits, and individuals requiring wound care.
For more information on the Recruitment Open Houses hosted by Dobson Healthcare, please visit www.dobsonhealthcare.com or contact the Recruitment and Scheduling Team at 866-866-8984 or by email at jobs@dobsonhealthcare.com.
Dr. Owen Perlman specializes in treating catastrophic auto accident victims. His column warning against the “worthless and Draconian” coverage proposed by Mayor Duggan’s D-Insurance plan was published in the Detroit News. -CPAN, March 24, 2016
Mayor Mike Duggan and the insurance companies that support his cause are trying to pull the wool over many eyes about the effect his proposed D-Insurance legislation will have on the people of Detroit.
Currently, the Michigan No-Fault Auto Insurance Law guarantees that children who are seriously injured in auto accidents have comprehensive medical coverage for any product, service or accommodation that is “reasonably necessary” for their “care, recovery or rehabilitation.” There is no monetary cap to this coverage and it is available for the entire life of the child for as long as their injury exists. The law provides this coverage to children, even if their parents failed to buy auto insurance.
To continue reading the article click here.
The Great Lakes Bay Region (GLBR) is a hopping area full of fun activities throughout the summertime! With so much going on in the GLBR, we couldn’t possibly list every summer camp, program, or event going on! Below you’ll find some of our favorites that are sure to be a hit with any family looking for a summer camp!
Experience Art Summer Camps
Painterly Pottery is hosting sessions of Experience Art Summer Camps throughout July and August 2016. Children 8 years old and up have a change to learn how to handle clay, paint canvases, and other crafts. Each camp is five days long and are held at Painterly Pottery’s Bay City and Saginaw locations. To sign up campers, click here.
Engineering For Kids
The Engineering For Kids Summer camps engage and entertain children ages 4 to 14 years old. These camps range from Jr. Space Pioneers to Robotics: Robo Battles! Camps are held at the Midland Community Center as well as The DOW Bay Area Family YMCA in Bay City. Sessions run throughout the summer months, click here to learn more.
Summer Camps at Delta College and SVSU
From June 20th through July 28th, the 2016 Summer Camps at Delta College offer a variety of good times, learning opportunities, and creativity inspiration! Camps include LEGO® WeDo™ Junior Robotics, Space Explorer Challenge, Hogwarts Summer School, Safe Sitter®, and so much more! These camps are enjoyed by children from first through eleventh grade. Click here for a complete list of camps and registration info.
Saginaw Valley State University also has summer camps and clinics ranging from day to overnight camps. Children in second grade up to 12th can participate in camps focusing on fine arts, sports, SMEK and STEM. To find a camp for you, click here!
DOW Bay Area Family YMCA Summer Camps
The DOW Bay Area Family YMCA is hosting a variety of summer camps the next few months. These camps include STEM programs, camps specially designed for preschool-aged children, aquatic activities, health & wellness focused programs, and sports camps. Breakfast and lunch are included with all camps as well! Click here to learn more about the Summer Camps at the Bay City YMCA.
Midland Center for the Arts Summer Camps ’16
Art, history, music, science, theater- the Midland Center for the Arts Summer Camps for 2016 has got them all! From toddlers to teens, these programs are sure to be a blast! Want to read more about what camps are being offered this year? Click here to view their brochure!
Zoo Camps
The Children’s Zoo at Celebration Square in Saginaw have created Zoo Camps that combine outdoor play and education in a fun environment! Each camp includes several activities and crafts, snacks, and a Zoo Camp t-shirt. Children ages 5 to 13 can learn how to be a zookeeper, explore animal habitats, and create their own conservation project! To learn more about the camps, click here.
Saginaw Township Recreation Summer Day Camps 2016
This summer, Saginaw Township Recreation is offering six different themed camps for children ages 4 to 10 years old. Campers will participate in activities, games, and crafts in either a morning or afternoon session. There is also assistance for families who need help with care of children before and after the camps! Check out the summer camp themes and how to register for them here! Saginaw Township also have a variety of summer youth programs available. Click here to learn more.
Mid-Michigan Children’s Museum Summer Camps 2016
Starting June 20 and until August 18, The Mid-Michigan Children’s Museum will play host to a diverse mix of summer camps! Children ages 5 to 10 can enjoy learning to how bake, making music, and creating new friendships. Register for a summer camp session by clicking here.
2016 Play Greater Summer Camps
The Greater>Midland organization has planned specialty, aquatics, sports, dance, theater, and other premier camps for the summer of 2016! Campers can experience multiple activities (some that are themed), group games, crafts, and other adventures all through June, July, August, and September. Click here so you don’t miss out on these camps!
West Branch is a bustling town in the summer time! Between the many community wide events and the opportunities to go participate in summer programs and camps, you’re sure to have a memorable time in West Branch! For a list of the events happening in the West Branch area, click here. A few summer activities are highlighted below!
YMCA Camp Timbers
Each summer, the Saginaw Family YMCA hosts the YMCA Camp Timbers- a camp that gives children the chance to explore the outdoors, participate in recreational activities, and learn lifelong social and problem-solving skills. Camps range from mini three-day adventures to three-week long sessions. On top of the activities of a regular camp, you get the choice to register from extra programs and/or specialty programs. These include a Teen Camp, Counselor-in-Training, Herter Band Camp, Boots & Saddle Horse Specialty, and more! Session begin in July and run throughout the month. Click here to view the YMCA Camp Timbers brochure.
Summer Branches
The West Branch School ‘s Summer Branches Program offer a variety of 1-week long sessions for children ages 4 to 12 years old. Children can learn the fundamentals of baking, perform science experiments, create works of art, and explore through history! Click here to learn more about the program and for the 2016 registration.
Cole Canoe Base Summer Camp
Calling all Boy Scouts! This camp is specially designed for you! At Cole Canoe Base Summer Camp, Scouts have the opportunity to work on and achieve various “outdoor” merit badges and have fun by participating in numerous activities. Programs include the Outpost High Adventure traveling programs, weekend stays, Rifle River program, specialty courses, and a variety of other program areas including aquatics, climbing, outdoor skills, and more! Programs also include camp-wide events that are fun for Scouts of all ages to participate. Clicker here to learn more about the summer camps at Cole Canoe Base!
Camp Lu Lay Lea
Based out of Lupton, MI, Camp Lu Lay Lea is a Christian summer camp for children ages 8-14. They offer six one-week sessions with activities including boating, campfires, canoe trips, chapel, arts and crafts, confidence course activities, fort building and exploring nature, skits and story telling, making new friends, and so much more! Sessions being June 19th and run for the rest of the summer. To read more about Camp Lu Lay Lea click here.
Camp Kitigin
Who says summer camp is just for kids? Well, that’s not the case at Camp Kitigin- the summer camp for adults ages 21 and older! This all-inclusive experience includes lodging, meals, activities, crafts, and an official Camp Kitigin participant pack. Disconnect from the business of life (and the internet) and head out into nature! Activities include archery, canoeing/kayaking, disc golf, zip lines, and so much more! Click here to learn more about joining this camp runs from September 16-18, 2016.