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Laughter and Health

I don't want to achieve immortality through my work; I want to achieve immortality through not dying. Woody Allen
Laughter is a universal communication and no one is immune to the body’s response to humor. It’s gender free and affects the young, old, healthy and ill. Laughter not only feels good, but also, wellbeing benefits from a good hardy laugh. Researchers explored laughter and found that parts of our brain participate in merriment. To begin, emotions are stimulated by funny situations. When we ‘get’ that the situation is funny the message goes to our emotions from our brain’s thinking, frontal lobe. From there our motor system takes over. Have you ever tried to laugh noiselessly and remain perfectly still? From the smiling mouth to the jiggling heart, lungs and larynx (voice box), laughter takes charge. The study of laughter even has its own name – gelotology.

“Why is 6 afraid of 7? Because 7 8 9."

Laughter is a social response that occurs in babies by 10 to 12 weeks of age. Often it comes about when folks tickle, express funny sounds or smile at the baby and, I’ve read, that laughter happens more often after a baby has a good bowel movement. (Did you chuckle)? For infants, laughter strengthens connections with those who care for them. As children get older, play and laughter create social connections, decrease stress, and even support the development of logic and reasoning (check out the quote above). Scientifically, it appears that children laugh an average of 400 times a day.

“Never go to a doctor whose office plants have died.” -- Erma Bombeck

Recently it’s been reported that the laughter of mature adults declines to approximately 6 or 7 times a day. Yet, we hear that laughter is directly related the health of our bodies -- physically, mentally and socially. Science shows that after a hardy laugh the heart, lungs and muscles enter a state of relaxation, decreasing blood pressure and strengthening the immune system. A good guffaw can lower stress and depression. In addition, social engagements are more fun when people laugh together. Knowing this, why not look for ways to laugh?

“If I were two-faced, would I be wearing this one?” Abe Lincoln

Humor can be found in unlikely places. Funny quotes from politicians abound -- sometimes with humor planned and other times when unexpected goofs occur. For reference, there is a site of “funny politics quotes” on the internet. Choose the funniest and share them with others.

The secret to staying young is to live honestly, eat slowly, and lie about your age.
Lucille Ball

Surround yourself with funny people and see humor in the oddest places. Classic television such as I Love Lucy is available for DVD rentals. Norman Cousins watched The Marx brothers and laughed his way to health. It’s never too late to boost your health and your spirits or to lie about your age. Live well and joyfully for “laughter is the best medicine.”

August 2009

The Newspaper: Your Mental And Memory Friend As You Age

Often, we take for granted that our brain will function well each day. In truth, although we have developed knowledge and skills throughout our lives, the memory bank, those areas of the brain that preserve what we learn, needs constant cognitive ‘deposits.’ Unless daily living includes purpose and experiences, as we age, the thinking brain will lose efficiency. Without ongoing practice and stimulus, I’m sorry to tell you (and me) that the brain will progress toward sluggishness.

Within the last 10 years, brain research has uncovered a lot of exciting news. It is the type of news that affects our view of being alive: how to care for our body and how to take care of our brain. Studies have now informed us that the years of certainty, that the brain is a static blob, have been overturned. Not only is the brain dynamic, but also it’s up to each and every one of us to provide the cognitive nourishment that stimulates brain cell activity.

Although education is highly recognized for the development of the young growing brain, the realization that the developing brain continues right into the last breath of life, broadens the role of learning. With the new understanding that the brain can rewire itself into old age and can even enhance brain cell development in some areas of the brain, activities of daily living need to be expanded.

This expansion of learning does not necessarily require a classroom, although senior centers, town adult classes or college programs are excellent options. One example of cognitive exercise can become part of everyday life and like brushing your teeth, can be done each day. It require nothing more than a newspaper or magazine.

Using the newspaper or a magazine will provide information that will help you refill your memory banks as well as help you maintain an awareness of what’s going on in your environment. In addition, using these informational products will contribute to the knowledge you need for social and work (even volunteer) interactions.

To make use of the newspaper, review the front-page headlines (news, sports or arts etc.). Then write a list of the topics of that day on a separate piece of paper. Look over the list and attempt to memorize one or more items from the list. Turn the list over and think about the events you wrote. If you only remember one or two, look over the list again, turn it over and see how many you can add to the list. Then fold the paper and put it in your pocket or pocketbook. If you look it over throughout the day, you will be prepared for any newsy conversation and your memory will expand. The newspaper can be your daily mental and memory friend.

July 2009

Friends Are Good For You

We don’t often consider that doing things with friends can be an important treatment for health, but more and more research is showing this to be true. Specifically, we know that time with friends is fun but the results of research show that spending time with friends can actually increase overall health and mental well-being. Summertime is an excellent season to take advantage of this healthful pleasure while being out and about with friends and friendly family.

Friendship provides a salve for many conditions. On the happy side, a good hearty laugh will boost the heart rate and increase the breath. This process will send more oxygen and nutrition to the body tissues and brain. In fact, many conclude that laughter is equal to a mild physical workout with a boost in emotional delight. Laughter is not only good for the body but also increases our immune response. In regard to friendship, laughing alone is definitely not as much fun as laughing with others.

The role of interaction with friends and friendly family is essential for psychological well-being. Friendship is known to be a balm for sadness and illness. Recent research shows that men as well as women benefit from buddies, who are there for you, know you and can offer an understanding that boosts the morale. Sometimes just a cup of coffee or a game of golf can turn around an emotional struggle.

There are many ways to plan a day with people you like. Use the good weather to get out and take a walk or play a sport with a friend. If walking is not possible, sit outside and visit. Plan a lunch or a tea. Inviting friends for tea in the afternoon is a beautiful way to end the day. If your brain would like stimulation, take a course at a local college or invite others to engage with you in conversation and discussion.

We are born to be in relationships and it’s never too late to enjoy those who are already part of your life and take pleasure in new ones who may enter your life. Karen A. Roberto from Virginia Tech observed that “Friendship is an undervalued resource.” Reach out, enjoy and stay healthy.

June 2009

Self Encouragement Is A Skill We Take On

The power of positive thinking has been a part of my life since I was a girl. I recall hearing and reading about “Thomas the Tank Engine” as a child and as a teen, thumbing through books by Norman Vincent Peale, William Clement Stone and Napoleon Hill as they sat on my mother’s book shelf. The positive thinking expressed by these writings has influenced business and personal thought. Their work has permeated the culture of achievement in every area of human engagement and has inspired individuals of all ages.

From the earliest of motivational experiences, “Thinking One Can” was a book written for young children in 1906 and in 1910, the story appeared again in a publication by the Daughters of the American Revolution. It wasn’t until 1954, however, that the version we know today, “The Engine That Could,” appeared in the children’s section of bookstore shelves and later, on videos for children to enjoy.

Throughout the years, books teaching “I Can” have given parents and teachers tools for early formation of living values to their young charges. Even President Obama captured the imagination of the American population (and maybe the world) by advocating “Yes We Can” in the last election.

Self-encouragement is a skill we take on as we get older. It is the way we satisfy our inner feelings and expectations. Believing in one’s self and having faith in one’s ability is the gift that we can draw from the wellspring of our brain. If filled with self-promoting support, thoughts are capable of becoming the engine that moves each of us forward. “The Secret” is the most recent program of positive thinking – emitting and believing in thoughts of success at all and any age and endeavor.

With the golf season in swing, and golf tournaments taking place, it appears that “mental toughness” and “positive beliefs” provide the cutting edge for the best of players. In particular, I refer to what’s been said about Tiger Woods. Dr. Deborah Graham, who studies athletic pros, has observed that the physical talent of Tiger Woods is not so much above everyone else in his league. She feels it is his determination and focused positive thoughts that keep him on top and added that his exceptional talent is in quieting his mind “thereby devising and carrying out game plans.” Furthermore, Dr. Morris Pickens stated, “It’s not that he doesn’t get nervous like other guys do. He just handles it better.”

Thinking in a positive way, and expecting positive results appears to bring those who live by positive thinking closer to favorable outcomes. Promoters of positive thought remind us to visualize the outcome we want, enjoy what we are doing and the people we’re with and read an inspiring quotation every day. In other words, it really is possible to prime our minds, at any age, for the pleasures and successes of life’s experiences.

April 2009

Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts. Rachel Carson

With the vernal equinox, that day in March when day and night are of equal length, comes spring with all of earth’s glory and wonder. We await leaves bursting from tree branches and flower bulbs poking their little noses through the soil. Foliage reaches out to us, and we welcome the beauty that plants provide. When humans work in cooperation with nature, we can create a partnership that enhances the health of both ourselves and our home, planet Earth.

In the early 1900s, President Theodore Roosevelt was a strong advocate of care for the land and its inhabitants. Because of his efforts, we can now enjoy the beauty of Yosemite and other National Parks. And though he did not fully understand the health benefits of a flourishing environment, he said, “There can be nothing in the world more beautiful than the Yosemite, the groves of giant sequoias and redwoods ... and our people should see to it that they are preserved for their children and their children’s children forever.”

As the 20th century progressed, further research showed how important the health of the environment is to human health. Rachel Carson, in her book Silent Spring, exposed the rampant spread of toxins throughout the ecosystem, toxins that came from humans who introduced harmful chemicals into the environment. Carson correctly believed that the interconnectedness of persons and nature affects all aspects of life on Earth. When humans are careless of the land, the health of all is at risk.

Recent research has revealed the truth of the beliefs of President Theodore Roosevelt and Rachel Carson. The natural world has an amazing effect on both the body and mind; if we keep in mind our relationship with our environment, we can improve our health. A plant-filled environment can help people relax, and can even improve their mood. For peace of mind, consider spending time in a park, a garden, or on a porch overlooking a green space. Spending time in a natural environment can even sharpen the mind!

Interacting with the environment, through gardening, has also been shown to be advantageous to the brain. Clinical neuropsychologist Paul Nussbaum reports that “gardening is an excellent mental workout because it requires sophisticated brain activity.” Furthermore, he says that “learning a new skill, like gardening, helps plow and nurture new neural connections in the brain.” So, while you work to make plants grow, you can also help your mind grow!

As the days get longer and sunnier, remember to enjoy spring, and to take advantage of the very special qualities it brings to every one of us. Spend some time outdoors! Thank President Roosevelt for preserving our natural world in national parks, and Rachel Carson for protecting us and the environment from toxins. Take pleasure in flowers, fruits, and vegetables, as well as the wonderful fragrances they produce. And, most importantly, take advantage of the healthy body, positive mood, and mental acuity that can be enhanced by spending time in green spaces.

March 2009

The radio has a long and productive history for communication. “Radio waves” were identified by German physicist Heinrich Randolph Hertz in 1886 (hence, the measurement ‘mega hertz’) and Guglielmo Marconi followed when he invented the wireless telegraph in 1900. Evolving into the device we know today, the radio has served as a medium for human communication in many amazing and useful ways. The radio acts as a tool for information, entertainment, and a realization that the radio can be fascinating from a different perspective. The simple act of listening to the radio can serve as a brain exercise for focus and imagination.

Before the arrival of television, radio was the main source of home entertainment. Those years from 1925 to 1955 were known as the “Golden Age of Radio.” I recall, in particular, the 1940s when my family and I would sit around the radio and listen to our favorite programs. As the youngest, my favorite shows were “The Lucky Strike Program, starring Jack Benny,” “The Lone Ranger,” and “Father Knows Best. “ My parents and my older sister liked “The Shadow.” When it went on, I ran for my bed and hid under the covers. For current events my parents tuned into President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Fireside Chats and other news programs. The radio provided a wealth of information and imagination as well as memories of radio history for many Americans of that generation.

Today, the radio is still important for entertainment, learning and brain exercise. In fact, the radio is the only communication medium that we have for focusing on just listening. Most of our experiences with television, computer or films provide both auditory and visual stimulation. When we watch TV, we watch events pass before our eyes and we have no reason to create images in our heads. Radio gives us the opportunity to focus on listening, and develop our ability to imagine things in our mind’s eye.

Listening to the radio regularly can have health benefits as well. As we get older, particularly after retirement, it’s common to notice a decline in language comprehension, even if a hearing evaluation is normal. Although we are told that aerobics is important to keep the body strong, we are rarely advised to practice “hearobics” to keep our hearing strong. The radio can provide interesting and enjoyable treatment strategies. In fact, I recommend that you start with the new and informative South Shore Senior News Radio Show.
Here is a brain exercise to practice while you listen to this or any talk program:

1. Listen to the program with pencil and paper in hand. Write a few words of each topic described or the topics of interest to you. Then write key words to illustrate the topic. You have now focused your hearing and have information when you socialize. In addition, you have given your memory a boost.

I hope you enjoy listening to the new and interesting radio program while you practice radio “hearobics.” Have a good March!

February 2009

Welcome to February! The sun is crisp, the air is cold, and the snow is high on the ground – or tumbling from the sky. Living in the Northeast is an experience, never knowing what the day or next day will bring, or what or who this season might bring into your life. This February I will talk about the important role that social relationships play in keeping our hearts and brains healthy.

For those who do not work, winter often impels us to stay indoors and out of inclement weather. While that might seem like a warm and cozy thing to do, staying in alone can deprive us of an important ingredient in the elixir of human well-being – social interaction. Being isolated for day after day leads to loneliness, psychologists say, and loneliness can have serious negative effects on the brain. This winter, let’s think about ways to beat Mother Nature and keep your mental and physical health at its strongest.

Human beings are social animals. Many research studies have shown that people who are engaged in social relationships have a slower rate of mental decline than people who remain alone or reclusive. By “engaged,” I mean being involved in productive and enjoyable activities. Here are some suggestions that I and others have enjoyed:

• Join an art class. Art classes provide many opportunities to express yourself. It’s also a great way to enjoy an activity with someone you know, or a way to meet someone new. Maybe there is even a Pablo Picasso or a Georgia O’Keefe hiding within you. As Georgia O’Keefe said, “I had to create an equivalent for what I felt about what I was looking at - not copy it.” Go and create what you feel inside! If you cannot go out, invite friends or family over for a creative painting gathering.
• Spend time with a grandchild or someone else’s grandchild. You can paint or play games at your home or theirs. I’ve never met a young child who didn’t like Candy Land or an older child who didn’t like card games or checkers. The parents of the child will be grateful, too!
• Write sentiments. Remember, Valentine’s Day is coming! There are so many ways to feel connected to your loved ones. Write cards to friends you’ve been meaning to call or to others you know are alone. If friends or family are in town, go out to meet them, or invite them in. Good company and conversation offers Valentine warmth, even in the face of wintery weather.
• Volunteer! Doing a good deed will do as much for you as you do for the others. Believe it or not, research has shown that helping others improves your self esteem, lowers stress and even bolsters your immune system. Just like other forms of social engagement, volunteering
  also promotes psychological well being.

Our unpredictable weather can affect how we plan each day. But, even in the middle of winter, we should remember to keep our brains strong by making the most of our social connections and engaging in fun and meaningful activities.

December 2008

Welcome back to ‘Enhance the Brain’ during this very busy December. With the hum of energy in the air, it’s hard to escape the fact that the holidays are coming. As so many of us know, the holiday season can be a mixture of joy and stress. It also provides great opportunities to bring friends and family together, but often one or two people end up with the brunt of the responsibilities.

However, by using strategies to include all family members in holiday activities, everyone in the household can engage in brain exercise and participate in the pleasures that accompany holiday preparation. Here are some approaches for making sure everyone can be cognitively active this holiday season.

A wealth of support can often be found within the household itself. Children, for instance, love to discover and create new things, and elders often enjoy having a purpose. Consider pairing up grandparents and grandchildren to create simple yet useful activities or food that can serve as stimulating and delicious additions to the holiday celebrations. These team efforts can strengthen family bonds, give the organizer a much-needed break, and most importantly, ensure that everyone has a chance to use their brains. Such efforts can truly ‘enhance the brain’ for all.

As I mentioned in last month’s article, research has shown that the brains of elders are more resilient and adaptable than had been previously thought, even when challenged by illness or injury. We also know that human brains at all ages grow new brain cells when learning takes place. Holidays can provide learning experiences for any age to strengthen brain function, explore new challenges, enjoy family relationships, and have fun.

Many grandparents or family members have memories of childhood holidays that can be shared with the younger generation. Not only can the children hear stories from years ago, but also, together, they can create holiday activities from the tales.

Here are some suggestions for elders and children. You might think of others. My grandchildren love these activities.

• Create a word-search by making grids on the computer (click insert, then table. Highlight all the little boxes – 10X8 or larger - and click) and filling in words from the story putting one letter in each box, going left to right, top to bottom, backwards or diagonal. After that place any letters you want in the empty boxes. Write the list of words at the bottom of the page, make copies and pass out word searches at the holiday.
• Write individual sentences from the story, then mix-up the order of the words so that each sentence will not make sense. Give the mixed-up sentences to another person and ask the person to put the words in the correct order.
• Frost and decorate prepared cupcakes with canned frosting, M&Ms, sprinkles, etc. Yum!
• Check out children’s no-cook recipes on the internet and prepare some healthy appetizers and desserts. I like the Peanut Butter-Honey Dip.

I wish you happy and healthy holidays and have fun!

November 2008: Enhance the Brain!

The brain is the engine of human life. Its power is with us when we’re home and when we’re away, when we work and when we play, when we’re by ourselves or with others – we’re always thinking, planning, doing, and feeling. The brain defines who we are and what we bring to the world.

As a specialist in learning disabilities, I became intimate with my own brain when I suffered a brain aneurysm (a rupture in a brain artery) followed by a cerebral stroke. Those two events left me with aphasia and damage to my speech, reading, writing, and memory abilities. Although the medical prognosis for my recovery was poor, I underwent many years of rehabilitation. With lots of work and determination, I regained my cognitive skills and discovered that the brain holds enormous possibilities.

As I observed my brain steadily increasing in mental skills, my curiosity drove me to a journey of investigation. Research taught me wonderful things about the brain. I learned that the brain grows as we learn and adds new brain cells as we think and act. Through our social, family, academic, and career activities, we can actually control how our brain cells expand.

Wherever life takes us, our brain can absorb information when we have new experiences, and it can adapt to the events and people with whom we interact. Sometimes age, brain illness, or brain injury affects the mental function of thinking and memory; nonetheless, physiological research has shown that each time a person learns something new, more blood flows to bring more nourishment to the brain.

As individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, other dementias, traumatic brain injury, or age-related challenges become cognitively active, they display increases in cognitive skills, social engagement and speech fluency. People also grow in self-confidence, become more at ease in social situations, and show more independence in completing daily activities. It is vitally important therefore, for people with brain illness or injury to be engaged in active and meaningful learning.

The aging brain is truly a rich reservoir of life experiences, continually seeking out more additions to life’s history. It’s time to put the brain front and center. Even when the years move along and the brain slows its pace, it’s necessary to participate in, and learn from, life experiences.