Healthful Benefits of Laughter - Jokes Wanted ;)

[Guest guest]

Even though its off topic - I want to see some jokes posted!

 

I have come to the conclusion that in general, all over, as a trend,

maybe even can be called an epidemic, folks seem to be losing their

sense of humor these days and people take themselves (and others) WAY

too seriously. So, in response to such widespread curmudgeonly demeanor,

I request jokes to lighten everyone up and make everyone do something we

all need to do - laugh! I also hope folks will pass them on to lighten

up other folks - smiles and laughter are contagious - and healthy!

Being too serious and super stuffy is not healthy - not only is it bad

for the health of the super stuffy types but also bad for the health of

all those who have to be around the super stuffy types

 

Below are some articles dedicated to pointing out the various healthful

benefits of laughter .. So keep that sense of humor alive (if you do it

just might do the same for you , and pass the good word about it on

 

*Smile*

Chris (list mom)

 

Make The Holidays Sparkle

Sterling Silver Perfume Pendants

http://www.alittleolfactory.com <http://www.alittleolfactory.com/>

 

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http://www.holistic-online.com/Humor_Therapy/humor_therapy_benefits.htm

 

Therapeutic Benefits of Laughter

 

Dr. Lee Bark and fellow researcher Dr. Stanley Tan of Loma Linda

University in California have been studying the effects of laughter on

the immune system. To date their published studies have shown that

laughing lowers blood pressure, reduces stress hormones, increases

muscle flexion, and boosts immune function by raising levels of

infection-fighting T-cells, disease-fighting proteins called

Gamma-interferon and B-cells, which produce disease-destroying

antibodies. Laughter also triggers the release of endorphins, the body's

natural painkillers, and produces a general sense of well-being.

 

Following is a summary of his research, taken from an interview

published in the September/October 1996 issue of the Humor and Health

Journal.

 

Laughter Activates the Immune System

 

In Bark's study, the physiological response produced by belly laughter

was opposite of what is seen in classical stress, supporting the

conclusion that mirthful laughter is a eustress state -- a state that

produces healthy or positive emotions.

 

Research results indicate that, after exposure to humor, there is a

general increase in activity within the immune system, including:

 

bullet <http://www.holistic-online.com/_themes/nature/nabull1.gif>

An increase in the number and activity level of natural killer cells

that attack viral infected cells and some types of cancer and tumor

cells.

bullet <http://www.holistic-online.com/_themes/nature/nabull1.gif>

An increase in activated T cells (T lymphocytes). There are many T cells

that await activation. Laughter appears to tell the immune system to

" turn it up a notch. "

bullet <http://www.holistic-online.com/_themes/nature/nabull1.gif>

An increase in the antibody IgA (immunoglobulin A), which fights upper

respiratory tract insults and infections.

bullet <http://www.holistic-online.com/_themes/nature/nabull1.gif>

An increase in gamma interferon, which tells various components of the

immune system to " turn on. "

bullet <http://www.holistic-online.com/_themes/nature/nabull1.gif>

An increase in IgB, the immunoglobulin produced in the greatest quantity

in body, as well as an increase in Complement 3, which helps antibodies

to pierce dysfunctional or infected cells. The increase in both

substances was not only present while subjects watched a humor video;

there also was a lingering effect that continued to show increased

levels the next day.

Laughter Decreases " Stress " Hormones

 

The results of the study also supported research indicating a general

decrease in stress hormones that constrict blood vessels and suppress

immune activity. These were shown to decrease in the study group exposed

to humor.

 

For example, levels of epinephrine were lower in the group both in

anticipation of humor and after exposure to humor. Epinephrine levels

remained down throughout the experiment.

 

In addition, dopamine levels (as measured by dopac) were also decreased.

Dopamine is involved in the " fight or flight response " and is associated

with elevated blood pressure.

 

Laughing is aerobic, providing a workout for the diaphragm and

increasing the body's ability to use oxygen.

 

Laughter brings in positive emotions that can enhance - not replace --

conventional treatments. Hence it is another tool available to help

fight the disease.

 

Experts believe that, when used as an adjunct to conventional care,

laughter can reduce pain and aid the healing process. For one thing,

laughter offers a powerful distraction from pain.

 

In a study published in the Journal of Holistic Nursing, patients were

told one-liners after surgery and before painful medication was

administered. Those exposed to humor perceived less pain when compared

to patients who didn't get a dose of humor as part of their therapy.

 

Perhaps, the biggest benefit of laughter is that it is free and has no

known negative side effects.

 

So, here is a summary of how humor contributes to physical health. More

details can be found in the article, Humor

<http://www.holistic-online.com/Humor_Therapy/humor_mcghee_article.htm>

and Health contributed by Paul McGhee

 

Muscle Relaxation - Belly laugh results in muscle relaxation. While you

laugh, the muscles that do not participate in the belly laugh, relaxes.

After you finish laughing those muscles involved in the laughter start

to relax. So, the action takes place in two stages.

 

Reduction of Stress Hormones - Laughter reduces at least four of

neuroendocrine hormones associated with stress response. These are

epinephrine, cortisol, dopac, and growth hormone.

 

Immune System Enhancement - Clinical studies have shown that humor

strengthens the immune system.

 

Pain Reduction - Humor allows a person to " forget " about pains such as

aches, arthritis, etc.

 

Cardiac Exercise - A belly laugh is equivalent to " an internal jogging. "

Laughter can provide good cardiac conditioning especially for those who

are unable to perform physical exercises.

 

Blood Pressure - Women seem to benefit more than men in preventing

hypertension.

 

Respiration - Frequent belly laughter empties your lungs of more air

than it takes in resulting in a cleansing effect - similar to deep

breathing. Especially beneficial for patient's who are suffering from

emphysema and other respiratory ailments.

 

Humor and Cancer

 

Many of us feel awkward in joking in front of terminally ill patients.

Many may even consider it inappropriate or insensitive. However, it has

been known scientifically that the best thing you can do to your friends

is to provide a humorous environment and let them " forget " about their

condition. Sitting and feeling sorry for their condition will not help

them much.

 

Dr. Michael B. Van Scoy-Morsher, an oncologist in California says that

" one characteristic of the cancer patient who does well is the ability

to often put cancer in the background for periods of time. "

 

TV journalist Linda Ellerbee wrote about some of her cancer experiences

and of being bald in the January 1993 edition of McCall's :

 

That summer I bought some breast prostheses to use while swimming.

Instead of fastening them to my skin with Velcro as the directions

instructed, I simply inserted the prostheses into my bathing suit. When

I came out of the water, one had migrated around to my back! Now, how

can you not laugh at such a thing? Either you laugh or you cry your eyes

out. . . . It's something I've tried to teach my kids as well. When my

23-year-old daughter saw me with my bald head and no breast, she said,

" You look just like a Buddha without the wisdom, " and we both howled. I

think we are never braver than when we stand tall and look into the sun

and laugh. Laughter may be a form of courage.

 

In his book " Intoxicated by My Illness, " Anatole Broyard wrote about the

final months of his life after he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. He

stated that " Illness is primarily a drama, and it should be possible to

enjoy it as well as to suffer it. . . . . Illness, " after all, " is not

all tragedy. Much of it is funny. "

 

(adapted from The Courage to Laugh (Tarcher/Putnam) by Allen Klein, C

1998)

 

Humor: How Does It Work?

 

In her book, " Pulmonary Rehabilitation: Guidelines to Success, " Patty

Wooten noted:

 

The ability to laugh at a situation or problem gives us a feeling of

superiority and power. Humor and laughter can foster a positive and

hopeful attitude. We are less likely to succumb to feelings of

depression and helplessness if we are able to laugh at what is troubling

us. Humor gives us a sense of perspective on our problems. Laughter

provides an opportunity for the release of those uncomfortable emotions

which, if held inside, may create biochemical changes that are harmful

to the body.

 

Herbert Lefcourt, a noted psychologist from the University of Waterloo

in Canada has explored the possibility that a sense of humor and its use

can change our emotional response to stress. In this study, subjects

were asked to review the frequency and severity of stressful life

changes occurring to them over the previous six months, and their recent

negative mood disturbances were evaluated. Lefcourt then administered

tests to evaluate use of humor, perception of humor, appreciation of

laughter, and efforts to include opportunities for humor and laughter

into each subjects lifestyle. Results of this study have shown that the

ability to sense and appreciate humor can buffer the mood disturbances

which occur in response to negative life events.

 

Humor perception involves the whole brain and serves to integrate and

balance activity in both hemispheres. Derks, at the College of William

and Mary in Williamsburg, has shown that there is a unique pattern of

brain wave activity during the perception of humor. EEG's were recorded

on subjects while they were presented with humorous material.

 

During the setup to the joke, the cortex's left hemisphere began its

analytical function of processing words. Shortly afterward, most of the

brain activity moved to the frontal lobe which is the center of

emotionality. Moments later the right hemisphere's synthesis

capabilities joined with the left's processing to find the pattern -- to

'get the joke'. A few milliseconds later, before the subject had enough

time to laugh, the increased brain wave activity spread to the sensory

processing areas of the brain, the occipital lobe. The increased

fluctuations in delta waves reached a crescendo of activity and crested

as the brain 'got' the joke and the external expression of laughter

began. Derks' findings shows that humor pulls the various parts of the

brain together rather than activating a component in only one area.

 

The emotions and moods we experience directly effect our immune system.

A sense of humor allows us to perceive and appreciate the incongruities

of life and provides moments of joy and delight. These positive emotions

can create neurochemical changes that will buffer the immunosuppressive

effects of diseases and stress.

 

" The simple truth is that happy people generally don't get sick. "

 

Bernie Siegel, M.D.

 

<http://www.holistic-online.com/copyright_notice.htm> Copyright C

<http://www.icbs.com/> 1998-2004 ICBS, Inc

 

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http://cms.psychologytoday.com/articles/pto-20030429-000001.html

 

So much of our attitude about life and our capacity to meet life's

challenges depends on the quality of the relationships we have,

especially our most intimate relationships that when they go sour, life

tends to feel bleak. Because the quality of our relationships has a

powerful effect on physical and mental balance, as well as our sense of

satisfaction in life, it's important that we keep our relationships

rewarding and fresh.

 

The data on divorce provide compelling evidence that we are not

succeeding at all. Nearly half of all marriages end in

divorce--cohabitation couplings are far likelier to end badly--and of

marriages that endure, many are less than happy.

 

Most people know the value of a good relationship and, no matter how

often they have lost at love, keep on hoping. As a result, advice on how

to make relationships work fills shelves and shelves of bookstores and

hours of talk-show time. Some of it is even good, the product of careful

research on happy and unhappy couples.

 

But of all the elements that contribute to the warm atmosphere of a good

relationship, there is one that seldom gets translated into advice or

even therapy, yet is something that everyone desires and most people

would like more of: Laughter.

 

It's a safe bet that most of the laughs married couples get come from TV

laugh tracks, not from each other. They don't emanate from the

relationship. More important, they don't feed it. And if the jokes that

make the rounds by email are any gauge, often they are at the expense of

it.

 

But homegrown laughter may be what ailing couples need most. Uniquely

human, laughter is, first and foremost, a social signal--it disappears

when there is no audience, which may be as small as one other

person--and it binds people together. It synchronizes the brains of

speaker and listener so that they are emotionally attuned.

 

These are the conclusions of Robert Provine, Ph.D., a neuroscientist who

found that laughter is far too fragile to dissect in the laboratory.

Instead, he observed thousands of incidents of laughter spontaneously

occurring in everyday life, and wittily reports the results in Laughter:

A Scientific Investigation (Penguin Books, 2001).

 

Laughter establishes--or restores--a positive emotional climate and a

sense of connection between two people, who literally take pleasure in

the company of each other. For if there's one thing Dr. Provine found

it's that speakers laugh even more than their listeners. Of course

levity can defuse anger and anxiety, and in so doing it can pave the

path to intimacy.

 

Most of what makes people laugh is not thigh-slapper stuff but

conversational comments. " Laughter is not primarily about humor, " says

Dr. Provine, " but about social relationships. "

 

Among some of his surprising findings:

 

- The much vaunted health benefits of laughter are probably

coincidental, a consequence of it's much more important primary goal:

bringing people together. In fact, the health benefits of laughter may

result from the social support it stimulates.

 

- Laughter plays a big role in mating. Men like women who laugh heartily

in their presence.

 

- Both sexes laugh a lot, but females laugh more--126 percent more than

their male counterparts. Men are more laugh-getters.

 

- The laughter of the female is the critical index of a healthy

relationship

 

- Laughter in relationships declines dramatically as people age.

 

- Like yawning, laughter is contagious; the laugher of others is

irresistible.

 

One of the best ways to stimulate laughter--and it's probably the most

ancient way--is by tickling. Tickling is inherently social; we can't

tickle ourselves. We tickle to get a response. Or to entice ticklee to

turn around and become tickler.

 

Not only do most people like tickling--ticklers as well as

ticklees--most recognize it is a way to show affection. What's more,

adolescents and adults prefer to be tickled by someone of the opposite

sex.

 

Tickling is probably at the root of all play and it is inherently

reciprocal, a give-and-take proposition. In other words, it exactly

represents the basic rhythm of all healthy relationships. Not to mention

is triggers sexual excitation in adults.

 

But tickling declines dramatically in middle age. People begin a gradual

" tactile disengagement, " reports Dr. Provine. Tickle, touch, and play,

so critically intertwined, all go into retreat, although these behaviors

are at the root of our emotional being.

 

So the next time you have an argument with your mate, don't walk out of

the room and slam the door. Try tickling your partner instead. (Most

ticklish areas, in descending order: underarms, waist, ribs, feet,

knees, throat, neck, palms.)

 

It won't make problems go away. But it can set the stage for tackling

them together.

 

Publication: Psyched for Success April 29, 2003

 

Psychology Today Magazine C Copyright 1991-2004

 

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http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1264/is_11_32/ai_83667270

 

The best medicine - soul - health benefits of laughter - Brief Article

Essence <http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1264> , March,

<http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1264/is_11_32> 2002 by

Sherrill

<http://www.findarticles.com/p/search?tb=art & qt=%22Sherrill+Clarke%22>

Clarke

 

Dorothea Keeling, a sister in Boston, knows about comic relief. As a

coordinator for an HIV/AIDS program at Massachusetts Correctional

Institute in Framingham, she discovered that the women she counseled

would be more open to talking about their disease when she told jokes.

Since then she has been helping people see the lighter side of life

through her Laughing At & Understanding Good Humor Seminars (LAUGHS)

held throughout New England.

 

But folks also get some benefit from laughter that they may not be hip

to--it can be used to treat their illness. That's right, humor can be

therapeutic. A good howl diminishes stress and pain, and can increase

antibodies that help fight disease and combat anxiety. But most of all,

humor releases endorphins, the body's natural painkillers, says Lee

Berk, D.P.H. in psychoneuroimmunology. " Mirthful laughter has a

spiritual connotation, and we know that it can change and lower heart

rate, lower blood pressure and decrease stress hormones, " he says. In a

study that Berk and his fellow researchers conducted at Loma Linda

University in California, they found that after men watched hilarious

movies, their white blood cells--which help protect the body against

disease--increased activity. White blood cells can also attack tumor

cells and boost immune-system activity. A recent study at the University

of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore reports that a belly laugh may

help reduce and protect against heart disease and heart attacks.

 

Keeling, who also works with breast-cancer survivors, recommends that

people develop their own humor library--watch funny videos, identify

favorite comedians, bond with zany coworkers -- and surround themselves

with witty, pleasant people and things. " Many of us are stressed out and

go to the doctor, who gives us pills to mask our symptoms, " she

explains. " Laughter doesn't cost anything. "

 

Another advocate of the rip-roaring approach is Loretta LaRoche, a cutup

who teaches part of a course on humor, optimism and cognitive

restructuring at the Mind/Body Medical Institute, an affiliate of

Harvard Medical School. She believes positive psychology aids in dealing

with life's blows.

 

" Laughter is a catharsis. It allows us to release stress, " says LaRoche,

who shows up at some of her lectures wear, ing such props as a Viking

hat to get people to lighten up. Keeling adds, " You'll always experience

stress, but how you view life has an impact on how you respond to

stressors. "

 

COPYRIGHT 2002 Essence Communications, Inc.

COPYRIGHT 2002 Gale Group

 

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

Here's one that was posted on another group today

Ann

 

A Christmas Story for people having a bad day....

 

When four of Santa's elves got sick, and the trainee elves did not produce the

toys as fast as the regular ones, Santa was beginning to feel the pressure of

being behind schedule.

 

Then Mrs. Claus told Santa that her Mom was coming to visit. This stressed Santa

even more..

 

When he went to harness the reindeer, he found that three of them were about to

give birth and two had jumped the fence and were out, heaven knows where. More

stress.

 

Then when he began to load the sleigh one of the boards cracked, and the toy bag

fell to the ground and scattered the toys.

 

So, frustrated, Santa went into the house for a cup of apple cider and a shot of

rum. When he went to the cupboard he discovered that the elves had hidden the

liquor, and there was nothing to drink. In his frustration he accidentally

dropped the cider pot, and it broke into hundreds of little pieces all over the

kitchen floor. He went to get the broom and found that mice had eaten the straw

end of the broom.

 

Just then the doorbell rang, and irritable Santa trudged to the door. He opened

the door and there was a little angel with a great big Christmas tree. The angel

said very cheerfully, " Merry Christmas, Santa. Isn't it a lovely day? I have a

beautiful tree for you. Where would you like me to stick it? "

 

And so began the tradition of the little angel on top of the Christmas tree.

 

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

and here's another! - much funnier I think )

Ann

 

Fresh from my shower, I stand in front of the mirror complaining to my

husband that my breasts are too small. Instead of characteristically

telling me it's not so, he uncharacteristically comes up with a suggestion.

" If you want your breasts to grow, then every day take a piece of toilet

paper and rub it between them for a few seconds. "

 

Willing to try anything, I fetch a piece of toilet paper and stand in

front of the mirror, rubbing it between my breasts.

 

" How long will this take? " I asked.

 

" They will grow larger over a period of years, " my husband replies.

 

I stopped. " Do you really think rubbing a piece of toilet paper between my

breasts every day will make my breasts larger over the years? "

 

Without missing a beat he says " Worked for your butt, didn't it? "

 

He's still alive, and with a great deal of therapy, he may even walk

again.

 

Stupid, stupid man.

 

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

ROFLMAO! ROFLMAO! ROFLMAO! Santa was good, this was hilarious!

 

Cheers!

Kathleen Petrides

The Woobey Queen

The Warming Touch, Therapeutic Pillows

http://www.woobeyworld.com

 

 

>

> He's still alive, and with a great deal of therapy, he may even walk

> again.

>

> Stupid, stupid man.

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

TOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO funny --- thanks and keep them coming!!!!!!!!!!

Rita

 

Ann Thorpe <Ann wrote:

and here's another! - much funnier I think )

Ann

 

Fresh from my shower, I stand in front of the mirror complaining to my

husband that my breasts are too small. Instead of characteristically

telling me it's not so, he uncharacteristically comes up with a suggestion.

" If you want your breasts to grow, then every day take a piece of toilet

paper and rub it between them for a few seconds. "

 

Willing to try anything, I fetch a piece of toilet paper and stand in

front of the mirror, rubbing it between my breasts.

 

" How long will this take? " I asked.

 

" They will grow larger over a period of years, " my husband replies.

 

I stopped. " Do you really think rubbing a piece of toilet paper between my

breasts every day will make my breasts larger over the years? "

 

Without missing a beat he says " Worked for your butt, didn't it? "

 

He's still alive, and with a great deal of therapy, he may even walk

again.

 

Stupid, stupid man.

 

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

The Rope-

 

There were 11 people hanging onto a rope that came down from a

helicopter.Ten were men and one woman.The rope was starting to fray so they

all agreed that one person should let go because if they didn't the rope

would break and everyone would die. No-one could decide who should go so

finally the woman gave a really touching speech, saying how she would give

up her life to save theirs because women were used to giving up things for

their husbands and children.....giving into men and that after all men were

the superior sex and must be saved.

 

When she finished speaking, all the men clapped.

 

Ann - Scotland

[Guest guest]

OK Ann - that was a really good one!!