Topics in this issue
1. Laughter is Medicine
2. Healthy Recipes
3. Beauty Tips
4. Our February Winner is...
5. Inspirational Moment
2. Healthy Recipes
3. Beauty Tips
4. Our February Winner is...
5. Inspirational Moment
1. Laugher is Medicine
Therapeutic Benefits of Laughter
Dr. Lee Berk 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 Berk'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:
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.
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."
An increase in the antibody IgA (immunoglobulin A), which fights upper respiratory tract insults and infections.
An increase in gamma interferon, which tells various components of the immune system to "turn on."
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.
Dr. Lee Berk 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 Berk'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:
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.
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."
An increase in the antibody IgA (immunoglobulin A), which fights upper respiratory tract insults and infections.
An increase in gamma interferon, which tells various components of the immune system to "turn on."
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, a patient was 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 and Health contributed by Paul McGhee (http://www.holistic-online.com/humor_therapy/humor_mcghee_article.htm)
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, a patient was 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 and Health contributed by Paul McGhee (http://www.holistic-online.com/humor_therapy/humor_mcghee_article.htm)
2. Healthy Recipes
White Chili (Serves 8)
6 cups white beans (canned) rinsed and drained
1 lb skinless chicken breast halves, cooked
1 medium onion, cooked
4 tsp chicken bouillon
7 oz green chiles, chopped
1 Tbsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
16 oz sour cream(non-fat)
¼ cup water
2 Tbsp cilantro (fresh), chopped
1 tsp garlic
½ cup Cheddar cheese, grated
If you are using canned beans, put in 4 cans of Great White Northern beans and a can of red or pinto beans. Rinse well. Add all other ingredient. If the chili is too thick, add more water. Serve with fresh chopped tomatoes and a pinch of grated cheese.
6 cups white beans (canned) rinsed and drained
1 lb skinless chicken breast halves, cooked
1 medium onion, cooked
4 tsp chicken bouillon
7 oz green chiles, chopped
1 Tbsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
16 oz sour cream(non-fat)
¼ cup water
2 Tbsp cilantro (fresh), chopped
1 tsp garlic
½ cup Cheddar cheese, grated
If you are using canned beans, put in 4 cans of Great White Northern beans and a can of red or pinto beans. Rinse well. Add all other ingredient. If the chili is too thick, add more water. Serve with fresh chopped tomatoes and a pinch of grated cheese.
3. Beauty Tips
Chocolate Facial Mask
Excellent moisturizer that leaves skin baby soft
Ingredients:
1/3 cup cocoa powder
3 Tablespoons heavy cream
2 teaspoons cottage cheese
¼ cup honey
3 teaspoons oatmeal
Directions:Mix all ingredients together using a small blender. Smooth onto face. Relax for ten minutes, then wash off with warm water.
Excellent moisturizer that leaves skin baby soft
Ingredients:
1/3 cup cocoa powder
3 Tablespoons heavy cream
2 teaspoons cottage cheese
¼ cup honey
3 teaspoons oatmeal
Directions:Mix all ingredients together using a small blender. Smooth onto face. Relax for ten minutes, then wash off with warm water.
4. Our Winner Is…
Congratulations to our February winner! –
Ann Kersten, Andover, MN
has won a FREE “Lemons To Laughter” book.
If you have signed up for this newsletter – your name is in the drawing! You will have the chance to win a FREE health product each month!
AND - If you haven’t already done so, I’d like to invite you to send me an email – arlenemg@hickorytech.net put HH Newsletter in the subject line – I will put you on the list so you will be registered to receive our monthly newsletter. Each month I will hold a drawing for a new winner! It could be YOU!!If you are hungry for hormonal imbalance answers – please join our support group! http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/balancedwomen/ It’s FREE! It’s easy! AND it’s important
Want to get my discount price?
* To order any products mentioned in this newsletter, simply call Neways at our toll free number and become one of my preferred customers for free. Call 800-998-7232. You will be asked for my name: Arlene Gabrielson and my Distributor ID# 208411232. The operator will make you a preferred customer of mine and you will then be allowed to order any product Neways offers at my cost. I strongly urge all of my established preferred customers to shop on my Neways website http://www.ineways.com/gabrielson/ and do some price comparing. Many of my customers that understand the powerful benefits of supplementing with nutritionals have found they were able to save a GREAT deal of money by purchasing the supplements wholesale.
Newsletter Archive
"A good laugh and a long sleep are the two best cures"
(An Irish saying)
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.
Craisin Apple Spinach Salad
(Serves 4)
1 head spinach leaves, rinsed
½ cup Craisins
1 whole apple (Fuji), chopped
1 Tbsp mustard sauce
2 Tbsp honey
3 Tbsp water
Rinse and drain spinach leaves. Make the dressing by mixing the honey, water, and mustard together. If you want more dressing, add more of each dressing ingredient. Sprinkle in the Craisins and chopped apples. Ad your dressing and toss.
(Serves 4)
1 head spinach leaves, rinsed
½ cup Craisins
1 whole apple (Fuji), chopped
1 Tbsp mustard sauce
2 Tbsp honey
3 Tbsp water
Rinse and drain spinach leaves. Make the dressing by mixing the honey, water, and mustard together. If you want more dressing, add more of each dressing ingredient. Sprinkle in the Craisins and chopped apples. Ad your dressing and toss.
Ok
– girls this is our chance to use
CHOCOLATE – don’t eat it! Just smear it
on your face!
"The art of medicine consists of keeping the patient amused while nature heals the disease." (Voltaire)
Voltaire (and your grandmother) recognized long ago that humor and laughter are good for you. You've probably noticed yourself that you simply feel better after a good belly laugh. The problem, of course, is that your sense of humor generally abandons you right when you need it the most--on the tough days. But if you manage to bring your sense of humor to your daily conflicts on your job, your relationship with your spouse and children, and your health or financial problems, you'll go a long way toward improving the quality of your life; and you'll boost your physical health and well-being in the ways discussed here…
That’s why I suggest the book ...
$15 ~ Free Shipping in USALemons to Laughter
by Tim Gabrielson
Throughout the pages of this book, Tim reminds us of the benefits of laughter and how to incorporate humor into every situation. Whether at home, work, away at college or on a date, Tim's hilarious techniques provide an entertaining break from our daily routine and give us the perfect formula of how to turn lemons into laughter.
Check
out Tim’s store and order your book
today:
http://www.keepitfunnystore.com