By Dennie Quill, ContributorTHE DEATH of comedian Bob Hope at the ripe old age of 100 has got me thinking about what, if any, link exists between longevity and humour. George Burns, another comedian weathered many storms and he too died at 100. Our own Miss Lou, Jamaica's first lady of comedy who we honour this week is batting well at 84.
Born in Eltham, England, Hope was taken to the United States by his parents at age four and spent his life entertaining millions with his wit. He will be specially remembered for bringing cheer to the world especially at Christmas time. I had new respect for Hope when I learnt that he had a fear of flying yet that did not stop him from covering thousands of miles to bring a chuckle to American servicemen and women. And for him to be married to the same woman for 69 years is also something exceptional.
NEW RESEARCH
We knew all along that laughter is good for us. It is written right there in Proverbs 17:22. However, having a great appetite to learn more about everything I hit the search engines to try and explore laughter benefits. And there are many. Fascinating new research not only endorses the ancient biblical claim, it goes further to make an important link between laughter and medical benefits. They say laughter can lower blood pressure, in-crease vascular flow and boost the immune system.
For example, researchers say people who have survived a heart attack are less likely to have a second attack, need less medication and have lower blood pressure if they experience half an hour of humour daily. And when you smile, not only do you use 13 different facial muscles, you release endorphins in the brain, which help to ease pain and make you feel good.
Dr. William Fry, of Stanford University who has been studying laughter and health for more than 30 years, says 16 major organs including the lungs are affected when one laughs.
HUMOUR SPECIALISTS
Americans have taken this thing so seriously that many hospitals now have humour specialists on staff. In France, clowns have become part of the medical team to help recuperating patients. Britain opened its first National Health Service-endorsed laughter clinic in 1991. In India, it has been recognised that humour is one of the sharpest weapons to chip away at stress, so they started a laughing club in 1995.
Within a year there were 80 such clubs throughout India. So if laughter is so good for us why aren't we laughing more? When was the last time you had a good belly laugh? Did you know that laughing 100 times is equivalent to 15 minutes on an exercise bicycle? How do our health-care professionals rate laughter therapy in this over-prescribed chemical world?
There was a time when Jamaicans used to be a happy people, hailing strangers as they make their way through life. That was then. Indeed, we are living in tough times: you can't send your little girls to school and be sure they will return home safely; you can't readily go shopping with one's husband if he's a policeman, he could be shot to death, and even as I write there are other dangers lurking out there.
FUNNY VIDEO
But I believe in the theory that we are less likely to succumb to feelings of depression and helplessness if we are able to laugh at what is troubling us. So husbands, when you have a spat in the home instead of throwing a fist at your wife or taking the belt to your son, put on a funny video and invite the family to watch with you. Have some popcorn or ice-cream. I guarantee that you will feel better.
On an average children laugh 400 times a day while adults can only manage 15. Perhaps we should all pledge to explore the child in us and see what results. And before you start your day's work open The Gleaner to the editorial page and view the cartoon most times you will laugh your head off. Try this for a week and see whether you agree that laughter should find a place in the new concepts of healing and wellness.
RURAL FOLK
Men like Bob Hope, Robin Wil-liams and our own Oliver Samuels are able to make us laugh at each other and ourselves. Sadly, many of our rural folk are no longer able to go to the movies to enjoy good humour. The movie theatre has been out of fashion for decades.
One will point to emerging technology in trying to explain the change. Yes, the videos, cable and DVD have replaced the movie theatres of yesterday but I submit, it is not the same. Some savvy investor out there should take a hard look at rural life and perhaps he would conclude that movie theatres have a place in modern Jamaica. America is one of the greatest hi-tech societies and movie theatres appear to be doing thriving business there even with video on demand, and satellite communication.
It has something to do with that feel good attitude. Lovers holding hands and gazing into each other's eyes or stealing a kiss in the dark, family members laughing together, friends enjoying an evening out. "A merry heart doeth good like a medicine"; Proverbs 17:22.
Dennie Quill is a veteran journalist.
