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.
Want some answers for:
Fibromyalgia? – Fibroids? - Endometriosis? - Lack of libido? - Dry skin? - Weight gain? - Achy joints? - Skin problems? – Osteoporosis? – Depression? - Hot flashes? – Mood swings? - Lumpy breasts? - Heart problems? – Cancer? - And much more…Want some answers?You can post any question you want in this group. Someone always has some good answers for you. Health articles come to you on a regular basis. This group is a family of women who care about each other.Go to: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/balancedwomen/ and click to join this group! (You will be asked to set up a FREE yahoo email account at this same time – easy to do – and handy to have).
5. Inspirational Moment
PROVERBS 17:22
A merry heart doeth good like a medicine.
The Joy of the Lord is My Strength
Habakkuk 3:17 &18 - "Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labor of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall no herd be in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation." (KJV)
A favorite character in the Bible is Job. A lot of people talk about the "patience of Job", and yet there was more than just patience at risk. One after another, messengers brought news, "While he was still speaking....” And yet, after losing his herds, his home, his servants, and finally his family, he still praised God.
Satan's one desire is to break us Christians, troubles and trials are always coming our way! It seems that sometimes the more we follow God's plan for our lives, the harder things get.
And yet, God is the God of circumstances, too. No matter how bleak it seems, He is in control.
How we face the trials and troubles that come our way determine whether we win or lose the battle. The war is already won, but the battles are ours.
It's easier to face today when we know that God has promised us tomorrow. Isaiah 64:4 says, "For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither eye seen, O God, beside Thee, what He hath prepared for him that waiteth for Him."
Fight on, Oh Christian, remember that our God reigns, He has already determined the outcome. Hold fast, O Warrior, keep your eye on tomorrow, and Praise the Lord.
A merry heart doeth good like a medicine.
The Joy of the Lord is My Strength
Habakkuk 3:17 &18 - "Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labor of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall no herd be in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation." (KJV)
A favorite character in the Bible is Job. A lot of people talk about the "patience of Job", and yet there was more than just patience at risk. One after another, messengers brought news, "While he was still speaking....” And yet, after losing his herds, his home, his servants, and finally his family, he still praised God.
Satan's one desire is to break us Christians, troubles and trials are always coming our way! It seems that sometimes the more we follow God's plan for our lives, the harder things get.
And yet, God is the God of circumstances, too. No matter how bleak it seems, He is in control.
How we face the trials and troubles that come our way determine whether we win or lose the battle. The war is already won, but the battles are ours.
It's easier to face today when we know that God has promised us tomorrow. Isaiah 64:4 says, "For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither eye seen, O God, beside Thee, what He hath prepared for him that waiteth for Him."
Fight on, Oh Christian, remember that our God reigns, He has already determined the outcome. Hold fast, O Warrior, keep your eye on tomorrow, and Praise the Lord.
