Humor in the face of breast cancer? No joke! The ultimate book of wisdom, the Bible, states in Prov.
17:22: "A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.
" This ancient proverb reveals what modern research is just now uncovering: humor as a restorative therapy.
The study of laughter has a name: gelotology.
What an apt word for a funny field! Studies have shown that humor triggers brain reward centers, the same areas of the brain triggered by cocaine and amphetamines.
But while those drugs are illegal, humor is perfectly legit.
One of my favorite Web sites, the Cancer Club, has a motto I try to live by: "Don't Forget to Laugh.
" It sounds ridiculous.
How could someone forget to laugh? But many people find cancer such a serious subject that they don't see the lighter side.
When struggling through cancer treatment seven years ago I strove to find irony and puns in everyday situations.
I laughed with my cancer support group members as we related sayings and situations that tickled our funny bones.
Those outside our "cancer club" might be hesitant or embarrassed to laugh at our banter.
But we grew closer and more energized with each inside joke we shared.
During most of my "no-hair days" induced by chemo I watched funny movies and shows with my family.
In particular, I enjoyed Patch Adams because this movie lauded physicians who take therapeutic humor seriously.
Well, I have to admit I also loved his suction bulb clown nose, his angel costume and his irreverent behavior toward his stoic colleagues.
The rebel in me rejoiced at his unseemly antics in a profession that takes itself too seriously.
So go ahead and belly laugh.
Indulge in stories that tickle your funny bone.
Chuckle with like-minded people about the ironies of life.
How can it hurt? Your vitality may get just the boost it needs.