Thursday, November 27, 2008

Patients treat serious illness as laughing matter (AP)

Social worker Gloria Nelson, right, a specialist in senior oncology, shares jokes with Rita Mattioli, center, and Burton Pearce, and Luz Rodriguez, left, during a group laugh therapy session at Montefiore-Einstein Cancer Center in  New York, Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2008. While the verdict is still out on whether laughter plays a role in healing, the American Cancer Society and other medical experts say it reduces stress and promotes relaxation by lowering blood pressure, improves breathing and increases muscle function. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)AP - The off-color jokes flew around the room. As the anecdotes got bawdier, the laughter intensified. Some recited from memory, others read from notebooks they brought along.


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