"Laughing releases serotonin, increases T cells, increases endorphins and improves the immune system." Dr. Greg Markway, a St. Mary's psychologist, says humor is also a great form of preventative medicine.
Jefferson City --- The chaplain with a pig snout visiting patients in Jefferson City's St. Marys Health Center personifies what many medical professionals and researchers are prescribing for their patients --- a good dose of humor.
Medical professionals agree patients' health is no laughing matter, but they are increasingly looking to a growing body of evidence indicating humor's benefits for physical and mental health, as well as patient-caregiver relationships.
After getting to know them, Chaplain Jim Gearhart intentionally uses humor to relate to patients, their families and hospital staff.
But lightening the mood need not mean silly costumes or telling a joke, Gearhart said.
Peggy Van Gundy, St. Marys director of mission effectiveness, said humor in the medical workplace is needed to let out some of the tension.
"It's a way of venting all the emotion inside when dealing with life and death situations," she said.
Like many medical professionals, Linda Schultz, licensed psychologist department supervisor at Capital Region Medical Center in Jefferson City, selectively incorporates humor in her patients' treatment.
Some T cells, a type of white blood cell, can increase immune response.
Serotonin, a neurotransmitter, is key to mood regulation.
Endorphins, "the body's natural painkiller," are made in response to pain or extreme physical exertion.
Stress causes these responses to go in the opposite direction, causing negative thoughts and paranoia, while observing things from a different angle using humor can give people greater problem-solving ability, Schultz said.
Dr. Greg Markway, a St. Marys psychologist, cited several studies demonstrating the adverse effects of stress and depression upon heart health.
He said cortisol, a stress hormone, affects heart rate and blood pressure, so anything a person can do to reduce stress and feel more optimistic will have a positive influence.