July Meeting at Ocean

As Diane JanTausch was unable to attend, our guest speaker Debbi Shar introduced herself. Debbi has worked for Meridian for many years and is currently in the Community Outreach Department.

Her topic was “Laughter is the Best Medicine.” Hasn’t everyone had a good belly laugh over a movie or TV, a book, a good joke? After the good laugh didn’t you experience a really “good” feeling of being more relaxed, less stressed? Debbi did warn us not to give up our meds - but laughter has no side effects.

After a good laugh, the brain’s transmitters release endorphins - the body’s natural painkiller. Endorphins make us feel good, lower blood sugar, lower blood pressure, dilate blood vessels allowing more oxygen to flow throughout the body, release stress hormones, release adrenalin, help to increase memory and learning. The body tends to relax and muscle tension is lessened. It also helps to dilate the cardiovascular system - allowing blood to flow more freely.

Use laughter to promote good health, not to be mean or laugh at someone or something. If you know someone who seems to be depressed they usually don’t see humor in anything. Debbi suggests surrounding yourself with up-beat people and avoiding people who are negative as they tend to bring you down.

Stress is one of the top risk factors for heart disease. Here are a few changes that can reduce stress:

make positive changes
children can help reduce stress, as can pets
happy friends or funny stories
TV or books.

A big change would be to get rid of anger, hostility or negativity.

Studies have been done showing that laughter is related to longevity - an excellent reason to have a good laugh every day.

A list of stress relievers:

Deep breathing - in through the nose till belly is extended and release slowly through the mouth. This brings more oxygen into the blood stream.
Meditation.
Guided imagery: close eyes, play quiet music, a leader will talk you through a happy “place,” or you provide your own “place” or memory.
Self-hypnosis.
Yoga.
Music, 20 minutes a day - great for relaxation.
Exercise (all roads to good health involve exercise!) releases endorphins, helps us relax, we sleep better.

On a lighter note - here are a couple of “other” uses for paper toilet seat covers often found in public bathrooms:

Bib.
As a seat saver at social functions. Put one on each chair needed to be saved and no one will sit there - because, after all, no one knows where it was last!

As her closing, Debbi showed a good portion of the very funny move “Mrs. Doubtfire,” starring Robin Williams.

A great presentation, leaving us with some positive suggestions on how to enjoy life more and help reduce stress.

Next meeting at OMC is September 22, 2009: Debra Dobies on “Nutrition and Diet.”