Gelotology

It’s study of humor and its effects on human body. Researchers are asking question, *Is laughter good medicine?* You know from your own experience that laughter breaks stress and tension. Evidence suggests that laughter enhances function of your immune system and stimulates pleasure centers in brain.

You always have choice about whether to laugh or cry. Ann remembered that as she completed an interview for job of her dreams. She bought a new suit that made her feel like she already had job. It wasn’t until she left group interview that she discovered toilet paper stuck in waist of her skirt streaming behind her like a tail. After an initial rush of embarrassment she laughed.

Prayer

We are a deeply religious nation, and many of my patients use prayer as a source of strength and comfort. Can prayer promote healing? Growing evidence from well-respected clinical studies suggests it can, although not enough evidence for medical community to conclude that prayer is good for health.

What kind of evidence would you need to use prayer as part of your health regimen? Interestingly, you would consider same factors whether you’re re-considering Vioxx or Naproxen (recently found to cause heart problems) or Aryuvedic remedies (recently found to be associated with toxic levels of heavy metals). What are desired benefits, and what are risks?

What harm could prayer do? We doctors get concerned when patients forgo conventional therapy that has proven benefit for therapies like prayer or shark cartilage that do not have proven value. Consider using mind-body therapies such as prayer together with proven medical treatment. Now, shark cartilage is another matter - and simply not proven at all.

Gratitude and giving

Some interesting, if preliminary, studies suggest that expression of gratitude and act of giving increase brain serotonin levels, same chemical change antidepressant medication helps. That might support your own experience of feeling better as you reach out to tsunami victims or express gratitude for health and safety of those you love and extraordinary richness of your life.

You have power to carry out your New Year’s resolutions, whether it’s achieving greater physical, financial or spiritual health. Who knows-maybe one day with greater understanding of mind-body connection, you doctor may prescribe power of your mind to help you get there.

Copyright 2005 Vicki Rackner MD

Do eat organic when possible and foods that are cooked fresh on a daily basis. The bulk of your diet should be whole grains, fresh fruit, vegetables and legumes.

Don’t eat meat, cheese, yogurt and frozen deserts. Don’t skip meals and eat your main meal at noon, and if possible, try to take your meals at same time each day so your body can count on consistency.

Asians consume up to 6 servings of soy foods a day, and as a result, they report a significantly lower rate of menopausal discomfort. There are currently plenty of soy products on market, but to consume equivalent of 6 cups of soymilk (and its supplement called isoflavones) is difficult and some women find taste of soy to be “chalky” and somewhat unpleasant. There is, however, a source where you can select The #1 Doctor-Recommended Soy Protein Supplement for Menopause Relief

Other things you can do to get menopause relief from its uncomfortable symptoms include mild, consistent exercise as well as other information for menopause relief on this page.

Do you have a personal menopause and/or andropause story that you could share to help others? If yes, please click here to send us your story.