| Laugh Yourself Healthy
When comedian Robert Schimmel was told he had Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, he didn’t miss a beat. “Just my luck,” he said to his surgeon. “I got the one not named after the guy.” Schimmel’s story is all about choices. He could have chosen to dive off the emotional deep end and allow cancer to overshadow his life — and the lives of those around him. Instead, one of the biggest names in comedy chose to incorporate humour into his healing as much as possible — a decision he believes dramatically influenced his body’s ability to fight and win, his battle with cancer. A strong immune system is crucial to optimal health. That’s why we provide patients with a wealth of immune-boosting information regarding proper nutrition, exercise and the benefits of scheduling regular chiropractic appointments. Laughter, as it turns out, also has a positive effect on the immune system. It does this by increasing the production and release of natural killer (NK) cells. Research reveals that “low NK cell activity is linked to decreased disease resistance.” (Altern Ther Health Med 2003;9:38-45.) Laughter also diminishes inflammation within the body, further preventing disease processes (Fam Pract News 2001;31:19).Dr. Barbara Smith |
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