By Mary Heisick, MSW It can start with a smirk, a chuckle or a few giggles. It’s usually accompanied by a smile. For some, a wide grin. As intensity deepens, some notice uncontrollable shaking. Others may be driven to tears. No matter the reaction, it always delivers a feeling of well-being! Lucy and Ethel had us doing it weekly (and now daily) with their comedic antics. Their loving, sometimes chaotic friendship provided happy resolutions. Episode endings always included contagious, rib-tickling, laughing-out-loud roars from Rickie and Fred, as well as their audience! As a newly diagnosed, chronic kidney disease (CKD) patient, I was overwhelmed. I sought out help from experienced kidney patients at a local support group. I learned that humor had a home at these meetings. Someone would share a funny story about a recent medical experience. One story would lead to another, and soon the “group-laughs” that followed made us all feel better. I slowly developed a calmness within that enabled me to cope with the stress and fear about my own health situation. Observing how “well-known” folks utilize laughter to manage living with a chronic disease can be inspiring. Stricken with polio at the age of 39, Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR) never gave up his fight to walk again. As our 32 nd President, he led our country through the Great Depression and World War II. These words reflect his sense of humor and determination: “When you come to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on.” Michael J. Fox kept us in stitches with situation comedies and memorable, funny films. Now he campaigns for medical research to fight Parkinson’s disease. We see him occasionally in a cameo appearance as his body allows. This amusing quote describes his battle with the tremors and quivers of his limbs: “Having Parkinson’s at an auction can be an expensive proposition.” Medical experts agree, the whole body enjoys a good laugh! They claim the experience stimulates hearts and lungs, and temporarily raises blood pressure. It deepens breathing and oxygenates blood. It produces immune cells, releases endorphins and burns calories. When laughing stops, muscles and arteries relax. Blood pressure and pulse are lowered. Laughter requires no pills and no shots. It’s a prescription that leaves one feeling exhilarated! Why not try it? Exercise those “laughing” muscles at least once a day. Hilarity is available 24/7 on television. There’s even a Comedy Channel! You can find funny stories on the radio, in newspapers, books, tapes or magazines. Try a funny movie at the neighborhood cinema, an evening at the Improv or a musical comedy. Attend an AAKP meeting and tell a joke. See what happens! I did it. I tried laughing out loud. It felt good. Good enough to be sure I take a daily dose. The reality is I remain a person living with CKD and will for the rest of my life. There have been, and will be, ups and downs with CKD. However, I discovered my body responds positively to laughter and joy. It’s a good thing. It has been proven through the work of a very well-known medical clown; humor and health expert, Dr. Hunter “Patch” Adams. Consider taking his advice: “Joy is more important than any other drug.” Resources: Franklin Delano Roosevelt: Champion of Freedom, Conrad Black Healing Through Humor, Charles and Frances Hunter Lucky Man: A Memoir, Michael J. Fox Mary Heisick, MSW, is a transplant recipient. She is a former member of the AAKP Board of Directors.
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