Funny Business

Enjoying a good laugh can be good for your body and soul

By Philip Billnitzer

Work hard. It’s the kind of good, solid advice you get from your parents, teachers and coaches throughout your life. However, there’s another bit of advice that might not be quite so obvious that you should also take to heart. That advice, studies show, is to laugh hard, and to laugh more often than the 17 times a day the average American adult does.

Research indicates laughter lowers stress hormones like cortisol and the fight-or-flight hormone epinephrine, while strengthening the immune system. It drops blood pressure, increases infection-fighting antibodies and can lead to cognitive and physiological changes that make you feel better.

Patricia Averill, an associate professor and director of research and program education at the University of Texas Harris County Psychiatric Center, says laughter boosts the autonomic nervous system. When you’re laughing, at least in the precise moment of laughing, it’s impossible for you to be depressed at the same time. Laughter, she says, changes the mechanics and the chemicals of the body in a fundamental way.

“Even if you have a gallows sense of humor, it still does its magic,” Averill says.

Laugh It Up

Laughter itself is something of a workout. The physical act of laughing uses 15 facial muscles and involves the diaphragm, abs and respiratory system. Better yet, it can lead to new social connections that make working out more enjoyable. Many physical activities–golf, tennis and most team sports–are highly conducive to laughter and sharing.

If you’re more into being serious-minded and solitary while you workout, it may be a good idea to designate time for laughter. A 2005 Texas A&M University study suggests many people would be well-advised to take a “laughter break” during their lunch hour. Doing so may require taking a humorous book to work, listening to a comedy CD or calling a friend who can crack you up.

A University of Maryland study shows laughter protects against heart attacks by improving blood vessel function by at least 20 percent. In 1987, the American Association for Therapeutic Humor (aath.org) was formed with a mission to promote health and wellness by stimulating playful discovery. Its membership has grown dramatically, indicating that using humor as therapy is now a growing and successful industry.

Famous Frivolity

Humor can be a trademark when it comes to sports and fitness. Where would Muhammad Ali have been without his whimsical poems? Would Mark “The Bird” Fidrych have recorded as many strikeouts as he did and become a national phenomenon if he had not appeared absolutely loopy while talking to the baseball on the mound? Would Magic Johnson have been the same without his “What, me worry?” smile? Mary Lou Retton’s incandescent smile became the signature of the 1984 Olympic games.

Laughter can be used to overcome grief, increase self confidence and deal with workplace anger. It can even be used to make yoga more fun. For example, a program called “Laughter Yoga” is coming to the Texas Yoga Center in Houston in August.

“But … Seriously, Folks”

Humor is being used in a new approach to help control childhood obesity. The Gliner Center for Humor at the University of Maryland recently concluded studies that demonstrate humor-based practices could lead to substantial gains in knowledge about nutrition and fitness in children. In fact, a study led by Sharon Simson indicates children often go home and tell their parents jokes about nutrition that they heard at school.

“If you have five oranges in one hand and five pears in one hand, what do you have?” Answer, “Very large hands.”

“How do you make a strawberry shake?” Answer, “Take it to a scary movie.”

(OK, it’s not exactly Chris Rock or Dane Cook caliber, but you get the idea!)

“Humor has not been fully conceptualized as a means to impact major concerns on a societal level,” Simson writes in a study. She suggests skits, improvisation, comic strips, jokes, anecdotes and humorous games can be utilized in a sort of “comedy arsenal” to combat large problems on a personal level.

Laughter can also be a useful tool in pain management. Averill says she’s even witnessed the path to better mental and physical fitness start with a good laugh, but says it would be difficult to implement humor as public policy on a governmental level. “It’s probably better handled on a corporate level,” she says.

Apple, one of the most innovative companies in the world, for example, is known for encouraging light hearted activities, such as staging volleyball games in the middle of the workday.

“The important thing is to have some refreshment for your mind and body everyday,” Averill says. “That’s why genuine laughter is so important.”

Contributing editor Philip Billnitzer is a freelance writer. Contact him at

billnitzer@hotmail.com.

The Healthy Chef

Houston’s top chefs offer tips on healthy cooking

Robert Del Grande

Café Annie

“There is no healthy or unhealthy cooking. A beautifully fried chicken or a handmade doughnut (preferably filled with some exquisite berry jam) can be excellent examples of wonderful cooking. A wood-grilled steak well brushed with butter and dusted with crushed sea salt is a grail to be chased.

“But what is healthy or unhealthy? It all depends on habit. Narrow and unimaginative eating habits lead to poor diets. I believe that the person with the longest list of favorite foods has the best diet. If you only love steak and potatoes, what are your chances of eating healthy? I am frequently asked, ‘If you’re a chef, why aren’t you fat?’ And I answer, ‘because I strive not to eat the same taste or texture twice!’ (In all fairness, moderation is the key, but even Mark Twain thought moderation was best taken in moderation.)

“The key to healthy eating is to develop imaginative eating habits. One of the frequently overlooked and under appreciated aspects of healthy eating is the role of texture in taste. Texture satisfies as much as flavor (I use the old equation: taste = flavor + texture). For example, well-roasted tomatoes in a tomato salsa have an oily texture but with no fat. Much of the satisfaction of tortilla chips comes from the crunch. Slices of jicama are equally crisp and crunchy.

“The spice of chiles and the tang of lime juice satisfy the palate not only with flavor, but with zippy textures. A simple steamed or baked chicken breast topped with chopped fresh chiles and lime juice will take your palate on a wild low-fat ride. Seek new flavors and, especially, new and different textures.”

The Art of Compassion and Philanthropy

Author and human rights activist Barbara J. Elliott appears on “Living Smart With Patricia Gras” this month to discuss the roots of compassion and philanthropy and how to do it effectively.

Elliott won the national Eleanor Roosevelt Award for human rights in 2001 for her work revitalizing communities. She is the founder of the Working Connection, an organization that empowers people in transition (former inmates, addicts, the homeless, etc.) She is also the author of “Street Saints: Renewing America’s Cities,” based on more than 300 interviews conducted across the country. She met people with vast experience in helping those in need.

“I found people who were working in America, taking broken lives, and making them whole, and I went on a real mission to seek them out. I became their advocate,” Elliott says.

Elliott is also the president of the Center for Renewal, a resource center she founded in 1997 for faith-based organizations. Elliot insists there are many ways to be compassionate through money, awards, and recognition, “but to be truly smartly compassionate, it takes that ongoing relationship, a one-on-one mentoring relationship where you show up once a week for an hour for a whole year that changes lives. It changes you, as well as the person that you’re reaching out to.”

“Living Smart with Patricia Gras” airs on Sundays at 3 p.m. and repeats on Thursdays at 1 p.m. on HoustonPBS Channel 8.

Other “Living Smart” guests and topics in May:

Anthony Green, Ph.D., on youth violence prevention

Adele Gorody, on care giving

Garth Jowett, Ph.D., on critical thinking skills and media literacy

Jamey Summerfield, on naturopathy and adrenal fatigue

For more information, visit www.Houstonpbs.org/livingsmart or www.Patriciagrasblogspot.com.

—Patricia Gras

World Hepatitis Day

The Hepatitis Foundation International (HFI) has designated May 19 as “World Hepatitis Day” to bring attention to the potentially deadly disease.

According to the HFI, hepatitis is a general term that means “inflammation of the liver.” The disease is only detectable through a blood test, and there are three forms of hepatitis: A, B and C.

Hepatitis A (HAV). One of the most frequently reported vaccine-preventable diseases in the U.S. Hepatitis A will clear up on its own in a few weeks or months with no serious after effects. The person is then immune for life to HAV.

Hepatitis B (HBV). About 80,000 Americans are infected with HBV each year. There are two medications designed to treat HBV: interferon and Lamivudine. About 95 percent of adults recover from HBV within six months and develop an immunity to it. About five percent become chronically infected and can become a carrier.

Hepatitis C (HCV). More than 3.9 million Americans have been infected with HCV, with about 2.7 million becoming carriers. HCV is a slow progressing disease that may take 10 to 40 years to cause liver damage. Injection drug use accounts for nearly 60 percent of all new cases. Three types of interferon, plus a combination of interferon and ribavirin, are used to treat HCV

Roughly 20 to 30 percent of HCV sufferers become virus-free with proper treatment, but nearly 80 percent become classified as chronic. Of this group, about 25 percent develop liver failure. Unlike with HAV and HBV, which can be prevented through vaccination, there is no vaccination against HCV.

The risk factors for all types of hepatitis are similar: traveling to countries with high rates of hepatitis, engaging in unprotected sex, men who have sex with men, injection drug use, people with clotting-factor disorders, and people with chronic liver disease. Symptoms may not be present, or may be flu-like, making getting regular blood tests vital in early detection and treatment. For more information, visit Hepfi.org.

Membership Reward

Joining the HWA makes good business sense

The Houston Wellness Association’s mission is to advance the health and well-being of our community.

Some of the many benefits of joining the Association include:

•Monthly networking events to promote:

New business contacts

Employment opportunities

Strategic partnerships

Visibility for your organization

Discovering wellness talent for employment within your organization

•Cross-Collaboration opportunities

•Plan educational conferences and wellness events

•Receive and contribute to the HWA Newsletter

•Participation on committees

Become a member online at Houstonwellness.org, or by calling 713-357-9515.

Photos from the March networking event hosted by H&FSM.

Upcoming Events

May 1: Children and Family Wellness Special Interest Group Meeting

May 8 & May 22: African American Wellness Special Interest Group Meeting

May 15: Complementary & Integrative Wellness Special Interest Group Meeting

May 19: Membership Committee Meeting

May 20: Mental & Behavioral Wellness Special Interest Group Meeting

May 21: Worksite Wellness Business Forum

May Networking Event

This month’s networking event will be hosted by the Spring Branch Independent School District and takes place on May 22 at 955 Campbell Rd. from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Visit Houstonwellness.org to make reservations.

Energy Drink Taste Test

H&FSM commissioned a taste test of some of the most popular energy drinks on the market. Thirty-five testers tasted these drinks and ranked them based on flavor and their willingness to drink them again in the future. Here are the results, along with comments from testers:

1. Amp Energy Overdrive

Calories per serving: 110*

Sugars: 29g

Caffeine: N/A

Comments: “Tastes like Mountain Dew. Like a fizzy red fruit punch. Reminds me of red Lifesavers.”

2. Monster Energy

Calories per serving: 100

Sugars: 27g

Caffeine: N/A

Comments: “Too fizzy. Tastes like carbonated, watered down cough syrup. But it’s the only energy drink I like.”

3. Rockstar Energy

Calories per serving: 140

Sugars: 31g

Caffeine: 80mg

Comments: “Tastes like fizzy bubble gum. Too watery, citrusy and medicinal.”

4. Full Throttle

Calories per serving: 110

Sugars: 29g

Caffeine: N/A

Comments: “Lemony. Tastes like fizzy, undiluted Gatorade. Interesting, but I wouldn’t want to drink more.”

5. Sobe No Fear

Calories per serving: 130

Sugars: 33g

Caffeine: 87 mg

Comments: “Smells good, but tastes too sweet. Syrupy. Really bad aftertaste.”

6. Red Bull

Calories per serving: 110

Sugars: 27g

Caffeine: N/A

Comments: “Tastes like cough medicine. Horrible aftertaste. Bitter and strong. Very sweet and syrupy.”


Your Health

Enjoying a good laugh can be good for your body and soul By Philip Billnitzer Work hard. It’s the kind of good, solid advice you get from your parents, teachers and coaches throughout your life. However, there’s another bit of advice that might not be quite so obvious that you should also take to heart. That advice, studies show, is to laugh hard, and to laugh more often than the 17 times a day the average American adult does. Research indicates laughter lowers stress hormones like cortisol and the fight-or-flight hormone epinephrine, while strengthening the immune system. It drops blood pressure, increases infection-fighting antibodies and can lead to cognitive and physiological changes that make you feel better. Patricia Averill, an associate professor and director of research and program education at the University of Texas Harris County Psychiatric Center, says laughter boosts the autonomic nervous system. When you’re laughing, at least in the precise moment of laughing, it’s impossible for you to be depressed at the same time. Laughter, she says, changes the mechanics and the chemicals of the body in a fundamental way. “Even if you have a gallows sense of humor, it still does its magic,” Averill says. Laugh It Up Laughter itself is something of a workout. The physical act of laughing uses 15 facial muscles and involves the diaphragm, abs and respiratory system. Better yet, it can lead to new social connections that make working out more enjoyable. Many physical activities–golf, tennis and most team sports–are highly conducive to laughter and sharing. If you’re more into being serious-minded and solitary while you workout, it may be a good idea to designate time for laughter. A 2005 Texas A&M University study suggests many people would be well-advised to take a “laughter break” during their lunch hour. Doing so may require taking a humorous book to work, listening to a comedy CD or calling a friend who can crack you up. A University of Maryland study shows laughter protects against heart attacks by improving blood vessel function by at least 20 percent. In 1987, the American Association for Therapeutic Humor (aath.org) was formed with a mission to promote health and wellness by stimulating playful discovery. Its membership has grown dramatically, indicating that using humor as therapy is now a growing and successful industry. Famous Frivolity Humor can be a trademark when it comes to sports and fitness. Where would Muhammad Ali have been without his whimsical poems? Would Mark “The Bird” Fidrych have recorded as many strikeouts as he did and become a national phenomenon if he had not appeared absolutely loopy while talking to the baseball on the mound? Would Magic Johnson have been the same without his “What, me worry?” smile? Mary Lou Retton’s incandescent smile became the signature of the 1984 Olympic games. Laughter can be used to overcome grief, increase self confidence and deal with workplace anger. It can even be used to make yoga more fun. For example, a program called “Laughter Yoga” is coming to the Texas Yoga Center in Houston in August. “But … Seriously, Folks” Humor is being used in a new approach to help control childhood obesity. The Gliner Center for Humor at the University of Maryland recently concluded studies that demonstrate humor-based practices could lead to substantial gains in knowledge about nutrition and fitness in children. In fact, a study led by Sharon Simson indicates children often go home and tell their parents jokes about nutrition that they heard at school. “If you have five oranges in one hand and five pears in one hand, what do you have?” Answer, “Very large hands.” “How do you make a strawberry shake?” Answer, “Take it to a scary movie.” (OK, it’s not exactly Chris Rock or Dane Cook caliber, but you get the idea!) “Humor has not been fully conceptualized as a means to impact major concerns on a societal level,” Simson writes in a study. She suggests skits, improvisation, comic strips, jokes, anecdotes and humorous games can be utilized in a sort of “comedy arsenal” to combat large problems on a personal level. Laughter can also be a useful tool in pain management. Averill says she’s even witnessed the path to better mental and physical fitness start with a good laugh, but says it would be difficult to implement humor as public policy on a governmental level. “It’s probably better handled on a corporate level,” she says. Apple, one of the most innovative companies in the world, for example, is known for encouraging light hearted activities, such as staging volleyball games in the middle of the workday. “The important thing is to have some refreshment for your mind and body everyday,” Averill says. “That’s why genuine laughter is so important.” Contributing editor Philip Billnitzer is a freelance writer. Contact him at billnitzer@hotmail.com. Back to top The Healthy Chef Houston’s top chefs offer tips on healthy cooking Robert Del Grande Café Annie “There is no healthy or unhealthy cooking. A beautifully fried chicken or a handmade doughnut (preferably filled with some exquisite berry jam) can be excellent examples of wonderful cooking. A wood-grilled steak well brushed with butter and dusted with crushed sea salt is a grail to be chased. “But what is healthy or unhealthy? It all depends on habit. Narrow and unimaginative eating habits lead to poor diets. I believe that the person with the longest list of favorite foods has the best diet. If you only love steak and potatoes, what are your chances of eating healthy? I am frequently asked, ‘If you’re a chef, why aren’t you fat?’ And I answer, ‘because I strive not to eat the same taste or texture twice!’ (In all fairness, moderation is the key, but even Mark Twain thought moderation was best taken in moderation.) “The key to healthy eating is to develop imaginative eating habits. One of the frequently overlooked and under appreciated aspects of healthy eating is the role of texture in taste. Texture satisfies as much as flavor (I use the old equation: taste = flavor + texture). For example, well-roasted tomatoes in a tomato salsa have an oily texture but with no fat. Much of the satisfaction of tortilla chips comes from the crunch. Slices of jicama are equally crisp and crunchy. “The spice of chiles and the tang of lime juice satisfy the palate not only with flavor, but with zippy textures. A simple steamed or baked chicken breast topped with chopped fresh chiles and lime juice will take your palate on a wild low-fat ride. Seek new flavors and, especially, new and different textures.” The Art of Compassion and Philanthropy Author and human rights activist Barbara J. Elliott appears on “Living Smart With Patricia Gras” this month to discuss the roots of compassion and philanthropy and how to do it effectively. Elliott won the national Eleanor Roosevelt Award for human rights in 2001 for her work revitalizing communities. She is the founder of the Working Connection, an organization that empowers people in transition (former inmates, addicts, the homeless, etc.) She is also the author of “Street Saints: Renewing America’s Cities,” based on more than 300 interviews conducted across the country. She met people with vast experience in helping those in need. “I found people who were working in America, taking broken lives, and making them whole, and I went on a real mission to seek them out. I became their advocate,” Elliott says. Elliott is also the president of the Center for Renewal, a resource center she founded in 1997 for faith-based organizations. Elliot insists there are many ways to be compassionate through money, awards, and recognition, “but to be truly smartly compassionate, it takes that ongoing relationship, a one-on-one mentoring relationship where you show up once a week for an hour for a whole year that changes lives. It changes you, as well as the person that you’re reaching out to.” “Living Smart with Patricia Gras” airs on Sundays at 3 p.m. and repeats on Thursdays at 1 p.m. on HoustonPBS Channel 8. Other “Living Smart” guests and topics in May: Anthony Green, Ph.D., on youth violence prevention Adele Gorody, on care giving Garth Jowett, Ph.D., on critical thinking skills and media literacy Jamey Summerfield, on naturopathy and adrenal fatigue For more information, visit www.Houstonpbs.org/livingsmart or www.Patriciagrasblogspot.com. —Patricia Gras World Hepatitis Day The Hepatitis Foundation International (HFI) has designated May 19 as “World Hepatitis Day” to bring attention to the potentially deadly disease. According to the HFI, hepatitis is a general term that means “inflammation of the liver.” The disease is only detectable through a blood test, and there are three forms of hepatitis: A, B and C. Hepatitis A (HAV). One of the most frequently reported vaccine-preventable diseases in the U.S. Hepatitis A will clear up on its own in a few weeks or months with no serious after effects. The person is then immune for life to HAV. Hepatitis B (HBV). About 80,000 Americans are infected with HBV each year. There are two medications designed to treat HBV: interferon and Lamivudine. About 95 percent of adults recover from HBV within six months and develop an immunity to it. About five percent become chronically infected and can become a carrier. Hepatitis C (HCV). More than 3.9 million Americans have been infected with HCV, with about 2.7 million becoming carriers. HCV is a slow progressing disease that may take 10 to 40 years to cause liver damage. Injection drug use accounts for nearly 60 percent of all new cases. Three types of interferon, plus a combination of interferon and ribavirin, are used to treat HCV Roughly 20 to 30 percent of HCV sufferers become virus-free with proper treatment, but nearly 80 percent become classified as chronic. Of this group, about 25 percent develop liver failure. Unlike with HAV and HBV, which can be prevented through vaccination, there is no vaccination against HCV. The risk factors for all types of hepatitis are similar: traveling to countries with high rates of hepatitis, engaging in unprotected sex, men who have sex with men, injection drug use, people with clotting-factor disorders, and people with chronic liver disease. Symptoms may not be present, or may be flu-like, making getting regular blood tests vital in early detection and treatment. For more information, visit Hepfi.org. Membership Reward Joining the HWA makes good business sense The Houston Wellness Association’s mission is to advance the health and well-being of our community. Some of the many benefits of joining the Association include: •Monthly networking events to promote: New business contacts Employment opportunities Strategic partnerships Visibility for your organization Discovering wellness talent for employment within your organization •Cross-Collaboration opportunities •Plan educational conferences and wellness events •Receive and contribute to the HWA Newsletter •Participation on committees Become a member online at Houstonwellness.org, or by calling 713-357-9515. Photos from the March networking event hosted by H&FSM. Upcoming Events May 1: Children and Family Wellness Special Interest Group Meeting May 8 & May 22: African American Wellness Special Interest Group Meeting May 15: Complementary & Integrative Wellness Special Interest Group Meeting May 19: Membership Committee Meeting May 20: Mental & Behavioral Wellness Special Interest Group Meeting May 21: Worksite Wellness Business Forum May Networking Event This month’s networking event will be hosted by the Spring Branch Independent School District and takes place on May 22 at 955 Campbell Rd. from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Visit Houstonwellness.org to make reservations. Energy Drink Taste Test H&FSM commissioned a taste test of some of the most popular energy drinks on the market. Thirty-five testers tasted these drinks and ranked them based on flavor and their willingness to drink them again in the future. Here are the results, along with comments from testers: 1. Amp Energy Overdrive Calories per serving: 110* Sugars: 29g Caffeine: N/A Comments: “Tastes like Mountain Dew. Like a fizzy red fruit punch. Reminds me of red Lifesavers.” 2. Monster Energy Calories per serving: 100 Sugars: 27g Caffeine: N/A Comments: “Too fizzy. Tastes like carbonated, watered down cough syrup. But it’s the only energy drink I like.” 3. Rockstar Energy Calories per serving: 140 Sugars: 31g Caffeine: 80mg Comments: “Tastes like fizzy bubble gum. Too watery, citrusy and medicinal.” 4. Full Throttle Calories per serving: 110 Sugars: 29g Caffeine: N/A Comments: “Lemony. Tastes like fizzy, undiluted Gatorade. Interesting, but I wouldn’t want to drink more.” 5. Sobe No Fear Calories per serving: 130 Sugars: 33g Caffeine: 87 mg Comments: “Smells good, but tastes too sweet. Syrupy. Really bad aftertaste.” 6. Red Bull Calories per serving: 110 Sugars: 27g Caffeine: N/A Comments: “Tastes like cough medicine. Horrible aftertaste. Bitter and strong. Very sweet and syrupy.”