Patch Adams and the Healing Power of Laughter"Every Moment is a Choice"
Laughter and humour has long been considered helpful to the healing process. Laughter helps to relieve stress, exercises the internal organs, increases oxygen to the brain, boosts endorphins, strengthens the immune system and enlightening moods and outlook on life. Dr. Hunter Campbell "Patch" Adams was the inspiration behind the movie "Patch Adams" with actor Robin Williams. After experiencing many distressing situations in his life such as the death of loved ones, Patch suffered from depression and contemplated suicide. During his stay in the mental hospital one particular patient made a difference by befriending him and making him feel loved. It is said that this patient was the one who nicknamed him 'Patch'. After he got out of the hospital he enrolled in medical school and visited patients and enjoyed doing funny things and making them laugh. Patch has continued using laughter and enjoyment throughout his career and even took it one step further and founded a hospital where doctors would work for little money, and patients would never be billed. Patch continues his work and following his dream. Every year Patch takes a troupe of volunteer clowns (no experience necessary) to Russia where they bring hope and joy to hospitals, orphanages and old people's homes. Patch is also an expert speaker on stress management, wellness, laughter and on health care systems. He encourages everyone to be happy as his most popular line is "the most revolutionary act one can commit in our world is to be happy." Yes indeed, a happy person has a stronger immune system and is much less susceptible to illness and disease…. and the symptoms of stress. According to Dr Patch Adams, laughter really is the best medicine. He is well known for his unusual way of consulting with patients. As a patient you might see your doctor wearing a red nose, dressed as a clown and riding a unicycle. The healing power of laughter and enjoyment is seen throughout the film “Patch Adams”, which is based on his work in establishing the Gesudheit Institute (1972). It is during this movie that the life and death attitude in the eyes of the health care system was challenged. Laughter and enjoyment were shown to be important in recovering from illness and allowing the body to heal. Patch Adams Official Website: www.patchadams.org (Hint: For easier viewing, push the pause button and allow video to load.)
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