St. Mary's Parish Nurse Ministry Program
Ruth E. Williams, RN, MEPD, MSN

Dear Viewers, Peace to all in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. "A joyful heart is the health of the body, but a depressed spirit dries up the bones." (Proverbs 17:22) This beautiful month of May brings joy, new life, flowers, gardens and is known as National High Blood Pressure and Lyme Disease Awareness Month. Let us examine the concepts of laughter and humor. Is there a connection between laughter, humor and health? The root word for humor is from Latin "umor" meaning fluid or liquid referring to energy. The words "to heal" is from the root word "haelen" which means to make sound or whole.

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There is a Norwegian saying "He who laughs, lasts." (www.byregion.net/articles-healers/humorhealing.html) Read about Issac in the bible which means "laughter". To name some things laughter does for our health are: Laughter helps blood vessels function better. (www.medicalnewstoday.com). Lowers blood pressure. Increases energy. Reduces anger and anxiety Reduces pain in muscles. Laughter exercises the muscles of the diaphragm, face, arms abdomen and back. Decreases the sed rate indicating decrease in the inflammation process. Laughter and humor are social and are to be shared with others. Have your blood pressure taken periodially and see your health care provider. "Beloved, I hope you are in good health-May you thrive in all other ways as you do in the spirit." (3 John 2) Happy Mother's Day May 14th. Celebrate Ascension Thursday May 25th