Performers sometimes must change their tune!

…are the reason for the visit!

I remember the day well. We had just begun our Clown Rounds, and she came flying around the corner. When she got a look at us, she broke out into a huge, beautiful smile and warmly laughed, at the surprising sight standing before her. As I remember it, I think her laugh may have been one of those laughs of welcome-relief-to-see-us kind of laughs. You know — the kind that is relaxed, not forced, and maybe even a little self-soothing. She had just arrived at the hospital from out-of-town, to be by her father’s bedside.

Not hesitating one moment, she invited us in to meet him and spend a few precious minutes with them. We hadn’t even knocked on his door, before she greeted us and swept us away, inside his still, calm room. We accepted her gracious invitation and stepped into Center Ring. As always, we approached gently, quietly, so as not to disturb the sleeping older gentleman. I don’t believe his eyes opened the entire time we were in his room. But his daughter couldn’t keep her eyes off of us, and we talked and laughed and shared and had a wonderful visit.

As she held her dear daddy’s hand, she told him about us, and explained we were here to visit. I don’t believe he stirred a bit, nor even opened an eye to see. He just continued on, getting his well-deserved rest. She began to express her appreciation of our visit and how special it was to have the serendipitous experience of running into us (nearly!) as she did. We agreed. Once we sized up the room and patient situation as the door swung open, we knew we were “there” for the visitor, this time.

No doubt the patient receives benefits from a hospital clown’s gentle presence, even with eyes closed. I have personally witnessed this. But this time, it was the joyful interaction this visitor was craving, that helped her to slip into the room, and fill the otherwise silent void.

Charlie's Chaplains' Skool

Fall is fast approaching! Along with it comes wonderful opportunities to become more active, and discover new avenues of interest. For me, fall has always been a sort-of ‘New Year,’ as I launch out on a fresh stretch of months in a ‘New School Year,’ so-to-speak.

What do you have planned? What new things will you be doing? Will you be exploring new interests or adventures? Exciting times ahead! Are you prepared? Will you be ready for Prime Time?

If your heart is leading you toward hospital or caring clowning, or healthcare performing, here are some great resources, regardless of your level of proficiency or experience:

Attend a Live Event:

Frye Regional Medical Center’s Charlie’s Chaplains’ Skool “Work of Heart: Injecting Healing Humor in Healthcare” For Hospital/Caring Clowns, Family Entertainers, Healthcare Professionals, and folks interested in establishing a hospital clown or healthcare family entertainer group, 9th consecutive Skool — Weekend/or Saturday Intensive available on September 24-25, 2010 in Hickory, NC  For info, click this link (here)

MultiMedia Training — Always available on your schedule, ongoing…

• Hospital Clowns and Healthcare Entertainers Private Mentorship Training Program, and for those Creative Arts Performers who apply generous doses of Healing Humor in the Healthcare Venue! Immediate access to all necessary materials and BONUS Gifts, upon sign-up! Ongoing program geared for all levels of experience, delivering individual mentoring on mentee’s own schedule, with training videos, audios and tried-and-true resources.
• “How to Establish a Hospital Clown or Creative Ministry Guide” Online Webinar Package, video book companion with downloadable materials, immediately available upon sign-up.
• Work of Heart: Establishing a Hospital Clown/Healthcare Family Entertainer Group – Train, Prepare & Equip: Video training, paired with 4 EBooks containing 103 pages of training materials; 4 printable booklets for your team or group training; arts enrichment/low-cost play-big group performance activities, more…Perfect companion to How to Establish a Hospital Clown or Creative Ministry Guide! Immediate access at sign-up.
• Healing Humor: Live Happy – Be Healthy! Online Audio Program — A self-paced Healing Humor online course with immediately available downloadable materials allows attendees to listen to audios at their convenience, enjoy EBooks and printables immediately! The course is presented in 5 separate audio segements, with related downloadables, all available online, to be listened to and enjoyed indefinitely, from the time of enrollment.

Join us on AHeart4Clowning TalkRadio Show on Thursday, June 17 at 1PM EDT, 10AM PT, Noon CT, for a JOY-filled interview with Nikki Jackman, founding Cheerlady of The UPliftment Programme (also known as “The UP”) in South Africa, with the purpose of “sharing the healing power of JOY.”

The UP is a not-for-profit organization rooted in South Africa since 2003. They share JOY through Care Clowning, Community Laughter & Corporate JOY Sessions. Nikki Jackman is the founding Cheerlady of The UP – she’s an actress/ voice artist and joy activist – committed to balancing her acting career with building and sharing JOY with all… she will share encouraging and inspiring insight and tell us about the many facets of The UP program and the healing power of JOY!

You can set a “show reminder” and listen online here:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/aheart4clowningtalkradio/2010/06/17/the-healing-power-of-joy-with-nikki-jackman-and-th

Listen to the show streaming L-I-V-E, or catch this show after the broadcast, from the archive.

Recently, I wrote an article on 7 Reasons Why Healthcare Facilities Need a Humor Program. The message must have resonated, based on the response. It’s not surprising, because the core concept itself is endearing to the majority of the public.

It is indeed a heartwarming thought of hospital clowns cheering sick children, or healthcare family entertainers performing for ailing patients. Without a doubt, such selfless acts are noble efforts. It’s easy to figure that through the freely-offered gift of heart, spirits are lifted and patient’s days are brightened. Perhaps that’s the ‘easy’ part to calculate in this formula.

Based upon documented fact and reliable research, the medical community recognizes and embraces the health benefits of applied humor therapy, and even encourages it. However, so many hospitals still have no Humor Program in place… leaving us to wonder – why? It couldn’t be for lack of willing volunteers, because in our trips and travels, we have met many experienced clowns and family entertainers wishing with all their hearts to spread laughter and cheer in the healthcare venue, if only given an opportunity and the necessary facility training.

Benefits of a healthcare Humor Program are far-reaching, even beyond the obvious health effects and spirit-lifting offered to patients, visitors and staff. In fact, in considering establishing a Humor Program, it is possible some related positive side effects might otherwise be missed in the big picture view amidst the flurry of planning and activity.

In the process, hospitals and healthcare facilities that establish a Humor Program may experience at least some of the following benefits for their own organization:

1) Build a reputation as a caring facility: Going that extra mile by offering something really special and totally unexpected — and not to mention different from all the other area hospitals!

2) Recognized as taking a personal approach: By providing a means for good will ambassadors to do some great PR, create smiles and happy memories that will last a long time in the hearts and minds that are touched by a special performance or gentle presence.

3) Receive a lot of promotional value and mileage: Through the positive, uplifting experiences provided purely as an ‘extra’ through a special service, given as a gesture of good will and shared freely and equally with all, throughout the facility on a regular basis.

4) Great good will and excellent community relations are cemented: When a Humor Program is well-executed, performs on a regular basis and becomes known for this ‘work’ that-looks like “play” — it is positively memorable.

Certainly quality patient care is the greatest concern of any healthcare facility. A Humor Program in tandem with and supportive of the hosting organization serves as good will abassadors, and part of the wellness team through boosting immune systems and brightening the environment. Establishing a Humor Program is a winning combination for any forward-thinking healthcare entity wanting to set themselves apart from other facilities, and building positive reputation in the process.

Does your healthcare facility have a Humor Program?

Whatever stage of development or operation your Humor Program may be, there are lots of articles, resources, and links included on this site to assist. Please feel free to explore and check out what is offered here to help the cause of injecting Healing Humor in the healthcare setting.

Receive information to help you in this effort, by signing up here to receive free updates (click on this link here)

Here is a recommended book on Injecting Healing Humor in the Healthcare Setting

The health benefits of applied humor therapy have long been recognized, supported by scientific studies and the medical community.

A true visionary, Saturday Review Editor Norman Cousins, is credited as the forerunner in this aspect, treating his painful health condition with doses of humor 46 years ago, long before contemporary thought recognized and embraced this powerful, effective therapy.

Based on a growing understanding of the associated health benefits, humor programs, hospital clowns, caring clowns and healthcare family entertainers are becoming more mainstream, although they are still not widely-available at a majority of facilities.

Here are 7 reasons why healthcare facilities need to host an in-house humor program:

1) Humor and laughter make significant contributions to both physical and mental health conditions of all who receive applications of Applied Humor Therapy, by:

• Strengthening the immune system
• Improved cardiovascular health
• Reducing pain, stress and anxiety
• Creating a more positive perspective and optimistic mood

These are but a few of the benefits associated with generous doses of Applied Humor Therapy to the recipient, with undoubtedly a residual spillover-effect to all observing the spectacle, as well as the therapist. In the truest sense, humor program participants are part of the hosting facility’s Wellness Team.

2) It’s Critical Care: Patients are always the primary focus during visitations. In the healthcare setting, the mission is to do nothing more than cheer the patients through a gentle presence, as a means of taking the patient’s mind off their current health condition or painful situation.

Success is measured if only for just a second, after entering the patient’s room they can forget or not think about their condition, through humorous intervention. They are drawn into the performance, become a part of it, empowered to assist, or even refuse a visit.

3) Lift Spirits: Visitors may be treated to entertainment in the patient’s rooms, or sometimes caught by surprise in the hallways, waiting rooms, elevators and lobby. Depending upon the situation or mood, the visitors may become the center of attention, if the patient is unable, and it seems the visitors need a cheerful interlude.

4) Uplift: Staff often welcomes joy-filled, comedic stress-relieving moments. Entertaining the staff at the nurse’s station and in the hallways as time and schedule allow, can become a much-anticipated adventure.

5) Build a Rep for Caring and Taking a Personal Approach: Great good will is established and excellent community relations are cemented when a program is well-executed and becomes well-known for this ‘work’ that-looks like play.

6) It is NOT Rocket Science to Set Up a Program: It can easily and should be be tailored to the hosting facility’s needs. With willing volunteers, the program cost can be next-to-nothing, with greater returns than any monies ever expended.

7) Add an Element of Joy and Wonder Where It’s Least Expected – Most Needed: As an added perk to a facility’s amenities, available at low-cost for the far-reaching effects on all people who come into contact with the program in action.

Does your healthcare facility have a Humor Program?

Is the staff at your healthcare facility:

• Supported by an established in-house Humor Program?
• Provided the tools and knowledge for Applied Humor Therapy in the healthcare setting?

Whatever stage of development or operation your Humor Program may be, there are lots of articles, resources, and links included on this site to assist. Please feel free to explore and check out what is offered here to help the cause of injecting Healing Humor in the healthcare setting.

My heartfelt mission is very simple: I want to help further clown arts and humor programs in hospitals and healthcare settings globally. Together in the collective sense, we are doing that – but I strive to encourage it on a much broader scale than what we are currently doing.

Please let me know how I can help you… feel free to contact me, or to submit your question by way of this online Contact Form (click this link)

MultiMedia Resources on: Applied Humor Therapy, Healing Humor, Establishing a Hospital Clown or Healthcare Family Entertainer Group, Injecting Healing Humor in the Healthcare Setting. More info on materials written, produced and published by me: click this link (here)

Here’s a great read on Humor in the Hospital, click on this link here

With my years (since 1997) in the aspect of Applied Humor Therapy in the healthcare setting, the Tribute to Norman Cousins, was especially meaningful. A true visionary, he is credited with being the forerunner in this aspect, first treating his painful health condition with doses of humor, long before contemporary thought recognized and embraced this powerful, effective therapy.

My presentation topic was based on my AHeart4Clowning book: Establishing a Hospital Clown or Healthcare Family Entertainer Group — with an add-on: Train, Prepare, Equip and Promote!

It was gratifying to present to a wonderful group of interested participants from all over the world, encouraging them in their efforts of applying healing humor in the healthcare setting.

The conference provides tremendous educational and networking opportunities. It was great to meet and share with others in this field! I really enjoyed hearing about their programs and the free-flow of shared ideas from every direction!

In addition, I was pleased to help with the traditional AATH Clowning Outreach with the talented, witty and way-fun Danny Donuts and Magic’s Royal Duke Sammy Cortino added some magic to our visit! You can see a part of our group pictured here. It was a fabulous experience…

Held in April as part of the global celebration of Humor Month, the AATH Conference draws participants from around the world. For more information about AATH, click this link (here)

Are you planning a program on Applied Humor Therapy in the Healthcare Setting, or do you want to establish a Healthcare Humor Program? I am available and currently booking speaking engagements on a variety of topics, and would welcome the opportunity to connect with you and discuss your program. Please contact me using this online form (linked here)

Healing Humor Buttons are great visual reminders of the importance     and  need for Humor in every day. Sporting a fresh design, these cool buttons feature an eye-catching new multi-color ”tie-dyed” background with a spin-off of our traditional “Healing Humor” logo and saying.

These Healing Humor Buttons are great for everyday wear, as well as on Clown Rounds!

Just released this spring, we already gleefully announced 50% of all sale proceeds for each button sold is contributed to Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor (AATH), so this is a gift that keeps on giving!

Quantity discounts are available, making them ideal for:

• Training Sessions – Participants carry the message with them!
• Humor Programs – Attendees help spread the word!
• Humor Kits – For an added lift or timely reminder!
• Lagniappes – Special surprise and treasure!
• More!

Show your support and help spread the word for “Healing Humor” as a Way of Life — NOT a Band Aid, by wearing your “Healing Humor” button, along with a smile!

For details and maybe snag one of your own, click on this link for: HealingHumorButtons

New Design!

As the world grows increasingly gray, the need for humor in every day life is paramount… recognizing the need and seeking out ways to enahance your life by adding your own special blend of humorous ingredients offers health-boosting benefits, as well as making your world brighter!

Discover the positive health benefits of humor, how to administer generous doses of humor, in every day, for a happier healthier life!  

Now available in your choice of 2 convenient forms, with a beautifully redesigned cover:

#1: A self-paced Healing Humor online course with immediately available downloadable materials allows attendees to listen to audios at their convenience, enjoy EBooks and printables immediately! The course is presented in 5 separate audio segements, with related downloadables, all available online, to be listened to and enjoyed indefinitely, from the time of enrollment.

For more info: budurl.com/HealingHumorAudio

#2 Healing Humor: Live Happy – Be Healthy Audio CD, is a physical audio CD product that includes the audio portion (only) – for your own personal copy, and as a great addition to your Humor Library and resources.

For more info: http://budurl.com/LiveHappyBeHealthyCD

The backstory of Healing Humor: Live Happy-Be Healthy Audio Program is that it was written and recorded by Becky Cortino, as part of the “Creative Arts Celebration” held at Frye Regional Medical Center in April, 2008.

Breaking News for Healing Humor: Live Happy-Be Healthy Audio Program is the flashy, cool new design!

We’re celebrating the new bright art, lighter look,  and the fact that so many people have been enjoying this program since 2008!

Blast off for National Humor Month!

Join the laughter, join the FUN

– National Humor Month is for everyone!

Share a joke here, and a laugh there

– help spread levity everywhere!

NO joke — April 1st — “April Fool’s Day” kicks off National Humor Month!

Launched in 1976 by best-selling humorist Larry Wilde, Director of The Carmel Institute of Humor, National Humor Month is now joyfully promoted and orchestrated by event director  Steve Wilson, Founder/President of  World Laughter Tour aka “Cheerman of the Bored” and well-known as America’s Favorite Joyologist.

Here are some great links, to get you started… National Humor Month

Join in all the FUN — help share the mirth for all you’re worth

Applied Humor in the healthcare setting has tangible benefits!

Therapeutic Clowns are gathering in Toronto this week to learn more about delivering Applied Humor Therapy through clown arts in the healthcare venue!

Here is an insightful interview dicsussing the health benefits of healing humor by CTVglobemedia with Dr. Peter Spitzer aka “Dr. Froot Loop,” a medical doctor from Australia and co-founder of The Humour Foundation, and Fools for Health founder “Dr. Haven’t a Clue,” professor Bernie Warren of Canada, on this week’s conference and tangible research-based results of Applied Humor Therapy:

Click on this link here, to view the online interview…

Take-away Points from this great interview:

• Therapeutic Clown’s Perspective is what’s “right” in the situation.
• The Applied Humor Therapy is referred to as “Open Heart” Sugery.
• Today, there are thousands of clowns doing this important work around the world!