Tag-Archive for » Healthcare Humor Special Event «
Click here for "What is a Hospital Clown"?
This question is often asked, especially for a better understanding of the Hospital Clown’s role in the healthcare setting! Answers and some practices may vary, but the core essence remains the same.
To explain this best, AHeart4Clowning asked some friends in clowning to share their thoughts. We are pleased to present to you their insight and stories, on a special collaborative page, right here on AHeart4Clowning.com!
Armloads of Balloon Flower Bouquets of Thanks to: Deb “Giggles” Foy, Paul “Dr. Kidding, Jest Kidding” Kleinberger, Leslie “Happe” Gibson, Robin “Robbo” Burg, Cheryl “Sparkle” Oberg!
Click this link, to read: “What is a Hospital Clown“
NOTE: This is the first Special Feature in a series, part of AHeart4Clowning.com “5 Years of FAB FUN Celebration”!
Don’t miss a thing — all kinds of FUN planned throughout 2012!
You’re invited to receive our FREE Hospital Clown/Healthcare Family Entertainer/Applied Humor Therapist/SmileMaker e-Newsletter… by signing up to receive FREE Hospital Clown e-Newsletter (click on this link here)
Click here for MORE: Celebrate 5 Years of Fab FUN!
Who doesn’t like to get gifts?!
Never before in the history of this blog (begun in 2007) have we had the wonderful opp we have today, to so generously gift our AHeart4Clowning Readers!
Here’s how AHeart4Clowning Readers receive $100+ Gift, from our Heart to yours…
This is a great time to buy those books you’ve been wanting to read, get our brand NEW book, buy books for your Healing Humor friends or clowning group — at a sweet discount!
Coupon CODE: BUYMYBOOKS305
This limited-time special promotion ends on December 14, 2011 11:59PM PST
More promotion details, book ordering Tips, and to grab your own special AHeart4Clowning.com Coupon, click this link: http://www.aheart4clowning.com/2011/11/28/discount-coupon-save-25-percent-on-aheart4clowning-books-for-hospital-clowns-and-healthcare-family-entertainers/
Click this link to preview and purchase AHeart4Clowning Books: http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/beckycortino
Please Note: This promotion, any and all related terms and conditions are offered by our Publisher, and are not under our control.
$$$>>>The amount you save depends upon your purchase, of course — but at a savings, with 25% discount! Enjoy 
2) Have you read our newest book?
Injecting Healing Humor in the Healthcare Setting: Entertaining Effectively in the Healthcare Venue
This book is especially for Hospital Clowns, Healthcare Family Entertainers, Applied Humor Therapists, and SmileMakers on the topic of entertaining effectively in the healthcare setting. In addition to being a great read providing:
- Pointers and Tips for Entertaining in the Healthcare Setting
- Inspirations and Ideas for Putting Your Best Foot Forward
- Actionable Steps to be an Effective Healthcare Family Entertainer
- Journaling and List-keeping Section
$$$>>>A Special Reader BONUS Gifts ($45 Value) is included! More about this book: http://www.aheart4clowning.com/2011/09/22/new-book-injecting-healing-humor-in-the-healthcare-setting-entertaining-effectively-in-the-healthcare-venue/
Preview and purchase this book here: http://www.lulu.com/product/paperback/injecting-healing-humor-in-the-healthcare-setting/17270124
Click here to: Celebrate 5 Years of FAB FUN with Us!
3) Snag your own Comp Ticket to our 5 Years of FAB FUN Celebration in 2012! As a special “Thank you!” to everyone who has ever purchased any AHeart4Clowning book, CD, DVD (audio-or-video), a digital product or online course, we have a Special Online Event planned — details to be announced — be sure to register to receive event details, and your Complimentary Ticket to attend!
Register any purchase you make, to receive a Complimentary Ticket to attend AHeart4Clowning’s 5 Years of FAB FUN Celebration, a special “Thank you” from us to you! After you make your purchase, click this link for event details, and to register:
http://www.aheart4clowning.com/2011/11/07/aheart4clowning-celebrates-5-years-of-fab-fun/
$$$>>>5 Years of FAB FUN Online Event Ticket Valued at: $55.00(Complimentary)
Click here for More: AHeart4Cowning 4You
So, O-K — what’s the deal, how can this be?! Just over one year ago, I released a video explaining about AHeart4Clowning.com, our books and my efforts. In it, I pointed out that this site and AHeart4Clowning.com is not a “typical” ‘business model,’ for an organization to survive and thrive lol That is certainly true, and remains so!
Personally, I don’t “make a living” from this site or my efforts here, but I am pleased for the opportunity to share my knowledge and experience to benefit you. In turn, it has been a delight to meet so many like-minded folks! I wholeheartedly do believe that we make this world a better place by sharing our gifts and talents. I’ve been duly complimented by being accused of openly ‘walking my talk,’ and hopefully you can see this is evidenced as true, by all I put into this site and all AHeart4Clowning.com efforts for you…
So how can we “gift” $100 to savvy AHeart4Clowning Readers? Good question! For one thing, as they say — “timing is everything,” for us and for our Readers! All this happens to happily coincide with our upcoming 5 Years of FAB FUN Celebration, so that’s added coolness! It’s the ‘cherry on top‘!
But, this is all made possible through the excellent partnerships and long-standing working relationships we have. We are thrilled our Publisher is offering special promotions, because it means more folks are reading our books, more lights are shining in dark places crying out for it, creating miles and Miles of Smiles! YaY
Why am I offering BONUSES and a special Online Celebration? As a thank you to YOU, for your support of this cause, to bless you back. It is through your purchases of AHeart4Clowning books, our online courses and products, that this site remains here, constantly updated with fresh, new material ongoing, featuring important news that affects our ‘work,’ and spotlighting inspiring folks!
Through your comments, ideas and stories shared, ‘thumbs ups’ and sharing AHeart4Clowning.com, you have helped to make this site better. So, a heartfelt “thank you” for all of that. Thank you for all you do in your work, and also furthering this important idea of Applied Humor Therapy in the healthcare setting.
ADDED BONUSES: A series of FREE special events, features and FUN are planned for all of our AHeart4Clowning Readers throughout 2012 — stay tuned!
Click here to Stay Tuned: Lots Planned! Celebrate 5 Years of AHeart4Clowning FAB FUN in '12!
These events and FUN things will be ongoing throughout 2012, and NO registration is required — they’re for EveryBuddy!Watch this site and blog for details as they roll out 
So my hope for you, is not only increasing Joy in this work that only looks like play, but in some way I can, do and will continue to serve your needs through AHeart4Clowning.com
I sincerely hope if you buy a book, enroll in an online AHeart4Clowning course, or purchase a product from us, you will benefit greatly from it, as will all those you come into contact with, during your meandering journey.
If you never purchase anything from AHeart4Clowning.com, thank you for all you do and give, serving so actively in the Trenches! I hope you are blessed by all you find here, and what I offer helps you in your work.
Thank you one and all, for sharing Miles of Smiles!
My Heart to Yours,
Becky
Open House — whooohooo!!
Grand Opening: A Heart 4 Clowning Hospital Clown Caring Clown Resources Page on Facebook
You’re invited – please pop by! Hope you’ll “Like” A Heart 4 Clowning on Facebook and join our FUN:
Find A Heart 4 Clowning on Facebook!
Find A Heart 4 Clowning on Facebook here (or click on the above picture):
A Heart 4 Clowning Facebook Page Link:
http://www.facebook.com/AHeart4ClowningHospitalClownCaringClownResources
Our page is geared to support and encourage Hospital Clowns, Caring Clowns, Healthcare Family Entertainers, Applied Humor Therapists, and SmileMakers!
This newly-established page serves as an umbrella page for all AHeart4Clowning.com Media
Sharing appreciated – please help us pass the word to others who do this ‘work’ that looks like play – thanks ;o)
Celebrate International Mirth Month!
International Mirth Month is upon us — how will you celebrate?!
“International Mirth Month” is a humor-based celebration developed by the world’s ONLY “Jollytologist” Allen Klein, “to help people turn their Maalox Moments into more mirthful ones.”
In my interview last month with THE “Jollytologist” himself, for the Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor, Allen shared ways to use humor in coping.
It’s an established fact that the simple act of laughter has powerful physiological and psychological results. We feel better when we “lighten up,” don’t we?
The effect is not really just “in our heads,” as there are physiological reasons for this phenomenon…
Ongoing research continues, and points out the incredible positive effects humor has on the body. Humor and laughter do offer documented health benefits:
- Physiologically, laughter causes a similar exhilarating effect of strenuous exercise.
- Laughing increases oxygen intake and in the process, replenishes and invigorates cells.
- Through the action of laughter, the body’s threshold to withstand pain is increased, immunity is boosted, while relieving stress.
Research shows humor provides physical health benefits including:
Stronger immune system
Improved cardiovascular health
Reduced stress hormones
Reduced pain Muscle relaxation
…and more!
Mental health benefits, resulting in:
Less stress
Reduced anger and anxiety
Increased joy
More positive, optimistic mood
Sense of control
Increased emotional intelligence
…and more!
Humor in the Healthcare Setting
Growing evidence points out that most patients welcome the opportunity for humor and laughter during their hospital stay. This might seem to defy common sense — after all, if someone is sick enough to be in the hospital, would they actually feel like laughing? Absolutely!
One of the most effective ways of making therapeutic benefits of humor available in an ongoing and regular basis to patients is through daily interaction with the hospital staff. This can be accomplished by a Humor Program in the facility, supported by the staff and volunteers.
Humor offered and applied in this venue, helps reduce patient anxiety and tension, while promoting healing and coping with life circumstance. The affect of therapeutic humor is to provide a positive balance to a negatively-perceived or actual situation or condition.
Throughout the ages, man has recognized a correlation between mirth or humor and healing.
The earliest reliably recorded source is the Bible. About the effects of the presence of humor in our lives, Scripture says:
“A cheerful look brings joy to the heart.” ~ Proverbs 15:30
“but the cheerful heart, has a continual feast” ~ Proverbs 15:15
“A cheerful heart is good medicine.” ~ Proverbs 17:22
So — from all of us here at AHeart4Clowning: “Happy International Mirth Month”! How will you celebrate? Each-and-every-day, and well — we hope!
An added treat to help you celebrate: Jollytolgist Allen Klein was quoted, along with other notables in Psychology Today’s “25 Quotes on Humor” (to read, click this link here)
Are you interested in learning more about Healing Humor…
Healing Humor: Live Happy – Be Healthy (2 formats — your choice of: Audio CD (physical product) — OR — online Home Study with Audio and Printables – click on text links of choice)
Learn more about Applied Humor Therapy: Injecting Healing Humor in the Healthcare Setting…
From the Heart: Injecting Healing Humor in the Healthcare Setting (book – click link here)
Are you always ready to share Smiles? Here’s a great E-A-S-Y way…
Are you planning a training program, conference or session? Are you preparing for good attendance, and possibly to expand the number of attendees? In addition to great training, do you hope to increase your group membership?
Becky Cortino AATH Presentermembership?
This is the goal of many folks and organizations who plan fabulous training programs every year. Yet, I hear “the numbers are down.” Such has been the word on the street for several consecutive years, in actuality. Because the dwindling numbers seem to be a persistent condition, I don’t think we can any longer blame them on “9-11,” gas prices, the economy, and anything-else-you-want. I think this problem is caused by a number of factors. Let me explain with a couple of recently-presented examples…
Not long ago, a colleague shared with me how some organizations in a particular niche don’t co-promote conferences and programs with other groups. In examining this situation, we determined each organization has its own culture and way of doing things — that is what sets them apart. Each entity is comprised of a unique set of individuals, with some spill-over in membership, of course. Due to the group’s parameters, focus and mission, their interactions and dynamics are different. Yet it is an undeniable fact that there may be — and probably is — an overlap of interests and desires are shared by these groups, to an extent.
Coincidentally, later that day I received a magazine from an organization I’ve been a member of for a long time. I glanced at the nice cover, and began reading it. Paging through, all the faces were almost all the same faces I see in any other magazine from this niche — the same folks! The upcoming program features the same — or very similar — training segments, taught by the same people! I actually surprised myself with this discovery, and then had to really search through the magazine to be sure which organization published it. I was unsure — blindsided by the similarities! The organization’s identity was not clear in my mind, and the upcoming conference details couldn’t be easily located.
Simply Thinking Outside-the-Box: Both of these examples provide ample opportunity for any organization, group, troupe or ministry that wants to offer a great training program, conference or convention, and grow attendance and membership:
- We are on the Same Team, and always have been. Work together, not as the ‘opposition.’ Working together for a common cause is always far more powerful than trying to compete in a market that supports a concept or philosophy — such as “Healing Humor,” ‘clowning around,’ adding some Joy and color to the increasing-gray world we share. More voices in unison get heard.
- Don’t be afraid to create a truly unique group identity or mission statement, to set your group apart from the others. If as a marketing-communications media consultant with decades of experience I can’t tell your publication apart from the others — that should tell you something. If I have to work hard to figure that out because I want to, you can imagine the confusion you’re creating in the marketplace!
- Always vary training programs and presenters. I love seeing a ‘familiar face,’ but ignoring new ideas presented by fresh faces or folks with a different perspective helps turn program offerings unintentionally stale very quickly. If I can see the same person at another program closer to home, or in tandem with many-many others I’ve already have heard several times before, a presentation remix is a welcomed transfusion. If attendance is down, I’m just sayin’…
- Creativity Inspires: Try something different! As hospital clowns, caring clowns, healthcare entertainers and related Healing Humor niches — we operate in a world that is based at least in part on the concept of creativity. Why should we ever allow our training programs to become formulaic in nature? Sessions and conferences may have similar underpinnings that set them apart from others (or should) — but to be viable, all segments must be allowed to be reworked and revamped to provide fresh, new content — presented in new ways.
SUMMARY: I believe the days are now long gone that many people will continue to attend a “yearly” meeting — or even regular training — if it does not offer them something different and useful. In fact, the more immediately-delivered benefits and useful information perceived as personally valuable by each attending individual, the better. This is the nature of the market ‘today,’ and what people are looking for. At the same time, there is growing competition for time, dollars… and attention spans are growing shorter.
Several years ago, the founder of a well-known training program admitted attendees said they came for the “entertainment” factor, not so much to learn. To me, that is a telling statement.
If you or your group are looking for a training program or presentation from a fresh perspective (click this link)
TIP: How-to Promote Your Group or Training Program at Little to No Cost (click this link) <—on your own — this isn’t a pitch!
How may I help you or your organization? (click this link)
Always Available on Your Schedule: AHeart4Clowning ongoing Online Training and Mentoring Programs (click this link)
A quick and easy tip to promote your hospital clown group, troupe or ministry and an upcoming training program or special event, is to print simple double-sided business cards:
Don't Leave Home without Them: Hospital Clown Group Biz Cards!
One side contains information about the group, website and contact information; the flipside promotes an upcoming training program, special event or — print it to resemble a “Laugh Ticket,” “Hug Coupon,” or a “Smile Prescription” — just for added fun!
Business cards are a simple means to provide interested folks with a way to find out more about your group, to easily share with someone they know might be interested in joining, or possibly make a contribution to support your group’s activities.
A traditional vehicle to carry essential information and promotional details, business cards are easy to design, and may be printed in limited quantities, when needed.
The reverse side of a business card offers space to include additional group information, upcoming training programs and events. Keep in mind whatever is included on your group’s business card should add value to it, increasing the likelihood that it will be kept for later reference, or passed-along — extending your reach. The flipside of your group’s business card is always available to be redesigned for a new promotion or use.
Business card design programs on home computers can easily help you create the desired look. Cards can be printed from your own computer, or fairly cost-effectively by an office supply store offering printing services.
Pick a design that works best for the information you want to include on the card, making it all fits the space, a small bit of clip art, a logo if you have one, along with copy set in easy-to-read text. Have fun with it! Once designed, be sure to obtain any necessary permission from your group’s hosting facility, before printing.
Your group’s business cards can be printed on colored or white card stock, with black or colored inks, in any quantity. Once printed and ready to distribute, business cards are easily transported in a pocket, carry-along basket or hospital clown cart!
Designed effectively, your group’s business cards should provide great return for the little effort and low cost involved in producing them.
Your Hospital Clown Group Biz Cards: Don’t leave home without them!
>>>5 Related articles you might find helpful are listed below this blog post (click on the title of this article, if you don’t see topics listed below)…
>>>NEWly-published book especially for Hospital Clowns, Caring Clowns, Healthcare Family Entertainers, Applied Humor Therapists and SmileMakers, about entertaining in the healthcare setting (click on this linked text): Injecting Healing Humor in the Healthcare Setting: Entertaining Effectively in the Healthcare Venue
>>>You’re invited to receive our FREE Hospital Clown/Healthcare Family Entertainer/Applied Humor Therapist/SmileMaker e-Newsletter… by signing up to receive FREE Hospital Clown e-Newsletter (click on this link here)
…from Children’s Hospital Boston!
Injecting Healing Humor, also known more widely as Applied Humor Therapy in the Healthcare Setting, is a Work of Heart. It is a gift freely given, to ease a patient’s pain or sadness, a visitor’s grief, a stress-buster for the staff. It is a recognized need in this highly-regulated and often tentative environ, as well as outside the walls for the rest of the world.
The need is so intrinsic to health, the concept so clown-simple, I can’t help but believe one of the reasons why so many wish to deny this basic human need is because it’s like reminding someone to breath. But reminding someone to breath is much more acceptable, it seems…
There are countless benefits to having a Humor Program in the Healthcare Setting. While every facility is different, as established within their parameters, the results are priceless.
For little to no money invested in such a program, if executed properly, the results and community good will could not be otherwise purchased.
Here is a 5-article series I wrote on this topic:
Benefits of and Reasons for a Healthcare Facility Humor Program:
http://www.aheart4clowning.com/2010/05/06/7-reasonswhy-healthcare-facilities-need-a-humor-program/
Setting up a Healthcare Humor Program, Appropriate to Your Facility:
About AHeart4Clowning MultiMedia and resources I have written and produced, specifically for this venue:
Books and MultiMedia — Establishing, Training, Preparing and Equipping a Hospital Clown or Healthcare Entertainer Group:
MultiMedia Program now Available — Establishing, Training, Preparing and Equipping a Hospital Clown or Healthcare Entertainer Group:
Register to receive the largest FREE Hospital Clown/Healthcare Family Entertainer/Applied Humor Therapist/SmileMaker Newsletter (electronic)
Did you find this information helpful? Sign-up to receive more experienced insights FREEly shared, through our free newsletter, click this link: http://www.aheart4clowning.com/sign-up/
Share Your Smile Everyday - Make the World More Beautiful!
Join this worthwhile-wonder-full worldwide celebration, won’t you?!
On 10-10-10 Wherever in the World you are!
Begun by my friend Bronwyn Roberts in Australia.
More info: http://letslaugh.com.au/smileproject
About: My friend Certified Laughter Leader Pam Wener’s Smile Project Event in Montreal
The week of August 1-7 is International Clown Week!
This fabulously-fun event is celebrated all over the world, in many ways, by clowns with special events, parades, parties and proclamations!
But first, a little history:
Under the 91st Congress, the House and Senate Public passed Law 91-443, JJR 26 on October 8, 1970.
The joint resolution was then sent on to President Richard Nixon, and signed into law officially on August 2, 1971, designating “National Clown Week by the President of the United States of America Proclamation.”
Following suit, throughout the United States, Governors and Mayors have their own Clown week proclamation for their respective state or city.
Since its inception, ‘National Clown Week’ has expansively grown to become “International Clown Week”!
In this video clip, Laffy Taffy shares her experiences and surprising discovery, in setting up FRMC Charlies’ Chaplains’ now-infamous Nose Transplant Clinic for the first time in 2005…
Laffy will be celebrating this special week with Frye Regional Medical Center’s Charlie’s Chaplains, as they perform FREE Nose Transplants and FaceLifts (Smiles!) in their now-infamous Clinic for the sixth consecutive year!
How will you celebrate International Clown Week? Please share your plans and events with us, by leaving a comment!
Smiles — and clown noses — all around!