Health -- Fun is the way

Thanks to Helen Perry for introducing me to the site  the fun theory

They say "This site is dedicated to the thought that something as simple as fun is the easiest way to change people’s behaviour for the better. Be it for yourself, for the environment, or for something entirely different, the only thing that matters is that it’s change for the better"

Hallaluah and Here Here... there are so many ways that fun is health promoting and creative fun, well it is probably twice as good for us.

In the behavior change challenge presented here there is a set of stairs, with a moving escalator next to it .... both of which lead to the same spot on the floor of the upper level.  Given the choice of the two nearly 97% of the people took the escalator which is pretty typical.   Then a group of engineers got together, and decided they wanted to reverse the percentage. 
Notice what these scientists did. Clever huh?  Now, 66% more people take the stairs, than ride the escalator.

Length: 1:47

Enjoy the short video -- it really speaks for itself and then check out their site to see more challenges and solutions.  Would that we could see public health programs like this.



I will admit I didn't know what they were going to do and was charmed with the design. It has made me look at my every day environment differently.  Any suggestions for ways you would like to see fun added to your world?

Cheers!

Laughing about bad medical journalism could lower your blood pressure-- or not

Check out this link from the excellent blog by Gary Schwitzer called "health news reviews".  In one page he reviews the article titled ....
"Eating watermelon could lower your blood pressure" from the Orlando sentinel this month.
article "watermelon and blood pressure"
Then he provides and demonstrates a set of clear and useful criteria to use while reading about medical studies to see if they,  .....pass the laugh test.  

You don't have to be a health journalist to find this list useful.  Special note, Ano Lobb and Sam Wertheimer... this one is dedicated to you and, thanks to Nancy Jamieson at the Alaska State health department who keeps her eye out for such tools and tricks for the public.

Since it is clear that one can make medical stories up wholesale I offer my own learned conclusion-- eating fun food, such as watermelon, lowers your blood pressure, most likely. So does laughing.

You want more animals laughing... here is a start
Show me animals to make ms smile!

Health through imagery -- Laughter is so good even animals do it

A blog for friends that need a laugh. We all need reminding sometimes.
I have some favorites in this new gallery but I shall pick "high spirits" to head up the group



He was an 6 week old pup and an orphan that was  brought out to the house. Oh what a smile.

Laughter-- Another one of the traits we considered uniquely human but, has been found in a much broader array of the animal kingdom.  Rats, even rats... you have to see the video of the scientist who finally figured it out and recorded it.
Rats laughing- Youtube

Laughter is communicable-- infectious perhaps? It is a "resilience factor"-- in contrast to a risk factor. It increases resilience and protects our health.  It is better than aerobic exercise, it creates social bonds and releases all sorts of positive biochemicals that mitigate stress and improve immune function.

Rather than wait for a reason or the mood to laugh, since it is infectious, you just need to play a tape of people laughing and you will laugh. I swear its true. I bought a DVD to put on around the house. You can test it yourself because, of course, there is a website where you can listen to laughter.
Listen to Laughter and try not to laugh! 

Check out the other motley crew of expressive laughing animals in the gallery- just click on the link-   Health through imagery Animals-Laughing.

Also Check out the Radio Lab episode  on laughter if you have not heard it.
Radiolab on Laughter

Try if you can-- wishing you well

Sharon