humor

Ever noticed how the emergency room isn't first-come, first-serve? Comedian Brian Frazer takes issue with that approach.

Turn your head and worry: The three-day wait after comedian Brian Frazer’s annual physical nearly killed him with hypochondria.

Trying to relieve stress, comedian and hypochondriac Brian Frazer takes knitting for spin.

Is laughter really the best medicine? Comedy doc Matt Iseman tests out the healing power of a good joke.

Comedy doc Matt Iseman finds the lighter side of medical insurance.

Should you worry that your doctor’s first vow was “do no harm?” Comedy doc Matt Iseman shows you why the Hippocratic Oath isn’t exactly a vote of confidence.

Do you know what’s ailing you? Comedy doc Matt Iseman jokes about the pitfalls of self-diagnosis.

We all know that a good laugh can help you feel better. But can humor also improve your health?

The late Norman Cousins thought so. When the writer and editor was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease in the 1970's, his self-prescribed treatment included humorous TV shows and films, which he credited for helping him recover. He called laughter "internal jogging."

Three decades later, there's new research that may support Cousins' belief. In a study of 20 diabetic patients, half of whom were exposed to humor as part of their treatment, those in the laughter group had higher levels of good cholesterol (HDL) and fewer signs of inflammation in their blood vessels (a possible risk for heart disease) than those not exposed to humor.

To be sure, a study with only 20 subjects is far from conclusive, and it has yet to be published. Still, it follows other research suggesting that laughter may help increase blood flow, reduce levels of stress hormones, and enhance immune function.

By itself, laughter therapy won't cure cancer or keep you from getting sick. But it certainly can't hurt. At the very least, it may make your pursuit of better health more enjoyable. Watch, for example, how some yoga practitioners are incorporating laugher into their routines.

One physician, Dr. Brad Nieder, has gone so far as to become a stand-up comedian. If further research corroborates that, as the Bible says, a "merry heart doeth good like a medicine," then the good doctor may indeed be on to something by keeping people in stitches.

Brian Frazer's friend is afraid to shake his hand. Hear Brian's side of the story.

Is a wise-cracking doctor the perfect catch? Comedy doc Matt Iseman opens up about his love life.

Comedy doc Matt Iseman finds the light side of an interesting case.

Stand-up doc Brad Nieder on why calorie counts are going up.

Stand-up doc Brad Nieder on why no one can understand their doctors.

The original “hyper-chondriac,” author and humorist Brian Frazer shows you why your diet may not be agreeing with your energy type.

The original “hyper-chondriac,” author and humorist Brian Frazer explains why it’s so easy to get angry.

What happens when a stiff comedian takes up yoga? The original “hyper-chondriac,” author and humorist Brian Frazer stretches out.

Stand-up doc Brad Nieder shares his idea of the perfect diet plan.

Stand-up doc Brad Nieder explains why some doctors are just "practicing."

Stand-up doc Brad Nieder dishes on why our plates are getting bigger.

Stand-up doc Brad Nieder on why laughter is the best medicine.

Stand-up doc Brad Nieder ponders why dogs are practicing medicine.

Stand-up doc Brad Nieder on staying young at heart.