Treating illness as laughing matter

NEW YORK — The off-color jokes flew around the room. Some recited from memory, others read from notebooks they brought.

The setting for the hilarity was the Montefiore Einstein Cancer Center at Montefiore Hospital. The participants were cancer patients, taking part in the hospital’s monthly "Strength Through Laughter” therapy.

It is one of several types of laughter or humor therapy being offered by medical facilities for patients diagnosed with cancer or other chronic diseases.

The programs have joke sessions, clown appearances and funny movies.

While the verdict is out on whether laughter plays a role in healing, the American Cancer Society and other medical experts say it promotes relaxation, improves breathing and increases muscle function.

"The session makes you feel better,” said Luz Rodriguez, 57, a breast cancer patient now in remission, who came disguised as a security officer. "I feel healthy when I laugh.”

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