Laughter In The Healing Process

This clever video of a dog "talking" about getting a new kitten makes me smile. I must confess, having watched it over and over, it never fails to brighten up my day.

Medical Screening Exams

As a Women's Health Nurse Practitioner, I often perform screening exams for women. This important part of my patient care includes lab work, mammograms, and pap smears of the cervix. One type of patient I care for routinely – women with abnormal pap smears.

Dealing With Abnormal Results

If a patient has an abnormal pap smear result, the cervix is further evaluated with a microscope procedure called a colposcopy. If the results are mild, we then have a waiting period of 12 months before we test again for the HPV virus (human papillomavirus).

We need that time to allow the immune system to rise up and "clear" the virus. The immune system must recognize the virus is there and then push it back behind a "gate." Once that takes place, it is no longer detected on the cervix. If the virus isn’t there, it can't make changes to the cervix.

What Can I Do To Treat HPV?

Invariably a patient asks what she can do to treat HPV.

Is there a pill, some kind of drug she can take?

There are no medications for HPV. Instead, we help our immune system to be strong so it can suppress the virus. I always tell my patients about healthy eating, good exercise, adequate rest, no smoking, decrease stress and... laughter.

Take Some Laughter, Call Me In The Morning

Medical research shows that laughter and humor can boost the immune system and promote healing. Laughter is considered to be a "natural medicine" that lifts our spirits and helps reduce stress and discomfort. The Cancer Treatment Centers of America integrate Laughter Therapy into their care of patients.

Healing Laughter

Laughter Therapy, combined with a healthy diet, exercise and adequate sleep, are all part of a healthy lifestyle.

May laughter bubble forth in your healing.

Hearts in the Wind