Assisted Living Residences

Betsi will start a new, 8-week Dance for PD class at Youville House this fall. Residents who are interested in learningmore about participating can meetBetsi on Thursday, August 28th from 10:30-12:00 PM for an introductory class. Both the introductory class and the 8-week course are free and open to Youville residents with Parkinson’s disease. We will also be making the classes available to a limited number of participants from the outside community. Maria Benoit, Youville’s Chaplain and Director of Mission, will be available for an informal “check-in” after each class, allowing participants to express the emotions that can often surface after a physical dance session.Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological illness that affects mind-body coordination and impairs muscle movement. By connecting mind and body, dance has been shown to impact those with Parkinson’s in profound ways.

Earlier this summer, Katie Blanchard and Yanira Motto traveled to Florida to learn more about “Dance for PD,” a danceprogram designed for individuals with Parkinson’s disease. While attending theDance for PD teacher’s training workshop, they saw firsthand how dance classes liberate movement, while also creating an enjoyable, social experience for participants. “I knew this was something we could bring to Youville House,” says Katie. “Dance for PD is the perfect counterpart to the monthly support groups we already have in place to support our residents with Parkin-son’s.” Since their return, the Programs staff have set their sights on partnering with a certified Dance for PD instructor in the area. They have connected with UrbanityDance, a well regarded dance group in Boston founded by Besti Graves, who also happens to be a certified Dance for PD instructor. As of February 2014, she has been leading weekly Dance for PD classes at the Urbanity Dance studio in Boston.

Outdoor Summer Concert–– Basin Street Dixieland BandThursday, August 14 at 2:30 PMEverybody loves the happy, lively sound of a dixieland band. The Basin Street Dixieland Band features Boston’s finest jazz performers playing songs from the ‘30s and ‘40s. Enjoy old time favorites such as “Sweet Georgia Brown,” “Bill Bailey,” “I’ve Got Rhythm,” and “I Found a New Baby.” These lively classics are sure to get you moving in your seat - and maybe out on the dance floor!

August 2014Dance for PD Classes To Begin At Youville House

Friendly Reminder–– Don’t Forget Your Oral Hygiene! Boston “DUCK” Boats

Wednesday, August 13Depart: 1:15 PMReturn: 4:30 PM Cost: $27.00The fun begins as soon as you board your “DUCK,” an authentic, renovated WWII amphibious landing vehicle. You’ll cruise by all the places that make Boston the birthplace of freedom and a city of firsts. As the best of Boston unfolds before your eyes, your conductor will provide lots of little known facts about our unique and wonderful city.

Lunch Trip: Castle IslandWednesday, August 27 * Rescheduled from JulyDepart: 11:00 AMReturn: 3:00 PM Cost: $ for lunch There is no better way to enjoy the summer than with an outdoor lunch at Castle Island. Sit under a tree and relish the harbor view, or take a walk around the island and soak in the beautiful ocean views. Did you know the island was so named because every fort located on it was informally known as The Castle? Castle Island was also the oldest continuously fortified site in British North America.

Shopping TripsWhole FoodsMonday, August 4Time: 12:45 PM Return: 2:00 PM

Porter SquareFriday, August 1 & 29Time: 10:15 AM Return: 12:00 PM

Star MarketMonday, August 11 & 25Time: 12:45 PM Return: 2:00 PM

Assembly SquareFriday, August 15Time: 10:15 AM Return: 12:00 PM

With advanced age we are likely to experience oral health problems. According to the American Dental Hygienists’ Association, the average person over the age of 65 has lost 13 teeth, most often as a result of gum disease. From the same age group, 26% have no remaining teeth at all.

Expensive dental procedures are certainly worth avoiding whenever possible. The practice of routine oral hygiene is vital, but certain age-related conditions can present challenges. Special accommodations can be made to help with oral health maintenance. If arthritis is causing difficulties brushing or flossing, your dentist should know about it. A dentist might suggest extending the handle of your toothbrush or using a larger, more comfortable grip. An electric toothbrush may be easier to use. For flossing, consider buying a floss holder at the pharmacy.

Starting this fall, Youville residents will have the option to sign up for Onsite Dental Care, an organization that will bring dental care right into our community. Using mobile dental equipment, Onsite Dental Care provides full-service dental care. If it’s been a while since your last dentist appointment, or if you simply want to take advantage of this convenient service, please attend the informational presentation by Onsite Dental Care on Friday, September 5 at 2:00 PM.

Oral Health Problems That Commonly Affect SeniorsGum disease–– Gum disease is caused by plaque and bits of food left between teeth, smoking and poor-fitting bridges or dentures.

Root decay–– As gum tissue recedes, tooth roots become exposed to damaging acids that cause them to decay.

Tooth loss–– Most frequently caused by gum disease.

Recently, oral health has been linked to a variety of conditions such as heart disease and Alzheimer’s disease. Endocarditis, an infection of the inner lining of the heart, is thought to result from bacteria in the gums that travels through the blood stream to the heart. A study conducted by the University of Central Lancashire School of Medicine and Dentistry, in England, showed that the continued on page 7

Community Outings

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Book Review with Carole Feeney WithrowTuesday, August 12 at 3:15 PMJoin Carole Feeney Withrow, Senior Services/Outreach Librarian from the Cambridge Public Library, to review books for your reading pleasure. If there is aparticular book that you are interested in taking out of the library, please call Carole at 617-349-4035.

Outreach Project––Brown Bag MealsTuesday, August 19 at 1:30 PMJoin us in the All Day Café, where we will make 200 ham and cheese sandwiches and put together brown bag meals of fruit, crackers, juice and pudding to be delivered to the Salvation Army Food Program. Your dedication to this ongoing project makes a big difference in the lives of those who benefit from it.

Photographs of China with Easley HamnerTuesday, August 19 at 7:00 PMEasley Hamner is a well-regarded architect who has recently turned his attention to photography. As an instructor for the Harvard Institute of Learning in Retirement, he recently led students in their 70s and 80s on a tour through China. Hamner will present the wealth of photography taken during this trip, describing the scenes and sharing his experiences with residents.

Music Presentation with Richard TraversOperaFriday, August 22 at 2:00 PMIn this multimedia presentation, music historian Richard Travers delves into the dramatic world of opera in its early beginnings. He will provide short bios of the most popular composers, librettos, and an array of recorded audio clips. The presentation features selections from such composers as Monteverdi, Puccini, Wagner, Bizet, Donizetti, Verdi, and more!

The Artifactual Scholar–– Paolo DiGregorioThe Palace of the Sun KingFriday, August 1 at 2:00 PMThe palace at Versailles was a grand, sprawling symbol of the power and prestige of Louis XIV, the French king who likened himself to Apollo, the ancient sun god. This lecture examines the relationship between art, architecture, and the creation of absolute monarchy in 17th century France.

Character Actress Judith KalaoraVictorian Gossip Girl–– Annie Adams FieldsTuesday, August 5 at 2:00 PMAs proprietors of the prominent Ticknor and Fields Publishing House, Annie Adams Fields and her husband became intimately acquainted with notable writers of the 19th century. Mrs. Fields played the role of literary critic as well as literary agent, discovering the talents of Emma Lazarus, Sarah Orne Jewett, and Harriet Beecher Stowe. Among the most famous of the regular guests at the Fields’ home were Oliver Wendell Holmes, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, and Charles Dickens. More importantly, Annie recorded their most embarrassing party exploits in her journals! Join this veritable “Victorian Gossip Girl,” channeled by character actress Judith Kalaora, for a teatime conversation that is sure to elicit disbelief and blushing cheeks. Be prepared to ask questions!

Art Matters Presents... Alexander CalderThursday, August 7 at 2:00 PM Born in Pennsylvania, Calder was the third generation of a family of successful sculptors. Even as a small boy, he began making toys and utensils out of the common household objects at his disposal: bits of string, wire, buttons, cloth, wood and tin. He always had a sense of whimsy about his objects and invented the “Mobile,” a way to compose colorful shapes and fine lines moving in a constantly changing arrangement. He is also known for creating and performing his own circus. Join us for a look at the whimsical world of one of history’s most creative minds.

Monthly Highlights...

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9:30 Stretch & Flex10:00 Flower Arranging 2:00 Lighten Up! 3:15 Book Review w/ Carol F. 4:00 Rosary 7:00 Classic Movie Night

9:30 Stretch & Flex10:00 Flower Arranging 1:30 Outreach Project: Brown Bag Meals 3:30 Summertime Drink & Conversation 4:00 Rosary 7:00 Photographs of China w/ Easley Hamner

9:30 Balance Challenge 1:15 Trip: Boston “DUCK” Boat Ride 3:00 Nurturing Room 4:00 Happy Hour 7:00 Documentary Film: Must See Places of the World: 2

9:30 Balance Challenge10:30 Morning Walk 2:00 Forever Fit! 3:00 Nurturing Room 4:00 Happy Hour 7:00 Documentary Film: Must See Places of the World: 3

9:30 Music & Movement w/ Barbara Lyon10:30 Coffee Club 2:30 Outdoor Summer Concert: Dixieland Band 7:00 Music & Musical Film: Grease

9:30 Balance Challenge10:15 Programs Planning Mtg. 2:00 August Jeopardy Trivia 3:30 Drama Club 7:00 Movie: The Grand Budapest Hotel

9:30 Balance Challenge 10:15 Shopping Trip: Assembly Sq. 2:00 Grab Your Passport: Travel to Kenya 3:30 Drama Club 7:00 Movie: The Legend of 1900 7:00 Bonus Bingo w/ Carol

9:30 Balance Challenge 10:15 Baking 2:00 Opera w/ Richard Travers 3:30 Food Forum 7:00 Movie: Jerry MacGuire

2:00 Matinee Movie: How Do You Know 2:00 Bingo w/ Carol 3:30 Afternoon Treat 7:00 Movie: How Do You Know

2:00 Matinee Movie: Erin Brockovich 2:00 Bingo w/ Carol 7:00 L’Amore Woodwind Quintet

9:30 Balance Challenge10:15 30 Minute Crafts w/ Yanira12:45 Shopping Trip: Star Market 2:00 What’s the Buzz? 3:15 Bingo 7:00 Movie: The Inspector General

9:30 Balance Challenge10:15 Meditation w/ Maria Benoit12:45 Shopping Trip: Star Market 2:00 Dead Sea Scrolls–– Historical Backdrop of Ancient Judaism 3:15 Bingo 7:00 Movie: Waterloo Bridge

2:00 Bridge Club 2:00 Great Courses on DVD: Museum Masterpieces: The Metropolitan Museum of Art: 1 7:00 Documentary Film: Nature: Koko

1:15 Trip: Central Sq. Theater 2:00 Bridge Club 2:00 Great Courses on DVD: Museum Masterpieces: The Metropolitan Museum of Art: 2 7:00 Documentary Film: Nature: Cheetahs & Lions

2:00 Bridge Club 2:00 Great Courses on DVD: Museum Masterpieces: The Metropolitan Museum of Art: 3 7:00 Documentary Film: Nature: Birds of the Gods

2:00 Great Courses on DVD: Museum Masterpieces: Metropolitan Museum of Art: 4 7:00 Documentary Film: Nature: Fellowship of the Whales 2:00 Great Courses on DVD: Metropolitan Museum of Art: 5 7:00 Documentary: Pale Male

Catholic Mass Tuesday, Thursday & Sunday

at 10:45 AM

Bare Essentials StoreHours

Monday & Friday9:45 AM - 10:45 AM

Beauty SalonHoursFriday

9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

9:30 Balance Challenge10:15 Meditation w/ Maria Benoit 2:00 Dead Sea Scrolls–– Opening & Reading First Scrolls 3:15 Bingo 7:00 Songs by Roy P.

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9:30 Stretch & Flex10:00 Flower Arranging 2:00 Annie Adams Field w/ Character Actress Judith Kaloara 3:30 Summertime Drink & Conversation 4:00 Rosary 7:00 Classic Movie Night

9:30 Yoga w/ Annie Hoffman10:30 Coffee Club 2:00 Historical Lecture w/ Gary Hylander 3:15 Reflections w/ Maria Benoit 7:00 Music & Musical Film: Imagine: John Lennon

9:30 Stretch & Flex10:15 Manicures 2:00 Matinee Movie: Up Close & Personal 2:00 Bingo w/ Simona 3:30 Afternoon Treat 7:00 Movie: Up Close & Personal

9:30 Balance Challenge10:15 Meditation w/ Maria Benoit12:45 Shopping Trip: Whole Foods 2:00 Dead Sea Scrolls–– The Discoveries & Their Significance 3:15 Bingo 7:00 Songs by Roy P.

9:30 Balance Challenge 2:00 Forever Fit! 3:00 Nurturing Room 4:00 Happy Hour 7:00 Documentary Film: Must See Places of the World: 1

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9:30 Sretch & Flex10:30 Coffee Club 2:00 ArtMatters Presents... Alexander Calder 3:15 Reflections w/ Maria Benoit 7:00 Music & Musical Film: The Buddy Holly Story

9:30 Balance Challenge10:15 Shopping Trip: Porter Sq. 2:00 The Palace of the Sun King w/ Paolo DiGregaorio 3:30 Drama Club 7:00 Movie: Under the Tuscan Sun

9:30 Stretch & Flex10:15 Manicures 2:00 Matinee Movie: Larry Crowne 2:00 Memorial Gathering 7:00 Movie: Larry Crowne

Bridge Club Every Sunday & Wednesday

at 2:00 PM

9:30 Stretch & Flex10:00 Flower Arranging 2:00 Poetry Reading 3:30 Summertime Drink & Conversation 4:00 Rosary 7:00 Classic Movie Night

9:30 Balance Challenge11:00 Trip: Castle Island 3:00 World Views w/ Herb P. 3:00 Nurturing Room 4:00 Pub Night 7:00 Blues & Jazz Pianist Matt McCabe

9:30 Music & Movement w/ Barbara Lyon10:30 Coffee Club10:30 Dance for Parkinson’s: Introductory Class 2:00 Writing Group 3:30 Afternoon Tea 7:00 Music & Musical Film: Great Stars of Opera

9:30 Balance Challenge 10:15 Shopping Trip: Porter Sq. 2:00 Impasto Sunflower Painting w/ Yanira 3:30 Drama Club 7:00 Movie: Roxanne

9:30 Stretch & Flex10:15 Manicures w/ Yanira 2:00 Matinee Movie: The Great Outdoors 2:00 Bingo w/ Yanira 3:30 Afternoon Treat 7:00 Movie: The Great Outdoors

The link between sleep quality and short-term memory loss suggests possibilities for future treatment that might stimulate the brain’s generation of slow brain waves during sleep. Slow brain waves might be facilitated by electrical stimulation or by pharmaceuticals. In the meantime, consider the following steps you might take to improve your quality of sleep:

• Inform your doctor of sleep issues. Often, untreated health conditions can wake us in the night. Such conditions might be chronic pain, arthritis, gastroesophogeal reflux disorder (heartburn), heart disease, anxiety, sleep apnea, or side effects from medication. Sleep apnea is a common and serious condition characterized by loud, excessive snoring and gasping for breath in the middle of sleep. • Avoid alcohol, caffeine or nicotine before bed. • Give yourself time to relax before going to sleep. Avoid strenuous exercise late at night. Instead, exercise regularly during the day to maximize your exposure to daylight and help your body establish a natural rhythm.• Avoid the use of electronics late at night. Computers, TV, phones, and tablets stimulate the brain and make winding down more difficult.• Stay away from bright lights late at night. This includes light from electronic devices like TV, computers and cell phones. Spend time before bed in a dimly lit room (preferably your bedroom). • Avoid late-afternoon or evening naps.• Avoid large meals right before bedtime.

In today’s hyperactive world, the importance of sleep may not seem all that obvious. It’s important to remember that a good night’s sleep can make a world of difference in the quality of your waking life.

Are You Getting Enough Sleep?According to the Division of Sleep Medicine at Harvard Medical School, most adults need at least eight hours of sleep per night in order to function at full capacity during the day. In reality, a third of U.S. adults get less than seven hours of sleep each night, and 38% of adults surveyed reported falling asleep unintentionally during the day within the past month.

Sleep deprivation affects seniors even more than it does middle aged and younger adults. Untreated medical conditions can play a disruptive role in your sleep cycle. Everyday behaviors such as use of electronics, smoking, alcohol and caffeine consumption can also be disruptiveat night. If you are among the many older adults who find sleep hard to come by, the solution could be as simple as talking to a doctor and reassessing your everyday habits.

Sleep deprivation and short-term memoryThere is evidence that sleep deprivation is one of the root causes of age-related short-term memory loss.

A study at the University of California at Berkeley examined the link between sleep, memory and age. Around 30 healthy adults learned a series of word pairs and recited them from memory ten minutes later. After a night’s sleep the researchers asked them to recite the word pairs again. The older adults were 55% less accurate in their recitation than the younger adults. Furthermore, brain scans found that the older adults had a 75% lower quality of sleep than the younger adults.

The study at Berkeley now suggests the extent to which diminished sleep quality harms our short-term memory. During deep sleep, the brain generates slow brain waves that transport memories from the brain’s short-term storage area (the hippocampus) to the long-term storage area (the prefrontal cortex). When we sleep poorly, those slow brain waves fail to do their work. As a result, our short-term memories, stranded without a “ride” to the prefrontal cortex, get stuck in the hippocampus overnight. The next day, these memories disappear as newer memories come in for short-term storage.

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Fall Prevention and Exercise Every year one in three people over the age of 65 experience a fall. In the best case scenario, they are able to rise to their feet and go about their lives. But all too often, falls lead to hospitalization and further health consequences. Experts say that falling is just as serious a health concern as heart attacks or strokes for the senior population.

You know better than anyone what puts you at risk for falls. Take time to assess your lifestyle, your risks, and your limitations. The following risk factors are especially worth thinking about:

Medications–– Seniors who take four or more medications increase their risk for falls. Medications can cause dizziness and loss of balance. When multiple medications interact, they can intensify the side effects. Talk to your doctor about reassessing your medications if you feel they are making you dizzy or affecting movement.

Fear–– People who are afraid of falling put themselves at increased risk. Being too afraid to walk or exercise will keep you from strengthening your legs and improving balance. Rather than stopping all movement, talk to your doctor about safe exercise options so you can reduce your risks of falling in the future.

Problems with Mobility–– Slowness or a reduced range of movement can compromise balance and put you at risk for tripping. Reduced mobility can occur in the aftermath of a stroke or as a symptom of arthritis or Parkinson’s disease.

Vision or Hearing Loss–– Hearing and visual problems can affect balance as much as arthritis or weakened legs. If you’ve been putting off cataract surgery or your next eye exam, remember that neglecting one health problem can have ramifications all around.

Environmental Hazards–– Make sure your environment is a “fall-safe” zone. Get rid of stray electrical cords, clutter or other tripping hazards. Improved lighting can also help prevent you from

tripping over unseen objects. Consider using a shower chair and using grab bars to prevent slipping. In some cases, your doctor or physical therapist might suggest a cane or walker.

Risk factors, once identified, can be addressed and eliminated in consultation with a health care provider. Elimination of these risk factors can decrease a person’s risk for falling and fall-related injuries by as much as 30%.

How to Improve BalanceWalking–- A regular routine of walking strengthens leg muscles and improves overall coordination. Your doctor might suggest using a walker for safety. Walking is also great for cardiovascular health and can eliminate other health risks.

Tai Chi–– Recently many have turned to the ancient art of Tai Chi to improve balance. Practitioners of Tai Chi focus on shifting balance from one part of their body to the other, lifting feet, and becoming more aware of how their bodies move and transfer energy. According to the Center for Disease Control, the practice of Tai Chi relaxes the body and lowers the center of gravity. Over time this increases sensation and responsiveness in the lower limbs, improving balance and coordination.

Dance–- Dance offers a wide range of health benefits: socialization, physical expression and cardiovascular exercise. Dance is a weight bearing exercise that strengthens bones, improves coordination and reduces falls.

“Oral Hygiene” continued from page 2backtera gingivalis, which originates in the gums, was found in the donated brain samples of 4 out of 10 people who had suffered from dementia. They also looked at 10 samples from donated brains that were not affected by dementia, and there was no sign of the gingivalis in any of them. While gingivalis has not been established as a cause of dementia, the simultaneous occurrence of the two conditions should be taken into account the next time you’re thinking about skipping flossing.

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August MeetingsResident Association Meetingw/ Joanne Parsons, CEOMonday, August 18 at 10:15 AM

Programs Planning Meetingw/ Director of Programs, Katie BlanchardFriday, August 8 at 10:15 AM

Food Forumw/ Dining Services Director, Mike DickersonFriday, August 22 at 3:30 PM

Meal TimesBreakfast7:00 AM - 9:00 AMMain Dining RoomLunchFirst Seating - 11:30 AMSecond Seating - 12:45 PMMain Dining RoomDinnerFirst Seating - 4:30 PMSecond Seating - 5:45 PMMain Dining Room

Bare Essentials Store Store HoursMonday & Friday9:45 AM - 10:45 AM

Store Managers: Mary Ann P. & Lay Lee O.

Catholic Mass Sunday, Tuesday & Thursday at 10:45 AM

Youville House Management Team

Joanne Parsons CEO/President Joanne Scianna COOJohn Cooney Senior Director of FinanceDinah Olanoff Senior Director of Marketing & CommunicationsJoan Landers, RN Senior Director of WellnessBruce Jordan Director of Environmental ServicesKatie Blanchard Director of Programs Ildiko Szabo Director of Community LifeLisa Yarin Director of MarketingMaria Benoit Director of Mission & Pastoral CareTom Landry Director of Human ResourcesMike Dickerson Director of Dining Services

Programs / Menu Hotline...Hear a recorded list of the daily programs and the menu for lunch and dinner at Youville House. Simply call (857) 253-2024 directly or call the Reception Desk and the receptionist will connect you.

Car/Van Transportation Monday through Friday8:00 AM - 2:00 PMPlease submit your requests for transportation to the Reception Desk forty-eight hours before the date of your appointment. Requests with less than forty-eight hours notice will be accommodated whenever possible, but not guaranteed. The fee for transportation is $8.00 each way for one to five miles and $1.00 for each additional mile. The fee for transportation to the Cambridge Hospital and the Cambridge Harvard Vanguard is $4.00 each way. As always, we will do our best to meet your needs. If you have any questions, feel free to stop by or call.

Katie Blanchard, Director of Programs

Spiritual

Physical

Cognitive

Nutritional

Laughter Binds Us Together

Most of us want “in” on laughter, wherever we may encounter it in daily life. If you’ve ever walked into a room full of laughing people, you probably searched the room for a visible source of hilarity. You may have asked someone to explain the “joke.” Of course, people were too busy laughing to explain it.

More often than not, there is no joke it all, and everyday laughter is rarely about comedy. In the words of psychiatrist Robert Provine, laughter is a “social vocalization that binds people together.” It does this in a variety of ways. Laughter can serve as a simple expression of recognition – for example, the “oh, I know what you mean” laugh that we often share to create a moment of mutual understanding. We laugh courteously, apologetically, self-consciously, and often for completely mysterious reasons. But we rarely laugh when we are by ourselves.

Laughter can come into existence with only the smallest pretext of shared experience between two people. There is nothing particularly funny about the time you bumped into your best friend on the sidewalk. But the two of you couldn’t help but laugh. Would you have laughed as hard, or at all, if the person you bumped into was a stranger?

Robert Provine has analyzed this “togetherness” trigger that qualifies most laughter. Provine and his students at the University of Maryland took notes about the everyday laughter they encountered around campus. They recorded information such as the gender of the person laughing, the gender of the person who caused the laughter, and the comments made just before the laughter started.

More often than not, these comments were just unfunny statements on the surface. “It was nice to meet you, too!” and “Have a nice day!” for example, triggered laughter. Jokes only occurred rarely. Often it was the speakers who laughed after their own comments to others. As you might guess, the students did not find very many solitary people laughing to themselves. Provine concluded that “the critical stimulus for a laugh is another person, not a joke.”

The Physical Effects of LaughterStrong social connections have been shown to safeguard physical health, especially as we age. The benefits we derive from laughter are similar to the benefits we get from social interaction.

August 2014

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Get fit. Stay sharp. Age well.©

Youville House • 1573 Cambridge Street • Cambridge, MA 02138 • 617.491.1234Youville Place • 10 Pelham Road • Lexington, MA 02421 • 781.861.3535 • www.youvilleassistedliving.org

Assisted Living Residences

Here are a few examples of the physical effects of laughter:

• When we laugh, we release feel-good endorphins that have been found to reduce physical pain. Journalist Norman Cousins, after being hospitalized for a spinal condition, incorporated laughter into his personal recovery program. He found that watching the Marx brothers every night made him laugh so much that afterward he was able to sleep for at least two hours without feeling any pain. • Laughter inhibits the stress hormone, cortisol, which has adverse effects on immune functioning. Laughter causes the immune system to produce more T cells, immune proteins and antibodies. • By increasing heart rate, laughter benefits our cardiovascular system in a way similar to exercise. In one study, 300 participants split into two groups that watched two different movies. Half of the group watched a comedy (There’s Something About Mary) while the other half watched a drama (Saving Private Ryan). The group that watched the comedy had a 30-40% increased dilation in their blood vessels compared with the group who watched the drama.

Reduced Risk of Heart DiseaseCardiologists at the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore have found that people with heart disease were less likely to have a sense of humor than their heart-healthy contemporaries. Of the 300 participants surveyed, half had healthy hearts while the other half had a history of heart disease. The participants answered questions examining the extent to which humor played a role in their everyday lives. In particular, those who laughed or used humor to cope with stressful situations were less likely to have heart disease.

Dr. Michael Miller, one of the cardiologists involved in the study, believes that incorporating laughter into a daily routine might be as important for heart health as diet and exercise. There are numerous “laughing groups” operating in many U.S. cities with the aim of spreading the benefits of laughter to their practitioners. There is even an entire branch of Yoga devoted to communal laughing. Led by a certified instructor, participants of Laughter Yoga get together and, well, laugh. The atmosphere builds on the infectiousness of laughter and playful behavior. Even if you went into the session in a less than elated mood, chances are by the end, your laughter will have evolved into something genuine.

“Laughter is the shortest distance between two people.”

Yoga w/ Annie Hoffman Music & Movement w/ Barbara Lyon Tai Chi / Chi Gong w/ Deborah Fortson Balance Challenge Stretch & Flex Forever Fit Dark leafy greens are a rich source of vitamin C, K, E, and B, as well as iron, calcium, and fiber, which are essential for good health.

Catholic Mass Reflections w/ Maria Benoit Meditation ArtMatters Presents... Alexander Calder The Palace of the Sun King w/ Paolo DiGregorio Poetry Reading Early Opera with Richard Travers Outdoor Summer Concert : Basin Street Dixieland Band Victorian Gossip Girl - Annie Adams Fields w/ Judith Kalaora

Get fit. Stay sharp. Age well.©