Universal Healthcare in The United States

Is Universal Healthcare right for America? Even with the introduction of Medicare program in the United States, the debate for and against universal and comprehensive healthcare still rages on in the country. Against the backdrop of the many discussions in the globe, the right to access medical care regardless of one’s socio-economic status in the society became one of the most important issues. Many governments are charged with the facilitation of access to all citizens.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Universal Healthcare in The United States specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More However, for a long time, many healthcare systems have been run on a capitalistic arrangement where an individual in need pays for the services provided according to market rates. This system has, however, been accused of locking out millions of households from middle and low income earning categories, who are not able to afford prop er medical care for some medical procedures. For governments, a healthy nation directly relates to a healthy economy where there is enough human resources and reduced expenditure on health infrastructure. In many cases, the rich have been able to access modern healthcare facilities while poor families continue to lose their loved ones because of affordability and accessibility issues. As a result, the reactions for many governments have resorted to the formulation of policies and guidelines to facilitate fast, affordable and easy access for all (Pozgar, 2012). A universal healthcare framework is one such model that has been adopted globally. However, for effective implementation, there have been challenges for healthcare organisations, professionals, administrators and for patients. This paper looks at the impacts of universal healthcare on the different stakeholders in the sector and provides recommendations for future improvement. Universal Healthcare Universal healthcare basicall y refers to the facilitation of basic healthcare services to residents of a particular region or country. Generally, this arrangement involves the provision of healthcare insurance and payment of healthcare costs by the government and other private institutions within an arrangement where the patients do not have to pay directly from their pockets. Within a national establishment, universal healthcare may therefore involve the taxation of all citizens, combined with health insurance coverage that eventually caters for the costs of medical care when required. The government is also charged with the facilitation of universal care through policy formulation, regulation and providing mandate to all care providers.Advertising Looking for essay on health medicine? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More In some forms of arrangement, popularly referred to as ‘single payer health insurance’, the government is only involved in fi nancing of healthcare, while healthcare institutions are charged with service delivery. Under the Affordable Care Act of 2010, the United States’ government has adopted the concept of universal healthcare that came into force in 2014 (Murray Frenk, 2010). It is notable that by the time of adoption, the US was the only developed nation that did not have this kind of arrangement for its citizens. However, the program did not come into the societal limelight recently as the legislation process may suggest. Calls for universal health coverage began in the early 1900’s, but legislation and adoption has seemingly dragged on, because the adoption of universal healthcare has its own challenges across the board that has led to intense debates. Effective implementation of universal healthcare has numerous impacts on health professionals and organisations as outlined in the following section. Impacts on Healthcare Professionals and Healthcare Organisations The impact of universa l healthcare on professionals and organisations in the sector are numerous. However, major impacts will be felt in the areas of financing, facility capacity building, personnel workload and regulatory requirements. First, funding is important for the success of any healthcare institution, be it for profit or not for profit. Within the universal healthcare framework, there might be cash flow problems for hospitals that have to provide care and seek compensation from the insurance companies or the government depending on the arrangement. In most cases, the process of cost reimbursement may take some time. Without proper management of finances within healthcare institutions, therefore, there might be many risks attached to insufficient supplies and late payment of health workers.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Universal Healthcare in The United States specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Secondly, capacity development plans for many healthcare organisations will remain highly effected. Universal healthcare improves access for the previously ‘locked out’ populations. As a result, there is a likelihood of increased numbers for the out and in-patient hospital sections. To be able to take care of this boom, hospitals will have to increase their capacity without compromising on the quality of care. This may present a bigger challenge if financial management in the hospitals is not effectively enhanced. However, there are also opportunities for hospitals if the numbers are going to translate into improved financial performance hence increased expansion. The healthcare professionals like nurses may also expect improved pay structures. On the other hand, increased number of patients is likely to result in issues of personnel workload. When the already overburdened healthcare professionals receive large number of patients in the wards and clinics, there is a need for increased personnel. Jus t like in the expansion of space and facilities, this is another area that is likely to negatively impact healthcare professionals and organisations if not effectively planned. Lastly, regulatory requirements of the new healthcare act have new professions for access to quality care that may require change within healthcare organisations. The healthcare professionals will also need to acquaint themselves with the new requirements. For instance, every organisation must understand the procedures for claims and reimbursements for the different medical insurance plans. Impacts on Patients and Families Even though universal healthcare holds a big promise to patients and their families, the impact on the new system for this category must be noted. Generally, issues of access, quality, taxation and technical knowledge are most critical for this group of stakeholders. On a positive note, the impact of universal healthcare on access can be tremendous provided organisations effectively align t o the required changes. Patients from all forms of social and economic backgrounds will be provided with easy access to modern care facilities that they could not previously afford. This is a good step in the right direction for the US, since all citizens and particularly from the poor families will be assured of their right to live a healthy life. For many families who have had to spend the little money they have on seeking treatment for chronic illnesses like heart disease, diabetes and cancer, this provides a lifeline for economic and social empowerment.Advertising Looking for essay on health medicine? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More However, increased access raises an issue of quality of care within the participating healthcare organisations. In the event that poor management in such organisation results in overstretched capacity, the quality of care might be compromised at the expense of patients and their families. Any slight negative impact on quality of care may be against the main aim of universal healthcare in the country that many families have yearned for. Another issue raised by the opponents of this program is that of taxation. The impact of facilitating this program on national economy may be damaging if not properly managed. Generally, when the government chooses to increase taxation to help in the funding of this program, families already living in tough economic times may be adversely affected. Lastly, the issue of technical knowledge required for decision making is very important for the patients and the families. Many poor families may not have the literacy levels required to select the suitable medical plans for their households. Given that private and profit making institutions are involved in the program, the impact on choice of medical cover may be negative if proper guidance is not provided for families. However, the mentioned impacts may not necessarily mean that universal healthcare may not be viable for the United States. There are numerous case examples that may be used to indicate the benefits of this program and how the many challenges associated to it may be overcome. Critical Analysis As stated earlier, many governments have strived to provide universal healthcare access to their citizens globally. The Netherlands, Germany and Singapore are examples of developed nations that have successful universal healthcare programs for their citizens (Hooe, Considine Sethi, 2013). The Asian nation can however be a better case for highlighting the importance of universal care programs. With a fast growing population, the economic powerhouse in the Asian continent still re corded higher rates of infant mortality and other deaths associated with venerable diseases like malaria. The rural populace in the country, mostly low-income earners, were the most affected. However, the adoption of a single pay health insurance system for its population, the country has made enormous gains in the healthcare sector that may be a model for many countries. As a result of the comprehensive medical care implemented by the government in collaboration with healthcare organisations and professionals, the life expectancy rates in the country have significantly improved similarly to the declining infant mortality rates. From this case, it is easy to connect the healthy population with the country’s booming economy. Significance to the Practice of Healthcare Administration Universal healthcare can only be achieved with proper management as already pointed out in the discussions. The implementation of universal healthcare programs provides challenges as well as opportu nities for healthcare administrators. Universal healthcare has great implications for healthcare administration practice. First, there is need for effective change management that should begin from administrative levels (Shi Singh, 2012). For all departments and personnel to effectively implement universal care and take advantages of growth opportunities presented by it, administrators must be ready to initiate change. Secondly, risk management is an essential part of health organisations’ success in the new universal care system. For administrators, the challenge for effective risk management is of great significance to performance, because the financial inflexibility that may be brought within the transitional period has far reaching implications for growth. Third, quality assurance has been identified as another area of challenge for the universal healthcare program implementation. Administrators are also required to effectively co-ordinate departments and cross functiona l activities to ensure that success for all mentioned areas is attained. The benefits of universal healthcare present huge opportunities for administrators in the sector. Most importantly, administrators are presented with the opportunity to attain the goal of providing healthcare to all individuals regardless of their cultural, social or economic backgrounds. In addition, administrators also have an opportunity to collaborate with their counterparts in other organisations to ensure that they comply with the requirements of the new system. Recommendations Having examined the benefits of universal healthcare, it is easy to conclude that the US needs the system. Given the success story noted from the selected case, the challenges identified may be eliminated in many ways. First, there is need for training of all administrators and personnel on the legal, economic and social implications of the newly implemented system. Training will also help professionals provide guidance and advice to the illiterate individuals who may not be able to choose suitable healthcare plans for their families. Secondly, the government and other sector stakeholders should engage in frequent policy restructuring to ensure smooth implementation, because universal healthcare relies on particular regional and institutional factors like geographical and demographic dynamics (Savedoff, de Ferranti, Smith Fan, 2012). The mode and nature of care for different individuals should also be clearly defined to avoid cases of congestion in hospitals. Next, it is important that healthcare organisations plan for financial risk protection through access to other sources of financing while reimbursements are forthcoming. In this way, operations are likely to run without hitches pegged on capacity and resource availability. Lastly, community sensitisation programs should continue to be carried out to ensure that all citizens are aware of their rights of access and the available avenues for doing so. Refe rences Hooe, B. S., Considine, P. T., Sethi, M. K. (2013). National healthcare systems: A worldview. New York: Springer. Murray, C. J., Frenk, J. (2010). Ranking 37th—measuring the performance of the US health care system. New England Journal of Medicine, 362(2), 98-99. Pozgar, G. (2012). Legal aspects of health care administration. Sudbury, MA: Jones Bartlett Publishers. Savedoff, W. D., de Ferranti, D., Smith, A. L., Fan, V. (2012). Political and economic aspects of the transition to universal health coverage. The Lancet, 380(9845), 924-932. Shi, L., Singh, D. A. (2012). Essentials of the US health care system. Sudbury, MA: Jones Bartlett Publishers. This essay on Universal Healthcare in The United States was written and submitted by user Malice to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Arguing against minimalism, and the notion that

Arguing against minimalism, and the notion that Table of Contents Introduction Definition of Minimalism Concept of Minimalism Artwork Examples of Minimalism Effects of Minimalism Conclusion Introduction I am a casual fine art enthusiast like majority of the people and I highly appreciate majority of the art movements such as the modernized impressionism, cubism or surrealism. There is a mystery behind minimalism, which I fail to understand. Minimalism is a unique type of art that one can easily fail to understand and be pleased.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Arguing against minimalism, and the notion that less is more specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More It is a presentation made of simple arcs or shapes arranged in series to form a pattern may be overwhelming but an unbearable collection, if one is not able to find content that they can positively receive. This paper wills try to analyze minimalism in the aim of finding meaning and probable appreciation. Defi nition of Minimalism From a personal point of view as an art professional learner, the definition of minimalism in art has basis on the â€Å"Less is more† concept. In most cases, this notion lacks applicability because unlike all the common art forms such as sculptures, paintings or drawings, an artist has the freedom to use only the basic shapes such as the geometric shapes or elements of art. Common minimalism involves sculptural figures that have been reduced to structures made, drawn or painted from basic geometrical shapes (Obendorf, 2009, p.310). Through my personal interest to learn more about minimalism, I found some sense in the work and appreciated common and favourite artists of the style such as Dan Flavin, Richard Serra and Donald Judd. Concept of Minimalism Artwork According to Meyer (2010, p.18), In order to appreciate minimalists’ artwork such as Dan Flavin’s collection, there is need to remain opens of Minimalism A good example of minimalism is the â€Å"Tilted Arc† done by a renowned artist, Richard Serra. The artwork was a gigantic 12-foot high steel tilted to an angle as its reference phrase indicates (Kleiner, 2009, p.792). The sculpture was set up at New York’s Federal Plaza but was later brought down due to negative public debate. Arguably, the public could not understand the artwork especially when they had various views from ether sides, thus the controversies. It was taken apart since people did not appreciate. The sculpture represented a different effect depending on the side of view. The confusion brought out by contractions and expansions depending on the position of the viewer changed the entire environment. From an artistic point of view, the sculpture made the viewer to be aware of his/her movements. This is an indication that simple art objects are detachable from the entire form to interact with the viewer, and thus assist in defining their movements through the plaza. This type of interacti on is mainly found in minimalism especially in sculptural work. The simple shapes are the key pieces that enhance change and results to a form of interaction with the viewer. The pieces determine the feeling and perception of the viewer during interaction (Buskirk, 2005, p.22). Placing basic shapes individually such as geometric shapes, lines or arcs, presents a collection of boring objects. When the same shapes are merged to form an art form, they interact with the viewer due to dynamism of shapes from various angles. They pieces therefore become more powerful and influences one’s movement around the artwork, thus altering perception or feeling. Minimalism may not have similar effects as other common artworks, but the viewer is able to feel some effect from the collection. Another good example of minimalism belongs to Dan Flavin who had a strategic setup of coloured florescent tubes to form a collection (Marzona and Grosenick, 2004, p.48). Different colours of the fluorescen ts formed an interaction between the lighting. The lighting interacted with the observer. Colourful lighting combined with simple but dynamic shapes presents a delightful effect that can easily alter moods. Common application of this artwork is in our home where we decorate our rooms with glowing glass light sheds. Spectacular effects are achievable from very simple by combined elements; therefore, ‘less is more’.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Arguing against minimalism, and the notion that less is more specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Effects of Minimalism Unlike other common artworks such as drawings or paintings, minimalism has more effects that are negative because it requires the observer to act or respond in order to understand and appreciate. One has to be part of the artwork to realize the artist’s message. The drawings, paintings and defined sculptures are easy to appreciate without n ecessarily understanding the artist’s motive or theme, because the technicality is evident. With minimalism, it is not easy to appreciate an oval, a cube or a splash of paint on the surface. It is intimidating to have a collection of basic shapes and convince people there is artwork when, characteristic theme is not visible. Conclusion Regardless of the rejection, minimalism receives; it is possible to overcome the intimidation. The basic pieces used in this form of art have a close link to life than the typical or general paintings or drawings. The only problem is that the link is more hidden and one must interact with the art to find meaning or inspiration. With powerful interest and concentration on objects made from minimalism, one can understand or appreciate the exclusivity of the work. Te interaction means that minimalism is able to fulfil true success of an artwork, which is interaction with the viewer. Buskirk, Martha. The Contingent Object of Contemporary Art. Mass achusetts MA: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Press, 2005. Print.Advertising Looking for essay on art and design? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Kleiner, Fred S. Gardners Art Through the Ages: The Western Perspective. Massachusetts, MA: Cengage Learning, 2009. Print. Marzona, Daniel and Grosenick, Uta. Minimal art. New York, NY: Taschen, 2004. Meyer, James. Minimalism. New York, NY: Phaidon Press, Incorporated, 2010. Print. Obendorf, Hartmut. Minimalism: Designing Simplicity. New York, NY: Springer Press. 2009. Print.

An IEP - Definitions and Important Information

An IEP - Definitions and Important Information The Individual Education Program/Plan (IEP) Simply put, an IEP is a written plan that will describe the program(s) and special services the student requires to be successful. It is a plan that ensures that proper programming is in place to help the student with special needs to be successful at school. It is a working document that will be modified usually each term based on the ongoing needs of the student. The IEP is developed collaboratively by school staff and parents as well as medical staff if appropriate. An IEP will focus on social, academic and independence needs (daily living) depending on the area of need. It may have one or all three components addressed. School teams and parents usually decide who needs an IEP. Usually testing/assessment is done to support the need for an IEP, unless medical conditions are involved. An IEP must be in place for any student who has been identified as having special needs by an Identification, Placement, and Review Committee (IPRC) which is made up of school team members. In some jurisdictions, there are IEPs in place for students who are not working at grade level or have special needs but have not yet gone through the IPRC process. IEPs will vary depending on the educational jurisdiction. However, IEPs will describe specifically the special education program and/or the services necessary for a student with special needs. The IEP will identify the curricular areas that will need to be modified or it will state whether the child requires an alternative curriculum which is often the case for students with severe autism, severe developmental needs or cerebral palsy etc. It will also identify the accommod ations and or any special educational services the child may need to reach their full potential. It will contain measurable goals for the student. Some examples of services or support in the IEP could include: Curriculum a grade or two behindLess of the Curriculum (a modification.) Assistive Technology such as text to speech or speech to textA specialized laptop with specific software applications or switches to support the special needsBrailleFM SystemsPrint EnlargersSitting, standing, walking devices/equipmentAugmentative communicationStrategies, accommodations and any resources neededTeacher Aid Assistance Again, the plan is individualized and rarely will any 2 plans be the same. An IEP is NOT a set of lessons plans or daily plans. The IEP differs from regular classroom instruction and assessment in varying amounts. Some IEPs will state that a specialized placement is required while others will just state the accommodations and modifications that will occur in the regular classroom. IEPs will usually contain: an overview of the Student’s strengths and areas of need;the current level of the student’s functioning or achievement;annual goals written very specifically for the student;an overview of the program and services that the student will receive;an overview of the methods to determine progress and to monitor progress;assessment dataname, age, exceptionality or medical conditionstransitional plans (for older students) Parents are always involved in the development of the IEP, they play a key role and will sign the IEP. Most jurisdictions will require that the IEP be completed within 30 school days after the pupil has been placed in the program, however, its important to check into special education services in your own jurisdiction to be certain of the specific details. The IEP is a working document and when change is needed, the IEP will be revised. The principal is ultimately responsible to ensure that the IEP is being implemented. Parents are encouraged to work with teachers to ensure their childs needs are being met both at home and at school.

Reading response 4 Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Reading response 4 - Assignment Example However, when a learner is giving a speech, then errors in using language forms can lead to confusion. The authors have also pointed that â€Å"the identity of the researcher has an impact on the speech of second language learners† (Bayley and Tarone, 2013, p.43). For instance, a L2 learner uses more native accent in their second language speech when interviewed by their native people than by foreigners. It has also been stated that people living in a community have the same style of variations in their language. This theory is not clear since each individual may have difference in variation degrees. The authors have also used Liu’s longitudinal study of L2 variation on a five year old Chinese immigrant â€Å"Bob† to Australia (Bayley and Tarone, 2013, p.46). It was observed that in his developmental stage of learning English, Bob used more complex sentences when conversing with friends and peers, and simpler sentences when conversing with teachers. It proved tha t Bob’s L2 acquisition is faster in informal environment. In the fourth chapter which is on sociocultural theory (SCT), the author Lantolf has said that â€Å"although SCT is a general theory of human mental development, it has been productively extended to include the investigation of second language development† (Lantolf, 2013, p.57). The basic concept of this theory, according to the author, is how a speaker masters â€Å"narrative performance through private speech† (Lantolf, 2013, p.57). Therefore, it can be observed that the level of second language acquisition does not depend only on internal ability of the learner, but also the external interactions that have a major impact on the learner’s ability to learn. The major question explored in this chapter is the extent to which an individual uses his second language for cognitive thinking. It has been found from various

Admission Essays for EMBA Admission - The University of Chicago Booth Essay - 1

Admission Essays for EMBA Admission - The University of Chicago Booth School of Business - Essay Example My current key engagement is the implementation of the new Cloud Computing Hosting Centres for the utility based services provider iTricity at Belgium, The Netherlands and Luxembourg (IBM, 2008). Cloud computing represents a new paradigm in the manner computing will be done in business enterprises. The potential of cloud computing as a business activity is very large, with estimates suggesting that the market for cloud computing in the next five years will touch $95 billion (King, 2008). Cloud computing is an emerging technology for Information Technology that provides rapid delivery of computing resources that a business enterprise requires. These resources like computing services, storage services and networking services are made available in a simplified way and on demand. Such an approach makes for rapid innovation and management of these innovations (IBM, 2009). My role in IBM’s activities in the new cloud computing services is to help business enterprises, irrespective of size, to make use of the opportunities presented by this effective computing model (IBM, 2008). My experiences as a project manager implementing innovative projects have led me to believe in the advice of Drucker 1985, p. 98 that â€Å"knowledge-based innovations can be temperamental, capricious and hard to direct†. Interacting with business leaders to understand customer what customers want and how this innovative technology would boost their business activities are an essential component of my role in the successful development of the cloud computing networks of IBM (Bower & Christensen, 1995). The purpose of cloud computing centres is to provide a solution to business enterprises, currently facing issues of ever increasing hardware and application software for their computing needs, and I will need to be able to convince business leaders that this innovative solution will create value for them (Sawhney, Wolcott & Arroniz,

Deconstruction and Multiplicity of Self through Modern Technology :: Technological Essays

Deconstruction and Multiplicity of Self through Modern Technology The Internet has allowed a postmodern view of self to dominate and serve as the solution to a dilemma that modernism has perpetuated surrounding self perception. Such a dilemma includes the identity crisis. Having only one self is restricting and can be dangerous, especially if the self is viewed as â€Å"bad† by the individual/self or others. It becomes critical, in the modernist view of self, to like oneself or else one will have to either self-hate or self-destruct. Self destruction would mean to kill off or eliminate the self-defining characteristics that one dislikes. My Mother always told me: â€Å"It’s never to late to be who you really are†. This advice functions to encourage combat against negative self-image that modernism cultivates. For some, this process is like clearing the slate. Starting from scratch will hopefully be refreshing to one’s self-esteem and self-value, but starting over as the â€Å"new you† can be a difficult an d scary adjustment as well. For the same reasons, labels and stereotypes control and shape one’s identity. The postmodern, technological world loosens the powerful grip of modernism’s resulting restrictions on selfhood. Modernism promotes an either-or option for self being one thing or another (and, hopefully, that dichotomy is not the dangerous good-bad ultimatum). On the other hand, postmodernism allows for fluidity and does not condemn or pollute the entire self with one portion of self-identity. Additionally, the worry about a â€Å"new you’s" role in society will never arise as the â€Å"new you† is just â€Å"another you† in a postmodern self concept. No one has one true self nor control over others’ perceptions of one’s selves. Therefore, one must come to terms with the fragmented, multiplicities of their own identity. Their self exists in the here-and-now, and is much less definable in simple categories. While others, then, cannot grasp and categorize your identity, the possibility exists, that neither can the self which is you. This presents a freeing and frustrating capacity for any individual worried about control. The postmodern, technology-age self is not contained. It is a limitless region abounding with environment-sensitive traits. We can imagine such a concept through the unlimited Internet—in the vast expanse called cyberspace. Viewing ourselves through, or actually as composed like, a machine unlocks such infinite possibilities in identity.

Laughter Is the Best Medicine Essay

I. Introduction A. Humour has good healing power and it is good for you. B. Dr. Lee Berk and fellow researcher Dr. Stanley Tan of Loma Linda University in California have been studying the effects of laughter on the immune system. C. To date their published studies have shown that laughing lowers blood pressure, reduces stress hormones, increases muscle flexion, and boosts immune function by raising levels of infection-fighting T-cells, disease-fighting proteins called Gamma-interferon and B-cells, which produce disease-destroying antibodies. D. Laughter also triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, and produces a general sense of well-being. E. Laughter is the best medicine. II. Body see more:laughter is the best medicine article A. Laughter activates the Immune System. 1. First sub point a. In their study, the physiological response produced by belly laughter was opposite of what is seen in classical stress, supporting the conclusion that mirthful laughter is a eustress state — a state that produces healthy or positive emotions. Research results indicate that, after exposure to humor, there is a general increase in activity within the immune system. b. An increase in gamma interferon, which tells various components of the immune system to â€Å"turn on.† c. An increase in the number and activity level of natural killer cells that attack viral infected cells and some types of cancer and tumor cells. d. An increase in activated T cells (T lymphocytes). There are many T cells that await activation. Laughter appears to tell the immune system to â€Å"turn it up a notch.† e. An increase in the antibody IgA (immunoglobulin A), which fights upper respiratory tract insults and infections. f. An increase in IgB, the immunoglobulin produced in the greatest quantity in body, as well as an increase in Complement 3, which helps antibodies to pierce dysfunctional or infected cells. The increase in both substances was not only present while subjects watched a humor video; there also was a lingering effect that continued to show increased levels the next day. B. Laughter decreases â€Å"stress† hormones. 2. First sub point a. The results of the study also supported research indicating a general decrease in stress hormones that constrict blood vessels and suppress immune activity. These were shown to decrease in the study group exposed to humor. b. Laughing is aerobic, providing a workout for the diaphragm and increasing the body’s ability to use oxygen. c. Laughter brings in positive emotions that can enhance – not replace — conventional treatments. d. Hence it is another tool available to help fight the disease. Experts believe that, when used as an adjunct to conventional care, laughter can reduce pain and aid the healing process. For one thing, laughter offers a powerful distraction from pain. e. In a study published in the Journal of Holistic Nursing, patients were told one-liners after surgery and before painful medication were administered. Those exposed to humor perceived less pain when compared to patients who didn’t get a dose of humor as part of their therapy. Perh aps, the biggest benefit of laughter is that it is free and has no known negative side effects. III. Conclusion A. Many of us feel awkward in joking in front of terminally ill patients. Many may even consider it inappropriate or insensitive. However, it has been known scientifically that the best thing you can do to your friends is to provide a humorous environment and let them â€Å"forget† about their condition. Sitting and feeling sorry for their condition will not help them much. B. Laughter really is the best medicine. Sources: * http://www.holisticonline.com/Humor_Therapy/humor_therapy_benefits.htm * ————————————————- Top of Form