Psychological Health

An informative look at recent Holistic Fitness News

DR KAPLAN'S WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

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So what are we going to do for entertainment now that the World Cup is over? The last couple of World Cups seem to have always been just before Wimbledon. So everyone looks to Tim Henman to provide 'consolation' for England not winning the big one. Actually, I think that we are far too hard on both the English football team and Tim Henman. Both generally do very well, without winning anything in particular. We should all be happy that our sportsmen are over-performing, if anything.

You think I'm being sarcastic? Not at all. Just look at what this World Cup has done for the psychological health of some of the participating nations.

FRANCE: To be down is one thing, to fall from a great height - quite another. No wins, no goals, no joy. A nation moves from mania to depression.

ITALY: The country watches in horror as a goal is missed from 2 metres out. I watched the Korean golden goal in an Italian cafe. As it went in, there was a dreadful silence as it dawned on the audience that this was not merely a goal, it was the end of the road for Italy. Shock followed quickly by depression.

SPAIN: 'We was robbed.' They were and now we have national resentment there.

GERMANY: One mistake is all it takes to miss out on Paradise.

So what is the point of all this? There has been a lot of criticism of England's reputation for being 'good losers'. As a doctor, I would like to show my distaste for these critics.

In sport much is decided by luck (ask any Spaniard). Hundreds of teams entered and hoped to do well in the World Cup. Only one could win and be happy. Much better and much healthier to be graceful about losing. England had Brazil on the ropes for a while and we should be proud and happy about that. Let's keep our reputation for being good losers. It really is good for our health.

Returning to the theme of the health benefits of laughter. I'd like to remind you that I'm using the mnemonic S M I L E so that you can memorise all the health benefits of laughter.

S is for Stress Release

M is for Muscular Relaxation

I is for Increased Immunity.
The blood contains white cells that are known as the 'soldiers' of the body in that they go everywhere fighting infection and disposing of viruses, bacteria and unhealthy cells and tissue. Specifically these cells are known as immunoglobulins of which there are various types. Immunoglobulin A (IgA), IgG and IgM have all shown to be increased by a good laugh. So regular laughter may well protect us from infections, colds and even more serious diseases.

So remember: Take life too seriously and you may end up with a serious disease. More scientifically proven benefits of laughter next week when L stands for healthy Lungs.

Homeopathic Tip of the Week

Here is a great tip for the treatment of a minor burn or scald. Get hold of some COMBUDORON lotion (made by Weleda, it can be ordered at any health food shop) I practise Classical Homeopathy which means that I usually give only one remedy to a patient at any one time. This lotion is actually a combination of homeopathic remedies which classical homeopaths are usually very against. However this product really seems to soothe burns and it's worth having in the house 'just in case'.

Dr Brian Kaplan MBBCh MFHom www.drkaplan.co.uk