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Professor goes for the jocular in patient care June 13, 2005 For his day job, R. Bruce Baum is a professor who trains teachers to work with students with disabilities. But when he leaves campus, he's the kind of guy who carries around important things in urine sample bags so no one will steal them. In front of crowds, he twists his neck while secretly breaking a plastic glass, so it sounds like his neck is cracking off its stem. Baum, who works in the School of Education at SUNY Buffalo, carries a cloak of secrecy — he's a member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians. He shared his tricks and punch lines with school and hospital nurses, occupational therapists, nutritionists, physical therapists and other health care workers at last month's Professional Issues Forum on Health Care sponsored by New York State United Teachers. "A hearty laugh can influence up to 24 hours later," said Baum, a member of United University Professions, representing academic and professional faculty at the State University of New York. Humor, he says, is an alternative healing-care strategy for both the sick and those tending them. Humor:
Negative humor should be avoided. "Go for the jocular, not the jugular," he said. Jokes for health care workers that Baum shared include tag lines such as "It's spleen a long, long time ... gonna take a sentimental gurney ... my melancolicky baby." By seventh grade, said the good humor man, most people begin leveling out their emotions to be cool. As adults, we must learn to overcome our fear of foolishness. "Sometimes the only sense we can get out of life is a sense of humor," he said. Baum quoted Victor Hugo: "Laughter is the sun that drives winter from the human face." Then he handed everyone a card with a picture of a stool on it. Just for a sample, of course. — Liza Frenette |
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