Laughter therapy for kidney patients

Is laughter really the best medicine? On today’s episode we’ll discuss an exciting new coping strategy for dialysis patients called guided group laughing therapy. What is it and how does it help? Dr. Paul Bennet who ran a study on the benefits of laughing therapy and Kimberly Super-Harrigan, a dialysis patient, are here to break it down.

 

Professor Paul Bennett

Paul has experience in both academia and industry in Australia and the US. He also is Director of Research, Clinical Medical Affairs, Satellite Healthcare based in San Jose, California. Paul's program of research underpins his mission to positively impact the lives of people with chronic kidney disease. Research exploring peer support, laughter and happiness, resistance exercise, patient-reported outcomes, patient activation and home dialysis has contributed to this mission. Paul is an investigator on four current Category 1 studies (3 x NHMRC studies and 1 Canadian (CIH)) that will improve the lives of people with chronic kidney disease. Paul is an active leader in the International Society of Nephrology (ISN), The Global Renal Exercise (GREX) Network, The International Society of Nutrition and Metabolism (ISRNM) and The Renal Society of Australasia (RSA). Paul's most recent impactful work was leading the ISPD and GREX global exercise and activity recommendations for people with peritoneal dialysis.

 

Kimberly Harrigan

My name is Kimberly Harrigan and I have been on in center dialysis for six years. I have found that family connection at my clinic and we enjoy laughing together while we are getting connected to our machines. Life has thrown me a lot of curve balls, but I have been able to keep fighting and laughing.

 

Additional Resources: 

Laughter Therapy Information

Professor Paul's Research Publication

 

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