‘IS THERE A DOCTOR IN THE HOUSE?’
DR. MIKE TALKS HUMOR AND HEALTH
April is national humor month — it starts with all those pranks on April Fools’ Day and just keeps rolling! I’ve always loved to laugh, and I realized from a young age that when things are difficult, humor can really make a difference — especially in a medical setting. One of my favorite comedians is Howie Mandel. Most people know Howie as a game show host, but I’ve seen him live enough times to tell you that he does things few comedians can pull off! Howie may have an act written, but a lot of that script must just say, “Tell jokes to and about the audience,” because he spends so much time asking people in the crowd about themselves and then just riffing on that good-naturedly! He can find the funny stuff in any job or subject, and he is he quick on his toes! Howie does have a few standby bits, though, including asking, “Is there a doctor in the house?” and then he makes whoever raises their hand his next target. He’ll ask them about a very scary, complicated medical situation. After they respond, he’ll say, “No, that’s all wrong! Here’s what you do ...” and then proceed to explain how his TV character Dr. Wayne Fiscus (from “St. Elsewhere”) would handle the situation instead. Then, once the laughs have finally died down, Howie will say, “No folks, I’m just kidding. You should listen to what this real doctor says to do!” I have a personal connection to this “bit”
because one time in Vegas, the “doctor in the house” was my wife — courtesy of me calling her out, of course! I doubt we’ll ever stop laughing at that memory. Joking aside (get it?), humor is important, and we all need it from time to time. I may not have a standup routine, but I do have a pretty standard speech I give patients during consultations, and when we turn toward some of the more vulnerable moments, I try to crack a corny joke and show my patients that I’m human too and that I care about their comfort — even if the “doctor in the house” is ME!
INSPIRATION
CLEAN AS SPRING RAIN
BANFI SAN ANGELO PINOT GRIGIO A DELIGHT
As the weather turns and tumbles from rain to sun and back within the hour, I think all of our minds are on the summer to come. Sometimes, it’s hard to stop and enjoy a month like April — but I’m trying to do just that with a glass of this delightful pinot grigio in hand. This wine is grown under the Tuscan sun and has a full, flavorful taste with fruit notes. It’s very crisp, and the warmth breaks into a long, smooth finish. By the end, you almost forget the full-bodied flavor you started out with. And then the process starts all over again with the next sip! Sound a bit like spring weather to you? I’ve been savoring this all by itself, but I wouldn’t hesitate to serve it with seafood or salad. Perhaps you’ll join me in a toast to spring!
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