Psychoneuroimmunology

Hey, how often do I get the chance to use an impressive word like that? And, when am I ever going to get a chance to use it again? Psy·cho·neu·ro·im·mu·nol·o·gy—pronounced: sk-nr-my-nl-j, -nyr —just in case you wanted to know.

I remember when I was a kid my dad used to tell me. "Each morning look up a new word in the dictionary, and then try to used it a couple of times that day."

By the way, basically it's the study of how our moods and emotions effect our health and well being. I came across it some time back but just couldn't quite manage to find a use for it, until now that is.Well, they say laughter is the best medicine, but you know just typing that ridiculous word, psychoneuroimmunology, and knowing that a whole lot people here, who are a lot smarter than me won't know what it means is, in a smug kind of way, making me feel a whole lot better already. So, I guess you could say I'm using psychoneuroimmunology right now to make myself feel better.

"The physiological effects of laughter and even smiling releases a number of positive chemicals into the blood cells that stimulate the immune system. At the same time there is a small rise in heart rate and blood pressure followed by a period of relaxation as endomorphines are released by the brain. Endomorphines (which are the body’s natural pain killer) and the increase in oxygen into the blood supply create a feeling of well being, a kind of rush. This helps to fight the effects of stress." That's the scientists’ fang-dangle explanation for what we all know to be true, and that is that laughing makes you feel good.

Yes, it's the cold and flu season here in Australia. I hate winter and I just can't wait for it to end. I'm really trying hard to psychoneuroimmune myself against all the bugs and things that are floating around at this time of year but I'm just not having a great deal of luck. (By the way, what does it mean if your ears squeak when you blow your nose? No, it's not a joke or riddle, I mean, seriously, what does it mean if you ears squeak when you blow your nose? )I guess I shouldn't complain, I rarely get a cold and, of course, it could be a whole lot worse. I mean, I ask you, the ladies, what's harder to put up with—having a cold, or listening to your other half whinge and whine when he's got one?

Psychoneuroimmunology... Mmm, try saying it fast, and it almost sounds like a noise you might make when you sneeze, doesn't it?

Oh boy, dear o' Dad's going to be so proud of me today!