Laughter – The Best Medicine?

Laughter – The Best Medicine?

There is a well-known expression that laughter is the best medicine and although difficult to ‘fact check’ in these bewildering times where ‘no evidence’, miracle cures are being peddled across the internet 24/7, this particular wives’ tale seems to have gained plenty of traction within the medical fraternity. Esteemed organisations and establishments such as the British Heart Foundation* and Oxford University* have both recently published studies to support the view that a good old chortle has accompanying health benefits.

So, on another unseasonally (for Scotland) glorious June morning, our intrepid Storyworks team set off to Belshill, to meet Zoe and find out a bit more about her life, loves and her daily routine.

Often, when meeting someone for the first time and visiting them in their own home, there’s a reserved atmosphere, but Zoe and team members Natalie and Rita, couldn’t have been more welcoming. Armed with our secret confectionary weapons – this time, cakes – it wasn’t long before the kettle was on, and we got down to business.

The Westlife calendar hanging up in the kitchen was the first clue that this was a home filled with music and creativity.

That was our first observation as the teas, coffees and biscuits were dished out. “Well, if the Westlife repertoire can be described as music!”, I cheekily retorted to Zoe, who lets out an enormous laugh; it seemed we were off to a good start.

Teasing Zoe about this, she was quick to point out that she had a soft spot for boybands of the Irish variety and Boyzone were her 2^nd favourite. “Who’s your favourite member?”, we enquired. “Shane Filan”, came the immediate response, accompanied by a huge beaming smile and that infectious laugh.

Expanding on the music chat, Zoe informed us that she’s a regular at Motherwell Point where she is an enthusiastic admirer of local talent and musician, Jim McNulty, who performs her favourite tunes on a Friday night. Photos are proffered of the bold Jim, and we have to concede that he is indeed, ‘fit’. Cue another round of laughter from Zoe.

It’s impossible not to get caught up in her humour, sense of fun and general optimistic outlook. Not one to hide her light under a bushel, Zoe quickly puts us right if we say the wrong thing about Shane or Ronan (Keating), but always with a glint in her eye accompanied by that huge laugh.

No topic is off limits as we go on a whirlwind tour of Zoe’s life and adventures which she seemingly undertakes with great gusto, often accompanied by her bestie, Jazzie. We are informed that the two of them often sit up in bed of a night with a glass of wine in hand putting the world to rights. Sounds good, huh?

We eventually turn to more serious matters and Zoe, who has had cerebral palsy since birth, gives us a potted history of her life.

“I really enjoyed school”, she tells us, which isn’t the most familiar experience we’ve come to expect. Leaving at almost 18 years old, Zoe recounts the support she received at school was “very good” in general terms and particular subject favourites included English and practical maths. The maths classes, she tells us, included dealing with money and other important day to day necessities – things that stand her in good stead today as she is planning a garden make over and a holiday. She’s signed herself up to Bellshill Credit Union to support her with these projects, noting the importance of such organisations in delivering trustworthy, practical, independent financial advice. She talks about the more negative aspects of the support she received as a young adult but acknowledges that she’s “in a good place now” with a team that can deliver the appropriate support she requires in a way and time of her choosing.

Zoe presents with several symptoms of cerebral palsy including restricted mobility and general weakness in her limbs but like many others with this condition, her mind is razor sharp. She is a wheelchair user and gets out and about with the support of her team in her own specially adapted vehicle.

Although undoubtedly challenging, Zoe, who lives with her mum Kate, never shows any sign of bitterness or frustration. It must surely be there, but she conceals it well.

All throughout our visit, she holds court, telling stories, cackling, laughing and sharing ‘in jokes’ with Natalie, one of her Personal Development Workers who is busy in the kitchen but is clearly listening in with one ear – they’re a real double act for sure.

With a keen interest in acting and performance, Zoe is currently on a waiting list to join her local dramatic society – that wait has been long, with no start date in sight, and this is the only hint of frustration she gives during our chat.

Natalie comes in to check everything’s okay and ask if we’d like more tea. This seems like a good opportunity to ask her a bit about herself and she’s cheerfully obliging.

Natalie explains that after a close bereavement she turned to animals for solace and comfort, and she now runs a small dog walking/hotel service in her spare time. Her role as a Personal Development Worker supporting Zoe, dovetails perfectly with her busy life and the flexibility within the job allows her the scope to pursue other interests and hobbies. She’s a great match for Zoe and the role perfectly supports her work/life balance.

On listening to the chat around animals, Scott, our Irish Storyworks colleague, both a Dubliner and an animal lover himself, tells us a hilarious story about his cat chasing a mouse that had come into his house. It’s a real-life Tom and Jerry tale, delivered in his immaculate Dub accent. This sets Zoe off again laughing and smiling and I’m left with the impression that she thinks she’s listening to Shane Filan himself, right there in her living room.

I suggest it’s time for us to leave – before she asks Scott about his time in a boyband. So B*Witched (pun intended) is Zoe about all things Dublin, it’s not a quantum leap for her to imagine Scott had a band of Irish brothers all his own.

As gracious and mannerly as ever, Scott acknowledges Zoe’s fervour for Dublin’s finest, but I can’t help thinking I would’ve countered Zoe’s zeal – or tempered it at least, with the numerous other ‘Dubs’ that have lit up the world’s stages.

We take our leave as I’m thinking: Sinéad O’Connor, Thin Lizzy, The Chieftains, The Dubliners, Wolfe Tones, the list goes on and on, and not least U2, but Kirsty is staunch, loyal and plain mad about Westlife.

I loved our visit; it reminded me how different and unique all our individual preferences and tastes are, and that is right and proper. It defines who we are.

Better is always possible, but laughter is indeed, the best medicine.

* https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-14889165

* https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/wellbeing/how-joy-affects-health