Name: The health benefits of clowning around
Uploaded: 2020-02-04T20:50:50Z
Duration: 7 min 19 s
Description: As a medical clown, TED Resident Matthew A. Wilson takes the old adage that laughter is the best medicine very seriously. In this heartwarming talk, he shares glimpses of how clowning around can help patients (and medical staff) navigate stressful situations -- with no side effects.

As a medical clown, TED Resident Matthew A. Wilson takes the old adage that laughter is the best medicine very seriously. In this heartwarming talk, he shares glimpses of how clowning around can help patients (and medical staff) navigate stressful situations -- with no side effects.

Medical clowning transforms hospital rooms, offering moments of joy even amidst pain and uncertainty. A simple act, like a clown helping a child accept a medical procedure by playfully inserting a tube up his own nose, can create trust and ease. Research shows medical clowns can be as effective as tranquilizers without side effects, and their presence benefits patients, families, and staff alike. Playful disruptions, from waltzing with dementia patients to elevator music in sterile hospitals, foster connection and lift morale.