The health benefits of clowning around | Matthew A. Wilson

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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.

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25 Comments on The health benefits of clowning around | Matthew A. Wilson

  1. What a joke! This guy is such a clown!

    I can imagine a surgeon asking for a scalpel and he hands him a rubber one. The surgeon says “hey, I can’t make an incision with that!” and he’s like “well, well, well, and I thought every surgeon was sharp and knowledgeable of cutting edge medical science…”

  2. You had a tough crowd there….glad to hear some snickers and outright laughter here and there. What you do is surely a blessing to all who hear and see you, Matthew. Tx for sharing this online.

  3. There are so many professions representing aspects of the spectrum of the human psyche that are not recognized in modern society because they are not associated with “profit”. I’m glad to see at least one of them is coming back.

  4. An uplifting insight regarding Medical Clowns I didn’t know it existed. I thank you for this video, but like anyone who are helping others in need this has the same value to make them feel better.

  5. I wonder how many got your musical reference, I am having to hear it again: the Girl from Ipanema: Astrud Gilberto and Stan Getz. 1964

  6. I work in a School where teenagers with high anxiety and some mental health issues are increasing. I’ve genuinely been wondering for a while if humour and silliness can relieve this to an extent.

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