The CDC, the Centers for Disease Control, located in Atlanta, Georgia, is our nation's weapon against infectious organisms. As a part of the U.S. Department of Health, the CDC is responsible for discovering causes, developing cures, and providing for the containment of diseases. "Infectious diseases are the third leading cause of death in the U.S. and the leading cause of death worldwide," states Dr. James Hughes, who directs the National Center for Infectious Disease.

Disease-causing organisms are changing. "Drug abuse, high-risk sex, and crowded cities, along with global travel" are allowing diseases to spread. The CDC is stating that "Surveillance (respond before outbreaks spread), research (new vaccines and antibiotics are needed to fight the adapting organisms), prevention (meat supply inspections, water supply testing, vaccinations), and education (teach about high-risk behavior, antibiotic abuse, and hygiene) are what is needed to combat diseases."

Source: Parade Magazine, February 8, 1998 Issue.

Picture yourself sitting as the guest of honor at a banquet with all of the high "head honchos" of the medical field. You're overwhelmed with the tuxedos, gowns, the live orchestra, and enough silverware to pay off your medical school tuition. Feeling a little social expectation? Being a former HOSA member, you've dealt with the pressure and professionalism before, but here are a few tips to calm your "etiquette-itis."

When sitting down to eat, first place your napkin on your lap. As the food is brought, wait until everyone has his or her plate (in large groups, it is okay to eat after eight people have been served), then begin. If there are many pieces of silverware, begin on the outside and work your way in as each course is presented. When eating bread, break off a small piece, butter that piece, eat it, and repeat.

Let's say, for example, that the man next to you begins engaging in small talk about the Theory of Relativity and how it related to Crime and Punishment. Being completely lost, you can utilize these tips on how to hold an intelligent conversation (even when you don't exactly know what you're talking about). In advance, familiarize yourself with two classic pieces of literature (whether you read the books themselves or summaries of them), two philosophers and their ideas, and what's going on in current events. This information will serve you well, since a comment on the current election of the governor of your state is better than "What is your opinion on the conversion from Fahrenheit to Celsius?"

Continuing with dinner, you suddenly need to sneeze. Knowing that sneezing at the table is inappropriate, you get up to leave. Here is another dining tip: leave your napkin on the chair and cross your silverware in an "X" if you plan to return. After you return, the main course is served and includes meat. Remember, when cutting meat, only cut one small piece at a time. The knife is to be held in the left hand and the fork can be held in either hand after cutting. In the right hand, the fork tips should point up when the fork is horizontal, whereas when holding the fork in the left hand, the tips must be down. When you are done, set the silverware on the plate at four o'clock.

Next, the director stands, gives you a gracious introduction, and invites you to the stage. Stand, shoulders back, and don't trip! After the presentation, the music starts up again, and you are almost done. Continue to intellectualize, thank the host, and make an exit.

Congratulations! You did it! Good luck at your next dinner!

Artery: The study of paintings.

Bacteria: The back door of a cafeteria.

Caesarean Section: A neighborhood in Rome.

CAT Scan: Searching for Kitty.

Colic: A kind of sheep dog.

Dilate: To live a long time.

Hangnail: A coat hook.

Impotent: Distinguished, well known.

Labor Pain: Getting hurt at work.

Medical Staff: A doctor's cane.

Morbid: A higher offer.

Nitrates: Cheaper than day rates.

Node: Was aware of.

Outpatient: Someone who fainted.

Tablet: A small table.

Urine: Opposite of you're out.

Varicose: Nearby.

Vein: Conceited.

ER: The things you hear with.

Enteritis: A penchant for burglary.

Antibodies: Things that uncles are familiar with.

Cardiac: Someone addicted to poker.

ICU: Peek-a boo.

Organ Transplant: Time to call the piano movers.

Triple Bypass: Tricky route on the interstate.

(Source unknown)

People over the years have held tight to the theory that laughter is the best medicine. Many studies have proven that laughter is, indeed, one of the best medicines.

Before laughter, during laughter, and after laughter, many extraordinary things occur in our bodies. Although neuroscientists have very little idea what happens in our brains when we laugh, studies have shown that a negative charge of electricity sweeps through our brains. This charge creates a chain of reactions that allows our bodies to feel better.

After we laugh, our blood pressure drops below normal, our pulse decreases, and natural painkillers called endorphins are released. Laughter helps us contend with our mortality and increases our sense of belonging, as well as leaving our bodies in a relaxed state. Laughter also increases the immune system's ability to fight infection by decreasing a stress hormone which can weaken the immune system.

If these findings are correct, children are healthier than adults. Children laugh about 300 times a day, while adults laugh only 17 times a day. These findings back up the theory that laughter is the best medicine. Many others believe this as well, including our local HOSA (HOSA) chapter. HOSA and the Harrison Memorial Hospital are working together on a project called HUMOR 101. This program is designed to help the patients in the Transitional Care Unit and Long-Term Care laugh more. Volunteers began this project on November 3 at the hospital.

Anyone who believes the theory should get involved. Try to laugh as much as possible. After all, laughter is the best medicine.