^{The especialistas da Alegria bring smiles to people. Photo: Karina Rafaela. Photo: Karina Rafaela}

People who usually take life lightly and happily are less likely to develop heart, lung and bowel problems. According to psychologist Cristiane Aragues Deco, happiness has a direct influence even on self-healing. 

“The way a person faces the disease is predominant for his/her treatment, and it can even influence self-healing. More optimistic and happier individuals tend to have fewer illnesses. When negative situations happen, our body produces more cortisol. The excess of such hormone can cause disorders and diseases”, she explains.

Through laughter, for example, several muscles in the face and even the chest are moved, which contributes to the oxygen reaching the brain easier, consequently, making the reasoning easier. 

Laughter is so important that, according to a study by the University of Maryland (USA), it can even prevent heart attacks. According to the survey, people with heart disease used to laugh about 40% less compared to people at the same age who do not have heart disease. 

It is no wonder that companies that promote health are supporting actions that promote well-being for people. An example of this is Prati-Donaduzzi pharmaceutical industry*, which is a partner of the troupe of volunteer clowns, Especialistas da Alegria. The project uses laughter to help patients at Erasto Gaertner Hospital - HEG (PR) to face treatment more lightly. 

“Sometimes people think there won't be any meaning, but in my case, the visit of Especialistas da Alegria was very good. I do not even have words to describe it.  My mood has changed and I managed to relax and became more relaxed. Besides, it was fun”, says Jenyfer de Fátima Aberlado de Almeida, who is hospitalized at Erasto Gaertner Hospital.

When talking about the potential of the project with volunteer clowns, Heleno de Sousa Faria, assistant director of HEG, emphasizes the transforming power in the lives of patients and their families.

“They bring joy and peace. Their messages and advice transform the atmosphere, which is tense. They make difficult moments pleasant. When in contact with the troupe, patients and their families even laugh”.

Especialistas da Alegria

For eight years working at Erasto Gaertner Hospital, the troupe aims to contribute to society. Through laughter, they bring joy to people who are in moments of physical and emotional vulnerability. They are not only patients, but family members, companions and even the hospital staff.

“In addition to awakening people's sensitivity in giving themselves to others, especially in demanding human relations environments, the project promotes education for volunteering”, emphasizes Flávia Bertoldi, a volunteer of Especialistas da Alegria.

PRATI-DONADUZZI

Prati-Donaduzzi, the 100% capital Brazilian pharmaceutical industry, is specialized in the development and production of generic drugs. Based in Toledo, western Paraná, Prati-Donaduzzi produces about 11.5 billion therapeutic doses per year and has about 4,400 employees. The company has one of the largest portfolios of generic drugs in Brazil.

*IQVIA MAT JAN/2019 PMB + NRC Doses Terapêuticas