4Apr18 Laughter is the Best Medicine

Ollie Pale, the therapeutic clown at Children’s Hospital LHSC aka Ken Sperling introduced the club to his work with the children.  Supported by the Children’s Health Foundation he is a non-medical staff member who helps to normalize children’s lives during their hospital visits. He is spontaneous, witty, playful and takes pride in making people happy.  Ollie has been at the hospital since 2004.

A good laugh relaxes tense muscles, sends more oxygen into the lungs and lowers blood pressure.  Laughter is infectious and smiles are contagious.

Ollie provides individual and small group activities in patient rooms, playrooms and hallways.  He offers a fun-filled distraction from the medical side of their day.

The patient decides whether or not the clown may enter his/her room to play and how they would like to interact with him.

Unlike the circus clown who plays to the crowd, he is not loud, and does not use a lot of costume and make-up.

Ollie uses 5 approaches in his work: listening, humor, play and empowerment, friendship and companionship and trust.  He makes a lot of use of the “O” ball, sometimes a video clip helps to reduce fear and anxiety, glove balloons and magic tricks – anything that will put a smile on someone’s face.  As needed in the situation he can be smart and he can be silly.  Sometimes he introduces good hospital manners such as saying please and thank you, tidying up their toys.

It’s not surprising that from time to time he is invited to children’s parties at home and even for a sleep over.

Doug Burnard (Past District Governor) gives Trudy a cheque for dictionaries distributed to Grade 3 children in Elgin Co.

 

Happy Fins.  Donations of $5 to The Rotary Foundation in celebration of something good in our lives.  Receipts are provided twice a year for income tax purposes.

Bill (4) For 6 club members honored by the Province of Ontario: Mike, Ken, Bill, Suzanne, Dave Payler and Paul Blower; safe travels; his mother-in-law who is nearly 102yrs; glad to be home.

Ron (3)For 2 birthdays, his son and grandson; and for Ken’s talk today.

Gerry (2) Today’s speaker; the recent performance of Brahms Requiem in St. Thomas – excellent quality

Kathy Willson (2) Appreciation of the club members who “keep me going”. Ken Sperling as “one of the quiet saints”.

Malcolm (2) One for winning the 50/50; for Ken’s work with the children.

Pat Martyn (2) Great Easter weekend with her family; enjoyed Ken’s presentation about his work.

Trish (1) Thanking Nancy for announcing the 6 volunteers from the club to be recognized by the Province of Ontario and for her leadership in that regard.

Adriana (1) Remembering when her son was in hospital in Toronto and how the clown was very patient and helpful.