Clown Care
Clown Care
Clown Care, also known as Medical Clowning (pronunciation: /klaʊn kɛər/), is a healthcare program in which professional clowns provide therapeutic entertainment for patients, particularly children, in hospitals. The practice originated in the United States in the late 20th century and has since spread worldwide.
Etymology
The term "Clown Care" is derived from the English words "clown", which refers to a comic entertainer who wears a traditional costume and makeup, and "care", which refers to the provision of what is necessary for the health, welfare, maintenance, and protection of someone or something.
History
Clown Care was first introduced by Michael Christensen in 1986 at the Big Apple Circus. Christensen, a professional clown, developed the program after his son was diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. He believed that laughter and joy could be powerful medicine, and he sought to bring these elements into the hospital setting.
Methodology
In a typical Clown Care program, clowns visit hospitals to interact with patients, their families, and the medical staff. The clowns use a variety of techniques, including humor, magic, music, and storytelling, to engage with patients and create a positive, joyful atmosphere. The goal is to alleviate stress and anxiety, promote healing, and improve the overall hospital experience.
Related Terms
- Therapeutic Clowning: A similar practice in which clowns provide therapeutic entertainment in various settings, not just hospitals.
- Laughter Therapy: A form of therapy that uses humor to promote overall health and wellness.
- Pediatric Care: The branch of medicine dealing with the health and medical care of infants, children, and adolescents.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Clown Care
- Wikipedia's article - Clown Care
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