So, if laughter really is the best medicine, how healthy is the average comedian?

Published on Monday 4 August 2008 21:44

WHEN you think of what might be the healthiest profession, it is probably fair to say that stand-up comedians are unlikely to be at the top of the list.

Long tours round the country living on a diet of fast food and alcohol mean the nation's funny men and women could be putting themselves at risk of a whole host of health problems.

But a team of nurses is hoping to tackle this trend by carrying out health checks on comedians taking part in Edinburgh's Fringe festival this month.

The checks, being conducted by nurses from the health service unions Unison and Managers in Partnership, have been organised by Leicester Comedy Festival.

They are producing two health-related shows at the Edinburgh Fringe starring comedian John Ryan, who will also be among those taking part in the health checks on 11 August at the Gilded Balloon. Other performers lining up to have their blood pressure taken, along with the rest of their vital statistics, include Jeff Green, Ed Byrne and Pete Firman, who are all hoping to be crowned the healthiest comedian of all.

Karen Jennings, the head of health for Unison – the UK's largest public sector union – says the organisation is pleased to be taking part in the health checks on comedians.

She says: "Facing up to health problems can be frightening and it's tempting for people, particularly men, to bury their heads in the sand.

"Unison nurses are coming to the rescue and asking the Fringe's stand-up comedians to stand in line for a health check.

"This is a fun way to get a serious message across – looking after your health is not a laughing matter."

Ryan's show, called Hurt Until It Laughs, is focused on breaking down the barriers and embarrassment that surround men's health issues.

The comedian discusses why blokes are so reluctant to think about their health and go to the doctor.

Many health experts have warned that men are putting their lives at risk by not being upfront about health problems, perhaps delaying diagnosis of serious illnesses.

The award-winning show is hoping to change attitudes about male health and so encourage more to seek medical help before it is too late.

Ryan is also performing in another health-related show – Those Young Minds – which is aimed at encouraging fathers to take a more active role in their offspring's development. The show was commissioned by the charity YoungMinds which specialises in children's mental health and well-being.

In the show, Ryan uncovers the truth about the trials and tribulations of being a father. The comedian travelled around the country to speak to men and get information about their own experiences of fatherhood and how they coped bringing up their children.

He said hearing about the experiences faced by parents had lent the comedy show a serious message.

&#149 The health checks for comedians will take place between 11am and 1pm in The Loft Bar at the Gilded Balloon on 11 August.

&#149 John Ryan is performing at Gilded Balloon Teviot in Hurt Until It Laughs (12, 13 August, 6:45pm) and Those Young Minds (14, 15 August, 6:45pm).