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CAMILLE FIOTI Times Leader Correspondent

WILKES-BARRE -- Nearly 200 people attended Sunday’s Health, Wellness & Humor fair at the Ramada Inn, and among other things got a chance to test out the old advice that “laughter is the best medicine.”

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Dr. Brad Nieder signs copies of his book ‘Humor Me’ that helps spread his message that ‘Laughter is the best Medicine’ and greets people during a Geisinger Health, Wellness and Humor Fair.

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Cathy Levi, right, talks with LPN Karen Nowicki while receiving a blood pressure screening during a Geisinger Health, Wellness and Humor Fair on Sunday at the Ramada in Wilkes-Barre.

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The event, sponsored by Geisinger Health System, offered free blood pressure, hearing and body mass screenings, as well as a dose of humor.

Nationally known as “The Healthy Humorist,” Dr. Brad Nieder, M.D., had the crowd in stitches with a blend of health care comedy and wellness advice.

“Laughter is really good for us,” he said. “We need to lighten up and laugh more -- especially in this day and age and in this economy.”

Nieder, a licensed physician from Denver, Colo., began doing stand-up just before attending medical school and was a founding member of a comedy troupe when he was a freshman at Stanford University. While attending the University of Colorado, Nieder frequently did stand-up comedy for live audiences throughout Denver.

Once he became a doctor, Nieder continued tickling funny bones on a part-time basis. Seven years ago, Nieder left his practice to become a full-time “funny doctor,” spreading his message of laughter and wellness at conferences, conventions and corporate events across the country.

Hugh Rolf attended the event with his friend Betty Lee Frusciante and about 20 others from the Kingston Senior Center.

“I’m not a health freak,” said Rolf, “but this is good for the general public that wants to learn what’s available.”

Rolf said he agrees with Nieder that having a positive attitude is key in maintaining good health. “I’m the class clown of (the class of) ’52, and I’ve been ever since.”

A number of specialty departments within the Geisinger network were on hand to provide information and advice to the attendees. Thomas Gibbons, Geisinger public relations and marketing specialist, pointed out the benefits of the Heart Center’s “Provencare” program, which is designed to follow a patient through the process of coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

“It’s a checklist for before, during and after surgery to make sure we do the right things for every patient, every time,” he said.