Laughter is important for longevity according to many researchers in a variety of medical specialties. Although research has yet to prove that laughter therapy physically prevents heart attacks or cardiovascular diseases, researchers agree that laughter and a good sense of humor play an important role in a heart-healthy lifestyle.
Dr. Michael Miller, director of the Center for Preventive Cardiology at the University of Maryland Medical Center states that laughter improves blood vessel function "by stimulating the inner lining of blood vessels to release a protective chemical know as nitric oxide". Nitric oxides reduces inflammation, decreases blood dilation and prevents the build-up of bad cholesterol. Studies also have shown that laughter may increase you heart rate, improve your immune system, relieve pain and improve one's breathing.
Dr. William Fry, emeritus professorat the Stanford University School of medicine psychiatry department believes that laughter exercises most of the muscles in our body and states that "giggling may be good for your waistline"! Vanderbilt University researchers discovered that "people who laughed at comedy video clips with a friend experienced a 10 to 20 percent heart rate increase and burned approximately 1.3 calories per minute. Laughing heartily for 15 minutes a day could help you shed four pounds a year"!
In addition to laughing for longevity these researchers tell us that humor helps us think "outside the box" and be open to alternative points of view. Laughter helps us see the bright side of life, relieves stress and relaxes us. When stress is relieved we are able to take hardships in stride. Dr. Jeanne Segal, Ph.D. describes laughter as a "survival method" when it comes to overcoming distressing situations. Dr. Segal says "If we have moments of joy, we can withstand just about anything".
Dr, Segal agrees that laughter is the best when shared with others and that laughter and humor preserves a relationship. Victor Borge once said, "Laughter is the shortest distance between two people". Parents and Grandparents alike note that "humor bonds them with their children and grandchildren. The positive result is that they all enjoy spending time together.
Some simple tips for bringing laughter into your life: Buy a joke book and read it anytime you need a pick-me-up. Rent comedy movies and invite friends or family over for a comedy fest. Clip favorite cartoons from the newspaper and attach them to the fridge.
Remember: "Laugh and the world laughs with you".
|
  |
