Take a pill of laughter

by ppeggy | March 7, 2008 at 09:06 am

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This is a fascinating summary of historical laughing as well as the benefits of hysterical laughing. Writer Albert Nerenberg presents information about laughing as a medical treatment, with illustrations and comments from experts throughout the years. One interesting conclusion reached by many of those who have studied laughing is that it's not the humour that's important; it's the actual, physical act of laughing. So we don't even need to wait for a good comedian. Go ahead people, laugh! You'll feel better.

Here's a sampling of the recent studies:

- A study by the University of North Carolina published in 2005 says women who are hugged regularly appear to have a lower risk of heart disease.

- University of Maryland study shows regular laughter improves blood circulation and may protect against heart attack.

- Psychiatrist Joseph Richman's study of depressed and suicidal senior citizens showed laughter had a significant curative affect.

- A 2001 University of California study reported members of a choir showed significantly increased levels of immunity-building proteins just prior to performance and even more dramatically afterward.

- Clinical psychologist Dan Johnston says that simply smiling for no particular reason can have a positive effect on health and attitude. What these have in common is they're all obvious and none require a prescription.

- Even AIG, an American insurance company, is now running ads on U.S. network TV claiming: "Laughing will add 'eight years' to your life" -- and as actuaries, they should know.

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