Dennis Fahringer's blog http://fotofah.posterous.com Most recent posts at Dennis Fahringer's blog posterous.com Tue, 27 Sep 2011 18:59:00 -0700 Laughter really is the best medicine (its health benefits) http://fotofah.posterous.com/laughter-really-is-the-best-medicine-its-heal http://fotofah.posterous.com/laughter-really-is-the-best-medicine-its-heal

3. A sense of humor appears to keep people healthy and improves longevity - those that laughed seem to live longer. This was shown in a 2010 study published in the International Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine, and was composed of an examination of records from 53,500 individuals who were followed up after seven years.

The study found that those with a sense of humor were more likely to reach their mid-70s (after the age of 75, the study hypothesized that genetics and biological aging are of greater importance in predicting longevity).

Additionally, the physical act of laughter has been shown in various studies to:

-Create a feeling of well-being;

-Increase creativity and complex problem solving;

-Stimulate social support and the sense of teamwork;

-Lower blood pressure by reducing vasoconstriction of blood vessels;

-Reduce stress and induce relaxation.

So go grab the slapstick comedy video, laugh at something funny, or laugh for no reason at all! It may benefit your health, and it is certainly the most fun medicine you can take.

Drs. Kay Judge and Maxine Barish-Wreden are medical directors of Sutter Downtown Integrative Medicine program in Sacramento, Calif. Have a question related to alternative medicine? Email adrenaline@sacbee.com.

 

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