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Is laughter better than Buckley's Cough Syrup? Is laughter the best medicine?

About 350 years ago, a Frenchman named Voltaire wrote, "The art of medicine consists of keeping the patient amused while nature heals the disease." As early as 1700, people wrote that healing occurs more effectively when the patient is happy and amused.

Today's research has shown that laughter really does influence one's state of well-being. It has a good effect on your immune system too. As a result, you feel better and your body is actually getting better!

Laughter may not be the best medicine for some conditions, but you might agree that laughter can be a little bit of sugar to make the medicine go down! In this activity, you will look at the importance of laughter.

Do you remember the last cold or flu you had? Do you remember being tired or worn out before you became sick? Was this a time when school or work was stressful for you?

Your chances of staying healthy depend on how well your body can resist infection. Having a positive outlook and making laughter a part of your life will make you feel good about yourself and what you are doing with your life.

What changes are made to your body when you laugh?

You become more relaxed.
You feel less stressed.
You give your immune system a boost.
You allow your body to produce more chemicals needed to fight off respiratory infections.
You increase the activity and number of white blood cells. (These cells fight infection.)
You reduce any pain you may be feeling.
You give your heart a workout when you laugh.

How does laughter do all of these things?

Laughter releases chemicals called endorphins in your body. These chemicals are 10 times more powerful than the drug morphine.

Put laughter in your life! What makes you laugh?

Whatever it is, do it or read it or watch it more often!
Surround yourself with funny people. Be with them every chance you get.
Develop your own sense of humour.
Take a class to learn how to be a better comic — or at least a better joke teller at that next party!

Be funny every chance you get — as long as it's not at someone else's expense! Remember, it is great to laugh with other people but never at them!

Digging Deeper

What are all these people doing? Hopefully, they are reducing stress!
Click on the Play button to watch a video to see how laughter can spread!