When was the last time you laughed?  Did you know that it’s good for you?  Well, there is more and more research showing that it is.

A recent study at the University of Maryland Medical Center indicates that laughter may be beneficial in the prevention of heart attacks.  Funny, don’t you think? 

It makes sense to me.  I mean, when you laugh, you’re releasing all kinds of beneficial endorphins into your bloodstream, you’re bringing in more oxygen, you’re working your muscles, plus you’re having a pretty good time while you’re doing it.

The researchers found that the patients they interviewed who had suffered from a heart attack, were less likely to laugh or "respond humorously" than patients without heart trouble.

The study has some important implications in our society where heart disease has become the number one killer in the US.  Sounds like we’re taking things WAY too seriously.

As an experiment of my own, I dare you … right now … to go over and stare into the mirror and laugh out loud as hard as you can for a full 30 seconds. Fake it if you have to.  (Come on … I "double dog" dare you.  We used to say that as kids; I’m still not sure what it means, but it’s fun to say.) 

If you do this, I GUARANTEE you’ll be smiling afterwards.  And who knows, I might have just saved you from having a heart attack.

So as we approach the holidays, have a good laugh or two.  It’ll be good for your heart in more ways than one.

Stay Healthy.

The Washington Post reported not long ago that there is a connection between drinking alcohol and breast cancer.  While they acknowledge that drinking in moderation can still have some health benefits, such as lowering your risks for heart disease and type 2 diabetes, they also found a "significant" increase in the number of occurances of breast cancer among women who consume alcohol, even in moderation.

Interesting.  So is that glass of Merlot worth the risk?  I think the jury’s still out.  I have a difficult time believing that consuming a single glass of wine at dinner could be the deciding catalyst behind a bout with breast cancer,  There are so many other variables involved that it seems a little absurd to isolate one.

But it’s worth knowing.  In the end, we all make choices that affect our health.  And the more information we have, the better choices we can begin to make.

Stay Healthy!