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Laugh


Article # : 16666 

Section : LIFE
Issue Date : 10 / 1989  1,837 Words
Author : Robin Parker
Robin Parker, Life editor of THE WORLD & I, was formerly a health-care professional.

       An old, rather homely spinster was looking for a husband. Spotting a nice looking man in a restaurant, she boldly approached him, saying, "Well-l, hello there. I haven't met you before. Who are you?" he answered, "My name is John Block, and I just got out of prison for murdering my wife with a hatchet." To that, she happily squealed, "Ohhhhh, so you're single!"
       
        Hssm hssm, hah hah HAH HAH HAH, humm! Today, scientists, medical researchers, and psychologists are rediscovering laughter--one of the most inexpensive, easy, and enjoyable methods of healing the mind, body, and spirit.
       
        An Italian (your race of preference can be substituted here) walks into a bar, extending his hands, filled with cow dung. "Look what I almost stepped in!" he exclaims to his friends.
       
        Quips, quirks, and quaffs cause the smiles, giggles, and belly laughter that bombard our bodies with ripples of movement affecting just about every internal bodily system--cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, endocrine, immune, and even the central nervous system. Laughter is exercise, and the harder and longer the laugh, the better the workout. Respiration increases and heart rate can double, which stimulates circulation. Hormones that trigger the release of endorphins--the body's natural pain killers--increase. And stress-related hormones take a drop, which is one reason having a good laugh feels so delightful. After the sidesplitting ceases, a period of spontaneous restfulness immediately follows as the body completely relaxes.
       
        A British gentleman entering a bus notices a chap sitting on a ... (1997 of 10873 Characters)
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