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February is American Heart Month. Rather than focus on the serious fact that Heart Disease is our Nation’s number one killer…we propose you laugh about it. That’s right! Laugh your way to a happy, healthy heart.
A happy, healthy heart isn’t just about eating right and exercising—although both are very important factors; it’s also about creating a new way of life that includes laughter.
The onset of daily stress triggers the release of certain hormones that have an adverse affect on the heart muscle. Experts say a good laugh does the following:
- Speeds more oxygen into your system
- Lowers blood pressure
- Relaxes tense muscles
- Stimulates your immune system
- Same lung-cleansing effect as deep breathing
- Reduces pain (allows you to forget about such aches as arthritis)
Research has shown that a good belly laugh can be like a good workout; when you feel your heart pumping, it’s the equivalent of internal jogging.
Building a healthful lifestyle interwoven with daily bouts of humor doesn’t happen overnight. Dedication and a great deal of practice is required. Start with surrounding yourself with positive people and opportunities that facilitate laughing, such as comedy shows; lunch with good friends; movie nights at the senior center … the list goes on and on.
So, start laughing your way to a happy, healthy heart. You’ll be happy you did!
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