Wednesday, January 2, 2008

Chit-Chat Over Coffee Swirls (3)

The first thing I saw when I sat down at my computer this morning were several post-ems of "I love you" with a copy of my 7 year old grandson's computer picture showing his jack-o-lantern smile, which he pasted over the weekend. That certainly brightened up my face as well as my day. He is always doing that, leaving little notes for me to see. I love when he comes over. He is so funny, especially when he lets out his hearty laugh. Its very contagious.

Laughter is defined as "an audible expression or appearance of merriment or amusement or an inward feeling of joy and pleasure ."

Psychologist Steve Sultanoff, PhD, who is president of the American Association for Therapeutic Humor states in his interview for WebMD, "research shows that distressing emotions lead to heart disease. It is shown that people who are “chronically angry and hostile have a greater likelihood for heart attack, people who “live in anxious, stressed out lifestyles have greater blockages of their coronary arteries”, and people who are “chronically depressed have a two times greater chance of heart disease.” WebMD 2000

" A good laugh loosens muscles, lowers blood pressure, and may lower levels of hormones that create stress and weaken immunity. When you laugh, your body moves blood to your heart and lungs, boosting your energy level and making you feel better instantly. It also aids communication and creates a sense of closeness between you and the people you’re laughing with." WebMD 2007 (turn your speakers on. There is an ad before the video)

“Through humor, you can soften some of the worst blows that life delivers. And once you find laughter, no matter how painful your situation might be, you can survive it.” Bill Cosby

To contact: miriammedina@earthlink.net

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