“How Laughter Helps”

From: ama-assn.org

Research published in the International Journal of Obesity on research done at Vanderbilt University found surprising data regarding weight loss. Their study found that “genuine voiced laughter” increased the heart rate 10-20%, in turn increasing the calorie-burning energy above the normal resting rate. Laugh your weight away, what a diet!

More research on laughter benefits can be found the “The Humor Research Library” compiled by the Association of Applied and Therapeutic Humor.

Rebecca Abenante, healthy aging coordinator for New Jersey’s Atlantic Health System, states “laughter when alone is one thing, laughing with someone else, sharing jokes and memories, can really support our social relationships.

Paul Osincup, president of Association of Applied and Therapeutic Humor is quoted in the “AMA Journal of Ethics” as saying “ People may not be looking for humor in their health care experience, that’s why as a clinician, the most important thing you can do is listen, connect with the patient, then follow their lead.”