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| ART AND MEDICINE |
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| Year : 2023 | Volume
: 24
| Issue : 2 | Page : 124 |
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Laughter in medicine
Rachel Hajar M.D., F.A.C.C
Sr. Consultant Cardiologist, Director of HH Publications and Executive Coordinator for Research, Director of Non-invasive Cardiology (1981–2014), Heart Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| Date of Submission | 15-Feb-2023 |
| Date of Acceptance | 16-Feb-2023 |
| Date of Web Publication | 24-Mar-2023 |
Correspondence Address:
Dr. Rachel Hajar
Department of Cardiology, Heart Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, P. O. Box 3050, Doha
Qatar
 Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None  | Check |
DOI: 10.4103/heartviews.heartviews_10_23
How to cite this article:
Hajar R. Laughter in medicine. Heart Views 2023;24:124 |
It's fun to share a good laugh. There is a saying that laughter is the best medicine, and this is true. Laughter is good for your health:
Laughter relaxes the whole body. A good, hearty laugh relieves physical tension and stress, leaving your muscles relaxed for up to 45 min after.
Laughter boosts the immune system. Laughter decreases stress hormones and increases immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies, thus improving your resistance to disease.
Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, the body's natural feel-good chemicals. Endorphins promote an overall sense of well-being and can even temporarily relieve pain.
Laughter protects the heart. Laughter improves the function of blood vessels and increases blood flow, which can help protect you against a heart attack and other cardiovascular problems.
Laughter burns calories. One study found that laughing for 10–15 min a day can burn approximately 40 calories – which could be enough to lose three or four pounds over the course of a year.
Laughter helps you stay mentally healthy. Laughter makes you feel good. Moreover, this positive feeling remains with you even after the laughter subsides. Humor helps you keep a positive, optimistic outlook through difficult situations, disappointments, and loss.
Financial support and sponsorship
Nil.
Conflicts of interest
There are no conflicts of interest.
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