Maybe it's because I just spent some time with family in Newfoundland, laughing and carrying on for most of every day, but laughing and smiling has been on my mind this holiday season. Like so many age-old quotes and old-wives tales, laughter as the best medicine is being proven true again and again in today's climate of evidence-based medicine.
Although there is some controversy about what type of laugh, chuckles to guffahs, has the greatest impact on the vascular and immune systems there seems to be little doubt that a good laugh isn't good for you. In fact, some health professionals, myself included, see laughter becoming an adjunct to prehab and rehab scenarios for patients of all types although especially for those with cardiovascular or mental stress related issues.
The bottom line is plain and simple, make some time to laugh!