Laughter Really May Be Good Medicine

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Study Shows Laughter Really May be Good Medicine

Researchers Michael Miller, M.D., and Robert Vogel, M.D., reported that watching a humorous movie had a healthy effect on blood vessel function allowing the arteries and veins to relax more effectively, thereby improving blood flow. This study, presented at the Scientific Sessions of the American College of Cardiology, adds to a growing body of science that suggests that laughter may be good medicine for the heart.

In contrast, watching a stressful movie appears to have the opposite effect-irritating the lining of the blood vessels, known as the endothelium, causing constriction of the arteries and restriction of blood flow.

Laughter, it appears, can be a beneficial exercise for maintaining healthy blood vessels and can offset the negative impact of mental stress. In the study researchers measured blood vessel function via ultrasound before and after watching two movies on the opposite ends of the emotional spectrum. On separate days the participants watched a 30-minute segment of either an intense D-Day combat scene from Saving Private Ryan, or a hilarious segment from the comedy King Pin. The study found that the two segments provoked dramatically different effects on blood vessel behavior.

Arterial blood flow was reduced in 70 percent of the volunteers after watching the stressful battle scene; while beneficial blood vessel effects and relaxation were noted in 90 percent of the volunteers after watching the funny segment. On average, the diameter of the arteries increased by 22 percent during laughter and decreased by 35 percent during mental stress.

The magnitude of change in the blood vessel diameter and flow was similar to that expected with a session of aerobic exercise. Dr. Miller suggested that 15 minutes of laughter on a daily basis is probably good for the vascular system. On the other hand, real life can be stressful enough; so I personally try to avoid upsetting movies like horror flicks and depressing movies.

Keep this in mind when you are choosing to watch television or a movie, surf the Web, or play a videogame. In some cases, such as a funny or uplifting show, the choice might actually be good for you. In others, the choice you make might do more than just waste time, it might actually be bad for your health. Choose wisely.

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