LOL

Laughter. Are any of you also plagued by it at the most inappropriate times? I laugh when things are sad, when someone's mad, when I'm shocked, and most often I titter (at ultrasonic levels) when I'm nervous or leaving a message for someone I don't know that well.
Interesting isn't it, how our very bodies seem to betray us when we need them most, through a maniacally sinister sounding giggle just when we least expect it. Well fear not, fellow harbringer of awkwardness, we all know that laughter is the best medicine...and here are a few fun factoids to make us feel a little more warm and fuzzy toward our embarrasing outbursts of hysteria.

Fun Facts

• Laughter appears to reduce levels of certain stress hormones hence nervous laughter.
• Laughter is Aerobic – meaning it increases the oxygen intake in your body and also gives your diaphragm a good workout, which in turn is excellent for asthmatics or anyone with a lung disorder.
  
• Stress Hormones are lowered by laughing. Stress hormones can constrict blood vessels and suppress immune activity.

In a study published in the Journal of Holistic Nursing, patients were told one-liners after surgery and before painful medication was administered. Those exposed to humor perceived less pain when compared to patients who didn't get a dose of humor as part of their therapy.

• Muscles relax during and after a good laughing session.
  
• Laughter positive effects all body systems, respiratory, circulatory, blood, cardiac etc.

Ball Memorial Hospital in Muncie, Indiana, has compiled some fascinating facts:

Laughter helps these cells to "turn it up a notch".

1. An increase in T Cell activity (very important in the treatment of AIDS) Laughter helps these cells to “turn it up a notch”.
   
2. An increase in IgB, the immunoglobulin produced in large quantities and an increase in Complement 3, and this helps antibodies to attack dysfunctional and infected cells.
   
3. An increase in natural killer cells that attack viruses and some types of cancer and tumour cells.

• 13 muscles are used to smile, but 47 are required for frowning. You have to smile nearly a quarter of a million times to make 1 wrinkle.
• 15 minutes of laughter equals the benefit of 2 hours sleep.
  
• One good belly laugh burns off 3 1/2 calories.
  
• The Chinese laugh more than any other culture in the world

A Vanderbilt University study found that laughter burns a bit more than one calorie a minute.

University of Chicago studies show a great sense of humor can add 8 years to your life.

Laughter releases endorphins into the body with the same exhilarating effect as doing strenuous exercise.

Laughter can actually help to lower blood pressure and is also very good for people with diabetes.

Charles Darwin believed that one's facial expression can actually influence one's moods. Studies in bio-feedback confirm Darwin's belief. People smile only 35% as much as they think they do.