Laughter Really Is Good Medicine

Studies show that laughter can: lower inflammation levels in people with rheumatoid arthritis; improve levels of good (HDL) cholesterol and reduce inflammation in diabetics with high blood pressure and high cholesterol; decrease stress and pain; and expand blood vessels and increase healthy blood flow.

"We're starting to document that this (laughter's positive influence on health) isn't just an old wives' tale," says Bennett, who is director of the Western Kentucky University School of Nursing in Bowling Green, Kentucky. "It does seem to make a difference."

All together now

Danzger's curiosity about using laughter for better health finally won out. She decided to attend the session.

"Everyone has stress in their lives," says Danzger, who has four children under age 12 and runs a professional organizing business in Tenafly, NJ. "I don't think we set aside time to laugh."