As I write this, my mother lies in bed with cancer, as do so many others.

I have found that the best medicine for sickness is laughter. It is the only medicine that is contagious. Few things in life are more satisfying than a really good belly laugh, but is it possible there could be more to laughter than simple mirth?

Medical studies have revealed that laughter actually boosts levels of endorphins, which are the body’s natural painkillers, and increase the production of T cells, which can help ward off disease.

As a way to relieve stress, laughter is beneficial by suppressing levels of epinephrine – the “stress” hormone. Studies also show that exposure to humor increases levels of antibody immunoglobulin, which fights upper respiratory tract infections. Laughter stimulates the immune system and helps antibodies penetrate infected cells. Chuckles also help lower dopamine levels, which are associated with high blood pressure.

Aside from its outstanding benefits to the immune system, laughter is considered a great cardiovascular workout that will lower heart rate, blood pressure and stimulates alertness and memory.

Amazingly, adults laugh only about 15 times a day, compared to children, who laugh nearly 400 times a day.

Smiling and laughing as you did when a child could have a valuable effect on future health and well-being.

As it says in Proverbs 17:22, “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine.”

So smile.

The Rev. Robert Roy, Auburn

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