BETHEL – After citing numerous modern studies showing the health benefits of laughter, certified laughter leader Carol Emery quoted Proverbs 17:22, “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine,” to prove that laughter is good for us.

She was speaking to a dozen attendees at a Power of Laughter workshop sponsored by the Western Mountains Senior College and SAD 44 Adult Education in collaboration with the Bethel Family Health Center.

Most seemed surprised as Emery explained the mental and physical body responses that make laughing so healthful.

“In fact,” she said, “one minute of a good belly laugh is equivalent to 10 minutes on a rowing machine.”

Between serious discussions of brain centers and muscle groups, Emery led the group in laugh exercises. Even forced laughter activates the beneficial body responses such as improving the immune system performance, increasing blood flow and raising oxygen levels, she said.

After listing the physical and mental benefits of laughing, she said, “If I had a pill to do these things, they would be lined up at the door and I could charge whatever I want.”

By the time Emery had led the group from simple breathing exercises to chants of “Ho, ho, ha, ha, ha,” the group was loosened up and the laughter was real.

While laughter is infectious, humor is not, she said. She proved her point when most of the class stared blankly as she said in a serious voice that 1, 2 and 3 were thinking about leaving their traditional places to go see if 7 ate 9.

Laughter Clubs were founded in India by Dr. Madan Kataria after he noted the relationship between attitude and health.

Now there are more than 2,000 Laughter Clubs and over 100,000 members worldwide, according to Emery, who is certified as a laughter leader by the World Laughter Tour.

“The clubs have been created to lead the world to health, happiness and peace through laughter,” she said.

Emery has also taken grief support training through a suicide prevention grant received by SAD 43.

In January, she will begin weekly sessions for loss and grief support of young people in the area. Teens and children will be in age-segregated groups, while parents meet separately. The sessions provide an opportunity for kids and teens to share their feelings of grief and loss.

“Grief and loss do not mean just death of a loved one,” she said, “but can include others such as the loss of a puppy or a family breakup.”

When asked about her part in both grief and laughter, Emery responded that they do go together. “My goal is to have a part in creating healthy and creative ways to express and honor their feelings and emotions for children and adults.”

The Western Mountains Senior College that organized the workshop is dedicated to serving those 50 or older. WMSC offers year-round activities, including short-term classes, lectures, special events and field trips.

“All classes are taught by volunteer instructors, highly knowledgeable about their subjects and eager to share their ideas, ” according to co-chair Rosabelle Tifft.

More information is available from the Adult Education Office at 824-2780.