​Laughter is the Best Medicine

Wellness Tip: Cardiologists from the University of Maryland Medical Center believe that laughter helps the body alleviate the stress that commonly damages the endothelium cells that form the innermost lining of blood vessels.

Stress may lead to inflammatory processes here that encourage plaque accumulation, which often leads to heart attacks or strokes. Researchers performed a study involving 300 volunteers. Half of the participants had a history of cardiovascular disease, the other half did not.

Through an extensive series of questionnaires, the physicians discovered that the individuals having heart disease were 40% less likely to find the humor in situations compared to their healthier counterparts.

So turn on the comedy station, pick up a joke book, lighten up and laugh it up. Your heart will thank you!