Dr. James Surrell, Journal columnist

I am sure we have all heard the term that “Laughter is Good Medicine”, and this is certainly true. This is not just someone’s opinion as there have been numerous scientific studies that have, indeed, confirmed this to be a medically proven fact. Let’s now take another look at what laughter can do for all of us.

The following information has been reported by the United States National Library of Medicine. First, where does laughter come from? Our laughter is stimulated from two different sources. Most of our laughter would be considered spontaneous laughter that is triggered by an external source. That is, we laugh at something that we heard or saw, or somebody says or does something that makes us laugh. This would be our reaction to seeing a good comedy show or hearing a comedian that we thought was really funny. The second and much less common source of our laughter comes from within. This laughter is triggered by our thinking of or recalling something that just makes us laugh.

With regard to whether our laughter is triggered from an outside source, or from within, the brain is not able to distinguish between these two sources. Therefore, scientists who have studied laughter believe that similar benefits occur, regardless of the source of the laughter. They also conclude that the benefits of laughter are many.

Here are just some of the beneficial side-effects of laughter. Laughter has been shown to offer physiological, psychological, social, spiritual, and overall quality-of-life benefits. There really are no negative effects of laughter and it should go without saying that laughter is really good for us. Scientifically speaking, there are absolutely no medical reasons not to laugh, and as stated in strict medical terms, there are no contraindications to laughter.

Medical specialists at the Mayo Clinic and elsewhere have studied the effects of humor with regard to medicine and healing. They all agree that laughter does provide multiple healthy benefits. First, it is clear that laughter can be a great form of stress relief. As more and more scientific studies are being done to look at the effects of laughter and one’s health, the evidence continues to mount confirming the many positive things that laughter can do for all of us. For example, when we have a good laugh, we tend to breathe more deeply so you take in more oxygen and this stimulates your lungs, your heart, and your muscles. Laughter can also stimulate circulation and this will help with muscle relaxation, which helps reduce many of the physical symptoms of stress. Laughter may also ease pain by causing the body to produce its own natural painkillers, known as endorphins.

So, let me close with a few silly history jokes to try to get a small chuckle, or even a laugh out of you.

What kind of lights did Noah have on his Ark? Flood lights.

Why wouldn’t Noah allow any fishing off the Ark? Because he only had two worms.

Where was the USA Declaration Of Independence signed? At the bottom.

If April showers bring May flowers, what do May flowers bring? Pilgrims!

I told one of my silly jokes to the Liberty Bell. I really cracked it up.

Two wrongs don’t make a right, but what did two Wrights make? The first airplane.

What does the Statue of Liberty stand for? Because she can’t sit down.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Dr. Jim Surrell is the author of “The ABC’s For Success In All We Do” and the “SOS (Stop Only Sugar) Diet” books. Contact Dr. Surrell by email at sosdietdoc@gmail.com.