National 'Let's Laugh Day' more welcome than ever

There’s an old saying that laughter is the best medicine, and that’s more welcome than ever today, which someone has designated “National Let’s Laugh Day.”

Not that we shouldn’t pay attention to bad things that are going on in the world; we need to stay informed and involved. But it’s no surprise that today’s 24-hour news cycle can leave many of us down in the dumps.

Considering the health benefits of a good laugh, we shouldn’t feel guilty about taking some light entertainment, whether it’s provided by a live community production, or via television, internet. a good book or the comics on page 7 of today’s Gazette.

It seems that laughter triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals.

Endorphins promote an overall sense of well-being that can even relieve pain, if only temporarily.

According to legitimate medical studies, a good laugh reduces stress hormones, increases health-enhancing hormones, boosts the immune system, provides natural exercise, can help prevent cancer, regulates blood pressure, increases blood oxygenation, improves memory, enhances mood and promotes creativity, among other benefits.

If you can’t think of anywhere else to get a good laugh, check out this video of a Swedish baby laughing, uploaded in 2006, the 10th most-viewed YouTube video of all time.