“Opening the door to laughter can lead to a deeper place helping people to have a more balanced, loving, healthy and happy lives.” The Edmonton Journal, 2008
It has long been known that laughter is good medicine, and now there is Laugh A Lot, Friends in Houston, Texas. Derived from yoga and supported by modern science, Laughter programs are designed to provide educational information on the health benefits of laughter and to experience the joys of laughter. Be prepared to experience mirthful laughter and walk away with a lighter…and healthier heart!
Jeanette Lazarofsky, founder of Laugh A Lot, Friends, has completed training offered by the World Laughter Tour, Inc., to become a Certified Laughter Leader and has organized Laugh A Lot, Friends, in Houston.
The World Laughter Tour (WLT) based in Columbus, Ohio was founded in 1998 by Steve Wilson, a psychologist and self-proclaimed “Cheerman of The Bored. Now there are over 500 certified laughter leaders trained by the WLT in the United States.
Jeanette with Steve Wilson, Joyologist, MA, CPS--Internationally recognized founder of World Laughter Tour and author of seven joy-of-life books, and Paul McGhee, PhD in Psychology and internationally known for his research on humor
Ongoing research in the science of laughter points to the method’s capacity of reducing stress and diminishing social isolation while improving self-confidence and general sense of well-being. World renowned researcher, Dr. Lee Berk, at the University of California, reports strong evidence of laughter’s role in boosting the immune system and, therefore, laughter is likely to aid in preventing some illnesses altogether.
Jeanette with Lee Berk, DrPh, MPH, Director of the molecular research laboratory at Loma Linda University and longtime researcher on the benefits of laughter
Some of the documented benefits of laughter include:
- Relieves Stress
- Enhances the immune system
- Improves breathing, blood flow, digestion, and sleep
- Adjusts blood pressure and blood sugar
- Burns calories
- Relieves pain
- Improves sleep
- Encourages relaxation
- Boosts self-confidence, promotes compassion, deepens creativity
“Three to five minutes of intense laughter can double the heart rate—the aerobic equivalent of three strenuous minutes on a rowing machine!” –Dr. William Fry, Jr.