Previous research has pinpointed some of the ways in which laughter reduces the body’s stress level. New research shows that those who need laughter the most may have it the least.
Researchers at the University of Maryland Medical Center studied the laughter habits of heart disease patients and compared their findings with people with healthy hearts. They found that those with diseased hearts had a much poorer laughter profile than did the healthy people. The heart patients laughed less often and less intently than their healthy counterparts. Instead, they showed greater hostility and anger.
We find laughter and cheer recommended in the Bible also. In Proverbs 15 it says, "A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance." Ecclesiastes 8 tells us, "A man hath no better thing under the sun than to eat and drink and to be merry for that shall abide with him all the days of his life, which God giveth him under the sun." The Epistle of James tucks balance in for us with, "Is any among you afflicted? Let him pray. Is any merry? Let him sing psalms."
Today we have a place for both: Celebrations with success in our Olympics and prayer for those in earthquake zones.
Perhaps laughter is indeed the best medicine after all, and adding a prayer for those in need.
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