Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/46359
live in good health T Medicinehe Best By Sharyn Alden Laughter is a tool. "I like to think of laughing as 'internal jogging,'" Fine says. Laugh more, and you'll not only feel bet- ter in the short term, but enjoy increased health benefi ts as well. "Laughter causes positive changes in brain chemistry by re- leasing endorphins, and it brings more oxygen into the body with the deeper inha- lations," she adds. "A good dose of laughter actually helps your stress levels drop." Use it as a tool for better health. Live like a child. Have you ever watched a child play? Spontaneous laughter abounds. If you'd like to take yourself less seriously and laugh at unexpected situations, it may require being more childlike. In a study by German clinical psychologist and laughter researcher Michael Titze, preschool kids were found to laugh about 400 times a day, but when they reach adulthood, they laugh far less—only about 15 times a day. "Kids have a way of looking at the funny side of situations," Fine says. Give yourself the freedom to have fun. Create your own "laugh-aid" kit. Whether it's a humorous cartoon at your desk, a silly ringtone on your phone or a funny photo on the fridge, surround your- self with items that make you chuckle. "Keep [these items] where you can easily bring them out when you need to laugh out loud," Fine says. "Don't wait until you have just the right joke or photo. Get start- ed and add some funny things to your daily life. You'll probably be surprised at how you start thinking more about humorous things that inspire you to laugh." Lighten up and laugh says Group Health Cooperative of South Central Wisconsin Complementary Medicine Provider Cyndi Fine, because health benefi ts are waiting You Deserve Something Special Treat yourself to something special. Let the team at Oak Park Dental enhance your smile with Free Whitening for Life. Actual Patient Call 608.478.0411 to schedule an appointment today.* *Restrictions may apply. Please call for details. FWFL2011 Enhancing your life, health and smile. 14 BRAVA Magazine October 2011 Jana Gyurina, DDS, LVIF OakParkDentalMadison.com 608.478.0411