Laughter Improving Health

When it comes to getting healthy, most of us follow the old adage: "no pain, no gain." Exercising, resisting sugary snacks, quitting smoking — these things aren't easy. But what if there were little things you could do every day that improved your health and were actually enjoyable, too? It turns out some of the simplest pleasures in life are the most rewarding.

Laughter really does do the heart good. Cardiologists at the University of Maryland Medical Center found that laughter releases nitric oxide, which dilates blood vessels and prevents plaque buildup to improve cardiovascular function. Nitric oxide also eases inflammation.

Laboratory research suggests certain aromas may slow down the activity of genes that become overactive when we're under stress. The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy lists chamomile, lavender, neroli and sage as the most commonly used essential oils for scented stress relief.

Newborns rely on skin-to-skin contact to stay alive, and the benefits of human touch extend into adulthood. Researchers at the University of Northern California found that hugging a loved one reduces levels of stress hormones in the body and lowers blood pressure and heart rate.

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