There are many reasons to goof around with our children. Perhaps the best is that they can help us to live longer. Children don't take life...or themselves...too seriously. They laugh. They play. They enjoy each day. They are quick to smile and they can be our best teachers in remembering how to laugh. And laughing, it seems, is a very good thing!

There are many old sayings about laughter; you've heard them. "A laugh is a smile that bursts."  "He who laughs, lasts." "Laughter is the best medicine." "You don't stop laughing because you grow old. You grow old because you stop." Now medical research is proving that there is more than a grain of truth in these words.

Follow up:

Many physiological changes occur in our bodies when we laugh. Muscles stretch throughout our body; pulse and blood pressure increase; and we breathe faster thus providing our bodies with more oxygen. "At this year's meeting of the American College of Cardiology, Michael Miller, M.D., of the University of Maryland reported that in a study of 20 healthy people, provoking laughter did as much good for their arteries as aerobic activity." [PT] A sense of humor and indulging in laughter regularly is very likely to protect against heart attack by improving the function of blood vessels and increasing blood flow. It acts on the endothelium, and causes blood vessels to relax and expand and generally to work more efficiently at delivering oxygen to our bodies.

Laughter has other beneficial impacts on our bodies and our outlooks which also can improve our health or, at the very least, make us feel better.

• Laughter is infectious, and...contagious. It's one "disease" we should all try to catch.
• Laughter strengthens the immune system and increases the production of infection-fighting antibodies.
• It boosts our energy levels.
• Laughter can diminish pain.
• It can protect us from the effects of stress by decreasing stress hormones.
• Laughter is a fast and dependable way to bring the mind and body into balance.
• Laughter relaxes the whole body. A good laugh can relax muscles for up to 45 minutes.
• Laughter triggers the release of endorphins that promote an overall sense of well-being.
• Humor helps you to maintain a positive outlook.
• Laughter reduces blood sugar levels thereby increasing glucose tolerance.
• It improves your job performance.
• It shifts perspective and allows you to view problems from every angle.
• When laughter is shared it helps to keep your relationships new and vibrant.
• Laughter allows spontaneity and banishes defensiveness.
• It releases inhibitions and allows for expression of true feelings.
• It establishes and supports a positive connection between two people thereby strengthening relationships.