Laughter, the best medicine

COEUR d'ALENE - The Wellness Project wants those facing life's challenges to have a good chuckle.

So naturally, the nonprofit organization based out of Hayden hopes to form clubs whose purpose is to get people to do one thing more often - laugh.

Steve Jensen, president and founder of the Wellness Project, said the goal of the clubs would be to act as a "self-help hospitality support center" for cancer patients and other people coping with chronic illnesses.

"Its purpose will be to address the mental and emotional aspects of dealing with serious diseases," Jensen said.

The Wellness Project is devoted to encouraging those coping with serious illness and educating the public about the benefits in humor and laughter, he said.

Jensen said the laughter clubs will not promote or advise any specific form of medical treatment other than human kindness, empathy and hope.

Participants would be introduced to laughing exercises designed to increase overall quality of life, as well as improve breathing, lower blood pressure, reduce stress and encourage cardiovascular circulation.

A study from the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Boston provides evidence about the physiological benefits of laughter.

The study found that "Laughter is linked to healthy function of blood vessels."

More specifically, the study found laughter appears to cause the tissue that forms the inner lining of blood vessels to expand, consequently increasing blood flow and circulation. Increased blood flow and circulation can reduce the risk that fat and cholesterol will collect in the coronary arteries, one of the leading causes of heart attacks.

Other studies have found laughing releases endorphins and serotonin which are the chemical equivalents of the feelings of levity, euphoria and love.

Jensen said the Wellness Project hopes to work with senior centers, retirement communities, nursing homes and business communities to develop "humor rooms" and "out-patient libraries."

The rooms and libraries would contain video, audio and print publications on humor, health and stress-management exercises designed to encourage patients to cope with their illnesses. They would also provide an environment for the seriously ill to meet other people in similar circumstances and form support groups.

"We would need to find a donated space somewhere," Jensen said. "Even on a major rural highway would be good."

Anyone interested in laughter clubs or assistance, can contact Jensen at sjensen@dcaps.org or (208) 772-3457.