Laugh More, Age Less
WHY LAUGHTER IS GOOD FOR YOU
As we age, we’re told to wear sunscreen, eat more vegetables, take vitamins, and even walk more — all in hope that our internal clocks will slow down and we will age better. But something as simple as laughter could actually be one of the easiest ways to slow the ticking clock of aging. Scientists have long known that laughter can be therapeutic and help us live longer. It has been shown to reduce wear and tear on our bodies and improve our relationships. A Norwegian study found that those who prioritized humor were more likely to live past 70 than those who didn’t laugh often. At a biological level, laughter can reduce tension in your muscles and activate a powerful stress-relief response from your brain by releasing dopamine. Just one chuckle may even improve your breathing
and heart function! In fact, laughing can work wonders for the heart. One study showed that laughter therapy helped reduce the blood pressure and cholesterol levels of its participants. Their blood circulation improved, too. Studies have also found that regular laughter can help strengthen your immune system, and it has long-term benefits for those with respiratory conditions. In addition to your body, laughter is also good for your social life. (And we don’t mean that people will want to spend time with you if you have all the good jokes!) Throughout history, laughter has been an evolutionary sign of understanding. When there are language barriers, laughing together can create camaraderie and a tighter bond between people of different cultures. The dopamine release that comes with laughter aids in stress relief and creates powerful
memories that can improve your mood and strengthen friendships.
Of course, laughter has its downfalls, too. Laughing at someone else’s expense is detrimental to their health and can harm your relationships. So, stick to light jokes and actively seek shows, cartoons, or people who make you laugh. You’ll feel good, and your body will be pretty happy, too.
Can Your Employer Require You to Get the COVID-19 Vaccine?
The COVID-19 vaccine rollout that began in December is well underway. As we write this, nearly 2 million doses of the FDA-approved Pfizer- BioNTech and Moderna vaccines have been administered here in North Carolina and thousands more are going out every day. This is good news, right? Well, not everyone agrees. While most people are excited about the prospect of getting vaccinated, some worry their health conditions or allergies could make taking the vaccine risky, or they would prefer not to take it for religious reasons. As workplaces around the state begin asking their employees to get vaccinated, this begs the question, “Can my employer require me to get the COVID-19 vaccine?”
employer also can’t fire you or take other action against you unless it’s impossible for them to provide accommodations that will keep you and others safe, like wearing a mask, working from home, or working in a separate area.
Recommendations vs. Requirements
That said, it’s easy to confuse a recommendation with a requirement. If your employer simply recommends that you get the vaccine, you do not have to get it regardless of your reason. If you’re in a dispute with your employer regarding getting the COVID-19 vaccine and need legal help, call our office today. We’ll be happy to confirm whether you have a case and represent you if your employer is treating you unfairly.
The Rule (and Its Exceptions)
The short answer to that question is “yes.” Your employer is legally allowed to require all of their workers to get the COVID-19 vaccine, and it’s within their rights to fire you if you don’t comply. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has even specifically confirmed that requiring vaccinations does not violate the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). However, there are a few exceptions to the rule. If you have a disability that might make taking the vaccine difficult or dangerous, or if your religious beliefs prohibit vaccinations, then you might not have to get it even if your employer asks. In these cases, your
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