WHY LAUGHTER IS GOOD FOR YOU LAUGH MORE, AGE LESS
A s we age, we’re told to wear 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. 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
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.
CENTER SPOTLIGHT
WE TALK ATHLETICS AND INJURIES WITH RYAN M.
In addition to teaching teamwork and sportsmanship, athletics can take young people many different places, including college and professional play, as well as other careers. That was the case with Ryan M., whose first exposure to physical
considering a career in medicine — but I liked the vibe of the PT clinic I visited more.” The hook was set, so to speak! With a PT career in mind, Ryan took anatomy and physiology courses and majored in exercise science. Of course, physical therapy requires graduate work, and that’s when Ryan had to choose what to specialize in. “I wrote my doctor’s paper on neurological rehab,” Ryan says. “But, although that’s what I studied in school, I do a lot more orthopedic outpatient therapy today.” Orthopedic care is something else Ryan studied, and he enjoys the work here at the Center. “I actually discovered this place through my wife, who started working here first.
I was always in the orbit, and when an opening appeared, it was a great opportunity.”
Ryan’s work allows him to treat a mix of athletes and people recovering from injuries, as well as patients with chronic problems. It keeps him busy, and when he isn’t working, he and his wife do their best to stay active. “We love to hike and be outdoors,” he says. “It’s a great area to go to the beach, go kayaking, whatever keeps us busy.” And, of course, he still plays basketball — sometimes with the husband of another Center team member! We’re so glad that Ryan is a member of our family and can’t imagine being here without him. If you see him this month, be sure to say hi and thank him for all he does!
therapy was on the court and in the classroom. “I played high school and college basketball,” he says. “At the end of school, I had a chance to tour a doctor’s office — I was already
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