Class teaches laughing for your health - Los Angeles Local News, Weather, and Traffic

Class teaches laughing for your health

Posted: Updated:
ATLANTA -

You've heard the expression, ‘Laughter is the best medicine,' haven't you? Did you know children laugh 300 times a day, and adults maybe 10 times a day?

Several years ago, a doctor decided maybe those children were onto something. He came up with a program to get all of us laughing for our health. The DeKalb Medical Center Wellness Center has put the doctor's results to good use.

There's nothing like a good laugh to get the juices flowing. But for some people at the wellness center, laughing is serious business.

"I feel like I've been kind of purified," said participant Pat DeCocq.

They're taking a class in how to laugh. There are plenty of good reasons to laugh. Studies show that laughing lowers blood pressure, boosts the  immune system, increases blood circulation and gets you breathing deeper.

"I worked out 20 minutes on the treadmill and I'm tireder now than I was doing the exercise," said participant lee Thompson.

For about an hour, the participants clapped hands, sang silly songs, and acted like little kids.

"People feel self conscious, but what I tell them is you may have to pretend to laugh but that's ok, you'll face other people in the group and their laughter might be infectious for you," said Terry, who instructed the class.

One participant said it was good medicine.

"I had a breast biopsy on Tuesday , and I haven't got the results back, and it's kind of anxiety producing, so I really needed to laugh and get something light," said DeCocq.

There are more than 6,000 laughter clubs in 60 countries. For more information, click here!

  • Good Day Archive

  • Thursday, May 23 2013 10:09 AM EDT2013-05-23 14:09:40 GMT
    You might have dreamed about getting the chance to decide which of your coworkers should stay on the job, and which ones need to go. 
    You might have dreamed about getting the chance to decide which of your coworkers should stay on the job, and which ones need to go.  Does Someone Have to Go? is a new FOX reality show that lets employees take over for their bosses, and it premieres Thursday night! 
  • Thursday, May 23 2013 9:34 AM EDT2013-05-23 13:34:51 GMT
    Married to Medicine is the hottest new thing on Bravo, and the reality series is based right here in Atlanta! 
    Married to Medicine is the hottest new thing on Bravo, and the reality series is based right here in Atlanta!  Mariah HuQ, who is both a star and producer of the show, joined Good Day live to tell us all about the first season, and give us a preview of the upcoming reunion show.
  • Thursday, May 23 2013 9:27 AM EDT2013-05-23 13:27:50 GMT
    Memorial Day is almost upon us, and you can almost hear the grills firing up already! 
    Memorial Day is almost upon us, and you can almost hear the grills firing up already!  But before you get ready to host that big holiday weekend cookout, the grilling pros at The Cook's Warehouse has some advice for those who need it-- like Good Day's Paul Milliken.
Powered by WorldNow

KTTV FOX 11
1999 S. Bundy Dr.
Los Angeles CA 90025

Main: (310) 584-2000
News Tips? (310) 584-2025

Didn't find what you were looking for?
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 Fox Television Stations, Inc. and Worldnow. All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Ad Choices