From TCNEWS.
As Nations across the globe celebrates January 24th, Global Belly Laugh Day, the wonderful gift of laughter, a consultant orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Peace Amaraegbulam, has encouraged Nigerians to laugh at least 10 to 15 minutes a day as it helps to burn up to 40 calories.
Dr. Amaraegbulam, the founder of The Straight Child Foundation, TSCF who spoke to our correspondent in Umuahia, Abia State, said that apart from protecting one against heart disease, laughter can assist the brain to regulate the stress hormones cortisol and epinephrine.
According to the medical expert, studies have shown that “Belle laugh relieves stress which can lower blood pressure; provides cardio benefits and tightens one’s Amniotic band syndrome, ABS; and boosts T-Cells, a type of white blood cell called lymphocytes.The TSCF founder also said that laughter releases endorphins, the brain’s “feel-good” chemical which help one to fight off sickness and relieve pain.
“Laughter helps the brain and the body to relax. The stress hormones would be better handled. Some people also opined that laughing lowers the Blood pressure, so we are encouraged to laugh”, Dr. Amaraegbulam also said.
She disclosed that The Straight Child Foundation always add humour and other side attractions in most its activities to assist relieve the pains faced by parents of children with Cerebral palsy.
Dr. Peace Amaraegbulam teaching a baby how to laugh.
The term “belly laugh”, type of laugh which comes from deep within, was coined in the 1920s. It refers to a moving belly while laughing loudly. Global Belly Laugh Day celebrates the wonderful gift of laughter. It’s also a day to experience the positive effects of smiling and laughing.