Report: Laughter Just May Be the Best Medicine

8/19/2010

One of the best ways to save money on life insurance in the long term is to stay as healthy as possible. And in some cases, there may be something to the old saying that laughter is the best medicine.

A recent announcement from Harvard Medical School cited the potential health benefits of humor, noting that laughter brings up a person's heart rate and gives the brain a chance to release "feel-good" neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin.

The medical school also pointed out that studies in recent decades have often found that laughter relieves stress, boosts the immune system and improves blood flow and blood vessel function - which in turn helps reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Along with trying to keep a positive outlook by laughing and trying to minimize stress, people can benefit from following a regular exercise routine and keeping a healthy diet. Regular doctor visits are also an important part of a successful long-term health routine.

Those with a history of heart disease will generally find that they have a harder time finding lower-priced health and life insurance premiums - and it's tough to find the lighter side of that.