Why you should read this joke! – Health benefits of Laughter
A link between laughter and healthy function of blood vessels was first reported in 2005 by researchers at the University of Maryland Medical Center with the fact that laughter causes the dilatation of the inner lining of blood vessels, the endothelium, and increases blood flow. Drs. Michael Miller (University of Maryland) and William Fry (Stanford) theorize that beta-endorphin like compounds released by the hypothalamus activate receptors on the endothelial surface to release nitric oxide, thereby resulting in dilation of vessels. Other cardioprotective properties of nitric oxide include reduction of inflammation and decreased platelet aggregation.
Myra Rhodes, a sweet old lady living somewhere in Great Baddow, Essex, one day answered a knock on the door, to be confronted by a very well-dressed younger man who was carrying a vacuum cleaner. ‘A very good morning to you, Ma’am,’ said the young man. ‘If I could have a couple of minutes of your precious time, I would gladly like to demonstrate the very latest technical improvement in high-powered vacuum cleaners.’ ‘Go away!’ the old lady said brusquely. ‘I’m old and broke and haven’t got any time or money,’ and she proceeded to close the door. But then quick
as a flash, the young man wedged his foot in the doorway and pushed the door wide open. ‘Please don’t be too hasty,’ he commanded. ‘Not until at least you have seen my short demonstration.’ And with that, he emptied a bucket of horse manure onto her hallway carpet. ‘Now, if this vacuum cleaner does not remove all traces of this horse manure from your carpet, Madam, I will personally eat the remainder.’ Myra stepped back and said with a smile, ‘Well let me get you a spoon, young man because they cut off my electricity this morning.’
