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National Humor Month, stress relief, and happy hearts
Yasmine S. Ali, MD
April 24, 2024
Hello again!
April is Stress Awareness Month, and since stress plays such a major role in heart disease and so many other illnesses, as you’ve read before in this newsletter, we’ll be taking a look at stress-relief techniques in each issue of Speak for the Heart this month.
And speaking of stress relief, perhaps quite fittingly, April is also National Humor Month! It’s been said that “laughter is the best medicine,” and as it turns out, there is truth to that. There are numerous ways that humor and laughter can benefit our health, and we’ll explore a few of them in this issue.
Finally, I hope you’re finding ways to get out and about this National Parks Week! As you read in last week’s issue of Speak for the Heart, getting active outdoors is associated with SO many health benefits!
And, as always, Premium subscribers get bonus content!
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To your health,
Yasmine S. Ali, MD
Weekly Heart-Health News: The Highlights
My Take:
As a cardiologist, I found this study to be extremely interesting. Atrial fibrillation is the most common irregular heart rhythm, and it’s well known for increasing the risk of stroke. But this study shows that people with atrial fibrillation are also at increased risk of heart failure—to an even higher degree than the risk of stroke (although they are still at risk of stroke as well).
There is good news to be found here, though: as one of the study authors said, “in many cases, living a healthy lifestyle and taking your prescribed medicine can prevent atrial fibrillation and its complications."
For more on preventing atrial fibrillation:
My Take:
If you’re a longtime subscriber to this newsletter, you’ll remember this study, which I think is good to revisit for National Humor Month.
In this unique research, cardiovascular benefits were recorded in patients who were shown TV comedy shows! Having a good laugh actually increased circulation and oxygen flow throughout the body, reduced inflammation, and promoted better overall health.
Do you have a favorite comedy you like to watch, or book of humor you like to read? Be sure to have a good laugh every day—your heart will thank you for it!
More on the health and stress-relief benefits of laughter:
For more on National Humor Month, and to get a weekly smile in your inbox, please check out my “Positive Vibes” newsletter, which goes out every Thursday:
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