Wednesday, March 25, 1992 ~ North Shere News - 47 :S Laugh it up, the feeling’s good for you PEGGY SCOTT-Dunn, registered nurse and _ regis- tered psychiatric nurse, is full of giggles. By Michael Becker News Reporter She likes to wear silly things at- tached to her ears. Scott-Dunn is aiso a ready wit when it comes to dishing out aphorisms on iaugh- ter. “Beware — laughter could be hazardous to your illness.” ‘He who laughs, lasts.’’ “‘l.aughter is a fine tonic, don't bottle it,"’ she tells the gathered crowd jammed into a meeting room ir the bowels of Lions Gate Hospital at a lun- ch-hcur presentation made earlier this month during Social Work Week. Scctt-Dunn spoke about laughter for the health of it. Levity and information levels rose accordingly, Laughter is the best and most used {ension-reducer and coping mechanism, Laughter is contagious. You can’t be stressed and annoyed and be laughing and playful at the same time. Laughter is a form of losing control. Laughter is unreasonable. Peo- ple who laugh less, participate less. “It almost seems like they've turned their bodies into prisons,” said Scott-Dunn. Laughter leads to an enriched NURSE PEGGY Scott-Dunn lightened the mood of the many gathered at Lions Gate Hospital earlier this month to hear about Laughter For The Health Of It! The presentation was hosted by the LGH Sociat Work Department as part of Nationa! Social Work Week. blood flow. The heart rate ele- vates. ‘*Thirty seconds of laughter doubles your heart rate versus three minutes of rowing. 1 say cut out the aerobics and sit back and laugh,”’ she said. Laughter makes you snort, spew foo, pee your pants. “The diaphragm is triggered, muscles work, internal organs are massaged. That makes for nice, plump juicy organs,”’ she said. When you laugh, enzymes are released in the digestive tract. That acts as a natural laxative. Said Scott-Dunn, ‘‘It keeps you regular.”” Custom Lease owners Corliss and Andrew Maquire have ail their window coverings supplied by A Shade Better. Corliss says, “they provide excellent service and very competitive prices which don't often go hand in hand anymore. They have supplied the window coverings in F our business on Marine Drive as well as our North Shore residence” Buy 3 blinds and receive the 4th FREE! Levetor (Riviera) Mini Blinds Sale ends March 30/92 ‘A SHADE BETTER Specializing in Blinds and Draperies for over 7 years 1877 Marine Dr., N. Van. 984-4104 #4-38948 Progress Way, Squamish 892-5857 Whistler 932-6617 Facial muscles get a work out when you laugh. Laughter also bolsters the immune system and blocks pain. It increases oxygen in the blood. Even the arms get in- volved during a round of hearty laughter. Laughter helps to control pain by reducing tension and increasing the production of endorphins, the body’s natural pain killers. Laughter is a therapeutic tool. Some cancer wards have humer rooms. Scott-Dunn recognizes the cathartic effect of both faughter and crying. “The need to laugh is as basic as the need to love,’’ she said. Laughter reduces psychological tension and opens the path to other emotions. But she said it is no substitute for tears when tears are cailed for. Tears let the lid off bottled frustration. Some cultures cry and laugh after a funeral for three days. Humor moves you beyond the point of controlled and socially-acceptable grieving. Laughter and crying cleanse- anger. ‘We can learn something from our kids,’’ Scott-Dunn said. Bottied-up fear translates to anxiety. Most violence comes from fear. If you experience em- barrassment, share it. “Laugh in the moment of em- barrassment. That gives others the licence to laugh with you,’ she said. See Laughter page 48 Sirol! the Sea Wa SPORTSWEAR iS BACK The perfect casual weekend wear, made from the latest water- proof micro fibres. Special! Promotion 20% off Regular Price HEATHERINGTON’S Vancouver's Leading Fashion Boutique 926-0090 Park Royai South Mall ll in Style