By Betty Verrine

betty@nasguard.com

It comes naturally, is portable and is absolutely free. And to top it all off, it promotes good health. You're probably wondering what this thing is, especially in today's world, where most good things are usually accompanied by a high price tag.

According to a recent study conducted at The University of Maryland School of Medicine, laughter encourages healthy blood vessel function. To conduct the test, twenty volunteers were asked to watch a 15-minute segment of the hit drama 'Saving Private Ryan.' After watching the segment, researchers found that artery blood flow had decreased by 35% in 14 of the 20 volunteers, whereas, when the same volunteers watched the comedy hit 'Kingpin,' blood flow increased by 20%.

Researchers compared this change in blood flow to aerobic activity. Laughter, therefore, can be seen as a form of exercise, minus the aches and pain and the sweat. With statistics like this, it wouldn't hurt to put a little more laughter in our lives.

So the next time you're at the video store, why not pick up a comedy or two. Even though what people find funny is a matter of personal taste, there are a few movies that have received pretty good reviews. To get a good belly laugh, try Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Rush Hour, Maverick, Diary of a Mad Black Woman (Tyler Perry movie) and Madea's Family Reunion (Tyler Perry movie).

You can also get a good laugh from TV sitcoms such as 'Seinfeld' or 'Frasier.' For a full night of laughter, you can go over to the Jokers' Wild or check out the travelling comedy shows staged occasionally at local hotels. Or, perhaps, you prefer to read a book. Some good books to read include, 'The Pleasure of My Company' by Steve Martin or 'Innocent, Your Honour: A Book of Lawyer Cartoons.'

Whatever you choose, make sure it 's something that really makes you push your head back, hunch up your shoulders and let it all out. Go ahead, laugh out loud, it will make your heart happy and healthy.