Page Title


	Laugh Your Way to Better Health A hearty laugh can go a long way in helping you to feel good. And it can help others feel good, too. It's hard to resist laughing when someone else is. Maybe certain movies make you laugh; maybe Sunday cartoons get you to chuckle. Whatever it is that makes you laugh, make time for it. It's good for you! Here's what laughter can do for your health: Gives your heart and lungs a workout. A belly laugh can momentarily increase your heart rate and expand your lungs. Helps you relax. Your pulse rises slightly when you laugh, but then decreases to below normal, causing a feeling of relaxation that can last up to 45 minutes. Boosts the immune system. Laughter triggers certain chemicals that stimulate the immune system; these same chemicals decrease when you are under stress. Reduces pain by stimulating endorphins, the body's natural painkillers. Improves your mood and reduces anger. Gives a feeling of control. Joking about a problem is one way to rise above it. Makes you more creative. Helps with chronic breathing problems, such as emphysema because the change in breathing pattern during laughter aids ventilation and clears mucus. (AARP Health Care Options, "FYI")


	The Food Stamp program provides cash assistance to people age 65 and over and those in households where all members are receiving SSI. The benefit can be deposited directly into a bank account or sent to you as a check. It is intended to help with purchasing food or anything else you might need. If you are under 65, you receive your benefit by means of an EBT card -- a debit card that can be used at a grocery store. Either way, you do not need to deal with food stamp coupons which may be found awkward and even embarrassing. Income limits for the Food Stamp program are quite flexible and depend to some


	extent on your housing and medical costs. There is a resource limit of $3,000 per household for households having at least one member age 60 or over. Other households may have $2,000. Resources include cash, savings, stocks, CD's, etc., but do not include your home or life insurance. If you qualify for both Food Stamps and fuel assistance, your Food Stamp benefit can be significantly higher than if you receive only the Food Stamps. If you would like more information, call Melanie at the Center (295-9068). She can answer your questions, help assess your eligibility, and help you apply.