-- Laughter for Health Series --
Laughter for a Healthy Heart Our audience participation program will introduce your group to the proven physical and emotional benefits of laughter. You'll learn how laughter can help to lower blood pressure and cholesterol, strengthen the immune system, reduce physical tension and relieve emotional stress. Everyone will learn how to get their "laughter motor" going, even without jokes or humor, and then practice easy-to-learn laughing exercises that can be done by all, either standing or sitting. Everyone will receive a handout that describes all of the exercises. How can something this healthy be so much fun? Laughter for Fitness and Fun May is the month for older Americans, physical fitness and the Senior Games. Why not have your own Laughter Olympics where everyone is a winner? We'll lead your group in a variety of laughing games that will have everyone sharing in the fun. Some gentle exercises are great for relaxing various muscle groups while others are de- signed for their aerobic effect. Music-making and dance will be added as we lead up to the Ha-ha Ho-ho Conga, with the chair- dancers keeping time with their tambourines and maracas!
These laughing exercises can be a valuable part of everyone's daily fitness program. Put Your Troubles in a Bubble Do you know that positive, optimistic people tend to live longer and healthier lives? And do you know that old habits of negative thinking can be changed? Not only will we help your group make those changes, but we'll make it lots of fun for them too. We will use gentle relaxation and guided imagery exercises to help us perceive and "accentuate the positive" while letting go of our negativity. We will join together to remember and feel the benefits of play again.

All participants will receive their own bubble blower so they can keep on playing, and blow their troubles away.

For information on Programs Customized for Special Groups
-please see Custom Training page.

What People are Saying -- About the Laughter for Health Series

"They were a great hit here at the Topsfield COA. They had the whole group laughing and dancing. I saw members laugh today that I have not seen even smile for years. None of us can remember having such a hearty laugh in years."

     -- Joanne Capone, Director, Topsfield Council on Aging

"Tufts Secure Horizons had the pleasure of sponsoring Leslie and Paul's presentation at 50 sites, including Senior Centers, Assisted Living Communities, Senior Housing and Senior Councils. They were never late or missed a show, and were very flexible in their scheduling. They always gave 110%, and despite the setting or limitations they always got the crowd laughing and enjoying themselves. Their handouts were great. They demonstrated a great love, warmth and respect for the seniors, as well as always being entertaining and professional. They lifted all our spirits."

    -- Barbara Lynch, Comnmunity Marketing Director, Secure Horizons

"They had the Mayor of Haverhill leading the Laughter Circle! He said, 'Hey, this really works. I think I will implement this at all government meetings.' They were so generous with their time and spirit -- it was a wonderful way to thank all of our senior volunteers on Volunteer Appreci-ation Day. They were worth double or triple what they charged."

    -- Joyce Hamilton, Program Director, Haverhill Community Center

"Thank you for your wonderful presentation. It was great; lots of fun for every-one. You are very talented and bring out the 'child' in all of us. I hope we can do it again in the future."

    -- Theresa Romanoff, Program Coordinator, North Cambridge Senior Center

Introducing Leslie and Paul

Leslie Ahern is a gerontologist with a masters degree from the University of Massachu-setts. She is the Massachusetts spokesperson for the National Family Caregivers Association. Leslie has been recognized for her professional and volunteer work, receiving Boston's Big Sister of the Year award and the Massachusetts Association on Aging public service award.

Paul Antokolsky is a graduate of Harvard University. He is a Vietnam veteran who is currently writing a book on the Congressional Medal of Honor.

Together, Leslie and Paul are Certified Laughter Leaders. They are gold members of the American Association of Therapeutic Humor and the co-leaders of the Greater Boston Laughter Club. They have produced and hosted radio programs, such as "Living Longer and Better" on WMEX and WBIX, and TV programs, including their current show on BNN-TV, "Taking Care."slie and Paul have also been married to each other for 21 years.

Phone: 1-857-991-9882 Email: info@laughterforhealth.com