UTMB’s Victor Sierpina writes about the transformative power of laughter in his weekly column. Laughter causes a release of nitric oxide, which dilates our blood vessels thus lessening cardiovascular risk. Laughter causes release of endorphins to make us feel good and offset pain. And it reduces release of cortisol and epinephrine from the adrenal glands, decreasing levels of these stress chemicals rather than raising them as does anger. Laughter can definitely lessen anxiety, improve relationships and even help people cope better with terminal or serious conditions. Laughter thus has many therapeutic applications. We all can really do with a bit more joy and laughter in our world. In the week ahead, just decide to Laugh Out Loud, just for health of it!