He who laughs... lasts

APROPOS of I.M. Soni’s "Laughter is the sunshine of the soul" (November 21), the mind, without doubt, has an enormous influence over our health. Doctors’ case books are full of examples of patients whose illness appears to stem from general depression. The body responds to stress by producing more cortisone and adrenaline. These harmons are designed to increase the heart rate and blood pressure, improving our performance so that we can cope more efficiently. But too much stress over-stimulates harmone production so that instead of becoming more efficient we become less able to cope.

Laughter can help because it triggers nerves in the brain which start a chain of reactions. The body’s endocrine system secretes natural pain killers and tranquilizers. This leads to a diffusion of tension and a feeling of well-being. No doctor would claim that laughter cures all ailments but there is no doubt that a good laugh does a world of good.

There seem to be many advantages of laughing. Researchers have now deduced that laughter is an effective workout alternative. An expert says: "Laughter is a general body exercise producing many of the same effects as others aerobic exercises." It is said that laughing a hundred times provides a cardiovascular workout equivalent of ten minutes of rowing. A good laugh that reaches the belly, impacts the physiological systems, including circulatory, respiratory, endocrine and central nervous systems and thus benefits physical fitness too.

So when you have the blues, try and laugh. The sunshine of laughter will obliterate the dampening blues and greys of moods.

K. M. VASHISHT
Mansa

II

Laughter is a key yogic mudra, essentially a psychosomatic practice.

The human mind produces certain waves which depend upon the mood of a person. Alpha waves at the rate of seven to thirteen cycles per second, are produced when the mind is at peace i.e.without tension. It is in such a happy state of mind that endorphines commonly termed as "feel good" harmones are released. Laughter results in release of plenty of endorphines.

ROSHNI JOHAR
Shimla

III

Laughter and tears are nature’s ways of releasing our inner tensions. One of the most valuable assets in life is a good sense of humour. If we will only learn to laugh, we can overcome our most difficult handicaps. A good laugh makes us better friends with ourselves and with everybody around us. A laugh at the right time captures a heart. A bit of humour is a short cut to friendly understanding.

Clever witticism and laughter at the right moment often eases difficult situations. The secret of happiness is laughing with others, not at them. Laughter is the best medicine for a long and happy life. He who laughs .... lasts. Let’s use laughter, as a safety valve to keep ourselves sane and relaxed, and meet the challenge of life with the art of laughter.

O. P. SHARMA
Faridabad

Go vegetarian with a vengeance

Anup Deb Nath in his write-up "Go vegetarian with a vengeance" (November 21) has espoused the cause of vegetarianism. The practice of vegetarianism goes for back in history. Many noted philosophers and religious teachers urged their followers to avoid a non-vegetarian diet. Brahminism, Jainism, Zoroastrianism and Buddhism acknowledged the sacredness of life and the need to live without causing suffering. The thrust is now on vegetarianism.

Experts agree that excessive meat consumption is a major contributor to diseases like cancer and cardiac disorders. It is only a myth that meat is rich in protein. France Moore Lappe in her book Diet for a New Planet brought the concept of complementing vegetable proteins. She maintains "If people are getting enough calories they are virtually certain of getting enough proteins. By eating enough natural food of whatever kind whenever we feel hungry, it is almost impossible to be deficient in this vital nutrient." Dr S.I. Hunting of Columbia University says that our mouth, the teeth and the intestines are not suitable for non-vegetarian diet. His views are based on a comparative study of the structure of the carnivorous animals and humans. According to him, carnivorous animals have a bigger mouth that can hold large chunks of flesh and unlike humans, they have teeth that are elongated, sharp and pointed to enable them to tear the flesh. Colon cancer is more prevalent in Argentina and Uruguay where meat consumption is higher than in other Latin American countries. Tenzing Norgay attributed the remarkable strength of the sherpas to a vegetarian diet. Many sportpersons, including Lenares, Dave Scott, Martina Navratilova, P.T. Usha, and Leander Paes are strict vegetarians.

One acre of land can grow 20,000 pounds of potatoes. The same acre used for animal feed will produce less than 150 pounds of meat. Harvard nutritionists have just released a document estimating that reducing meat production by just 10 per cent will release enough grain and vegetables to feed 60 million people. Thus meat eating is related to world hunger. A large portion of the ecologically sensitive and biologically diverse Amazonian forest in South America has been destroyed to sustain cattle reared for supplying meat to North America.

VIJAY SHEEL JAIN
Ludhiana

The ‘new man’

This refers to the article: "A man’s world no more" by Mohinder Singh (November 28). The writer presents an image of the "new man". The writer believes that in response to the woman’s liberation movement, men have changed. This change in man is obviously a change for the good and should be a welcome sign. It can bring about happy families, happy homes and a deep understanding between a husband and a wife.

The writer wants the "new man" to strike a compromise to ensure peace at home and strengthen family ties — he should be strong as well as sensitive, take interest in his profession as well as housework, should be forceful lover and also be tender.

The writer expects too much flexibility/elasticity from the ‘new man’. The ‘new man’ should shed his ego and accept the writer’s advice if he wishes to lead a happy married life even if he has to change colours every moment. In his own interest the ‘man’ must surrender and give up his ‘he- man’ image to keep pace with changing times.

ONKAR CHOPRA
Ludhiana