LAUGHTER is the best medicine, according to over 100 people who attended World Laughter Day celebrations at the Kerala Catholic Association (KCA), in Segaiya, last night. It was organised by the KCA's Laughter Club and began with the "laughter march", where members paraded with placards that read "Laugh For Life", "I Love To Laugh" and "World Peace Through Laughter". This was followed by a session of laughter with the help of "laugh masters", who guided each member through a series of laughing exercises.

These involved breathing, neck and shoulder exercises and stretches that are similar to yoga.

World Laughter Day is celebrated on the first Sunday of May and was first observed in Mumbai, India, in 1998.

The laughter movement was started in the same country in 1995 by Dr Madan Kataria.

Studies also suggest that laughing helps control stress, depression, nervous breakdowns, insomnia, peptic ulcers, allergies and even cancer.

The KCA's Laughter Club started in January 2003 with 40 active members of various nationalities. P U Devassy is the convenor of the club and its regular sessions are held every third Monday of the month, starting at 8pm.

For more information, contact the KCA on 17232109, general secretary K M Thomas on 39867041 or Mr Devassy on 39620145.