BOSTON -- According to research, laughter is good for our physical and mental health.

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Liz Brunner Reports On Study Resources Laughter For Health

NewsCenter 5's Liz Brunner reported that the average American child laughs 200 times per day, while adults only laugh about 15 times.

Healthy laughter is Paul Antokolsky's business.

"You're getting oxygen into all the cells in your body, which is something we need for energy and vitality. And as a result, you're lowering your blood pressure, you're reducing your pain levels, you're even helping your cholesterol," said Antokolsky. "The only thing you have to do in order to laugh is to breathe."

Antokolsky, a certified laughter leader, uses exercise and props to get people laughing, even if they feel silly.

"I was always told that laughter is the very best medicine," said a laugh group member named June.

And June's right.

"You're changing your brain chemistry, which causes the brain to produce a variety of chemicals that naturally make you feel better. It also stops producing the chemicals that make you feel anxious and tense," said Antokolsky.

Antokolsky said the body doesn't know whether your giggles are spontaneous or forced, and the benefits are the same.

"You can pay money to see Robin Williams or just look in the mirror. It's exactly the same," said he said.

So what tickles laugh group member, Fred's funny bone?

"Somebody else's laugh, a good joke, a clean joke," he said. "I have no trouble laughing. It's just all automatic."