Laugh yourself healthy

ASCL partner CS Healthcare brings you the latest health news and research that has been hitting the headlines.

Did you know...

A laugh a day can keep a heart attack away: Laughing is good for your heart: it's official. US doctors found that a good laugh causes the tissue that forms the inner lining of the blood vessels to dilate, increasing the blood flow in the same way as a bout of aerobic exercise.
Harp music eases pain: Harp music relaxes the patient and slows down the heart. A US study found that the range of vibrations emitted by the plucked strings affected the body's nervous system and lowered the heart rate, decreasing blood pressure.
Chocolate can be good for you: Eating two squares of dark chocolate a day is good for the heart the Swiss say, and they should know! Following on from a study, scientists believe that chocolate can help to prevent narrowing and hardening of the arteries.

Helping to keep you healthy is important to CS Healthcare, the preferred provider of health insurance to ASCL members and their families.

Benefits of membership include:

• first two months FREE when you apply to join online*

• choice of flexible and affordable cover*

• access to over 300 hospitals

* Full details of the policy and how free months will be applied are available on request. Visit www.cshealthcare.co.uk or call 0800 917 4325. Source: Care magazine. CS Healthcare is authorised by the FSA reg. no. 205346.

One of the benefits of ASCL membership is discounts and special rates on a range of personal and educational products and services. There are healthcare products, financial advice, online staff well-being systems and self-evaluation surveys. Check out www.ascl.org.uk for the full list.