Laugh yourself happy at library program

Learn how you can chase away stress, brighten your mood and have fun simply by laughing when William Goodman presents "Laughter is the Best Medicine" at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Dundee Township Public Library, 555 Barrington Ave., East Dundee.

Goodman, a psychologist, will draw upon his skills as a motivational speaker, musician and performer in order to teach participants how to appreciate the many benefits of laughter.

"Much has been written about laughter's ability to actually reduce the levels of chronic stress in your body, boost immune system function, protect your nervous system, restore your sanity, and help your endocrine system," Goodman said.

Besides the fact that laughter is a healing activity, it's also one of the cheapest prescriptions available: it's free and fun, he said.

Goodman holds a bachelor's degree in psychology from Brandeis University in Waltham, Mass., and a Ph.D. in rehabilitation from Florida State University, where he also served on the faculty for many years. He and his wife, Susan, tour the Midwest every spring as the musical duo called "Best of Broadway."

The program about laughter is free and open to the public, but reservations are suggested. For details, call (847) 428-3661, ext. 308 or visit www.dundeelibrary.info.