Last Saturday, September 12, the American Heart Association celebrated the Power of Laughter Luncheon in Philadelphia. “It’s about spreading information so the people can have a wonderful life and be in charge of their own health,” actress and comedian Kim Coles told AL DÍA.

Coles helped to promote awareness about stroke and heart disease (number 1 killer in the country), using the humor that made her famous, in an event that also offered a healthy lunch, vendors and free health screenings.

But why did she do it humorously? According to Coles, “Humor is healing. Laughter is healing and there are times that you can get information in a lighter way. Any time when people talk about health it is a difficult topic to hear about, but when you add humor or laughter it makes it easier to receive the information, and when people receive the information they can put it to good use and humor is a wonderful way to make that happen.”

Sharon Arline-Bradley, director of External Engagement of NAACP; Lorina Marshall-Blake, president of the Independence Blue Cross; and Patty Jackson, from WDAS radio, also participated in the event, which was hosted at First District Plaza.