PULSE TAI CHI CAN KEEP SENIORS FREE OF SHINGLES.Byline: Mariko Thompson Tai chi Tai Chi Definition T'ai chi is a Chinese exercise system that uses slow, smooth body movements to achieve a state of relaxation of both body and mind. classes have become a popular recreational offering at senior centers everywhere. Now there may be compelling medical reasons to learn this combination of meditation and movement. A new UCLA UCLA University of California at Los Angeles UCLA University Center for Learning Assistance (Illinois State University) UCLA University of Carrollton, TX and Lower Addison, TX study suggests that tai chi chih (a modern, simplified form of tai chi) boosts immunity in the elderly against shingles, a painful rash caused by the reactivation reactivation to become active after a period of quiescence or, as in bacterial and viral infections, latency. cross reactivation of the chickenpox virus chickenpox virus n. See varicella-zoster virus. . Earlier this year, late-night TV host David Letterman put the spotlight on the debilitating de·bil·i·tat·ing adj. Causing a loss of strength or energy. Debilitating Weakening, or reducing the strength of. Mentioned in: Stress Reduction condition when shingles forced him to the sidelines. The risk of shingles increases with age and is more common in people over the age of 50. In the study conducted by the UCLA Neuropsychiatric neu·ro·psy·chi·a·try n. The medical study of disorders with both neurological and psychiatric features. neu Institute, seniors were divided into a two groups. One group took a 15-week tai chi chih class. The other served as the control group. All participants had their immunity to the virus measured before and after the class. The tai chi chih group showed a 50 percent increase in immunity, while the control group showed no improvement. ``Shingles is a significant public health problem,'' said Dr. Michael Irwin, professor of psychoneuroimmunology Psychoneuroimmunology The study of the interactions among behavioral, neural and endocrine, and immune functions. This convergence of disciplines has evolved to achieve a more complete understanding of adaptive processes. . ``Tai chi chih can be readily administered in groups, and it's cost-effective.'' UCLA researchers also tested the participants' physical abilities by having them do such activities as climbing stairs and lifting packages. The tai chi chih group showed the greatest improvement on the tests after 15 weeks, while the control group stayed about the same, Irwin said. Based on the martial arts, tai chi chih has been touted for improving posture, balance and mobility, as well as reducing stress, said Roberta Taggart, a Los Angeles tai chi chih instructor. Such studies provide scientific evidence that tai chi chih is an effective tool, she said. Researchers have yet to determine how long the benefits of tai chi chih last and whether regular practice continues to improve health over time. The study was funded by the National Institute of Health's National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, n.pr established in 1998 as a Center of the National Institutes of Health. Supports and conducts research on complementary and alternative med-icine and informs healthcare pro-fessionals about . GET TONED: Aimed at women ages 35 and older, ``Strength Training for Beginners'' (Harper Resource; $21.95) by Joan Bassey and Susie Dinan not only works to build muscle but strengthen bones. This flip book starts with information on osteoporosis and how to reverse or prevent brittle bones brit·tle bones n. See osteogenesis imperfecta. brittle bones 1 Osteogenesis imperfecta Bones with ↑ osseous fragility, a phenomenon seen in osteogenesis imperfecta, due to genetic defects–eg, point with the help of weight training. The fitness portion includes warm-up stretches, floor exercises and a muscle-toning routine with hand weights. INSPIRATIONAL STORIES: ``We don't get to choose whether or not we have MS, but from moment to moment we do get to choose how to live with it,'' begins Zoe Koplowitz in chapter one of ``People With MS With the Courage to Give'' (Conari Press; $16.95). The book, compiled by Jackie Waldman, tells the stories of 24 people who have refused to be defined by multiple sclerosis and have worked to make a difference in the world. Contributors include Marc Blum of Agoura, founder of Mission With Bikes, which provides used bikes to disadvantaged children. Waldman is donating the proceeds of the book to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, a United States-based non-profit organization, and its network of chapters nationwide promote research, educate, advocate on issues relating to multiple sclerosis, and organize a wide range of programs, including support for the newly . Affecting more than 400,000 Americans, multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease autoimmune disease, any of a number of abnormal conditions caused when the body produces antibodies to its own substances. In rheumatoid arthritis, a group of antibody molecules called collectively RF, or rheumatoid factor, is complexed to the individual's own gamma affecting the central nervous system. HEAL THYSELF thy·self pron. Archaic Yourself. Used as the reflexive or emphatic form of thee or thou. thyself pron Archaic the reflexive form of thou1 : Consumers have access to mind-boggling amounts of health information on the Internet. But how do you separate good information from bad? The publishers of the ``MD Net Guide'' have launched a quarterly journal that will help consumers navigate through online medical research. The journal, FM Net Guide, will be distributed to 200,000 patients in doctors' waiting rooms and is also available at www.fmnetguide.com. In addition to health stories, guidelines and tips, the journal provides physician-reviewed online listings that provide reliable health information. CANCER RIDE: Cyclists interested in raising money for cancer research can ride with Tour de France Tour de France World's most prestigious and difficult bicycle race. Staged for three weeks each July—usually in some 20 daylong stages—the Tour typically comprises 20 professional teams of nine riders each and covers some 3,600 km (2,235 miles) of flat and winner and cancer survivor Lance Armstrong. The 62.5-mile ride starts at 8 a.m. Oct. 11 at Universal CityWalk. The Los Angeles event is the kickoff for a week-long cross-country ride featuring Armstrong and a team of 26 cyclists. The Los Angeles portion of the Bristol-Myers Squibb Tour of Hope is open to the first 1,500 cyclists who register and raise a minimum of $500 for cancer research by Oct. 1. The 10 Los Angeles participants who raise the most money will be recognized at the closing ceremonies in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 18. To register, visit www.tourofhope.org. CAPTION(S): 3 photos Photo: (1) Kiko Kiko, foreground, leads a group of seniors in a tai chi chih class at Jewish Family Service's Valley Storefront in North Hollywood. A study credits the Chinese moving meditation with combating shingles. Joe Binoya/Special to the Daily News (2) no caption (book: ``Strength Training for Beginners'') (3) no caption (book: ``People With MS With the Courage to Give'' |
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