OPTIMIZE YOUR HEALTH
Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention

Tai Chi for Bone Health
by Jannet Huang, MD, FRCPC, FACE, ABHM

Studies have shown that Tai Chi may lead to improved balance, reduced fear of falling, increased strength, increased functional mobility, greater flexibility, all factors that may contribute to the protective effects of Tai Chi against osteoporosis and fractures.

Tai chi (ti-CHE) is sometimes described as "meditation in motion." Originally developed in China as a form of self-defense, this graceful form of exercise has existed for about three centuries. It's becoming increasingly popular around the world, both as a basic exercise program and as a complement to other health care methods.

Recently many studies have been to uncover the health benefits of Tai Chi. Research shows that practicing Tai Chi regularly may:

• Reduce anxiety and depression
• Improve balance and coordination, reducing the number of falls
• Improve sleep quality
• Slow bone loss in women following menopause
• Reduce high blood pressure
• Improve cardiovascular fitness
• Relieve chronic pain
• Reduce waist circumference and improve blood sugar levels
• Improve everyday physical functioning

Tai Chi is a noncompetitive, self-paced system of gentle physical exercise. To do Tai Chi, you perform a defined series of postures or movements in a slow, graceful manner. Each movement or posture flows into the next.

For your convenience, a Tai Chi instructional DVD produced by Dr. John Cheng (Tai Chi Instructor and Sports Medicine Doctor) is available for sale at the Center.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for “advice only”, and not meant to provide specific medical recommendations or replace the medical advice of your health care practitioner.

—May 2007

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