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Wednesday, October 11, 2017 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon
Tai chi is beneficial for older adults
By Andrew Loscutoff
Correspondent
Tai chi is a form of exer-
cise transcending many gen-
erations as a martial art, med-
itation, and choreography of
movement, which has many
pronounced effects on the
body. Now, thanks to a better
understanding of neurologi-
cal processes through exer-
cise and movement, tai chi
stands as an exercise modal-
ity that anyone can enjoy and
gain exceptional results.
While its origins are
uncertain, it’s speculated
that tai chi has been prac-
ticed for at least 700 years.
Originating in ancient China,
modern tai chi follows a pat-
tern of movements in a medi-
tative, controlled, and precise
fashion. It’s also referred to
as “movement meditation.”
This integrates a strong
mind-body connection with
movement and foci on relax-
ation, coordination, and helps
someone overcome a clouded
or convoluted headspace
by asking them to focus on
solely the movement and
breathing associated.
Tai chi can be an effec-
tive exercise program for
older adults who might not
be suited to the contempo-
rary exercise programs many
gyms offer as classes. The
gentle movements are easy
on the joints, they require
no equipment, and provide
a wide variety of benefits to
many bodily systems.
The mindfulness, relax-
ation, and the restorative
nature of tai chi is backed
by ample research show-
ing its brain-boosting ben-
efit. A recent study from
Massachusetts General
Hospital used eight weeks of
meditative practice coupled
with MRI exams to look at
how it affected the brain.
Comparisons of the before-
and-after imaging revealed
stark adaptations. The gray-
matter density improved in
the hippocampus, showing
better learning and memory
formation. Also the amyg-
dala, which when overstimu-
lated can cause anxiety and
powerful stress responses,
was decreased.
Tai chi can also be a
pain-relief strategy for those
with low-level chronic pain.
Examples of low-level
chronic pain are low back
pain, arthritis, and the aches
Dr. Bonnie Malone, DC
Serving Sisters for 36 years!
Chiropractic Musculoskeletal
Therapy & Exercise Counseling
Nutritional and General Health Counseling
Certifi ed Cervical Cap Provider
(safe, non-chemical birth-control device)
COVERED BY ALL MAJOR AND LOCAL
INSURANCE COMPANIES (by policy limits)
Sisters Chiropractic Clinic • 16190 Hwy. 126
541-549-7141
LOW-COST DOG & CAT
Vaccination &
Microchip Clinic
Saturday, October 21
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Questions?
Call 541-699-9149
Hosted by Sisters Feed
& Supply and Sunshine
Vet Services
Se v ces
es
102 E
E. Main
M i Ave.
A
| 541-549-4151
and pains many experience
in day-to-day life. The con-
trolled breathing, relaxed
movement, and mobility
requirements can promote
the pain transponders to
reset and relax. Think of
it like adjusting the knob
on those old televisions to
get a clearer picture. The
restorative movement in tai
chi establishes a more clear
relationship between body
and mind, reducing pain,
and promoting a less-tense,
more-relaxed body.
Restoring the body to a
relaxed state can also help
relieve hypertensive states,
inflammation, and cortisol
stress hormones. Chronic
stress may be the most dan-
gerous thing to our body, and
if no intervention is taken, it
can fester into heart disease,
strokes, obesity, fatigue, etc.
(See related story, page 14.)
Tai chi is an excellent way
to combat these effects, with-
out pharmaceuticals or psy-
chotherapy, by up-regulating
the function of the parasym-
pathetic nervous systems and
hampering the sympathetic
system, which is often over-
active in stressful times.
Movement patterns which
cross the centerline, and use
coordination, are effective in
older adults because of the
left-brain-right-brain connec-
tions. As one moves a limb
from one side to another, the
brain needs to process these
movements. This complexity
stimulates areas which oth-
erwise wouldn’t be used. It
can be effective for problem-
solving, balance, coordina-
tion, and cognition.
M o v i n g o n e ’s b o d y
through a full range of
motion, using many joints
and muscles is a great
approach to staying mobile
and functional.
Tai chi uses coordinated
movement patterns, full
ranges of motion, restorative
and meditative practice, all
of which provide many ben-
efits. Those who are not cur-
rently exercising, need some
mind-body work, or just
desire to change their fitness
program up can benefit from
Tai chi. Look for a beginner-
friendly, experienced leader,
and don’t be afraid to ask
questions. Check out dif-
ferent styles, and try differ-
ent techniques. The body,
mind, and spirit will be
happy!
Nutrition
education
volunteers
needed
Concerned about the food
choices people are making
that affect their health?
If you would enjoy shar-
ing research-based informa-
tion about healthy eating
on a budget then consider
becoming an Oregon State
University nutrition educa-
tion volunteer. Volunteers
demonstrate cooking healthy
recipes at local food pantries
or lead small groups with
interactive nutrition activities.
To become a volunteer,
applicants take a five-hour
class on Wed., Oct. 18, 9
a.m. to 2 p.m. at the OSU/
Deschutes County Extension
Office in Redmond. Once
trained and certified, volun-
teers commit to demonstrat-
ing healthy recipes six times
in six months.
Visit http://extension.
oregonstate.edu/deschutes/
nutrition-education to apply.
For more information call
541-306-6067.
Dr. Bonnie Malone, DC
Going into her 37th year of practice in Sisters,
Dr. Bonnie Malone, DC, has learned the value of a
patient and doctor having a long relationship.
“I may be most proud of the instances in which I
have found a disease state in a patient that required
advanced care. One patient did not respond to
treatment as he typically did after cutting firewood,
which goaded me to order films. He had advanced
prostate cancer, which was referring pain to his low
back. Because of my knowledge of his usual recov-
ery and ensuing suitable treatment with an oncolo-
gist, he lived a long, healthy life.”
Dr. Malone is also grateful for the healthcare
now available in Sisters. “Once I was the only physi-
cian in town. A physical therapy clinic was the only
other healthcare provider here. We are privileged
to have such a cross-section of quality care in all
forms.”
Sisters Feed & Supply
Protect your beloved dog or cat at a low-cost
vaccination clinic at Sisters Feed & Supply on
Saturday, October 20, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Keri Lynne McDowell’s mobile Sunshine
Veterinary Service will be on hand to provide free
exams and provide the full range of vaccinations
for your pet — including rabies, distemper, kennel
cough, etc.
This community service has been an annual
event hosted by Sisters Feed since 2009. Expect it
to take about a half-hour to fill out paperwork, talk
to the vet, and get the shots taken care of.
Sunshine Veterinary Services also offers house
calls. Keri Lynn McDowell can be reached at
541-699-9149.
Sisters Feed & Supply is Sisters’ full-service
headquarters for everything from pet food and toys
to your farm-and-ranch needs. Stop by and talk
with the knowledgeable staff about any of your
needs — from dogs to horses to chickens!