The Common Thread — Weekly Tai Chi classes start Sept. 27 at The Commons at Central Hall

DOVER-FOXCROFT — Sept. 22-25 is National Fall Prevention Awareness Week. Falls are a major health problem for older people, resulting in hospitalizations, disability and death. Nationally, one in every three adults age 65 and older fall each year. In Maine fall related injuries are a major cause of ER visits and hospitalizations and the fourth leading cause of death. People over age 75 who fall are four times as likely to be admitted to a long term care facility. Prevention is the best remedy!

Tai Chi is an ancient art used to build internal energy while settling the core and improving flexibility, concentration, integration, and balance. It works to increase energy throughout the body by capturing the energy all around us and that we all share. It involves slow, fluid movement, core stabilization, mental concentration, tapping, rubbing and other methods to energize all areas of the body. It can be done sitting or standing and by all ages and levels of fitness.

While it is an ancient Eastern form of activity, it has been adopted in the U.S. and has been shown in many scientific studies to be helpful for mobility, flexibility and balance in both healthy people and in people with neurologic conditions and arthritis. Recent studies have concluded that it is the best exercise to improve balance and reduce falls in older people. It has also been shown to benefit people with COPD and to maintain cognitive function.

The Commons at Central Hall will be sponsoring a weekly Tai Chi class at The Commons with Wayne Ripley on Thursdays at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. starting on Thursday, Sept. 27. All levels from beginner to experienced are welcome. The fee is $7 per session, scholarships are available.

It is time to get off your chair and learn the beautiful, healthful art of Tai Chi. You will feel the difference.