Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention was designed by Dr. Paul Lam, a physician practicing in Australia, along with both medical and tai chi experts. The class is organized to be easy to learn and to minimize risk of injury. The program is based on Sun-style Tai Chi and incorporates slow and gentle movements. It is an effective program for those with arthritis because it helps increase flexibility, strengthen muscles, and improve cardiorespiratory fitness. This program will not cure your arthritic joints, but it will help strengthen the muscles supporting those joints. Without exercise, joints become stiffer and muscles weaker, which can lead to further pain and stiffness. As noted in Dr. Lam’s Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention Handbook, over thirty published medical studies have shown that this program brings pain relief and improves balance which helps reduce falls. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as other health organizations, recommend this program for fall prevention and health. Each class will have warm-up and cool-down exercises. The form we will learn consists of six basic and six advanced movements. With practice, we will increase mental concentration, breath control, fluidity of movement and mind/body integration.

MARSHA SMITH, a life-long resident of Rockingham County, earned a BS from Madison College (now JMU) in 1977. She worked for 27 years at R R Donnelley and Sons Co. and for nine years as Executive Director at Central Valley Habitat for Humanity. Support of local non-profits in their community outreach and development has always been important to her. Marsha enjoys the physical and mental benefits of Tai Chi, yoga and Pilates. She is a certified instructor in Tai Chi for Arthritis and in Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention through the Dr. Paul Lam Tai Chi for Health Institute.