Starfarm Tai Chi Classes in CT

New therapeutic tai chi for fall prevention class forming:  starts Feb 21, 2012, must register by January 31,m 2012

Evidence Based Therapeutic Tai Chi for Fall Prevention Program for seniors  will be offered twice weekly in Thompson, CT.  The class sessions will be on Tue and Thu at 9:00 at the  community center.  These classes will follow the therapeutic tai chi for fall prevention program protocol known as “Tai Chi Moving for Better Balance”.  Tai Chi Moving for Better Balance MediaThompson

This therapeutic tai chi for fall prevention program is recommended by the CDC.  It was proven through years of scientific research to reduce the rate of falls among older adults by 55%!  The Classes will be offered 2 times weekly for 16 weeks, the minimum recommendation for achieving results.  Cost for the program is absurdly low, contact the Thompson Recreation office 860 923 9440 for details.View Download registration.

tai chi moving for better balance certified instructor Laddie Sacharko

Part of the program protocol is functional  balance testing before and after training; participants will know exactly what their efforts have achieved.

This program is one of only two of its type to be offered in Eastern CT.  View/Download Registration  No other therapeutic tai chi for fall prevention program for seniors in Eastern CT has the validating science behind it.

Instructor Laddie Sacharko has been program certified by the senior  researcher, Fuzhong Li(Phd, Physical Therapy), who studied tai chi and developed this tai chi fall prevention program for the Oregon Research Institute.    Li’s study was funded by the US government in its efforts to curb falling as a chronic health challenge to older Americans.

More than any other preventable cause, falls cause more older adults in Connecticut to lose their independence and be placed in nursing homes.

• How big is the problem?View/Download CTDPH Fact Sheet

  • In Connecticut, falls are the leading cause of injury-related death for Connecticut residents aged 65 years and over and the fourth leading cause for all ages.
  • Falls resulted in approximately 6,000 inpatient hospital stays and 24,000 emergency room visits among older Connecticut residents each year from 2005 to 2008.
  • In addition to being the leading cause of hip fractures among older adults, falls are also the leading cause of traumatic brain injury and a leading cause of earlier admission to a nursing home.
  • Costs for hospital stays due to falls for older adults totaled $273 million from 2005 to 2006, not including the costs of long-term care or rehabilitation.

• Studies show that a combination of measures can significantly reduce the risk of falling, and increasing awareness of the key measures that older adults can take to reduce their risk is important.

• The Department of Public Health recommends the following actions to help prevent falls:

•  Begin a regular exercise program such as therapeutic tai chi for fall prevention, especially one that increases balance, strength, and flexibility.
• Consult with a health professional about getting a fall risk assessment.
•  Have all medications, prescription and over-the-counter, reviewed periodically for interactions that could lead to falls.
• Get vision checked at least annually by an eye doctor.
• Make your home safer by reducing tripping hazards, installing handrails and grab bars,and improving lighting.
  

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