Q:Does
Tai Chi count as a form of moderate exercise that reduces risk of chronic
diseases?
A:Depending
on how it is used, Tai Chi apparently can decrease risk of some long-term
health problems while posing very little chance of harm.Tai Chi is one form of what is called
“meditative movement,” including a three-part focus on the body (posture and
movement), breath and mind (meditation).Both Tai Chi, and a similar form called Qigong (pronounced chee-gung) include
slow, flowing, dance-like motions and may also include sitting or standing
meditation postures and gentle or vigorous body shaking. Some forms do fall in
the category of moderate intensity exercise.A recent review
of 67 separate randomized controlled trials of Tai Chi or Qigong concluded that
they showed benefits after 8 to 12 weeks for heart health (especially blood pressure),
bone health and balance (especially among those who were sedentary or at risk
of falls).Benefits are most clear
comparing those who practice these movements to people who are sedentary.Tai Chi and Qigong may provide benefits
similar to other forms of exercise, but the results are less consistent,
perhaps depending on frequency and specific style.Impact on weight control was
inconclusive.
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The American Institute for
Cancer Research (AICR) is the cancer charity that fosters research on the
relationship of nutrition, physical activity and weight management to cancer
risk, interprets the scientific literature and educates the public about the
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AICR has published two landmark reports that interpret the accumulated research
in the field, and is committed to a process of continuous review. AICR also
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learn to make dietary changes for lower cancer risk. Its award-winning New
American Plate program is presented in brochures, seminars and on its website,
www.aicr.org. AICR is part of the global network of charities that are dedicated
to the prevention of cancer. The WCRF global network is led and unified by WCRF
International, a membership association which operates as the umbrella
organization for the network .The other charities in the WCRF network are World
Cancer Research Fund in the UK (www.wcrf-uk.org); Wereld Kanker Onderzoek Fonds
in the Netherlands (www.wcrf-nl.org); World Cancer Research Fund Hong Kong
(www.wcrf-hk.org); and Fonds Mondial de Recherche contre le Cancer in France
(www.fmrc.fr).