Niagara County Department of Health offers free tai chi for arthritis, fall prevention workshops

The Niagara County Department of Health nursing division, in partnership with the Niagara County Office for the Aging, is offering free tai chi for arthritis, and fall prevention workshops.

These 10-week workshops are scheduled in Lockport: Classes begin Feb. 27 and meet twice a week from 9-10 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at Lockport Memorial Hospital Community Room, 6001 Shimer Drive; and in North Tonawanda: Classes begin Feb. 27 and meet twice a week from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Tuesdays  and Thursdays at the North Tonawanda Library, 505 Meadow Drive.

The NCDOH noted, “This evidence-based program, developed by Dr. Paul Lam at the Tai Chi for Health Institute (TCHI), focuses on Sun style tai chi. It’s been proven to improve cardiovascular fitness, lower blood pressure, prevent falls and help people who have arthritis. Workshops focus on breathing, body structure, movement control, situation awareness, and weight shifting. The workshop is highly participatory, and each participant is guided through activities that can be adjusted to suit their physical condition and needs.”

Adults with arthritis and/or are at risk for falls can register for the tai chi for arthritis, and fall prevention workshop by contacting Nursing Operations Manager Stacy Knott at 716-278-8596.

For more information on how participating in these workshops can help one manage arthritis and reduce risk for falls, visit https://taichiforhealthinstitute.org/programs/tai-chi-for-fall-prevention/.