Dr Lam Tai Chi for Health Newsletter
- Issue Number 197, January 2018
In this issue:
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Hello <<First Name>>,
Happy New Year!
Last week I went to attend my 4th Aunt’s funeral in Hong Kong; it was sad. I got to meet up with many family members and we agreed to make more effort to meet again. The time made me think more deeply about life and my purpose here. My new year resolution is even more clear – to help to empower people for better health and wellness. Thank you for joining me!
 The focus of this issue is on elderly people, some of whom started in their 80s, so it is never too late to start! Everyone’s life is significantly shaped by our elders, they have wisdom and care that deserve our respect. Tai Chi for Health is created for anyone, I love to hear story like the two Centenarians in this Newsletter. Also amazing inspirations like Madam Park from Korea (see her story in past NL) who came to my workshop in a wheel chair 16 years ago, now at 85 she teachers 200 students every week, and has built a tai chi center for kids with disabilities. In her own words:“I was a useless old lady wasting government’s health money.” Since tai chi she has empowered many thousands of people to be healthier and happier. Bravo elders!
There has been confusion recently regarding the difference between TCHI, TCHC and the Online Global Community (GC). Please see my note below.
Our special for January is a Tai Chi for Beginners pack so if you would like to learn Tai Chi for Beginners or give the gift of tai chi to a friend, do remember that age is no barrier!
Yours in Tai Chi,
Paul Lam, MD
Director
taichiforhealthinstitute.org
Please don't reply to this Newsletter, contact us via service@tchi.org
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This Month’s Special
For January we have a special bundle for beginners. What a great way to start the new year! There are two separate prices for the USA and the rest of the world, but both receive a huge 42% discount. Offer expires 31 January, not to be used with any other discount.
The bundle:
- Tai Chi for Beginners DVD
- Music CD Vol 1
- Music CD Vol 2
- Warm-up and cool-down chart
Australia/Global
Retail: AU $78.80
Bundle: AU $45.95 (42% off)
USA
Retail: US $63.35
Bundle: US $36.95 (42% off)
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Upcoming Workshops by Dr Paul Lam
January 2018
March 2018
June 2018
- 16th Annual Pre-Conference, June 2, United States, Oregon, Portland
- 16th Annual Week-long Workshop, June 4, United States, Oregon, Portland
- Dr Paul Lam Master Class for Chen 56 and Sun 73 Forms, June 11, United States, Oregon, Portland
- Enhancing Yang 24 and/or Beyond Tai Chi for Rehabilitation August 31, United Kingdom, Manchester
July 2018
- Enhancing Yang 24 Forms with Dr Paul Lam, July 6, Australia, New South Wales, Wollongong
- Tai Chi for Rehabilitation Instructor Training by Dr Paul Lam,July 7, Australia, New South Wales, Wollongong
- Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention Instructor Training by Dr Paul Lam, July 7, Australia, New South Wales, Wollongong
- Tai Chi for Energy Instructor Training by Dr Paul Lam, July 7, Australia, New South Wales, Wollongong
August 2018
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In praise of Tai Chi for a Centenarian
Winifred Tamura-Lis, Instructor, Honolulu
My father is 100 ½ years old. He was born, raised and has always lived in rural Kauai, Hawaii. His primary occupation as a carpenter, kept him physically active when young, and in retirement, Dad walked daily for exercise.
As he approached his ninth decade, a knee injury resulted in osteoarthritis and he slowly decreased his daily walks, both in frequency and length. When I returned to Kauai in 2013 to be with my then 96-year-old Dad, he continued with selfcare, but no longer went on walks. So, what activity could Dad do so he could remain active and positive?
We first became interested in Tai Chi through Hawaii’s Fall Prevention program. Tai Chi for Arthritis seemed an excellent way for Dad to do low stress physical activity and remain engaged with life. In 2014 I was fortunate to learn Tai Chi with Master Trainer Ileina Ferrier and became a certified instructor in Tai Chi for Arthritis. Dad came along to many of the workshops and participated in Seated Tai Chi classes.
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This November I had the opportunity to learn from the Best when Dr. Lam presented his “Depth of Tai Chi for Arthritis for Fall Prevention” workshop in Honolulu! What a pleasure and an honor! I have been slowly working his teachings into sessions with my classes and Dad.
As a gerontological nurse, I believe Dad benefits from Seated Tai Chi for Arthritis, not only physically, but mentally, socially, and spiritually as well. This has been an amazing Tai Chi journey for us and there is no doubt that Tai Chi has significantly enhanced Dad’s quality of life.
We are grateful for the opportunity to share our story.
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Holland Park Aged Care
Chunmei Yang, Instructor, Brisbane
Chunmei Yang has been enjoying teaching Tai Chi for Health programs at Holland Park Aged Care (Brisbane Australia). Her oldest student Dot, the lady on the right, turned 100 years old on the 23rd September 2017, and received a birthday card from the Queen of England. She and her friend (on the left) Peggie who is 96 years old, have been doing Tai Chi for the last 20 years. Tai Chi has helped them with balance, core strength and mind focus and it is part of their weekly activity.
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Together with Dot and Peggie, there are about 10 other students who come to Tai Chi weekly. From front row, left to right, age 83, 96, 100, and 76, back row Carolyn age 93 and me. Tai Chi makes them happier, healthier and it is a great fun to do it together with friends.
Chunmei also teaches Tai Chi for Health at Inna Community House “50 and plus” (Brisbane Australia) group every Monday. Many of her students are in their 80s, Iris 88, Audrey 88 and Shirley 91 years old. In this group only one student Elsie 85, doing sitting Tai Chi, the rest all stand up for 60 minutes.
Shirley, the eldest in this group, said: “I have been doing Tai Chi for about 15 years. Started as it was new and would help me with stability in later life. I was told that I must have done something right as I am 91 at the end of this year and still going even if wobbly in one leg. Thanks for the wonderful teacher Chunmei.”
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Still Dancing - An Update
By Hazel Thompson, Master Trainer, Sydney, Australia
(See the original story in the October, November and December newsletters.)
One more update as we head into 2018. Jack is still enjoying his tai chi and practices every day, sometimes both morning and afternoon. He had a small setback from an old injury and needed to take a couple of days off, but he was surprised at how quickly he recovered.
He is finding that his mind is clearer and he is sleeping better. He took a printed version of his story into his Whist Club to share, where it reduced a couple of widows to tears - but in a good way, as they said.
As a young man he loved to play cards, and is finding that he is remembering all the rules and his “tactics” which he developed with experience. In fact he has been accused, jokingly, as being something of a card shark, and the rest of the club feel he might just be getting too good for them. Fortunately he hates long flights, so it is unlikely that he will be working the Vegas tables in the near future!
I spoke with Jack on Christmas morning, and he says he is still practicing his tai chi, and feeling more confident and strong each day. I passed on all your messages of support and sympathy, and he was very happy to read them. He said that sometimes it seems from the news that the world is full of bad people, but reading the messages reminds him that there are still some wonderful and caring people out there.
Finally he would like to wish everyone a very Happy and healthy New Year.
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What are the TCHI, TCHC and GC?
There has been confusion recently regarding the difference between TCHI, TCHC and the Online Global Community. Please see below.
TCHI stands for Tai Chi for Health Institute.
The TCHI was founded in 2010 by Dr Lam and colleagues to empower people to improve health and wellness. It is a non-profit global educational organisation registered in Australia and governed by a democratically elected and unpaid board. Its function is to set and control the quality and standards of all levels of instructors.
Fees paid annually to the TCHI to maintain Board Certification do not include membership of the Tai Chi for Health Community USA. Please see FAQ about TCHI and Board Certification for more info.
TCHC stands for Tai Chi for Health Community USA
The Tai Chi for Health Community (TCHC) is a professional association of United States tai chi instructors, tai chi practitioners, and health and wellness professionals who are interested in improving the quality of people’s lives through Tai Chi for Health programs. It was created by Dr Lam’s colleagues in USA, with his support. Dr Lam is the official adviser to the community.
For more info, please see its website http://tchc.info.
Dr Lam’s Online Global Community
This is a part of the Dr Lam’s work for his Online Tai Chi Lessons. This is to utilize new technology to help participants and instructors learn tai chi through any internet connect device like cell phone or computers. The Global Community is to bring us together through sharing information using this platform. You can watch a video explain it all at www.onlinetaichilessons.com.
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Product Review Prize Winners
Every month we choose the best reviews posted on the Tai Chi Productions website. Be sure to post your review whenever you make a purchase as you may be chosen to win a mystery prize.
Congratulations to Marsha! Please contact us within one week to claim your prize. You can see the review below. Do be sure to post your review when you make a purchase to win a mystery prize.
Product: Tai Chi for Diabetes DVD
 Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Posted by: Marsha Lloyd
I have a small library of Dr Paul Lam's tai chi DVDs which I use to revise the forms that I have learned in the past and also to learn new forms. I do not have easy access to classes where I now live and Dr Lam's DVDs, books and other study materials continue to be my guide. My latest purchase of the Tai Chi for Diabetes bundle does not disappoint. The same system that worked for me with my first ever purchase still works for me now because of Dr Lam's clear and simple instructions. Thank you so much Dr Lam for all your effort in putting these instructional DVDs together.
Congratulations Marsha, please contact service@tchi.org to receive your prize.
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I Almost Lost It Yesterday
Marlena Fiol, Instructor, Tuscon
2:00 a.m.
The hall light blasted into our room and our 7-year-old grandson stood in the doorway crying, “I can’t sleep.” I buried my face in the pillow, thinking this was a nightmare, but the loud wailing continued.
Finally, I stumbled out into the hallway. “You’ll wake your brother. Please, its the middle of the night. Can I tuck you back into your bed?”
Ed and I were staying with our two grandsons, 7 and 10, while their parents were gone for four days. We were in the midst of moving into a new townhouse nearby so we tried to spend as much time as possible at our home during the day getting things unpacked, but we spent nights at their house because of their barely-weaned puppy.
“I wanna sleep in your bed,”he cried. His big blue irresistible eyes were filled with tears. “OK, come with me. I’ll heiya you in your bed until you go back to sleep.” Heiya in our family means lightly stroking the back and arms.
4:45 a.m.
The hall lights were back on and 7 was at our bed. “OK, come in here beside me,” I whispered, trying not to awaken Ed.
6:00 a.m.
“Alright, wiggle worm, lets get up and let the dog out to pee, and then get breakfast and get ready for school,” I groaned, pulling my sleep-deprived head out from under the pillow.
6:30 a.m.
“Nani, my throat hurts. I can’t go to school today.” This from 10.
“I won’t wear leggings. It’s hot out,” 7 shouted from upstairs.
“Its 50 degrees out there. You can wear long pants or leggings under your shorts. You choose.”
“I’m not wearing long pants or leggings. It’s hot!” Fifteen more minutes of loud wails.
7:50 a.m.
As the school bus rolled to a stop, 7 asked for the third time that morning, “Am I taking the bus home from school this afternoon?”
“Yes, you’re taking the bus home.” High-five. “Have a really good day.”
8:00 a.m.
A text popped in from my daughter. “Mom, I just saw an e-mail from the teacher saying that today is a special day. The kids are all supposed to come in pajamas to school and bring an iPad and their favorite stuffed animal. Can you run by the house and take those to school for him?”
“I’m bored. Can you get me a show to watch, Nani?” From 10, lying on our sofa, watching us unpack.
10:00 a.m.
“Sorry, ma’am,” said the window coverings installer. “I know you have company coming this weekend, but the blinds in your guest room don’t fit and I need to return them to the factory.”
“How can that be?” I snapped at him.
11:30 a.m.
I took the puppy out to pee, getting back to our townhouse in time to receive the delivery of our glass dining room tabletop.
The glass was shattered. Tears stung my eyes. Yes, really, tears about a stupid tabletop!
12:30 p.m.
“Nani, I’m bored,” said 10.
3:00 p.m.
The bus stopped and the door opened. “Your grandson’s not on the bus,” the tight-lipped, unsmiling bus driver said.
“Where is he?”
“He must be at school.” The door closed.
Oh no!!! I came without my phone. 7 will be scared. The principal’s office will think he’s been abandoned…
I banged on neighbour Greg’s door. No answer. Harriett, the little old lady across the street has only a landline and we couldn’t find Adams Elementary in the phone book. I ran across the street. “Mary, thank goodness you’re home. I need to call Adams… Can I use your phone?”
“He’s sitting right here beside me,” said the lady who answered the phone.
“I’m on my way,” I said breathlessly.
When I arrived at Adams, Ed was in front of the school with 7. “How’d you get here?” I asked him.
“They called your phone and I answered it. I huffed it at high speed to get here,” he said.
“Will I be late for my soccer practice?” 7 said with a grin.
“No, you won’t be late,” I said, trying to smile.
My head was beginning to throb.
As he got into the car, 7 said, “Why’d you bring pajamas and my stuffed animal to my school, Nani? It was technology day. Nobody had jammies and stuffed animals. That’s for babies.”
“Sorry. I didn’t know,” I mumbled.
4:00 p.m.
“I’m bored, Nani.”
5:30 p.m.
Ed called. “Hey love, we waited here on the soccer field for a half hour and there’s no one else here, so I called and found out that the practice is tomorrow, not today. We had it all wrong in our notes. We’re coming home.”
5:45 p.m.
“I’m hungry, Nani.”
“I’m bored, Nani.”
6:00 p.m.
I was too exhausted to eat.
Here’s the thing. I didn’t manage yesterday very well at all. Some days I stay much more in the present moment and roll with the punches. Yesterday wasn’t one of them.
If only I had stopped during the day to practice tai chi, even just for 30 minutes, I would have managed my day so much better!
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Humour, Laughter and Radiant Health
Dr Bob McBrien, Master Trainer, Salisbury, MD, USA
Each New Year’s Day celebrations frequently include the humor producing ritual of making resolutions. For this month’s essay I searched google for “positive humor for new year’s resolutions”. No luck.
The humor I found was sarcastic, unkind, failed to meet my goal and was not funny. I believe it is healthy to begin each new year enjoying “good” humor and resolving to do so daily, especially with family and friends, and looking ahead to a year of good health and plenty of laughter.
Along with taking time for playing tai chi, I think that sharing anecdotes and jokes help us to reach the goal of radiant health.
Here are some humorous examples of the experience of making resolutions.
- New Year's resolutions: They go in one year and out the other.
- An optimist stays up until midnight to see the New Year in. A pessimist stays up to make sure the old year leaves.
- John asks his friend for a cigarette. His friend says, "John, I know you made a New Year's resolution to quit smoking". John answered, “I am in the process of quitting. Right now, I am in the middle of phase one." The friend asked, "What's phase one?" John answered, "I've quit buying cigarettes."
- A chronology of five years of my resolutions:
- 2014: I will read one good book a week this year
- 2015: I will read at least 20 good books this year.
- 2016: I will read at least 10 good books a year.
- 2017: I will read 5 good books a year.
- 2018: I will go to the library this year.
May the New Year bring good health, warm friendships, time for tai chi and the laughter that brings radiant health to all who read this essay. Be well.
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Warning: Dr Lam does not necessarily endorse the opinion of other authors. Before practicing any program featured in this newsletter, please check with your physician or therapist. The authors and anyone involved in the production of this newsletter will not be held responsible in any way whatsoever for any injury which may arise as a result of following the instructions given in this newsletter.
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