Hi All

I had chicken pox as a kid. That, together with my low
immune system and my seniority means that I'm a likely
candidate for shingles.

This news report was mentioned on my CLL list today
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18011361/

I looked at Tai Chi a few years back but got bored with it;
from the article in this link maybe I should try again. My
son tells me it is a wonderful exercise; he is into the
martial arts side of it and is fit and slim despite
inheriting my genes. In any case, for those who have
difficulty performing more active exercises Tai Chi may well
be worth investigating.

I like to delve behind the news reports to read the original
papers. I think this is may be the original 2001 study on
Tai Chi and Shingles:
http://www.psychosomaticmedicine.org/cgi/content/abstract/65/5/824
and this is a 2004 follow-up by three of the original
authors:
http://ecam.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/reprint/1/3/223

While searching for that I found many others including this
one, which may also have relevance to diabetics:
http://bjsm.bmj.com/cgi/content/abstract/35/3/148
"Tai chi: physiological characteristics and beneficial
effects on health
<snip>
Under review were 31 original studies, published in Chinese
or English journals, that met the criteria for inclusion.
Most of the papers written in Chinese had not been
introduced into the Western literature
<snip>
Conclusions—TCC is a moderate intensity exercise that is
beneficial to cardiorespiratory function, immune capacity,
mental control, flexibility, and balance control; it
improves muscle strength and reduces the risk of falls in
the elderly."

Those interested will find many more papers via Google
Scholar. For example this is the search of 'tai chi chuan
diabetes': http://tinyurl.com/2wmryx

Of course any moderate exercise is beneficial if you aren't
in the habit of exercising now; however, Tai Chi appears to
have the benefit of low impact and proven results. It's a
pity I found it so boring the first time; it's definitely
time I tried it again.

Cheers, Alan, T2, Australia.
d&e, metformin 1500mg, ezetrol 10mg
Everything in Moderation - Except Laughter.
--
http://loraldiabetes.blogspot.com/
http://loraltravel.blogspot.com/
latest: A Pause to Reflect