July/August 2004

HEALTH BYTES

Tai chi boosts immunity

      Tai chi appears to boost immunity and suppress the development of shingles in older Americans; tai chi also appeares to significantly increase physical health and ability to move. In a randomized, controlled study—the first to show a virus-specific immune response to a behavioral intervention—36 men and women over 60 were randomly assigned either to a 15-week program of three 45-minute tai chi classes a week, or to a wait list. Those who took the tai chi class showed a significant improvement in health and increased immunity to shingles.

More HEALTH BYTES