Tai Chi for Arthritis is a falls prevention program run by Southern NSW Local Health District.

There are 11 experienced Tai Chi leaders who support 23 classes across the Bega Valley Shire.

“Many of the leaders have a long tradition of performing Tai Chi for themselves for many years, but when this was initiated as a falls prevention activity it stands apart from anything spiritual –  I think that the idea was for it to be a secular health activity.” Ms Mathieson said.

“As people become interested and learn more, they might investigate it and get involved with it more deeply.”  

Scientific evidence is accumulating that Tai Chi is one of the most effective forms of exercise for health and wellness and that it improves health factors such as pain, postural stability and muscle strength, disability, blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose metabolism, stress, anxiety and other emotions, sleep, immune function and quality of life.

“Tai Chi is a form of moving meditation, it centres into your inner core and allows you to improve your balance and improve your mind.” Judith Reid said

“It’s a general soft, easy way to keeping yourself fit in a pleasant and relaxed environment.”

Studies continue to highlight consistent and emerging effects of Tai Chi, Bega Valley leaders shared personal success stories from practising Tai Chi.

“I have MS (Multiple sclerosis), before I started Tai Chi I was on a walking stick all the time and now my balance compared to other people with MS is unbelievable,” Ms Reid said.

“A lot of things you have with a chronic illness isn’t just one thing it is a combination of things – and I have been able to keep them in check which is the best thing you can do.

“People will come to my class and say ‘I cant do it’ but I say ‘If I can do it, you can do it’,” she said.

Ms Reid has a new class member who suffers Parkinson's disease with very poor balance.

“After the few times that he has come along I have seen him start to stand up and think about where his balance points are and where his counterpoint is.

“A lot of the time people don’t think about centering themselves first before they stand up,” Ms Reid said.

Ms Mathieson said the program’s classes are weekly although it is encouraged that people practise at home.

“I suppose its like yoga or any practise of anything, the more you do it the better you are and the more it becomes internalised,” she said.

Karen Tarlington practises Tai Chi every day and said it has helped decrease her medication.

“I had a high blood pressure and I started fainting, so I started Tai Chi,” she said.

“Because of Tai Chi my blood pressure has come down so much that my doctors have halved my medication and I will soon go off it completely. 

“I try and do Tai Chi every day,” Ms Tarlington said. 

Tai Chi for Arthritis is aimed at 55-year-old’s and above where a gold coin donation is requested on arrival. 

“I suppose in terms of the health service they are trying to maintain peoples mobility and ability to have balance and strength and remain on their own feet and in their own homes.” Ms Mathieson said.

For those who are interested in participating in the health program contact Natania Copp, 61507546