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Natural Awakenings Central New Jersey

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Introduction to T’ai Chi Chuan with Christopher Plummer

Known especially for slow, continuous movements and its gentle flow of energy, the ancient Chinese study of T’ai Chi is practiced as a martial art, exercise and moving meditation by people of all ages and physical abilities. On Saturday, March 18, from 1 to 2:30pm, this 90-minute introduction to principles and postures will provide students with a basic foundation in T’ai Chi Chuan. Hosted by Christopher Plummer, a T’ai Chi practitioner at Yoga Central since 2004, the course will introduce the fundamental stances, principles of weight shift, movement, stepping and several of the postures of the Yang “short” form.

Many studies of western medicine confirm that T’ai Chi is a beneficial tool for stress relief, balance, relaxation and body awareness.  It is often recommended for those with arthritis, Parkinson’s, and other diseases that affect balance and movement.

This is not a “sit and listen” program! The emphasis will be on movement, and students will participate in several Qi Gong breathing exercises. The cost for the class is $25. Please preregister by March 15 and wear loose, comfortable clothing to the workshop.

Christopher Plummer has studied T’ai Chi Chuan since 1981. A respected teacher in corporate fitness programs at Merck, Pfizer and Sanofi-Aventis, he has taught T’ai Chi for the Jointure Adult Education program in Raritan and is affiliated with Yoga Central and Cornerstone Clubs of Bucks County, PA.

Location: Yoga Central, 953 Route. 202 North, Branchburg. For more information, call 908-707-0759 or visit YogaCentralNJ.com. See ad on page 38.

News Briefs
Tick Talk

Spring officially sprung on March 21. We have turned our clocks ahead. We are looking forward to warm winds, sunny skies and the smell of fresh cut grass. The daffodils and tulips have recently bloomed and we are just starting with the yard work that comes with the warmer weather.  Sadly, another season has started ramping up.  Tick season.

•             The best form of protection is prevention. Educating oneself about tick activity and how our behaviors overlap with tick habitats is the first step.

•             According to the NJ DOH, in 2022 Hunterdon County led the state with a Lyme disease incidence rate of 426 cases per 100,000 people. The fact is ticks spend approximately 90% of their lives not on a host but aggressively searching for one, molting to their next stage or over-wintering. This is why a tick remediation program should be implemented on school grounds where NJ DOH deems high risk for tick exposure and subsequent attachment to human hosts.

•             Governor Murphy has signed a bill that mandates tick education in NJ public schools. See this for the details.  Tick education must now be incorporated into K-12 school curriculum. See link:

https://www.nj.gov/education/broadcasts/2023/sept/27/TicksandTick-BorneIllnessEducation.pdf

•             May is a great month to remind the public that tick activity is in full swing. In New Jersey, there are many tickborne diseases that affect residents, including Anaplasmosis, Babesiosis, Ehrlichiosis, Lyme disease, Powassan, and Spotted Fever Group Rickettsiosis.

•             For years, the focus has mainly been about protecting ourselves from Lyme disease. But other tick-borne diseases are on the rise in Central Jersey. An increase of incidence of Babesia and Anaplasma are sidelining people too. These two pathogens are scary because they effect our blood cells. Babesia affects the red blood cells and Anaplasma effects the white blood cells.

•             Ticks can be infected with more than one pathogen. When you contract Lyme it is possible to contract more than just that one disease. This is called a co-infection. It is super important to pay attention to your symptoms. See link.

https://twp.freehold.nj.us/480/Disease-Co-Infection

A good resource from the State:

https://www.nj.gov/health/cd/topics/tickborne.shtml

 

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