Tai Chi proven to reduce risk of shingles in
elderly
A recent study conducted by the UCLA Neuropsychiatric Institute
has revealed that the practice of Tai Chi can significantly reduce
the chances of older adults contracting shingles.
Researchers reported that a 15-week Tai Chi class, undertaken by
36 men and women over the age of 60, produced significant health
benefits for participants, including a 50 percent boost in immunity
factors which suppressed shingles, and improved physical health and
mobility.
“Our findings offer a unique and exciting example of mind
over matter,” said Dr. Michael R. Irwin, a professor at the
UCLA Neuropsychiatric Institute and director of the
Institute’s Cousin’s Center for
Psychoneuroimmunology.
The varicella zoster virus, or shingles, produces a painful skin
rash which may last for months or years. Affected skin areas can
remain painful to touch even after the rash has disappeared.
UCLA School of Nursing receives more than $3.5 million
in grants
UCLA’s School of Nursing has recently received three
grants totalling more than $3.5 million to assist in three studies
to be conducted.
One grant for $3 million from the National Institute on Drug
Abuse will be used to help evaluate the effectiveness of a
vaccination program to prevent Hepatitis A and B in the homeless
population of Los Angeles.
Other grants include $120,000 from NIH/India’s World AIDS
Foundation for funding the teaching of HIV prevention educators and
physicians in India.
The Naval Medical Center, San Diego also donated $450,000 for a
program studying the effectiveness of a computerized bioterrorism
education and training program.
Vision, psychology pioneer at UC Berkeley dies at
76
Russell De Valois, a pioneer and professor in the fields of
vision science and psychology at UC Berkeley, died Sept. 20 in a
hospital after being involved in a car accident 10 days
earlier.
De Valois was known for his research on color vision, including
his attempts to explain psychophysical phenomena, such as how
humans discriminate between colors as related to neuronal activity
and the brain.
Daily Bruin wire services.