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Why tai chi?

Discover the benefits of going with the flow

By Shannon Spence

When the majority of us Westerners think about martial arts, our thoughts inevitably turn to what we’ve seen on TV and in the movies. Perhaps you have visions of Chuck Norris, The Karate Kid or Bruce Lee taking on the bad guys with a series of aggressive (yet controlled) kicks and arm chops. But some forms of martial arts do not involve the fast-paced fighting techniques we tend to see most in our culture.

Enter tai chi.

The ancient Chinese practice of tai chi did begin as a martial art and was intended as a means of self-defense. But somewhere along the way, tai chi went one way while its more aggressive kin went another. Today, tai chi is known for its slow, rhythmic pace, meditative movements and various health benefits.

What is tai chi and how can it help?

Tai chi involves a series of low-impact, slow-motion exercises that you perform on your own or in a group. While there are many different styles, all of them involve relaxed, graceful movements guided by the breath. Tai chi offers many health benefits through its practice. The Chinese believe it can delay aging, increase flexibility, strengthen muscles/tendons and help with the treatment of many chronic conditions (e.g., heart disease, high blood pressure, arthritis, depression, cancer, and more).

Where does the philosophy come from?

The mind-body approach that tai chi follows is rooted in the Chinese philosophy surrounding Qi, and yin and yang. Qi (pronounced “chee”) is said to be the energy force that flows throughout the body while yin and yang are opposing forces that keep our Qi, and therefore our bodies, in harmony. Tai chi purportedly helps Qi flow properly through the body by balancing out the yin and the yang.

How is tai chi different from other exercises?

When we think of exercise, most of us imagine ourselves sweating it out on a cardio machine, running tirelessly around the track or partaking in a group fitness class, all of which involve some type of impact. When you practice tai chi, you’ll notice that all of the movements are circular and never forced. Your muscles are always relaxed and your joints are never fully extended or bent (which means your connective tissues are not stretched). Oftentimes, tai chi is recommended for improving balance in older adults and people recovering from surgery.

Can I really get a workout?

Tai chi won’t leave you breathless, however, it does address the key components of fitness — muscle strength, flexibility, balance, and, to a lesser degree, aerobic conditioning. You may not be walking out the door dripping sweat but you will have worked to strengthen your muscles and release tensions throughout the body that may be affecting other areas of your life.  

Types of tai chi

In tai chi, “forms” are sets of movements. Short forms may include a dozen or fewer movements while long forms may include hundreds. Different styles require smaller or larger movements. A short form with smaller, slower movements is usually recommended at the beginning, especially if you're older or not in good condition.

If you’re interested in seeing if tai chi is right for you, find a local list of classes on the Taoist Tai Chi Society of USA website or call your local YMCA.

As a Go365® member, you can earn Points every time you visit a participating fitness facility. Ensure your Go365 account is connected to the in-network gym (sign into Go365.com > Quick Links > Participating fitness facilities > Search, and click Earn Points at this facility) or you have your smartphone on you (for gym beacons) before heading to your next tai chi class. Connect a compatible device if you don’t visit a participating gym. If you’re looking for additional ways to stay active, check out the eligible activities through the Go365 App or online at Go365.com.

Sources

http://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletters/Harvard_Womens_Health_Watch/2009/May/The-health-benefits-of-tai-chi http://nccam.nih.gov/health/taichi/introduction.htm

Go365 is not an insurance product. This material is provided for informational use only and should not be construed as medical advice or used in place of consulting a licensed medical professional. Consult with your doctor to determine what is right for you. GCHHTQ2EN_rev. 0818

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Why you should get a biometric screening every year

What is a biometric screening?

A biometric screening gives you an in-depth overview of your health by assessing different health factors, such as blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), and cholesterol. When you undergo a screening, your height, weight, and waist circumference are measured. Your blood is also drawn for lab analysis.

Why should I get one?

Earn up to 4,000 Go365 Points and Bucks for taking a biometric screening and having in-range results.

The results of your screening will tell you about your current state of health which you can discuss in more detail with your doctor.

The screening unlocks more Go365 Point earning activities customized just for you based on your screening results. These Recommended Activities are steps you can take to help improve your health.

How can I get up to 4,000 Points?

Every program year, you can earn up to 4,000 Points with a biometric screening. Here’s a quick breakdown:

You earn 2,000 Points just for completing the tests, and then you can earn up to additional 2,000 Points if the results are in-range.

How do I get a biometric screening done?

You have several options on how and where you can schedule a biometric screening. For example, you can visit a Walgreens Healthcare Clinic, a Quest Diagnostic Patient Service Center, or your own primary care physician’s office.

For your appointment, bring your member ID card, a valid photo ID, and the appropriate voucher or form, which will depend on which venue you are using for the biometric screening. It will take 30 minutes or less to complete.

You can find out more about scheduling a biometric screening by clicking here.

* To learn what is considered healthy, in-range results, check out this page.

Go365 is not an insurance product. Not available with all Humana health plans.

Bonus Bucks apply to the 30,000 Bucks maximum each adult member can earn in a program year.

We are committed to helping you achieve your best health. Rewards for participating in Go365 are available to all members. If you think you might be unable to meet a standard for a Go365 reward, you might qualify for an opportunity to earn the same reward by different means. Sign in to your Go365.com account and visit the Message center to send us a secure message and we will work with you (and, if you wish, with your health care practitioner) to develop another way to qualify for the reward.

Adult children are not eligible to earn Points or Bucks for biometric screening completion or in-range results.

Recommended activities are not medical advice. Consult your physician.

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We Got Your Vote

Thanks for participating in the poll. Don’t forget that there are many ways you can keep on earning Points.

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Level up: How to increase your Status in Go365

You can take a wide range of verifiable, healthy activities to earn Points in Go365®. And the more Points you earn, the higher your Status level! 

What does a higher Status mean?

The Go365 Status levels are Blue, Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. The higher your Status, the more activities you can unlock to earn even more Points, which gives you more opportunities to earn Bucks towards rewards like e-gift cards, movie tickets, apparel and accessories, devices, and discounts on products. You also earn Bonus Bucks when you reach a new Status.

Plus, all members with Bronze Status or higher are automatically entered into a monthly Jackpot drawing – and the higher your Status, the greater your potential prize value.* For example, Bronze Status winners can win prizes like an activity tracker, water bottle, or bike light. Platinum Status winners, meanwhile, could win wireless headphones, a sport bike, or a high-definition TV for example.

How to get started

At the beginning of a program year, everyone starts at Blue Status. You can start earning Points with these three important steps:

Take the Go365 Health Assessment.** It’s a questionnaire with six sections and you can save your progress along the way so you don’t have to complete it in one sitting. You can do this by going to Go365.com or the Go365 mobile app (Google Play link, Apple Store link).

Tip: If you finish the Assessment within the first 90 days of your program year, you get additional Points.

Get a biometric screening.** This is a test where your height, weight, and blood pressure are measured. Your blood is also drawn for screening health indicators like cholesterol and blood glucose.

Log a verified workout. There are two ways to do this:

Connect a fitness device or app to your Go365 account. This is a device grid to show you what’s available. You can track and earn Points whenever you are active.

Go to a gym or other fitness facility that’s part of the Go365 network. To see if your gym is part of the network, go to Quick Links, and click on “Participating fitness facilities.” From there, you can do a search by ZIP code or you can recommend adding a facility to the network if it’s not already participating.

How to keep earning Points

Taking the Health Assessment, getting a biometric screening, and logging a verified workout are just the beginning. You can continue earning Points all the way up to Platinum with a variety of options. These are just a few open to Go365 members: 

Log into the Go365 mobile app (Google Play link, Apple Store link). You earn Points for logging in once a month.

Participate in a Challenge by logging in at Go365.com or by using the mobile app. Go to the Challenges section and join a team or start one yourself. When you participate, you’ll earn Points.

Maintain a sleep diary or mindfulness log using the Go365 mobile app.Take a CPR or first aid certification class.

Donate blood.

Get a dental or vision exam.

Get a flu shot.

Further help

In need of more guidance or inspiration?

Watch this video to learn more about how to get to Silver Status.Remember, you can always visit

Go365 Community to find out how others are pursuing a healthier life with Go365.

      Go365 is not an insurance product. Not available with all Humana health plans.

* No purchase necessary to enter or win. A purchase does not improve your chances of winning.

** Adult children are not eligible to earn Points or Bucks for Health Assessment completion or bonuses, biometric screening completion or for having in-range results.

Maximum Points for Health Assessment completion per program year is 500. Fast Start bonus awarded for full Health Assessment completion within the first 90 days of your program year.