Newsletter #85 - September 2008
-- From me to you, Dr Paul Lam
-- Inserting Research Studies Strategically into Conversations, Pam Kircher
-- Inserting Research Studies Strategically into Conversations, Pam Kircher
-- Measuring the Qi in Tai Chi, Margaret Moga
-- Pre Program Survey and Post Program Evaluation, Monika Forstner
-- Monthly Tips to Help People with Chronic Conditions, Tony Garcia
-- Pre Program Survey and Post Program Evaluation, Monika Forstner
-- Monthly Tips to Help People with Chronic Conditions, Tony Garcia
-- Scholarship opportunity to attend workshops, Australian Rural and Remote Health Professional Scholarship Scheme
Medical research has had an immense impact in our lives. Most of us may not be aware how our lifestyle, life expectancy and virtually all aspects of our lives have benefited from the dedication and money that have poured into medical research in the last quarter century. This month’s theme is on medical research. The articles in this newsletter highlight the usefulness of medical research in the pursuit of understanding and knowledge of Tai Chi.
To improve my newsletter, we will be carrying a different theme each time. The theme of our next newsletter will be “Deepening your Tai Chi”. Let us know if there is a theme that is of interest to you and would like to see in the newsletter.
The January 2009 workshop in Sydney is now posted online and brochures are available. Last year we were fully booked well before the closing date. If you are thinking of attending please enrol as early as possible to avoid disappointment. Contact us if you like more workshop information or brochures.
In this newsletter
• Dr Pam Kircher talks about how you can contribute and use research to bring Tai Chi to more people.
• Prof Roy Geib talks about his personal experience in research and the upcoming 2nd International Tai Chi for Health conference. Prof Geib is the chair of this committee. I hope some of you can participate, contribute and learn from this conference.
• Margaret tells us one of her intriguing experiment with energy study during our workshop in Indiana.
• On the other aspect of research, Monika shows us the evaluation project she did in her Tai Chi class.
• Our regular contributor Tony Garcia who has overcome his own chronic condition has devised different tips to help people manage their life better.
This month’s special:
Receive a 30% discount when purchasing both Tai Chi for Back Pain and Tai Chi for Osteoporosis DVDs. A discount of 40% applies if you are one of my Tai Chi for Health certified instructor. Please indicate in the comments section the date and location of your last certifying workshop to qualify for the 40% discount. Limit of one per customer. Click here for more information or to place your order.
Sept 13-14, Sydney, Australia
- Tai Chi for Arthritis, Instructors training workshop
- Tai Chi for Osteoporosis, Instructors Training workshop
- Tai Chi for Arthritis, Instructors training workshop
- Tai Chi for Osteoporosis, Instructors Training workshop
October 25 - 26, Stockholm, Sweden
Tai Chi for Arthritis, Exploring the Depth workshop
Tai Chi for Arthritis, Exploring the Depth workshop
October 31 - November 2, Morristown, NJ, United States 
Tai Chi Arthritis, Exploring the Depth workshop
Tai Chi Arthritis, Exploring the Depth workshop
November 8 - 9, Ivoryton, CT, United States
Tai Chi Arthritis, Exploring the Depth workshop
Tai Chi Arthritis, Exploring the Depth workshop
November 15 - 16, Kansas City, MO, United States
Tai Chi for Arthritis, Exploring the Depth workshop
Tai Chi for Arthritis, Exploring the Depth workshop
November 17 - 18, Kansas City, MO, United States
Tai Chi 4 Kidz Instructors Training Workshop
November 22 – 23, Miami, FL, United States
Therapeutic Tai Chi Instructors’ Training workshop
Therapeutic Tai Chi Instructors’ Training workshop
December 7 - 8, Orlando, FL,United States
Tai Chi for Back Pain, Instructors Training
Tai Chi for Back Pain, Instructors Training
For more information about these and other workshops conducted by my authorised master trainers, go to the Workshop Calendar
Paul Lam, M.D.
back to the top
Inserting Research Studies Strategically into Conversations
Pam Kircher, MD, Durango, Co, USA
Occasionally we might be invited to give formal presentations on research studies behind Tai Chi for Health, but much more often we have opportunities to include studies in casual conversations. Being aware of just a handful of studies will do much to advance the introduction of Tai Chi for Health into your communities and into the world. When choosing a study to include in your conversation, first consider your audience and what would be of most importance to them. You don’t want to look like a “talking head” so mention only one or perhaps two at the most in any conversation.
introduction of Tai Chi for Health into your communities and into the world. When choosing a study to include in your conversation, first consider your audience and what would be of most importance to them. You don’t want to look like a “talking head” so mention only one or perhaps two at the most in any conversation.For example, if you have an annual examination scheduled with your doctor, plan to mention the health benefits that you are receiving from your regular practice of tai chi. If you are an older adult with osteoarthritis, it is easy to drop into the conversation that you are like the over 50 year old women with osteoarthritis who were found to have 30% less pain and 30% more flexibility after just three months of Tai Chi. If you are visiting your OB-Gyn doctor for follow up of osteoporosis you can casually mention that studies have shown that the rate of bone loss is decreased in postmenopausal women if they practice tai chi regularly.
If you have had balance issues, mention the central Sydney community study where multiple falls were decreased by 70% in over 700 older adults practicing tai chi regularly and that you too have noted improved balance. Ask your doctor to put a note in your chart about how improved you feel with your tai chi. If you are visiting your family doctor for a minor illness, mention that Tai Chi was found to boost immunity to shingles in older adults. These brief mentions of studies might intrigue your doctors and encourage them to want to know more.
If you are a Tai Chi for Health instructor you have specific references to studies in each of your resource manuals. You can do a lot to promote prescribing tai chi by health care professionals by being aware of just a handful of studies.
Dr Lam’s Tai Chi for Health programs have been used for studies mentioned here. To see summaries and references of these studies click here
Tai Chi is also being used more and more in the workplace to reduce stress and to promote team work. Knowing that Coca Cola reduced medical claims by 40% by introducing wellbeing programs into the workplace is a good statistic to know for work. Statistics like these will be of great interest to your Human Resource personnel.
While at the senior centre or at church or while visiting your parents in assisted living, you may find appropriate places to talk about the central Sydney study with older community adults. In addition to fewer falls, they also reported less pain, greater strength, more ability to do things, and a greatly improved quality of life. This study might encourage administrators to introduce tai chi into their setting not only to improve the quality of life among residents and members, but also as a marketing tool.
When working on community projects, you can give the example of Teller County in rural Colorado where tai chi became the common denominator to bring people of all persuasions together in a common experience. The social practice of coming together for tai chi encouraged people in this rural environment to begin other projects that until then had been a distant hope of community organizers. When people practice tai chi together Teller County showed that they are more likely to work on other community projects as well.
As in all things, what you put your attention to increases. If you put your mind to introducing the research behind tai chi into your regular life, you will find many opportunities to drop in a study here or there and thereby move the practice of Tai Chi for Health forward in your own communities and thereby the world.
back to the top
Become Part of a Research Team Exploring the Health Benefits of Tai Chi
Prof Roy W. Geib, Indiana University School of Medicine,USA
Prof Roy W. Geib, Indiana University School of Medicine,USA
The other day I had an unusual experience. I missed a call on my cell phone and the caller left a voice mail message. Well that wasn’t exactly unusual! I have missed many phone calls and I have retrieved the voice mail messages using a pre-keyed code – 1 plus send followed by password. However, this time after I retrieved the voice mail, I took a moment to actually look at the screen. Now that I was actually in the moment enough to look at the screen was the unusual part.
phone calls and I have retrieved the voice mail messages using a pre-keyed code – 1 plus send followed by password. However, this time after I retrieved the voice mail, I took a moment to actually look at the screen. Now that I was actually in the moment enough to look at the screen was the unusual part. In that single moment of presence, I notice a small Icon looking like an envelope at the bottom of the screen. How could that be, I just checked voice mail? Why did I still have an Icon there? I suppose like many adults my age, I have mastered the absolute minimum of use of technology. For instance, I have mastered the basic functions of a cell phone or “mobile” for my Australian friends. I can make and receive phone calls. So what else is there? Why won’t this Icon just go away?
So at that single moment in time, I decided to use years of scientific training. Not the training learned at school or at the university, but that basic training that we all get beginning at the moment of birth. Remember that the word science was originally defined as “knowledge, especially that gained through experience” or as Webster’s New Collegiate Dictionary defines it – “knowledge attained through study or practice.” It is a basic function of humans to participate in this process of gaining knowledge and understanding truth.
So I started to push buttons to explore my cell phone and learned about the world of “Text Messaging.” I don’t suppose responding to messages that date back in six months would be of help to anyone! I hear what is new to me is really old hat to the younger generation.
So what has that got to do with Tai Chi and specifically health related research on Tai Chi? First, most of us know, that “playing” Tai Chi and Qigong is beneficial to an individual’s health. However, this is new to most of Western society. Most of us know this because the human condition is such that we “know truth” first through our experience or the experience of someone we know. The next order of knowing truth is if multiple individuals have experienced the same benefits. However, for health care providers and scientists to accept what we “know,” there needs to be stronger evidence – evidence based on controlled experiments. According to current scientific thought, the pinnacle of what is truth is determined by randomized –double blind – controlled trials. But in order to get funding to run large randomized, controlled trials, there needs to be a strong body of supporting evidence – what are often referred to in the scientific literature as case studies.
So what does mean to you and me? Most importantly, the better the scientific studies are the more likely healthcare providers will recommend Tai Chi to the individuals who really need it – those individuals struggling with chronic health issues. I know that helping people in need matters to everyone in this group – not official survey results, but I have had so many Tai Chi practitioners and leaders tell me that they want to help others and want to participate in helping with research. I don’t know if that desire is universal with all Tai Chi practitioners, but I do believe that it is nearly universal with those who are involved in Dr. Lam’s programs. Perhaps that is because Dr. Lam is so committed to helping people and supporting the research efforts examining the potential health benefits of Tai Chi and Qigong. Dr. Lam has told me many times that he will support the research effort in any way that he can. That same level of support for research exploring the benefits of Tai Chi for Health is also demonstrated by the leaders and members of the Tai Chi for Health Community as evidenced by being the first organization to pledge support for the 2nd International Tai Chi / Qigong for Health Conference.
The conference planning is coming along well. The basic format of the conference will be to have systematic reviews of specific areas of research; for example, Tai Chi and Arthritis or Tai Chi and Cardiovascular Disease. This will be followed by several oral presentations of original research in the area. Abstracts not selected for an oral presentation will be featured at a poster session. The confirmed speakers include: Dr. Paul Lam, Dr. Kevin Chen, Dr. MaryLou Galantino, Dr. Christina Hui-Chan, Dr. Roger Jahnke, Dr. Beverly Roberts, Dr. Rhayun Song, Dr. Kenneth Walton, Rev. Robert Wall, Dr. Chenchen Wang, Dr. Peter Wayne, and Dr. Gloria Yeh. In addition, we have several requests still pending. This group of speakers represents some of the most influential researchers in the area.
What else does it mean? Well it also means that we as a group need to become even more involved in the research process. The National Expert Meeting on Qi Gong and Tai Chi Consensus Report published by the National Blueprint Office University of Illinois specifically calls for more community-based research exploring the health benefits of Tai Chi / Qigong for individuals with chronic diseases.
What else does it mean? Well it also means that we as a group need to become even more involved in the research process. The National Expert Meeting on Qi Gong and Tai Chi Consensus Report published by the National Blueprint Office University of Illinois specifically calls for more community-based research exploring the health benefits of Tai Chi / Qigong for individuals with chronic diseases.
Are you aware of how unique we are as a group? Through the efforts of Dr. Lam and the network of master trainers around the world, we are part of the largest network of Tai Chi Instructors/Leaders specifically trained to teach Tai Chi to individuals with chronic illnesses. There are thousands of us in many countries all teaching the SAME forms. That is a remarkable resource for the scientific evaluation of Tai Chi for Health.
I know that over the last several years I have had so many individuals express an interest in participating in and / or helping with research projects exploring the health benefits of Tai Chi. Others have also told me that they were interested but weren’t trained in science.
As I pointed out in the beginning of this article, ALL OF US are trained to do science. Some of us are just not trained to do modern science that involves dealing with Institutional Review Boards, recruitment of participants, and understanding the nuances of published reports. Others of us do not have those experiences. However, we are very fortunate in that among the members of the steering committee, Dr. Peter Wayne has recognized the same need for practitioners of acupuncture. Peter and Gloria Yeh have offered to organize a Pre-Conference Workshop that specifically addresses those issues. They offered a similar program at the recent acupuncture meetings and it was very well received.
In addition, another of our steering committee members, Dr. Lam, has offered to have a Post-Conference Workshop on Tai Chi for Back Pain. Think of it as opportunity to take the scientific information you recently heard at the conference and learn to incorporate it into helping people overcome their health concerns using a gentle form of exercise.
So in closing, remember the following: 1) we all are naturally scientists - to some degree; 2) we all can be part of scientific study, sometimes even as a subject; 3) we all can share what we know as the truth about Tai Chi with scientists and caregivers; and 4) the most important reason for coming to the conference is we all can participate in dialogue with the scientists in the area by sharing the truths that you have learned about the health implications for Tai Chi.
So in closing, remember the following: 1) we all are naturally scientists - to some degree; 2) we all can be part of scientific study, sometimes even as a subject; 3) we all can share what we know as the truth about Tai Chi with scientists and caregivers; and 4) the most important reason for coming to the conference is we all can participate in dialogue with the scientists in the area by sharing the truths that you have learned about the health implications for Tai Chi.
back to the top
Measuring the Qi in Tai Chi
Margaret Moga PhD, lecturer, Indiana University, USA
Margaret Moga PhD, lecturer, Indiana University, USA
Externally, Tai Chi is gentle, flowing movement. Internally, Tai Chi fosters the development of mindfulness and the cultivation of a life force known as Qi. What is Qi? Qi is “bioenergy”, a subtle energy associated with biological organisms. Qi is in the food we eat and the air we breathe, and it is produced by all the cells in our body. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qi is the energy that moves through the acupuncture meridians or channels. When Qi is strong and flowing smoothly throughout the whole body, we experience health. Illness occurs when there are blockages (i.e., stagnation) or a deficiency of Qi. To restore the proper levels and functioning of Qi in the body, Traditional Chinese Medicine recommends diet, herbs, acupuncture, qigong – and Tai Chi!
Can we measure Qi? Scientists have attempted to measure bioenergy or Qi, with varying success, using many different types of meters and instruments. Most promising have been the studies using voltmeters and magnetometers to measure the electrical and magnetic fields surrounding bioenergy healers and Qigong practitioners. In Japan, Seto and colleagues (1992; 1996) recorded extremely large magnetic fields adjacent to the heads, bodies and hands of Qigong practitioners during breathing meditations and during external Qi emission. Elmer Green and colleagues (1991) recorded surges in the electrostatic potential (“body-potential”) of healers during distant healing sessions at the Menninger Clinic in Kansas. In my laboratory in Terre Haute, Indiana, we have observed a distinct magnetic field waveform – a symmetrical chirp wave (0-30Hz) - that appears with high frequency during bioenergy healing sessions.
In June, 2006, my student Danny LaPlante and I recorded magnetic field activity in several Tai Chi classrooms during Dr. Lam’s 1-week workshop in Terre Haute, Indiana. Most interestingly, we observed the ‘chirp wave’ (described above) in each of the classes we recorded, including the advanced Sun 73 form, the Sword form, and the Fan form (Figure 1).
cultivation of a life force known as Qi. What is Qi? Qi is “bioenergy”, a subtle energy associated with biological organisms. Qi is in the food we eat and the air we breathe, and it is produced by all the cells in our body. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qi is the energy that moves through the acupuncture meridians or channels. When Qi is strong and flowing smoothly throughout the whole body, we experience health. Illness occurs when there are blockages (i.e., stagnation) or a deficiency of Qi. To restore the proper levels and functioning of Qi in the body, Traditional Chinese Medicine recommends diet, herbs, acupuncture, qigong – and Tai Chi!Can we measure Qi? Scientists have attempted to measure bioenergy or Qi, with varying success, using many different types of meters and instruments. Most promising have been the studies using voltmeters and magnetometers to measure the electrical and magnetic fields surrounding bioenergy healers and Qigong practitioners. In Japan, Seto and colleagues (1992; 1996) recorded extremely large magnetic fields adjacent to the heads, bodies and hands of Qigong practitioners during breathing meditations and during external Qi emission. Elmer Green and colleagues (1991) recorded surges in the electrostatic potential (“body-potential”) of healers during distant healing sessions at the Menninger Clinic in Kansas. In my laboratory in Terre Haute, Indiana, we have observed a distinct magnetic field waveform – a symmetrical chirp wave (0-30Hz) - that appears with high frequency during bioenergy healing sessions.
In June, 2006, my student Danny LaPlante and I recorded magnetic field activity in several Tai Chi classrooms during Dr. Lam’s 1-week workshop in Terre Haute, Indiana. Most interestingly, we observed the ‘chirp wave’ (described above) in each of the classes we recorded, including the advanced Sun 73 form, the Sword form, and the Fan form (Figure 1).
Figure1. Example of a magnetic field ‘chirp’ wave observed during a Tai Chi workshop for advanced students (73 sun style). The same wave is illustrated in upper and lower traces, with the upper trace recorded at fast speed and the lower trace, at slow speed. In both traces, note the magnetic field oscillations slowing and then reversing, forming a characteristic ‘chirp’ wave.
What is the significance of the magnetic field ‘chirp’ waves which we observed in the Tai Chi classes? During a break in the Sword class, a student sat down next to one of our magnetometers: she then proceeded to give a big yawn and a big stretch, and a magnetic field wave appeared on our screen, like it had rolled off her body. At that moment, it seemed evident that these waves represent some sort of discharge. Green and colleagues hypothesize that bioenergy healing involves an increase of charge in the healer’s body, followed by an emission of charge. In many respects, the human body functions as an electrical condenser - it accumulates charge generated by cell currents in the body. To remain healthy, we must periodically discharge some of that accumulated charge, and exercise is one way to do this. In the Tai Chi Fan class, Master Trainer Sheila Rae observed how the spiral movements of the Tai Chi Fan form facilitate, “the releasing of old stuff”. Tai Chi, in general, may be particularly good at helping us to discharge and release, leading to energetic balance and increased health.
In the advanced Sun 73 and sword classes, we also observed evidence for magnetic field coherence. In other words, the magnetic field oscillated at one or a few frequencies very strongly, for example 13 and 78 Hz, or 39 and 49Hz. Tai chi students can often feel when the group is synchronized and moving as one. It is interesting that we can see this synchrony in the magnetic field recordings.
But are these waves “Qi”? Seto and colleagues speculate that, “Qi is not magnetic field but “deep force” behind our observable dimension rather than existing physical quantity such as magnetic field.” Like Seto, we suspect that there is more to Qi than a magnetic field wave. In future experiments, we will broaden our search for Qi by measuring other frequencies, testing our hypothesis that Qi is a complex mixture of sound waves and electromagnetic fields.
But are these waves “Qi”? Seto and colleagues speculate that, “Qi is not magnetic field but “deep force” behind our observable dimension rather than existing physical quantity such as magnetic field.” Like Seto, we suspect that there is more to Qi than a magnetic field wave. In future experiments, we will broaden our search for Qi by measuring other frequencies, testing our hypothesis that Qi is a complex mixture of sound waves and electromagnetic fields.
back to the top
Pre Program Survey and Post Program Evaluation
Monika Forstner, teacher from Glastonbury, CT, USA
Monika Forstner, teacher from Glastonbury, CT, USA
I would like to share with you the Pre Program Survey I developed for using prior to teaching a TCH course and the Post Program Evaluation Survey given to students at the conclusion of the classes. I decided to ask my students why they have taken up Tai Chi. I wanted to incorporate the information gathered in the Pre Program Survey and Post Program Evaluation Survey. I decided to give my students a chose of seven reasons why they had taken up Tai Chi. To identify the most important ones I gave each participant three dots to attach to the reasons they chose which I wrote on a flip chart.
students why they have taken up Tai Chi. I wanted to incorporate the information gathered in the Pre Program Survey and Post Program Evaluation Survey. I decided to give my students a chose of seven reasons why they had taken up Tai Chi. To identify the most important ones I gave each participant three dots to attach to the reasons they chose which I wrote on a flip chart.The following reasons were provided on a flip chart:
-
To have better balance
-
To have better flexibility and agility
-
To better concentrate
-
To decrease/handle stressed out feelings
-
To increase general well being
-
To meet new people
-
Other - This option is to give the participants a chance to communicate other reasons than the ones I had suggested.
On the basis of the dot distribution of the participants, I decided what questions to ask in the Pre Survey and Post Evaluation Survey.
My goal in using the survey prior to teaching classes is to find out what it is students are looking/hoping for in taking TCH classes. What are the student’s goals in taking classes? This knowledge helps me to direct the students and my focus towards the identified areas during classes. The question about how students heard about this class helps me in marketing future classes.
The Post Evaluation Survey helps me to find out if students recognize changes and what I might have to change and/or add in my way of teaching in the future.
The other questions on the Post Evaluation Survey are self explanatory.
I believe the Pre Survey and Post Evaluation Surveys are more for general classes. I would think specialized classes, e.g. Diabetes, would have a different set of questions as it is important to ask students to communicate their needs, recognize changes and for you, as an instructor, learn more about your students reasons as to why they choose to take classes.
To me, putting in this effort to learn more about my students and use that knowledge to become a better teacher, is a worthwhile exercise. Just like Tai Chi itself, teaching is a lifelong learning process.
If you have any input or questions please feel free to contact me monika.forstner@gmail.com
Click to view Pre-Program Survey 2003 and Program Evaluation Survey 2003
back to the top
Monthly Tips to Help People with Chronic Conditions Better Manage their Life
Tony Garcia, Senior Trainer, Miami, Fl. USA
Tony Garcia, Senior Trainer, Miami, Fl. USA
I will be giving you suggestions on how to use Tai Chi in your every day living while at the same time using the Tai Chi principles (alignment and focus).
My tip for this month is about the simple process of entering and exiting your car. Sometimes people get in and out of their car very abruptly and this can cause unwanted back pain. My suggestion below makes it easier for people to get in and out of their car.
.jpg)
To enter
1) First you (align) your posture and slightly bend knees to open the car door.
2) Then, you place your back towards the opening, bend knees and gently sit on the seat.
2) Then, you place your back towards the opening, bend knees and gently sit on the seat.
3) Slowly position your leg towards the front followed by the other leg. You can use the inside hand rails (if available) to help shift weight.
4) Adjust your seat so that your eyes can see all views (focus) ahead while at the same time able to see the instrument panels. Also, assure that your back is straight within your comfort range. Make sure you can reach all foot controls.
5) (Relax) shoulders and elbows, adjust steering wheel and enjoy your ride.
.jpg)
To exit
1) Open car door
2) Grab car hand rail (if available) and gently position one leg towards the exit
3) Gently turn and place the other leg on floor
4) Once both feet are flat on the ground, take a deep breath and gently push knees back and stand.
The Australian Rural and Remote Health Professional Scholarship Scheme are now open for application.
Applications are invited from eligible health professionals (excluding doctors and nurses) who work in rural and remote communities for scholarships to assist continuing professional education. Scholarships may be granted for a range of activities, including clinical placements, short courses, postgraduate tertiary courses and attendance at professional conferences. The application package including application form, scholarship guidelines and frequently asked questions can be downloaded from the SARRAH website - http://www.sarrah.org.au
remote communities for scholarships to assist continuing professional education. Scholarships may be granted for a range of activities, including clinical placements, short courses, postgraduate tertiary courses and attendance at professional conferences. The application package including application form, scholarship guidelines and frequently asked questions can be downloaded from the SARRAH website - http://www.sarrah.org.auThe closing date for applications is 29th September 2008.
Applicants are encouraged to apply online as this greatly assists the SARRAH staff to process the application form information.
Further information is available from Rupa Ranasinghe, Scholarship Program officer, phone: (02) 6162 0321 or at the email arrhpss@sarrah.org.au
back to the top
Humor, Laughter and Radiant Health
by Dr. Bob McBrien
While attending the January Workshop in Sydney, we USA folks became aware of back to school advertisements on TV or in a newspaper. How odd it seemed that students were finishing their summer holiday and preparing to go back to school in January or February. Here in the USA and Canada the school year begins in September, or late August. Back to school means more than a fresh haircut and new backpack.Assignments, homework and of course testing and examinations are routine. Students might complain that it isn’t fun, but teachers with a healthy sense of humour find a variety of opportunities for a good laugh. Yes, even scoring exam papers can bring on a good laugh.
by Dr. Bob McBrien
While attending the January Workshop in Sydney, we USA folks became aware of back to school advertisements on TV or in a newspaper. How odd it seemed that students were finishing their summer holiday and preparing to go back to school in January or February. Here in the USA and Canada the school year begins in September, or late August. Back to school means more than a fresh haircut and new backpack.Assignments, homework and of course testing and examinations are routine. Students might complain that it isn’t fun, but teachers with a healthy sense of humour find a variety of opportunities for a good laugh. Yes, even scoring exam papers can bring on a good laugh.
Following are samples of humorous answers to middle school science tests. I think I wrote at least three of these when I was in 7th grade.
H2O is hot water, and CO2 is cold water.
When you smell an odourless gas, it is probably carbon monoxide.
Water is composed of two gins, Oxygin and Hydrogin. Oxygin is pure gin. Hydrogin is gin and water.
Three kinds of blood vessels are arteries, vanes and caterpillars.
Respiration is composed of two acts, first inspiration, and then expectoration.
Magnet: Something you find crawling all over a dead cat.
Rhubarb: A kind of celery gone bloodshot.
Vacuum: A large, empty space where the pope lives.
To remove dust from the eye, pull the eye down over the nose.
For a nosebleed: Put the nose much lower then the body until the heart stops.
To keep milk from turning sour: Keep it in the cow.
back to the top
=====================
END OF NEWSLETTER
Warning: Dr. Lam does not necessarily endorse the opinion of other authors. Before practicing any program featured in this newsletter, please check with your physician or therapist. The authors and anyone involved in the production of this newsletter will not be held responsible in any way whatsoever for any injury which may arise as a result of following the instructions given in this newsletter.
Warning: Dr. Lam does not necessarily endorse the opinion of other authors. Before practicing any program featured in this newsletter, please check with your physician or therapist. The authors and anyone involved in the production of this newsletter will not be held responsible in any way whatsoever for any injury which may arise as a result of following the instructions given in this newsletter.
Ask Dr Lam - you can ask me anything about tai chi here.
