The National Safety Council Greater Omaha Chapter is proud to be the sponsor for the training of 12 "Movement Improvement" Instructors in the greater metropolitan Omaha area.

Older adults report greater flexibility, balance and confidence. Generally, blood pressure is reduced, cardiorespiratory capacity increases, and a general feeling of well-being and being in control, is established. As older adults become stronger, the intensity of the moves can be increased and continued development takes place. The group atmosphere provides camaraderie and support, and encourages the practice of the movements between classes. The goal of these classes is to provide what each individual needs, and to teach "Movement Improvement" techniques which are applied to everyday life. This program uses moves easily followed and easily applied to real life situations, therefore "practice" becomes an on-going, daily activity. When older adults incorporate this knowledge into their own situations, fear of falling is reduced, increased mobility results, independence is increased and true life satisfaction is the result.

These programs are currently being offered by partner organizations throughout the community. These instructors have been trained by Cate Morrill. Cate brings a broad spectrum of knowledge and information to her classes. She has published articles on T’ai Chi and Qi Gong , is writing a book, tentatively titled, “Shoulders Down—the Basics of T'ai Chi to Help You Enhance your Everyday Life, Every Day”. She has been the instructor for NIH Clinical Studies with Emory University on T'ai Chi and Parkinson’s Disease and with Emory and the VA Hospital on T'ai Chi and the Visually Impaired, and T'ai Chi and Dual Tasking in seniors. She has designed and produced audio and video tapes and written study guides.

Cate was contracted in 2004 by a pharmaceutical company to create and appear in an exercise video for those with Parkinson’s disease, has appeared live on WABC in New York City, on Public Television programs by video discussing T'ai Chi’s benefits, as well as on “Healthwatch with Marc Pickard,” a program of Atlanta local television station WXIA, Channel 11. She has appeared via video and in person at conferences and symposiums, discussing the therapeutic benefits of T'ai Chi to specific populations.

Interested in a demonstration or a class? Contact the National Safety Council at 896-0454 ext. 439 to make arrangements.

To learn more about Cate and ‘Movement Improvement T’ai Chi’ check out this website.