Make the Most of Your Doctor Visit
Most people only visit the doctor a few times a year, so it’s important to make the most of your appointment. The more information you share with your physician, the better he or she can take care of you.
Vaping: The New Lung Killer
We now know that vaping kills. And it can kill faster than tobacco.
How to Choose the Right Assistive Device
If you have developed a fear of falling as you have aged, you may want to consider using an assistive device . A physical therapist can test and fit you with the proper type — or you may be able to decide what is best for you by reading these tips and recognizing signs:
Wellness Means Training Your Body & Brain
Tai chi is a great way to incorporate strength, movement and breathing, aligning your mind, body and spirit while helping the body heal itself.
Alternative Strategies for Sleep Apnea
About 50 to 70 million people in the U.S. are chronic sleep apnea sufferers; more than 85 percent of them are undiagnosed. The Mayo Clinic defines sleep apnea as a potentially serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts. Sleep apnea sufferers may snore loudly and feel tired, even after a full night’s sleep.
Tips for Healthy Knees
The majority of patients who come into my office do not realize they lock or hyper-extend their knees while standing or walking. They often do this out of habit or because of weakness. Generally, locking your knees transfers stress from supporting muscles to the knee joint, compressing it. The result is decreased mobility and blood flow and increased friction that can lead to pain or wearing away of the joint.
The Benefits of Neuro-Acupuncture
Ancients 3,000 years ago implicitly understood how stimulating acupuncture points with very thin needles could affect both our central and peripheral nervous systems. The central nervous system is made up of our brain and spinal cord, while the peripheral nervous system is the system of nerves outside the brain and spinal cord.
Protect Yourself With a Flu Vaccination
Due to the weakening of the immune system, people 65 years and older are at high risk of getting seriously ill from the flu. During most flu seasons, adults 65 years and older experience the greatest burden of severe flu and complications. Between about 70 and 85 percent of flu-related deaths in the United States occur among people 65 years and older. And people 65 and older account for between about 50 and 70 percent of the flu-related hospitalizations. Vaccination is highly effective in preventing flu and its potential complications.
Healthy Aging & Hearing Loss
As we age, our hearing often loses its edge. Clinical research suggests that hearing loss can have a negative effect on some key measures of healthy aging as cognitive, physical and social functioning decline. A study by the National Institute on Aging indicates that people with untreated hearing loss are significantly more at risk of developing Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Engage Your Abs for a Strong Core
Whether your goal is to reduce low back pain or slim your waist, adding exercises to your workout that engage your core can make a significant difference. The most important, yet often overlooked muscle that must be strengthened, is the transverse abdominis (TA) which is the deep, inner abdominal muscle that begins at the spine and wraps around your waist.
The Art of Falling
Falling can become a major threat to our quality of life. According to Hawai‘i’s Department of Health, it is the No. 1 cause of fatal injuries in seniors. The DOH reports that one in three people over 65 will fall this year. While there are a number of precautions you can take, you can also protect yourself by learning how to fall safely.
Exercise: A Panacea, Pt. 2: Movement/Safety
Although the medical system is driven by pain, preventative approaches are becoming more prevalent. For seniors, it is essential that falls are prevented. Any fall can cause severe damage and breaking a bone (usually the hip or hand/wrist) is quite common. The scary statistic is that one out of every five people will die within one year of breaking their hip.
Are You Aging Too Quickly?
Walk into any gym and you will see it full of baby boomers — those born between 1946 and 1964. The oldest of the baby boomer generation is now 73 and the youngest is 55. But age alone does not define the actual physical condition of a person. There are two ways to age as defined by the Functional Aging Institute:1) Primary Aging and 2) Secondary Aging.
Relieving Shoulder Pain
Weekend warriors often develop shoulder discomfort when performing overhead movements while playing tennis, baseball or tackling DIY projects around the house. The longer you suffer, the more damage can occur. Here are simple tips to relieve some symptoms:
Don’t Just Sit There! Get Up & Move!
Many of us sit for hours at a desk at work and on the couch at home. Our jobs and activities have been trending toward a more sedentary lifestyle. And regular exercise might not be enough to reverse the damage. Studies now indicate the longer you sit, the greater your risk of developing cardiovascular disease or diabetes.
Great Partnerships
When you think of great partnerships, what comes to mind? Abbott and Costello? Sonny and Cher? Cecilio and Kapono? How about your brain and your ears? Your hearing health depends greatly on how well your brain and ears work together. Your brain counts on the ears to collect sounds and deliver them to be interpreted as meaningful information. It is this partnership that enables us to understand and communicate with others.
What is Renewable Cleaning?
Renewable cleaning is a smart “Green Cleaning” program that applies to general sanitation but focuses on the use of eco-friendly practices and products to create a healthier home environment. It utilizes safe and friendly natural cleaning products that are non-toxic, biodegradable and sustainable. Water is a key source for renewable cleaning because it is a favorable nonpolluting resource that is readily available.
Prevent Pain While Sitting at Your Desk
The reality is most of us sit too much. A study published by Microsoft revealed that U.S. workers spend an average of seven hours per day on a computer — more hours than they sleep at night! Sitting at a desk for hours on end can result in increased muscle tension at the neck, back and shoulders. And if it’s not addressed, over time it can lead to spinal pain, headaches and even more serious symptoms —pain, tingling or numbness down the arms. Here are some tips to help you stay healthy behind your desk:
OPTING FOR… ORGANIC
Last year in the United States, sales of organic food and products topped $48 billion — that’s up almost 10 percent over the previous year, according to the Organic Trade Association. And while this growing industry is showing no signs of stopping, organic farming is hardly a trend; it’s how our parents and grandparents tended to their crops and cattle. Then in the 1950s, pesticides and artificial fertilizers were introduced — creating what is now called “conventionally-grown” food. So what’s the difference and why does it matter?
Exercise – a Panacea. Part 1: Arthritis
A healthy joint is like two smooth pieces of paper sliding against each other. Arthritis, joint damage, is like adding crinkles to the papers, with the friction causing pain and problems. However, in severe cases, and even with bone-on-bone degeneration, having no pain with “activities of daily living” is easily obtainable with a lot of hard work and the right treatments.
Benefits of Diaphragmatic Breathing
Diaphragmatic breathing is beneficial for your physical and mental health as it reduces stress, lowers heart rate and blood pressure. For those with pulmonary disease, such as COPD, the diaphragm often becomes weakened causing it to work less efficiently. A physical therapist experienced in pulmonary rehab can teach proper breathing to reduce anxiety, slow breathing rate, increase full oxygen exchange, and improve physical activity.
Well-being Starts with a Healthy Kitchen
Kitchens are awesome places as great food is cooked and eaten there! But they can also be home to dangerous microbes. Did you know that kitchens are more heavily contaminated than bathrooms? Ordinary cleaning practices do little to reduce the microbial load, so kitchen sanitizing is a higher and more frequently needed level of cleanliness.
Benefits of Exercise for Our Kūpuna
Regular exercise and physical activity can help to prevent disease, improve mental health, increase energy, reduce the risk of falling and much more. Here’s how!
Aging and the Impact of Hearing Loss
By age 75, approximately fifty percent of us will have a significant degree of correctable hearing loss. Fortunately, most hearing loss can be treated and is correctable. New technology enables us to hear and understand at or near normal levels. It is always a good...A Pain-Free New Year
With a new year comes new goals to better ourselves. Whether you have been exercising for years or are just starting out, be especially careful to avoid injury. Loss of flexibility and of bone and muscle mass increases the risk of injury and slows down recovery.
Understanding the Two Types of Pain
There are two main classifications of pain: the common type that arises from damaged tissue, and the more exotic kind that comes from damage to the system that reports and interprets damage, the nervous system.
Understanding the two types of pain will help you understand the solutions your physician or pain specialist suggest for easing it.
Know Stroke Warnings and Call 911
Stroke remains Hawai‘i’s third leading cause of death and a leading cause of major disability. However, 80 percent of strokes are preventable. And those that do occur, in many cases, are treatable if symptoms are quickly recognized and treatment is quickly sought. Hawai‘i EMS data shows, however, that almost 50 percent of Hawai‘i stroke patients aren’t being delivered to hospitals by EMS ambulances.
Which Shoe is Right for You?
Appropriate footwear is key to preventing injuries. So, knowing your foot type is crucial when choosing walking or running shoes. To find your best shoe type, stand in front of a mirror in bare feet and shift your weight, observing your inner arch.
PAIN: Talk Like a Doc
When speaking with your doctor about pain, be ready to answer a few important questions. To make the best of your visit, and have time for your own questions, note down the following…
The Fascial Self-care Revolution
Fascia is the collagenous soft connective tissue that binds all of your body’s other structures. Defined as the largest organ system of the body in 2012 by the Federative Committee on Anatomic Terminology, it is now the most studied tissue in human movement science. Here is what current research is learning about this amazing tissue that, like the mesh on a garden hose, needs to withstand pressure from the inside (by exerting pressure itself) and also stay flexible.
Yoga: The ‘Ki’ to Mastership of Your Life
Our daily lives are filled with so many distractions that it’s easy to feel scattered and stressed. When you are chronically stressed it becomes harder to function properly, increasing your stress even more and often inviting disease. To help manage their stress, many people have turned to yoga and mind-body training because its healthy effects on body and mind are now widely recognized.
Healthy Aging and Hearing Loss
As we age, our hearing often loses its edge. Clinical research suggests that hearing loss can have a negative effect on some key measures of healthy aging as cognitive, physical and social functioning decline. A study by the National Institute on Aging indicates that people with untreated hearing loss are significantly more at risk of developing Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Improve Your Health with Tai Chi
Tai Chi, often referred to as “moving meditation,” is an ancient Chinese practice characterized by slow, flowing, low-impact movements and deep breathing. It offers wonderful benefits for any age group and is an incredibly effective and helpful practice for older adults.
SQUAT – The One Exercise You Should Learn
A “modified squat” is one of the most beneficial exercises to learn. It strengthens the lower body and core and reduces the strain on the knees when done right. Unfortunately, most people never learn the PROPER way to squat.
Rehab for Breast Cancer Recovery
October is National Physical Therapy Month and National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Physical therapy may not be the first healthcare field that comes to mind when someone is undergoing cancer treatment, but physical therapists can play an integral role in promoting a speedy recovery and in assisting a return to previous levels of activity following surgery and radiation/chemotherapy treatments.
Aquatic Physical Therapy for Chronic Pain
If you are one of the 100 million Americans who experience chronic pain, know that physical therapy can be a safer alternative to potentially addictive medications. Physical therapy plays a vital role in helping to manage and overcome chronic pain through proper strengthening and flexibility exercises, manual therapies, posture and body mechanics instruction.
Skip Costly Equipment: Use the Mighty Can
Not everyone has spare cash to spend on expensive physical therapy equipment to use at home, so why not learn how to utilize household items to get the same results?
Stepping Down Pain Free
Knee pain while descending stairs is often due to the force on your kneecap (patella), which studies show is 3.5 X your body weight. If you weigh 140lbs, the force on your patella can be as much as 490lbs! That is a lot of stress on your knee, and the pain will be magnified if you have weak muscles or degeneration of the cartilage in the joint.
New Guidelines for High Blood Pressure
Let us start with this little fact: almost half of all adults in the United States are affected by hypertension. Recently published revised guidelines for the detection of high blood pressure mean that 46 percent of all Americans 18 years and older are now considered to have hypertension (otherwise known as high blood pressure).
Biking for Seniors
As we age, exercise becomes more and more important — not only for our bodies, but for our minds as well. But fitness doesn’t always have to happen from inside the local gym. You can get on a path to a fit and healthy lifestyle by incorporating cycling into your daily routine.
Yoga Just for Kūpuna
At the YMCA of Honolulu, our programs and services are tailored to meet all ages, abilities and goals — and so are our yoga classes! All health and fitness facility Y Branches offer a range of yoga classes for kūpuna, from ones that will bring on a light sweat to others that will give you a soothing stretch while seated on a chair.
How to Climb Stairs Pain Free
In our younger years we didn’t think twice about sprinting up and down steps. As we age, however, climbing a flight of stairs can often seem like scaling a mountainside due to limited mobility and pain. According to Harvard Health Publishing, the force on each knee is...Tips for Healthy Kidneys
March is National Kidney Month. Did you know that the risk for developing kidney disease in Hawai‘i is 30 percent higher than the mainland? One of the reasons we have a higher risk in Hawai‘i is due to our ethnicities, including Native Hawaiian, Filipino, Pacific...Aloha Everyone
he Japanese have been utilizing a technology to transform ordinary tap water into ionized, micro-clustered, concentrated alkaline and acidic waters for decades. It started in the animal husbandry and agriculture sector, eventually moving into mainstream applications for human consumption and use.
SHINGLES: What You Need to Know
Shingles is a blistering rash that is caused by a virus called herpes zoster. It effects approximately one million people in America every year. The herpes zoster virus, what we call shingles, is actually the same virus as the chicken pox you may have experienced as a child.
5 Healthy Valentine’s Day Ideas
There is no better gift that you can give your loved one than taking care of your health and staying fit. Living well means that you will be able to enjoy your time together for decades to come.
Go with Your Gut
The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified mental wellness issues — stress, depression and anxiety — as the leading causes of a “global health burden.” Could it be that, for the past century, we’ve had the mistaken notion that these problems are all in our head, when in reality they are largely in our gut?
Prevent Rat Lungworm Disease
In late September, an infant from Hawai’i Island was confirmed as the state’s 17th case of rat lungworm disease. Caused by a roundworm parasite, it can have debilitating effects on a person’s brain and spinal cord. The disease is endemic to the state and spreads when...Seeing and Feeling is Believing
In my previous articles in Generations Magazine, I’ve had the chance to share the wonder, power and fact that “the right kind of water” is key to maintaining an optimum health profile. Here is a review of the past articles, which can be found in articles published on...Stretch Away Your Stress
Adults of all generations, from millennials to baby boomers and “maturers,” struggle with managing stress. Life can often be chaotic. When we are stressed, the body releases hormones adrenaline and cortisol. This increases heart rate and blood pressure, and interferes...What Is Auricular Medicine?
Auricular medicine is a highly developed, independent system of medicine recently rediscovered and revived as a major modality in the Chinese healthcare system. Thousands of years ago, it was discovered that the ears themselves contain nerve and acupuncture points...Tighten Your ‘Internal Belt’
Core training is one of the most popular concepts in the field of fitness and physical therapy. Core stability training is often associated with strengthening your abdominal muscles — the “abs.” The ab muscles play a very important role, but the core also includes...Ancient Health and Happiness Art
For thousands of years, the tradition of calligraphy has been considered the highest form of art in many ancient cultures. In China and Japan, for instance, calligraphy, or “beautiful writing,” has served as more than just an alluring visual. The roots of...Speed Healing with Aquatic Therapy
By Julie Moon, Physical Therapist Back surgery is a serious procedure and often requires significant recovery time. Exercise is a critical part of healing, although during the post-operative stages, patients must be careful to avoid undue stress on the surgical site...Diabetes Treatment: East Meets West
By James Carter, L.Ac An estimated 30 million people in America have type 2 diabetes and that number is increasing each year. Although type 2 diabetes affects many different systems and functions of the body, the most commonly known effect is its disruption of the...The Aloha State: A Model for Kūpuna Care
Never in the history of humankind have so many people lived so long. Anthropologists estimate that on average, Neanderthals lived little more than 20 years; only a small percent reached 40. In 15th century Europe, the average life expectancy reached a scant 35 years. Around the turn of the 20th century, however, advances in public health (clean water, waste disposal, vaccinations) decreased infectious diseases, greatly reducing infant and child mortality and increasing life expectancy.
Maximizing Mobility as We Age
by Julie Moon, Physical Therapist HEALTH As we age, we lose flexibility, strength and balance, which affects our general health and mobility. The good news is therapeutic exercise can help improve mobility and function. Balance, flexibility and strength are essential...Pain Solutions with Acupuncture
by James Carter, L.Ac. More than one in four Americans suffer from a chronic pain condition. Pain is not only physically debilitating, but also affects our emotional and mental health. The primary causes of chronic pain are injuries, inflammation, poor circulation...Senior Dentistry: Concerns and Solutions
According Harvard Medical School, the need for dentures in later life used to be a foregone conclusion. But today, three-quarters of the over-65 population retain at least some of their teeth. Although older people still suffer higher rates of gum disease, dental...Manage Diabetes with Aquatic Therapy
Diabetes affects people in different ways, but those with type 2 diabetes frequently suffer from heart disease, high blood pressure and nervous system damage, including impaired sensation or pain in the hands and feet. Physical activity and keeping a healthy weight...Acupuncture, Chinese Medicine & Kidneys
Our kidneys make up an important system in our bodies. They are responsible for many vital functions, such as removing wastes from our blood, controlling blood pressure and keeping our bones strong, for example. Such an important organ system deserves our best care...Walk With a Doc on O’ahu
Walking is low-impact and has the lowest dropout rate of any physical activity. In fact, walking as little as 30 minutes a day can have tremendous health benefits, such lower blood pressure and blood sugar levels, improved mood, reduced coronary heart disease and much...Progressive Program Improves Balance
Balance. It’s something everyone takes for granted without a second thought about how crucial it is to daily living. However, it’s wise not to underestimate the importance of having good balance, especially in our senior years. In addition to an increased risk of...‘It’s a Natural Part of Aging…’ Not So Fast!
Aches and pains, having to avoid certain things, imbalance — people often have the misconception that these problems are a natural part of aging. There are physiological changes that naturally occur with aging, but these should only be contributing factors rather than...Homeopathy Demystified
In the world of natural medicine, nothing is so commonly misunderstood as homeopathy. Even among well-educated consumers who can name the best supplements for every condition under the sun, mystery prevails… Homeopathy is vastly different than allopathic...A Better Reason to Eat More
I have said for years that eating more may be better for weight loss than eating less. At first, people are a bit shocked to hear this until they realize that I mean eating more food — but still eating fewer calories. How is this possible? Here is a simple example. If...Strategies to Ease Morning Stiffness
Difficulty getting out of bed in the morning? Or taking longer for joints and muscles to loosen due to stiffness? The basic causes of morning stiffness are lack of physical activity, not sleeping properly and chronic conditions like arthritis. Try these strategies to...You Are What You Drink’
In the August-September issue of Generations Magazine®, I profiled experts in the medical field and reported what they had to say about ionized, restructured alkaline water, and its ability to improve health. The article generated more comments and requests than any...Prevent Injury When Caring for Kids
Even for the fittest of grandparents, taking care of grandkids can really take a toll on your body. The most common areas of injury are the neck, shoulders, back and knees. Here are tips to prevent those aches and pains. If you are inactive, wrestling on the floor or...The Link Between Diabetes & Hearing Loss
Studies show hearing loss is about twice as common in adults with diabetes than those who do not have the disease, mainly due to poor circulation. Elevated blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels, thereby reducing blood flow to certain areas. The lack of blood...Exercise for Better Body Functionality
In 2012, at age 62, George Crowder retired from his profession as a regional fire prevention chief. “I was a highly qualified, able-bodied firefighter,” said George. “Besides emergency responses and standbys, much of the days was consumed in maintenance. In my younger...What I Learned From Dr. McCauley
What I Learned From Dr. McCauley by Alan Matsushima, Health and Wellness Consultant from the Oct-Nov 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
Longevity for All
Longevity for All by Terry Shintani, MD, JD, MPH from the Oct-Nov 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
Walking on an Underwater Treadmill
Walking on an Underwater Treadmill by Julie Moon, Physical Therapist from the Oct-Nov 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
If Lois Can, Then How About You?
If Lois Can, Then How About You? by Diane Cadinha, Certified Personal Trainer, ACE, NASM from the August-September 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
Doctors Say So
Doctors Say So by Alan Matsushima, Health and Wellness Consultant from the August-September 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
Improve Memory & Reduce Pain
Improve Memory & Reduce Pain by Terry Shintani, MD, JD, MPH from the August-September 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
Wild Alaskan Sockeye Salmon Oil
Wild Alaskan Sockeye Salmon Oil by Tamilyn Masuda, Health Consultant from the August-September 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
Avoid Luggage Injuries
Avoid Luggage Injuries by Julie Moon, Physical Therapist from the August-September 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
National Honors for Kara Yamamoto, MD
National Honors for Kara Yamamoto, MD by Lara Yamada, Executive Director, Arthritis Foundation Hawai‘i from the August-September 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
SilverSneakers Fitness® Benefits Body & Mind
SilverSneakers Fitness® Benefits Body & Mind by Generations Magazine Staff from the June-May 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
Inflammation & Aging: Fluid Problems
Inflammation & Aging: Fluid Problems by Alan Matsushima, Kangen ENAGIC USA from the June-May 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
Annatto: An Ancient Supplement
Annatto: An Ancient Supplement by Tamilyn Masuda, Health Consultant from the June-May 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
Beating Cancer
Beating Cancer by Terry Shintani, MD, JD, MPH from the June-May 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
Lumbar Stenosis Misdiagnosis
Lumbar Stenosis Misdiagnosis by Julie Moon, Physical Therapist from the June-May 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life