Category: Health

  • Are You Golf-Ready?

    Golf is a popular sports activity. Unlike most sports, it can be played throughout the golden years, if you can stay in shape and avoid injury. The American Physical Therapy Association says that older golfers often forget that while their passion for the game remains high, their bodies have aged. As we age, we lose flexibility, muscle mass and strength. Because the golf swing’s extreme bending and twisting movements are not natural for the body, senior golfers are at a greater risk of injury. Correct body mechanics on or off the course (lifting golf bags, etc.) play a larger role in preventing injuries. Warm-up exercises before starting a game are essential to prevent injury and continuing with these exercises during the game will help muscles recover faster and maintain muscular balance. Keeping yourself in shape with year-round conditioning, balance, strength, endurance and flexibility training ensures an injury-free game. Try these stretches:

    Anterior Shoulder Stretch:
    Increases range of motion (ROM). Standing, hold your golf club behind your back with palms outward. Raise the club upwards until a stretch is felt in the front of your shoulders and chest. Hold 20 to 30 seconds. Do 2 to 3 sets.

     

     

    Trunk Extension:
    Increases trunk ROM and prepares muscles for your golf swing (reduces back injury.) Stand holding your golf club with both hands (palms outward), resting the club on the small of your back. Bend backwards slowly. Hold for 2 seconds and return. Repeat 5 to 10 times.

     

     

     

     

    Trunk Rotation:
    Stand in the golf posture with your club behind your neck on your shoulders and grasp each end. Slowly and with control, rotate your upper body back, simulating a golf swing. Stretch the trunk region. Repeat 10 times.

     

     

     

     

    Wrist Stretches:
    Increase flexibility. Start with one arm held outward horizontally, elbows straight, palm down. Use your other hand to bend your wrist downward. Hold it for 20 to 30 seconds. Then turn your palm upward and repeat. Do 2 to 3 sets per wrist.

     

    Moon Physical Therapy LLC
    Aquatic, Land-based and Manual Therapy and Cardiopulmonary Rehab Programs
    320 Ward Avenue, Ste. 107, Honolulu
    808-597-1005 | www.moonpt.com

    Golf is a popular sports activity. Unlike most sports, it can be played throughout the golden years, if you can stay in shape and avoid injury. The American Physical Therapy Association says that older golfers often forget that while their passion for the game remains high, their bodies have aged. As we age, we lose…

  • 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.

    1. Bring a list to your appointment
    Before you go to the doctor, make a list of questions and complaints. Put the important questions and complaints at the top of the list. Talking with your doctor can help identify and address any potential issues, allowing you to get better quickly.

    2. Write down the answers
    During the visit, take notes. Your doctor is experienced in discussing complex medical topics and explaining them to make them easy to understand. So, do not be shy! Be sure to ask questions if you do not understand something.

    3. Follow through
    Keep your notes from the doctor’s visit and follow through. Write down any changes you see. Bring your updates to your next appointment. This can help your doctor determine what is working the next time you talk.

    Your doctor’s goal is to provide you with the care you deserve at every visit. You are a key part of your health and wellness. It is important to work as a team to achieve your optimal health.

    MDX HAWAI‘I
    500 Ala Moana Blvd., Ste. 2200, Honolulu, HI 96813-4993
    808-522-7500 | www.mdxhawaii.com
    Care coordination for Medicare Advantage Plans: Humana HMO, Humana PPO, and UnitedHealthcare AARP Medicare Advantage PPO on O‘ahu, Maui and Kaua‘i.

    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

    Everyone knows that secondhand cigarette smoke is a lung irritant. When the vaping craze started in 2015, I watched family members switch from tobacco cigarettes to a fancy little device called a MOD. It was thought then that vaping wouldn’t affect other people.

    But working in healthcare for over 20 years and having a grandmother who passed away from pneumonia, I thought about the patients in an ICU suffering from serious cases of pneumonia due to water in their lungs. It occured to me that if vaping is a water-based vapor and is inhaled directly into your lungs, how could it be safer?

    We now know that vaping kills. And it can kill faster than tobacco. These battery-powered MODs can also malfunction. To date, there have been about 316 MOD explosions, 219 of them resulting in death or personal injury. Exploding MODs are known to knock out teeth — in some cases, the entire jaw. Vaping has also caused serious lung problems. Teens have have been reported as needing ventilators to help them breathe. According to the CDC, at least 1,479 lung injury cases and 33 deaths have been attributed to vaping as of Oct. 15, 2019.

    The problem is serious. If you or someone you know vapes or smokes, share these statistics with them and help save a life.

    ISLANDS SKILLED NURSING & REHABILITATION
    205 Alexander St., Honolulu, HI 96826
    Kelika Ishtol, Director of Community Relations 808-284-0003
    kishol@islandsnr.com
    www.islandsnr.com

    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:

    You may need a cane if you grab walls, furniture and counters looking for more support as you walk. If you already use a cane and still reach for support, it may be time for a four-wheel walker.

    Four-wheel walkers provide more support and mobility. The seat allows for breaks from longer tasks, such as marketing. However, those who use increased arm pressure on the walker for support will experience difficulty controlling it.

    If you are still feeling unstable and have a fear of falling, a front-wheel walker may be what you need. These walkers are lighter and have only two wheels, providing more control. Adding tennis balls, skis or sliders to the walker’s back legs can alter the speed and smoothness of the walker to accommodate various surfaces.

    MAKAI MOBILE REHAB LLC (In-Home Physical Therapy)
    Jason Dacumos PT, MPT President/Owner
    808-783-9320 | jason@makaimobile.com
    www.makaimobile.com

    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. Through a balanced mix of exercise and ancient Eastern medicinal philosophy, tai chi and qigong training can help seniors improve fitness and gain deeper insight to mastering the mind and emotions, which can help lower blood pressure and create meaningful longevity.

    Most pain is caused when energy gets blocked, creating inflammation. When energy flows again, pain decreases. Tai chi offers natural stretching and controlled slow movement to open meridian channels throughout the body, allowing energy to flow and improving blood circulation to the heart and brain.

    Qigong is another gentle healing practice very similar to tai chi that emphasizes meditation and energy accumulation for self-healing. It helps to move energy to the chakras (energy centers in the body) that release energy for the brain and organs. Both practices can improve mental and physical health.

    Check out group classes to enjoy the company of other health-conscious seniors.

    BODY & BRAIN YOGA/TAI CHI
    Honolulu 808-596-9642
    Aiea 808-486-9642
    Kaimuki 808-738-5522
    Manoa Energy Healing Center 808-691-9642
    www.bnbenergyhealing.com
    www.bodynbrain.com

    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.

    There are two main types of sleep apnea:  Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) commonly occurs when an airway collapses when you sleep; Central Sleep Apnea (CSA) occurs when your brain doesn’t send the proper signals to the muscles that control breathing. A person with OSA may  experience shallow breathing and possible pauses in breath. Breathing interruptions can last anywhere from a few seconds to over a minute and occur up to 30 times an hour. These disturbances can cause extreme fatigue the following day.

    Signs of Sleep Apnea
    •  Has anyone noticed that you gasp for air or even stop breathing while you are sleeping?
    • Do you often wake up “unrefreshed?”
    • Are you excessively sleepy during the day?
    • Has your energy and motivation decreased?
    • Do you find it difficult to concentrate?
    • Do you have high blood pressure?
    • Have you suffered a stroke or heart attack?
    • Do you have type 2 diabetes?

    Serious Risks to Your Health
    •  High blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, depression and greater risk of dying from cancer.
    •  60 to 65 percent of diabetic patients have OSA.
    •  83 percent of those on blood pressure meds have sleep apnea.
    •  A person with untreated sleep apnea is seven times more likely to be involved in a vehicle accident.

    What Are the Treatment Options?
    • CPAP machine is the No. 1 treatment choice.
    • Oral appliance made by a dentist.
    • Various types of surgery.

    How Does an Oral Appliance Work?
    An oral appliance keeps the lower jaw in a for- ward position, bringing the back of the tongue forward and opening up the airway. It is recommended for patients with mild or moderate sleep apnea and those who cannot tolerate a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine. Severe sleep  apnea is usually treated with a CPAP or surgery.

    For more information on CPAP alternatives, see your dentist or primary care physician.

    LANCE I. TERAMOTO, DDS, DASBA
    4747 Kilauea Ave., Ste. 101, Honolulu, HI 96816
    Free consultations: 808-737-9882
    www.smilesofaloha.com

    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…

  • 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. While standing, you should be able to contract your quads so that your kneecaps lift. If you can’t see your kneecaps lifting, you are probably locking.

    Proper strengthening is essential. Strengthening of the quads and hamstrings used to be recommended. We now know that strengthening the muscles surrounding the hip and correcting foot alignment will reduce stress on the knee joint. The following exercise will target the entire leg to maximize knee function:

    ◆ Wrap a resistance band around your thighs and align your feet under your hips. Push your toes down like you’re gripping the floor to create an arch under your foot. Bend your knees slightly and push them out against the band, hold up to 30 seconds and relax. Repeat 10 times.

    MOON PHYSICAL THERAPY, LLC
    320 Ward Ave., Ste. 107, Honolulu, HI 96814
    95-1057 Ainamakua Drive, F-11, Mililani, HI 96789
    808-597-1005 | www.moonpt.com

    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…

  • 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.

    For low back pain, for example, a needle is inserted into the area and a signal is sent through the nervous system to the brain, where natural painkillers are released. Some of these are 10 to 200 times stronger than morphine!

    Chinese needling has now joined forces with neuroscience, creating neuro-acupuncture, also known as scalp acupuncture, because specific areas of the scalp are needled to stimulate the underlying brain cells.

    By stimulating areas on the scalp that are associated with motor, sensory or other functional impairment, brain cells are induced to make new connections. Surrounding neurons are also recruited to rewire circuitry and restore lost abilities. Making new connections is important for persons recovering from a stroke or who suffer from tremors or neuropathy.

    NEEDLES OF HOPE
    1314 S. King St., Ste. 1050, Honolulu, HI 96814
    808-450-2527 | kathy@needlesofhope.com
    www.needlesofhope.com

    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.

    Flu vaccination has been shown to reduce flu illness and serious complications that can result in hospitalizations or even death in older people. A 2017 study showed that flu vaccination reduced deaths, intensive care unit admissions and overall duration of hospitalization for patients 65 years and older.

    Take control of your health. Get a flu shot this winter. For more information about the flu or the vaccine, contact your primary care physician.

    MDX HAWAI‘I
    500 Ala Moana Blvd., Ste. 2200, Honolulu, HI 96813-4993
    808-522-7500 | www.mdxhawaii.com
    Office hours: Mon.– Fri., 8am–5pm Headquartered in Honolulu, MDX Hawai‘i has over 34 years of experience serving the people of Hawai‘i. Our physician network represents over 630 primary care physicians, and more than 2,200 specialists, hospitals, and ancillary providers statewide. MDX Hawai‘i contracts with Humana HMO, Humana PPO, and AARP/ UnitedHealthcare PPO Medicare Advantage Plans on O‘ahu, Maui, and Kauai.

    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…

  • 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.

    Hearing loss gradually sneaks up on us. Over time, we adjust and adapt, but even a mild hearing loss can be a source of misunderstanding and failed communication, leading to stress, fatigue and self-imposed isolation.

    Modern hearing devices are virtually invisible, comfortable and easy to use. As a result, those with hearing loss are no longer prevented from enjoying the activities that make life more enjoyable, like dining out with friends at their favorite restaurant or being present with family.

    The first step in correcting a hearing problem is to have the amount and type of loss measured by a hearing specialist. A professionally fitted hearing aid may be the key to enjoying a better tomorrow!

    OHANA HEARING CARE
    1296 S Beretania St., #102, Honolulu, HI 96814
    808-593-2137 | www.ohanahearingcare.com

    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…

  • 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. This incredible muscle acts as a corset or internal brace stabilizing the spine and pelvis. It can reduce low back pain, prevent future back injuries and best of all, flatten your stomach.

    To find and activate your TA, lie on your back, maintaining the natural curve of your spine with knees bent. Place two fingers at the bony areas of your pelvis, then slide the fingers in about an inch and down about an inch. A little cough will engage the TA and you should feel it tighten under your fingers. Take a deep breath in and exhale slowly as you gently tighten the muscle under the belly button without moving the shoulders or hips, or rounding your back. Imagine pulling your zipper up to your belly button as you tighten the muscle. Practice while sitting, standing or lifting.

    Learning how to draw in your TA takes some practice, but once you master it, you will see the results — a stronger core, improved posture and a much tighter tummy.

    MOON PHYSICAL THERAPY, LLC
    320 Ward Ave., Ste. 107, Honolulu, HI 96814
    95-1057 Ainamakua Dr., F-11, Mililani HI 96789
    808-597-1005 | www.moonpt.com

    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…

  • 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.

    What does falling safely mean? It means falling in a way that helps to protect your head and body from injury. Learning how to fall is one of the skills being taught at the nonprofit Kupuna Aikido Hawaii. Its mission is “to empower Hawai‘i’s kūpuna with aikido-based philosophies to preserve and protect their mobile independence.” The techniques are based on the Japanese martial art aikido, which often translates to “the way of the harmonious spirit.” This marital art is a method of defending yourself while displacing the energy of your attacker so no one gets injured.

    The Safe Falling classes consist of two eight-week sessions — the Foundation Course and the Continuation Course.

    ♦ The Foundation Course teaches safe falling techniques and an introduction to low-impact aikido. Attendees will also learn about the importance of stretching, different breathing techniques and understanding balance.

    ♦ The Continuation Course is more advanced and includes an introduction to defense techniques, such as escaping the grasp of an attacker.

    Each course is $25 for those 65 years and older. The courses are held a few times a year at the Higashi Hongwanji Mission in the Liliha neighborhood of Honolulu and at Mililani District Park.

    Kupuna Aikido Hawai‘i recommends using the ABC prevention method:

    ♦ A for awareness. Look where you are going, walk heel to toe, and lift your feet and legs as you walk. Always pay attention and do not be distracted by smartphones or conversation as you are walking.

    ♦ B for balance. Exercise regularly to develop strength and flexibility. Tai chi and yoga are other good activities that can help build muscle and brain connection.

    ♦ C for control. Take the safest path — even if it’s longer. Use handrails. Install handrails and add grab bars in your bathroom.

    Contact Kupuna Aikido Hawaii for class registration information and schedules.

    KUPUNA AIKIDO (501(c) 3 nonprofit)
    Two locations:
    ♦ Higashi Hongwanji 1685 Alaneo St., Honolulu, HI 96817
    ♦ Mililani District Park 94-1150 Lanikuhana Ave., Mililani, HI 96789
    www.kupunaaikido.org/contact

    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…