Category: Health

  • 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 multiple muscles in the mid-lower back, pelvic floor, hips and buttocks. This ring…

  • 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 understanding and deep contemplation that come through the art uplift all aspects 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 with certain activities, bending, lifting or twisting. The gentle environment of water allows patients…

  • 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 body’s ability to regulate blood glucose levels either by a…

  • 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…

  • 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 to improve mobility and maintain independence. Poor balance increases the risk of falls and when…

  • 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 and age-related degeneration. The most common chronic pain afflictions occur in major joints and…

  • 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 decay and tooth loss, they can still do a lot to keep their…

  • 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 can help to manage the disease and prevent diabetic problems. Although walking may be…

  • 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 and effort so we can keep it functioning well for our entire…

  • 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 more. Founded in February 2016, the Walk with a Doc (WWAD)…

  • 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 falls, poor balance and mobility can limit daily living activities and participation…