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 avoid injury and stay in shape. 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 and 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.

Essential Warm-Up Exercises to Prevent Injury

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

Trunk Rotation:

Increases trunk ROM. Stand in the golf posture. Place your club behind your neck, on your shoulders and grasp each end. Rotate your upper body back and through in a slow and controlled motion, simulating a golf swing. Feel a stretch at the trunk region. Repeat 10 times.

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 20–30 seconds. Do 2–3 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), rest your club on the small of your back. Bend backwards slowly. Hold for 2 seconds and return. Repeat 5–10 times.

Hamstring and Groin Stretches:

Improves ROM at the hips and groin, allowing for better movement during the golf swing. Starting with one side, stand in front of a bench holding the golf club as a cane to maintain balance. Place your heel on the bench seat with the standing leg straight. Keeping hips facing forward, point your toes back toward you, hold 20–30 seconds. Next, rotate your body toward the club side and feel a groin stretch. Hold 20–30 seconds. Alternate position and repeat 2–3 times.

Moon Physical Therapy, LLC

320 Ward Avenue, Suite 107, Honolulu, HI 96814

Aquatic, Land-based and Manual Therapy

Golf is a popular sports activity. Unlike most sports, it can be played throughout the golden years, if you can avoid injury and stay in shape. 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…
Transition to Care at Home

“The case manager was excellent in preparing us for the care that my mother needed. She went beyond the call of duty.”

“I want you to know how grateful we are and how wonderfully helpful, supportive and resourceful your social worker has been — above and beyond, and a tribute to you and the hospital.”

These notes of mahalo come from patients and family members who are thankful for quality care they received during what can be a very complex situation — hospital discharge and preparing for the tasks of at-home care.

Hospitals throughout Hawai‘i follow strict guidelines set forth by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and The Joint Commission, for training caregivers — with the goal of ensuring the patient’s safety and well being.

Last year, Consumer Reports Magazine rated Straub Clinic and Hospital as the safest hospital in Hawai‘i. Specifically noted were a low medical mortality, avoidance of infections and the state’s lowest surgical mortality rate.

Developing a culture of safety requires constant communication among physicians, nurses and everyone involved in the patient’s treatment team. From the moment a patient enters the hospital, a nurse assesses the patient’s support system, residence and daily activities. A hospital case manager also determines any special transition needs, based on individual diagnosis and recovery.

If a patient is incapable of or uncomfortable with administering their own necessary at-home care, the case manager will ask if a family member, friend or neighbor would be willing and available to serve as a caregiver.

If none are identified, the case manager will discuss home care visits or short-term placement in a nursing or rehab facility. The patient’s short-term and long-term options are evaluated based on finances, insurance coverage, available community resources and patient/family preference. Then, appropriate services are arranged to coordinate with the patient’s expected date of discharge.

At-home care support also includes classes and hands-on medication training set up around the patient and caregiver’s schedule. Written instructions and printed educational materials also are provided for patients and caregivers.

Communication continues with a review of all at-home arrangements at the time of discharge, and calls to both patient and caregiver within 48 hours, to answer any questions or concerns and make sure they both understand the importance of critical appointments and medications.

By communicating and working with patients’ and caregivers’ educational needs from admission through recuperation, we are able to better provide a safe environment for the patient, both at the hospital and at home.

Straub Clinic & Hospital
808-522-4000 | info@straubhealth.org
straubhealth.org

“The case manager was excellent in preparing us for the care that my mother needed. She went beyond the call of duty.” “I want you to know how grateful we are and how wonderfully helpful, supportive and resourceful your social worker has been — above and beyond, and a tribute to you and the hospital.”…
Prescriptions or Addiction?

The pharmaceutical abuser looks like you or me … They start running out of their meds. So now, they start going to the doc to get more and more…the doc cuts them off. Then they start visiting the ER, making up injuries … Now they become our problem as law enforcement.”— Keith Kamita, State of Hawai‘i Public Safety Division Narcotics Enforcement from a documentary film that focuses public attention on prescription drug addiction and polypharmacy in the senior population.

Since last year, prescription drug abuse was responsible for more than 475,000 emergency room visits and 32,329 deaths across America. Over the past 15 years in Hawai‘i, reported fatal drug overdoses in persons 60 and over increased nearly 400 percent; a large portion of these fatalities involved prescription drug abuse.

For seniors, a critical factor is “polypharmacy,” taking several medications simultaneously and drinking alcohol. Currently, about half of people over 65 take five or more medications per week. About 12 percent take 10 or more.

Combining alcohol with some agents for hypertension, type 2 diabetes and anxiety — drugs that are all metabolized in the liver — can be deadly. Patients and their doctors have to consider how drugs interact and how they will be taken.

Alan Johnson, CEO of Hina Mauka, Hawai‘i’s largest drug and alcohol treatment center, reports that this year, 16 percent of the center’s 1,500 adult patients are over 50. This increase mirrors a 35 percent increase in fatal drug poisonings among seniors. He added, “… they’re taking pain medication. The family doesn’t know what to do. Now [grandpa] has this huge addiction and he’s becoming manipulative, he’s in denial, he can’t be managed … That’s very difficult to treat when you’re at that age.” Johnson emphasizes that the longer anyone takes powerful painkillers and anti-anxiety medications, the more they need to get relief. So what are the possible solutions? Most addiction specialists agree that physicians need more training to spot addictive patterns of misuse, abuse and dependency, as well as underlying behavioral issues. Doctors then need to refer patients to therapeutic psychologists who can help them cope with underlying issues.

Through greater public awareness we may be able to get help for patients who become addicted, reduce the number of fatalities due to drug poisoning, now our number one cause of accidental death in America.

For a copy of Unprescribed — Prescription for Addiction (58-minute film), call: 808-599-6403 or email: studio@filmworkspacific.com.

“It is estimated that 2.1 million Americans are addicted to opioid pain killers which reflects the wide spread availability of these drugs. Heroin abuse in our country affects more than half a million Americans, and is driven by individuals switching from prescription opioids to heroin because it is cheaper and easier to access.”

— Nora D.Volkow, M.D., Director, National Institute for Drug Abuse, NIH

The pharmaceutical abuser looks like you or me … They start running out of their meds. So now, they start going to the doc to get more and more…the doc cuts them off. Then they start visiting the ER, making up injuries … Now they become our problem as law enforcement.”— Keith Kamita, State of…
Safe Use of Medications for the Elderly
With a growing older adult population and increasing number of prescriptions available, the potential for medication safety problems is expanding. As people age, they may be prescribed more than one medication. This increases the risk for drug interactions and side effects. Age-related changes in the kidneys, liver and central nervous system also put seniors at increased risk for medication side effects.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), adverse drug events result in over 700,000 visits to hospital emergency rooms each year. Many adverse drug events can be prevented. All persons taking warfarin, blood thinners, insulin or oral diabetes medications are at high risk for hospitalizations.

The wise use of medications can greatly benefit older adults by reducing unnecessary hospitalizations, preventing premature death, as well as maintaining independence.

Are over-the-counter medications safe?

Nonprescription medications are convenient and many of these products can temporarily relieve minor conditions such as headaches, cold symptoms and indigestion. However; each year, seniors are hospitalized from problems related to nonprescription medications. Seniors need to check with their doctor first if it is OK to take a nonprescription medication.

What factors put seniors at high risk for medication problems?

Living alone

Taking three or more medications

Memory problems

Prescriptions from multiple doctors

Filling prescriptions at multiple pharmacies

What safety tips are recommended for good medication management?

Carry a list of medications at all times

Bring all medications in a bag to every doctor visit

Inform the doctor of over-the-counter medications

Ask questions about the side effects

Avoid alcohol

Do not share medications with friends or family

Read prescription labels and follow directions

Report problems to the doctor

Use a pillbox to hold medication for the week

Dispose of medications that are expired or unwanted

For more information on properly disposing your unwanted drugs, call the State Narcotics Enforcement Division at 808-837-8470 and ask about the Hawai‘i Medication Take-Back Program. This program takes place about four times a year in various communities. Check online at www.dea.gov for a list of take-back locations. Also, you may read about it more in Generations Magazine’s 2014 April/May issue.
With a growing older adult population and increasing number of prescriptions available, the potential for medication safety problems is expanding. As people age, they may be prescribed more than one medication. This increases the risk for drug interactions and side effects. Age-related changes in the kidneys, liver and central nervous system also put seniors at…
Can You Save Your Vision?

My patients often ask: “Doctor, what can I do to save or preserve vision for myself and my family?”

Prevention: Wear sunglasses! Over time, sunlight damages the lens of the eye, causing cataracts. More Medicare dollars are spent for lens replacements than for any other kind of surgery. The average age for cataract surgery is 72. Sunglasses slow the development of cataracts, and that goes for kids, too. Prevention and treatment of visual problems in childhood results in improved vision throughout life. Don’t smoke. Smoking makes you four times more likely to develop cataracts. Exercise and a healthy diet are important, too.

Early Detection: Get regular eye exams! We seniors may develop disorders like age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and loss of reading vision. Vitamins and minerals found in some foods and NIH-approved dietary supplements may help Dry (without bleeding) AMD to some degree.

“Wet”(bleeding) AMD occurs in 15 percent of patients. Treatment calls for injections into the eye every four to six weeks — probably for life.

People with diabetes suffer bleeding and swelling of the retina, inside the eye. Anyone may develop glaucoma, or “hard eyeball disease,” which is treated with eye drops and lasers. The earlier you seek treatment the better. Getting checkups can help save your vision.

Hawaii Vision Clinic
1330 Ala Moana Blvd., Suite “One Poolside,” Honolulu
P 808-955-5951 | F 808-941-8646
office.personnel@malcolmingeyemd.com
www.malcolmingeyemd.com

My patients often ask: “Doctor, what can I do to save or preserve vision for myself and my family?” Prevention: Wear sunglasses! Over time, sunlight damages the lens of the eye, causing cataracts. More Medicare dollars are spent for lens replacements than for any other kind of surgery. The average age for cataract surgery is…
Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s is a progressive illness that involves the destruction of brain cells. In its earliest stages, symptoms include a decrease in short-term memory and forgetfulness, often accompanied by a diminished ability to find words. Emotional and personality changes in the early stages maAlzheimer’s is a progressive illness that involves the destruction of brain cells. In its earliest stages, symptoms include a decrease in short-term memory and forgetfulness, often accompanied by a diminished ability to find words. Emotional and personality changes in the early stages may include depression, anger and paranoia. As the disease progresses, the memory loss becomes severe and may be accompanied by marked disturbances in behavior and emotion; the ability to reason is lost. In its final stages, a person is unable to perform most tasks and requires total assistance with feeding, bathing and basic hygiene.

Twenty-six-thousand people have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in the state of Hawai‘i as of the year 2015. Alzheimer’s ranks as the sixth leading cause of death nationwide. Of the top 10 causes of death in America, it is the only one that cannot be prevented, cured or slowed. Almost two-thirds of Americans with Alzheimer’s disease are women. One in three seniors die with Alzheimer’s or another dementia. Payments for health care are estimated to reach $226 billion in 2015. If medical researchers cannot find a solution to the disease, Alzheimer’s is estimated to be the number one disease which will bankrupt the health care system.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or a related dementia, you are not alone. Go to www.alzheimernavigator.org to create a customized action plan and connect with local support services.

Alzheimer’s Association Aloha Chapter
24/7 Helpline: 1-800-272-3900
Informtion and Virtual Library: www.alz.org

Alzheimer’s is a progressive illness that involves the destruction of brain cells. In its earliest stages, symptoms include a decrease in short-term memory and forgetfulness, often accompanied by a diminished ability to find words. Emotional and personality changes in the early stages maAlzheimer’s is a progressive illness that involves the destruction of brain cells. In…
Meet Joan Packet at 94

She works on her health and fitness every day with Diane Cadinha.

Our friend Joanie Packer says she doesn’t worry about things she can’t do anything about — so she lives in the present, works at being as healthy as possible and tries to show appreciation to those around her.

At 94, how is your life different than when you first retired?

(left) Joan Packer at 49 yrs. and (right) at 94 yrs.

Joan: Back in Missouri, I used to rise at six a.m., spend my days teaching high school English and dream about a life of leisure when I could sleep late. But when I did retire, I was bored and depressed. In my 70s I moved from my farm to a condo in Waikiki. When I saw how physically fit and healthy everyone looked walking around Kapiolani park, I decided I wanted to be like that, too. Now, 28 years later, I exercise six days a week and I’m no longer bored and depressed.

Six days a week sounds like a lot. What kind of exercise classes are you taking?

Joan: It didn’t happen overnight. At age 77, I started an exercise plan. We began with tubing and light weights, and worked up to the stability ball and balance work to prevent falls. Strength training keeps my muscle mass and bone density, so I don’t get frail and weak. The better I feel, the more I want to try other classes like Pilates and Yoga. In class we all encourage each other.

Believe me, I am inherently lazy and do not really relish working out. So going to classes and having a trainer to ride herd on me and hold me accountable is important. I figure my health and independence are worth the effort.

What else you do to stay fit?

Joan: I think walking is really important. On the days I don’t walk to class, I walk around the park, the zoo and sometimes up Diamond Head Road. That 40- to 60-minute trek never fails to make me feel better than when I started out. Socializing is also healthy and fun. Two days a week, my group does tai chi in Kapiolani Park.

Besides exercise — do you have any other recommendations?

Joan: Food! I gave up my starchy Midwestern farm fare for fruits, vegetables, fish and poultry, soups and lentils. Now I crave healthy foods. I also recommend a positive mental outlook — that makes life fulfilling at any age.

Shaping Up Fitness Studios
Mililani and Downtown: 250 Ward Ave., Suite 206
808-221-3905 | shapingup@hawaii.rr.com
www.shapingup808.com

Our friend Joanie Packer says she doesn’t worry about things she can’t do anything about — so she lives in the present, works at being as healthy as possible and tries to show appreciation to those around her. At 94, how is your life different than when you first retired? Joan: Back in Missouri, I…
Metal-Free Biocompatible Restorations
Conservative Restoration

Dental toxicity can occur when materials placed in a patient’s mouth cause that person’s immune system to react and “reject” the restoration. Serum compatibility testing provides dentists with one way to help determine which materials will react in a test tube with a patient’s serum proteins. Today’s dental patients have the opportunity to select:

Highly aesthetic, tooth-colored fillings — created and placed during a single dental appointment, with no temporary crown.

Metal-free, bio-compatible materials for restorations that will not cause an allergic reaction with the body.

CEREC Restoration

The CEREC procedure was developed at Zurich University 25 years ago. The CEREC system uses restorative material and the conservative removal of dental enamel to restore the diseased tooth.

In the past crowns were made for teeth requiring removal of a lot of tooth structure. With the new materials, the dentist can preserve precious tooth enamel and effectively restore the tooth. Enamel is the only tissue in the body that once removed, will not regenerate.

Hawaii Center for Cosmetic & Laser Dentistry
808-526-0670 | www.smilepower.net
Dental toxicity can occur when materials placed in a patient’s mouth cause that person’s immune system to react and “reject” the restoration. Serum compatibility testing provides dentists with one way to help determine which materials will react in a test tube with a patient’s serum proteins. Today’s dental patients have the opportunity to select: Highly…
Total Knee Rehab and Recovery

The knee is the most often replaced joint in the body. Usually, total knee replacement (TKR) surgery is performed when people have knee damage and pain caused by osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or alignment problems in the leg that make walking or performing daily activities difficult. Successful recovery requires a considerable investment of time and energy in rehabilitation following surgery. A strict timetable of exercise, rest and medication is crucial to heal muscles and tendons. Your physical therapist can speed up your return to normal activity and help make your new knee better than the old one! A rehab program tailored to your specific needs may include land or aquatic range of-motion and muscle-strengthening exercises, activity-specific training, and body awareness with balance training. You may also receive manual therapy and pain modalities to minimize swelling, as well as a custom home exercise program. Prepare for surgery by losing weight. Staying active, even beyond your home exercise program, will help hasten your recovery — but activities should never be done to the point where they cause more pain. Follow your physical therapist’s instructions and take care to protect your new knee and your general health. These are ways you can contribute to the success of your total knee replacement.

Moon Physical Therapy,
320 Ward Avenue, Suite 107, Honolulu, HI 9681
Aquatic, Land-based and Manual Therapy and
Cardiopulmonary Rehab Programs
808-597-1005 | Moon Physical Therapy, www.moonpt.com

The knee is the most often replaced joint in the body. Usually, total knee replacement (TKR) surgery is performed when people have knee damage and pain caused by osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or alignment problems in the leg that make walking or performing daily activities difficult. Successful recovery requires a considerable investment of time and energy…
Smile! Rejuvenate Your Life!
Before

Nothing can start your day off better than seeing a beautiful, genuine smile in your mirror. Have you ever thought, “I don’t like my smile?” With today’s dental advancements you can significantly improve your smile.

You may consider smile rejuvenation if you have any of the following:

crooked teeth

missing teeth

misaligned teeth

stained teeth

gapped teeth

uneven length teeth

gums that are too noticeable

After

There are many ways to make your teeth straight, fill in gaps and improve their overall appearance. Orthodontics such as clear aligner therapy align teeth for health, function and beauty. Porcelain veneers can help to enhance your smile. You may have a tooth missing — a dental implant topped with a crown, may resolve that problem.

A person with a malocclusion or “bad bite,” prematurely wears down the teeth. Severe wear collapses the space between the chin and nose, creating a very aged facial appearance. Correcting the bite gives the patient an “instant face-lift”.

Whether you want to change the shape, color or alignment of your teeth, consult a dentist who specializes in smile rejuvenation to discuss the best option for you.
Nothing can start your day off better than seeing a beautiful, genuine smile in your mirror. Have you ever thought, “I don’t like my smile?” With today’s dental advancements you can significantly improve your smile. You may consider smile rejuvenation if you have any of the following: crooked teeth missing teeth misaligned teeth stained teeth…
High Intensity Training for Arthritic Relief

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 33 percent of adults 65 and older suffer from osteoarthritis (OA). Mayo Clinic reports that OA is the most common form of arthritis, when protective cartilage wears down, creating “wear-and- tear” pain, discomfort and fatigue.

Aquatic therapy is an effective treatment for OA, giving patients improved mobility, reduced pain and greater flexibility. You might think exercise at a high intensity level would exacerbate the pain. Not so. A recent groundbreaking study published in The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, demonstrated the benefits of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on an underwater treadmill. For six weeks, subjects with OA walked in water, against alternating high and low resistance. Training resulted in significantly less joint pain, improved balance, better mobility. Walking speed was nearly as fast as control subjects without arthritis. Aquatic exercise gave benefits and relief that individuals with OA would not be able to achieve on land.

A growing body of clinical research proves aquatic therapy for osteoarthritis may be more effective than alternative land-based exercise.

Moon Physical Therapy, LLC
320 Ward Avenue, Ste. 107, Honolulu, HI 96814
Aquatic, Land-based and Manual Therapy and
Cardiopulmonary Rehab Programs
808-597-1005 | www.moonpt.com

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 33 percent of adults 65 and older suffer from osteoarthritis (OA). Mayo Clinic reports that OA is the most common form of arthritis, when protective cartilage wears down, creating “wear-and- tear” pain, discomfort and fatigue. Aquatic therapy is an effective treatment for OA, giving…
Round ‘em Up!

O’ahu Seniors rehearse for an exhibition dance.

Line Dancing — it’s not just country, or confined to local Honky Tonk. Heck! Seniors are line dancing to all their favorite tunes!

A number of studies extoll the benefits of line dancing for seniors: low impact exercise that can improve cardio-vascular health, muscle tone and strength is one. I just learned that it also lowers risk of osteoporosis!

Dancing also exercises our minds. Learning new dance steps, patterns and musical rhythms keep our brains and attention sharp — to ward off dementia. It also provides essential social benefits: meeting new people, sharing common interests. We see dancing seniors building new confidence and self-expression. Line dancing is a wonder drug for seniors! And FUN!

West Maui Seniors have fun at Kaunoa Center.

On O‘ahu, Palama Settlement offers a variety of line dance programs for the first-timers and intermediate level dancers. Kick up your heels with us at Ward Warehouse on Tuesday nights. Many County Department of Parks and Recreation senior clubs have open classes. Our annual Senior Line Dance Round-up is O‘ahu June 4 and 5.

For more information about the Senior Line Dance Round-up or line dance classes and programs on all islands, call 808-228-0390 on O‘ahu, or email AlohaLinedancer@outlook.com.

The counties of Honolulu and Maui present
THE ANNUAL SENIOR LINE DANCE ROUND-UP
hosted by the West Oahu Line Dancers and
the Aloha Line Dancers Association
June 4–5, 2015
Ala Wai Golf Course Clubhouse, Waikiki
2 days of workshops, dancing and exhibitions.
Costs only $5 per person.

Line Dancing — it’s not just country, or confined to local Honky Tonk. Heck! Seniors are line dancing to all their favorite tunes! A number of studies extoll the benefits of line dancing for seniors: low impact exercise that can improve cardio-vascular health, muscle tone and strength is one. I just learned that it also…