Category: Health

Mind & Body: Sober Seniors
According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health conducted in 2012, nearly 41 percent of adults 65 years of age or older drink alcohol. Most of them don’t have a drinking problem, but some of them drink too much. Men are more likely than women to have problems with alcohol.

What are the effects of alcohol on aging?

Seniors are more sensitive to alcohol because they metabolize alcohol more slowly than younger people. As a result, alcohol stays in their bodies longer. Also, the amount of water in the body goes down with age, causing a higher percentage of alcohol in their blood than younger people after drinking the same amount of alcohol.

Aging lowers the body’s tolerance for alcohol. This means that older adults can experience the effects of alcohol, such as slurred speech and lack of coordination, more easily than when they were younger. A senior can develop problems with alcohol even though his or her drinking habits have not changed.

What are the health consequences?

Heavy drinking can damage the liver, the heart and the brain. It can increase the risk of developing certain cancers as well as damage muscles and bone. Drinking too much alcohol can worsen some health conditions such as diabetes, gout, hypertension, heart failure, liver problems and memory problems. Other health issues include mood disorders such as depression and anxiety.

Does alcohol interact with medications?

Many medications interact with alcohol, for example taking aspirin or other blood thinners and drinking alcohol may increase the risk of stomach bleed. Tylenol and alcohol can increase risk of liver damage. Mixing alcohol with some medicines can cause sleepiness, confusion, lack of coordination, nausea, vomiting or headaches.

How much is one alcoholic drink?

one 12-ounce can or bottle of regular beer, ale or wine cooler

one 8- or 9-ounce can or bottle of malt liquor

one 5-ounce glass of wine

one 1.5-ounce shot glass of hard liquor such as whiskey, gin, vodka or rum

Are there any benefits to drinking alcohol?

Studies have shown that light to moderate drinkers — men who have one or two drinks a day and women who have one-half or one drink a day — are less likely to develop or die of heart disease than people who drink more or not at all. Moderate amounts of alcohol raises the level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) also known as good cholesterol, which is associated with greater protection against heart disease. The risks of drinking must be considered along with the potential benefits. For example, as little as one drink a day can slightly raise the risk of breast cancer in some women, especially those who are past menopause or who have a family history of breast cancer.

How much alcohol is safe to drink?

Healthy seniors should not drink more than three drinks a day or a total of seven drinks a week. However, people can still have problems within these limits. Depending on their health and how alcohol affects them, seniors may need to drink less than these limits or not at all.

Do you need to stop drinking for better health?

For help and resources, please visit www.hawaiiislandrecovery.com/resources.
According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health conducted in 2012, nearly 41 percent of adults 65 years of age or older drink alcohol. Most of them don’t have a drinking problem, but some of them drink too much. Men are more likely than women to have problems with alcohol. What are the…
Caregiver Survival Tips
Caregivers often are so busy caring for others that they tend to neglect their own emotional, physical and spiritual health. Caregiver stress can be particularly damaging since it is a long-term challenge. Caregiving can be overwhelming at times and if this stress is left unchecked it can take a toll on a person’s health, relationships and state of mind. Caregiver burnout is a state of physical, emotional and mental exhaustion that may be accompanied by a change in attitude from positive and caring to negative and unconcerned. Burnout often occurs when caregivers don’t get the help they need or if they try to do more than they are able.

What Are the Symptoms of Caregiver Burnout?

Caregivers who are burned out may experience fatigue, stress, anxiety and depression, with the following included:

Withdrawal from friends and family

Loss of interest in activities previously enjoyed

Feeling irritable, hopeless and helpless

Changes in appetite and weight

Changes in sleep patterns

Getting sick more often

Feelings of wanting to hurt oneself

Emotional and physical exhaustion

Lack of energy

Difficulty concentrating

Unable to relax

What Causes Caregiver Burnout?

Some caregivers place unreasonable demands on themselves as they are unable to accept help from others, seeing caregiving as their exclusive responsibility. Caregivers are too busy providing care that they often neglect their own health. Many people are confused when thrust into the role of a caregiver, unable to separate it from previous roles such as spouse, child, etc. Caregivers who have unrealistic expectations get frustrated more easily. There may be a sense of lack of control over financial resources, planning and management of their loved one’s care. Many caregivers cannot recognize when they are suffering from burnout until it is too late.

Here are some caregiver survival tips:

Share your feelings with others

Set realistic goals

Plan ahead

Take one day at a time

Ask for and accept help

Learn about available resources

Develop contingency plans

Make your health a priority

Get enough rest and eat properly

Make time for leisure

Be good to yourself
Caregivers often are so busy caring for others that they tend to neglect their own emotional, physical and spiritual health. Caregiver stress can be particularly damaging since it is a long-term challenge. Caregiving can be overwhelming at times and if this stress is left unchecked it can take a toll on a person’s health, relationships…
The Benefits of Aquatherapy

Unlike “water aerobics,” aquatic therapy is a specialty of physical therapy performed in a warm-water pool to assist patients in healing. The effectiveness of an aquatic program rests largely on the physical properties of water, along with the skilled guidance of a qualified physical therapist.

The water’s buoyancy removes the stress and pressure on muscles and joints, which lowers pain levels and allows for greater range of motion during exercises. This safe, weight-free environment allows patients to exercise pain-free for longer periods. There is no other exercise that can provide this type of low-impact, calorie-burning environment.

The water’s viscosity assists weaker patients, while providing resistance for patients who are strong enough to increase their speed of body movements. Water makes muscles work harder than the same exercises on land.

The hydrostatic pressure (equilibrium) of the water decreases joint pain and soft tissue swelling at the injured sites.

The water’s warm temperature relaxes tight muscles and increases blood flow. Warm water allows patients to be comfortable and exercise as soon as they are immersed, foregoing the need for a lengthy warm-up period.

One of the biggest benefits of aquatherapy is the emotional boost patients get when they are able to do things in the water that they normally cannot do on land.

Aquatic therapy is a powerful, motivating choice for those who would like to break the cycle of chronic pain, increase strength or range of motion, improve balance and coordination, reduce stress and anxiety, and enhance feelings of well-being and confidence.

Buoyancy & Viscosity

Hydrostatic Pressure

Emotional Boost

Unlike “water aerobics,” aquatic therapy is a specialty of physical therapy performed in a warm-water pool to assist patients in healing. The effectiveness of an aquatic program rests largely on the physical properties of water, along with the skilled guidance of a qualified physical therapist. The water’s buoyancy removes the stress and pressure on muscles…
Cataract Corrections
What is a cataract?

The eye’s lens is mostly made up of water and protein, but as we age, some of that protein in the lens begins to clump together, resulting in cloudy patches of vision. This is called a cataract.

What does a cataract do to my vision?

As the cataract grows, vision worsens. Cataracts usually develop slowly and are painless, though the symptoms are troubling, and ultimately can lead to blindness if not removed.

When should you worry about cataracts?

Cataracts affect nearly 22 million Americans age 40 and older. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology more than half of all Americans have cataracts by age 80. Adults get cataracts usually due to aging, exposure to sunlight and can also be affected by smoking, improper nutrition, systemic diseases, injury to the eye or certain medications.

Symptoms include:

Blurred, foggy or cloudy vision; a sense of film over your eyes

Blues and greens seem faded

Difficulty reading small print

Double vision

Seeing halos around lights at night

Are there new ways to correct cataracts?

Laser cataract surgery is a simple and relatively painless procedure that is done on an out-patient basis. Cataract removal is the most frequently performed surgery in the U.S. and nine out of 10 patients who have cataract surgery regain between 20/20 and 20/40 vision. New bladeless, computer-controlled laser refractive cataract surgery, LenSx®, offers greater accuracy and precision than previous methods.

Jenkins Eye Care | 808-591-9911
615 Pi‘ikoi St. Suite 205, Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96814
www.jenkinseyecare.com | Twitter: @jenkinseyecare
Facebook.com/jenkinseyecare | YouTube: Jenkinseyecare
What is a cataract? The eye’s lens is mostly made up of water and protein, but as we age, some of that protein in the lens begins to clump together, resulting in cloudy patches of vision. This is called a cataract. What does a cataract do to my vision? As the cataract grows, vision worsens.…
Treating Shoulder Pain

What causes constant shoulder pain?

First off, seniors don’t have to live with pain. There are ways to treat your symptoms. Shoulder injuries are common and typically result from overuse, improper training and repetitive arm motions. The pain is often while participating in sports or during everyday activities like lifting grocery bags, or putting dishes away.

Pain results from a swollen tendon most commonly localized to the front or side of the shoulder, and down the side of the upper arm.

When should you seek professional treatment?

Acute (temporary) injuries may last up to two weeks. You should stretch, ice the area for approximately 10 to 15 minutes, and if approved by your physician, take an over-the-counter, non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory medication. If your symptoms persist or worsen, seek professional advice from a qualified physical therapist who specializes in shoulder injuries.

It is important to receive a medical assessment to diagnose shoulder impingement conditions, such as severe tendinitis, calcific tendinitis, acromial bone spurs and adhesive capsulitis (aka frozen shoulder). Proper diagnosis is key to recovery.

Seek out a physical therapist who works extensively with seniors and who uses a “hands on” approach. He/she should manually treat all injuries, perform mobilizations to the muscles and joints, and build individualized strengthening exercises to achieve maximal results.

Free 15 minute injury screening and/or phone consultation:
Yoshimoto Physical Therapy (Honolulu)
600 Kapiolani Blvd., Suite 208 at 525-5300
1029 Kapahulu Ave., Suite 401 at 218-7888
www.yoshimotophysicaltherapy.com

What causes constant shoulder pain? First off, seniors don’t have to live with pain. There are ways to treat your symptoms. Shoulder injuries are common and typically result from overuse, improper training and repetitive arm motions. The pain is often while participating in sports or during everyday activities like lifting grocery bags, or putting dishes…
Choosing a Physical Therapist

As the most vital member of your own health care team, it’s important for you to know how to choose the right physical therapist who can maximize your healthcare dollars.

Tips for choosing a physical therapist:

Freedom to Choose: You are not obligated to accept the therapist your physician recommends. Explore your options to ensure that you receive a great rehab experience.

Personal Therapist: Do not settle for anything less than a licensed therapist who specializes in the kind of care you need. Your therapist should be empathetic, understanding, encouraging and challenging. S/he should work one-on-one with you to develop an individualized program. Look for a physical therapist who utilizes manual therapy, a specialized field that uses hands-on techniques for faster recovery.

Clinical Setting: Bigger isn’t always better; individualized care is. No two facilities are the same, so evaluate the facility to see whether it has the equipment you need, such as a therapy pool, weight equipment or gait and balance equipment.

Consistency: While no clinic can guarantee that you’ll have the same therapist 100 percent of the time, it should strive for continuity of care. No one is more vested in your recovery than you. Expect value for services rendered. If the therapist is not providing hands-on care, you may not be receiving the best care possible. So seek out a stand-out physical therapist who goes above and beyond on your behalf.

Moon Physical Therapy, LLC
“Therapy that achieves RESULTS”
320 Ward Avenue, Suite 107; Honolulu, HI 96814
808-597-1005 | www.moonpt.com

As the most vital member of your own health care team, it’s important for you to know how to choose the right physical therapist who can maximize your healthcare dollars. Tips for choosing a physical therapist: Freedom to Choose: You are not obligated to accept the therapist your physician recommends. Explore your options to ensure…
A New & Innovative Dental Office

An innovative concept in dentistry has emerged in Kaimuki. This dental office focuses on patient comfort, relaxation, reduction of dental fear, and is paired with coordinated specialty treatment.

This practice is breaking the mold of the traditional dental office our parents grew up with. The office has both specialists and general dentists together in the same office. This facilitates the ideal communication and coordination of treatment between practitioners. The specialties currently offered are endodontics (root canals) and orthodontics (braces), along with general dentistry.

I created this office with the patient’s perspective in mind. Having a great fear of the dentist as a child, I decided that as a dentist I would find a way for patients to be more comfortable during treatment. In 2001 I created the Dental Day Spa of Hawaii. The Dental Day Spa of Hawaii’s second phase is The Specialty Group. This expands the pampered patient philosophy to a comprehensive dental approach.

Surprisingly, many patients are still fearful of the dentist, and go out of their way to avoid dental treatment. Patient relaxation is emphasized through many amenities, such as soothing massage during dental procedures by a licensed massage therapist. Aroma therapy is also used to calm fear and anxiety.

Patients can also watch movies at the dentist office. Imagine being able to enjoy your dental procedure with a movie and a massage. For more information on The Specialty Group office, visit www.ddsspecialty.com.

Wynn H. Okuda, DMD, Inc.
Cosmetic, Implant and Restorative Dentistry
3660 Waialae Ave., Suite 315, Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96816
808-734-1099 | www.cosmeticdentistryhawaii.com

An innovative concept in dentistry has emerged in Kaimuki. This dental office focuses on patient comfort, relaxation, reduction of dental fear, and is paired with coordinated specialty treatment. This practice is breaking the mold of the traditional dental office our parents grew up with. The office has both specialists and general dentists together in the…
Proper Hydration for Health

Staying hydrated everyday is the key to staying and feeling healthy. Our bodies have an intricate system of keeping fluids and electrolytes in balance. Due to changes in the body as we age, such as a decrease in total body water as well as a decreased sense of thirst, this regulation system may no longer function properly, making dehydration more common. Dehydration especially in the elderly can lead to hospitalization, infection, loss of cognitive function and even death if not treated immediately. Symptoms of dehydration include dry mouth, no urine or very concentrated (dark yellow color) sunken eyes, lethargy, low blood pressure, rapid heart rate and dry skin.

The requirement is 48–64 oz of fluid per day (almost 2 liters). For those who fear incontinence, consider things like undergarments or pelvic floor exercises. Don’t limit your intake because of it. Try to drink throughout the day (4 oz. Every 20 minutes).

Fluid may come from fruits and vegetables, or soups and smoothies. Alcohol and caffeine don’t count because they have a dehydrating effect and should be avoided or limited.

A good way to keep track of your intake is to get a 2–3 liter bottle to pour from so you can see how you drank by the end of each day. A pitcher of water with lemon, lime or orange slices, grapes and fresh mint is a nice refreshing drink. Remember, the more you drink the more water your body wants. Hydration is important to your health. Stay strong and drink up!

Join Diane online at www.shapingup808.com, or call 808-221-3905; email shapingup@hawaii.rr.com.

Staying hydrated everyday is the key to staying and feeling healthy. Our bodies have an intricate system of keeping fluids and electrolytes in balance. Due to changes in the body as we age, such as a decrease in total body water as well as a decreased sense of thirst, this regulation system may no longer…
Shingles
Shingles also known as Herpes Zoster causes a painful rash that usually is located on one side of the body. Shingles is caused by the varicellazoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. After a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus can enter the nervous system and lie dormant for years. Eventually it may reactivate and travel along nerve pathways to the skin causing shingles. Shingles tends to occur in seniors, especially during periods of low immunity or high stress.

Is it Contagious?

A person with shingles can pass the varicellazoster virus to anyone who isn’t immune to chickenpox. This usually occurs through direct contact with the open sores of the shingles rash. Once infected, the person will develop chickenpox, not shingles. Chickenpox can be dangerous for some groups of people such as pregnant women, newborn babies, and persons with weak immune systems.

What are the signs and symptoms of shingles?

Pain, burning, tingling and numbness

Fluid-filled tiny blisters that break open and crust

Itching

Headache, fatigue, fever are less common

What are the potential complications?

Post-herpetic neuralgia or pain that continues long after the blisters have cleared

Vision loss in or around the eyes

Inflammation of the brain (encephalitis), facial paralysis, hearing or balance problems

Skin infections

What treatment options are available?

Antiviral drugs such as Valcylovir (Valtrex), Famciclovir (Famvir) or Acyclovir (Zovirax) can speed up healing and reduce complications. To reduce the pain, anticonvulsants such as gabapentin or tricyclic antidepressants may be prescribed. Numbing agents such a lidocaine skin patch also reduce the pain.

How can a person prevent shingles?

The Food and Drug Administration has approved the use of the varicella-zoster vaccine (Zostavax) for adults age 50 and older. It is a one-time vaccination. In scientific studies, the vaccine reduces the risk of developing shingles by about 50 percent. It will reduce the course and severity of the disease as well as reduce the risk of post-herpetic neuralgia. Since the vaccine contains live virus it should not be given to people who have weakened immune systems.
Shingles also known as Herpes Zoster causes a painful rash that usually is located on one side of the body. Shingles is caused by the varicellazoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. After a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus can enter the nervous system and lie dormant for years. Eventually it may reactivate…
Heart Failure
Approximately 5.8 million people in the United States have heart failure. Heart failure is a very common condition in seniors and is also known as congestive health failure. This is a condition in which the heart can’t pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. In some cases, the heart can’t fill with enough blood (diastolic heart failure). In other cases, the heart can’t pump blood to the rest of the body with enough force (systolic heart failure). Some people have both problems. These are heart failure awareness:

How is heart failure diagnosed?

A physician usually diagnoses heart failure based on medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests. Most commonly ordered test is an echocardiography which uses sound waves to create a moving picture of the heart. The test shows the size and shape of the heart and how well the heart chambers and valves work.

How is heart failure treated?

Lifestyle changes can make a huge difference in controlling symptoms: limit fluid intake, low salt diet, weight loss (if obese), and smoking cessation. Water pills reduce the fluid build up and blood pressure pills reduce the heart’s workload. For severe heart failure cardiologist recommend an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) and/or pacemaker to prevent sudden cardiac death. Left ventricle assist device which pumps blood from the heart to the rest of the body has greatly improved quality of life in end-stage heart failure. Heart transplant is a last resort. There are newer experimental treatments on the horizon.

Signs and Symptoms:

Shortness of breath

Fatigue

Swelling in the ankles & feet

Weight gain (major sign and symptom)

Common Causes:

Coronary artery disease

Hypertension

Cardiomyopathy

Diabetes

Heart valve disease

Arrythmias

Congenital heart defects
Approximately 5.8 million people in the United States have heart failure. Heart failure is a very common condition in seniors and is also known as congestive health failure. This is a condition in which the heart can’t pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. In some cases, the heart can’t fill with enough blood…
Smiles for a Lifetime

Q: How can I ensure that my teeth and mouth stay healthy and strong for a lifetime?

A: Two words to remember for a healthy smile are, “Be Proactive”! There’s no magic dental wand, but follow this philosophy to help keep your teeth for a lifetime.

First, seeing your dentist and dental hygienist regularly is the key to optimal dental health. For most people this is every six months, for others more frequently. The dental exam may include assessments for oral cancer, root and tooth decay, gum disease and more. The hygienist will remove tartar build-up on teeth that may contribute to gum disease, the leading cause of tooth loss.

Next, be proactive with your home dental care. Brush and floss daily and effectively! Ask your dental professionals for instructions if needed. If a rinse is recommended, use it as prescribed.

Third, address dental problems on a timely basis. This will prevent more costly procedures and pain in the future. A good example is tooth decay. Although decay many start small, left untreated the pulp can become infected and require root canal therapy.

Furthermore, being proactive let’s you and your dentist plan for your dental future. For example, if you need dental implants but constantly put it off, it may become too late. Changes in supporting bone or medical health issues may mean implants are no longer an option. So, stay proactive—it will pay off through the years!

Wynn H. Okuda, DMD, Inc.

Cosmetic, Implant and Restorative Dentistry
3660 Waialae Ave., Suite 315, Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96816

808-734-1099 | www.cosmeticdentistryhawaii.com

Q: How can I ensure that my teeth and mouth stay healthy and strong for a lifetime? A: Two words to remember for a healthy smile are, “Be Proactive”! There’s no magic dental wand, but follow this philosophy to help keep your teeth for a lifetime. First, seeing your dentist and dental hygienist regularly is…
Stretching to Better Health: Part II

Last issue, Feb/Mar, I talked about the importance of stretching and staying flexible to maintain function. I focused on stretches for the lower body. In this issue, we’re going to look at some upper body stretches.

First, remember to warm your muscles up. You can do arm circles to warm the shoulder joint. Shoulder rolls help to warm up the shoulder girdle (upper back). Shrug your shoulders toward your ears, then roll them back bringing your shoulder blades together, then dropping them down to where you started. Repeat.

Other things to consider is getting enough magnesium, which helps in contraction and relaxation of muscle tissue. Staying hydrated and getting enough healthy oils daily help keep your muscles lubricated & supple for easier stretching.

Join Diane online at www.shapingup808.com, or call 808-221-3905; email shapingup@hawaii.rr.com.

Chest/Front of Shoulder Stretch: Reach back side-ways on the wall and lean in to feel a nice pull.
You can reach High, Med & Low for different chest fibers.

Rotator Cuff / Tricep Stretch:
Holding a band or towel vertically
behind the shoulders, pull up to stretch one side; pull down to stretch the other.

Side Shoulder Stretch:
Bring arm across chest, pull in toward your body, keeping your arm straight.To stretch the back of your shoulder, bring your arm up higher.

Forearm Stretches:
Bend over onto a chair, rotating the wrist outward. Lean back just enough to feel a pull. Rotate the wrist inward to stretch other side.

Lat Stretch (side of back):
Turn top arm in; grab doorway or pole; then pull back and lead with the spine keeping your back flat with butt out. Alternate side.

Spine-on-the-ball Stretch:
Opens the vertebrae, internal organs and arteries. (Without a ball, lay on the floor reaching arms out and feet away from center.)

Last issue, Feb/Mar, I talked about the importance of stretching and staying flexible to maintain function. I focused on stretches for the lower body. In this issue, we’re going to look at some upper body stretches. First, remember to warm your muscles up. You can do arm circles to warm the shoulder joint. Shoulder rolls…