Category: Health

Are Your Medications Working?
It is sometimes difficult to be sure whether we, as seniors, are taking our multiple medications correctly. Help has arrived. If you have a Medicare drug plan and take medications for more than one chronic health condition — such as hypertension, diabetes or cardiac disease — you may be eligible for Medication Therapy Management (MTM) at no cost to you. Local pharmacists can review your medications and discuss any concerns. Contact your drug plan to see if your plan will cover MTM.

Get more benefit from the drugs you’re taking.

Know how to best take your medications.

Clear up any concerns about reactions, side effects, costs and insurance.

Whether you qualify for MTM or not, remember that each medication prescribed by your doctor is meant to serve a particular purpose, but when taken incorrectly, a drug can become ineffective or even dangerous. Problems often arise when no one has a clear record or understanding of all the medications you have been prescribed.

If you are prescribed drugs by more than one doctor, or visit more than one pharmacy, you will want to be sure that all of your doctors and pharmacists are aware of all your prescriptions. Be sure to include all herbal and nonprescription agents as well.

For more information, call Pharmacare Hawaii at 808-840-4123.
It is sometimes difficult to be sure whether we, as seniors, are taking our multiple medications correctly. Help has arrived. If you have a Medicare drug plan and take medications for more than one chronic health condition — such as hypertension, diabetes or cardiac disease — you may be eligible for Medication Therapy Management (MTM)…
Healthy New Year’s Resolutions
Every one of us, regardless of our age, can make plans and set goals. Each new year is a new beginning … a time to start fresh and hopefully get it right.

Write down what you would like to see happen in the year ahead. It’s a way to solidify your dreams and desires, and move into the new year with an upbeat, positive attitude.

The top New Year’s resolution is to lose weight and live a healthier lifestyle. We all start with good intentions and then seem to fall back into bad habits. Experts say it takes 21 days for a new activity to become a habit and six months for it to become part of our personality. It doesn’t happen over night, so be persistent and patient. Obsessing over the occasional slip won’t help you achieve your goal. Do the best you can each day and take one day at a time. The key is to start small and set realistic goals for yourself.

Here is a list of things you can start doing today to feel better and move toward a healthier lifestyle in 2014.

Start each day with a 8 oz. glass of water. Water has many benefits. It carries nutrients to our cells, flushes the kidneys, lubricates joints and prevents constipation. The goal is to work up to 1 to 2 liters a day.

Eat more fruits and vegetables. Start by adding a salad to your daily diet or making yourself a green smoothie. Fruits and vegetables protect your body from disease and help fight cancer cells. The goal is 3 to 5 servings a day.

Eat a handful (1 oz.) of raw nuts every day. Walnuts, macadamia nuts, almonds. Healthy proteins and fats are important for preserving muscle and brain function.

Move your joints every day. Moving helps keep and improve function. Start at your neck, look left to right and then up and down. Go to the shoulders, arms out to the side, palms up and make small to large circles from the shoulder joint. Go both directions. Same with the wrist. Work your way down the body.

Try not to sit for longer than 15 minutes. Sitting for long periods slows the metabolism and can raise insulin and cholesterol levels. Taking a 10-minute walk every 2 hours can improve your health dramatically.

Practice taking deep breaths. Breathe in through the nose and out the mouth. This clears the lungs of toxins, increases energy, calms the mind and allows you to think more clearly.

Educate yourself on staying healthy. For example, Dr Oz came out with an updated version of YOU: The Owners Manual. It contains a lot of great info on health and longevity.

Remember empowerment comes from doing!

Join Diane online at www.shapingup808.com,
or call 808-221-3905; email shapingup@hawaii.rr.com.
Every one of us, regardless of our age, can make plans and set goals. Each new year is a new beginning … a time to start fresh and hopefully get it right. Write down what you would like to see happen in the year ahead. It’s a way to solidify your dreams and desires, and…
The First Thing

At the National Kidney Foundation of Hawaii we are often asked about Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and what a person should do to find out how if he or she has the disease.

There is good reason for concern. According to recent research, the lifetime risk of having moderate kidney disease for Americans is nearly 60 percent. Moreover, CKD is often called a “silent killer” because people can have the disease without exhibiting any apparent symptoms until the disease is in late stages.

CKD is a disease in which the kidneys are unable to filter blood as well as they should. The effect is to have waste products build up in the body and lead to further health problems, including cardiovascular disease, among other things. The disease is usually irreversible and can lead to kidney failure over time if it is not treated. However, if CKD is detected early, treatment with medication and lifestyle changes may slow down the progress of the disease or even prevent kidney failure altogether. There is no cure for CKD, and the only treatment options for kidney failure are dialysis or a kidney transplant.

So what’s the first thing someone should do if they want to know whether they might have Chronic Kidney Disease? Since early stages of the disease do not typically involve symptoms that a person can “feel” perhaps the first thing to do is have yourself screened for CKD. Your personal physician can order a simple blood test and/or urinalysis that will provide good indications of your kidney health. You might also attend a free screening offered by the National Kidney Foundation of Hawaii, which is designed to provide basic information that might warrant a visit with your doctor. Also, you may want to visit www. kidneyhi.org about an upcoming screening currently scheduled for March 14 at the Ala Moana Hotel as part of World Kidney Week.

Screening is particularly important for people who have high blood pressure or diabetes, as these two conditions are the leading cause of CKD. Additionally, you may be at greater risk if members of your family have a history of kidney failure or if you are over the age of 60 (although CKD can strike people at any age). Certain ethnic groups have a higher incidence of CKD, including Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders, Asians, African Americans and Hispanics, although no ethnic group is immune.

First Thing: Learning the truth by getting a simple screening will enable you to make changes that just may save your life.

__________________________________

National Kidney Foundation of Hawai‘i
808-589-5976 | jeff@kidneyhi.org
www.kidneyhi.org | www.kidney.org

1 Epidemiology. 2007 July; 18(4): 501–506. doi: 10.1097/EDE.0b013e3180646338
2 AKA Framingham Offspring Study
3 http://www.kidney.org/news/monthly/phosphorus.cfm?homestatic=PhosphorusInfographic?homeslider=Phosphorus
4 Food and Nutrition Board, Institute

At the National Kidney Foundation of Hawaii we are often asked about Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and what a person should do to find out how if he or she has the disease. There is good reason for concern. According to recent research, the lifetime risk of having moderate kidney disease for Americans is nearly…
Cataracts: Serious But Treatable

Cataracts affect more than 24 million Americans, with nearly 115,000 of them right here in Hawai‘i. A cataract is when the normally clear lens of the eye starts to become cloudy, which blocks and distorts light necessary for the retina to process images.

The disease occurs naturally as we age, but some risk factors include exposure to ultraviolet light, diet, smoking, diabetes, use of some steroid medications and serious eye injuries. Cataracts usually worsen over time and can lead to blindness if left untreated.

Signs of cataracts include blurred vision, sensitivity to light, fading or yellowing of colors, poor night vision, sensitivity to glare and seeing a halo around bright lights. People at risk should get regular eye exams and be aware of the symptoms, especially if you are over the age of 40.

There are various methods available to correct cataracts, but the general procedure involves removing the clouded lens of the eye and replacing it with an artificial lens implant. Surgery is typically outpatient with very little pain or discomfort. Modern cataract surgery can often be upgraded to include vision correction to reduce dependence on glasses and contacts for those with vision impairments near, far and in between.

Hawaiian Eye Center
O‘ahu: 606 Kilani Ave., Wahiawa | 808-621-8448
Big Island: 1178-A Kinoole Street, Hilo | 808-969-1419
Toll Free 1-888-621-2020 | www.HawaiianEye.com

Cataracts affect more than 24 million Americans, with nearly 115,000 of them right here in Hawai‘i. A cataract is when the normally clear lens of the eye starts to become cloudy, which blocks and distorts light necessary for the retina to process images. The disease occurs naturally as we age, but some risk factors include…
Preventing Falls with Aquatic Exercises

One-third of the population over the age of 65 falls each year, and the risk increases proportionately with age. At 80 years, over half of seniors fall annually. Those who take a spill often develop a fear of falling. Fear gone unchecked may lead to limiting activities and loss of physical fitness, increasing risk of falling.

In these situations, it’s important to consider alternate interventions for the elderly — especially for those with joint pain and medical conditions that restrict land training. A recent study from University of California, San Francisco found that water exercises were more effective in improving balance than land exercises.
The buoyancy of the water helps patients stay upright and reduces their fear of falling. The water’s resistance allows patients more time to detect and correct postural errors that may lead to a fall. With aquatherapy, there is less chance for injury, and patients are able to push the limits with their balance, allowing for quicker carry over to functional, land-based activities.

The Endless Pool’s adjustable current offers a unique environment to challenge patients with speed, resistance and water depth, allowing them to advance to higher levels of stability and strength. Seniors are taught center of gravity control, postural strategies, gait exercises, strength, endurance and flexibility training.

Aquatherapy, with the Endless Pool, offers many benefits and should be seen as the modality of the future for fall prevention for the elderly.

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

One-third of the population over the age of 65 falls each year, and the risk increases proportionately with age. At 80 years, over half of seniors fall annually. Those who take a spill often develop a fear of falling. Fear gone unchecked may lead to limiting activities and loss of physical fitness, increasing risk of…
Healthy Food Tips for Your Kidney

Are you aware of the caution about drinking cola drinks? According to a 2007 study, “carbonated beverage consumption has been linked with diabetes, hypertension and kidney stones, all risk factors for chronic kidney disease (CKD). Cola beverages, in particular, contain phosphoric acid and have been associated with urinary changes that promote kidney stones.”(1) Drinking two or more colas per day was associated with increased risk of CKD.

Researchers are also learning that the issue may be more pervasive than carbonated beverages. The National Kidney Foundation recently reported that people who “consume a diet that is high in phosphorus could be doing damage to their heart, with or without pre-existing kidney disease.” The foundation reports that some studies link high amounts of phosphorus from food with increased phosphorus in the body, ultimately leading to cardiovascular disease(2) and kidney problems.(3)

Phosphorus is a mineral that is found in the body and aids in making strong bones, among other things. However, if too much phosphorus is consumed damage can result. The most common form of phosphorus in foods is an additive called “phosphate,” which can even be found in so-called “all natural” or “organic” foods and beverages.

It has been estimated that the average American adult needs only 700mg of phosphorus per day but is consuming at least twice this amount.(4) Phosphate can be found in some prepared boxed and frozen foods, many sliced breads, cereals, meats, dairy products and flavored drinks, among other items. Moreover, this form of phosphorus is nearly 100 percent absorbed by the body, unlike plant-based phosphorus like whole grains, dried beans, nuts and seeds, of which only 30 to 50 percent is absorbed.

People can control the amount of phosphorus they consume by reading food labels. Keep an eye out for the letters “PHOS” as part of an added ingredient when shopping for foods and beverages. The National Kidney Foundation recommends that people eat fresh, unprocessed foods. Also consider enjoying water with a twist of lemon rather than that cola or other carbonated drinks.

National Kidney Foundation of Hawai‘i
808-589-5976 | jeff@kidneyhi.org
www.kidneyhi.org | www.kidney.org

1 Epidemiology. 2007 July; 18(4): 501–506.doi: 10.1097/EDE.0b013e3180646338
2 AKA Framingham Offspring Study
3 http://www.kidney.org/news/monthly/phosphorus.cfm?homestatic=PhosphorusInfographic?homeslider=Phosphorus
4 Food and Nutrition Board, Institute

Are you aware of the caution about drinking cola drinks? According to a 2007 study, “carbonated beverage consumption has been linked with diabetes, hypertension and kidney stones, all risk factors for chronic kidney disease (CKD). Cola beverages, in particular, contain phosphoric acid and have been associated with urinary changes that promote kidney stones.”(1) Drinking two…
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…