Category: Health

Do You Take Your Vision for Granted?
By age 65, one-third of all Americans have a vision-impairing eye disease. However, poor sight doesn’t have to be a part of aging. By detecting and treating eye disease early through annual eye exams, seniors can preserve their sight.

In the U.S. there are four common eye diseases: glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and cataracts. As with any other health issue, it is better to catch these problems early, as there are often no warning signs.

During a comprehensive annual eye health check, your eye care professional will:

check eye pressure, as high eye pressure can be a risk factor for glaucoma

dilate your eyes to get a clear view of your retina and check for macular degeneration

evaluate the blood vessels of the retina to check for diabetic retinopathy

check for cataracts with a variety of tests

Cataracts rarely pose any real health concern for the eye. They can, however, interfere with your vision and affect quality of life. Traditional cataract implants only allow focus at one distance. Newer technologies include cataract implants such as the Crystalens that mimic a younger eye’s natural ability to focus at near and far.

Also, several advancements in dry eye treatment, including a tear osmolarity analyzer, have recently been released.

Dr. John Olkowski and Dr. Jon Etter of EyeSight Hawaii say that annual eye exams are a must for seniors, especially for diabetics who should have annual dilated eye exams to evaluate the retina closely. Both doctors are ophthalmologists with specialty in cornea and cataract surgery. EyeSight Hawaii’s office is current with the latest technologies and procedures, and prides itself in catering to senior patients.

EyeSight Hawaii, 650 Iwilei Road, Ste. 210. | 808-735-1935 or visit eyesighthawaii.com
By age 65, one-third of all Americans have a vision-impairing eye disease. However, poor sight doesn’t have to be a part of aging. By detecting and treating eye disease early through annual eye exams, seniors can preserve their sight. In the U.S. there are four common eye diseases: glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and cataracts.…
Your Mind & Body – Protect Your Athletes from Dementia
Watching your kids or grandchildren play hard in a team sport can be a lot of fun. It’s great to be involved and to be a source of encouragement. It’s equally important to keep them safe while playing high-contact sports and to know when they should take a break.

A study commissioned by the National Football League (NFL) found that former players ages 30 to 49 are diagnosed with memory-related disorders at a rate of 19 times the national average. Chronic traumatic encephalopathy is a progressive neurological disorder found in people who have suffered some kind of brain trauma. Dementia pugilistica is the progressive end-stage of the chronic traumatic encephalopathy. This is a type of dementia that may affect amateur or professional athletes who suffer concussions. In the past, it was commonly known as “punch drunk syndrome.”

Symptoms include:

Vary, depending on which part of the brain was damaged from the head injury

Problems with memory

Unsteady gait

Speech problems

Behavior and personality changes

Poor concentration

Why does this occur?

The cause of the brain injury is the cumulative effect of repetitive sub-concussive blows. Although the syndrome is not well understood, it’s believed that repetitive blows to the head can cause loss of neurons or brain cells, scarring of brain tissue, protein build up in the brain, damage to the cerebellum, damage to the blood vessels in the brain, senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles.

How is dementia pugilistica diagnosed?

Memory and neuropsychological testing performed in the physician’s office will clinically diagnose dementia pugilistica. A CT scan test may show bone fractures as well as the presence of hemorrhage, hematomas, contusions, brain tissue swelling or tumors. A MRI test helps to detect subtle changes in brain tissue.

Can athletes prevent this?

Parents and grandparents play an important role in encouraging children to use protective gear when playing contact sports. A Grade 1 concussion is always treated with rest and continued observation. The athlete should not return to play until he/she receives a medical clearance. And athletes should follow the coach’s advice for rest periods.

Athletes who return to play too soon after a concussion are at risk for second-impact syndrome, an often-fatal swelling of the brain caused by a second blow before the first is healed. Take collisions on the field seriously and seek medical attention.

Dr. Ritabelle Fernandes, MD, MPH, FACP is Clinical Associate Professor at the Geriatric Medicine Department of the John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawai‘i. She is board certified in Geriatric medicine, Hospice and Palliative Medicine, Internal Medicine and Home Care. She is a practicing physician at the Kokua Kalihi Valley and Kalihi-Palama Health Center.
Watching your kids or grandchildren play hard in a team sport can be a lot of fun. It’s great to be involved and to be a source of encouragement. It’s equally important to keep them safe while playing high-contact sports and to know when they should take a break. A study commissioned by the National…
Your Mind & Body
Signs of Stroke

Each year in the United States, there are more than 700,000 strokes. Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the country. A stroke is a medical emergency. It occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is reduced or interrupted. Nearly three-quarters of all strokes occur in people over the age of 65. It is the leading cause of long-term disabilities. African Americans have a higher death rate from stroke compared to any other ethnic group in the US.

Warning Signs of Stroke

Sudden weakness or numbness of face, arm, or leg

Sudden confusion, difficulty understanding or speaking

Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes

Sudden difficulty walking, balance loss, or coordination

Act fast, call 9-1-1

What is a mini stroke?

Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) is known as a mini stroke in which the signs and symptoms of stroke resolve within 24 hours. It happens when the blood flow to a part of the brain is temporarily reduced often by a blood clot, after a short time the blood flows again and the symptoms go away. A mini stroke is a warning sign, it means that a person is likely to have a stroke in the future.

How is stroke diagnosed?

The first test after a stroke is typically a CT scan of the brain. This test will help the doctor diagnose whether the stroke is ischemic (caused by a blot clot) or hemorrhagic (caused by a bleed). MRI may also be done to find out the amount of damage to the brain and help predict recovery. CT or MRI angiograms take a closer look at the circulation in the brain.

How is stroke treated?

Thrombolytic (clot-buster) drugs help reestablish blood flow to the brain by dissolving the clots, which are blocking the flow. To be effective, should be given as quickly as possible in the recommended 4.5 hour window. Aspirin or antiplatelet medication may be prescribed. Treatment of blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes is important.

What is stroke rehabilitation?

Most persons are disabled following a stroke. The types and degrees of disability that follow a stroke depend upon which area of the brain is damaged and how much is damaged. Recovery depends on rehabilitation with physical, occupational, and speech therapy. Rehabilitation helps stroke survivors relearn skills that are lost when part of the brain is damaged.

Is stroke preventable?

Studies show that 80% of stroke is preventable. It is important to control personal risk factors. Good control of blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes reduce the likelihood of getting a stroke. Eating right and exercise will also reduce a person’s risk. Eat five servings of fruits and vegetables daily. Quit smoking and drink alcohol in moderation.
Signs of Stroke Each year in the United States, there are more than 700,000 strokes. Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the country. A stroke is a medical emergency. It occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is reduced or interrupted. Nearly three-quarters of all strokes occur in people…
Acupressure Weight Loss Program
For Appetite Balancing, Eating Disorders, Food Cravings and Relieving Constipation

The Acupressure Weight Loss and body image program provides an easy daily routine to balance your metabolism, appetite, and body’s energy system. Dieting alone is not enough. By actually working on your body - through gentle stretches, deep breathing, and self-massage on the acupressure points - you can transform your metabolism, eating imbalances, and cravings.

How does it Work? I produced the Acupressure Weight Loss Audio Program that guides you to gently stretch and move your body, which stimulates acupressure weight loss points. The program consists of 12 weight loss techniques, which activate the most important parts of your body for balancing your appetite, digestion, and elimination. This weight loss and body image program offers an effective approach to losing weight using three natural modalities:

Deep Breathing Exercises relax and calm you, gathering healing energy for reducing stress and improving your digestion.

Movement Stretches stimulate circulation in your abdominal area, regulating your appetite.

Self-Acupressure on key digestive points, increase your body’s awareness, decrease your food cravings, and balance your appetite through self-massage.

Acupressure Weight Loss Points: One of these twelve techniques, for instance, presses an acupressure point in your lower abdomen, three finger widths below your belly button, to increase the strength and function of your intestines. This point (CV 6) alone can enable you to lose weight by stimulating your body’s energy to eliminate properly. This routine includes massaging key ear points for eating disorders.

By practicing this routine twice daily, you’ll have less stress, better appetite balance, and a greater sense of wellness.

Weight Loss Ear Points are illustrated in this e-audio program. Dieting alone is not enough as an effective weight-loss program. Focusing on a specific diet with less calories and more fiber is excellent for temporarily losing weight, but does not get at the causes of food addictions, obsessions, yearnings and carvings. People can lose weight on low-calorie diets, but they tend to gain it back.

The Role of Stress: Being under stress worsens eating disorders. This audio program reduces stress and is easy to practice. In less than a half-hour, practicing once or twice a day, these twelve weight loss techniques can transform your metabolism, appetite, and change your eating disorders.

How Acupressure Weight Loss Works: The postures, movements, and stretches in this program activate specific acupressure points to release the flow of healing energy through the Stomach and Spleen Meridians. This energy flow balances your appetite, digestive system, and compulsive urges to eat.

Acupressure Therapy is also effective for healing your body’s self-image and restoring trust in its awareness. The nature of giving yourself acupressure enables you to be more in touch with your body, and the messages it’s sending you. Acupressure points release tension, stress, and energy blockages, which cultivates greater awareness and a profound, natural wisdom for developing a natural intuition about when and what to eat.

For more information, self-healing books, CDs and DVDS, visit www.Acupressure.com
For Appetite Balancing, Eating Disorders, Food Cravings and Relieving Constipation The Acupressure Weight Loss and body image program provides an easy daily routine to balance your metabolism, appetite, and body’s energy system. Dieting alone is not enough. By actually working on your body - through gentle stretches, deep breathing, and self-massage on the acupressure points - you can transform…
When Good Drugs Go Bad
Help your drugs help you! Your medications only work as well as they are handled.

Where do you keep your medicines? Are they in different places — some in the medicine cabinet, some in the kitchen, and some in your car, purse or elsewhere? It’s important to keep track of your drugs so you know where they are when you need them.

Pharmacists encourage all of us to clean out our medicine cabinets once a year. Unused or expired drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and herbals can lose their strength and may be harmful to your health.

Five Safe Storage Tips:

Store containers in a cool, dry place. Your drugs may lose their potency before the expiration date if they are exposed to oxygen, heat, light or humidity. Don’t leave the cotton plug in the bottle. The cotton draws moisture into the container. Many people store their drugs in the bathroom. This is actually one of the worst places to keep medicine. Bathroom cabinets tend to be warm and humid.

Take inventory of all your medicines. Make sure that you’re familiar with the drugs and what they do. Talk to your pharmacist if you have any questions about your drugs.

Make sure that all drugs are clearly labeled and in their original containers, away from other substances that might be mistaken for them.

Keep drugs out of the reach of children. Keep them secure from teens, reducing the risk of misuse.

Throw away any drugs you no longer need. Do not share drugs with others.

Why Throw Drugs Away?

Part of taking drugs safely means not using them after their expiration date. Don’t take any chances with a medicine that no longer works the way it’s supposed to.

Throw away any drug you have not used in the past 12 months.

Throw away drugs no longer in their original container or that can no longer be identified.

Throw away medicines that have changed color, odor or taste, regardless of the expiration date. Throw away capsules or tablets that stick together, are harder or softer than normal, or are cracked  or chipped.

Check the expiration date for eye drops and eardrops, too. They may no longer be effective and, worse, could be a breeding ground for bacteria or fungus.

How Do I Throw Drugs Away?

When drugs are thrown away incorrectly, they can harm the environment, pets and/or children. Don’t flush old drugs down the toilet or pour them down a sink or drain.

Follow these easy steps before disposing drugs in the trash:

Pour the drug into a sealable plastic bag. If the drug is a solid (pill, liquid capsule, etc.), add water to dissolve it.

Add kitty litter, sawdust, coffee grounds (or any material that mixes with the drug and make it less appealing for pets and children to eat) to the plastic bag.

Seal the plastic bag and put it in the regular trash.

Remove and destroy all identifying personal information (prescription label) from all containers.

If you find a drug and you don’t remember what it is, or you have other drug-related questions, contact the Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222 (24-hours, toll-free, statewide).
Help your drugs help you! Your medications only work as well as they are handled. Where do you keep your medicines? Are they in different places — some in the medicine cabinet, some in the kitchen, and some in your car, purse or elsewhere? It’s important to keep track of your drugs so you know where they…
Your Mind & Body Diabetes: Are You Too Sweet?
Diabetes is a chronic disease characterized by high levels of blood sugar. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 25.8 million children and adults in the United States, or 8.3% of the population, have diabetes. Of this number, 7 million are undiagnosed. Among seniors, 10.9 million, or 26.9% of all persons over the age of 65, have diabetes. It affects both men and women alike.

TYPES OF DIABETES

Type 1 diabetes can occur at any age, but it is most often diagnosed in children, teens or young adults. This disease results from the body’s failure to produce insulin (a hormone that regulates carbohydrate and fat metabolism in the body) and requires the person to inject insulin. The exact cause is unknown.

Type 2 diabetes makes up majority of the diabetes cases. It occurs in adulthood, but teens are now being diagnosed with it because of high obesity rates. It results from insulin resistance, a condition in which the body’s cells fail to use insulin properly.

COMMON SYMPTOMS OF DIABETES:

Frequent urination

Sudden weight loss

Unusual thirst

Increased hunger

Blurred vision

Wounds that are difficult to heal

Frequent infections

Tingling or numbness of hands and feet

How is diabetes diagnosed?

Blood testing of fasting blood glucose, oral glucose tolerance test or Hemoglobin A1 test is use to diagnose diabetes. A fasting blood glucose of 126 or higher is indicative of diabetes.

Are lifestyle modifications effective?

Lifestyle modifications, such as a healthy diet and exercise regimen, can be a very effective way to keep diabetes in control. Multiple small changes can lead to improvements in diabetes control, including a decreased need for medication.

The food wheel for diabetes information

The Plate Method encourages persons to eat their meals filling ½ their plate with fruits and vegetables, ¼ carbohydrates (starch) and ¼ lean protein.

What are the complications of diabetes?

Long-term complications include heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, neuropathy, eye diseases and peripheral vascular disease. These complications can seriously affect the quality of life of persons with diabetes.

How can a person prevent complications from diabetes?

Improved blood sugar control can slow the progression of long-term complications. Good control of blood pressure and cholesterol is needed. Any medications the physician prescribes to control these conditions need to be taken consistently. Take an aspirin once a day. Seek out dental care at the first sign of infection or other dental issues. Brush and floss daily. Check feet regularly and wear good footwear. Yearly eye exam to check vision is recommended. Reduce stress as much as possible. Quitting smoking is the best decision a person can make to improve their health.
Diabetes is a chronic disease characterized by high levels of blood sugar. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 25.8 million children and adults in the United States, or 8.3% of the population, have diabetes. Of this number, 7 million are undiagnosed. Among seniors, 10.9 million, or 26.9% of all persons over the…
Your Mind & Body: Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic disease characterized by high levels of blood sugar. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 25.8 million children and adults in the United States, or 8.3% of the population, have diabetes. Of this number, 7 million are undiagnosed. Among seniors, 10.9 million, or 26.9% of all persons over the age of 65, have diabetes. It affects both men and women alike.

TYPES OF DIABETES

Type 1 diabetes can occur at any age, but it is most often diagnosed in children, teens or young adults. This disease results from the body’s failure to produce insulin (a hormone that regulates carbohydrate and fat metabolism in the body) and requires the person to inject insulin. The exact cause is unknown.

Type 2 diabetes makes up majority of the diabetes cases. It occurs in adulthood, but teens are now being diagnosed with it because of high obesity rates. It results from insulin resistance, a condition in which the body’s cells fail to use insulin properly.

COMMON SYMPTOMS OF DIABETES:

● Frequent urination
● Sudden weight loss
● Unusual thirst
● Increased hunger
● Blurred vision
● Wounds that are difficult to heal
● Frequent infections
● Tingling or numbness of hands and feet

HOW IS DIABETES DIAGNOSED?

Blood testing of fasting blood glucose, oral glucose tolerance test or Hemoglobin A1 test is use to diagnose diabetes. A fasting blood glucose of 126 or higher is indicative of diabetes.

ARE LIFESTYLE MODIFICATIONS EFFECTIVE?

Lifestyle modifications, such as a healthy diet and exercise regimen, can be a very effective way to keep diabetes in control. Multiple small changes can lead to improvements in diabetes control,  including a decreased need for medication.

The Plate Method encourages persons to eat their meals filling ½ their plate with fruits and vegetables, ¼ carbohydrates (starch) and ¼ lean protein.

WHAT ARE THE COMPLICATIONS OF DIABETES?

Long-term complications include heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, neuropathy, eye diseases and peripheral vascular disease. These complications can seriously affect the quality of life of persons with diabetes.

HOW CAN A PERSON PREVENT COMPLICATIONS FROM DIABETES?

Improved blood sugar control can slow the progression of long-term complications. Good control of blood pressure and cholesterol is needed. Any medications the physician prescribes to control these conditions need to be taken consistently. Take an aspirin once a day. Seek out dental care at the first sign of infection or other dental issues. Brush and floss daily. Check feet regularly and wear good footwear. Yearly eye exam to check vision is recommended. Reduce stress as much as possible. Quitting smoking is the best decision a person can make to improve their health.

Diabetes: Are You Too Sweet? by Dr. Ritabelle Fernandes, MD from the December-January 2012 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
Diabetes: Are You Too Sweet?
Diabetes is a chronic disease characterized by high levels of blood sugar. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 25.8 million children and adults in the United States, or 8.3% of the population, have diabetes. Of this number, 7 million are undiagnosed. Among seniors, 10.9 million, or 26.9% of all persons over the age of 65, have diabetes. It affects both men and women alike.

Types of Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes can occur at any age, but it is most often diagnosed in children, teens or young adults. This disease results from the body’s failure to produce insulin (a hormone that regulates carbohydrate and fat metabolism in the body) and requires the person to inject insulin. The exact cause is unknown.

Type 2 diabetes makes up majority of the diabetes cases. It occurs in adulthood, but teens are now being diagnosed with it because of high obesity rates. It results from insulin resistance, a condition in which the body’s cells fail to use insulin properly.

Common symptoms of diabetes:

Frequent urination

Sudden weight loss

Unusual thirst

Increased hunger

Blurred vision

Wounds that are difficult to heal

Frequent infections

Tingling or numbness of hands and feet

How is diabetes diagnosed?

Blood testing of fasting blood glucose, oral glucose tolerance test or Hemoglobin A1 test is use to diagnose diabetes. A fasting blood glucose of 126 or higher is indicative of diabetes.

Are lifestyle modifications effective?

The Plate Method

Lifestyle modifications, such as a healthy diet and exercise regimen, can be a very effective way to keep diabetes in control. Multiple small changes can lead to improvements in diabetes control,  including a decreased need for medication.

The Plate Method encourages persons to eat their meals filling ½ their plate with fruits and vegetables, ¼ carbohydrates (starch) and ¼ lean protein.

What are the complications of diabetes?

Long-term complications include heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, neuropathy, eye diseases and peripheral vascular disease. These complications can seriously affect the quality of life of persons with diabetes.

How can a person prevent complications from diabetes?

Improved blood sugar control can slow the progression of long-term complications. Good control of blood pressure and cholesterol is needed. Any medications the physician prescribes to control these conditions need to be taken consistently. Take an aspirin once a day. Seek out dental care at the first sign of infection or other dental issues. Brush and floss daily. Check feet regularly and wear good footwear. Yearly eye exam to check vision is recommended. Reduce stress as much as possible. Quitting smoking is the best decision a person can make to improve their health.
Diabetes is a chronic disease characterized by high levels of blood sugar. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 25.8 million children and adults in the United States, or 8.3% of the population, have diabetes. Of this number, 7 million are undiagnosed. Among seniors, 10.9 million, or 26.9% of all persons over the…
AARP: Saving Money on Prescriptions – Ask for Generic Drugs
Usually when a doctor prescribes a medication during an appointment, we take the prescription slip and head for the door. But a savings-savvy patient will pause and ask, Is there a generic version? This simple question may save you hundreds, even thousands, of dollars a year.

Take Zocor, a popular drug that treats high cholesterol, for example. According to the Consumer Reports Best Buy Drug report at www.aarp.org/drugsavings, an average monthly cost for 10 mg of Zocor is $106. But, Simvastatin, the generic version of Zocor, costs only $36, saving you $70!

Even if you have health insurance with drug coverage, generics can save you money. A generic drug has the same active ingredients as the brand-name version and works just as well for nearly all patients. A generic drug can look different from its brand-name counterpart, but the Food and Drug Administration will only approve generic drugs that have the same strength, effectiveness and quality as their brand-name equivalents.

Here are some tips to take advantage of lower cost generics:

For a new prescription:

Ask your doctor if there is a generic drug option.

Request that your doctor writes, “dispense generic” on your prescription.

Double-check with your pharmacist that you have received the generic drug when you get your prescription filled.

Keep an updated list of your medications so your doctor can check for interactions. If you do not have a medication list, download a form from www.aarp.org/medicationrecord and start yours today.

For an existing prescription:

Visit the Drug Savings Tool at www.aarp.org/drugsavings to find information about the safety, effectiveness and price of your prescription drugs, directly from the Consumer Reports Health Best Buy Drug database.

If you have Medicare, use the Doughnut Hole Calculator at www.aarp.org/doughnuthole to learn how to avoid the coverage gap, or doughnut hole, where you have to pay all your prescription costs. Print a letter and give it to you doctor for each medi-cation option that may save you money. Also, because of the Affordable Care Act, Medicare Part D recipients who reach the coverage gap will now get a 50 percent discount on brand-name prescription drugs and a 7 percent discount on the lower cost generic medications.

Be on the lookout for more generic drug choices. Over the next 14 months, seven of the 20 best-selling drugs, such as cholesterol medication Lipitor, and blood thinner Plavix, will have generics for the first time. Be ready to discuss your options with your doctor.
Usually when a doctor prescribes a medication during an appointment, we take the prescription slip and head for the door. But a savings-savvy patient will pause and ask, Is there a generic version? This simple question may save you hundreds, even thousands, of dollars a year. Take Zocor, a popular drug that treats high cholesterol,…
Your Mind & Body: Prostrate Problems
The prostate is a walnut-sized gland that forms part of the male reproductive system. The prostate is located just below the bladder, where urine is stored. The prostate also surrounds the urethra, the canal through which urine passes out of the body. It is common for the prostate gland to become enlarged as a man ages. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. It affects more than 50% of the men over age 60. Testosterone and other hormones may play a role.

Common symptoms of BPH:

Weak urinary stream

Urgency to urinate

Leaking or dribbling of urine

More frequent urination, especially at night

How is BPH diagnosed?

Often it is the symptoms that lend to the diagnosis of BPH. A routine check up that includes a digital rectal examination may reveal BPH. To rule our cancer, a prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test might be done. Other tests include urine flow study, rectal ultrasound, cystoscopy and/or biopsy.

Are lifestyle modifications effective?

Decreasing fluid intake before bedtime, moderate alcohol consumption, reducing caffeine intake, and timed toileting may help. Do not urinate in a rush; try to relax while using the bathroom. Avoid medications with anti-cholinergic effects such a Benadryl that can make symptoms worse.

What herbal remedies are available?

The best-studied herbal remedy is Saw Palmetto, which is an extract of the fruit of Serenoa repens. Also, Serenoa repens may provide mild to moderate improvement in urinary symptoms and flow measures. Beta-sitosterol is another herbal remedy that may be effective.

What is the treatment for BPH?

BPH cannot be cured. The focus of treatment is on improving the symptoms. Many medications are available such as Flomax, Uroxatral, Hytrin or Cardura. Common side effects are lightheadedness and headaches. Proscar and Avodart belong to another class of medications that gradually reduce the size of the prostate gland over months.

When is surgery indicated?

If symptoms are bothersome and affect a person’s quality of life, then a surgery called Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) is indicated. Other alternatives include laser and Transurethral Microwave Therapy (TUMT), which are less invasive and may be performed in the physician’s office.

Send in your requests of medical topics for Dr. Ritabelle to write about in future issues to Percy Ihara.
The prostate is a walnut-sized gland that forms part of the male reproductive system. The prostate is located just below the bladder, where urine is stored. The prostate also surrounds the urethra, the canal through which urine passes out of the body. It is common for the prostate gland to become enlarged as a man…
Osteoarthritis
Arthritis is inflammation of one or more joints. Osteoarthritis is the commonest form of arthritis. It is also known as degenerative joint disease. According to the Arthritis Foundation, this chronic disease affects more than 27 million Americans. More than half the seniors over age 65 have evidence of osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis occurs when the joint cartilage breaks down over time. It most commonly affects joints of the hands, hips, knees, lower back and neck.

Risk factors for osteoarthritis

Previous joint injuries

Older age

Female gender

Bone deformities

Occupations with repetitive stress on a particular joint

Common symptoms of arthritis

Joint pain

Joint stiffness

Swelling

Loss of flexibility

Grating sensation

How is osteoarthritis diagnosed?

X-ray imaging of affected joints may reveal narrowing of the joint space, which indicates that the cartilage is worn out. Bone spurs may be seen around the joint.

What lifestyle modifications are recommended?

Maintaining function and preventing disability is key to living well with arthritis. Exercise is important to preserve joint function and improve flexibility. Yoga and Tai Chi offer gentle exercises that help balance, posture and flexibility. Physical therapy is useful to strengthen the muscles around the joints and increase range of motion. Weight loss is recommended for persons who are overweight as it reduces the stress on weight bearing joints. Assistive devices such as canes or walkers prevent falls.

How is osteoarthritis treated?

There is no cure for osteoarthritis. Tylenol, Ibuprofen and other pain relievers reduce joint pain and maintain joint movement. For severe pain narcotics are often prescribed. Injections of steroid or hyaluronic acid into the joint may provide pain relief for longer periods. Studies on glucosamine and chondroitin have show mixed results. Both heat and cold packs can relieve pain in the joints. There are many over-the-counter creams for temporary relief of arthritis pain.

When is surgery needed?

Sometimes joint pain is so severe that it affects a person’s daily activities. Joint replacement is considered as a treatment when severe joint pain or dysfunction is not relieved by less invasive therapies. Joint replacement surgery involves removing the damaged surfaces of the joints and replacing them with metal prosthesis. The surgery is usually done by an orthopedic surgeon. Hip and knee joints are the commonly replaced joints and can last for 15 to 20 years depending upon use. Following joint replacement surgery, seniors are able to enjoy an active, pain-free lifestyle.
Arthritis is inflammation of one or more joints. Osteoarthritis is the commonest form of arthritis. It is also known as degenerative joint disease. According to the Arthritis Foundation, this chronic disease affects more than 27 million Americans. More than half the seniors over age 65 have evidence of osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis occurs when the joint cartilage…
Never Too Old for Sex-Ed
Worrying about aging wasn’t a concern for anyone with AIDS in 1981, when the CDC reported the first five cases. In those days before any treatments were available, many who contracted the disease died within a few months.

Now, in 2011, older adults increasingly risk contracting HIV, and with 30 years of progress in research and treatment, most people with HIV/AIDS now live for many years after diagnosis and deal with aging concerns as well.

Older adults who are at risk of contracting HIV are those sexually active well into their 70s and 80s, and some use alcohol or drugs. Elders don’t worry about birth control, and often believe they won’t get sexually transmitted diseases, so they usually don’t take precautions to protect themselves from infection.

AIDS patients often experience health conditions common in older adults. Here, the author prepares for radiation treatment for throat cancer at Queen’s Medical Center.

HIV prevention messages are not targeted toward older adults, and many doctors don’t think (or are too embarrassed) to ask about sexual activity in their older patients.

The symptoms of HIV disease may appear differently in older adults, or may be mistaken for other age-related conditions, so detection and treatment are often delayed. While the majority of those with HIV/AIDS today are under age 50, the trend is clear: 30 years of AIDS requires greater awareness to protect older adults.

In Hawai‘i, more older adults, women and members of the Hawaiian and Asian-American communities are now contracting HIV than in the early years of the epidemic. The Life Foundation recently reported that a 60-year-old woman tested HIV-positive.

According to the U.S. Administration on Aging, in 2005, people over age 50 accounted for:

15 percent of new HIV/AIDS cases

24 percent of people living with HIV/AIDS

35 percent of all deaths of people with AIDS

These numbers are growing; more people now living with HIV/AIDS will experience health problems relating to both aging and HIV disease.

The Hawai‘i HIV/AIDS and Aging Coalition will bring greater public attention to this issue by observing National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day on September 18. The Coalition will also have a booth at the Blaisdell Senior Fair (Ewa Tabletop C) on September 23-25 to share information and resources with the community.

For more information:

National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day: www.theaidsinstitute.org/programs/education/national-hivaids-and-aging-awareness-nhaaa

The Body: AIDS and Aging information www.thebody.com/index/whatis/older.html

O‘ahu: Life Foundation 521-2437, www.lifefoundation.org

Hawai‘i: Hawai’i Island HIV/AIDS Foundation 331-8177 (Kona), 982-8800 (Hilo), www.hihaf.org

Maui: Maui AIDS Foundation 242-4900, www.mauiaids.org

Kaua‘i: Malama Pono 246-9577, www.malama-pono.org
Worrying about aging wasn’t a concern for anyone with AIDS in 1981, when the CDC reported the first five cases. In those days before any treatments were available, many who contracted the disease died within a few months. Now, in 2011, older adults increasingly risk contracting HIV, and with 30 years of progress in research…