Terry Shintani, MD, JD, MPH | Apr 1, 2016 | April - May 2016, Articles, Health
I grew up with cancer in my family. When I was six months old, my father was diagnosed with colon cancer and had the left side of his colon removed. In 1951, he had a permanent colostomy placed so that he could have bowel movements through the side of his abdomen. In...
Byron Yoshino, Pharm.D., Pharmacare Hawai‘i | Apr 1, 2016 | April - May 2016, Articles, Health
According to the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists, people 60 – 69 years old take nearly 14 prescriptions per year, and those 80 – 84 take an average of 18. While medications do help improve the quality of life for seniors, so do pharmacists. A pharmacist can...
Julie Moon, Physical Therapist | Apr 1, 2016 | April - May 2016, Articles, Health
Many confuse rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with osteoarthritis (OA), which stems from different causes and demands a separate therapeutic program. Unlike OA, RA is an autoimmune disorder that affects any age. Onset and loss of mobility may appear almost overnight. Sanchia...
Dr. Howard Tamashiro, Audiologist, Hearing Center of Hawai‘i | Apr 1, 2016 | April - May 2016, Articles, Health
Hearing loss is so gradual that many are not aware their hearing has deteriorated, due to medical conditions, ear infections, ear infections, illness, traumatic injury or prolonged exposure to noise. Hearing loss is not like listening with the volume turned down....
Tamilyn Masuda, Health Consultant | Apr 1, 2016 | April - May 2016, Articles, Health
Every health food store has products containing Noni, also called Indian mulberry. It grows throughout Southeast Asia, Australia and the Pacific Islands. Hawaiians used noni to heal a variety of health problems, like wrapping noni leaves around sore joints to relieve...
Alan Matsushima, Health and Wellness Consultant | Apr 1, 2016 | April - May 2016, Articles, Health
It is amazing that normal activities of the human body result in a loss of two to three quarts of water daily. This water needs to be replenished to maintain an optimum health profile. Just a two percent drop in body water can trigger fuzzy short-term memory, trouble...
Alan Matsushima, Health and Wellness Consultant | Feb 1, 2016 | Articles, February - March 2016, Health
There are many common misunderstandings about water, H20, the second most important resource our bodies need to function properly. Here are some common questions and misconceptions: Some say water is water. Most of us think that bottled, purified water is better for...
Terry Shintani, MD, JD, MPH | Feb 1, 2016 | Articles, February - March 2016, Health
Living longer is an important goal — but not if we can’t remember our friends, loved ones and even who we are. Long life is one of the reasons why Alzheimer’s disease (AD) can be so devastating. Here are three important things you can do to prevent Alzheimer’s...
Maile Kawamura, Executive Director, Arthritis Foundation | Feb 1, 2016 | Articles, February - March 2016, Health
Walking, a simple exercise that is good for nearly everyone, is one of the best forms of exercise for people with arthritis. Walking strengthens your heart, helps your lungs work more efficiently and helps maintain joint flexibility. For people with arthritis, joint...
Julie Moon, Physical Therapist | Dec 1, 2015 | Articles, December - January 2016, Health
Statistics show that a majority of U.S. patients who require an amputation are age 65 and older. Amputation will likely intensify feelings of dependency, depression and helplessness: I’m too old now to learn to live without a limb. Who cares anyway? Who knows how many...
Terry Shintani, MD, JD, MPH | Dec 1, 2015 | Articles, December - January 2016, Health
At the end of the year, we realize that another year is going by, and chronologically, we’re a year older. Can we stop that clock and reverse our biological aging this coming new year? The answer is easily “yes” if we make a new year’s resolution to do so and stick to...
Dennis T. Nagata, DDS | Oct 1, 2015 | Articles, Health, October - November 2015
Dropless Cataract Surgery is a new option for cataract patients that reduces the need for eye drops after surgery. Traditionally, after patients undergo cataract surgery they must adhere to a strict three- to four-week schedule that includes several types of drops....
Dennis T. Nagata, DDS | Oct 1, 2015 | Articles, Health, October - November 2015
Sleep apnea is a breathing disorder with frequent awakenings and breathing disruptions of 10 seconds or longer, that occur when the patient’s airway becomes blocked. Sleep apnea lowers blood-oxygen levels, puts a strain on the heart, and is associated with high blood...
Julie Moon, Physical Therapist | Oct 1, 2015 | Articles, Health, October - November 2015
Pain affects more Americans than diabetes, heart disease and cancer combined. The American Academy of Pain Management estimates that more than 100 million Americans suffer from chronic pain. Patients often explore multiple options for relief, but pain medication...
Diane Cadinha, Certified Personal Trainer | Oct 1, 2015 | Articles, Health, October - November 2015
When Wendell Murakawa retired from the Hawai‘i Department of Public Safety, he planned to “you know, take it easy, relax, hang out with my friends, drink, eat and enjoy life.” Then his doctor told him he had type 2 diabetes. “I knew I was overweight and began to watch...
Dr. Steve Blake, ScD | Oct 1, 2015 | Articles, Health, October - November 2015
If diet can affect our chances of getting diabetes and heart disease, what about Alzheimer’s disease? Medical studies indicate that we may lower our risk of Alzheimer’s disease simply by getting better nutrition. During the course of this dementia, half of the brain...
Generations Magazine Staff | Aug 1, 2015 | Articles, August - September 2015, Health
Being diagnosed with a “chronic” disease like arthritis or diabetes often comes as a shock. Changes sneak up on our bodies or slowly weaken our ability to do our chores or enjoy pastimes. We don’t want to hear that our “little problem” is the first sign of a terrible...
Generations Magazine Staff | Aug 1, 2015 | Articles, August - September 2015, Health
If your teeth are tight, you can floss and brush bacteria away. Loose teeth trap bacteria, allowing infection to flow into the blood stream, affect other organs and compromise overall health. Reasons for Loose Teeth Gum disease: The No. 1 reason people lose their...
Julie Moon, Physical Therapist | Aug 1, 2015 | Articles, August - September 2015, Health
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...
Aimee Harris | Aug 1, 2015 | Articles, August - September 2015, Health
The increasing longevity of our nation’s population contributes to the increasing burden of Alzheimer’s dementia on our society — especially caretakers. As a state, we face unique challenges due to our large number of kupuna and our geographic isolation. There are...
Cynthia Gaddy and Judy Suzuki, RN, Straub Clinic & Hospital | Jun 1, 2015 | Articles, Health, June - July 2015
“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...
Marc Cohen, co-writer of the film Unprescribed — Prescription for Addiction | Jun 1, 2015 | Articles, Health, June - July 2015
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...
Ritabelle Fernandes, MD | Jun 1, 2015 | Articles, Health, June - July 2015
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...
Malcolm R. Ing, MD, Chair of Ophthalmology, John A. Burns Medical School | Jun 1, 2015 | Articles, Health, June - July 2015
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...
Pamela Ah-Nee, Program Specialist, Alzheimer’s Association Aloha Chapter | Jun 1, 2015 | Articles, Health, June - July 2015
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...
Diane Cadinha, Certified Personal Trainer | Jun 1, 2015 | Articles, Health, June - July 2015
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...
Dennis T. Nagata, DDS | Jun 1, 2015 | Articles, Health, June - July 2015
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...
Julie Moon, Physical Therapist | Jun 1, 2015 | Articles, Health, June - July 2015
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...
Dennis T. Nagata, DDS | Apr 1, 2015 | April - May 2015, Articles, Health
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...
Julie Moon, Physical Therapist | Apr 1, 2015 | April - May 2015, Articles, Health
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...
Bev Braun, Round-Up Coordinator | Apr 1, 2015 | April - May 2015, Articles, Health
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...
Al Bayless, Outdoor Enthusiast | Apr 1, 2015 | April - May 2015, Articles, Health
Hiking is a great activity for seniors! I’m 72 and really enjoy it. Several of my fellow hikers are in their upper 70’s and are still going strong. One, at 83, still hikes five miles on the beach several times a week. Some people hike mainly for exercise and walk...
Generations Magazine Staff | Apr 1, 2015 | April - May 2015, Articles, Health
Constipation affects approximately 2 percent of the population in the US; the elderly are more commonly affected. Constipation refers to bowel movements that are infrequent or hard to pass. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), constipation is defined...
Jeffrey B. Sisemoore, JD, National Kidney Foundation of Hawaii | Feb 1, 2015 | Articles, February - March 2015, Health
You may have seen a report late last year explaining that Hawai‘i was the healthiest state in the nation. While good health is certainly good news, the story involved a summary of limited information, and did not reflect the current state of kidney disease in America....
Dennis T. Nagata, DDS | Feb 1, 2015 | Articles, February - March 2015, Health
Many patients today with missing teeth have opted for the All-on-4 treatment as a viable solution to permanently replace missing teeth. All-on-4 dental implants offer you many important advantages: A cost effective solution. Your new replacement teeth require only...
Ritabelle Fernandes, MD | Feb 1, 2015 | Articles, February - March 2015, Health
Dame Cicely Saunders (founder of the first modern hospice in London in 1968) summed up the hospice philosophy best when she told her patients:“You matter to the last moment of your life, and we will do all we can, not only to help you die peacefully, but to live until...
Violet E. Horvath, Director, Pacific Basin Rehabilitation Research and Training Center | Feb 1, 2015 | Articles, February - March 2015, Health
We’ve had lots of positive feedback on our first article about the Hawai‘i Neurotrauma Registry. In the last two years, we’ve given out information on neurotrauma injuries (stroke, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury) at 60 events and presentations to...
Julie Moon, Physical Therapist | Feb 1, 2015 | Articles, February - March 2015, Health
The letters “p” and “t” for physical therapy should NOT be confused with “pain” and “torture.” Unfortunately, many people will share their horror stories of how painful their experiences were. The old-school approach of “no pain, no gain” has been scientifically...
The Bone and Joint Center at Straub | Feb 1, 2015 | Articles, February - March 2015, Health
Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common forms of arthritis. About 27 million people in America have osteoarthritis. It is a chronic condition in which the material that cushions the joints, called cartilage, breaks down. This causes the bones to rub against each...
Julie Moon, Physical Therapist | Dec 1, 2014 | Articles, December - January 2015, Health
If starting a new exercise routine is part of your self-improvement plan this year, you may want to consider Ai Chi. Ai (meaning “love”) Chi (“breath/essence/ being”) is a graceful form of aquatic exercise that involves a series of movements performed in a slow,...
Ritabelle Fernandes, MD | Dec 1, 2014 | Articles, December - January 2015, Health
Periodontitis is a serious gum disease that damages soft tissue and destroys the bone that supports the teeth. Periodontitis is the primary cause of tooth loss in seniors, often leading to a need for dentures. It also increases a person’s risk for heart attack or...
Generations Magazine Staff | Nov 1, 2014 | Articles, December - January 2015, Health
Nearly 50 percent of Americans today suffer from the effects of disruptive snoring or sleep apnea. This very common condition causes you to stop breathing for 10 seconds or more, many times during the night. During these periods, your body compensates for lack of...
Generations Magazine Staff | Oct 1, 2014 | Articles, Health, October - November 2014
Emergencies and disasters can strike quickly without warning. You are especially vulnerable if you live alone, are confined to your home or forced to evacuate. Physical limitations put you at risk. The likelihood of recovery from an emergency tomorrow often depends on...
Valerie Chang, JD, Executive Director, Hawaii COPD Coalition | Oct 1, 2014 | Articles, Health, October - November 2014
How does it feel to have Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)? Pinch your nose and breath through a coffee straw. 46,015 Hawai‘i adults with COPD have this feeling every day. An equal number suffer, undiagnosed. November 19, 2015 is World COPD Day. It’s to...
Paul Enright, MD | Oct 1, 2014 | Articles, Health, October - November 2014
Patients getting used to supplemental oxygen for lung and heart problems sometimes worry whether they are getting enough. The only way to check oxygen “saturation” of the blood is with a blood test or by a new noninvasive technology called pulse oximetry. Pulse...
Julie Moon, Physical Therapist | Aug 1, 2014 | Articles, August - September 2014, Health
Many will experience some kind of lower back pain at some point in their lives. If a back injury has short-circuited your daily activities or regular workout routine, aqua therapy might be a good alternative during the healing...
Ritabelle Fernandes, MD | Aug 1, 2014 | Articles, August - September 2014, Health
Cataract is clouding of the lens in the eye that affects vision. It is extremely common among seniors. In a normal eye, light passes through the transparent lens to the retina. Once it reaches the retina, light is changed into nerve signals that...
Terry Shintani, MD, JD, MPH | Aug 1, 2014 | Articles, August - September 2014, Health
Aging is part of life and as time goes on, we all have to deal with its effects. But we don’t have to start falling apart as time goes on if we realize some simple concepts. The most fundamental concept is that all of life is energy. Every cell in your body is like a...
Ritabelle Fernandes, MD | Aug 1, 2014 | April - May 2014, Articles, Health
One in three adults in the U.S. has high blood pressure. Blood pressure is the force of the blood pushing against the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps blood. If pressure stays high over time it will damage the body. Hypertension is the persistent elevation of...
Julie Moon, Physical Therapist | Jun 1, 2014 | Articles, Health, June - July 2014
We have all heard the term “rotator cuff.” What is a rotator cuff? A group of four muscles: supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subscapularis and teres minor that connects the shoulder blade (scapula) to the arm bone (humerus). The rotator cuff tendons are key to a healthy...
Ritabelle Fernandes, MD | Jun 1, 2014 | Articles, Health, June - July 2014
Emphysema is a lung disease that makes it hard to breathe. Emphysema, along with chronic bronchitis are referred to as Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (COPD). COPD is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States. Smoking is the leading cause of emphysema....
Jeffrey B. Sisemoore, JD, National Kidney Foundation of Hawaii | Jun 1, 2014 | Articles, Health, June - July 2014
Celebrate a patriotic Fourth of July with kidney-friendly food. Sometimes people think that the world of food might be ruined if a diagnosis of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is made or dialysis is required. Nothing could be further from the truth. Care is needed to...
Teri Bruesehoff, CEO, HiHomeCare (The Hawaii Group subsidiary) | Apr 1, 2014 | April - May 2014, Articles, Health
In today’s information age we are inundated with material on what to eat and what not to eat. This can be confusing for seniors with changing dietary needs due to advancing age or illness. As we age, many changes to our bodies occur that can impact our nutritional...
Michael Reed Gach, Ph.D., Acupressure Therapy Author | Apr 1, 2014 | April - May 2014, Articles, Health
The Chinese call healing energy Qi — the life force, or vital energy, that flows through all things in the universe. In Japan, the life force is termed Ki, while yoga practitioners refer to the body’s life force as prana or pranic energy. These terms all relate to the...
Aimee Harris | Apr 1, 2014 | April - May 2014, Articles, Health
In 2010, the Hawai‘i Medication Take-Back Program and National Take-Back Initiative were both launched in Hawai‘i. These two separate “take-back” efforts collect, and safely dispose of, prescription medications from the public. During “take-back” events, the community...
Julie Moon, Physical Therapist | Apr 1, 2014 | April - May 2014, Articles, Health
More than 50 million Americans suffer from debilitating joint pain, making day-to-day living a challenge. As a result, many people choose not to undergo land-based rehabilitation, which is often times very painful. But without treatment, further joint damage,...
Diane Cadinha, Certified Personal Trainer | Apr 1, 2014 | April - May 2014, Articles, Health
It was just a year ago that Marion Iwane, 88, read a story in Generations Magazine about a senior in her 90s who started exercising at age 77. Inspired by the story, Marion decided to come in for help with balance, weakness and pain in her hips and shoulders. One...
Courtesy of the Executive Office on Aging - Department of Health | Apr 1, 2014 | April - May 2014, Articles, Health
Everyone has heard about the aging “tsumani”— that enormous collection of “Baby Boomers” who were born after World War II — and its huge impact on our Islands and society. Boomers are turning 65 in record numbers: every 10 seconds. That is 6 new seniors per minute,...
Jeffrey B. Sisemoore, JD, National Kidney Foundation of Hawaii | Apr 1, 2014 | April - May 2014, Articles, Health
One in seven adults in Hawai‘i has kidney disease. An additional one in three people are at risk for getting it, and most don’t know it. Kidney disease can be found and treated early to prevent more serious kidney disease and other complications. Three simple tests...
Julie Moon, Physical Therapist | Feb 1, 2014 | Articles, February - March 2014, Health
Cardiac rehabilitation, as defined by the American Heart Association, is a medically supervised program to help patients who have sustained a heart attack, undergone heart surgery (bypass) or those with identified risk factors (coronary artery disease or angina)....
Violet E. Horvath, Director, Pacific Basin Rehabilitation Research and Training Center | Feb 1, 2014 | Articles, February - March 2014, Health
We probably all know someone who has experienced a stroke, spinal cord injury, concussion or traumatic brain injury. You may be the one this has happened to. These are called neurotraumatic injuries. Whatever the cause — a fall, burst blood vessel, car accident,...
Generations Magazine | Feb 1, 2014 | Articles, February - March 2014, Health
Hearing loss is one of the most common conditions affecting older adults. Approxi mately 47 percent of adults 75 years of age or older have a hearing impairment. Men are more likely to experience hearing loss than women. It may be embarrassing and often leads to...
Jane Sakurada | Feb 1, 2014 | Articles, February - March 2014, Health
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...
Diane Cadinha, Certified Personal Trainer | Feb 1, 2014 | Articles, February - March 2014, Health
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...
Jeffrey B. Sisemoore, JD, National Kidney Foundation of Hawaii | Feb 1, 2014 | Articles, February - March 2014, Health
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...
Christopher Tortora M.D. of the Hawaiian Eye Center | Dec 1, 2013 | Articles, December - January 2014, Health
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...
Julie Moon, Physical Therapist | Dec 1, 2013 | Articles, December - January 2014, Health
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...
Jeffrey B. Sisemoore, JD, National Kidney Foundation of Hawaii | Dec 1, 2013 | Articles, December - January 2014, Health
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,...
Ritabelle Fernandes, MD | Dec 1, 2013 | Articles, December - January 2014, Health
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...
Ritabelle Fernandes, MD | Oct 1, 2013 | Articles, Health, October - November 2013
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...
Julie Moon, Physical Therapist | Oct 1, 2013 | Articles, Health, October - November 2013
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...
Dr. Tyrie Jenkins | Oct 1, 2013 | Articles, Health, October - November 2013
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...
Dean M. Yoshimoto, MPT, CKTP | Aug 1, 2013 | Articles, August - September 2013, Health
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...
Julie Moon, Physical Therapist | Aug 1, 2013 | Articles, August - September 2013, Health
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...
Wynn Okuda, DMD | Aug 1, 2013 | Articles, August - September 2013, Health
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...
Diane Cadinha, Certified Personal Trainer | Aug 1, 2013 | Articles, August - September 2013, 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,...
Ritabelle Fernandes, MD | Aug 1, 2013 | Articles, August - September 2013, Health
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...
Ritabelle Fernandes, MD | Jun 1, 2013 | Articles, Health, June - July 2013
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...
Wynn Okuda, DMD | Jun 1, 2013 | Articles, Health, June - July 2013
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...
Diane Cadinha, Certified Personal Trainer | Apr 1, 2013 | April - May 2013, Articles, Health
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...
Jeffrey B. Sisemoore, JD, National Kidney Foundation of Hawaii | Apr 1, 2013 | April - May 2013, Articles, Health
Some 26 million Americans suffer from Chronic Kidney Disease (CDK), but experts predict this number will rise due to high obesity rates (approximately one-third of all adults) and high blood pressure. Both of these are risk factors for CKD. The aging of baby boomers...
Ritabelle Fernandes, MD | Apr 1, 2013 | April - May 2013, Articles, Health
According to the U.S. 2010 Census, there were more than 2.7 million households with grandparents raising their grandchildren … and growing. As grandparents age, raising children can sometimes be challenging. Grandparents need to take care of themselves mentally,...
Wynn Okuda, DMD | Apr 1, 2013 | April - May 2013, Articles, Health
Periodontal or gum disease is an infection that affects the gums and bone. It starts with plaque, the sticky, colorless layer of bacteria that forms on your teeth. If not removed thoroughly each day, it hardens into tartar or calculus, which irritates the gums. Toxins...
Dean I. Kashiwabara, Physical Therapist | Apr 1, 2013 | April - May 2013, Articles, Health
No one likes to endure aches and pains during work or play, or, for that matter, completing routine day-to-day activities such as housecleaning and yard work. Even standing, walking and sitting for short periods of time can be agonizing for those with ongoing, chronic...
Generations Magazine Staff | Feb 1, 2013 | Articles, February - March 2013, Health
The Hawaii Medical Association named Dr. John Houk the 2012 Physician of the Year during an October award ceremony. Dr. Houk has been Medical Director for Arcadia Retirement Residence since 1991 and for 15 Craigside since 2011. The award recognized him for providing...
Tiffany M. Browne, Nightingale Case Management, Inc. | Feb 1, 2013 | Articles, February - March 2013, Health
“Arthritis” means “inflamed joints.” About 100 different types exist, and each has its own treatment. On top of this list are osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In medicine, the conventional treatments for any disease are provided under “clinical...
Ritabelle Fernandes, MD | Feb 1, 2013 | Articles, February - March 2013, Health
An estimated 6 million people in the United States have experienced gout at some point in their lives. Known as “the disease of kings and the king of diseases,” gout has been studied by physicians and has caused suffering in many people for centuries. Gout is a type...
Diane Cadinha, Certified Personal Trainer | Feb 1, 2013 | Articles, February - March 2013, Health
We all know exercise and staying active plays a big role on how we age, but a lot of us forget about the importance of stretching and staying flexible. Tight short muscles create muscle imbalances, which leads to loss of function and range of joint motion. Not to...
Wynn Okuda, DMD | Feb 1, 2013 | Articles, February - March 2013, Health
My teeth are yellow, chipping and make me look so old. What can be done to have my smile look younger and my teeth stronger? Are crowns or caps the only solution? These are the questions I hear often. As people get older they become concerned about their teeth looking...
Wynn Okuda, DMD | Dec 1, 2012 | Articles, December - January 2013, Health
Question: What are dental implants? What are the benefits and how do I know if I’m a good candidate? Answer: Dental implants are a replacement for the root of your missing tooth. Invented in Sweden, they have been a part of restorative dentistry for over 35 years!...
Gary Galiher, Attorney at Law | Dec 1, 2012 | Articles, December - January 2013, Health
A new data analysis indicates that the potential for asbestos exposure in Hawai‘i and the U.S. Pacific Islands could be significantly higher than previously thought. The finding is serious as the latency period between exposure and disease with asbestos can be up to...
Ritabelle Fernandes, MD | Dec 1, 2012 | Articles, December - January 2013, Health
Falls are the leading cause of injuries among seniors in Hawai‘i. The risk and frequency of falling increase with age. Every 5 hours a senior in Hawai‘i suffers a fall that results in the senior being hospitalized. One in three adults 65 years or older in the US...
American Stroke Association of Hawai’i | Dec 1, 2012 | Articles, December - January 2013, Health
The chance of having a stroke doubles for each decade of life after age 55 and are common among the elderly. In 2009, about 650 Hawai‘i residents died of a stroke, according to the state Department of Health. But here’s the good news: a stroke is largely preventable...
Michael Reed Gach, Ph.D., Acupressure Therapy Author | Dec 1, 2012 | Articles, December - January 2013, Health
Relief is in your hands. Here are points that can be used easily and quickly. The Sea of Vitality (B-23 and B-47) in the lower back, are super important healing points to counteract holiday stress, lower back pain, and health problems due to excess cold. Use these...
Diane Cadinha, Certified Personal Trainer | Oct 1, 2012 | Articles, Health, October - November 2012
Diane’s Kale, Bean & Roasted Vegetable Soup The fall season is here. What better time to prepare for flu season than with a hearty pot of immunity boosting soup. In order to keep your immune system strong, you need to eat a nutrient dense diet rich in antioxidants...
Gary Galiher, Attorney at Law | Oct 1, 2012 | Articles, Health, October - November 2012
New data indicates that the asbestos exposure in Hawai‘i and the Pacific Islands could be significantly higher than previously thought. The finding is serious, as the latency (delayed time period) between exposure and asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma...
Wynn Okuda, DMD | Oct 1, 2012 | Articles, Health, October - November 2012
QUESTION: My dentist says I have “root caries.” What are they, what causes it, and what can be done to treat it? ANSWER: Root caries, or root decay, are cavities that develop in root exposed areas. It looks like brown or black spots on the area near the gum line....
Ritabelle Fernandes, MD | Oct 1, 2012 | Articles, Health, October - November 2012
The flu shot is a vaccine that helps to prevent the flu, an illness caused by infection with the influenza virus. Viruses are very small germs that cause illnesses. Flu is a contagious disease, with symptoms such as fever, cough, headaches, body aches, sore throat and...
Michael Reed Gach, Ph.D., Acupressure Therapy Author | Aug 1, 2012 | Articles, August - September 2012, Health
Everybody suffers from stress from time to time, given the tremendous challenges, options and responsibilities in our busy lives. Stress depresses respiration and causes shallow breathing which can lead to irritability, frustration and fatigue. Many people turn to...
Ritabelle Fernandes, MD | Aug 1, 2012 | Articles, August - September 2012, Health
Cholesterol is a type of fat which occurs naturally in the body. It has both good and bad effects on the body. The body uses cholesterol to make hormones and to build and maintain nerve cells. However, when the body has too much cholesterol deposits of fat called...
