Category: Health

Wisdom of the Serving Spoon

Eating together is good. Read “Eating Together” (www.generations808.com/eatingtogether) in our last issue. But Generations overlooked something in that article. One of the photos used to illustrate the article about Hawaii Food Bank programs shows a family sharing food, with members dipping into a communal bowl of noodles with their own chopsticks. We thought nothing of this time-honored way of dining until a Honolulu gastroenterologist pointed out that this culturally accepted convention may be hazardous to your health. “There are a lot of bacteria and viruses (mononucleosis; hepatitis A, B and C; H Pylori; herpes; HIV) in our saliva that can be transmitted to another diner.” And numerous observational, epidemiological data have suggested that the risk of COVID19 is related to shared meals or drinks. “The thing you need is a serving spoon or serving chopsticks.”

He is not alone in this recommendation.

A proposal by several Asian health organizations to use separate chopsticks and spoons for serving when people dine together was made at the height of the pandemic in 2020, suggesting diners avoid using their personal chopsticks to pick food from the same dishes, thereby reducing the chances of transmission of many diseases.

Since people have been eating this way for generations, the proposal was met with some resistance. Using a serving spoon or set of chopsticks may send the signal of wanting to keep your distance — the total opposite of most Asian social and cultural conventions. But this simple change in etiquette is a small price to pay for staying safe — and just another example of how we must adapt to our changing world.

Eating together is good. Read “Eating Together” (www.generations808.com/eatingtogether) in our last issue. But Generations overlooked something in that article.
Take Statins & Other Meds as Prescribed

Medicine is an important part of treatment for many health conditions. For medications to be most effective and work safely, you need to take them exactly as prescribed. If you experience problems, such as new symptoms or side effects, talk to your doctor immediately.

Check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting any new medications

Many seniors see multiple specialists to treat different conditions. Some drugs, including over-the-counter medicines that your doctor may not realize you’re taking, can interact with existing medication and potentially cause problems.

Create a comprehensive list of all the medicines, vitamins, herbal remedies and supplements you take, and share it with your doctors. Having a clear picture of everything you’re putting into your body will help them provide safer and more effective care.

Prescription refills

It’s important to keep track of when you’ll run out of your medicine. Don’t wait until you have only a few pills left. Use a calendar to remind yourself to get refills. It may be dangerous to suddenly stop a medicine, so talk to your doctor or pharmacist about what to do if you miss a dose.

If you were given a prescription during a hospital or emergency room visit, it may only be enough medicine until you can see your regular doctor. Ask the discharging physician about how long you should continue the new medicines.

A bit about statins

Statins are medicines that help with cholesterol, which is a fat-like substance in the blood. There is good and bad cholesterol. Having too much bad cholesterol in your blood vessels can raise your risk of heart disease, heart attack and stroke. Many people with diabetes take statins because they’re at higher risk of heart attack and stroke. Statins must be taken regularly as prescribed to work well and lower your risk. If you stop, your risk for heart attack and stroke may go back up.

Follow-up care

A key part of your treatment and safety is to make and go to all appointments, and talk to your doctor if you experience problems.

KAISER FOUNDATION HEALTH PLAN, INC.
711 Kapiolani Blvd., Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
808-432-5915 (TTY 711) | www.kp.org
To learn more about this and other topics, visit www.kp.org/health and www.kp.org/seniorhealth. This article contains health and wellness or prevention information.

Medicine is an important part of treatment for many health conditions. For medications to be most effective and work safely, you need to take them exactly as prescribed. If you experience problems, such as new symptoms or side effects, talk to your doctor immediately.
Manual vs. Electric Toothbrushes

A healthy smile requires everyone to commit to three simple actions: Brush twice a day, floss daily and see your dentist twice a year. You may have also considered new technology to make your oral hygiene routine a little easier and more efficient. New models of electric toothbrushes have prompted consumers to consider upgrading their manual toothbrushes to spinning brush heads that sometimes come with Bluetooth capabilities. So, which is better, manual or electric?

Studies show powered toothbrushes are slightly better at reducing plaque and gum disease. If cost isn’t a factor, electric toothbrushes are found to be safe and effective. They can also connect to your smartphone and track how well and long you brush. Manual toothbrushes are affordable, simple and your local grocer or convenience store may carry models with different brush handles that give you a better grip so you can reach all tooth surfaces.

All brushes, manual or electric, can be effective for removing plaque if used correctly — for at least two minutes at each brushing. All brushes will have to be replaced every three to four months. Choose a toothbrush that you like and will use properly with a fluoride toothpaste. Don’t forget to floss daily and see your dentist for an exam and cleaning twice a year so you can live well and smile more.

HAWAII DENTAL SERVICE (501(c) 4 nonprofit)
Mark Sweet, DDS, Dental Director
808-521-1431 | mark.sweet@hawaiidentalservice.com
www.HawaiiDentalService.com

A healthy smile requires everyone to commit to three simple actions: Brush twice a day, floss daily and see your dentist twice a year. You may have also considered new technology to make your oral hygiene routine a little easier and more efficient. So, which is better, manual or electric?
Emotional Wellness During the Holidays

With the holiday season upon us, it’s important to look after one’s mental health and emotional well-being. While the season typically includes family and social gatherings, holidays can also be stressful, and trigger feelings of grief, loneliness and depression. Consider some of these steps to help support your emotional health and find joy during the holidays and beyond.

✦ Breath & Health: The way you breathe can affect your mind and body. Full, deep breathing is a good way to reduce tension. In the Hawaiian culture, the breath is an important part of physical and spiritual health. Be aware of your breathing. Practice daily deep breathing exercises.

✦ Nutrition & Exercise: Key to your overall wellness and coping with stress is a well-balanced diet, plenty of water and regular exercise. Stay hydrated by drinking six to eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily. Steer clear of heavily processed foods that are high in sugar or saturated fat. Check with your doctor and keep him or her informed about any changes to your diet and movement routines, or if you’re thinking about starting a new exercise program.

✦ Alcohol Intake: Even small amounts of alcohol, such as one drink, can make depression worse and disrupt your sleep and mood.

✦ Depression: Grief, stress, physical challenges and changing life circumstances can trigger depressive symptoms, and other emotional health problems. Know when to get help. If you’re concerned about your mind and mood, talk to a personal physician or behavioral health expert.

✦ Self-Care Apps: Digital apps can help your emotional well-being and resilience. The myStrength app offers a personalized program that teaches mindfulness and other helpful behaviors. Calm is an app designed to help lower stress, reduce anxiety and improve sleep by using guided meditation. Learn more at kp.org/selfcare.

✦ Getting Help: Mental healthcare is not one-size-fits-all. Treatment differs for everyone — from the type of provider you see and how often you see them to the length of time it takes for treatments to be most effective. If you don’t know where to start, discuss options and next steps with your doctor. If you believe you’re having a mental health or medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital.

KAISER FOUNDATION HEALTH PLAN, INC.
711 Kapiolani Blvd., Honolulu, HI 96813
808-432-5915 (TTY 711) | kp.org
More resources & tools:
kp.org/mentalhealth
kp.org/seniorhealth This article contains health and wellness or prevention information.

With the holiday season upon us, it’s important to look after one’s mental health and emotional well-being. While the season typically includes family and social gatherings, holidays can also be stressful, and trigger feelings of grief, loneliness and depression. Consider some of these steps to help support your emotional health and find joy during the…
What is Telemedicine?

Telemedicine facilitates medical professionals in providing medical care to patients outside of the traditional office setting by using modern technology.

“Telemedicine” and “telehealth” are often used interchangeably. However, telehealth specifically describes the electronic and communications technologies being used to provide services remotely. Telemedicine can be viewed as the professional medical consultations you may receive remotely or outside of the clinical office.

One of the main benefits telemedicine can provide to kūpuna is increased access to care. For many kūpuna, it can be difficult to get to the doctor’s office due to lack of transportation, physical impairments and lack of caregiver assistance. Telemedicine enables patients to stay at home and to see their physician remotely using telecommunication devices.

However, not all kūpuna have the knowledge, technological skills or equipment to use telecommunication technologies.

Solutions include getting help from family and friends who are more savvy. They’re already adept at using devices like a cellphone, and can easily help a senior. And your family member or friend can be right there to help assist if it is difficult for the senior to see or hear their doctor.

OHANA PACIFIC MEDICAL LLC
428 Kawaihae St., #148, Honolulu, HI 96825
808-930-9858 | opm@ohanapacific.org
ohanapacificmedical.org

Telemedicine facilitates medical professionals in providing medical care to patients outside of the traditional office setting by using modern technology. “Telemedicine” and “telehealth” are often used interchangeably. However, telehealth specifically describes the electronic and communications technologies being used to provide services remotely. Telemedicine can be viewed as the professional medical consultations you may receive remotely…
Make Naughty Sweets Nicer for Teeth

In Hawai‘i, everyone loves to spoil their loved ones with sweet treats during the holidays. It’s okay to indulge in a treat or two, but don’t forget the toll it takes on your teeth and gums. Here are some oral health tips when eating common holiday sweets:

❉ Arare (mochi crunch), candy canes and other hard candy: You’re putting your teeth at risk for decay when you let snacks dissolve in your mouth. And crunching on them could crack your teeth. Swap out hard candies for dark chocolate instead, which has less sugar and dissolves quickly.

❉ Pies, cakes and cookies: You’ve probably been waiting all year for that pumpkin crunch cake or custard pie, but moderation is key when it comes to these baked goods. Also, save yourself the toothache and scrape off the icing or sweet toppings before you eat them.

❉ Hot chocolate, eggnog or hot apple cider: These classic holiday drinks are full of sugar. Try your best to eliminate extra additions like marshmallows, alcohol or extra syrup that may harm your teeth or dry out your mouth.

❉ Mochi, caramels and other sticky sweets: Sticky sweets stay on your teeth longer, and their sugar and acids can break down enamel throughout the day. Brushing and flossing every time after eating them will save you an extra trip to the dentist.

Go ahead and enjoy some sweet holiday decadence, but be sure to balance that out with crunchy fruits and veggies (carrots are a particularly great choice) and whole grains. Dentists also recommended drinking water immediately after eating to help wash sugars and acids from teeth.

Be sure to discuss any changes in diet as well as other medical conditions with your physician and dentist. For healthier teeth, gums and total body health, a solid routine of brushing twice a day, flossing daily and seeing your dentist twice a year will ultimately help you live well and smile more at every age.

HAWAII DENTAL SERVICE (501(c) 4 nonprofit)
Kahala Howser, Wellness & Events Manager
808-521-1431 | khowser@hawaiidentalservice.com
HawaiiDentalService.com

In Hawai‘i, everyone loves to spoil their loved ones with sweet treats during the holidays. It’s okay to indulge in a treat or two, but don’t forget the toll it takes on your teeth and gums. Here are some oral health tips when eating common holiday sweets.
Why Coffee Is a Health Food for Older Adults

Quit feeling guilty over your morning cup(s) of joe. Research shows that coffee can help prevent dementia, improve cardiovascular health and increase lifespan.

Coffee can help seniors maintain a healthy lifestyle. That is the conclusion of a plethora of studies on the steamy liquid that is synonymous with waking up for many Americans over 60. In fact, the morning brew has been shown to reduce a number of health issues. The main active ingredient in coffee, caffeine, is an antioxidant. Antioxidants help block damage related to aging:

• Coffee can keep cells more elastic, reducing the hardening of arteries that takes place over time that weakens the cardiovascular system.
• The risk of stroke is reduced by up to 22 percent. Even one cup of coffee per week was found beneficial to reduce stroke and improve heart health.
• Caffeine may prevent or delay age-related cognitive impairment, including dementia. One study that tracked people from middle age to the 70s found a reduced lifetime risk of dementia.
• Drinking caffeinated coffee cuts the risk of mouth and throat cancer in half and reduces the risk of many other types of cancer, as well as Type 2 diabetes.
• The mood boost associated with coffee can increase motivation and alertness, in turn lowering the risk of mental health issues like depression.
• People who drink coffee on a regular basis have an overall lower risk of death than those who do not.

How Much is Too Much?

Most studies have centered on consumption in the range of three to five 8-ounce cups, or up to 400 milligrams of caffeine. This amount reduces the risk of suicide for both men and women by 50 percent, and the overall risk of early death by 15 percent (this latter statistic holds true even for decaf drinkers).

The Healthiest Way to Brew

The method used to make the brew can have a big impact on LDL cholesterol, which can damage the arteries and triglycerides levels. Filtered coffee, which passes through a paper filter prior to consumption, filters out potentially dangerous oily chemicals called diterpenes. Seniors who use a French press instead of filters are at risk of raising their cholesterol and triglyceride levels. It may not be enough to affect their health, but if either of those values is high for you, consider switching to filtered coffee.

You may be relieved to know that, with warm weather approaching, iced coffee lovers can safely turn to cold brew. This holds true for both caffeinated and decaffeinated brews. Cold brew coffee is made by steeping the grounds in cold water for a period of hours, after which the coffee is strained through a paper filter.

Downside of Coffee

Michael Pollan, the author of “This Is Your Mind on Plants,” has called caffeine “the enemy of good sleep.” He relates how, after weaning himself from coffee, he “was sleeping like a teenager again.” Caffeine has other undesirable side effects for some people:

• Diarrhea and gastrointestinal issues due to high acid content.
• Rapid heart rate.
• Dehydration, possibly putting stress on the kidneys.
• Elevated blood pressure, which is a temporary condition.

When in doubt, ask your doctor if you should switch to decaffeinated coffee and if there are any other side effects you should be aware of. Seniors with migraines, insomnia, urinary incontinence, muscle tremors, stomach problems, or anxiety are more likely to have trouble with caffeine. Drug interactions are most likely to occur with ephedrine, echinacea and theophylline.

When attempting to reduce the caffeine content of their coffee, many older adults reach for a lighter roast. Wrong! “The darker you roast the beans, the more caffeine burns away,” explains Mike Balderrama, regional educator for Counter Culture Coffee.

Another caveat: Be aware of what you are stirring into your coffee. For all the benefits of the brew itself, many people negate them by adding cream, sugar, or processed alternatives that add calories and fat.

Coffee can be a key component in the healthy lifestyle of older adults. Enjoy it in moderation, knowing you are reducing your chances of getting cancer, dementia and a host of other diseases. Coffee can augment healthy food choices and daily activity to help you live your best life.

SCSA (Society of Certified SeniorAdvisors)
The SCSA educates and supports specialists in aging dedicated to improving lives of older adults.
1-800-653-1875 |csa.us

Quit feeling guilty over your morning cup(s) of joe. Research shows that coffee can help prevent dementia, improve cardiovascular health and increase lifespan. Coffee can help seniors maintain a healthy lifestyle. That is the conclusion of a plethora of studies on the steamy liquid that is synonymous with waking up for many Americans over 60.
Can Sugar Substitutes Harm Your Teeth?

If you’re watching your sugar intake, but need to satisfy a sweet tooth, using a sugar substitute can be less harmful to your teeth and body. Here’s a breakdown of substitutes and how they can affect your oral and overall health.

Artificial sweeteners and sugar alcohols: These can be a hundred times sweeter than sugar and can include saccharin, aspartame and sucralose. They contain little to no sugar, so they don’t contribute to tooth decay. But they potentially trick the body into craving sweets on a regular basis, which exposes you to the risks of sugar intake again.

Plant and fruit-based sweeteners: Stevia and monk fruit extract have no calories or carbohydrates. While these are generally safe, some studies have found that stevia disrupts your natural gut microbiome, which can disturb oral and overall health.

Natural sugars: Honey, coconut sugar, agave, molasses and dates have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, but they still contain sucrose and can contribute to tooth decay.

These substitutes should be consumed in moderation. Remember, drinking water immediately after eating is recommended to help wash sugars and acids from teeth.

HAWAII DENTAL SERVICE (501(c) 4 nonprofit)
Kahala Howser, Wellness & Events Manager
808-521-1431 | khowser@hawaiidentalservice.com
HawaiiDentalService.com

If you’re watching your sugar intake, but need to satisfy a sweet tooth, using a sugar substitute can be less harmful to your teeth and body. Here’s a breakdown of substitutes and how they can affect your oral and overall health.
The Best Summer Drinks for Your Teeth

Lemonade, iced tea, smoothies and juices all sound delicious during hot summer days. But beware of the sugar content, especially if you’re drinking more than one glass a day.

You probably already guessed that the most important drink is water! It’s good for your body and teeth. Most flavored and carbonated drinks have high sugar content, dehydrating additives and other chemicals to enhance flavor, and make you feel like you’re quenching your thirst.

Water helps cleanse your palate, dilute the acids in your mouth, and rinse away bacteria or food debris from your teeth and gums. Water also regulates your brain function and energy levels and helps fight dry mouth caused by some medications. Dry mouth isn’t only uncomfortable, it also raises your risk of gum disease and tooth decay. It’s best to keep a bottle of water nearby and sip from it throughout the day.

If you must indulge in a sweet drink or food occasionally, be sure to rinse your mouth with water to flush out sugar and acids that can break down the enamel of your teeth. Also, be sure to brush your teeth twice a day, floss daily and see your dentist twice a year to live well and smile more at every age.

HAWAII DENTAL SERVICE (501(c) 4 nonprofit)
Kahala Howser, Wellness & Events Manager
808-521-1431 | khowser@hawaiidentalservice.com
www.HawaiiDentalService.com

Lemonade, iced tea, smoothies and juices all sound delicious during hot summer days. But beware of the sugar content, especially if you’re drinking more than one glass a day. You probably already guessed that the most important drink is water! It’s good for your body and teeth.
Prevent Computer Vision Syndrome

Work-from-home “virtual” employees must take precautions in order to preserve the health of their eyes.

Computer vision syndrome (CVS) isn’t a specific set of symptoms — it’s an umbrella term to describe the varying eye discomfort and symptoms caused by screen-related issues. It is almost impossible to avoid progressive vision issues with regular computer use. Adding some basic tools to your home office is vital to help maintain your ability to work via a screen on a regular basis.

Studies have estimated that between 70 to 90 percent of workers worldwide who use computers regularly experience symptoms related to CVS. CVS, also known as digital eye strain, can occur from extensive use of any device with a digital screen. Symptoms include dry eyes, blurred vision, headaches, and neck and shoulder pain. Any combination of the following factors can lead to CVS: uncorrected refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism), poor lighting, screen glare, and poor workstation setup for posture and viewing.

Some experts believe daily computer use may be a contributing factor to the rise in nearsightedness and dry eye disease.

The first step in protecting yourself from CVS is to correct any refractive error by visiting your eye care professional. Having the proper glasses, contact lenses or surgery to correct these issues will decrease any added strain on your eyes.

Next, make sure to properly arrange your workstation by:

• Positioning your monitor between 20 and 28 inches away from your eyes.
• Adjusting your chair to allow you to view the screen’s center just below eye level at 15 to 20 degree downward angle.
• Changing screen contrast and brightness to a level comparable to the surrounding light.
• Using screen covers, lower lighting and curtains or blinds to reduce glare.

Also, take regular breaks and blink frequently to rehydrate your eyes; every 20 minutes, focus on an object at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds (the 20/20/20 rule); and try over-the-counter lubricating eye drops.

If CVS symptoms become chronic, speak with your eye care professional about computer glasses or treatment for dry eyes.

HAWAIIAN EYE CENTER
Steven Rhee, DO, Medical Director and Cornea Specialist
Wahiawa 808-621-8448 | Waipahu 808-678-0622
www.hawaiianeye.com

Work-from-home “virtual” employees must take precautions in order to preserve the health of their eyes. Computer vision syndrome (CVS) isn’t a specific set of symptoms — it’s an umbrella term to describe the varying eye discomfort and symptoms caused by screen-related issues. It is almost impossible to avoid progressive vision issues with regular computer use.
Diabetes and Hearing Loss

Diabetes disproportionately affects older adults. Approximately 25 percent of Americans over the age of 60 years have diabetes. The aging of the US population is widely acknowledged as one of the drivers of the diabetes epidemic.

Although the burden of diabetes is often described in terms of its impact on working-aged adults, the disease also affects longevity, functional status and risk of institutionalization for older patients.

While diabetes can be managed effectively, living with the disease as you get older presents some unique challenges. Every day offers a new hurdle. And as you age, jumping over those hurdles can become a bit more challenging — but it’s not impossible. Although increased risk for specific complications increases with age, with diligence and care, you can properly mitigate those risks.

More than 37 million people in the US have diabetes and an estimated 34.5 million have some type of hearing loss. Many are experiencing both concurrently.

A recent study found that hearing loss is twice as common in people with diabetes as it is in those who don’t. Also, of the 133 million adults in the US who have prediabetes, the rate of hearing loss is 30 percent higher than in those with normal blood glucose (blood sugar).

It is not understood exactly how diabetes is related to hearing loss. It’s possible that the high blood glucose levels associated with diabetes cause damage to the small blood vessels and nerves in the inner ear in the same way diabetes can damage the eyes and the kidneys. But more research needs to be done to discover why people with diabetes have a higher rate of hearing loss.

Since it can happen very slowly, the symptoms of hearing loss can often be hard to notice. In fact, family members and friends sometimes notice the hearing loss before the person experiencing it does.

Signs of hearing loss:

• Frequently asking others to repeat themselves
• Trouble following conversations that involve more than two people
• Thinking that others are mumbling
• Problems hearing in noisy places, such as busy restaurants
• Trouble hearing the voices of women and small children
• Turning up the TV or radio volume so that it becomes too loud for other people who are nearby
• Being unable to understand conversations over the telephone

Talk to your primary care doctor if you suspect hearing loss. You may then want to seek help from hearing specialist, such as an audiologist, a licensed hearing aid dispenser or a doctor who specializes in hearing problems. From a full hearing exam, you’ll learn more about your hearing loss and what can be done to treat it.

The American Diabetes Association in Hawai‘i is here to help. Learn how to thrive with type 2 diabetes through the ADA’s year-long program. Sign up for free at www.diabetes.org/living.

AMERICAN DIABETES ASSOCIATION — HAWAI‘I (501(c) 3 nonprofit)
808-947-5979, ext. 7035 | Lleslie@diabetes.org
ADAHawaii@diabetes.org
www.diabetes.org/get-involved/community/local-offices/hawaii

Diabetes disproportionately affects older adults. Approximately 25 percent of Americans over the age of 60 years have diabetes. The aging of the US population is widely acknowledged as one of the drivers of the diabetes epidemic. Although the burden of diabetes is often described in terms of its impact on working-aged adults, the disease also…
Nursing Homes Should Prioritize Oral Health

Poor oral health can affect overall physical health at any age. Without treatment, poor oral health can lead to pain, infection, malnutrition and even serious illnesses. Therefore, it’s important to incorporate good oral health habits into all stages of life. So if you’re weighing options for a long-term care facility for yourself or a loved one, ask them how oral health practices are incorporated into their care program.

More long-term care homes have expanded their nurse training to incorporate dental care. For example, the HDS Foundation created the Kupuna Smiles — Oral Health Training Program for nurses and other professionals who provide healthcare for seniors. Through this program, dental hygienists have conducted hands-on training for more than 80 registered nurses, certified nurse assistants and the managerial nursing staff of The Clarence TC Ching Villas at St. Francis in Liliha. Hygienists instructed each staff member on how to properly brush and floss patients’ teeth and care for dentures, reach difficult spots in the mouth, work carefully around mouth sores and identify signs of decay.

Long-term care facilities should prioritize oral health, especially if patients are unable to brush and floss on their own. The formula for good oral health is to brush, floss and see a dentist so you can live well and smile more!

HAWAII DENTAL SERVICE (501(c) 4 nonprofit)
Kahala Howser, Wellness & Events Manager
808-521-1431 | khowser@hawaiidentalservice.com
www.HawaiiDentalService.com

Poor oral health can affect overall physical health at any age. Without treatment, poor oral health can lead to pain, infection, malnutrition and even serious illnesses. Therefore, it’s important to incorporate good oral health habits into all stages of life.