Category: Living Life

My Take on Things: Shuzi Health Jewelry

It was September 8, 2011 that I had a stroke … some say it was “mild” and some say it was a “nerve stroke” while I say, “It happened, now move on!” Every day since then, I test myself on doing things with my right side. Within two weeks I got rid of the walker but was very careful getting around. Driving and bouncing a tennis ball took two months. Walking down a flight of stairs without using the handrail or wall took nine months — that’s when I bought a Shuzi bracelet and walked down 12 steps with no problem (at the bottom of the stairs, I turned around to look up in amazement). I did more “self-tests” like balancing on my right leg for 40 seconds instead of the 3 seconds before Shuzi and walking on stepping stones on the side of our house with ease. There are so many products out there that claim a lot of things, but this one I believe made a HUGE difference to my “balance” in life.

This is what I know: Shuzi (pronounced Shoo-zee) has been an international company since 2004. The jewelry utilizes a proprietary “Nano Vibrational Technology” Chip from the United States which is programmed to resonate with your cells’ natural frequencies. The chip sends out a pulse that balances the body’s bio-field and blood cells become much rounder and stronger promoting better blood flow, which means more oxygen through the body.

Studies with QEEG (brain mapping) showed on average 25% improvement in cognitive efficiency and 20% improvement in emotional efficiency. The full study is on shuziusa.com.

So, don’t just take my word for it. As in anything else, try it yourself and do your own testing. I think you’ll be pleased.

For more information, Shuzi Hawai‘i can be reached at 808-386-0929, www.shuziliving.com.

It was September 8, 2011 that I had a stroke … some say it was “mild” and some say it was a “nerve stroke” while I say, “It happened, now move on!” Every day since then, I test myself on doing things with my right side. Within two weeks I got rid of the walker but was…
Summer Green Smoothie

Summer brings in the time of year when melons are in season. Watermelon, honeydew and cantaloupe are rich in vitimins, minerals and antioxidants such as beta-carotene, lycopene, potassium, magnesium vitamin A and C. Adding them to a green smoothie makes for a tasty drink and a great way to get a lot of healthy nutrients into your body at one time.

Blend well to milkshake consistency. Enjoy! See link for demo: www.youtu.be/16U9a1Vhoak.

Ingredients

1 apple or pear
1 banana
3 pineapple spears
Handful of blueberries
1 cup watermelon
1 cup Kale
1 cup Spinach
Handful of mint leaves

Summer brings in the time of year when melons are in season. Watermelon, honeydew and cantaloupe are rich in vitimins, minerals and antioxidants such as beta-carotene, lycopene, potassium, magnesium vitamin A and C. Adding them to a green smoothie makes for a tasty drink and a great way to get a lot of healthy nutrients…
“Lite” and Creamy Pasta with Asparagus and Shrimp

A colorful summer delight. You’ll want to use a nice rigatoni (tube) or farfalle (bowtie) pasta for this recipe. The shape of the pasta is perfect with the creamy sauce and serves as the perfect backdrop for the beautiful greens and pinks of the asparagus and shrimp.

1 lb uncooked pasta
4 oz lite or fat free cream cheese
1 cup chicken stock
Juice of 3 lemons (reserve lemon zest)
1 lb U16-20 shrimp (shelled and deveined)
1 bunch asparagus (woody part discarded)
Salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste
Parmesan cheese

Put a large pot of water over high heat and bring to a boil. Add peeled/cleaned shrimp and asparagus and poach for 2-3 minutes or less, until shrimp has just turned pink. Remove from heat and set aside. Prepare pasta according to package directions, drain, reserving 2/3 cup of the cooking liquid. Heat a small sauce pan over medium heat and slowly add the cream cheese to the stock, using a whisk to break up and blend the two ingredients. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the cooking liquid. Once the cream cheese has been incorporated, whisk in the lemon juice.

Slice the asparagus on the diagonal and add to the cream sauce, along with the shrimp. Toss the sauce with the pasta, top with Parmesan and the lemon zest and serve.

Time: 40 minutes | Serves: 4–6

Chef Michi founded ‘Cooking Fresh For You’. Her recipes center on healthy and flavor-packed dishes. Visit www.cookingfreshforyou.com or contact via cookingfreshforyou@gmail.com, 808-286-6484. Also, visit her Cooking FRESH locations: 909 Kapahulu Ave. | Queens POB I – 1329 Lusitana St. |
Queens POB II – 550 S. Beretania St. | Lunch Truck – UH Manoa on East West Rd. by Kennedy Theatre.

A colorful summer delight. You’ll want to use a nice rigatoni (tube) or farfalle (bowtie) pasta for this recipe. The shape of the pasta is perfect with the creamy sauce and serves as the perfect backdrop for the beautiful greens and pinks of the asparagus and shrimp. 1 lb uncooked pasta 4 oz lite or…
2013 Legislature Sends Mixed Signals

As the 2013 legislative session came to a close, volunteer advocates welcomed the passage of legislation tied to AARP Hawai‘i’s long-term care priorities — but cautioned that more must be done to address a growing elder-care challenge that threatens to overwhelm individuals and families.

“AARP welcomes funding commitments for Kūpuna Care and Aging and Disability Resource Centers,” said AARP Hawai‘i State President Gerry Silva. “At the same time we believe state government should be more proactive in preparing older residents and their families to cope with the rising cost of care eldercare, which threatens their retirement security.”

Funds were provided for one of the Commission’s recommendations — an actuarial and feasibility study of a mandatory public insurance program for Hawai‘i’s working population. But another critical component — the need for public education to help residents understand the risks associated with long-term care — went unfunded.

“Education is time-sensitive. Planning takes time and time is running out for many who will soon need care,” Silva said. “Unless we provide Hawai‘i residents with basic information about long-term care, including the different types of care services available, how much they cost, and the risk of needing some form of care in the future, many older residents and their families are in for a rude awakening as they realize how limited their options are.”

The Long-Term Care Commission was established by the Legislature in 2008 (Act 224) to conduct a comprehensive assessment of Hawai‘i’s long-term care system and recommend changes. Its report identified a convergence of forces that spell trouble for Hawai‘i’s future if not acted upon, including 1) a rapidly aging population, 2) a lack of public funding to support the medical needs of its seniors, and 3) a population that isn’t planning and is largely unprepared to pay for its own care.

Many studies support the Commission’s assessment that eldercare is beyond the reach of most Hawai‘i residents. In a 2012 AARP survey of Hawai‘i residents age 50+ nearly two-thirds (64 percent) said they are not confident they can afford to pay for even one year in a nursing home. A separate national survey last year pegged the annual cost of one year in a private nursing home in Hawai‘i at $125,000.

“We’re asking the state to sound the alarm — just as it does in the face of natural disasters such as hurricanes and tsunamis,” Silva said. “Sound the alarm for the ‘silver tsunami’ so that people can prepare for what may be a devastating blow for our elders and their families.”

For an overview of AARP’s priority outcomes for the 2013 session, go online to http://states.aarp.org/legislature-funds-long-term-care-priorities-selectively/.

Contact AARP Hawai‘i for more information:
State Office: 808-545-6024 | Toll-Free: 866-295-7282
hiaarp@aarp.org | www.aarp.org/states/hi

As the 2013 legislative session came to a close, volunteer advocates welcomed the passage of legislation tied to AARP Hawai‘i’s long-term care priorities — but cautioned that more must be done to address a growing elder-care challenge that threatens to overwhelm individuals and families. “AARP welcomes funding commitments for Kūpuna Care and Aging and Disability Resource Centers,”…
Feeling Right at Home . . . in Vegas

If you thought it was just the low prices that enticed thousands of Hawaii’s seniors to book their Vegas trips through Vacations Hawai‘i, take a closer look. Vacations Hawai‘i offers 4 flight patterns per week on non-stop flights between Honolulu & Vegas, on comfortable wide body 767 aircraft. It’s the most comfortable aircraft to fly across the Pacific. With a 2-3-2 seat configuration and twin aisles, you’re never more than a seat away from an aisle. A Vacations Hawaii escort travels with each flight to ease the normal challenges that come with traveling. It’s not uncommon for us to transport a fair number of customers who require wheelchairs and with the assistance of porters, we provide a seamless transition for them from the aircraft, through the airport and on to our buses. Should you need assistance during your stay at our 3 popular downtown properties, the California, Fremont and Main Street Station Hotels, Vacations Hawaii’s staff is just a phone call away. And of course the biggest reason customers keep coming back, is the great time they have in Vegas with old and new friends!

The California Hotel and Casino, better known as “The Cal,” will make you feel right at home from the moment you step inside the door. With its inviting tropical island decor, you’ll feel like you’re in paradise. Genuine Aloha Spirit is what you’d expect to find at the Cal, and that is why it is affectingly known as the 9th island.

When you arrive at the Cal we invite you to get your game on. There are plenty of ways to play — live-action gaming, more than 1,000 video poker and reel machines, and even a satellite-fed Sports Book, at the Cal, you’re bound to hit it big! Whether you’re a serious gambler or playing your first slot machine or table game, our friendly staff will make you feel at ease.

The California Hotel and Casino also offers a variety of shopping choices for you. We have several specialty shops which are located on-site. The Bridge Avenue retail area offers a bit of the islands, some special treats and convenient gift shops.

From the Cal Club to the Redwood Bar & Grill, the Cal offers some very unique choices for every appetite with our distinct dining venues!

Within minutes of the Fremont Street Experience, you can enjoy live nightly entertainment, an exciting light show, and if you’re feeling really adventuresome you can enjoy a thrill of an amazing zipline.

VACATIONS HAWAI‘I
Oahu: 808-591-4777 | Neighbor Isles: 800-548-8951
www.boydvacationshawaii.com

Vanessa May, Vacations Hawai‘i Marketing Manager
California, Fremont, & Main Street Station
Direct: 702-386-4419 | Cell: 702-249-7494
Fax: 702-386-4463

If you thought it was just the low prices that enticed thousands of Hawaii’s seniors to book their Vegas trips through Vacations Hawai‘i, take a closer look. Vacations Hawai‘i offers 4 flight patterns per week on non-stop flights between Honolulu & Vegas, on comfortable wide body 767 aircraft. It’s the most comfortable aircraft to fly…
Who Are You Calling a Senior?

Movie night and what to see? Standing in line, I looked up to see what was playing. Getting up to the booth to pay for my ticket, the young man asked me, “What movie Sir?” I replied, “Life of Pi” please, I’ve enjoyed pie for years and I’m so happy they finally made a movie about it”. The cashier looked at me strangely and said “Ok Sir that will be $7.50 please”. I said, “Wow, $7.50! Must be some kind of a special today?” The kid looked up and said, “Well Sir, seniors are $7.50. Regular Adults are $10.00. You’re considered a Senior Adult so you get to save $2.50 on your ticket”.

“What! I’m not ready to be called a senior! I’ll pay for 1 Adult ticket please!”

And this happened to me when I was only 49! Damn! Maybe I saved $2.50 but I lost years of dignity in that one quick transaction.

So what happened, where did the time go for God sakes? Just an hour and a half ago it was 1965 and graduation day at Kaimuki! Now I stand and look back and say what the hell happened! Close to 50 years have passed and now it’s the beginning of the 4th quarter. They call it the Wonder Years, yeah, ok. You wonder what the hell happened to the time.

We are called the Baby-boomers, born between 1946 and 1964, and we were conceived from the Greatest Generation! Our Moms and Dads lived through WWII and when they came home they made babies, a lot of them. Baby Boomers — we are the generation that tested the Government, witnessed the assassinations of our leaders, and we invented Love, Sex and Rock-n-Roll. We fought in nasty wars, came home to work and became doctors, lawyers, teachers, bankers and Radio Personalities! We dedicated ourselves to our jobs and families and then had mid-life crisis and went in search for the meaning of life. We were and still are a fiercely independent bunch of World War ll babies and we continue to make a difference. We are probably the last generation who had a thriving middle class and probably will be the last generation to collect Social Security and Medicare as we know it.

So the question is, have you been playing your fiddle or storing your nuts or playing your fiddle AND storing your nuts. If the latter, good going! Preparing for the fourth quarter is tricky. I’m not a financial adviser but it’s good to have a few bucks around to help your co-pay as you go along. But the most important part of the fourth quarter is your sense of humor and balance. It truly comes down to Mind, Body, Soul and laughter. This is way more important than any bank roll you might have, because if you don’t have balance and laughter then you have nothing.

And now it’s Generation X and Generation Y who have to start to pay their own way and they need to drop the word Entitlement! They need to get off their okole’s and get to work. Baby Boomers are not afraid of confrontation and will not hesitate to challenge the establishment. The funny thing is, WE are the Establishment now!

Join in a conversation with Frank B. Shaner on facebook and experience his art online at www.frankbshaner.com.

Movie night and what to see? Standing in line, I looked up to see what was playing. Getting up to the booth to pay for my ticket, the young man asked me, “What movie Sir?” I replied, “Life of Pi” please, I’ve enjoyed pie for years and I’m so happy they finally made a movie…
Book Review: 65 Things to Do When You Retire

When you think of retirement, you may dream of spending carefree days traveling with friends or loved ones. If you’re at that stage of life, 65 Things to Do When You Retire: Travel can help you steer toward a fulfilling and enjoyable retirement, whether you are looking for physical adventure, a spiritual journey, or to go sightseeing in far-flung places.

In this book, more than 65 writers and travel experts reveal their own personal adventures and offer practical advice about how retirees can have the time of their lives, whether traveling with a group, with a spouse or partner, or on their own. Their fun and informative essays describe glorious getaways, the best places for retirees to visit — and relocate — and how to plan for a “great escape” without breaking the bank.

The contributors cover such fascinating trends as:

• Taking a “golden gap year”— a new twist on the common practice of high school grads taking a year off to travel before college, only this time it’s the boomers who are taking a year to explore the world before settling into their retirement.

• Going “glamping”— This fusion of glamour and camping is for those travelers who love the outdoors but want to travel in comfort.

• Living nomadically — Lynne Martin caused a stir when The Wall Street Journal published her article about how she and her husband sold their home, put their valued possessions in storage, and set off to see the world as “senior gypsies.” Her account was immensely popular with WSJ’s readers, obviously touching a chord with many who dreamed of doing the very same thing.

65 Things To Do When You Retire: Travel is a 5.5” x 8.5”, 400-page, soft cover book, and retails for $16.95. It’s available in bookstores and at www.sellerspublishing.com. Or, call Sellers Publishing at 1-800-625-3386.

When you think of retirement, you may dream of spending carefree days traveling with friends or loved ones. If you’re at that stage of life, 65 Things to Do When You Retire: Travel can help you steer toward a fulfilling and enjoyable retirement, whether you are looking for physical adventure, a spiritual journey, or to…
Playing for the Fun of It!

Twenty-four years ago, Herbert Yasuhara, then Halawa Park Director, wanted to find an activity that his senior club members could participate in to keep active and exercise. He said, “You see, most of the seniors back then would come to the park and sit down and play games like Mah Jong and Hanafuda.”

It’s all smiles as teams compete in “Tunnel Vision” in the gym and John Macadangdang of Ko‘olau Senior Hui plays “Peg Ball.”

Keora Blakeley, Karen French, Sumiye Hirata, Grace Kimura and Betsy Miyahira

The Department of Parks and Recreation Annual Senior Classic Games (organized games created for seniors) was held on March 21, 2013 at Halawa District Park with a total of 87 teams entered in four different games. There were 261 participants, not including spectators, enjoying a beautiful spring day. Divisions for the games were: Senior Division (55-69 yrs.) and Master Division (70+ yrs.). The games consisted of Tunnel Vision, Peg Ball, Pin Ball and Nine Gates. The creator of the games, Herbert Yasuhara, retired 20 years ago from the Department of Parks and Recreation. Thanks to Yasuhara’s son, Randy, a Recreation Specialist the games continue on.

Sponsored by Generations Magazine, individual achievement certificates and medals for winners were presented to each division for outstanding performance. For more information and to join in the fun and laughter, contact Recreation Specialist, Garrett Iwai at 768-3030 or by email, giwai1@honolulu.gov.

Twenty-four years ago, Herbert Yasuhara, then Halawa Park Director, wanted to find an activity that his senior club members could participate in to keep active and exercise. He said, “You see, most of the seniors back then would come to the park and sit down and play games like Mah Jong and Hanafuda.” It’s all…
Sports Enthusiasts Club for All Ages

The Honolulu Quarterback Club, one of the nation’s oldest sports clubs, began in 1947 and is still going strong. At lunch time every Monday, you can hear little known and personal stories from past and present sports greats. “You won’t find these sports stories on the front page of the newspapers,” says one long-time regular attendee.

From the early days, the “Chop Suey” of speakers came to share their remarkable stories and accolades from their respective sport. Some from the good ole days were KGU Radio’s Chuck Leahey, reporter Bill Kwon, swimmer Keo Nakama, surfer George Downey, golfers Ted Makalena and Jackie Pung, baseball pioneer and UH famed coach Les Murakami and football greats squirmin Herman Wedemeyer and Rockne Freitas.

Ben Jay, UH Athletic Director and Linda Louie, Quarterback Club Secretary

Some of the recent guest speakers have included UH Athletic Director Ben Jay, UH coaches: Bob Coolen, Dave Shoji, Bob Trapasso, Charlie Wade and other sports guests like Kale Ane (Punahou AD and football coach), Merv Lopes from Chaminade, sports writer Dave Reardon, still active World Weightlifting champion Tommy Kono and Mary-knoll High School basketball coach Kelly Grant.

If you are an avid sports enthusiast, sports nut or just love UH sports, come on down to the Honolulu Quarterback Club for lunch that meets each Monday at Maple Garden on Isenberg St. (11:30 a.m. –1 p.m.). Enjoy a wonderful Chinese luncheon buffet at a reasonable $15. For more information on upcoming speakers, contact Club President Herman Stern at 220-6454 or email HermanHStern@msn.com.

The Honolulu Quarterback Club, one of the nation’s oldest sports clubs, began in 1947 and is still going strong. At lunch time every Monday, you can hear little known and personal stories from past and present sports greats. “You won’t find these sports stories on the front page of the newspapers,” says one long-time regular…
AARP: Entrepreneurship for People Age 50+

April is Encore Entrepreneur Mentor Month and AARP Hawaii, the Filipino Community Center and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are teaming up to help Hawai‘i residents age 50+ interested in starting their own small business or expanding an existing business.

Entrepreneur Mentor Day will be held at the Filipino Community Center in Waipahu from 9 –11 a.m. The event features a panel of seasoned entrepreneurs and business experts who will share their experience and offer advice on such topics as writing a business plan, seeking start-up capital and finding helpful resources from the SBA and other organizations. To register, go to aarp.cvent.com/encoreentrepreneur or call toll-free 1-877-926-8300.

Many Hawai‘i residents are rethinking their retirement goals — either for financial reasons or to stay active and engaged in their senior years. Some are testing the entrepreneurial waters to follow through on a business idea they’re passionate about but never acted upon.

“Many new entrepreneurs are saving their best acts for their encore performance,” said AARP Hawai‘i State President Gerry Silva. “They’re using their decades of expertise and their connections to start new businesses and to finally pursue that venture that has been stirring their dreams for all these years. Encore Entrepreneur Mentor Day will link Hawai‘i entrepreneurs with experienced business owners who can help transform these dreams into a reality.”

New research has found that one in four Americans between the ages 44 and 70 are interested in starting their own business or nonprofit venture in the next five to 10 years. Nearly half of these aspiring entrepreneurs have reported a desire to start a business with a positive social impact.

Encore Entrepreneur Mentor Day is part of a larger national effort by SBA and AARP to counsel more than 100,000 entrepreneurs and small business owners over the age of 50. During the month of April, events will help connect encore entrepreneurs with mentors such as those from SBA’s network of Small Business Development Centers, Women’s Business Centers, and SCORE chapters who can help throughout the life of an entrepreneur’s business.

In addition, AARP has launched a dedicated webpage containing a wealth of advice for new and existing older entrepreneurs with links to a 50+ toolkit that includes free online courses targeted at helping encore entrepreneurs start or grow their business. For this and other resources available for entrepreneurs over the age of 50, visit www.aarp.org/startabusiness or call 1-888-OUR-AARP.

April is Encore Entrepreneur Mentor Month and AARP Hawaii, the Filipino Community Center and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are teaming up to help Hawai‘i residents age 50+ interested in starting their own small business or expanding an existing business. Entrepreneur Mentor Day will be held at the Filipino Community Center in Waipahu from…
Shrimp Coleslaw with Southeast Asian Twist

Ingredients

1 head cabbage, shredded
1 head Chinese/Napa cabbage, shredded
2 carrots, grated
1 red onion, peeled, halved and sliced thin
1 cup fresh mint, roughly chopped
1 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
1 cup roasted peanuts, chopped
1 lb. salad shrimp

Dressing

1-1/2 cups unsweetened coconut milk
1/2 cup mayonnaise
Juice of 1 lime, or 3 tablespoons
3 tablespoons Asian fish sauce
3 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 cup green onion, sliced thin
salt and fresh ground black pepper

Prepare dressing by combining all dressing ingredients in a mixing bowl and whisking. Refrigerate for about an hour to thicken and let the flavors develop.

In a large bowl, toss all of the ingredients, except shrimp and nuts. Top the salad with shrimp. Add dressing, but a little at a time in order to not saturate your salad greens (depending on the size of your cabbages, the size of the salad will vary). Season with salt and fresh ground pepper then sprinkle the chopped peanuts on top.

Serves: 10-12

Time: 35 minutes active, about 1 hour total to allow for preparation of dressing.

Chef Michi founded ‘Cooking Fresh For You’. Her recipes center on healthy and flavor-packed dishes. Visit www.cookingfreshforyou.com or contact via cookingfreshforyou@gmail.com, 808-286-6484. Also, visit her Cooking FRESH locations: 909 Kapahulu Ave. | Queens POB I – 1329 Lusitana St. |
Queens POB II – 550 S. Beretania St. | Lunch Truck – UH Manoa on East West Rd. by Kennedy Theatre.

Ingredients 1 head cabbage, shredded 1 head Chinese/Napa cabbage, shredded 2 carrots, grated 1 red onion, peeled, halved and sliced thin 1 cup fresh mint, roughly chopped 1 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped 1 cup roasted peanuts, chopped 1 lb. salad shrimp Dressing 1-1/2 cups unsweetened coconut milk 1/2 cup mayonnaise Juice of 1 lime,…
Year of the Snake

Chinese Zodiac relates each Chinese calendar year to an animal based on a 12-year cycle. Those born in 1905, 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, and 2013 are Snake people. February 10, 2013 (solar calendar) is the Lunar Year 4711 celebration that welcomes the Year of the Snake, ending on January 30, 2014.

Chinatown is a key area for Chinese New Year festivities from the few weeks leading up to it through the few weeks following it. That is where local Chinese congregate year after year to shop for the necessary new year items for their home and to soak in the festive atmosphere.

One can expect to see the performance of the Chinese lion (not a dragon) at many of the new year celebrations. In Hawai‘i, the southern or Cantonese lion, mascot of the Chinese martial arts organizations, is performed by two people: one in the head and the other person in the tail. The lion is a costume made of paper-mache and cloth. Its body is approximately 6’ to 12’ in length.

People born in the year of the Snake, are deemed to have characteristics of being wise, charming, studious, aloof and reserved. Elegant and soft spoken, they enjoy recreational activities and good company. They are romantic and deep thinkers and are considered lucky with money and business ventures. Although refined, they can be very jealous. And at their own pace, they anxiously seek what they want.

www.hawaiiliondanceassociation.com
(808) 306-4584 | hlda808@gmail.com

Chinese Zodiac relates each Chinese calendar year to an animal based on a 12-year cycle. Those born in 1905, 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, and 2013 are Snake people. February 10, 2013 (solar calendar) is the Lunar Year 4711 celebration that welcomes the Year of the Snake, ending on January 30, 2014.…

Category: Living Life

Ingredients

Ingredients

Dressing