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 from the bacteria also irritate gums, and may cause the gums to separate from the teeth. Gingivitis is an early stage of periodontal disease. If untreated, the bone level around the affected teeth may recede, resulting in loose teeth.
The goal of keeping your teeth for a lifetime ensures you are able to eat a variety of healthy foods, maintain good nutrition and enjoy the foods you love! Gum maintenance is the key.
The American Dental Association states gum disease is a major cause of adult tooth loss and affects about 75% of Americans. Gum disease is a “silent disease.” When you first feel pain it may be already too late to save your teeth. The warning signs include red, swollen, tender or bleeding gums, or persistent bad breath. Depending on the severity, treatment may include special rinses, extensive cleanings and surgery.
To prevent gum disease, routine dental exams and cleanings are highly recommended to keep your teeth and gums safe. Visit www.ada.org for proper techniques on brushing and flossing and more information.
Healthy gums and a strong bone foundation contributes positively to oral and overall health.
Wynn H. Okuda, DMD, Inc.
Cosmetic, Implant and Restorative Dentistry 3660 Waialae Ave., Suite 315, Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96816
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 from the bacteria also irritate gums, and may cause the…
As the parents of boomers age, more family members are managing eldercare responsibilities. Healthcare and finances aren’t easy topics for many families to broach. In fact, research from the Money Across Generations IISM study shows that 36 percent of boomers’ parents feel that talking about healthcare with family will likely or very likely create tension or spark an argument.1
This is where a long-term financial plan comes into play. Your plan should support your financial goals and help to care for your parents needs, especially when there are unexpected expenses and emotions involved.
To get started:
Talk about finances now. While it may be uncomfortable to discuss finances, it’s essential that you’re familiar with your parents finances. This includes medical, disability and long-term care insurance policies. Use this information—along with your own funds—to choose healthcare options.
Create a contact list. Ask your parents to compile a list of account numbers, computer login names and passwords, plus the names, addresses and phone numbers of the professionals they work with. Also, ask about the location of important financial and legal documents and lockbox keys.
Identify current healthcare costs and needs. Learn about your parents medical and pharmaceutical expenses and identify any cost savings. For example, change from a name brand to a generic prescription or, instead of filling prescriptions at your pharmacy, order a long-term supply from a mail-order provider.
Build a support network. Talk with family members, neighbors and industry professionals to see who can help you care for your parents and in what capacity and at what cost.
Anticipate future lifestyle changes. Even if they aren’t yet needed, explore the costs of in-home, senior apartment, assisted living and memory care housing and services, as well as the costs of having a parent live with you. Consider the pros and cons of each option.
Become familiar with assistance programs. Your parents may qualify for government programs, supplements or services. For information, visit www.Govbenefits.gov. Also, contact your local Area Agency on Aging for information about elder programs and services.
Keep your retirement goals in mind. Continue to manage your budget and save for your future. Be mindful that exiting and re-entering the workforce even temporarily may affect your earning power and employer-sponsored retirement plan.
Know your rights at work. The Federal Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA) allows covered employees up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave to provide care for a family member with a serious health condition.2 If you’re caring for a parent, inform your Human Resources department about your situation to take advantage of this legal protection, if relevant, and create a workable plan within your company’s policies.
Thinking about caring for an ill or aging parent isn’t easy to do, but creating a plan now can help immensely down the road. Consider working with a financial advisor who can help you plan for unexpected expenses and prepare for the costs of healthcare during your own retirement.
As the parents of boomers age, more family members are managing eldercare responsibilities. Healthcare and finances aren’t easy topics for many families to broach. In fact, research from the Money Across Generations IISM study shows that 36 percent of boomers’ parents feel that talking about healthcare with family will likely or very likely create tension…
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,…
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 pain. Physical therapy can help people return to their “pre-pain” condition and resume their life in comfort. A physical therapist can help people transition from chronic pain to a well-deserved quality of life in movement.
SYMPTOMS & DIAGNOSIS
It all starts with an evaluation, summarizing physical deficiencies in or near the area of pain. For example, a typical patient with low back pain may demonstrate restricted range of motion (ROM) and/or pain with forward-bending, weakness (tingling and numbness) in the area of pain or in remote areas; poor posture and/or significant muscle spasms in the lower back area.
Diagnosis can include:
limitation in joint range of motion (ROM)
muscle inflexibility
loss of strength or motor control
abnormal postures
inefficient movement patterns
soft tissue changes (swelling & muscle spasms)
All of the above issues directly or indirectly contribute to the cause of symptoms — most notably pain. As these impairments diminish, so will the symptoms.
TREATMENT
Treatment may include strengthening exercises, massage and education on proper mechanics with forward bending and sitting. Patients should also be shown the correct form to take with body movements or static positions that may contribute to the symptoms.
COMMON PROBLEM AREAS
Injuries may not necessarily be caused by a single traumatic event, such as a fall or a strain, but can be caused by repetitive overuse. Overuse causes gradual and cumulative wear and tear of tissues. Furthermore, improper movement patterns or postures can perpetuate this type of injury.
For musculoskeletal disorders, typical sites of treatment include the spine (neck, upper, lower back); hip and pelvis; lower extremities (knees, ankles, feet); and upper extremities (shoulders, elbows, wrists, hands). However, physical therapy supplements a variety of medical specialties such as neurology, cardiopulmonary, geriatrics, pediatrics and sports medicine.
Some may say that “getting old is not for sissies!” It doesn’t have to be that way. No one should have to live with pain. Don’t ever believe that pain is just a part of getting older. Research has shown that physical therapy can produce positive, meaningful change — regardless of age.
Ask your advising physician for a referral to physical therapy, as most health insurance plans reimburse for these services. It’s not uncommon to treat chronic pains for several months or up to years. Procrastination can actually prolong recovery and delay the potential to a “pre-pain” lifestyle. Recovery is possible with a combination of education and stylized exercise.
Don’t worry… exercise doesn’t have to be agonizing and grueling. It’s less arduous or complicated than you may think, with a satisfying pain-free reward!
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 pain. Physical therapy can help people return to their “pre-pain” condition…
As it may happen to some seniors, retirees or other individuals with Medicare, the decision to get off of any health insurance plan is a personal risk. And then deciding to get back on becomes another decision/challenge. Here, a personal friend contacted me asking what it would take to do such a thing. How to re-enroll in Medicare Part B after dropping it because he was living outside the U.S. and the territories and has now returned back to Hawai‘i to live.
Answer:
Medicare (federal health insurance): Part B covers doctors visits, labs & x-rays etc. (the things people use the most). If individuals dropped their Medicare Part B (currently in 2013 the monthly premium is $104.90 and it comes directly out of the Social Security check) and they wanted to re-enroll, they would have to enroll during the General Enrollment Period from January 1– March 31 and coverage begins July 1st. They could face a penalty for the time that they were eligible and not covered. It is a 10% penalty for every 12 months that they were not covered and did not have an active Employer Group Health Plan.
Medicaid (state assistance): Assists those with limited income and assets. Individuals can apply for Medicaid at any time. For full state assistance/Medicaid, income has to be under 100% of the federal poverty level (a couple that is $17,850 per year combined income) and combined assets can not be more than $3,000. Theres a program that pays just for the Part B premiums — that is $24,097 combined annual income (about $2,008 per month) with combined assets no more than $10,620.
Both programs will give help in paying for prescription drug coverage. BUT the important thing is if they qualify for either of the programs, then they can get Medicare Part B coverage through a special enrollment and the penalty may be waived.
The State has 45 days (by federal law) to review the application. The best way we at Sage PLUS have found is to fax the application to the MedQUEST office, as you have a receipt that they received it (proof for an appeal if the application is lost). Or, you can take it directly to the MedQUEST office with a copy and have the person who takes the application sign, date and time stamp your copy.
There is no on-line application, but the form is on the DHS website and can be filled out and printed . Otherwise, you can contact us and we can mail an application or assist individuals in completing the form and fax it to MedQUEST.
Do you have a Medicare question that you would like answered in this column?
Please send questions to help@hawaii-ship.org or call and leave your name and phone number on the SHIP/Sage PLUS Program hotline, leave the message “question for Generations Magazine column” and we will call you for more information.
Would you like to learn more about Medicare?
Did you know that April is National Volunteer Month and May is National Older Americans month? Become a volunteer for the Hawai‘i SHIP and become a Super Hero in your community by helping seniors and disabled individuals navigate Medicare. For volunteer information, please visit email at help@hawaiiship.org, www.hawaiiship.org or call 1-88-875-9229.
As it may happen to some seniors, retirees or other individuals with Medicare, the decision to get off of any health insurance plan is a personal risk. And then deciding to get back on becomes another decision/challenge. Here, a personal friend contacted me asking what it would take to do such a thing. How to…
My plan for 2013 is to improve my health and hopefully for you, our readers, you will make this a goal too. We pledge to bring you more resources and provide you with helpful tips on living that better quality of life. Last month’s 91 year old super senior Joan Packer
will always be my role model as I age and I will always remember her words to me “Don’t sit too long on the couch—stay active”.
In this issue our cover story brings to the forefront of the arthritis disease in Hawai‘i. I do have to thank Dr. Ritabelle Ferdandes who opened my eyes where this disease affects 236,000 people in Hawaii. We feature Dr. Thomas Kane who is the Arthritis Foundation of Hawai‘i’s Medical Honoree. His personal commitment to this cause and to promote awareness is inspiring.
I also want you to mark your calenders as our very popular workshop is coming up.
Elderhood Project/Generations Magazine’s 7th annual “Aging in Place” workshop Friday August 9th at the Ala Moana Hotel from 9am–3pm.
This is also a call for exhibitors to exhibit at this event where over 800 seniors and their families attend. Exhibitors please email Hope Young at Hope@kokuacare.com. More information to follow in our June/July issue.
Lastly, a special call for **Mother’s Day** stories and sentiments. We would like to honor the very special person in our lives—our mom. This will be your chance to tell her how special she is. I’m requesting our readers to submit their warmest memories or sentiments of their mother in celebration of Mother’s Day in May. We hope to print some of your submissions in our April/May issue and send your thanks and appreciation to your moms. You may submit it by mail or email us with the subject “My Mom.” Please note: maximum of 250 words, plus a photo (if you have it); and materials must be received by March 18.*
Don’t forget, in addition, we are always looking for stories, pictures and events from you—our valued readers.
My plan for 2013 is to improve my health and hopefully for you, our readers, you will make this a goal too. We pledge to bring you more resources and provide you with helpful tips on living that better quality of life. Last month’s 91 year old super senior Joan Packer will always be my role model as I…
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.
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.…
Dr. Thomas J. Kane, III, is the founder and chief orthopedic director of the Kane Orthopedic Institute. He has been selected as the Hawai‘i Arthritis Foundation Medical Honoree for 2013 based on his exceptional contribution to the treatment and care of people with arthritis across the state.
Dr. Kane has been voted Best Doctor in Hawai‘i and the USA since 1996, has been recognized as an “Outstanding Teacher” at the University of Hawai‘i, and regularly gives back to the community through volunteer service with organizations like Shriner’s Hospital and Operation Walk, an international orthopedic group that travels to foreign countries to deliver care to those in need.
Dr. Thomas Kane describes himself as a kid from a small town in central California who spent afternoons riding his bike around the neighborhood and playing with his dog. He comes from a close-knit family, and counts his 95-year-old mother, Kay, a self-taught book keeper who still walks to work six days a week, as the greatest influence in his life. “Mom is the picture of health. She can bend over and touch her toes, takes no medications and hates doctors — although she makes an exception for me.” He credits her with teaching him the importance of a holistic perspective on life and health, something the 61-year-old surfer has taken to heart. Dr. Kane, who is known for his bedside manner and the time he takes to talk with patients about how to live well despite ailments and injuries, really does practice what he preaches. At least three times a week, you can find him on his board out at Rockpiles, Ala Moana Bowls or Laniakea, not only getting in a valuable workout but also having fun, which he says is vital when you are looking for a way to stay active. “If it’s not fun, you’re not going to do it.” He also regularly lifts weights and does stretching exercises, eats a balanced diet that includes “a little bit of everything, but not too much of anything,” plus a multivitamin, and of course glucosamine and MSM supplements to promote joint health.
Dr. Thomas Kane is pictured with Jennifer Hee, Executive Director of the Arthritis Foundation, Pacific Region. Dr. Kane was selected as the Foundation’s Medical Honoree because of his exceptional track record providing education and care to people with arthritis.
Another lesson that Kay Kane imparted to her son is the importance of discipline and hard work. Dr. Kane tells the story of how his mother enrolled him in piano lessons at the age of four, and expected him to practice every day. “She would sit there on the couch next to the piano and make sure I played for 30 minutes. She wasn’t mean about it, but I knew that I had to do it.” The practice paid off, for by the time he was 18, he had won several piano competitions and even garnered a full scholarship to the prestigious Julliard School in New York City. “I knew I had reached a fork in the road,” he said. “I could either pursue a career as a professional musician or go see what else the world had to offer.” Ultimately, he turned down the scholarship to Julliard, and enrolled in the University of Santa Clara. Halfway through college, he realized that he needed to make a switch from his humanities major to pre-med. His advisor told him that it couldn’t be done because he would never have time to complete all the prerequisite coursework to qualify for medical school. Not surprisingly, he proved his advisor wrong, graduated magna cum laude, and went on to medical school at UC Davis and residencies in general and orthopedic surgery at the University of Hawai‘i. He was also the first physician in Hawai‘i to complete a fellowship in adult hip and knee reconstruction. The work ethic taught to him as a young boy was what had kept him going. “Mom told me, ‘You have to find your passion and commit to it one hundred percent.’ I knew I wanted to be a doctor.”
Today, Dr. Kane has been serving the people of Hawai‘i for more than 30 years, performing over 9,000 surgeries with a 98% surgical success rate. The procedures he does are aimed at both joint preservation and joint reconstruction, in keeping with his overall philosophy that “we try to help patients keep their God-given parts as long as possible.” While surgery is considered a last resort, it can offer patients a dramatic improvement in quality of life when their pain is too great and their mobility or daily functioning is at stake.
According to Dr. Kane, there is a reason why his specialty is necessary. “The problem is that humans outlive their joints. Joints are made of cartilage, which unfortunately cannot regenerate itself and does not heal on its own if it is injured. Generally, the more you use a joint, the more it wears out, and this natural progression is compounded by diseases like arthritis.” The majority of patients who come to him are suffering from arthritis, the most common form being osteoarthritis, so much of the education that he provides to his patients is about how to prevent arthritis and keep joints healthy or how to manage symptoms in order to delay surgery as long as possible. He also refers many of his patients to the Arthritis Foundation because “they have fabulous resources for those who want to educate themselves.”
Whether you have arthritis or not, moving is the best form of medicine. Dr. Kane likes to stay active by surfing at least three times a week.
Dr. Kane shares the following tips with his patients about joint health:
Avoid injury. The joints that you have need to last you a lifetime, so be careful when you exercise or play sports. Pay attention to signals like pain that lingers long after you are done moving and don’t overdo it!
Stay in motion. It is important to remain active through low-impact exercise like cycling and swimming. Dr. Kane says, “Cartilage is like a sponge. It needs elastohydrodynamic nutrition to be healthy. In other words, moving around is what brings nutrients into your joints. When people have arthritis, they often have ‘startup pain’ which makes them think that they shouldn’t get moving, but that is exactly what they need to do.”
Maintain a healthy weight. Weight control is important for your overall health, but especially when it comes to joint health. Dr. Kane says that every pound of weight that a patient gains puts triple that amount of stress on his or her joints.
Dr. Kane shares that one of the most important parts of his practice is the initial consultation he has with each person who walks through his doors. This is the time when he can really sit down, talk story, and listen to his patients. His goal is to understand what their needs are but also to set people at ease, especially those who are in pain and might be starting to feel discouraged. I tell them, “The decision to have surgery is a difficult one, but do not lose hope. There are many very effective nonsurgical treatments for arthritis today, including medications and other modalities. If surgery is indicated, the options we have are highly successful. There is greater than 95% chance of restoring their quality of life, and reopening doors that they see closing.”
It is this optimism and confidence that makes Dr. Kane one of Hawai‘i’s most beloved and effective physicians. A small-town boy who had a simple wish when he started down the path to becoming a doctor: “I wanted to help patients get better. I wanted to give people their lives back.” Thousands of seniors in Hawai‘i would agree that he has done just that.
Tips from the Arthritis Foundation: Signs and Symptoms of Arthritis
Did you know that 50 million people — or one in five Americans — have been diagnosed with arthritis? Arthritis affects men, women, and children of all ages, and it is the nation’s most common cause of disability.
There are several warning signs to watch out for, if you think you have arthritis:
Pain in one or in many parts of your body
Stiffness, sometimes most pronounced in the morning or after a period of inactivity
Difficulty moving a joint, especially when doing normal daily tasks, such as climbing stairs or opening a jar
Occasional swelling and/or tenderness around a joint; the joint may also feel warm to the touch
Redness in the skin around a joint
You should see your doctor if you have any of these symptoms for more than two weeks. Early diagnosis and treatment of arthritis is important because it can slow or prevent the joint damage that often occurs during the first few years of having the disease.
Tips from the Arthritis Foundation: Manage and Prevent Arthritis
Be physically active. Physical activity can help manage the pain and stiffness from many forms of arthritis. Exercise keeps your joints moving, keeps the muscles around your joints strong, and keeps bone and cartilage tissue strong and healthy to prevent arthritis. Whether you are starting your own routine or want to join a program, there are many options for you to choose from:
Low-impact exercises, such as walking, biking, swimming, or using an elliptical trainer are great ways to keep your body and your joints healthy!
The Arthritis Foundation Walk With Ease program is designed to help people with arthritis safely make physical activity a part of their daily life. Call 596-2900 to learn more!
Control your weight. Weight control means staying close to your recommended weight or losing weight if you are overweight now. Did you know that weight control helps to:
Reduce your risk for getting arthritis in your knees, hips or back?
Ease pain from arthritis by reducing stress on your joints?
Protect your joints. Whether you are working out or working in the yard or just looking for a way to be kind to your hard-working joints, it is important to minimize the trauma they experience. Use these tips to help your joints feel better or to stop joint pain before it starts:
Use proper methods for bending, lifting, reaching, sitting and standing.
Avoid activities that hurt an affected joint.
Avoid staying in one position for a long period of time; move or change positions often.
Respect pain: If you have pain that lasts for 2 hours or more after an activity or exercise, then you have done too much!
As arthritis advocates, Shaley and Sharon Yoshizu share their story to help people understand the impact of their debilitating disease, and that it can affect anyone at any age.
Shaley & Sharon Yoshizu: Hoping For A Cure
A common myth about arthritis is that it is a disease that only affects older people. In fact, two-thirds of people with arthritis are under the age of 65, and it is estimated that there are 300,000 children living in the US with a form of juvenile arthritis. Sharon and Shaley Yoshizu know first-hand about the lifelong challenges that people face when they are diagnosed with arthritis at a young age.
Sharon, age 30, is a mom of three who was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis nine years ago. Her daughter Shaley, now nine years old, was diagnosed at the age of 2 with polyarticular juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. While both mother and daughter now deal with the frequent and disabling joint pain that arthritis brings, as well as all of the doctors’ appointments, injections and medications that help to keep their symptoms under control, they are tireless in their efforts to raise awareness about arthritis and share their message of hope that there will someday be a cure for this common affliction.
The Yoshizu family, including husband and father Brad and younger sisters Sadie and Shyana, has partnered with the Hawai‘i Arthritis Foundation since 2008. Shaley served as the Youth Ambassador for the annual Arthritis Walk in 2009. Two years later, the Yoshizus represented the State of Hawai‘i at the 2011 National Arthritis Advocacy Conference in Washington, DC, and they received the Hawai‘i Arthritis Foundation Advocacy Award in 2012. In total, they have raised over $30,000 for the Arthritis Foundation to find a cure!
If you would like to join Sharon and Shaley and the Yoshizu family in the fight against
arthritis, consider participating in this year’s Arthritis Walk. The family- and pet-friendly event will be held on Sunday, May 5 at Kakaako Waterfront Park. Funds raised through the Arthritis Walk will support national research initiatives on the treatment and cure of arthritis, local state-wide exercise programs for people with arthritis, and education and support for people with all forms of arthritis and their families.
Even though they deal with the constant pain of living with arthritis, the Yoshizu family works tirelessly to raise awareness and hope for a cure. The Yoshizus serve as Hawai‘i Arthritis Foundation ambassadors, and represented Hawai‘i at the 2011 National Arthritis Advocacy Conference in Washington, DC.
Tips from the Arthritis Foundation: Types of Arthritis
According to the Arthritis Foundation, there are more than 100 types of arthritis and related conditions. The following are three of the most common diseases that make up arthritis:
Osteoarthritis(OA) is the most common form of arthritis, affecting 27 million American men and women. It is a progressive degenerative joint disease, meaning that it causes cartilage and bones to break down over time. You have a higher chance of developing OA as you get older, or if you are overweight or obese or have a history of
joint injury.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) affects about 1.5 million Americans, mostly women. It is an autoimmune disease, meaning that a person’s immune system attacks its own joint tissues, causing pain and inflammation throughout the body. Many people with RA are diagnosed when they are fairly young, between the ages of 30 and 60.
Juvenile arthritis (JA) is an umbrella term used to describe the many different conditions that can develop in children ages 16 and younger. JA is one of the most common childhood diseases in the United States. More children have juvenile arthritis than cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy and juvenile diabetes combined. The causes of JA are largely unknown, but researchers and doctors are working to understand the various forms that this disease can take.
There are many other common diseases, such as fibromyalgia, gout, osteoporosis, and lupus, which are also considered a form of arthritis or an arthritis-related condition. To learn more about the types of arthritis mentioned above, as well as many others. To learn more about the many forms of arthritis and related conditions visit www.arthritis.org.
Dr. Thomas J. Kane, III, is the founder and chief orthopedic director of the Kane Orthopedic Institute. He has been selected as the Hawai‘i Arthritis Foundation Medical Honoree for 2013 based on his exceptional contribution to the treatment and care of people with arthritis across the state.
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 compassionate, comprehensive care and for championing the concept of a “Patient-Centered Medical Home.” Dr. Houk is the first Medical Director of a Continuing Lifetime Care Retirement Community in Hawai‘i to receive this award. His colleagues at Arcadia and 15 Craigside are extremely proud of him for earning this testament to the quality of care provided. Dr. Houk is a member of the American College of Physicians, American Medical Association, American Medical Directors Association, Hawaii Medical Association and Honolulu County Medical Society. He is also a popular speaker at Arcadia, lecturing on topics that include the following: Forgetfulness and Alzheimer’s, Quality of Life: How Do You Keep It?, 7 Secrets of Healthy Living, Is There Value in Vitamins?, and Why I became a Vegan.
Arcadia Retirement Residence is Hawai’i’s leading provider of senior care, since 1967, helping seniors in their own homes, in our convenient community centers or in our vibrant new retirement residence … 15 Craigside in Nuuanu Valley. For more information, visit arcadia-hi.org.
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 compassionate, comprehensive care and for championing the concept of a “Patient-Centered Medical…
Parmesan cheese (preferably block, not the prepared kind)
2T maple syrup (any pancake syrup works fine)
1T brown sugar
Pepper to taste
Pam/non-stick spray
Dressing:
1/4c balsamic vinegar
1/2c prepared Ranch dressing
To prepare “candied” walnuts, in a small bowl combine walnuts and maple syrup, toss in brown sugar to coat. Using a non-stick pan, spray with Pam and lightly toast walnuts over medium heat. Remove from heat and cool on a sheet
of waxed paper.
Combine two dressings and mix well, set aside. Hint: It’s important to toss your salad dressing into the salad just prior to serving to avoid soggy greens! Go light on the dressing, you can always add more.
Cut romaine into bite size pieces, chop watercress into 1” pieces and toss together in a large salad bowl. Slice apple/pear into bite size pieces (1/8” thick). Add feta/gorgonzola, candied walnuts and cranberries, then gently toss dressing into the salad. Season with fresh ground pepper and sprinkle generously with parmesan cheese (for an attractive presentation, use a vegetable peeler to scrape wide curls of parmesan and place on top of tossed salad).
Chef Michi founded ‘Cooking Fresh For You’. Her recipes center on healthy and flavor-packed dishes. Visit www.cookingfreshforyou.com or contact Michi at cookingfreshforyou@gmail.com or 808-286-6484. See her NEW concession take-out at Queen’s Physician’s Office Bldg.
Salad: 1 head romaine lettuce 1 bunch local watercress (3c chopped) 2 fuji apples/ripe pears 3/4c walnuts 4oz. crumbled feta or gorgonzola cheese 1/2c dried cranberries Parmesan cheese (preferably block, not the prepared kind) 2T maple syrup (any pancake syrup works fine) 1T brown sugar Pepper to taste Pam/non-stick spray Dressing: 1/4c balsamic vinegar 1/2c prepared Ranch…
“My parents made a trust with a lawyer. Why is it not working and the trustee and beneficiaries are fighting over the assets?”
Sadly, these are words I often hear from families who call me after the second parent dies to settle their parents’ estate. The Trust might have worked from the drafting attorney’s point of view in that the assets did not go through probate and the taxes were minimal. However, the drafting lawyer probably did not investigate and counsel their clients as to the relational aspects of estate planning.
In my 25 years’ experience as a lawyer, I’ve come to realize that there are five questions that must be answered with a “Yes” to ensure that the estate plan will work:
Did the plan properly transfer the assets to the beneficiaries avoiding probate and minimizing tax?
Did the beneficiaries receive the assets properly to minimize the risk of mismanagement and misspending of assets?
Did the parents clearly convey their message, meaning, and intent to their trustee and beneficiaries?
Did the beneficiaries and trustee clearly receive the message, meaning, and intent from the parents?
Will the trustee and beneficiaries honor the message, meaning, and intent of the parents?
In other words, making the estate plan is not enough. Communication, verbally and in writing, with the trustee and beneficiaries over time conveying the message, meaning and intent, and making sure they clearly receive your message, meaning and intent is critical to a successful estate plan.
“My parents made a trust with a lawyer. Why is it not working and the trustee and beneficiaries are fighting over the assets?” Sadly, these are words I often hear from families who call me after the second parent dies to settle their parents’ estate. The Trust might have worked from the drafting attorney’s point…
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 from the bacteria also irritate gums, and may cause the gums to separate from the teeth. Gingivitis is an early stage of periodontal disease. If untreated, the bone level around the affected teeth may recede, resulting in loose teeth.
Ingredients
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 pain. Physical therapy can help people return to their “pre-pain” condition and resume their life in comfort. A physical therapist can help people transition from chronic pain to a well-deserved quality of life in movement.
My plan for 2013 is to improve my health and hopefully for you, our readers, you will make this a goal too. We pledge to bring you more resources and provide you with helpful tips on living that better quality of life. Last month’s 91 year old super senior Joan Packer
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.
Dr. Thomas J. Kane, III, is the founder and chief orthopedic director of the Kane Orthopedic Institute. He has been selected as the Hawai‘i Arthritis Foundation Medical Honoree for 2013 based on his exceptional contribution to the treatment and care of people with arthritis across the state.
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 compassionate, comprehensive care and for championing the concept of a “Patient-Centered Medical Home.” Dr. Houk is the first Medical Director of a Continuing Lifetime Care Retirement Community in Hawai‘i to receive this award. His colleagues at Arcadia and 15 Craigside are extremely proud of him for earning this testament to the quality of care provided. Dr. Houk is a member of the American College of Physicians, American Medical Association, American Medical Directors Association, Hawaii Medical Association and Honolulu County Medical Society. He is also a popular speaker at Arcadia, lecturing on topics that include the following: Forgetfulness and Alzheimer’s, Quality of Life: How Do You Keep It?, 7 Secrets of Healthy Living, Is There Value in Vitamins?, and Why I became a Vegan.
Salad: