Category: April – May 2020

Addressing Seniors’ Spiritual Care Needs

With advances in medical technology, including diagnostic testing, prescription ordering and even making appointments, we may struggle with how care is coordinated and delivered. The focus on current clinical treatment and replacement of a real person with a recording has moved us farther from the traditional approach of face-to-face care and compassion-oriented interactions. The Latin root for the word “compassion” is “pati,” which means to “suffer;”
the prefix “com” means “with.” Therefore, to have compassion literally means to “suffer with.”

Compassionate care involves addressing the needs of the individual as a whole — their physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs. While providers dedicate themselves to managing the physical symptoms of aging and disease, seniors may experience other pain as well, on a mental and spiritual level. Why is this happening to me? What will happen when I die? Will my family survive my loss? How will I make it through this? The time has come for us to find other avenues to help our family members cope. Here are some thoughts that may help find meaningful answers to these questions:

✦ Helping patients practice some form of religious or spiritual belief has been found to promote a happier disposition in individuals with advanced cancer diagnoses, who also, consequently, report having less pain. Common spiritual practices are performed by those who bring a faith-based system into their lives. The idea they would be in the loving presence of a higher power and that death was not an end, but a transition to another life, provides comfort.

✦ Promote daily routines that boost emotional well-being, such as bringing back cherished memories with a review of the family photo album. This will help to reduce worry, which leads to better health outcomes by allowing an individual to “let go” of concerns about their medical condition and live more in the present moment with loved ones who are eager to share these moments.

✦ Understand that the interpretation of “faith” can encompass many activities not directly related to traditional, religious beliefs. Meditation, massage, singing and following certain rituals all may have a spiritual component that is recognized by the individual, and thus defines what faith means to that person. The positive impact of a faith-based system, therefore, is not necessarily defined on society’s terms, but rather on its importance to the individual, in their own mind. Simple daily routines that promote joy and happiness can have a significant impact over time.

Chaplains and local faith groups may be able to provide support in this respect, which in turn will have a positive impact the patient’s quality of life. Whatever the practice is — praying, meditating, performing a ritual — the practice supports a meaningful personal existence, the fulfillment of life goals and a feeling that life as been worthwhile for the individual.

Even the World Health Organization has recognized the meaning of “health” as “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, not merely the absence of disease.” It’s up to us to provide compassion and spiritual experiences for our loved ones when and where we can. This interaction is best accomplished face to face.

ATTENTION PLUS CARE HOME HEALTHCARE
Accredited by The Joint Commission
1580 Makaloa St., Ste. 1060, Honolulu, HI 96814
808-739-2811 | www.attentionplus.com
AGING IN HAWAII EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH PROGRAM
by Attention Plus Care — a program providing resources
for seniors and their families, covering different aging
topics each month. For class information and upcoming
topics, call 808-440-9356.

Compassionate care involves addressing the needs of the individual as a whole — their physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs. While providers dedicate themselves to managing the physical symptoms of aging and disease, seniors may experience other pain as well, on a mental and spiritual level. Why is this happening to me? What will happen…
Need a Hearing Aid? Buyer Beware!

Hearing loss is one of the most common health issues for seniors. The good news is that modern hearing aids are very effective in correcting hearing loss. Be aware that not all hearing aids are the same and not all providers are equal. Here are some tips that will ensure that you or a loved one get the best results when buying a hearing aid.

Shop around: Don’t pay too much. By making a few phone calls, you will be surprised at the range of prices for the same make and model. Don’t rush: If you are told that a special price is only good if you buy “right now,” just walk away.

Ask for a home trial: Make sure your provider offers a home trial period so you can see how the hearing aid performs where you live and work.

Check out the provider’s service plan: Your hearing aid can give you years of quality hearing ability if you have reliable service plan.

Feel good: Your audiologist and hearing aid specialist are important persons in your care team. Choose professionals who you feel comfortable with and who treat you well.

Be sure to ask for a written, low-price guarantee on all major makes and models, and a risk-free home trial so you can be absolutely sure and satisfied with your purchase.

OHANA HEARING CARE
1296 S Beretania St., Ste. 102, Honolulu, HI 96814
808-593-2137 | www.ohanahearingcare.com

Hearing loss is one of the most common health issues for seniors. The good news is that modern hearing aids are very effective in correcting hearing loss. Be aware that not all hearing aids are the same and not all providers are equal. Here are some tips that will ensure that you or a loved…
Staying Healthy During Flu Season

With so many different virus strains circulating, a flu shot is not the only defense for staying healthy. Preventative measures are the key to keeping illness at bay and avoiding giving the unwanted gift that keeps on giving. By being proactive and having a plan, you can raise the odds of staying flu-free.

Aside from sanitary best practices, such as washing your hands often, eating lots of fruits and vegetables, getting adequate rest and managing stress levels , exercise should be a part of your wellness plan. Among the obvious benefits of increased strength, energy and stamina, staying active on a regular basis helps with gut health, an important component of a robust immune system. Most people understand the concept, yet few will put it into action if exercise is not already part of their daily routine. Finding time throughout the day to stretch or do squats, even if it’s only in one-minute intervals, will boost your immunity.

Beyond taking care of the physical body, emotional health is important, too. Fear can have adverse effects on the immune system. Be mindful of what information you are feeding your brain and how it makes you feel. Avoiding news and conversations that incite fear can be one of the most important things you can do. Positive emotions combined with self-care can help you thrive.

BODY & BRAIN ENERGY HEALING CENTER MĀNOA
2851 E Manoa Road #1-207, Honolulu, HI 96822
808-691-9642 | www.bnbenergyhealing.com/manoa

With so many different virus strains circulating, a flu shot is not the only defense for staying healthy. Preventative measures are the key to keeping illness at bay and avoiding giving the unwanted gift that keeps on giving. By being proactive and having a plan, you can raise the odds of staying flu-free.
How to Protect Yourself Against Coronavirus

Persons over 55 with chronic diseases can die from the flu and COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus. These diseases enter your lungs through your eyes, nose or mouth. Most people pick up viruses left on surfaces by infected persons. Flu bugs can live on surfaces, clothing and towels for up to two weeks! Since we touch our faces up to 90 times a day, breaking that habit will help keep us healthy.

Stay clear of surfaces that other people have touched and their rubbish, as well as clothing sick people have worn. Wash your hands before putting on glasses, touching your hair, scratching your nose or mouth, or eating.

Hand Washing

Good hygiene is the best defense against viruses. Visit www.cdc.gov and read “When and How to Wash Your Hands.” Soap, water and friction cleanse your hands. Even hand sanitizer requires the friction of rubbing the hands together to lift off the oils that viruses stick to.

Rub your wet, soapy hands together front and back — get under the nails. Continue 20 seconds — the time it takes to sing a full version of Happy Birthday. Rinse well and dry hands with a paper towel before turning off the faucet with the towel. Keep the towel to open the restroom door. Consider all faucets, doors and flush handles contaminated.

Gloves

Wearing gloves at the doctor’s office, and while shopping and running errands will protect your hands, but the greatest advantage may be that gloves remind you not to touch your face.

Paper Masks

Paper masks do not protect healthy people from viruses — in fact, they can carry them to their faces as they apply or adjust the mask. Masks are for symptomatic and sick people. Since droplets from an uncovered sneeze can travel up to 30 feet, always cover sneezes and coughs with the tight crook of your elbow. And of course, always wash your hands after blowing your nose!

Symptoms

COVID-19 causes a temperature and cough — not cold symptoms. If you have these symptoms, isolate yourself and call your doctor promptly.

Get up-to-date information online:
STATE OF HAWAI‘I DEPARTMENT OF HEATH WEBSITE
www.health.hawaii.gov

Persons over 55 with chronic diseases can die from the flu and COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus. These diseases enter your lungs through your eyes, nose or mouth. Most people pick up viruses left on surfaces by infected persons. Flu bugs can live on surfaces, clothing and towels for up to two weeks!…
Hydrating Helps Prevent Falls

It is part of our practice to ensure our patients drink ample water during a physical therapy session. The fact that water counts for 95 percent of the brain, 82 percent of blood and 73 percent of muscle tissue explains how important it is to be hydrated. Dehydration can pose serious health problems for older adults, especially with Hawai‘i’s hot, humid weather. Dehydration symptoms that increase fall risk are dizziness, weakness, fatigue, confusion and low blood pressure.

Blood pressure can drop so low with dehydration that a condition called “orthostatic hypotension” can occur. As a person rises from lying down or sitting, blood rushes out of the brain, causing dizziness, faintness and weakness. This can result in a collapse or fall. Drinking more fluid would increase blood volume and help prevent a drop in blood pressure, thus reducing the risk of falling.

If you feel dizzy or light-headed when changing positions from prone to sitting or standing, we recommend waiting roughly 20 seconds before moving to allow more blood circulation and for the dizziness to subside. If you still feel light-headed, lie back down immediately. If you commonly experience this type of dizziness, drinking more fluids may be your solution.

Drinking plenty of fluids and eating foods with high water content every day is a great way to keep your body properly hydrated to prevent possible falls and injuries.

MAKAI MOBILE REHAB LLC (In-Home Physical Therapy)
Yunsim Suehisa, PT, DPT Physical Therapist
808-277-4073 | ysuehisapt@gmail.com
www.makaimobile.com

It is part of our practice to ensure our patients drink ample water during a physical therapy session. The fact that water counts for 95 percent of the brain, 82 percent of blood and 73 percent of muscle tissue explains how important it is to be hydrated. Dehydration can pose serious health problems for older…
Colon Cancer Testing

More than 50,000 Americans die each year from colorectal cancer. The heartbreaking thing is that most of these deaths could have — and should have — been prevented.

Screening is the No.1 way you can reduce your risk of colon cancer. If found early, colon cancer is one of the most treatable forms of the disease.

Know Your Options

From colonoscopies to at-home stool tests, there is an option for everyone to get screened. The only questions are what method to use, when to get screened and how often.

There are several different ways to be screened for colon cancer, including laboratory tests on your stool, simple procedures and imaging tests. It’s important to discuss with your doctor which screening option is best for you given your medical condition and preferences.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends colon cancer screenings starting at age 50 through age 74. According to the USPTSF, your stool should be tested every one to three years. You should also have a direct visualization of your colon through a simple procedure every three to 10 years.

Advocate for your health! Do not put it off. Talk to your doctor about getting checked.

MDX HAWAI‘I
500 Ala Moana Blvd., Ste. 2200, Honolulu, HI 96813-4993
808-522-7500 | www.mdxhawaii.com
MDX Hawai‘i has over 34 years of experience serving the people of Hawai‘i. Our physician network represents over 630 primary care physicians, and 2,200 specialists, hospitals and ancillary providers. MDX Hawai‘i contracts with Humana HMO, Humana PPO, and AARP/UnitedHealthcare PPO Medicare Advantage Plans.

More than 50,000 Americans die each year from colorectal cancer. The heartbreaking thing is that most of these deaths could have — and should have — been prevented. Screening is the No.1 way you can reduce your risk of colon cancer. If found early, colon cancer is one of the most treatable forms of the…
Proper Use of a Foam Roller

The popularity of the foam roller has been growing so steadily in the world of fitness that it is often used as a cure-all for many different conditions. It is a great tool for increasing mobility of the spine and soft tissue if used correctly. If it’s not used the right way, you could be doing more harm than good.

If you are rolling your lumbar spine (lower back), stop! Although the thoracic spine (middle back) is supported by the strong rib cage, the lumbar spine is not, which makes it more unstable. Forcing the lower back into more extension may cause more issues, increasing pain and sometimes causing stress fractures. But targeting the thoracic area and the region between your shoulder blades will improve mobility and overall posture.

You will block the thoracic spine with your shoulder blades if you clasp your hands behind your head, so expose the spine by reaching out, crossing your wrists and rounding the shoulders. Relax your abs, drop your butt and sink into the foam roller. Gently roll the tight spot, rocking side to side. Slowly bring your arms back over your head to get a great stretch.

MOON PHYSICAL THERAPY, LLC
320 Ward Ave., Ste. 107, Honolulu, HI 96814
95-1057 Ainamakua Drive, F-11, Mililani, HI 96789
808-597-1005 | www.moonpt.com

The popularity of the foam roller has been growing so steadily in the world of fitness that it is often used as a cure-all for many different conditions. It is a great tool for increasing mobility of the spine and soft tissue if used correctly. If it’s not used the right way, you could be…
Brain Exercises

There are many ways of honing your mental sharpness and helping your brain stay healthy. You could work on jigsaw puzzles, listen or play music, learn a new language, use your non-dominant hand or even socialize.

Doctors often use specific neurological exams to assess the integrity of the central nervous system. One could take these same neurological exams and use them to exercise or to rehabilitate specific areas of the brain.

Here are three brain exercises to try:

◆ Index finger-thumb tapping: examines motor function. One hand at a time, tap the index finger on the thumb as fast and as big as possible, separating the digits as wide as possible before tapping. This will help exercise the motor area.

◆ Finger-to-nose test: assesses coordination. Extend your arms straight out to your sides and then touch the tip of your nose with the tip of your index finger. Alternate hands. This exercise can help with cerebellar deficiencies— balance issues or essential tremors.

◆ Rapid alternating movements exam: helps with cerebellar issues. One hand at a time, rapidly and repeatedly flip your hand from the palm-up to the palm-down position.

If you find doing these exercises difficult, more reason to do them. The more you do them, the more neuro-pathways can be reinforced, helping your brain (and body) to stay healthy

NEEDLES OF HOPE
1314 S. King St., Ste. 1050, Honolulu, HI 96814
808-450-2527 | kathy@needlesofhope.com
www.needlesofhope.com

There are many ways of honing your mental sharpness and helping your brain stay healthy. You could work on jigsaw puzzles, listen or play music, learn a new language, use your non-dominant hand or even socialize. Doctors often use specific neurological exams to assess the integrity of the central nervous system. One could take these…
Encore.org: Utilizing the Over-50 Resource

A Greek proverb says, “A society grows great when old people plant trees under whose shade they will never sit.” This is the basis for an expanding network that is harnessing the power of the over-50 age group.

The demographic landscape has changed over time, requiring a paradigm shift regarding what we think and how we feel about people over 50 — including how they work and contribute to society.

There are more people in the U.S. over 50 today than there are under 18. By 2035, 140 million Americans — more than 1 in 3 — will be over 50. With decades of productivity ahead, adults 50 and over are a growing and renewable resource. Encore.org’s goal is to help those decades become a time of social contribution and impact in order to leave the world better than we found it.

Encore.org addresses this shift by outlining changes that need to be made and innovating new ideas and models to leverage the skills and talents of experienced adults. It is also the hub for a growing group of leaders advancing the Encore Movement, which aims to solve social problems by making use of the experience of people in midlife and beyond. It includes people in or aspiring to transition to their encores, the people and organizations working to enable encores and the organizations tapping encore talent.

The many organizations that were spawned by or are aligned with the Encore Movement are organized into the Encore Network, a global coalition of leaders and organizations committed to turning our longer lives into a valuable asset.

An “encore” or “encore career” is continued work in the second half of life that combines social impact, purpose, and often, continued income. An encore can be paid or volunteer and doesn’t have to be limited to the nonprofit sector.

Although it’s much more about life stage than age, the encore phase of life sits squarely in those years that used to comprise retirement. Many people plan for their encores in their late 40s or early 50s and move into encore work in their 50s, 60s, 70s and beyond.

If you are thinking about your own encore, look under the “Resources” section of Encore.org, where you’ll see a page called “For Encore Seekers” that will suggest ideas and resources, including The Encore Career Handbook.

There are Encore Networks in 33 states and 12 countries, but none have been established in Hawai‘i. You can change that. Together, we can create a better future for future generations.

ENCORE.ORG® (501(c) 3 nonprofit)
www.Encore.org | www.encore.org/donation-page/

A Greek proverb says, “A society grows great when old people plant trees under whose shade they will never sit.” This is the basis for an expanding network that is harnessing the power of the over-50 age group. The demographic landscape has changed over time, requiring a paradigm shift regarding what we think and how…
Hot Hula Dance Moves for Seniors

The HOT HULA fitness® Matua workout provides exhilarating exercise using Polynesian dance moves. Matua is a Māori word meaning elder or parent, so this fitness routine is geared to seniors, but can also be enjoyed by all age groups and fitness levels. Anyone who enjoys dancing and keeping fit can benefit from this exercise with a Polynesian flair.

HOT HULA fitness® Matua is a low-impact, yet heart-pumping cardio workout that targets larger muscle groups to increase strength and definition of your core (abs), glutes, quads and arms. This action-packed dance provides a 60-minute, total body workout.

HOT HULA fitness has four basic moves: 1) Tamau is hitting your hips side to side; 2) Ami is a circle movement; 3) Afata is a box movement by which you are drawing a box with your hips, hitting all four corners; and 4) Varu, a figure eight (the infinity symbol).

Inspired by the dances of the Pacific Islands, HOT HULA fitness® movements are set to the sounds of traditional Polynesian drumbeats fused with funky Reggae music. The instructor breaks down each choreographed siva (dance) into easy sections. The founder, Anna Rita Sloss, believed in helping her ‘aiga (family) as she searched for a program that would help move her people toward an active lifestyle.

“Our people can relate to drumbeats. When they hear it, they start moving and swaying their hips — enticed to get off their bums and move!” she says. Numerous studies show how dancing benefits benefits mind and body by getting your heart pumping and your blood flowing — a plus for joints, heart and brain. Dancing helps participants lose weight and manage stress. It also instills grace and exercises memory to help curb development of dementia.

Studies also show that dancing lifts the spirit, which is one of the many reasons I love teaching this format.

The exercise pace of HOT HULA fitness® Matua is slower and each move is specially modified for the matua. However, students may opt to execute either the full movements or the modified version. The health benefits are the same.

I encourage my HOT HULA fitness® Matua class to “move at your own pace and listen to your body. Keep moving your feet and make those big circles with your hips.”

HAWAII BALLROOM DANCE ASSOCIATION
98-019 Kamehameha Highway, Ste. 211A, Aiea, HI 96701
808-753-8673

The HOT HULA fitness® Matua workout provides exhilarating exercise using Polynesian dance moves. Matua is a Māori word meaning elder or parent, so this fitness routine is geared to seniors, but can also be enjoyed by all age groups and fitness levels. Anyone who enjoys dancing and keeping fit can benefit from this exercise with…
Networking: Living Your Best Life!

Do you recall in your younger days having lots of friends? Did you have so many that your social calendar always seemed full?

As we age, our social network changes. Our friends may move away, enter careers that take us in different directions, or get busy with family activities. While our social network may look different now, it is still important to maintain a group of family and friends. Studies have shown a direct correlation between life satisfaction and the presence of social networks with older adults 50 and over.

Many factors will influence who will be in your social network. Perhaps it is your family who you live with, a church group or even former high school classmates who you feel most comfortable socializing with. Sometimes transportation or mobility issues may lead you to limit your social network to your neighborhood or those who are in the vicinity. A social network becomes a resource and sounding board to discuss topics that make our lives better. Socialization has been proven to decrease feelings of loneliness or isolation.

So whether you meet others to walk the mall or catch up over coffee every Wednesday at a nearby café or you join a formal networking group, don’t ignore the importance of interacting with others. It may be just what you need or you may be exactly what someone else really needs.

AMAZING CARE NETWORK
PO Box 70322, Oakland, CA 94612
877-248-7098
customer.service@amazingcarenetwork.com
www.amazingcarenetwork.com

Do you recall in your younger days having lots of friends? Did you have so many that your social calendar always seemed full? As we age, our social network changes. Our friends may move away, enter careers that take us in different directions, or get busy with family activities. While our social network may look…
Springtime Safety Means No Emergencies

Spring cleaning can be a satisfying experience for seniors, but it’s important to do it safely. Take your time, rest often and stay hydrated. Do not climb on furniture or a ladder. Ask for help. Staying safe is more than wearing an alert device. Work safely so you don’t have to activate it!

Use Careful Cleaning Methods. Wear rubber gloves to protect your skin from harsh chemicals. Senior skin is thinner and more sensitive.

Declutter. Clutter poses a falling risk for seniors — especially when reorganizing closets. “De-junking” surfaces and floors reduces that risk.

Clean Hidden Sources of Germs in the Kitchen. Sponges harbor food-borne bacteria like E. coli and salmonella. Disinfect sponges with bleach every day. Clean countertops and everyday kitchen items with disinfectant, followed by hot, soapy water.

Take Fire Safety Precautions. Replace batteries in smoke detectors, keep the stovetop area free of flammables, and clean the lint filter in the dryer before and after each load.

Clean the Air. Seniors with asthma may be even more sensitive to pollutants like dust. Replace your HVAC filter often. Choose a HEPA filter, which removes dust, mold and pollen.

CONNECT AMERICA
98-030 Hekaha St., Ste. 4, Aiea, HI 96701
808-721-1202
Jennifer.Borja-Johnson@connectamerica.com
www.connectamerica.com

Spring cleaning can be a satisfying experience for seniors, but it’s important to do it safely. Take your time, rest often and stay hydrated. Do not climb on furniture or a ladder. Ask for help. Staying safe is more than wearing an alert device. Work safely so you don’t have to activate it!