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.
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…
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…
“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…
The boomers grew up listening to the Beatles, the Rolling Stones and the Who. My Generation — remember that? When I’m 64 — I know you remember that song. We joked about getting older — and now, here we are. We are the age our parents warned us about. Linda and I just celebrated a milestone. We were born on the same day, in the same year. Yet, amazingly, she is ten years younger than I am. How does that happen? The other amazing thing and something I am so grateful for, my mother sent us a birthday card. My point here is that all of us are living longer and have to plan for all the eventualities.
And there are many.
There are financial considerations. Many experts contribute to this magazine who have wonderful information regarding plans for the future — what you will need for the years after retirement [and there may be many years]. Other experts can provide advice on caregiving, emotional and physical help to get through some of the tough times.
Our main focus in Generations Magazine is to let you know you are not alone. Help abounds. You merely have to ask. Here’s my joke for this column:
Two lazy guys are laying down against a tree, one on one side, the other on the other. Suddenly one of the guys says, “There’s a huge procession headed down the road. There’s limousines, beautiful girls, a giraffe, an elephant and a marching band. It’s incredible.” The other fellow says, “Gosh, I wish I was on your side of the tree.”
Don’t be that lazy guy.
The boomers grew up listening to the Beatles, the Rolling Stones and the Who. My Generation — remember that? When I’m 64 — I know you remember that song. We joked about getting older — and now, here we are. We are the age our parents warned us about. Linda and I just celebrated a milestone. We were born on the…
What is the Hawai‘i Family Caregiver Coalition? How did they get started? Why are they here? Good questions!
The Hawai‘i Family Caregiver Coalition, or HFCC, is a group of organizations, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private businesses concerned with the needs of unpaid family caregivers. Friends and neighbors are often caregivers, in addition to family members. Most people don’t realize that on any given day in Hawai‘i, about 169,000 adults are caring for frail or impaired adults, and about 247,000 are caregivers at some time during the year. These caregivers provide an astounding 162 million hours of unpaid service during the year! The estimated dollar value of this service is $1.990 Billion per year.1 This potentially saves a tremendous amount of money for insurance companies, family members, and the state, which might otherwise have to pay for care through the Medicaid program or other sources.
HFCC started when Hawai‘i was selected in 2004 to participate in a project designed to create coalitions such as theirs at the state and local levels. This project was funded by the US Administration on Aging and conducted by the AARP Foundation. The Coalition emerged following a two-day training period, in which 27 organizations participated.
Most importantly, why is HFCC here?
HFCC exists because family caregivers often face great challenges, yet they are not represented by supporting organizations; and their needs are not known to most policymakers or by the community. HFCC’s member organizations support caregivers and their families either through providing direct services or by other means. They have joined together in order to achieve two goals: first, to identify gaps in service and advocate for service expansion which will need caregiver needs; and, second, to promote education to caregivers, professionals in the field of aging, policymakers, and the public regarding caregiver needs.
What does HFCC do?
Here are a few examples: During Family Caregiver Day at the Capitol, advocates and caregivers visit legislative offices to discuss legislative priorities and have family members share their personal experiences with caregiving. They also distribute copies of their annual Aging and Disabilities Issues report to lawmakers, senior organizations and the public. The Coalition’s Educational Symposiums offers members valuable information and a chance to learn new skills. The Speakers Bureau and educational materials are available at no charge.
Organizations interested in joining HFCC can contact Anthony Lenzer via email Tlenzer@hawaii.rr.com or call 808-261-2095. Mailing address is P.O. Box 3088, Honolulu, HI 96802.
(1) Lynn Feinberg, Susan C. Reinhard, Ari Houser, and Rita Choula. Valuing the Invaluable: 2011 Update The Growing Contributions and Costs of Family Caregiving. Washington, DC: AARP Public Policy Institute
What is the Hawai‘i Family Caregiver Coalition? How did they get started? Why are they here? Good questions! The Hawai‘i Family Caregiver Coalition, or HFCC, is a group of organizations, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private businesses concerned with the needs of unpaid family caregivers. Friends and neighbors are often caregivers, in addition to…
Most of us in Hawai‘i understand that the island chain we call home is particularly vulnerable to hurricanes, earthquakes and tsunamis. And we’ve definitely all heard how wise we’d be to plan ahead and prepare for these types of emergencies and natural disasters. The good news for you and your family is that now you’ve got a capable partner who is willing and eager to help you when you’re ready to take on this necessary and difficult challenge.
The National Disaster Preparedness Training Center (NDPTC) offers many workshops to community members free of charge. One of our latest courses targets a broad cross section of seniors, senior caregivers, family members, friends, home health providers, and medical personnel to help them better understand the actions that might be required of them during a natural disaster. Seniors are frequently the most vulnerable population during a natural disaster because they often require additional support or have special needs. This 4-hour hands-on workshop focuses specifically on planning and preparedness actions that caregivers of seniors can take to help ensure the continued health, safety, and security of the senior(s) in their care.
Natural disasters can happen with little or no warning, but that doesn’t mean that we are completely powerless to protect ourselves or that we must depend entirely on emergency management personnel to rescue us. Did you know that individuals, families and businesses in Hawai‘i should expect to be on their own for at least 7 days after a disaster? The goal of this workshop is to empower you and help minimize risks and ultimately to reduce the impact of the natural disaster on the people you love and care for.
Here’s a list of some of the topics we explore in this course:
Identifying types of hazards and their potentials to cause fatalities, injuries, property damage, infrastructure damage, damage to the environment, interruption of business, or other types of harm or loss (FEMA, 1997)
Preparing caregivers in advance to reduce vulnerabilities of seniors in emergencies
Assessing and managing constraints and vulnerabilities of older persons such as mobility issues, medical conditions, disabilities, social and economic constraints
Developing a plan of action (e.g. evacuation, sheltering, feeding, transportation, accommodating persons with disabilities, ongoing and emergency care, etc.)
Organizing an extended support system
Amassing critical equipment, resources, food and water provisions
Building resilience and attending to the overall well-being of seniors during and
after disaster
Resilience is key in dealing with any of life’s difficulties, especially in natural disasters. It means being able to rebound or recover so that you can get on with your life. For seniors, knowing that there is a specific emergency plan in place will encourage confidence and peace of mind. For caregivers, being trained and prepared to deal with natural disasters will help to reduce anxieties about their caregiving duties and
responsibilities so that they can perform them with confidence.
We hope to see you at this workshop and encourage you to contact us by phone or visit online for more information, as well as for more training opportunities and resources that we offer.
Natural Disaster Preparedness Training Center p: 808-956-0600 | f: 808-536-9110 | ndptc.hawaii.edu
Most of us in Hawai‘i understand that the island chain we call home is particularly vulnerable to hurricanes, earthquakes and tsunamis. And we’ve definitely all heard how wise we’d be to plan ahead and prepare for these types of emergencies and natural disasters. The good news for you and your family is that now you’ve…
This time of year, fliers, yard signs, emails and other advertisements offering tax preparation assistance and promising bigger, faster refunds are popping up everywhere. When you alone are ultimately responsible for the information on
your tax returns, how do you separate the professionals from the scammers? Over the past few years seniors have become prime targets of the tax scammers.
One popular scheme works by convincing seniors that they qualify for reimbursement through the American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC). The AOTC allows people paying for college to reduce their taxable income by as much as $2,500.
A key requirement of the AOTC is that a person be currently enrolled in an institute of higher education — a condition that most seniors do not meet. But, scammers lie, telling seniors that they can collect benefits even if they went to school many years ago or even if they helped pay for their children’s schooling.
Here is a list of some of other recent tax related scams:
Fictitious claims for refunds or rebates based on excess or withheld Social Security benefits.
Claims that Treasury Form 1080 can be used to transfer funds from the Social Security Administration to the IRS enabling an IRS-payout.
Unfamiliar for-profit tax services teaming with local churches.
Homemade fliers or brochures implying credits or refunds available without proof of eligibility.
Offers of free money with no documentation required.
Promises of refunds for “Low Income — No Documents Tax Returns.”
Claims for the expired Economic Recovery Credit Program or for the Recovery Rebate Credit.
Senior stimulus payment. Retirees and other Social Security beneficiaries are eligible for a senior stimulus payment — $250 for individuals and $500 for couples — as part of the new stimulus plan. Some scams claim seniors can get a second, much larger payment by calling a telephone number and surrendering personal information.
Hawaii’s BBB offers the following tips for avoiding tax preparation scams:
Be cautious of tax preparers who claim they can get larger refunds than other preparers, or who base their fee on a percentage of your refund.
Consider whether the individual or firm will be around to answer questions about the preparation of the tax return months, or even years, after the return has been filed.
Check the preparer`s credentials. Only attorneys, certified public accountants (CPAs) and enrolled agents can represent taxpayers before the IRS
in all matters including audits, collections and appeals.
Find out if the preparer is affiliated with a professional organization that provides its members with continuing educational resources and holds them to a code of ethics.
Ask friends and family if they know of people who has used the tax preparer before, and whether they were satisfied with their service.
Check out the firm with Hawaii’s Better Business Bureau at Hawaii.bbb.org
Keep your money and your identity safe this tax season. And remember the IRS provides free telephone assistance for people who have questions at 1-800-829-1040.
This time of year, fliers, yard signs, emails and other advertisements offering tax preparation assistance and promising bigger, faster refunds are popping up everywhere. When you alone are ultimately responsible for the information on your tax returns, how do you separate the professionals from the scammers? Over the past few years seniors have become prime…
Many have told us that their Real Property Taxes seem to be going up. This may be true since our property taxes are a direct relation with the City’s value of the property. The higher the assessed value of your property, the higher your property taxes will be..
We have clients from all over the world. And believe it or not, our property taxes are not as high as some states. As of the 2008 U.S. Census, the state of New Jersey holds the #1 position for the highest median property tax paid per year at $6,320. The lowest median property tax paid was Louisiana at just $188.
Home exemptions reduce the net taxable assessed value of the property used in determining your property tax and apply only to your primary residence. You can only have one primary residence which is tracked by your Social Security number. The current basic home exemption is $80,000. This means that $80,000 is deducted from the assessed value of the property and the homeowner is taxed on the balance. If you’re 65 years and older, the home exemption is $120,000. To qualify for the higher exemption you must be 65 years or older on or before June 30 preceding the tax year for which the exemption is claimed. Your exemption amounts will automatically increase depending on the age of the homeowner. The current property tax rate is $3.50 per $1,000 of assessed value. This rate is set in May or June by the City Council and may be adjusted for the July statement of this year.
If you believe your property taxes are too high, there is a way you can file for an appeal. These are what you need to know:
You’ll need to complete the Notice of Real Property Assessment Appeal form and submit a $25.00 deposit. This form as well as other valuable information can be found online at www.realpropertyhonolulu.com.
There are 4 ways to appeal. The most common is based on your belief that the assessment of the property exceeds more than 10% the market value of the property.
Once the form is completed a hearing is scheduled before the Board of Review. This board is made up of private citizens in an informal setting. You’ll want to bring documentation to validate your statement and then they’ll remedy a decision.
If you purchase a property, remember to file for the exemption immediately, so you don’t forget later. Ownership must be recorded at the Bureau of Conveyances on or before September 30 preceding the tax year.
We’ve known seniors who have lived in their home for years and never took advantage of their home exemptions and they’ve paid more property taxes than needed — imagine the extra savings.
Many have told us that their Real Property Taxes seem to be going up. This may be true since our property taxes are a direct relation with the City’s value of the property. The higher the assessed value of your property, the higher your property taxes will be.. We have clients from all over the…
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.
Salad:
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.
The National Disaster Preparedness Training Center (NDPTC) offers many workshops to community members free of charge. One of our latest courses targets a broad cross section of seniors, senior caregivers, family members, friends, home health providers, and medical personnel to help them better understand the actions that might be required of them during a natural disaster. Seniors are frequently the most vulnerable population during a natural disaster because they often require additional support or have special needs. This 4-hour hands-on workshop focuses specifically on planning and preparedness actions that caregivers of seniors can take to help ensure the continued health, safety, and security of the senior(s) in their care.
Natural disasters can happen with little or no warning, but that doesn’t mean that we are completely powerless to protect ourselves or that we must depend entirely on emergency management personnel to rescue us. Did you know that individuals, families and businesses in Hawai‘i should expect to be on their own for at least 7 days after a disaster? The goal of this workshop is to empower you and help minimize risks and ultimately to reduce the impact of the natural disaster on the people you love and care for.
This time of year, fliers, yard signs, emails and other advertisements offering tax preparation assistance and promising bigger, faster refunds are popping up everywhere. When you alone are ultimately responsible for the information on