Update: Queen’s Medical Center vs. Koga
The Honolulu Star-Advertiser has featured several stories about Karen Okada, a 95-year-old woman who signed a “Death with Dignity Declaration” and a “Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care Instructions” back in 1998. Both documents purport to control “in all...Norm Chow: Bringing Home the Game
Norm Chow reflects on his first year on the field. “I always tell the kids, We stand on the shoulders of the great men and women that have gone on before us.” By most reports, 62 is now the most common retirement age by far. Yet, many folks are adjusting to the poor...Enjoy the Summer of Your Life
Seniors of all ages and their families will find that Oahu offers an array of events from July 8 to August 16th, ranging from a dance festival to “sake tasting.” Mark your calendars today for one or all of these exciting events. From July 8th to 21st, some of the...Important Changes to Medicare July 1, 2013
We’ve received several calls from individuals who have received letters from the Department of Health & Human Services in Baltimore Maryland titled An Important Message for People with Original Medicare. So questions were asked: Is this letter legitimate? Yes it...Heart Failure
Approximately 5.8 million people in the United States have heart failure. Heart failure is a very common condition in seniors and is also known as congestive health failure. This is a condition in which the heart can’t pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. In...Caregivers Role
Little is known of caregivers within our community who provide care to aged and disabled individuals under the Community Care Foster Family Home Program. In fact, at times there is a certain undeserved stigma attached to the profession. So what is the role of Adult...What’s So Good About Growing Older?
Every week I talk to people who are newly eligible for Medicare insurance or are already enrolled in a plan. While some are happy to be at the age to get those senior discounts at retail shops and restaurants, some, not so much. They would rather trade those discounts...My Take on Things: Shuzi Health Jewelry
It was September 8, 2011 that I had a stroke … some say it was “mild” and some say it was a “nerve stroke” while I say, “It happened, now move on!” Every day since then, I test myself on doing things with my right side. Within two weeks I got rid of the walker...Summer Green Smoothie
Summer brings in the time of year when melons are in season. Watermelon, honeydew and cantaloupe are rich in vitimins, minerals and antioxidants such as beta-carotene, lycopene, potassium, magnesium vitamin A and C. Adding them to a green smoothie makes for a tasty...Special Needs Planning
Statistics reveal that about 16% of children in the United States have some sort of disability. The concerns of parents of these children are the same for most any parent and that is to make sure that their children are safe, happy, and live a meaningful life. Some of...Strong Families Survive
In June we celebrate National Family Month, which is a great time to reflect on your family and how to make it stronger. As the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reminds us, strong families share many valuable qualities: trust, commitment, communication,...Smiles for a Lifetime
Q: How can I ensure that my teeth and mouth stay healthy and strong for a lifetime? A: Two words to remember for a healthy smile are, “Be Proactive”! There’s no magic dental wand, but follow this philosophy to help keep your teeth for a lifetime. First, seeing your...“Lite” and Creamy Pasta with Asparagus and Shrimp
A colorful summer delight. You’ll want to use a nice rigatoni (tube) or farfalle (bowtie) pasta for this recipe. The shape of the pasta is perfect with the creamy sauce and serves as the perfect backdrop for the beautiful greens and pinks of the asparagus and shrimp....“It’s Not Like It Was, But It Will Work”
My dad had a saying when he was trying to fix things around the house. He was a wonderful man, let there be no question. But when it came to being a “handy-man” — not so much. When he would finish a project, no matter how big or how small, he would finish with this...2013 Legislature Sends Mixed Signals
As the 2013 legislative session came to a close, volunteer advocates welcomed the passage of legislation tied to AARP Hawai‘i’s long-term care priorities — but cautioned that more must be done to address a growing elder-care challenge that threatens to overwhelm...How Much Money Do I Need?
The “million dollar” question many of those preparing for retirement ask themselves is simply stated but not necessarily easy to answer — “how much money do I need to save to secure a comfortable retirement?” In some circles, this is referred to as “the number” — that...Feeling Right at Home . . . in Vegas
If you thought it was just the low prices that enticed thousands of Hawaii’s seniors to book their Vegas trips through Vacations Hawai‘i, take a closer look. Vacations Hawai‘i offers 4 flight patterns per week on non-stop flights between Honolulu & Vegas, on...Who Are You Calling a Senior?
Movie night and what to see? Standing in line, I looked up to see what was playing. Getting up to the booth to pay for my ticket, the young man asked me, “What movie Sir?” I replied, “Life of Pi” please, I’ve enjoyed pie for years and I’m so happy they finally made a...Book Review: 65 Things to Do When You Retire
When you think of retirement, you may dream of spending carefree days traveling with friends or loved ones. If you’re at that stage of life, 65 Things to Do When You Retire: Travel can help you steer toward a fulfilling and enjoyable retirement, whether you are...Preference, Dignity, and Choice
Are you or someone you know living in a nursing home or other long-term care facility? Are you interested in moving back home to the community? The Hawai‘i Going Home Plus (GHP)project can help to explore community choices and services available, create a care plan to...
June – July 2013
Norm Chow: Bringing Home the Game