Category: June – July 2014

Aquatic Therapy for Rotator Cuff Pain
We have all heard the term “rotator cuff.” What is a rotator cuff? A group of four muscles: supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subscapularis and teres minor that connects the shoulder blade (scapula) to the arm bone (humerus).

The rotator cuff tendons are key to a healthy functioning shoulder. They are subject to wear and tear or degeneration, as we use our arms. Occasionally, the muscles or tendons of the rotator cuff become irritated or damaged because of injury or overuse.

What are the risk factors?

Over the age 40

Impingement syndrome

Poor posture

Muscle/joint tightness

Repetitive overhead motions

Testimonial: Vernon G. Campbell Lcdr/NC/USN/Ret (Lieutenant Commander U.S. Navy Retired Nurse Corps) age 65, an exercise enthusiast stated, he suffered with chronic shoulder pain and while exercising in warm water, he’s noticed improved mobility and strength with significantly less pain. As a result, he has been able to resume a normal exercise regimen without pain or discomfort.

What are the symptoms?

Shoulder pain

Upper arm pain

Pain/weakness lifting the arm

Pain/weakness reaching

Pain lying on the shoulder

Performing rotator cuff exercises in warm water can help to strengthen the muscles and make it less painful during rehabilitation.

The Journal of Orthopedic and Sports Physical Therapy published a study that compared the effects of land and water exercises on the rotator cuff. It was found that the water’s buoyancy minimizes the amount of stress on the shoulder and the resistance created by the water actually improved the effectiveness of the exercises. The study concluded, aquatic therapy allows for earlier rehabilitation after surgery or injury without compromising the patient’s safety.

So when traditional therapy is too painful to endure, aquatic therapy can offer an early start to rehabilitating the rotator cuff and allow for a speedy recovery.

Moon Physical Therapy, LLC
320 Ward Avenue, Suite 107, Honolulu, HI 96814
Aquatic Therapy, Land-based Therapy and
Cardiopulmonary Rehab Programs
808-597-1005 | www.moonpt.com
We have all heard the term “rotator cuff.” What is a rotator cuff? A group of four muscles: supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subscapularis and teres minor that connects the shoulder blade (scapula) to the arm bone (humerus). The rotator cuff tendons are key to a healthy functioning shoulder. They are subject to wear and tear or degeneration,…
Emphysema
Emphysema is a lung disease that makes it hard to breathe. Emphysema, along with chronic bronchitis are referred to as Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (COPD). COPD is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States. Smoking is the leading cause of emphysema.

Emphysema results when the delicate linings of the air sacs in the lungs become irreversibly damaged causing airflow limitation. As the fragile tissues between air sacs are destroyed, air pockets in the lungs develop. Air becomes trapped in these spaces of damaged lung tissue. The lungs slowly enlarge, and breathing requires more effort. The main symptom of emphysema is shortness of breath, which usually begins gradually.

What causes emphysema?

The main cause of emphysema is long-term exposure to airborne irritants such as:

Tobacco smoke

Marijuana smoke

Air pollution

Manufacturing fumes

Rarely, emphysema is caused by an inherited deficiency of a protein that protects the elastic structures in the lungs called alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency emphysema.

How is emphysema diagnosed?

Lung function tests or spirometry are noninvasive tests which measure how much air the lungs can hold and how well the air flows in and out of the lungs. It can also measure how well the lungs deliver oxygen to the bloodstream. A physician may order a chest X ray and blood tests.

How is emphysema treated?

Emphysema cannot be cured, but treatments can help relieve symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. Bronchodilators and inhaled steroids are the mainstay. Antibiotics may be prescribed during acute bronchitis or pneumonia. Pulmonary rehabilitation programs can teach persons on breathing exercises and techniques to reduce breathlessness and improve exercise capacity. As lung function deteriorates a person may need home oxygen. Surgery is the last resort and includes lung volume reduction surgery or lung transplant.

What lifestyle changes are recommended?

Quit smoking

Avoid respiratory irritants and fumes

Exercise regularly

Get the recommended immunizations — influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations

What help or support is available for anyone with emphysema?

Join a COPD support group

The American Lung Association has Better Breathers Clubs all across the country.

Call the Lung Helpline at 1-800-LUNGUSA
Emphysema is a lung disease that makes it hard to breathe. Emphysema, along with chronic bronchitis are referred to as Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (COPD). COPD is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States. Smoking is the leading cause of emphysema. Emphysema results when the delicate linings of the air sacs in…
Independence Starts at Home!

When we celebrate the 4th of july with family, friends, food and fireworks, it is a time to remember what it means to be free.

With many of our aging, recuperating or ill ‘ohana, independence means being able to receive quality care in the privacy and comfort of their own homes. Home healthcare is not just about doctors, nurses, aides and companions providing safe, quality care in the home; it’s about the right to remain independent as long as possible, even to the end of life.

Home is familiar. Home is comfortable. Home is where most of us want to be when ill. The ability to age and get well in the comfort of your own home surrounded by family and friends helps keep the spirit of independence alive.

Fourth of July is also about patriotism. Being patriotic is not just about pledging allegiance to the flag and believing in American values, it is about being proactive in our community, and making things better for the young and the old.

Nurses, home health aides and companions emulate patriotism by caring for their fellow citizens and providing quality health services rain or shine, most likely without glory or recognition. These caregivers give back by providing all our seniors access to quality home care.

Let’s commend all the caregivers who are committed to our ‘ohana and by supporting the value and dignity of home healthcare, we are protecting our most vulnerable citizens, our fellow Americans!

HiHomeCare, 745 Fort Street, Honolulu, HI 96813
808-356-HELP (4357) | info@hihealthcarehawaii.com
hihealthcarehawaii.com

When we celebrate the 4th of july with family, friends, food and fireworks, it is a time to remember what it means to be free. With many of our aging, recuperating or ill ‘ohana, independence means being able to receive quality care in the privacy and comfort of their own homes. Home healthcare is not…
Honoring Seniors

The City & County of Honolulu’s Department of Parks & Recreation held their 3rd annual Outstanding Senior Recognition Program on Thursday, April 17th at the McCoy Pavilion. This event gives the City an opportunity to recognize outstanding senior club members and program volunteers.

The District Council Executive Boards and Outstanding Seniors from all four districts on O‘ahu were introduced and awarded a Certificate of Recognition along with a commemorative bowl. There were seventy individuals representing twenty-six senior clubs, four senior councils and their senior softball program.

The program was run by Roger Watanabe, Senior Section Coordinator, with the help from Steve Santiago and Randy Yasuhara, Senior Recreation Specialists. All three gentlemen were also applauded for their work with seniors.

The City also acknowledged those who contributed to making their program so successful. Generations Magazine’s Editor/Publisher, Percy Ihara, and I were given beautiful certificates and a commemorative bowl, which I put my car keys in every day!

Anyone interested in joining a Senior Club on O‘ahu call 808-973-7258, or for listing of locations, check Generations Magazine’s 2014 April/May issue by clicking here.

At the awards, (lt.–rt.) Percy Ihara, Roger Watanabe, Sherry Goya, Steve Santiago and Randy Yasuhara.

The City & County of Honolulu’s Department of Parks & Recreation held their 3rd annual Outstanding Senior Recognition Program on Thursday, April 17th at the McCoy Pavilion. This event gives the City an opportunity to recognize outstanding senior club members and program volunteers. The District Council Executive Boards and Outstanding Seniors from all four districts…
Two Days in the Summer

The Fourth of July is the cornerstone of summer. It is a date where families will get together; BBQ’s will occur; and fireworks will be watched. Memories of our youth will resurface, and stories of our nation’s birth will be told.

Independence Day being on Friday this year, will turn the weekend into a three-day break. In short, it will be celebrated as a holiday.

Nineteen days prior to Independence Day, on Sunday June 15, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) will happen. No parades, however, will be marking this day, nor will picnics be planned around it. If you don’t read the paper that day or watch the news carefully, it will go unnoticed.

In 2006, WEAAD was created to bring awareness that elder abuse exist in our society. Judging from my experiences as supervisor of the Elder Abuse Unit at the Prosecutor’s Office, this goal has not been achieved. I get calls from victims and their families who are in shock that these crimes exist and they have fallen victims to them. Even within law enforcement, there is surprise at the rate these crimes occur and the ingenuity these criminals employ.

Part of our collective ignorance comes from the fact that these offenses are rarely reported to the police or covered by the media. This lack in reporting leads to the belief that these crimes do not occur that often, gives potential victims a false sense of security that this could never happen to them.

Another reason we don’t think about elder abuse is that, quite frankly, it’s depressing. Stories of elder abuse are reminders that this situation could be a possible future in our own lives. We don’t like to think that when we get older we might need assistance or become vulnerable. Just look at the small minority of us that have invested in long-term care insurance. We want to believe we are going to grow old — being healthy the entire time — and then, at the ripe age of 112, we will go to sleep and gently pass into the night. Events like WEAAD are not conducive to the “ignorance is bliss” mentality many of us share.

This observance day, however, does serve a purpose. Once a year, we might stumble upon a mentioning of this day and take a moment to think about our parents or grandparents and give them a call to see how they are doing. OR perhaps take another look at that piece of mail we got and question the sincerity of its claim that it has made us rich.

So, although WEAAD will most likely not become an event in the future where fireworks will be lit, it will for some remind us that although we won independence centuries ago, and we are not free from the crimes that target our seniors.

To report suspected elder abuse, contact the Elder Abuse
Unit at: 808-768-7536 | ElderAbuse@honolulu.gov
www.ElderJusticeHonolulu.com

The Fourth of July is the cornerstone of summer. It is a date where families will get together; BBQ’s will occur; and fireworks will be watched. Memories of our youth will resurface, and stories of our nation’s birth will be told. Independence Day being on Friday this year, will turn the weekend into a three-day…
Real Property Tax Credits for Homeowners
The City and County of Honolulu offers a real property tax credit to property owners who meet certain eligibility requirements. If you qualify, the maximum real property tax owed would not exceed 3% or 4% of your income, depending on your age.

What are the Eligibility Requirements?

You must have a home exemption in effect on the property at the time of application and during the tax year of July 1, 2015 – June 30, 2016

Any of the titleholders do not own any other property anywhere

Combined income of all titleholders for the 2013 calendar year does not exceed $50,000

How Do I Apply for the Tax Credit Program?

Application available at the following locations beginning July 1, 2014 to the deadline date of September 30, 2014:

All Satellite City Hall locations

Treasury Division in Honolulu Hale, Room 115

Tax Relief Section at the Standard Financial Building at 715 So. King St., Room 505

Online at www.honolulu.gov/budget/default.html

When will the tax credit be applied to my real property taxes?

If approved, the tax credit will be applied to the July 1, 2015 – June 30, 2016 tax year.

You must file annually for this credit.

For more information and assistance in applying for the Tax Credit Program, contact the Tax Relief Office at 808-768-3205. *Information subject to change without notice.
The City and County of Honolulu offers a real property tax credit to property owners who meet certain eligibility requirements. If you qualify, the maximum real property tax owed would not exceed 3% or 4% of your income, depending on your age. What are the Eligibility Requirements? You must have a home exemption in effect…
Get Ready to BBQ
Celebrate a patriotic Fourth of July with kidney-friendly food. Sometimes people think that the world of food might be ruined if a diagnosis of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is made or dialysis is required. Nothing could be further from the truth. Care is needed to follow your doctor’s advice and nutrition requirements; there are plenty of foods good for your health and tasty too.

As we celebrate Fourth of July, The National Kidney Foundation of Hawaii decided to offer a kidney-healthy recipe appropriate for CKD, Dialysis, and Diabetes patients — and the rest of us who just like good, healthy food.

BBQ PINEAPPLE CHICKEN

Ingredients:

4 – 5 oz. skinless chicken breast

20-oz. can pineapple rings

2 tsp. chopped garlic

1 tsp. Dijon mustard

1/2 top wasabi paste

Directions:

Remove pineapple rings from can, save the drained pineapple juice. Mix pineapple juice with garlic, mustard and wasabi paste. Dice chicken breasts into 2-inch cubes. Combine pineapple juice mixture and chicken together, marinate overnight in the refrigerator. Place the chicken pieces on skewers. Barbecue chicken on a hot grill until the chicken is golden brown and cooked in the center (5 to 10 minutes depending upon the temperature of your grill). Serve over 4 pineapple rings. Serves 4. (Source: http://www.kidney.org/patients/kidneykitchen/recipes.cfm)

The National Kidney Foundation of Hawaii has prepared a cookbook of kidney-healthy recipes available to the public. Go to www.kidneyhi.org/Calabash_Cookbook.php to order a copy.

Have a happy Fourth of July!

National Kidney Foundation of Hawai‘i
808-589-5976 | jeff@kidneyhi.org
www.kidneyhi.org | www.kidney.org
Celebrate a patriotic Fourth of July with kidney-friendly food. Sometimes people think that the world of food might be ruined if a diagnosis of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is made or dialysis is required. Nothing could be further from the truth. Care is needed to follow your doctor’s advice and nutrition requirements; there are plenty…
Voices of Aloha

Voices of Aloha, a multi-generational and cultural choir group, directed by Mark Yasuhara (center?)

Voices of Aloha, formerly The GleemenPlus of Honolulu, traces its origins back to 1916 when the Gleemen of Honolulu, the oldest male chorus west of the Rockies, was established. In 1996, while under the direction of Shigeru Hotoke, the group was opened to women and the name was changed to The GleemenPlus of Honolulu. In 2013, the name was finally changed to Voices of Aloha. Mark Yasuhara has directed the group since 2007.

Voices of Aloha is the quintessential community choir in that most are average singers representing a cross-section of the multi-generational, cultural, racial, and religious tapestry that is Hawai’i, singing songs the community loves. Their repertoire includes classical favorites as well as original arrangements by Mark Yasuhara of Broadway and popular tunes, patriotic anthems, and of course, the songs of the people of Hawai’i.

Yasuhara says choral singing is one of the best low-impact activities for seniors. Full-voiced singing incorporates deep, core breathing, good posture and physical coordination. Learning and performing the music challenges and focuses the mind and creates natural and easy social interaction. Unlike karaoke, choral singing encourages cooperation, support and blending with other singers. Voices of Aloha members say rehearsals are stimulating, invigorating, happy affairs, a highlight of their week.

The choir perform at civic and private functions, churches, retirement centers and nursing homes. Recently, they performed at the annual Senior Classic Games at Halawa Gym coordinated by Garrett Iwai for their 25th anniversary. The Games were created in 1989 by, then, recreational director, Herb Yasuhara, Mark’s uncle. Herb was recognized and Voices of Aloha opened the Games with a half-hour concert in his honor, concluding with the singing of “The Star Spangled Banner” and “Hawai’i Pono’i.”

All ages are welcome. The group primarily consists of seniors, including a few octogenarians. They welcome, without audition, anyone who enjoys choral singing. Since many are not music readers, rehearsal CD’s are provided and director Mark Yasuhara offers a music-reading seminar in July. Most everyone who joined as a non-music reader can, at least now, follow the notes.

Voices of Aloha meet every Tuesday at 7 pm in the Annex of the Community of Christ Church at 1666 Mott-Smith Dr. in Makiki, one block makai of Roosevelt High School, from September through May.

Performance at the The City & County of Honolulu’s Parks and Recreations’ 25th Annual Senior Classic Games 2014.

Voices of Aloha, formerly The GleemenPlus of Honolulu, traces its origins back to 1916 when the Gleemen of Honolulu, the oldest male chorus west of the Rockies, was established. In 1996, while under the direction of Shigeru Hotoke, the group was opened to women and the name was changed to The GleemenPlus of Honolulu. In…
What Do You Say to a Centenarian?

Can you imagine being born a century ago? Life must have been simpler. But reaching this century-marker is certainly a privilege.

Well, at the Ko’olau Senior Hui there is always a monthly celebration of birthdays for their seniors. And in April of this year, the Ko’olau Senior Hui had a very special celebration with a special cake. It read, “Happy 100th Birthday Mildred Wong” as she celebrated her brithday at the Kaneohe Senior Center with family and friends.

Mildred, born and raised in Kaneohe, must have seen a lot. She witnessed the world and the evolution of governments, like the Statehood of the Hawaiian Islands. Watched technology progress in leaps and bounds: AM/FM, watching black & white TV, then color. Computers were only used in large companies. Now every person owns one, small and large. The thought of organic food probably wasn’t the same as it does today. To Mildred, it was her own backyard garden. You may still see her pulling weeds in her yard at home.

The point is that she’s taken care of herself and she continues to enjoy her life and her new status as a Centenarian. And there’s the secret.

So, what do you say to a centenarian? Simply, “Happy 100th Birthday, Mildred Wong!” And Generations Magazine wishes you many more to come.

If you know of any other centenarians, send us a photo and something about him/her. Contact Sherry Goya: 808-722-8487, SGoyaLLC@aol.com

Can you imagine being born a century ago? Life must have been simpler. But reaching this century-marker is certainly a privilege. Well, at the Ko’olau Senior Hui there is always a monthly celebration of birthdays for their seniors. And in April of this year, the Ko’olau Senior Hui had a very special celebration with a…
Better Support for Family Caregivers

Hawaii’s family caregivers are starting to get the support they need. These caregivers are among the 247,000 sons, daughters, husbands and wives who help loved ones stay independently at home for as long as possible — providing help with everyday tasks.

In mid-April nearly 500 Hawaii residents joined elder advocacy groups and resource providers in paying tribute to family caregivers at an event at the Japanese Cultural Center. The event was to recognize the extraordinary contributions they make, highlight helpful community resources and provide an update of recent legislative efforts to support caregivers and their families.

During the 2014 legislative session AARP supported a measure that would allow family caregivers be more involved in the patient healthcare process. Senate Bill 2264 (the CARE Act) was a Kupuna Caucus bill backed by many House and Senate legislators and community groups. It was intended to give caregivers the instruction needed to safely care for loved ones when they’re discharged from the hospital.

AARP believes caregivers should be informed and recognized for their role in coordinating the care of loved ones transitioning from hospitals to home. Research found that family caregivers are under pressure to provide increasingly complex medical tasks — like wound care, injections, and medication management — when loved ones return home from the hospital. Caregivers often receive little or no training to provide care and are often the only option available to families, who may not be able to afford professional home care.

How serious are the challenges facing Hawaii’s caregivers? The answer may be found in personal stories of caregivers like Keri Yamamoto, a caregiver and occupational therapist, whose uncle was admitted twice last year to a local hospital. She was “highly dissatisfied” with the discharge procedure. She testified in Support of SB 2264. On Maui, caregiver Michele Paularena, also supported the bill when her husband was discharged from the hospital without adequate instructions on how to administer the medications prescribed.

While SB 2264 did not survive this session, the House Finance Committee passed a concurrent resolution (HCR 78) that calls for the establishment of a family caregiving working group to examine and assess the role of caregivers in the hospital discharge process. AARP welcomes the opportunity to work with hospitals and community stakeholders to ensure caregivers are properly instructed in the care of loved ones at discharge.

Hawaii needs coordinated care putting patients and families first. As our population ages, it’s essential that family caregivers are supported and our community recognizes the limits of what they can do on their own.

AARP Hawai‘i state office:
808-545-6024 | Toll-Free: 866-295-7282
www.aarp.org/hi | facebook.com/AARPHawaii
twitter.com/AARPHawaii

Hawaii’s family caregivers are starting to get the support they need. These caregivers are among the 247,000 sons, daughters, husbands and wives who help loved ones stay independently at home for as long as possible — providing help with everyday tasks. In mid-April nearly 500 Hawaii residents joined elder advocacy groups and resource providers in…
The Greatest Generation

Refugees don’t flee FROM America, they come TO America. There is promise here. There is hope.

“The Greatest Generation.” That’s what Tom Brokaw called my parents and their peers, with good reason. They were asked to defend and support their country in whatever way they could.

My father was in the Navy, served as a medical corpsman in the Pacific. He didn’t talk much about that time in his life. Few in his generation do. But their patriotism is unquestioned. The world seems to be a more complex place now.

There will be disagreements among us about how best to solve America’s problem. But when we agree to disagree and move forward toward that goal — solving those problems, we remain patriots. Boomers may never be labeled the Greatest Generation. We have an obligation, though, to make certain we leave an honorable legacy for those who come after us. Did we serve our community, our country to the best of our ability? If we can say yes, then we can be counted as patriots.

It’s important to take your hat off when Old Glory passes by. But it’s also important to know, despite it’s problems, that flag represents the hopes and dreams — not just yours, but those of your children and millions of others around the world.

Patriotism can’t be measured in any kind of units. You can’t earn more “patriot” points than the last generation or your neighbor. You CAN remember that while we are all different — we are all Americans.

The Elderhood Project airs on KHON2 Friday morning news at 5:45 a.m. and Thursday news at 5 p.m.

Refugees don’t flee FROM America, they come TO America. There is promise here. There is hope. “The Greatest Generation.” That’s what Tom Brokaw called my parents and their peers, with good reason. They were asked to defend and support their country in whatever way they could. My father was in the Navy, served as a…
Unwrap the Gift of Medical Insurance

For those who joined or renewed their Medicare Advantage plan this year, don’t forget to take time to unwrap the bundles of information you should have received from your plan by now. Annually, Medicare plan sponsors are required to send new and existing members information on premiums, benefits, cost sharing and all covered services. It should also explain how to access benefits and get help from the plan.

Here are examples of some of the materials:

Welcome Letter — Confirms enrollment and may be used to verify coverage, if you need services before your membership card arrives

Medicare Membership Card — The card you will use to receive health and/or drug benefits

Evidence of Coverage — This booklet offers details about your Medicare Advantage Plan

Summary of Benefits — This booklet summarizes key features of the plan and costs

Drug Formulary — A list of drugs covered by your plan

Provider & Pharmacy Directory — A listing of your plan’s in-network providers

Medicare Plan Ratings — Medicare Health and Prescription Drug rating based on your plan’s quality and performance

Multi-Language Interpreter Service — Notice that plan provides free interpreter services

Privacy Notice — Explains how medical information about you may be used or shared, and how you can get this information

Martha Khlopin hosts the popular weekly radio program “Medicare Moment with Martha — The World of Medicare” sponsored by AlohaCare. It airs on KHNR-690AM on Saturdays from 11 – 11:30 am and on KGU-99.5FM on Sundays from 10 – 10:30 am. For information, call 808-973-0754, mkhlopin@alohacare.org. (Calling this number will direct an individual to a licensed insurance agent/broker). AlohaCare Advantage (HMO) is a HMO plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in AlohaCare Advantage depends on contract renewal. H5969_400253_1 CMS Accepted 02012014

For those who joined or renewed their Medicare Advantage plan this year, don’t forget to take time to unwrap the bundles of information you should have received from your plan by now. Annually, Medicare plan sponsors are required to send new and existing members information on premiums, benefits, cost sharing and all covered services. It…