Mindfulness is something that when practiced throughout the day, can be beneficial but challenging. We often allow our minds to just wander aimlessly, which causes a disconnect.
To begin to reconnect, inform your brain of your intention. Pay attention to what you feel as you connect to your brain and talk to it as an old friend. This is a form of mindfulness meditation, since you are paying attention inwardly.
Check throughout the day where your mind is at and what it is doing, and if possible, just focus on being in the here and now. Experience everything you are doing in the moment with your senses and your breath. Make sure your breathing is calm and steady. This awareness activates different areas of your brain, making it healthier and more flexible.
Mindfulness has a cumulative effect. Do it regularly and often, and you’ll remember exactly why you went into that room.
If you have ever forgotten why you walked into a room or you find yourself making small mistakes, you’ve probably chalked it up to an aging brain. Age is only a minor contributor to this condition. The main factor is how you utilize your brain. Learn how to guide your brain instead of following or…
Due to the novel coronavirus, gyms and fitness studios closed, and many classes are completely canceled or available online only. Now, it is more critical than ever to improve your fitness to fight off COVID-19, as well as the common cold and flu.
A strong, healthy immune system is the best defense for fending off illnesses caused by viruses, bacteria and fungi.
Walking is a great way to get moving, especially at a brisk pace. Add some resistance training and you’ll keep your body strong and fit.
Functional fitness becomes more important as we age in order to achieve or maintain a robust quality of life.
Functional fitness helps you feel better, makes you less prone to injury, improves balance and brain health, and builds and tone muscles.
Improving or extending your “doability” will enable you to continue doing what you love.
Activities such as taking care of grandchildren, traveling, gardening and socializing are all enhanced by improving your functional fitness so that your body can move freely and without pain.
Here’s a simple plan to follow that you can do in your own home without any fancy equipment. The plan can be modified to your fitness level.
20-Minute Workout — No Equipment
Functional Warm-Up (5 minutes)
Do the following moves for 30 seconds. Repeat the entire sequence three times.
1. March in Place. Increase the height of your knee lift as you progress.
2. Jumping Jacks. Reduce impact by keeping one foot on the ground at all times.
3. Squat Reach. Feet hip width apart, squat down, keeping knees apart and chest up, then stand up and reach. Increase the depth of your squat and the height of your reach as you go.
Functional Fitness Workouts (15 minutes)
Do each of these moves for 10 repetitions. Repeat the entire sequence three times. Rest as needed.
1. Chair Stands. Sit on a chair, then stand, using your hands if needed.
2. Stepping Over a Dog. Lift leg high and step in all directions; forward, backward and sideways.
3. Tandem Walking. Walk as if on a balance beam with one foot in front of the other.
4. Bridge. Lie down with feet flat on a mat. Raise and squeeze your butt, then lower.
5. Pushups on Your Knees. If you can’t get on the floor, use a wall or bench.
Due to the novel coronavirus, gyms and fitness studios closed, and many classes are completely canceled or available online only. Now, it is more critical than ever to improve your fitness to fight off COVID-19, as well as the common cold and flu.
Hawaii Dental Service (HDS) is sharing oral health tips seniors can practice every day to help limit the spread of harmful viruses.
Don’t Share Food, Drinks or Utensils
It may seem like common sense, but sharing eating utensils, food and drinks with a friend or loved one may come with certain risks. These acts of sharing can easily transfer germs from one body to another. HDS recommends everyone has their own eating utensils, food and drinks during meals.
Don’t Share Toothbrushes, Floss, Toothpaste
Sharing a toothbrush, floss or toothpaste may also lead to health problems because every mouth may harbor hundreds of different bacteria and viruses that can be transferred from mouth to mouth. It also makes both users susceptible to tooth decay, gum disease and oral infections. Every person should have his or her own toothbrush,
floss and toothpaste at home.
Brush, Floss and Visit the Dentist!
Brush twice a day, floss daily and visit your dentist regularly! Poor oral health directly impacts your overall health. Healthy habits help you and your loved ones combat germs so you can live well and smile more.
In direct response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Medicare announced the temporary expansions of telehealth services. Even after the pandemic ends, telehealth is here to stay.
Telehealth is the virtual visit between doctors and patients using phones and computers, which enables medical care in the comfort of your home.
Your physician can facilitate the following services through a telehealth appointment:
• Routine visits for minor ailments, such as skin
conditions and sinus infections
• Annual checkups and other preventive care
• Order prescription refills or testing supplies
• Maintenance for patients with chronic conditions,
such as diabetes
• Reviewing test results from previous visits
USING TELEHEALTH EFFICIENTLY
Be prepared for your visit! Have your device, microphone and speaker set up ahead of time. Complete any online forms in advance and have any questions and information for your doctor ready to be reviewed.
Stay connected with your doctor through the ease and convenience of telehealth visits!
MDX HAWAI‘I
500 Ala Moana Blvd., Ste. 2200, Honolulu, HI 96813-4993 808-522-7500 | www.mdxhawaii.com Headquartered in Honolulu, MDX Hawai‘i has over 35 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.
In direct response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Medicare announced the temporary expansions of telehealth services. Even after the pandemic ends, telehealth is here to stay. Telehealth is the virtual visit between doctors and patients using phones and computers, which enables medical care in the comfort of your home.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of vision loss, affecting more than 10 million Americans — more than cataracts and glaucoma combined. AMD is the deterioration of the macula, the small central area of the retina that controls visual acuity.
Western medicine offers no cure for AMD. However, AcuNova, a widely used protocol in Europe, was developed by John Boel of Denmark. AcuNova is a type of acupuncture treatment that has shown remarkable results for people who have been medically diagnosed with degenerative eye disorders. About 80 percent of patients have experienced increased brightness, better acuity and a larger visual field after just 10 treatments.
Treatment involves placing acupuncture needles on points in or around specific joints of the hands and feet (not in the eyes). It is thought that these needles generate a frequency that affects areas of the brain responsible for vision. Blood flow is increased to both the optic nerve and the retinal structure of the eye. This aids in “waking up” dormant neuronal cells that have become “unhealthy” over a period of time.
The average patient starts with two sessions per day for five days over a two-week period, for a total of 20 treatments. Maintenance treatments then are staggered as needed.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of vision loss, affecting more than 10 million Americans — more than cataracts and glaucoma combined. AMD is the deterioration of the macula, the small central area of the retina that controls visual acuity.
Core training is one of the most popular concepts in the field of fitness and physical therapy. Core stability training is often associated with strengthening your abdominal muscles — the “abs.” The ab muscles play a very important role, but the core also includes multiple muscles in he mid-lower back, pelvic floor, hips and buttocks.
This ring of muscles, or the “internal belt,” holds us up during the day, reducing falls, decreasing back pain and improving posture and even bladder control.
Whether you are lifting your grandchild or playing your favorite sport, your core muscles help maintain the body in proper alignment to avoid injury.
I often see patients who fall victim to the latest fitness trends that train the core improperly, leading to spine or leg injuries. Crunches, side-bends and rotational exercises with weights or kettle bells are not bad, but as we age, they often create more problems than benefits.
Exercises that engage the muscles by bracing the entire trunk — as though you are wearing an
internal belt rather than sucking the stomach in and flexing forward — are more effective for improving core stability.
If you have poor posture and a weak core, try this simple, effective exercise to begin developing core strength and control:
Start by finding an open wall.
Stand at the wall facing outward. Then place your heels about 6 inches away from the bottom portion of the wall. While keeping your foot planted, lean back against the wall with your back flush to the wall.
Pull your shoulders and arms back so they touch the wall.
Push your shoulders down with your palms facing out.
Tighten your abdominals so your lower back touches the wall — as if a force is sucking your back up against it.
Stand tall and breathe, hold for 30 seconds and then relax. Repeat 10 to 15 times.
This simple exercise will tighten your internal belt and help you avoid injuries.
MOON PHYSICAL THERAPY LLC
Aquatic, Land-Based and Manual Therapy, and Cardiopulmonary Rehab Programs
320 Ward Ave., Ste. 107, Honolulu, HI 96814 808-597-1005 | www.moonpt.com
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Core training is one of the most popular concepts in the field of fitness and physical therapy. Core stability training is often associated with strengthening your abdominal muscles — the “abs.” The ab muscles play a very important role, but the core also includes multiple muscles in he mid-lower back, pelvic floor, hips and buttocks.…
If you have some time, energy and love to spare, the Maui Humane Society in Pu‘unēnē offers an opportunity to open your heart and home to foster one of its shelter animals.
Foster pet parents provide temporary care in their home for companion animals when the shelter is full or for those not yet ready for adoption.
By offering a home to one of these animals in need, volunteer parents help prepare them for adoption into a permanent home, and at the same time, create valuable space in the shelter to accommodate other homeless animals.
Dogs, cats, rabbits and guinea pigs may be selected as foster candidates. Those that qualify or the program include very young animals that are often under-socialized and too timid to thrive in shelter. MHS also takes in ill, injured and stressed animals that need additional TLC and a quiet place to recover. Animals may need a foster home for a few days, a few weeks or a few months.
Foster parents are responsible for feeding, cleaning, socializing and cuddling. Some animals may need bottle feeding or medications. Cats and kittens don’t require much space — a laundry room or bathroom is fine, but a cage set up in the corner of a room will work as well. For puppies, a bathroom or crate will usually suffice. It is recommended that larger dogs be kept in a crate while parents sleep or when they leave the house until their home-alone behavior can be assessed.
MHS provides food, veterinary care and other supplies, including carriers, beds, blankets, towels, kennels, toys, collars, leashes, bowls, food or formula, litter, medicines, as well as any other items the furry foster may require.
The Foster Pet Program is perfect for seniors who spend a lot of time at home. It’s a joy to be a foster parent and it’s easy to sign up. The hardest part of the program may be “letting go” as your new friend moves on to a permanent home. Rest assured you have played a significant role in making that happen.
Go to www.mauihumanesociety.org, click on the “Get Involved” tab, then “Volunteer,” then “HS Volunteer Foster Program.”
During the COVID-19 pandemic, prospective parents should click on the “Sign up for the MHS Emergency Foster Network” tab. MHS will contact you when it needs your help.
If you have some time, energy and love to spare, the Maui Humane Society in Pu‘unēnē offers an opportunity to open your heart and home to foster one of its shelter animals. Foster pet parents provide temporary care in their home for companion animals when the shelter is full or for those not yet ready…
Husband-and-wife team Anthony Chrisco and Eileen Paulo-Chrisco offer drug-free relief for chronic pain in Pain Free Everyday: The Roadmap for Natural Treatment When Pills, Injections, or Surgery Aren’t Your Solutions.
The book explains how those suffering from stiffness and chronic pain who prefer to avoid opiates and surgical intervention can restore the body’s innate ability to heal.
Anthony, a post-rehabilitation specialist, and Eileen, a former medical researcher and fitness professional, reveal how pain-free and drug-free living begins by reconnecting with the largest organ system of the body, the fascia.
Fascia weaves throughout the body, binding and supporting muscles, bones and organs. Tight fascia causes excess pressure on structures within the muscles — arteries, veins, nerves, lymphatic vessels and nerve endings — causing of dozens of different idiopathic pathologies.
The authors describe a holistic, sustainable, self-care strategy that can minimize or completely eliminate a number of ailments — from joint pain to irritable bowel syndrome.
Pain sufferers can learn to “let go and relax” by reducing muscle adhesions (knots) and experience increased oxygenated blood flow, lymphatic drainage and cellular waste removal, and a body free from musculoskeletal imbalances.
Husband-and-wife team Anthony Chrisco and Eileen Paulo-Chrisco offer drug-free relief for chronic pain in Pain Free Everyday: The Roadmap for Natural Treatment When Pills, Injections, or Surgery Aren’t Your Solutions. The book explains how those suffering from stiffness and chronic pain who prefer to avoid opiates and surgical intervention can restore the body’s innate ability…
The National Association of Senior Move Managers (NASMM) recently held its annual conference for over 400 members who were there to learn, network and share ideas.
NASMM is recognized for its innovative programs and expertise related to senior move management, transition and relocation issues affecting older adults.
NASMM companies specialize in assisting older adults and their families with the emotional and physical aspects of relocation and/or “aging in place.”
NASMM members are experienced professionals bound by a pledge of integrity, committed to safety and ethics, and dedicated to development.
NASMM is comprised of a very small group of companies. Although they compete with one another, it was apparent at the conference that there is a common spirit of cooperation and “‘ohana.”
When seniors move — for whatever reason — their lifetime of possessions and precious memories may require downsizing and selling — all done with tender, loving care and compassion.
NASMM members aim to meet each client’s personalized needs.
When seniors move — for whatever reason — their lifetime of possessions and precious memories may require downsizing and selling — all done with tender, loving care and compassion. NASMM members aim to meet each client’s personalized needs.
The 2020 State of Hawai‘i VFW Voice of Democracy (VOD-HI) winner is Alexandrea Wong (holding certificate), a high school senior at St. Andrews Priory, for her four-minute audio essay on “What Makes America Great.” She was awarded a $500 check, VFW certificate and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., to compete nationally for a $30,000 VFW first-place scholarship paid directly to a university, college or technical/ vocational school. Also pictured (L–R) are George Barlett, chair, VOD-HI; James Kahalehoe, commander, Windward O‘ahu Post 10154; Ron Lockwood, VFW-HI acting commander; Gerri Enos, VFW-HI Auxiliary VOD chair; and Take Shiroma, president, VFW-HI Auxiliary.
Like our friends at PBS, the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the VFW Auxiliary work to be relevant to all ages with early childhood through end-of-life programming.
“Patriot Pen” and “Voice of Democracy” programs are available to all public and private middle school and high school students. Building off of lessons learned early in life through shows like “Sesame Street,” “Conjunction Junction” and other PBS offerings, our VFW programs utilize their writing skills to earn scholarship money at the local, state and national levels. For middle schoolers in the upcoming school year, “What is Patriotism to Me?” will be the theme. For high schoolers, “Is This the Country the Founders Envisioned?” will be the topic. All the details can be found in each county through any of our 21 VFW Posts and through the VFW Auxiliary or at www.vfw.org.
Like our friends at PBS, the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the VFW Auxiliary work to be relevant to all ages with early childhood through end-of-life programming. “Patriot Pen” and “Voice of Democracy” programs are available to all public and private middle school and high school students.
Many of us are affected by the anxieties that come with the COVID-19 pandemic. But my boss once told me, “In chaos there is opportunity.” That quote resonated deeply in my heart. How can this be true for a pandemic?
I soon learned that some positive things are happening around the world and here in Hawai‘i.
For example, the unprecedented absence of the 3,000 daily visitors to Hanauma Bay beginning in mid-March has caused coral reefs and fish to rebound and flourish in the bay’s now clear waters.
Local distilleries are producing hand sanitizer. People have stepped up to sew thousands of face masks to support hospital staff and others. More importantly, business and nonprofits are making special accommodations for seniors. Senior centers have ramped up sanitation in an effort to protect residents and guests from COVID-19.
Grocers are dedicating special shopping hours for seniors and those with special needs.
I think the best part is that seniors and their families have a renewed appreciation of each other and the time they get to spend together.
Many of us are affected by the anxieties that come with the COVID-19 pandemic. But my boss once told me, “In chaos there is opportunity.” That quote resonated deeply in my heart. How can this be true for a pandemic? I soon learned that some positive things are happening around the world and here in…
“Two roads diverged in a wood and I — I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.” — Robert Frost
Maybe you’ve never thought of your life in those terms. But everyone, whether they are aware of it or not, has selected a particular pathway in life. The most popular road seems to be aligned with what the world tells us we need — a nice home, a fancy car, a good job, exciting sports events, live entertainment and travel to exotic places. We are told, at least subliminally, that focusing on and fulfilling our needs and wants will lead to a successful, happy life.
However, where does this road actually lead? {Play}
It may be beneficial to observe what has happened to others on this self-centered road. Stories abound of people who thought they had it made in life but ended up lost either due to their own mistakes or someone else’s.
Are we carefully assessing where we are headed or do we think there is plenty of time to make adjustments along the way? Before you know it, you may find yourself way past any side streets that could have taken you down another road — the one less traveled.
Earlier this year, the world began to find itself held hostage by the coronavirus. It hijacked our pursuit of a nice home, fancy car, entertainment, travel opportunities and any kind of job.
What is left? Thank God we have our families,friends and many folks coming to the aid of others. It is amazing what this world crisis has shown us through the goodness of people helping people. Maybe this road less traveled is the one more of us should embark upon. And we may have missed this unexpected detour if not for a world crisis that eliminated our distractions.
Have you heard this before? “We live by sight, not by faith.” If it sounds familiar, it may be because many of us live our lives this way. Living by sight, after all, is how the world expects us to live. That’s why there’s so much “stuff” out there
being advertised as the way to find happiness and fulfillment — and we oblige by over-consuming.
The only problem with this is real life does not support this. We see famous people who have attained more stuff than they will ever need with lives that do not have happy endings.
“We live by sight, not by faith” is incorrect.
The Bible says, “We walk by faith, not by sight,” not the other way around. The “walk” here is a metaphorical reference to the way a person conducts his or her life.
A fulfilling and meaningful life in which transitory material possessions are not the goal is the road less traveled. We must choose this road and decide to not build our lives around things that have no eternal significance.
It requires faith to live this way because we cannot see, hear or touch anything spiritual.
If we base our lives on giving to those in need rather than following the popular “material world” philosophy of our day, maybe we’ll be able to look back years from now and see that there were some positive moral changes made as a result of this worldwide pandemic.
I hope so.
Maybe you’ve never thought of your life in those terms. But everyone, whether they are aware of it or not, has selected a particular pathway in life. The most popular road seems to be aligned with what the world tells us we need — a nice home, a fancy car, a good job, exciting sports…
To begin to reconnect, inform your brain of your intention. Pay attention to what you feel as you connect to your brain and talk to it as an old friend. This is a form of mindfulness meditation, since you are paying attention inwardly.
