Category: October – November 2015

  • October – November 2015

    Cover Story: The Fountain of Youth & Ms. Medicare

  • Senior Fall Prevention Awareness

    The number of falls among Hawai‘i’s kupuna is growing at an alarming rate, and impacting families and health care organizations. Annually in Hawai‘i, an average of 86 seniors die, 1,912 are hospitalized and 8,010 are treated in emergency rooms as a result of falls. Among adults 65 and older, these falls are not only common,…

  • Who You Gonna Call? Scambusters!

    With Thanksgiving approaching, we are reminded to be appreciative of what we have; oftentimes, this leads to opening up our hearts (and wallets) to those in need. Unfortunately, there are those who would use dishonesty to profit from a giving heart. Earlier this year the Federal Trade Commission and Attorneys General of 50 states prosecuted…

  • Innovative Dropless Cataract Surgery

    Dropless Cataract Surgery is a new option for cataract patients that reduces the need for eye drops after surgery. Traditionally, after patients undergo cataract surgery they must adhere to a strict three- to four-week schedule that includes several types of drops. These drops are critical because they reduce risk of inflammation and infection. Complications arise…

  • Profiting From a Giving Heart

    With Thanksgiving approaching, we are reminded to be appreciative of what we have; oftentimes, this leads to opening up our hearts (and wallets) to those in need. Unfortunately, there are those who would use dishonesty to profit from a giving heart. Earlier this year the Federal Trade Commission and Attorneys General of 50 states prosecuted and…

  • Who Was That Mermaid?

    Synchronized swimming is alive and beautifully executed by Mermaids Hawai‘i, home-pooled at Windward YMCA in Kailua. Since 1971, they have been “teaching and performing water ballet for fascinated crowds.” It’s not a paid act — just teacher Alice Robert’s vision to “dance” in the pool like her Hollywood idol, the great Esther Williams, and to…

  • Did You Claim Your Medicare Rewards?

    You read the title of this column correctly. Many Medicare plans are launching reward and incentive plans. Points earned can be redeemed for prizes or gift cards. Incentives are awarded for healthy activities that result in positive health outcomes. You could earn points for: Completing an Annual Wellness Visit(AWV) Tobacco cessation Maintaining a certain Body…

  • Hawai’i CARE Act Coalition

    Caregiving became a full-time responsibility for Lahaina resident Montella Lopez in her mother’s final years. In the six times her mother was discharged from the hospital, Lopez said she received little or no instruction on how to care for her mother at home. As Hawai‘i’s population ages and the number of people with chronic conditions…

  • Take a Day to Organize Your Finances

    If you’re like most people, you periodically set aside time to clean out your home, garage or closets. It’s equally important to organize your finances. This checklist can help you get started: Cancel unused credit cards: Don’t throw away money on annual fees for credit cards you don’t use. First, cash in any rewards points…

  • Embracing Retirement Communities

    Hundreds of families, including my own, go through the aging process. Historically, and particularly in Hawai‘i, our cultures require us to take care of our kupuna in our homes. However, in current times, adult children have very busy lives working full-time and raising children and grandchildren. Today, an increasing number of families are turning to…

  • Women of Na Koa

    The 2015 season for the Na Koa Football Club started on Aug. 31 and will continue every Monday for 11 more lunches at the Willows Restaurant, starting at 11am. This season, the University of Hawai‘i Rainbow Warriors will play 12 straight games without a week off. There is no bye for Na Koa boosters either.…

  • The Most Important Document

    The one estate planning document that everyone 18 and older should have is an Advance Health-Care Directive. It is not the sexiest tool in the estate planning toolbox, but it can head off family strife, heartache, and needless attorney’s fees as no other document can. Karen Ann Quinlan, Nancy Cruzan, and Terri Schiavo. Sound familiar?…