Category: Date

Five Ways Not to Fall
Falling down is nothing new. We have been doing it all our lives. We fell as infants, as kids, as teenagers and even, awkwardly, as adults. The price for an active, healthy life has been an occasional fall and normally it is no big deal. When young and strong, you fell and “bounced” right back up. It’s a different story, though, for older adults. Any fall can be very serious.

Older adults don’t “bounce” anymore … and the result is normally injury. Every five hours in Hawai‘i a senior is injured so severely in a fall he/she must be treated in a hospital. Every five hours. Many of those seniors require extensive rehabilitation, and many never return to their own home after a fall. The loss of independence is immediate.

But people don’t fall simply because they’re older. We fall for a reason. Perhaps you didn’t notice the dip in the sidewalk because you were talking on your cell phone. You didn’t notice the dog’s toy in the hall because you had your eye on your grandchild. Or even though you know better, you moved too quickly on the slippery bathroom floor. And maybe, as an older adult, you fell because you got dizzy from being tried, or from moving too fast or even from your medications.

Protect your independence.

Five ways to prevent falls:

Be active and stay fit: Walk, dance, swim, do yoga, garden or start an exercise program like tai chi. Keep moving to maintain your muscle strength and sense of balance.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist to review all of your medicines. If you take multiple prescriptions, plus other over-the-counter drugs and supplements, they could make you sleepy or dizzy.

Have your eyes checked at least once a year. The doctor can update your eyeglass prescription and check your eyes for glaucoma or cataracts that limit vision.

Make your home safer by removing things you can trip over like papers, books and other clutter. Install handrails on all staircases, and mount grab bars next to your toilet and in the tub or shower. Improve your home’s lighting. As you get older, you need brighter lights to see well.

Stay off the roof and out of trees. Every year, dozens of Hawai‘i residents try to harvest fruits and end up in the emergency room. Never climb a ladder alone. Always have a family or friend hold the ladder, or ask a younger family member to get that last mango.

For more information, call: Hawai‘i Department of Health, Injury Prevention Program at 733-9202 or 733-9320.
Falling down is nothing new. We have been doing it all our lives. We fell as infants, as kids, as teenagers and even, awkwardly, as adults. The price for an active, healthy life has been an occasional fall and normally it is no big deal. When young and strong, you fell and “bounced” right back…
AARP: Saving Money on Prescriptions – Ask for Generic Drugs
Usually when a doctor prescribes a medication during an appointment, we take the prescription slip and head for the door. But a savings-savvy patient will pause and ask, Is there a generic version? This simple question may save you hundreds, even thousands, of dollars a year.

Take Zocor, a popular drug that treats high cholesterol, for example. According to the Consumer Reports Best Buy Drug report at www.aarp.org/drugsavings, an average monthly cost for 10 mg of Zocor is $106. But, Simvastatin, the generic version of Zocor, costs only $36, saving you $70!

Even if you have health insurance with drug coverage, generics can save you money. A generic drug has the same active ingredients as the brand-name version and works just as well for nearly all patients. A generic drug can look different from its brand-name counterpart, but the Food and Drug Administration will only approve generic drugs that have the same strength, effectiveness and quality as their brand-name equivalents.

Here are some tips to take advantage of lower cost generics:

For a new prescription:

Ask your doctor if there is a generic drug option.

Request that your doctor writes, “dispense generic” on your prescription.

Double-check with your pharmacist that you have received the generic drug when you get your prescription filled.

Keep an updated list of your medications so your doctor can check for interactions. If you do not have a medication list, download a form from www.aarp.org/medicationrecord and start yours today.

For an existing prescription:

Visit the Drug Savings Tool at www.aarp.org/drugsavings to find information about the safety, effectiveness and price of your prescription drugs, directly from the Consumer Reports Health Best Buy Drug database.

If you have Medicare, use the Doughnut Hole Calculator at www.aarp.org/doughnuthole to learn how to avoid the coverage gap, or doughnut hole, where you have to pay all your prescription costs. Print a letter and give it to you doctor for each medi-cation option that may save you money. Also, because of the Affordable Care Act, Medicare Part D recipients who reach the coverage gap will now get a 50 percent discount on brand-name prescription drugs and a 7 percent discount on the lower cost generic medications.

Be on the lookout for more generic drug choices. Over the next 14 months, seven of the 20 best-selling drugs, such as cholesterol medication Lipitor, and blood thinner Plavix, will have generics for the first time. Be ready to discuss your options with your doctor.
Usually when a doctor prescribes a medication during an appointment, we take the prescription slip and head for the door. But a savings-savvy patient will pause and ask, Is there a generic version? This simple question may save you hundreds, even thousands, of dollars a year. Take Zocor, a popular drug that treats high cholesterol,…
Building Houses, Building Hope

When Lehua Fuller first showed her Waimanalo home to Honolulu Habitat for Humanity staff, they were amazed. She had managed to raise 12 children in her four-bedroom plantation-style home, which was in grave disrepair. There were holes in the floor and roof, severe termite damage and problems with the electrical and plumbing. In Honolulu, Wallace Bailey, a disabled retired veteran, and his wife Frances, decided to contact Habitat for Humanity for help after living in their dilapidated home in Papakolea since 1962. And, JT and Thelma Vasconcellos, a retired couple living in their 60-year-old home in Waialua, knew that their home needed more work than they could afford. Thanks to their partnership with Honolulu Habitat for Humanity, construction started on the Fuller and Bailey homes in July, and JT and Thelma Vasconcellos moved into their new Habitat home in April 2011.

Since 1988, Honolulu Habitat has been partnering with low-income families to provide simple, decent homes in Hawai‘i. It has built 65 homes on O‘ahu. Habitat builds homes with hundreds of skilled and unskilled volunteers who provide the majority of the construction labor. This vibrant, volunteer focused organization serves the sector of the population that faces the greatest challenge achieving homeownership — families that earn between 30% and 60% of the area median income. For the City & County of Honolulu, the 60% of area median income for a family of four is $59,550.

Many partner families are employed, yet are unable to qualify for a traditional mortgage to build or buy a safe, decent home. Other partner families are retired and living on a fixed income. To further serve these families, Habitat also becomes the mortgage company for partner families, selling the homes to them at no-profit and 0% interest, making mortgage payments affordable.

Prior to partnering with Habitat, many residents live in substandard structures. These homes are unsafe, termite-eaten and damaged by water or wind. Honolulu Habitat enables partner families to provide a safe home to raise their children and care for their elders, breaking the cycle of poverty housing on O‘ahu. The community benefits by coming together to volunteer for a common cause — to partner with a low-income family to build a simple, decent home they can afford to buy.

To apply for a Habitat home, make a donation or volunteer for Honolulu Habitat for Humanity, visit www.honoluluhabitat.org or call 538-7070. Volunteers are welcome. Help is needed to build, provide lunches for volunteers and support the office.

When Lehua Fuller first showed her Waimanalo home to Honolulu Habitat for Humanity staff, they were amazed. She had managed to raise 12 children in her four-bedroom plantation-style home, which was in grave disrepair. There were holes in the floor and roof, severe termite damage and problems with the electrical and plumbing. In Honolulu, Wallace…
The Future of Estate Tax

You have spent a lifetime of earning, saving and investing — and paying income and capital gains taxes all the way along. So you may wonder why our government feels entitled to tax the value of everything that’s left when you die. The sad fact is, however, that the IRS and the State of Hawai‘i are going to want a piece of your estate.

In fairness to our government, the estate tax law currently provides sizable exclusions from the estate tax. Hawai‘i allows the first $3.5 million of your estate to pass tax free, and the U.S. is a bit more “generous.” The Federal exclusion is $5 million for 2011, and it will be adjusted for inflation (presumably upward) in 2012, so that it will be some number in excess of $5 million. Ok, since many of us don’t own house multi-million homes, you may think you’re safe … but read on.

What the exclusions mean is that if a Hawai‘i resident dies in 2011 or 2012 with an estate valued at no more than $3.5 million, there will be no Federal or Hawai‘i estate tax. If the estate is worth between $3.5 million and $5 million, there will be Hawai‘i estate tax, but no Federal estate tax. Once the estate exceeds $5 million, both Hawai‘i and the IRS will take a bite out of the estate.

The Hawai‘i tax is charged at effective rates that begin at 9.6% for estates that exceed $3.5 million, and they range up to 16% for estates worth in excess of $10,040,000. The Federal rate is currently a flat 35%.

But then a funny thing happens in 2013. The Hawai‘i rules are currently set to stay the same, but the Federal rules are scheduled to change radically. In 2013, the Federal exclusion will drop from $5 million to $1 million, and the tax rate will soar from 35% to 55%. RED ALERT! A $5 million exclusion means most of us are safe from Federal estate tax, but a $1 million exclusion means that most of us who own a house and have a retirement plan and some life insurance need to be concerned about what will be left for our loved ones after the tax man takes his piece.

In the midst of all of this, the winds of legislative change are swirling. Among other changes, the Hawai‘i legislature is considering whether the Hawai‘i exclusion should match the Federal exclusion (whatever it happens to be at the time), and Congress is considering whether to set the exclusion at $3.5 million (at least until the next round of changes).

At this point, the only thing we can be sure of is that we can’t be sure of what the rules are going to be in two years. This makes planning difficult, but not impossible. The uncertainty highlights the fact that we have to stay on top of our estate plans and make sure that they stay current with changes in the law so our loved ones don’t end up paying tax that could have been avoided.

If you have not updated your estate plan within the past year, it is time for you to consult your estate planning advisors to make sure your plan will work as intended. Even if your plan is current as of now, beware that imminent changes to the law may make it obsolete in the very near future.

You have spent a lifetime of earning, saving and investing — and paying income and capital gains taxes all the way along. So you may wonder why our government feels entitled to tax the value of everything that’s left when you die. The sad fact is, however, that the IRS and the State of Hawai‘i…
Saving Family Stories for Generations

What do you really know about your grandparents or great-grandparents? Did you know that if family stories aren’t documented, they are often lost within two generations?

My interest in this field piqued while attending UH, Manoa in 1993 in pursuit of a degree in Gerontology. In a Sociology of Aging course, the professor lectured about the importance of storytelling throughout history. He talked about elders transferring valuable cultural and personal information from one generation to the next.

He explained that 100 years ago, it was common to reside in the same town or live in a multi-generational home where personal and family stories were passed directly from generation to generation. Today, families are scattered across the globe.

That same year, my 85-year-old father suffered a major heart attack. He survived bypass surgery and fortunately lived for another six years. Recalling my professor’s lecture, I bought a $60 video camera at a garage sale. On my father’s 88th birthday, I filmed an interview with him that has become a great treasure to my family. He passed away in 2000 at age 91.

Today, it is easier than ever to turn family interviews, documents, photos and old film into an inspired, heart-felt movie. And, unlike a traditional photo album, digital movies can be safely stored and shared with family miles away. This is an effective way to pass along wisdom, ethical values, spiritual beliefs and important family stories.

It doesn’t matter what form your archive material takes. Set up a video camera, or turn on a tape recorder and simply “talk story.” Encourage someone to journal or write his or her memoirs. It’s important to get started because … when our storytellers are gone, our history is lost.

In 2005, Janette Sargent-Hamill created Windward Productions through which she presents “Documenting Life” workshops in Hawai‘i and California. She also has a new book titled, Your Family, Your Story – A Guide to Digital Storytelling. The book teaches readers valuable, step-by-step skills in capturing their own family history. The book is available at Amazon.com. For more information, visit www.windwardfilms.com.

What do you really know about your grandparents or great-grandparents? Did you know that if family stories aren’t documented, they are often lost within two generations? My interest in this field piqued while attending UH, Manoa in 1993 in pursuit of a degree in Gerontology. In a Sociology of Aging course, the professor lectured about…
My Travel Adventure in Tahiti: Snorkeling & Marine Life in French Polynesia

Hawai‘i is paradise but so are her Pacific sisters – the Islands of French Polynesia. Earlier this year, I drift snorkeled over coral reefs in the beautiful lagoon of Bora Bora, swam in shallow water with sting rays and black-tipped sharks, visited a black pearl farm and spotted spinner dolphins up close off the island of Moorea.

I am a group leader for the Road Scholar Program (formerly known as Elderhostel), a not-for-program that offers adventures for lifelong learning. As a retired University of Hawai‘i marine biologist, traveling to Tahiti and sailing through French Polynesia was one of the highlight events of my life.

Road Scholar Programs are designed for adults of retirement age. The program offers more than 7,000 educational tours in all 50 states and 150 countries. Alongside local and renowned experts, you can experience in-depth and behind-the-scenes learning opportunities, from cultural tours and study cruises to walking, biking and more.

For our program — Heart of French Polynesia — the first two days of the trip were spent getting acquainted with Tahiti. We made ourselves comfortable at our great hotel with a beautiful, sandy beach and a coral reef just offshore that was teeming with colorful tropical reef fish. A daylong bus tour took us for a drive through the city of Papeete, to a cascading waterfall, a visit to the Paul Gauguin Museum and a stop at a carefully restored historic temple called a marae. As part of the Road Scholar program, we had a private local guide, who shared Tahiti’s history, people and culture with us. We visited the local open market with many booths displaying the abundant tropical fruit, fresh reef fish, and various crafts and fabrics.

Then it was time to explore the Pacific! We boarded the luxurious cruise ship Paul Gauguin, which is specially designed to enter the shallow lagoons of the Islands. The crew was attentive and gracious, and the dining service was outstanding. Complimentary wine and other beverages added to the enjoyment of a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere where fellow travelers shared the events of the day’s adventures. After dinner everyone retired to comfortable cabins with a view.

Our snorkeling excursions at each island stop began with a shuttle from the ship to the pier, where we transferred to a local dive boat that was either a catamaran or large outrigger canoe. The boats accommodated us well with large outboard motors to speed us along to our next dive site. Gratefully, they also featured canvas covers to protect us from the tropical sun while underway. The boat operators were good singers with ‘ukulele and lots of fun entertainment. The dive locations offered something for everyone. On drift snorkels we entered the lagoon in about 10 feet of aqua-clear water over a coral reef and then floated effortlessly down a slow current while we “soared” past schools of fish and colorful coral mounds. If you wished to linger in one area, swimming against the current allowed you to hover over the bottom. The boat remained close by if you wished to be picked up early. Snorkeling with stingrays and black-tipped sharks may sound dangerous, but the years of boat tours have conditioned the fish to calmly swim up and wait for a handout of fish food. They were waiting for our arrival! Snorkelers were invited to either wade in chest-deep water over a soft sandy bottom, swim out to observe the feeding or remain aboard to watch.

Road Scholar is for adults who love to learn for learning’s sake. Road Scholar provides a memorable learning experience in an informal and friendly environment. If you enjoy exploring new ideas and places, and meeting interesting people who share your interests and love of learning, then Road Scholar will be perfect for you. My fellow travelers ranged in age from 45 to 85 (average age for tours is typically mid-60s to mid-70s), and the excursions, although active, are not strenuous. If you enjoy the tropics and snorkeling, a trip to the Pacific may well be the highlight of your life, too. Hope to see you in Tahiti!

This trip was arranged by Pacific Islands Institute, an educational travel company on O‘ahu, specializing in learning adventures in Hawai‘i and the Islands of Polynesia, Melanesia and Micronesia. Pacific Islands Institute operates Hawai‘i and South Pacific programs on behalf of Road Scholar. For more program information, visit www.ExplorethePacific.com or call 808-732-1999. To learn more about Road Scholar and travel geared toward seniors, visit www.RoadScholar.org and search for Paul Gauguin or call 1-800-454-5768.

Hawai‘i is paradise but so are her Pacific sisters – the Islands of French Polynesia. Earlier this year, I drift snorkeled over coral reefs in the beautiful lagoon of Bora Bora, swam in shallow water with sting rays and black-tipped sharks, visited a black pearl farm and spotted spinner dolphins up close off the island…
Put On Your Thinking Cap: Medicare Annual Enrollment Period
It is that time of year (and this year it is even earlier), when you need to take a moment to think about your Medicare health coverage. Is my plan still meeting my needs? Are my prescription drugs covered? Is it affordable? Are there new plans out there that may better suite my needs? Do I have other coverage (retirement health plan, military coverage, or current employment coverage) and have they sent me creditable coverage information?

The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) is the time of year when individuals can review health or prescription drug plans, compare what will be available in the coming year, and choose the plan that best meets their needs. This year (and in the future) it is from October 15th – December 7th. There has never been a better time to check out Medicare coverage options. Comparing plans may help people with Medicare find a way to save money, get better coverage, or both.

Information is available several ways and here are three easy steps:

STEP ONE:

Have a list of your current prescription medications available, check with your current providers (doctors office, physical therapist, etc.) to find out what plans they will work with so that you can still see them, and have your gross income and assets available (so you can be screened for the assistance available that helps pay for some or all of your medical costs).

STEP TWO:

In October 2011, compare plans available in Hawai‘i in 2012.

Visit www.medicare.gov where you can get a personalized comparison of the costs and coverage of the plans available in your area.

Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) 24-hours a day/7 days a week to find out more about your coverage options. TTY users call 1-877-486-2048.

Get one-to-one help from the Hawai‘i State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), also known as the Sage PLUS Program. A certified trained volunteer can be reached at 808-586-7299 or 1-888-875-9229. You can also pick up a Sage PLUS Medicare Prescription Health/Drug Plan Compare from most pharmacies or on-line at www.hawaiiship.org. Mail or fax the form in for a personalized comparison.

STEP THREE:

Enroll in a plan October 15th through December 7th so that you can enjoy the holiday season.

From January 1, 2012 – February 14, 2012 is a one-time disenrollment opportunity if you want to change from your current Medicare Advantage (MA) Health plan and return to Original/Traditional Medicare. If your MA plan includes drug coverage, you also have the opportunity to enroll in a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan.

There is also a new “Special Enrollment Period” that begins on December 8, 2011. At anytime during the year (2012) if you find yourself unhappy with your current choice you have one opportunity to change to a “5 Star” Plan. The stars are based on many quality indicators collected by Medicare. The 5 Stars means that the plan has done an excellent job in providing benefits, payments, limited number of complaints, drug pricing and patient safety, health plan’s responsiveness and care, managing chronic conditions and helping members stay healthy through screenings, tests and vaccines just to name a few.

If all this feels too challenging or you would like information about the new 5 Star Special Enrollment Period, don’t hesitate to call the Sage PLUS Program for guided assistance through the Medicare Enrollment Process. OR … if you would like to help your community navigate through the Medicare system by becoming a Sage PLUS Volunteer, call us at 808-586-7299 or 1-888-875-9229 or e-mail help@hawaiiship.org
It is that time of year (and this year it is even earlier), when you need to take a moment to think about your Medicare health coverage. Is my plan still meeting my needs? Are my prescription drugs covered? Is it affordable? Are there new plans out there that may better suite my needs? Do…
Elderhood Project

Mrs. Matthews [Linda Coble] and I went on a bus tour of Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and points east in Canada. We had never been to that part of the world before. We had 20-plus fellow travelers along for the ride … and it was fantastic!

While the scenery and food were great, the best part of the trip was the people. Nearly all of them are retired.

Half the group was from Hawai‘i and the other half were from different spots around across the Mainland. Jerry and Mary were from Wisconsin. They have been on 20 of these tours! He retired from the air-conditioning/heating business and she is a former teacher. Donna was a retired nurse from upstate New York and her friend, Betty, was also a retired teacher.

I have a whole new admiration for people who are retired — but not tired. All the people on our tour were having the time of their lives. It made me realize, as the commercial says, retirement is not the finish line. For these folks and many others, retirement is the beginning of a new chapter.

Jenny and Cora from Hawai‘i crocheted lei for every person on the bus and other friends they met on the way. Malia and Junius from Maui are retired professors. Their enthusiasm was a message for us all. Carolina is still working as the UH mail supervisor, but she took time off to refresh herself. At each new destination, we all filed off the bus and took in the new sights, smells and history of a place we had never been.

My message here is simple. Enjoy the world around you as long as you can. You’ll be glad you did.

Mrs. Matthews [Linda Coble] and I went on a bus tour of Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and points east in Canada. We had never been to that part of the world before. We had 20-plus fellow travelers along for the ride … and it was fantastic! While the scenery and food were great, the…
Message from the Editor – Oct/Nov 2011

One year and counting…

It’s hard to believe that it’s already been one year since we revived Generations Magazine and brought it back for you—our readers. Our goal continues to be to publish a resource magazine that is of great value to you, your families and friends. Please continue to share each issue with your neighbors and relatives, as everywhere I go I get requests for more copies. I know we are appreciated when we receive new subscribers each month—thank you.

In celebration of our first anniversary, we want to share a few happenings with you. First, by the time this issue is published, we will have a totally new Web site. Please visit us at www.generations808.com. Secondly, we will restart our Generations Magazine radio show on Oct 25th. On KNDI channel AM 1270, we will air “live” every Tuesday and Thursday from 7 to 8 p.m. The radio show is partnering with the state’s Executive Office on Aging and other county agencies to air important news and events. We will also have special guests, so tune in and call in with your questions.

As we wrap up this issue, I’d like to send out two big special mahalos to the magazine’s art director Wilson Angel and editorial consultant Aimee Harris. Without their hard work and diligence, Generations Magazine would not be the resource magazine that it is today. Thanks also go to our photographer Brian Suda, and Sherry Goya who handles our distribution and advertising sales. Many more thanks go to our contributing writers who offer their expertise and provide such real life and useful information. And lastly, to our advertisers—thank you! We cannot print without your confidence in us.

As always, please feel free to send us stories, events and pictures you’d like to see in the magazine.

My sincerest thanks to all of you for your support of our mature community!

Live Well!

Percy Ihara, Editor/Publisher

One year and counting… It’s hard to believe that it’s already been one year since we revived Generations Magazine and brought it back for you—our readers. Our goal continues to be to publish a resource magazine that is of great value to you, your families and friends. Please continue to share each issue with your…
What is Fair in Coins & Collectibles?
So, what’s your money worth? Well, after 40 years of participating in coin & collectibles conventions, I’ve learned that the answer lies with whom you ask.

Recently, buyers have offered a few hundred dollars for exceptional items worth $10,000. What happens when buyers are unaware of the rarity and value of an item? And, what if sellers are willing to take any offer they can get? In either event, I believe that it’s prudent to price and compare, seller beware.

If you are a seller, below are a few tips of the trade:

If the buying-selling environment intimidates you, bring someone with you who’s quick with writing and calculating.

Bring your calculator, pen, paper and device with Internet access.

Do not give the air or attitude of complete trust or that you don’t care!

Before you walk in, make a list of what you intend to sell. If you’re selling precious metals or gemstones, note the karat or fineness of each piece and make it obvious to the buyer.

If you don’t know the karat of your piece, then write down what karat the buyer says it is.

When your item is placed on the scale, have your pen ready and actually look at what the scale says (don’t be shy) and write it down. (On the scale, ask to see the gram weight).

Before the buyer does an acid test, ask how they can tell what karat your piece is before they start. Write down what color the cap is on each acid tube they use for your piece. Keep it for future reference.

For the current price of gold, visit the Web site called, KITCO and click onto “Live Market Quotes.” If you don’t have Internet access, ask the buyer to find out what the price of gold or silver is at that moment and write it down. If the buyer is unwilling to get that information for you, be very suspicious because the price of gold will determine how much he/she will offer you.

If you have done all these, then you will be ready to figure out if what you are offered is fair.

How to Calculate What’s Fair

Step 1: Take the weight in grams and divide it by 31.1. That will give you the actual Troy ounce (the weight of precious metals) of the piece.

Step 2: Figure out the amount of pure gold or silver. Times the Troy ounce amount by the karat or fineness. To find the karat value, divide the actual karat by 24 (for example, 18 karat divided by 24=0.75).

Step 3: Multiply the amount of pure gold by the current price of gold. That ending figure is the actual and true pure value of your piece of jewelry.

Example: If your piece is 33 grams, 14 karats (14 divided by 24=0.583) and gold is at $1,800 per ounce, the calculation would be: 33 divided by 31.1=1.061 X .583 X $1,800= $1,113.41 in pure value.
So, what’s your money worth? Well, after 40 years of participating in coin & collectibles conventions, I’ve learned that the answer lies with whom you ask. Recently, buyers have offered a few hundred dollars for exceptional items worth $10,000. What happens when buyers are unaware of the rarity and value of an item? And, what…
Your Mind & Body: Prostrate Problems
The prostate is a walnut-sized gland that forms part of the male reproductive system. The prostate is located just below the bladder, where urine is stored. The prostate also surrounds the urethra, the canal through which urine passes out of the body. It is common for the prostate gland to become enlarged as a man ages. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. It affects more than 50% of the men over age 60. Testosterone and other hormones may play a role.

Common symptoms of BPH:

Weak urinary stream

Urgency to urinate

Leaking or dribbling of urine

More frequent urination, especially at night

How is BPH diagnosed?

Often it is the symptoms that lend to the diagnosis of BPH. A routine check up that includes a digital rectal examination may reveal BPH. To rule our cancer, a prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test might be done. Other tests include urine flow study, rectal ultrasound, cystoscopy and/or biopsy.

Are lifestyle modifications effective?

Decreasing fluid intake before bedtime, moderate alcohol consumption, reducing caffeine intake, and timed toileting may help. Do not urinate in a rush; try to relax while using the bathroom. Avoid medications with anti-cholinergic effects such a Benadryl that can make symptoms worse.

What herbal remedies are available?

The best-studied herbal remedy is Saw Palmetto, which is an extract of the fruit of Serenoa repens. Also, Serenoa repens may provide mild to moderate improvement in urinary symptoms and flow measures. Beta-sitosterol is another herbal remedy that may be effective.

What is the treatment for BPH?

BPH cannot be cured. The focus of treatment is on improving the symptoms. Many medications are available such as Flomax, Uroxatral, Hytrin or Cardura. Common side effects are lightheadedness and headaches. Proscar and Avodart belong to another class of medications that gradually reduce the size of the prostate gland over months.

When is surgery indicated?

If symptoms are bothersome and affect a person’s quality of life, then a surgery called Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) is indicated. Other alternatives include laser and Transurethral Microwave Therapy (TUMT), which are less invasive and may be performed in the physician’s office.

Send in your requests of medical topics for Dr. Ritabelle to write about in future issues to Percy Ihara.
The prostate is a walnut-sized gland that forms part of the male reproductive system. The prostate is located just below the bladder, where urine is stored. The prostate also surrounds the urethra, the canal through which urine passes out of the body. It is common for the prostate gland to become enlarged as a man…
How to Invest Amid Downgrades, Downturns & Slowdowns
In this economic and political environment, investors are being forced to cope with unprecedented circumstances. At the same time that our economic recovery appears to be slowing, the S&P downgrades the U.S. credit rating for the first time. Confidence that government policymakers can do anything significant to help improve the environment is low.

Here are two realities to give you an appropriate perspective on the challenges that lie ahead:

The economy is being tested, but a repeat of 2008 is not inevitable.

Recent memory can have a significant impact on investor behavior. The fall 2008 financial crisis that pushed the global economy to the brink (and contributed to a 50 percent-plus drop in the value of the S&P 500 stock index) remains etched in most of our memories. Now, as European governments (Greece, Ireland and Spain to name a few) try to manage their debt, fears grow that the U.S. may face a similar situation soon. But it is not a foregone conclusion that we’re headed for the same result as three years ago. Circumstances are different today. For instance, many of the economic problems in the last downturn were related to the housing market bubble and excessive consumer debt. Today, housing prices are dramatically lower and consumers have begun to wind down their debt. There are other challenges facing the economy today, but a “double-dip” recession in the U.S. is far from certain.

2. Market gyrations should not overtake your investment strategy.

Are you a long-term investor? Most everybody should be, at least with a portion of your portfolio. Even if you are retired or close to it, you may need to invest some of your money in stocks to help meet increasing income needs over the course of what could be a long retirement. If you are uneasy with your current asset mix, review your holdings to determine if there is a more appropriate investment for your circumstances. Keep your portfolio well diversified. Avoid putting too much of your money into a single asset or asset class. This will limit the risk of a dramatic change in its price.

Yes, there’s a lot of unnerving financial news out there, but don’t let today’s headlines overwhelm your long-term investment decisions.

For more information, please contact Michael W. Yee at (808) 952-1240.

Advisor is licensed/registered to do business with U.S. residents only in the states of Hawaii. Brokerage, investment and financial advisory services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC. Some products and services may not be available in all jurisdictions or to all clients.© 2010 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.
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