Do you often experience pain, numbness or tingling in your feet? Have you noticed that your balance has been affected over the past few years? Are you diabetic or prediabetic? You may be experiencing peripheral neuropathy.
What is peripheral neuropathy?
Peripheral neuropathy (PN) is caused by nerve damage to the peripheral or small nerves of the body, usually in the hands and feet. This damage is commonly caused by poor blood flow, which causes the nerves to degenerate due to a lack of nutrient rich blood flow. PN is progressive in nature.
There are many types of PN, but the most common are diabetic, chemotherapy induced and idiopathic (meaning, there is no known cause). Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is the most common type, and it is estimated that 60 to 70 percent of people who have been diagnosed with diabetes will go on to develop DPN.
How does peripheral neuropathy affect balance?
The most common symptoms of peripheral neuropathy are pain, numbness, tingling and burning in the hands and/or feet, and balance issues. Patients may have difficulty differentiating between hot and cold, and feel like they are wearing socks or gloves when they are not.
Balance issues are often overlooked and are potentially the most debilitating symptom of PN. A study of the risk factors of falls in elderly patients with PN published in the Journal of Gerontology found that PN was significantly associated with falls. The reason for the high risk of falls is because of the loss of sensation and positional sense caused by damage to the nerves responsible for the sensations of touch, vibration and balance.
Acupuncture is an effective treatment for peripheral neuropathy.
Acupuncture has been proven to be an effective treatment method for pain, numbness and balance issues associated with PN. The goal of acupuncture treatment for PN is to increase blood flow to damaged nerves, stimulate nerve regeneration and decrease pain. Patients often find acupuncture effective after commonly prescribed medications such as gabapentin, Lyrica and Cymbalta have failed to help their PN pain.
To find out if acupuncture can help treat your PN, contact a licensed acupuncturist who can determine the best treatment strategy for you.
Do you often experience pain, numbness or tingling in your feet? Have you noticed that your balance has been affected over the past few years? Are you diabetic or prediabetic? You may be experiencing peripheral neuropathy.
Filipino veterans such as the late Domingo Los Banos worked hard to educate the community about their role in WWII.
On July 26, 1941, President Franklin Roosevelt called upon all organized military forces of the Philippines into the service under the US Army Forces in the Far East. When Pearl Harbor and Manila were attacked on Dec. 7, 1941, these soldiers were brought into direct combat as the US officially entered World War II. During the Japanese invasion of the Philippines, US and Filipino soldiers fought together in many battles across the Philippine islands, including the battles in Bataan, Corrigedor, Luzon and Leyte.
BATAAN DEATH MARCH
The Japanese army had carefully orchestrated a unified military attack to conquer the Pacific and to defeat the US. The attack of the Philippines began 10 hours after Pearl Harbor. In a mere month, the Japanese captured the capital of Manila. The combined military forces held strong for three months on Bataan and the island of Corregidor, even with no naval and air support. But ultimately, the ravages of disease and starvation led to Gen. Edward King Jr. surrendering his 76,000 troops in Bataan.
First Reconnaissance Team Parachute Company 1943.
During the Battle of Corregidor, the Japanese army forced Filipino and American prisoners of war to march 65 miles from the Bataan Peninsula to San Fernando — the brutal Bataan Death March. between 60,000 and 80,000 Filipinos and Americans marched through the jungles to confinement camps throughout the Philippines. They were deprived of food, water and medical attention — many were killed on the spot if they stopped to rest. During the march, approximately 1,000 Americans and 9,000 Filipinos died. The death march was formally designated by a military tribunal as a war crime.
Philippine soldiers of the 14th Engineers, Philippine Scouts, United States Army Forces Far East (USAFFE), prepare a railroad bridge for destruction.
JUSTICE DELAYED IS JUSTICE DENIED
President Franklin Roosevelt had promised the Filipino veterans GI benefits and the right to become US citizens to entice them to join the war. During WWII, millions of men and women of all races, from over 60 countries, served under the US flag. Despite the Japanese occupation, the Filipinos organized guerrillas in resistance and vowed to fight against the Japanese. By the end of that war, more than 260,000 individuals fought in the resistance movement. The bravery, heroism and dedication of the Filipino veterans played an integral part of leading Allied powers to victory.
However, the US consciously broke its promise to the Filipino soldiers. After the war, President Harry Truman signed laws that stripped away many promises of benefits and citizenship for Filipino veterans. The GI benefits and US citizenship promised them were denied by the Rescission Act of 1946. It stated that the service of Filipinos “shall not be deemed to be or to have been service in the military or national forces of the US or any component thereof or any law of the US conferring rights, privileges or benefits.”
Filipino veterans and their allies, including the Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project (FilVetREP), a nonpartisan, nonprofit, community-based, volunteer national initiative, had petitioned Congress to restore the promised benefits countless times over the years. Sen. Daniel Inouye from Hawai‘i submitted a Filipino Veteran’s Benefits bill every year for 18 years, but each year, Congress voted to deny those promised benefits.
FILIPINO VETERANS FINALLY RECOGNIZED
But the veterans never gave up. In 1990, Congress awarded citizenship to thousands of Filipino veterans and extended VA benefits to them. In 2009, Sen. Inouye’s bill finally passed, providing a one-time, lump sum payment to Filipino veterans. Sadly, these veterans were in their 80s or 90s by then or had passed on. Over 90 percent of the Filipino WWII veterans got nothing.
Seventy-five years after the US entered the war, Filipino veterans were nationally recognized and awarded the Congressional Gold Medal.
REPEALING THE RESCISSION ACT
Despite the long-delayed recognition of the contributions of Filipino veterans, the Rescission Act of 1946 has never been repealed.
As the FilVetREP organization (www.filvetrep.org) has stated, “It is time to repeal the Rescission Act… and correct a historic mistake upon thousands of Filipino WWII soldiers who gave their lives and limbs in a winning war in the Philippines over a brutal enemy; to restore upon them the honor, respect, and dignity they earned in war. They deserved nothing less.”
THE MISSION CONTINUES
MoveMeHawai‘i, a community education effort by the nonprofit Beta Beta Gamma Foundation, is planning an in-depth panel discussion providing more insights into this history. For dates and details about its community education plans, visit MoveMeHawaii.org. For more information about the Beta Beta Gamma Foundation, visit betabetagammafoundation.org.
On July 26, 1941, President Franklin Roosevelt called upon all organized military forces of the Philippines into the service under the US Army Forces in the Far East. When Pearl Harbor and Manila were attacked on Dec. 7, 1941, these soldiers were brought into direct combat as the US officially entered World War II. During…
“I don’t remember how to ride a bike!” “I’m too scared to ride in Honolulu traffic!” “I don’t have a bicycle.” These are some of the reasons Hawai‘i seniors give for not riding a bike.
The Hawaii Bicycling League (HBL) is here to help with the first two excuses. Honolulu-based HBL has recreational and educational programs for all ages. HBL’s Senior Cycling Program is back in action after a pandemic break. HBL is a great resource for seniors looking to get into biking for exercise and recreation. Activities for seniors include educational programs, fitness rides, group rides and even trike rides.
The Hawaii Bicycling League’s Senior Cycling Program events on the Pearl Harbor Bike Path are extremely popular. PC: Roger Au
For those who say they don’t remember how to ride, we say baloney! Scientists agree with the old expression, “just like riding a bike,” Once you learn to ride a bicycle, you never forget. According to Popular Science, cerebral coordination among several areas of the brain is so intense that the motions involved in cycling are never forgotten. It’s commonly referred to as “muscle memory.”
For those who say they’re afraid to ride in urban traffic, HBL offers route planning, precautions and other tips for riding in Honolulu. HBL Adult Education Director Malia Harunaga says maps are available that show bike lanes and which streets are the best — and the worst — for bicyclists.
Adult trikes make biking possible for people who don’t feel steady enough for a two-wheeler. HBL, through a grant from the City and County Honolulu, has purchased eight recumbent tricycles that are great for people with back problems or poor balance. Trike rides on the Pearl Harbor Bike Bath are scheduled throughout the year (visit www.hbl.org) and are broken down into rides of varying lengths and degrees of difficulty.
If you don’t have a bike, O‘ahu’s Biki Bike bike-share program is a great alternative. HBL Executive Director Lori McCarney says she knows a man with Parkinson’s disease who started riding Biki Bikes. Now he says his Parkinson’s is much better and he’s able to do more things. For a Generations Magazine article about e-bikes, go to http://bit.ly/GM-E-Bikes.
“I don’t remember how to ride a bike!” “I’m too scared to ride in Honolulu traffic!” “I don’t have a bicycle.” These are some of the reasons Hawai‘i seniors give for not riding a bike. The Hawaii Bicycling League (HBL) is here to help with the first two excuses. Honolulu-based HBL has recreational and educational…
Hanakago, woven flower baskets used for ikebana, is the theme of this year’s Splendors of Ikebana, hosted by Ikebana International Honolulu Chapter 56 on Oct. 15 and 16. This popular event will be held at the Ala Moana Hotel Ilima Room.
Throughout its 50-year history, Ikebana International Honolulu Chapter 56 has adhered to its motto of spreading “Friendship Through Flowers.” From its inception, Chapter 56 has shared a mutual love of ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arranging, and Japanese culture through community service, educational activities and by organizing public floral exhibits.
This ancient art began over 600 years ago during the teaching of Buddhism. Originated by Buddhist priests, ikebana was initially practiced and developed among the nobility and families of the shogun. With time, the art form began to spread among samurai warriors who created arrangements prior to entering battle. Ikebana spread to people of various classes during the Edo period between 1600 and 1868.
Aspects present in ikebana are minimalism and asymmetry. Today, ikebanists from more than 60 countries belong to Ikebana International, which was founded in 1956 by Ellen Gordon Allen, a US general’s wife. Her desire was to unite and create worldwide friendship through flowers. Her friend, Pearl Jensen, founded Chapter 56 in 1961.
It is unclear how hanakago came to be. Some say they were first used in tea ceremony with the prevailing aesthetic derived from chabana practice and the 14th century influence of Chinese baskets. A legend describes how a Japanese noble riding in the country stopped at a humble farmhouse and asked for tea and a flower arrangement. The poor man took an ordinary basket, picked some wild flowers and placed it on the bare earth. It was simple, humble, yet beautiful.
Over 30 hanakago will be on display. Stop by and enjoy this ancient art. Admission is free.
Hanakago, woven flower baskets used for ikebana, is the theme of this year’s Splendors of Ikebana, hosted by Ikebana International Honolulu Chapter 56 on Oct. 15 and 16. This popular event will be held at the Ala Moana Hotel Ilima Room.
Annette Kam’s free eBook is “a complete guide to all thing no one really wants to think about (but everyone needs to know!).” The guidebook was written last year, after the author endured a heart-wrenching ordeal.
WAIT — Don’t Die Yet! is a step-by-step guide for adult children and spouses who are either preparing for their own death or someone else’s. The guidebook covers the basics of getting affairs in order, while also teaching you about the mundane tasks necessary around the time of death.
“A comprehensive tool that empowers rather than depresses you, this helpful approach allows you to deal with the practicalities of death while offering the hands-on guidance you need to make sure you have time to grieve,” says a review.
In Part One, the three-part book reveals the author’s story as she dealt with unknowns regarding the passing of her beloved in-laws. Part Two shares lessons she learned along the way. Part Three is a comprehensive guidebook that includes not only basic requirements, but also all of the things that no one thinks about — all of the necessary tasks you need to complete before, during and after death.
“There were over 110 things I wish I had known when I experienced it all and they are all incorporated in the guidebook,” says Annette.
Annette Kam’s free eBook is “a complete guide to all thing no one really wants to think about (but everyone needs to know!).” The guidebook was written last year, after the author endured a heart-wrenching ordeal. WAIT — Don’t Die Yet! is a step-by-step guide for adult children and spouses who are either preparing for…
Dad passed away many years ago. Mom is 79 and very active. She golfs, plays mahjong, exercises and, of course, plays with her grandkids. Although we’re grateful Mom is healthy, we’re also concerned because she now lives all alone in the large house we grew up in.
My siblings and I have noticed some changes in Mom. We were caught off guard during Sunday dinner, when she asked us, “Should I move? I don’t really feel safe living alone. Where would be the best place for me to live?”
We all just looked at each other. We all agreed that Mom’s safety and needs are priority No. 1. But what was the best answer to her question?
Here are five topics to consider when having a proactive conversation with loved ones about a potential move:
Physical Needs. Will my current home fit my needs for the remainder of my life? Do I have too many stairs to climb? What home renovations may be needed to accommodate all the stages of care I may require? Who is equipped and trained to help when advanced healthcare is needed? If my home isn’t the best place for me, what are my options? If it is determined that aging in place at home will not be possible, a move will be the next likely step. Senior living options include retirement communities, continuing-care retirement communities, assisted living facilities, senior co-housing communities, senior home-sharing, nursing homes or other facilities, depending on the level of care needed now or expected in the future.
Cognitive/Mental. Am I in an environment that will encourage my thirst for knowledge and continued growth? Will I be able to stay at home if my memory declines? Will I even be able to make my own decisions later in life? How can I plan now, in case I can’t later?
Emotional/Social.Will I be able to spend time with my friends and loved ones?
Financial. What options exist for the budget we have to work with?
Family Dynamics. How can I leave a legacy for my family?
Consider your answers to these questions and then begin your research. Knowing your choices can help make the process much easier.
THE COMPLETE SOLUTION™
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1347 Kapiolani Blvd., Ste. 300, Honolulu, HI 96814
Dan Ihara (RA), CAPS, CLHMS, SRES RS-65892 808-256-7873
Julie Ihara (RA), SRES RS- 67440 808-754-2225 | ihara@iharateam.com www.iharateamhawaii.kw.com
Dad passed away many years ago. Mom is 79 and very active. She golfs, plays mahjong, exercises and, of course, plays with her grandkids. Although we’re grateful Mom is healthy, we’re also concerned because she now lives all alone in the large house we grew up in.
It is always difficult and painful to loose a loved one, even as memories of them remain in our heart to comfort us. I’d like to share a few tried-and-true coping skills to help deal with a loss.
It takes time, but a bereaved person will eventually process their grief, work through the sadness and adjust to a life without their loved one. It helps to allow yourself to experience the pain and other emotions and not let others tell you how you should feel. Whatever comes is where you should start…
■ Patience is a virtue. Don’t suffer from stress caused by your expectations. Accept your current experience, pain and emotions without judging or being judged. Don’t compare yourself with others. We all mourn in our own way; at our own pace.
■ Acknowledge your feelings— even the ones you don’t like. Cry if that’s how you feel.
■ Ask others for the help you need.Get support from friends and/or professionals. Express you sadness; talk about your loss and your memories.
Joining a bereavement group enables others to encourage, guide and comfort you. They can also offer practical advice and information, and help you feel less alone. Online groups are available.
■ Try to maintain your routine and lifestyle.Avoid making life changes and major decisions. Limit stressors and maintain a sense of security.
■ Give yourself a break from grief and take care of yourself.Relax through distractions — watch TV, have dinner with a friend, read a good book, enjoy your favorite music, take a hike or go to the beach. Enjoy life despite the sorrow. Eat well, exercise, sleep and nurture yourself. Get a massage to release your tension. Avoid excessive use of alcohol or other substances, which could harm your body, confuse your emotions and slow your recovery.
■ Forgiveness is a blessing. Forgive yourself for all the things you wish you’d said or done differently. Forgive others, as well.
■ Prepare, plan and honor.Be prepared for holidays, birthdays and anniversaries, when feelings of grief may return. Plan how you want to spend your time and with whom. Do something in honor of the memory of your loved one. Decide what traditions to keep or create new ones.
■ Create.When you feel ready, do something creative. Write a letter to the person who passed and say everything you wish you could still tell them. Start keeping a journal. Make a scrapbook. Paint or draw. Plant flowers or trees. Involve yourself in a cause or
activity that you and your loved one enjoyed doing.
Your Generations Magazine family is always here to help our Hawai‘i ‘ohana feel supported.
It is always difficult and painful to loose a loved one, even as memories of them remain in our heart to comfort us. I’d like to share a few tried-and-true coping skills to help deal with a loss.
Social media is a great way for all of us to keep in touch with family and friends, and our kūpuna are no exception. The use of social media among senior citizens has been a growing trend. Almost 74 percent of all adults aged 50 and over use social media on a regular basis. They primarily use Facebook, followed by YouTube, Instagram and LinkedIn. Older Americans most often sign on to social networks on smartphones (55 percent), followed by computers (47 percent) and tablets (41 percent).
However, social media presents some extra risks for older people. Research has shown that seniors lose tens of billions of dollars each year due to financial scams, leaving almost a million seniors each year in financial hardship.
They are targeted by scammers and identity thieves who know that the older generation tends to be polite and trusting, so they’re more likely to be conned by an urgent-sounding message or persuasive solicitation.
Here are two important tips to consider in order to reduce your risk of being victimized:
1) Who are you sharing your posts with? Are they actual family members and friends? Remember, anyone can be impersonated online! Only accept friend requests from those you have actually met or who can be vouched for by someone you know who can verify their identity. Or you can contact them by phone to ask them if they sent you a friend request.
Also, check your privacy settings to regulate who will be allowed to see a particular post. You may not want to share every post with all your friends and family.
2) What are you sharing online? Is it a written post, a photo or a video? And what information is being shared? Obviously, you don’t want to post any sensitive financial information like bank account numbers, PIN numbers or passwords. Sharing home addresses and personal telephone numbers is also very risky. Also, refrain from mentioning the dates you be away on a trip. Burglars may take advantage of that information.
Also, don’t post about recent financial gains, such as receiving a large dividend check from an investment or an annuity. The same applies for posting photos of the valuables in your home.
There is a lot to think about to keep from being a victim when using social media. The key is not to overshare and to always consider who you are sharing that information with. This is just another occasion when too much can be bad for you.
Contact me with questions about online security.
Christopher Duque | aikea808@gmail.com
Social media is a great way for all of us to keep in touch with family and friends, and our kūpuna are no exception. The use of social media among senior citizens has been a growing trend. However, social media presents some extra risks for older people.
As we begin to put the harshest effects of COVID behind us, large numbers of us are developing ways to live and work that create positive outcomes from negative change.
The emerging opportunities featured in this post are associated with fast-growing careers throughout Hawai‘i.
The suggested options offer flexible pay for the good of community as well as benefits for your own health and wellness over your ever-longer lifetime expectancy. What do I mean by that? Well, as you know, Hawai‘i is the longest-living state in the US — currently, our average is 82.5. And research suggests that by engaging in healthful habits, we might even add five or more years.
Think… what could be better than health and wellness habits that improve the quality of day-today life and increase longevity? The following examples are food for thought and a call to action!
YOGA. Yoga is much more than bending and stretching. It is a practice for body, mind and spirit. All ages can benefit — many an 80-year-old is actively engaging in the practice. A teaching credential is a matter of earning it. Learn more about credentialing by searching online for a school or studio near you.
DIET AND NUTRITION. It has been a long haul for all of us who seek to overcome the effects of the COVID pandemic. Many of us are now promoting a good nutrient baseline on our road to the future. They are positively impacting food choices for themselves and their families. Have you noticed the nutritional changes in your local supermarket? Do you appreciate the connection between wellness and the foods that place a growing emphasis on eating phytonutrients? Might this be an area for you to explore both for your own physical and financial benefit as well as that of others? If so, visit www.hawaiibusiness.com/change-health-wellness-2.
HEALTH COACHING. Search online for information on health and life coaching certification programs and services. Research and explore well-known organizations that offer coaching advice by their counselors. Call them up and ask them about the qualifications they seek.
HEALTH & WELLNESS. Online job sites are a great source for exploring health and wellness opportunities. Startups abound. So, if you have a product or service to promote, study the winners in this emerging area. Its revenue growth over the past several years will astound you and might encourage you to start your own business or find a buyer for your unique offering.
Ask yourself: “Am I creating the meaningful longer lifetime I deserve? Will some form of work in health and wellness help me achieve this goal?” These options can help you and help others while adding to your income and quality of life.
As we begin to put the harshest effects of COVID behind us, large numbers of us are developing ways to live and work that create positive outcomes from negative change. The emerging opportunities featured in this post are associated with fast-growing careers throughout Hawai‘i.
The Hawaii Pacific Gerontological Society (HPGS) will present its biennial conference, Foresight 2021 and Beyond, on Sept. 15 and 16, 2021.
HPGS is a nonprofit organization created in 1979 and dedicated to improving the quality of life of Hawai‘i’s older adults. HPGS’ virtual conference is intended for elder care practitioners in the health and human service fields; business, government agencies, nonprofits and faith-based organization serving older adults; researchers, students of gerontology, advocates for seniors and seniors interested in continuing their education. A few of the 14 topics that will be featured this year include: breakthrough discoveries on aging, changes in the field of gerontology, aging in the 21st century, the promise and potential of the boomer generation, transforming care for seriously ill patients, care of aging eyes and new innovations and the economic implications of population aging.
In addition, seven Na Lima Kokua awardees along with two recipients of the Tony Lenzer scholarship will be recognized. The registration fee is nominal. Generations Magazine readers will receive the regular rate through Aug. 31. Register at www.hpgs.org.
HAWAII PACIFIC GERONTOLOGICAL SOCIETY
(501(c) 3 nonprofit)
P.O. Box 3714, Honolulu, HI 96812
Sherry Goya, HPGS Executive Director 808-722-8487 | sgoyallc@aol.com www.hpgs.org
The Hawaii Pacific Gerontological Society (HPGS) will present its biennial conference, Foresight 2021 and Beyond, on Sept. 15 and 16.
Starting this October, you’ll have to dial “808” with all phone numbers you call in Hawai‘i. It seems easy, right? But the change could lead to complications.
Starting Oct. 24, 2021, all calls — including those on the same island — must be dialed using 10 digits or the call will not go through.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is making the change so that emergency calls made to the National Suicide Prevention Center and the Mental Health Crisis Lifeline can be made by simply calling “988.” That particular prefix is common in Hawai‘i, therefore, if local calls do not start with “808,” the caller could get one of those crisis lines by mistake. (Any 211, 311, 411, 511, 611 or 811 services available in your community can still be reached by dialing its three-digit code.)
Complications may arise because many automated dialing systems, burglar alarm monitors, speed dialers, mobile phone contacts, fax machines, security gates and other equipment may not currently be set up for 10-digit dialing.
Phone numbers listed on printed materials, websites, business cards and stationery should also include “808.”
Hawaiian Telcom urges business and residential customers to check their equipment and make changes as necessary. Visit http://bit.ly/Dial808 to get complete details and information.
Starting this October, you’ll have to dial “808” with all phone numbers you call in Hawai‘i. It seems easy, right? But the change could lead to complications. Starting Oct. 24, 2021, all calls — including those on the same island — must be dialed using 10 digits or the call will not go through.
In April, MDX Hawai‘i lent a hand to a nonprofit known for lending many hands to kūpuna in need.
OurKupuna.com connects volunteer sponsors who are free of COVID-19 with members of the community who are in need. Sponsors pick up and deliver groceries, medication and necessary supplies, and also run various errands.
To date, OurKupuna.com has helped nearly 450 individuals. The $5,000 donation from MDX Hawai‘i staff and matching funds from the company helped support 125 individuals in need.
“The support we have received through the philanthropic efforts of MDX Hawai‘i and their employees is just heart-warming,” says Executive Director Gabe Amey. “This generous gift enables us to further our mission to provide Hawai‘i’s elders with food security and access to essentials.”
“Supporting programs like OurKupuna.com allows MDX Hawai‘i to help kūpuna from a different perspective,” said MDX Hawai’i Market President Scott Whiting. “We’re proud to present this gift to OurKupuna.com and to be a part of this amazing effort.” Visit www.MDXHawaii.com.
OurKupuna.com is a Hawai‘i-based nonprofit that started in March 2020 in response to the global pandemic and its impact on the state’s seniors. In the face of this adversity, the group envisioned a Hawai‘i where all kūpuna have food security and access to essentials. Through grants and donations, the organization has made great strides in…
Do you often experience pain, numbness or tingling in your feet? Have you noticed that your balance has been affected over the past few years? Are you diabetic or prediabetic? You may be experiencing peripheral neuropathy.
Acupuncture is an effective treatment for peripheral neuropathy.
