Category: Date

Prepare Yourself to Sleep Better

Have you ever examined your bedtime routine? You probably take care of basic bodily needs like brushing your teeth, but what about the rest of you? Where does your mind go? What about the stress and tension you’ve carried all day? Do you do anything to show your body and brain you really care about them?

If you want to age well, getting proper rest is essential for your health, happiness and relationships. Quality of sleep is just as important as quantity when it comes to focusing and functioning well during the day. If you go to bed with stressful thoughts, you will probably not sleep well. If you do manage some shut eye, you may end up feeling tired in the morning.

So how can you help yourself find better rest? Start by turning off the TV and putting your phone out of reach when you get in bed. Then, raise your feet and do some ankle rotations. Use your arms and hands to gently stretch your legs, hips and lower back as you inhale through your nose, and exhale long, slow breaths through your mouth.

Say, “Thank you, body. Today has ended. Anything unfinished will still be there tomorrow. Rest now.” Release your thoughts and reassure your mind and body that all is well. Try it for a week. Your body and mind will thank you.

KAIMUKI BODY & BRAIN
3569 Harding Ave., #B, Honolulu, HI 96816
808-738-5522 | www.bodynbrain.com/kaimuki

Have you ever examined your bedtime routine? You probably take care of basic bodily needs like brushing your teeth, but what about the rest of you? Where does your mind go? What about the stress and tension you’ve carried all day?
Beware of COVID-19 Scams

Now that COVID-19 vaccination is in full swing along with economic relief packages from the federal government, scammers are using phishing emails and texts, bogus social media posts, robocalls, impostor schemes and more to prey on the public. Federal and state agencies are reporting a flood of vaccine scams, with phony websites and email campaigns promising easy and early access to coronavirus shots. They also anticipate a rise in financial stimulus scams targeting relief payments, unemployment benefits and small business loans.

From the earliest beginnings of the COVID pandemic, fraudsters have been luring consumers with fake remedies; now they’re using the vaccine rollout as bait to lure unsuspecting consumers.

The Hawai‘i Department of Health and Human Services says consumers should be on the lookout for the following signs of vaccine scams:

• Requests that you to pay out-of-pocket to receive a shot or get on a vaccine waiting list
• Ads for vaccines via websites, social media posts, emails or phone calls
• Marketers offering to sell or ship doses of COVID-19 vaccines

The FBI says con artists are still advertising fake COVID-19 antibody tests to mine personal information to be used in identity theft or health insurance scams. This includes fake unemployment filings and even stealing one’s stimulus check.

Other scammers claim to be selling or offering supplies such as masks, test kits and sanitizers, often in robocalls, texts or social media ads.

Scammers are also impersonating banks and money lenders, offering bogus help with bills, credit card debt or student loan forgiveness.

Beware of calls, texts or emails, and social media posts originating from what appear to be government agencies that instruct you to click a link, pay a fee or confirm personal data (your Social Security number) to secure your stimulus check.

The FTC and the Justice Department also issued an alert about phishing texts and phone calls that are supposedly from contact tracers, warning you that you’ve been exposed to someone with COVID-19. If you click the text message link, malware downloads to your device. These messages will appear to be from actual businesses or government agencies, but clicking on links or downloading attached files could enable the theft of personal information and your identity. Messages from actual contact tracers will not include a link, or ask you for money or personal data.

Also use care when conducting an internet search for coronavirus information. Are you going to the actual CDC or WHO website, or to a scam portal created by a cybercriminal?

Christopher Duque | aikea808@gmail.com

Now that COVID-19 vaccination is in full swing along with economic relief packages from the federal government, scammers are using phishing emails and texts, bogus social media posts, robocalls, impostor schemes and more to prey on the public.
Finding Freedom Once More

COVID-19 impacted this industry greatly — it may never be the same again. We had to stop large gatherings, monthly meetings and communal dining, restrict visitors, volunteers and even family members who uplifted our community on a daily basis, and social distance ourselves when hugs and closeness were once shared.

Many administrators like myself had to take swift action to attain the balance of retaining the simple freedoms of our residents and fighting to keep our communities safe.

Over a year later, the pandemic continues to defer our freedom — the freedom to do what we please, visit with others at any time and travel anywhere in the world to live our best life.

Independence Day 2021 will be a period of reflection on our own personal freedoms and our nation’s. Don’t give up hope; we are turning a new leaf. It will take courage to gain back our freedom and a sense of peace.

ROSELANI PLACE (501(c) 3 nonprofit)
88 South Papa Ave., Kahului, Maui, HI 96732
808-871-7720 | Toll Free: 800-554-9853
info@roselaniplace.com | www.roselaniplace.com

The overall mission for senior living communities is to provide socialization, wellness, a sense of community and independence. As the general manager for Roselani Place, my mission is to enrich the lives of our kūpuna and manifest my passion to enable them to live their lives to the fullest each and every day.
Dealing With Our Feelings

No problem has ever been resolved through emotional upheaval.

As I mentioned in my April/May column (“Nine Coping Skills For Managing Stress”), to find our way to productive solutions, we’ll first want to deal with our feelings.

Feelings are important because they can tell us what we need to do. To deal with our feelings, we must name them, realize it’s ok to feel them and express them in a safe way. Then we can decide what to do to feel better.

It’s ok to have negative feelings. But owning our feelings rather than blaming others for them is the key to a sustainable resolution.

Using the “I feel” sentence is helpful, for example, “I feel lonely because I’m social distancing for my safety.” Remember, life is 10 percent what happens and 90 percent how we respond. No one makes us do or feel anything. We are responsible for our feelings or responses. So if we own our feelings and actions, we’ll be on our way to more reasonable outcomes.

To change or break a negative response pattern, note these few physiological facts:

• Our brain needs oxygen to think clearly.
• Negative feelings like anger and fear trigger adrenaline, shifting oxygen from our brain to our air passages to provide our muscles with the oxygen needed for flight-or-fight responses.
• Without oxygen, our brain focuses on familiar reactive, defensive response patterns rather than proactive, solution-oriented, productive outcomes.

To relearn and find helpful stopgaps to break patterns, we’ll first need to agree there’s an issue we’d like to change. Once motivated to change, we’ll face the realization that change is a challenging process. But with patience, persistence and practice, anyone committed to change can break the habit of engrained negative response patterns.

The simplest tool used to manage a stressful event is the STOP sign acronym technique: Stop, Think, Options, Plan.

If we stop our undesirable emotions before they escalate, we’ll automatically think of options and create a more reasonable plan. By stopping, we’ll breathe, calm down and reach a better plan than if we fly out of control driven by emotions.

Because we are all human, we all experience negative emotions. But it’s what we do with them that defines us. Working toward eliminating personal attacks or put-downs will enhance the quality of our relationships with ourselves and others. Learning to manage stressors also improves our physical and mental health.

Accept imperfection, practice forgiveness, and give yourself and loved ones a break.

RICK TABOR
GM Community Development Director
808-285-5936 | Rick@Generations808.com

Feelings are important because they can tell us what we need to do. To deal with our feelings, we must name them, realize it’s ok to feel them and express them in a safe way. Then we can decide what to do to feel better. It’s ok to have negative feelings. But owning our feelings…
How to Navigate Travel Requirements & Restrictions During the COVID-19 Pandemic

An interview with Kevin Kaneshiro, Sales & Promotions Manager at Vacations Hawaii

How has interisland travel changed for Hawai‘i residents during the pandemic?

With frequent changes to travel requirements, make sure to check for updates prior to your travel. As of April 5, 2021, Neighbor Island travelers entering O‘ahu do not need a test and no quarantine is required. If you are entering Kaua‘i or Maui counties, you can avoid a 10-day quarantine with proof of a pre-approved negative test within 72 hours of your arrival. For Maui, you will also have to download the AlohaSafe Alert app (www.alohasafealert.org). For the Big Island, visitors can either do the 72-hour pre-test like the other islands or they can quarantine until negative test results confirmed from a post-arrival test.

How does the proof-of-vaccination process work for interisland, mainland and international travel?

Whether traveling interisland or out of the state, you will first need to set up your Safe Travels account at www.travel.hawaii.gov before your arrival to Hawai‘i. You will then need to get a PCR test (polymerase chain reaction) or NAAT (nucleic acid amplification test) from a State of Hawai‘i-approved testing site within 72 hours prior to your arrival. Most results take up to 48 hours, so you will want to take that into account when scheduling your test. Most COVID-19 test
sites will direct you to the valid test dates to book when you submit your arrival date.

Many testing locations require you to make a reservation online. Once you take your test, the company will email you a positive or negative test result in the form of a PDF. If negative, you can then upload the result to your State of Hawai‘i Safe Travels account or you can print a copy of your result to present upon arrival at your destination. I recommend both uploading your result and printing a copy as a backup.

At your destination, present your negative test result on your Safe Travels account and you’re done. If you don’t already have it uploaded to your account, you would then need to process your negative test result at the airport with a representative. Lastly, within 24 hours of your arrival, you will want to fill out the 24-hour health questionnaire on the Safe Travels Hawaii site. Once complete, you will receive a QR code that will save you time at the airport.

What kinds of protections have been put in place for kūpuna visiting Las Vegas?

On Omni Air charter flights and at all Boyd Gaming Hotels, enhanced cleaning, disinfecting and sanitization measures have been put in place. An electrostatic fogging sprayer further sanitizes the aircraft. Boarding protocols to allow for social distancing have been established. All flight attendants and passengers wear masks or face coverings during the flight. Pillows and blankets have been removed from the planes, so you may want to bring your own and/or warm outer apparel. Bottled water, canned soda, coffee or tea will be offered only with meal service. Customers are encouraged to bring their own beverages.

At Vacations Hawai‘i hotel properties, temperature checks are being conducted upon arrival. All guests are required to wear facial coverings. Hand sanitizer is available and complimentary for all guests. Guest spaces are cleaned and disinfected multiple times daily with EPA-approved products. This includes slot machines, chairs, table games, restaurants, kitchens, restrooms, doors, handrails, counters, ATMs, kiosks and Team Member areas. The frequency of air filter replacement and HVAC system cleaning has been increased. Slots, table games, and restaurant and bar seating are configured, and limited to adhere to social distancing recommendations. Guest occupancy limits are followed in retail shops, and banquet and meeting spaces.

Hawai‘i-bound travelers can bypass the 10-day quarantine by receiving a negative COVID test result within 72 hours of their return to Hawai‘i. Convenient COVID testing in Las Vegas provided by Worksite Labs is available at the Main Street Station for Vacations Hawaii and Hawaiian Airlines customers.

These PCR nasal swab tests do not require assistance. All customers must be scheduled no later than 72 hours before the departure of the last leg of the journey. The price per test starts at $90.

To qualify for a test, you must have an upcoming Hawaiian Airlines or Vacations Hawaii flight with a Hawaiian destination in the next 72 hours and proof of a ticket.

Hours of operation are 6am to 2pm, seven days a week. An appointment is required and can be made at www.schedulecovidtesting.com.

Walk-up testing will take place in the Main Street Station Social Club; drive-through testing will be held in the parking area immediately outside the Social Club (around the Main Street garage entrance).

Is there any way to arrange special meals?

Due to COVID restrictions, we cannot accommodate special meal requests at this time. Current meals consists of prepackaged items such as sandwiches, chips and candy. You may also bring your own food onboard for a long trip.

What accommodations can be provided for someone who requires a wheelchair?

You have the option of bringing your own wheelchair on Omni Air charter flights. There is no charge for transporting the wheelchair. Airport wheelchair service is available curbside; travelers will also receive assistance boarding the plane.

The same service in reverse will be provided upon arrival. Should you need a lift bus to eliminate walking up the steps of the bus or an aisle chair to be transported to your seat on the airplane, let us know and it will be arranged. We can also assist you with wheelchair rental.

What travel safety tips do you recommend for kūpuna traveling to Las Vegas?

Do your research prior to travel as to COVID restrictions and requirements for your destination. If you don’t have a mobile phone for uploading your test result, make sure you have access to a place to print a hard copy. Most hotels will assist or will direct you to a location that can help, like an internet café, FedEx or UPS store.

What changes do you foresee in your industry?

A vaccination passport, which would allow vaccinated people the ability to travel and interact with others with less restrictions, is gaining support. As more become vaccinated, I believe this could work. After you get vaccinated, keep your vaccination card handy. That card may become a requirement for some venues.

Whether traveling interisland or out of the state, you will first need to set up your Safe Travels account at www.travel.hawaii.gov before your arrival to Hawai‘i. You will then need to get a PCR test (polymerase chain reaction) or NAAT (nucleic acid amplification test) from a State of Hawai‘i-approved testing site within 72 hours prior…
A Retirement Dress Rehearsal Can Ease Emotional & Financial Concerns

Two emotions are likely to strike those who are nearing retirement — excitement and fear. Leaving the world of alarm clocks and offices and having time to pursue your own passions on a daily basis is liberating — but the apprehension of entering a new life stage can easily creep in. Although work-related stress will disappear, the responsibility of filling each week in a satisfying way can be a challenge. Top that off with the ever-present concern about long-term financial security in retirement and the nerves can grow even greater.

The truth is, feeling excitement and fear is okay, but what if your retirement isn’t everything you envisioned it to be before you left the workforce? What if life after work turns out to be far different from your expectations?

Consider a practice run

If you’re nearing retirement, you’ve likely taken steps to prepare financially for the future. But there’s one important thing you might not have considered adding to your pre-retirement checklist — a practice run. How you choose to spend your time (and in many cases, your money) in retirement is your decision to make, but it’s not always an easy one. As we age, our interests, hobbies and relationships change. What you may consider your “ideal” retirement when you’re 55 may not fit when you’re 65. This evolution can make it hard to plan accurately for retirement.

To the extent you’ve made a financial commitment to a certain lifestyle, this can pose real problems. If you’ve already committed a significant amount of savings toward a particular lifestyle (a home in another part of the country or a trip around the world for a year), changing your mind in 10 or 15 years could throw a wrench in your long-term financial plan.

Those who have based their financial plan for retirement on the idea that they will be living in a new location may benefit from a practice run before making the big move. It’s natural to change your mind about what you want, but it’s better to understand the potential implications of changing your mind before you actually retire, as they can have unintended consequences.

For example, consider an individual who has lived his entire life in New York, but moves to Florida when he retires — where taxes and cost-of-living are generally lower. Deciding after several years to relocate back to New York to be near family — where cost of living and tax rates differ — can mean the dollars he’s saved will have to be reallocated and his savings may not go as far as he’d planned.

The idea of practicing retirement may also mean leaving the 40-hour work week for something that’s more part-time. Some people may want to take a part-time role with their current employer, or work as a consultant to continue experiencing the challenge of work. This also can offer important financial benefits that help preserve their nest egg.

Time for a financial rehearsal

Practice can also be beneficial in another way — by simulating how to manage your expenses in retirement. The idea that your cash flow no longer comes from a reliable paycheck, but from other sources, like Social Security and personal savings, can come as a shock — even to those who are well-prepared for this change. One idea to accomplish this is to run two accounts for a certain period of time. Through one account, manage all of your household and lifestyle expenses that you expect during retirement. This includes the costs for necessities like food, clothing, shelter, utilities, taxes and insurance, as well as “nice-to-have” items like dining out, traveling, etc.

Keep in mind that you may have to estimate or inflate your lifestyle expenses for retirement as they could rise when you have more free time. The best way to get a handle on these expenses is to experience them while you’re still working. Take that trip to Europe before retirement and find out firsthand what you can do within your budget. If the cost is different than expected, make adjustments to your financial projections to more accurately reflect reality.

Through the second account, manage all of your expenses that are expected to end in retirement, like principal and interest on a mortgage payment (if your home will be paid off), current car payments (although car payments can certainly happen again in retirement), college costs for your kids and contributions to retirement plans.

Perfecting life in retirement

A little practice can go a long way toward easing emotional and financial concerns when it comes to making the jump into retirement. A retirement trial run may not answer all of your questions — and it doesn’t necessarily include the unexpected events that can often throw retirement off track — but doing it for six months or so can be very beneficial in determining if your budget and lifestyle expectations during retirement are realistic. Consider working with a financial advisor who can help you determine a budget and a retirement income plan that fits your needs and desires for retirement.

MICHAEL W. K. YEE, CFP,® CFS,® CLTC, CRPC®
1585 Kapiolani Blvd., Ste. 1100, Honolulu, HI 96814
808-952-1222, ext. 1240 | michael.w.yee@ampf.com
Michael W. K. Yee, CFP,® CFS,® CLTC, CRPC,® is a Private Wealth Advisor, Certified Financial Planner™ practitioner with Ameriprise Financial Services Inc. in Honolulu, Hawai‘i. He specializes in fee-based financial planning and asset management strategies, and has been in practice for 36 years. Investment products are not federally or FDIC-insured, are not deposits or obligations of, or guaranteed by any financial institution, and involve investment risks including possible loss of principal and fluctuation in value. Investment advisory products and services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services LLC., a registered investment advisor.
Ameriprise Financial Services LLC. Member FINRA and SIPC.
© 2020 Ameriprise Financial Inc. All rights reserved.

Two emotions are likely to strike those who are nearing retirement — excitement and fear. Leaving the world of alarm clocks and offices and having time to pursue your own passions on a daily basis is liberating — but the apprehension of entering a new life stage can easily creep in. Although work-related stress will…
Save Yourself From Sympathy Scams

In a sympathy scam, a con artist plays on the victims’ emotions in order to extract money from them. Typically, you see a lot of these scams stemming from a tragedy that is highly publicized.

The first time I saw a sympathy scam in action was when I was young. My school passed out plastic banks that looked like loaves of bread, and students were supposed to take them trick-or-treating and ask for loose change. The money was to go to starving kids in Ethiopia. Let’s just say not all of the money made it to Africa.

Recently, however, I have been seeing a variation of the sympathy scam that is not only playing on the victim’s feelings of guilt and compassion, but also giving them a belief that they will become rich as well. The scammer tells them that the more charitable they are, the more money they will make.

The con starts out by asking the victim what good works they would do if they were rich. Upon learning about these pure desires, the scammer will deem the victim worthy enough to be let into this secret and exclusive opportunity to make so much money that they can finance their charitable goals, and in fact, they themselves could become wealthy.

Victims are asked to draft a proposal that explains in detail what their charity would actually look like. Some victims have reported going to print shops and advertising agencies to create professional looking presentations. I have heard about victims designing schools for disabled children, planning hula programs for the deaf and designing free hospitals. So excited and distracted about these charitable acts that they are going to perform with their riches, the victims don’t think twice about the “investing” portion of the process and give money to seed the venture and help grow that money tree.

If the victim questions the economics of the process (like, “How does helping more people make you more rich” or “Why haven’t I gotten any money back yet?”), they are either told confusing economic mumbo jumbo and assured this is how big charities work and why celebrities support them, or are questioned about their sincerity of wanting to help others.

Guilt and compassion are the con artist’s favorite emotions. Never make financial decisions based on feelings.

If you suspect elder abuse, call these numbers:
Police: 911 | Adult Protective Services: 808-832-5115
Elder Abuse Unit: 808-768-7536
For questions, email ElderAbuse@honolulu.gov

In a sympathy scam, a con artist plays on the victims’ emotions in order to extract money from them. Typically, you see a lot of these scams stemming from a tragedy that is highly publicized.
A Recipe for Conflict

I have noticed a troubling emerging trend in estate planning. More families are owning property with different generations. This could be because real estate in Hawai‘i is expensive to purchase and even harder to maintain and keep. It is further exacerbated in situations where there are multiple children beneficiaries and/or where the parents need to leverage the equity in the home for their care, and are unable to access the equity due to a lack of income. We have seen situations where the parent gives up some or all interest in the home to their children, in fractionalized interests, so that the children can pool their resources together to qualify for a HELOC or a mortgage.

These situations are difficult to manage because of the conflicting intentions and layers of complex relationships. Parents want to preserve the home for their children; however, they also need the home for their long-term care. The children want to help their parents but have a family of their own and are also trying to plan for their own future. You can imagine problems surfacing when there are multiple owners with fractionalized interests, all with lives and families of their own. It’s a recipe for conflict, not a family legacy.

To mitigate family conflict, be proactive about your legacy and start to plan now. If you find yourself in this situation or heading in this direction, contact your estate planning attorney to ensure a lasting legacy for you and your family.

STEPHEN B. YIM, ATTORNEY AT LAW
2054 S. Beretania St., Honolulu, HI 96826
808-524-0251 | www.stephenyimestateplanning.com

I have noticed a troubling emerging trend in estate planning. More families are owning property with different generations. This could be because real estate in Hawai‘i is expensive to purchase and even harder to maintain and keep. It is further exacerbated in situations where there are multiple children beneficiaries and/or where the parents need to…
Your Estate Plan: What NOT to Do

Problems with your estate plan may not become apparent until it is too late to fix them. Here are some common pitfalls:

• Failing to plan for large expenses, such as long-term care. About 70 percent of us can expect to be completely incapacitated for some period of time before we die, so failing to have a “disability plan” in place can severely limit our options.

• Failing to update your estate plan, including beneficiary designations on bank accounts, investment accounts, retirement accounts and insurance policies. Review your estate plan at least annually, and update it as necessary.

• Failing to take steps to avoid family strife. Making your intentions clear is the first step. Building incentives (and disincentives) into your estate plan can nix courtroom battles.

• Putting your kids on the title to your stuff during your lifetime. You may be setting your loved ones up for capital gains taxes that could have been avoided and you may also be putting your assets at risk. Your kids’ creditors (or ex-spouses) could get their hooks into your assets while you still need them.

Do your estate planning right and work with professionals. Shop around to find advisors who know what they are doing, will help you devise a workable plan and are worth their fees.

SCOTT MAKUAKANE, Counselor at Law
Focusing exclusively on estate planning and trust law.
www.est8planning.com
808-587-8227 | maku@est8planning.com

Problems with your estate plan may not become apparent until it is too late to fix them. Here are some common pitfalls: • Failing to plan for large expenses, such as long-term care. • Failing to update your estate plan, including beneficiary designations on bank accounts, investment accounts, retirement accounts and insurance policies. • Failing…
Get Help Paying Health & Prescription Costs

If you have limited income and resources, you may qualify for help paying some healthcare and prescription drug costs. Fifty-two percent of seniors in Hawai‘i qualify for the Medicare Extra Help program.

You may qualify for extra help if your yearly income and resources were below certain limits (the following are figures for 2021):

• A single person must earn less than $22,470 and have less than $14,790 in resources.
• Married persons must earn less than $30,300 and have less than $29,520 in resources.

Resources include money in a checking or savings account, stocks, bonds, mutual funds and IRAs. Resources don’t include your home, car or household items, your burial plot, up to $1,500 for burial expenses per person or life insurance policies.

If you qualify for Extra Help and join a Medicare drug plan, you will get help paying your plan’s costs and incur no late enrollment penalties.

Drug costs in 2021 for people who qualify will be no more than $3.70 for each generic drug and $9.20 for each brand-name drug.

For more information and to access an Extra Help application, visit socialsecurity.gov/i1020 or call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213.

FINANCIAL BENEFITS INSURANCE INC.
1311 Kapiolani Blvd., Ste. 504, Honolulu, HI 96814
808-792-5194 | emotosue@fbihi.com
www.fbihi.com | FB: Financial Benefits Insurance

If you have limited income and resources, you may qualify for help paying some healthcare and prescription drug costs. Fifty-two percent of seniors in Hawai‘i qualify for the Medicare Extra Help program.
Purpose Pals: A Kūpuna-Youth Connection

Purpose Pals is a free, virtual intergenerational program led by Christy Nishita and Colby Takeda, in collaboration with Age-Friendly Honolulu, Blue Zones Project Hawaii, and the Hawaii Afterschool Alliance. Purpose Pals matches adults 50 and over with high school through college-age students, fostering regular communication using Big & Mini’s web-based video conferencing platform. The program provides themed conversation starters to ensure pals have enriching talk story sessions as often as they like.

Most seniors have some form of mobile device. But early in the pandemic, the developers of Big & Mini realized that there was a need to connect older individuals with wonderful stories and experiences to younger generations. Soon, Big & Mini was born, shrinking the generational gap and helping to build meaningful intergenerational relationships.

Purpose Pals creates new friendships, and even enables seniors with a lifetime of experience to become career mentors for their younger pals. Older pals say their younger pals lift their spirits.

To become a pal or to bring Purpose Pals to your group, see the contact information below.

PURPOSE PALS
purposepals.org | info@purposepals.org

Purpose Pals is a free, virtual intergenerational program led by Christy Nishita and Colby Takeda, in collaboration with Age-Friendly Honolulu, Blue Zones Project Hawaii, and the Hawaii Afterschool Alliance. Purpose Pals matches adults 50 and over with high school through college-age students, fostering regular communication using Big & Mini’s web-based video conferencing platform. The program…
Annual Wellness Visits to Stay Healthy

During a Medicare Annual Wellness Visit (AWV), you and your doctor will focus on overall wellness, prevention and early disease detection.

The AWV is designed to support you in taking an active role in managing your health and improving your well-being and quality of life. Doctors recommend the visit and encourage all Medicare patients to schedule one every year.

One of the most valuable parts of the AWV is the creation of a long-term preventive care plan based on Health Risk Assessment; a current list of medical providers and medications; screening for cognition, hearing, functional status and fall risk; family history, health risk factors and age-specific preventive screenings.

While both an annual physical and an AWV are important, they are not the same. During an annual physical, your doctor looks for signs of major problems and symptoms and conducts important routine tests.

Medicare covers 100 percent of the AWV visit. You are not responsible for deductibles, co-payments or co-insurance amounts.

Be your own advocate! Call your primary care doctor today and schedule your AWV.

MDX HAWAI‘I
500 Ala Moana Blvd., Ste. 2200, Honolulu, HI 96813-4993
808-522-7500 | www.MDXHawaii.com
MDX Hawai‘i has over 35 years of experience serving the people of Hawai‘i. Our physician network represents over 630 top primary care physicians, and more than 2,200 leading specialists and hospitals. MDX Hawai‘i contracts with Humana MO, Humana PPO and AARP/UnitedHealthcare PPO Medicare Advantage Plans.

During a Medicare Annual Wellness Visit (AWV), you and your doctor will focus on overall wellness, prevention and early disease detection. The AWV is designed to support you in taking an active role in managing your health and improving your well-being and quality of life. Doctors recommend the visit and encourage all Medicare patients to…

Category: Date

An interview with Kevin Kaneshiro, Sales & Promotions Manager at Vacations Hawaii