Category: Date

  • Self-Care, Self-Healing the Natural Way

    Last school year I fell down half a flight of stairs, bruising my left hip. It was an accident where I was just happy I didn’t break anything. At age 63, I should have been more careful! X-rays indicated the need for a hip replacement but, since I’d been practicing self-care for the past fifteen years by using wellness products, I thought I already had everything needed for my body to heal itself.

    I first started seeking healthcare solutions when my daughter injured her neck during gymnastics training. We went to numerous specialty doctors who recommended a variety of treatments but we saw no sustained progress for her pain management. I quit teaching to find a solution and discovered natural healing products that help the body function as designed. My daughter went through a healing crisis where she felt worse before she felt better but then she had less pain and then no pain. When her brothers saw the value, they also wanted these products. They experienced better alertness in school, speedy recovery from sports injuries, less sickness and permanent allergy relief. Amazingly, however, sharing our story has not attracted followers because of the “ask your doctor” mentality in our culture.

    Part of my self-care includes hydrating with purified alkaline water, eating a plant-based diet, supplementing to build bones (prevent osteoporosis), getting deep sleep and exercising regularly. All this helped tremendously until I hit the floor again by horse playing students near the end of the school year. I could hardly walk due to the repeat impact to my hip. Chiropractic and massage worked wonders but were needed more often than insurance allowed.

    We can’t repeat the same actions expecting different results, so I went to see a naturopathic doctor for cannabis. With a medical cannabis card, I made my own tincture, teas and biscotti. After two weeks on cannabis I could lift my leg

    up to ride my bike when I couldn’t prior to the fall. I can’t recommend anyone make their own medicine due to the problems of pure sourcing, processing and dosing. I recommend using CBD transdermal patches because it has better bioavailability than when ingested. It also bypasses first pass metabolism in the liver, making it gentle for ages 2 and up according to the Natural Medicines

    Database. It’s like a Band-Aid that dispenses a sustained dosage for 24 hours with no bad taste!

    I love my retirement lifestyle of self-care. It provides daily motivation to be physically active and the mental challenge of choosing what to put into or expose my body to, as well as the “can do” spirit to help others do the same.

    Last school year I fell down half a flight of stairs, bruising my left hip. It was an accident where I was just happy I didn’t break anything. At age 63, I should have been more careful! X-rays indicated the need for a hip replacement but, since I’d been practicing self-care for the past fifteen…

  • Living a Full Life of PIE

    I have been a social worker, with a varied practice, for over 40 years. Suffice it to say that I am somewhat of an extrovert, with a love for meeting, relating and living with family, friends, colleagues and even casual acquaintances. As a social worker, I developed a skill set and method to connect with individuals and to help them connect with each other. My passion, which I try to live out daily, is to allow people to come up with solutions to problems that disallow them from living a what I call a “full life.”

    You know, the profession of social work’s claim to fame is the theory “Person-in-Environment” or PIE. Not only does the social worker relate and deal with the person but also the environment and relationships he or she lives with; those intimate realities of life that affect the “personhood.” Once, I was trying to explain this to a client when we were sitting next to a pond and talking story. So, I took a stone and threw it in the water. As it landed and made concentric circles in the water, I said, “This is what you and I do when we meet. We make these concentric circles.” He understood right away. We must have thrown at least 30 stones in the pond, between the two of us!

    Preaching my first sermon, 2016
    Preaching my first sermon, 2016

    So my passion, still, even after years of social work, is to “make and eat PIE” with folk. Three years ago, after a period of theological and faith formation, I was ordained a priest in the Episcopal Church. I found that my passion for God and Faith was combined and integrated with my passion for people and life. In my way of living a “full life,” I find that my priesthood allows me to practice a kind of “divine” social work, in that I am connecting people with each other and with God. The PIE I now “make and eat” becomes pastoral and sacramental with and for others.

    Not long ago, I was at a meeting of social workers, and a couple of colleagues asked for my opinion as a priest. Naturally, we started getting into the PIE of the issue and I focused on the stone thrown in the pond as a metaphor. Then I asked my colleagues to consider what would happen when the stone is thrown in the water vigorously — with verve and gusto! Ah, then our discussion took on dimensions that heard us talking about water “leaping up” and stones “coming out” and concentric circles becoming “irregular and converging.” There we were, professionals, discussing very secular things and mixing it up with somewhat theological and numinous realities.

    Yes, my “life is full.” It is full for the people, in relationship with each other, that I know and meet. Yes, I “make and eat PIE” whenever I can.

    The profession of social work’s claim to fame is the theory “Person-in-Environment” or PIE. Not only does the social worker relate and deal with the person but also the environment and relationships he or she lives with; those intimate realities of life that affect the “personhood.”

  • Since When is work Fun? Since Now!

    Welcome to CREATIVE new ways of working throughout our ever-lengthening lifetimes.

    Let go of the past. You are both the author and central character of your Third Act. Let your imagination wander as you read about new ways people over 50, 60, 70 and beyond are having fun, making money and devoting their creativity and energy to all the areas of their jam-packed lives.

    Cruise line opportunities  All types of workers fill short-term, fun positions that allow them to contribute their knowledge on board. Google “cruise line opportunities” and you will be surprised by the available options. Don’t Google? Ask your keiki or grandchildren to teach you.

    Ensemble collaborators  The single voice is a song. The collective voice is the Hallelujah Chorus. It is in “teaming” where fun and profit meet. Often labeled as “shared sourcing,” services are provided through the unique efforts of individual contributors from a co-committed group.

    In one local group, team collaborators help people optimize future health, well-being and financial security. Team members enjoy their work and refer opportunities to one another. The result? They are busy, productive and socially connected.

    Interim professionals  Interim professionals are the leaders of change during various periods of organizations’ life cycles. Increasingly, interims are hired during rapid expansion and not for their ability to handle past crises. Most are subject-matter experts whose knowledge is critical to effect desired results in this fast-evolving world of ours.

    Get-paid networks  Get paid for taking part in research studies, opinion surveys, clinical research, focus groups, passing out free samples in grocery stores… even standing in line for others. Google various areas of interest such as “Get paid to write” or “Get paid to…” (fill in the blank).

    Internet opportunities  Examples of internet based opportunities include affiliate marketing, where you get paid a commission for generating clicks on another company’s website from your own. You could sell your own stuff online, or help local businesses draw customers into their store or restaurant. The internet provides the perfect opportunity to start a side business that can be operated by working a few hours a week.

    Go ahead — explore!


    NEW WORKFORCE HAWAII
    Carleen MacKay
    916-316-0143 | carleenmackayhi@gmail.com
    www.newworkforcehawaii.com

    Contact Carleen via her website and receive a free pdf book called New Ways to Work, co-written with Phyllis Horner.

    Let go of the past. You are both the author and central character of your Third Act. Let your imagination wander as you read about new ways people over 50, 60, 70 and beyond are having fun, making money and devoting their creativity and energy to all the areas of their jam-packed lives.

  • Do You Wonder if it’s Time to Move?

    Is your home too large now that the kids are gone? Maybe you have a 3-, 4-, or 5-bedroom home and you’ve realized that your kids aren’t coming back home. Maybe it’s time to downsize to a condo, townhouse or retirement community.

    Does your home have too many stairs? Over time the stairs could be a challenge as you get older. Do you want to plan ahead before you have to react to an unfortunate accident? Maybe it’s time to seek out a single level home or one with no stairs.

    When you start to feel concerned about your security then it’s probably a good time to look for other options that will make  you feel safe.

    If you’re thinking of downsizing to a smaller house or condo, a realtor specializing in that field can guide you to options that could work for you.

    Perhaps you’re thinking of a retirement community or care home. They can share different options their other clients have chosen and even introduce you to some who have made the move. Some realtors can even set up tours for you at any of the retirement communities on the island and on the mainland. So call the folks who help older adults make this huge transition.


    THE IHARA TEAM — The Complete Solution™
    Keller Williams Honolulu RB-21303
    4747 Kilauea Ave., Suite 201, Honolulu HI 96816

    Dan Ihara (RA), CAPS, CLHMS, SRES RS-65892
    808-256-7873

    Julie Ihara (RA), SRES RS- 67440
    808-754-2225 | ihara@iharateam.com
    www.julie.iharateamhawaii.com

    Is your home too large now that the kids are gone? Maybe you have a 3-, 4-, or 5-bedroom home and you’ve realized that your kids aren’t coming back home. Maybe it’s time to downsize to a condo, townhouse or retirement community.

  • Enriching Lives Through Work & Friendship

    Many agree that those reaching the twilight years would be entitled to coast for the remainder, but the stark reality facing most seniors includes declining health, social and financial challenges, and a feeling of insecurity.

    Men’s Shed began in Australia over 11 years ago and is thriving, with evidenced growth to 1,200 Sheds today, especially in rural communities. Studies have shown that participants experienced marked improvement in their health and social skills. In December 2015, fellow Rotarians began the discussion on chartering Hawaii Men’s Shed, a social organization focused on improving the lives of senior men through social interaction and work-related programs.

    Hawaii Men’s Shed can fulfill what our growing senior population needs — a place to work and play. In just our third year, membership has grown to 95 members (91 men, 4 women). Shed members come from all vocations and backgrounds, including from the building and related industries. We operate temporarily out of a warehouse near Pier 19.

    Recently, our Men’s Shed assembled a wood playhouse that we designed, built and later donated to the Star of the Sea Preschool. It is a great example of what our Shed members can accomplish using our planning, design and woodworking skills. Preschool director Lisa Foster notes the important life-play experiences that the new structure is providing for their more than 220 young students.

    Last year, we donated two picnic tables to the Jefferson Elementary School, refurbished 15 bicycles and finished 100 orchid baskets for a Leeward O‘ahu orchid club. Since our inception, we have accepted donations of materials and tools to fill the specific needs of our many projects.

    We focus on building sustainability through Shed’s programs on safety, financial well-being, and developing great projects. Our funding comes from members’ dues to cover insurance and administrative costs), donations and grants.

    Members can avail themselves of Shed tools and materials, and also contribute by serving on our board and in key technical positions. Our vision is to grow Men’s Sheds statewide. So far we are working with interested groups in Hawai’i Kai, Lanakila, Kaua‘i and the Big Island.

    We encourage all to go to our website or call to check out our Men’s Shed.


    HAWAII MEN’S SHED
    619 Kukahi St., Honolulu HI 96817
    808 286 3743 | www.hawaiimensshed.org

    Many agree that those reaching the twilight years would be entitled to coast for the remainder, but the stark reality facing most seniors includes declining health, social and financial challenges, and a feeling of insecurity.

  • Books: Memoirs and Hiking Trails

    Ever wondered if the first Filipino American Governor in the United States, Ben Cayetano, got up to mischief in his youth? Or what it was like to be sent to Kalaupapa, as Makia Malo was? Or maybe you fancy going for a hike and are wondering which ones you can do. If so, read these!


    An anthology of excerpts from previously published memoirs, Island Memoirs: The Days of Our Youth highlights the special experience of coming of age in Hawai’i as seen through the eyes of native born and new transplants alike.

    The tales of childhood, early education and budding careers span time from pre-statehood to the new millennium, offering wonderful glimpses of Hawaii’s social and natural environment over the years.

    Frances Kakugawa’s descriptions of being determined to replace pidgin with standard English in order to become a published author and of the destruction of Kapoho in the 1960 Kilauea lava event are but one example.

    All 17 lives leading to careers in sports, show business, the boardroom and even the Governor’s Office are recounted with compelling honesty.

    WATERMARK PUBLISHING
    808-587-7766 | www.bookshawaii.net
    Island Memoirs: The Days of Our Youth (2018)
    Hard cover. Also available at all HI State Public Libraries


    Author Stuart M. Ball, Jr. has expanded and updated The Hikers Guide to the Hawaiian Islands to include 13 hikes each on Hawai‘i, Kaua‘i, Maui and O‘ahu.

    The hikes are graded as Novice, Intermediate and Experienced and a handy index in the front of the book lets you see which suits your fitness level. That index also includes the hike’s length and elevation gain, as well as whether there are views, swimming, native plants/birds, historical sites and volcanic features.

    The trail descriptions themselves are extremely detailed and each has trailhead directions (including GPS coordinates), a topographical map, and brief highlights. Many have notes about the best time of day to take the hike, what you can expect to see and the area’s history.

    The appendix lists trail and camping contacts. Always call ahead to learn of current conditions!

    UNIVERSITY OF HAWAI‘I PRESS
    808-956-8255 | www.uhpress.hawaii.edu
    The Hikers Guide to the Hawaiian Islands (2018)
    Soft cover. Also available at all HI State Public Libraries.

    Ever wondered if the first Filipino American Governor in the United States, Ben Cayetano, got up to mischief in his youth? Or what it was like to be sent to Kalaupapa, as Makia Malo was? Or maybe you fancy going for a hike and are wondering which ones you can do. If so, read these!…

  • Discovering Life Drawing

    Drawing the human form has been done since early man lived in caves. Today, artists still use bits of charcoal to make marks on a page that transform into a likeness of a person.

    What makes figure drawing so alluring is to somehow capture the form of a live model and imbue it with a life of its own. What makes it so challenging is that people know too well the shape of a human body and mistakes are easily spotted.

    Studied in art schools and ateliers, life drawing can also be done by anyone who has the interest at open studios that are available to the public for a small fee. Models hold poses from 2 to 20 minutes — the challenge is to complete a sketch in the allotted time before the pose changes. Generally, there is no instruction. The 2- to 3-hour sessions are simply a chance to hone one’s drawing skills.

    Sometimes artists form their own drawing groups. One such group has been meeting regularly at a private studio for over three years. We gather every other Wednesday for 3-hour sessions of sketching, fellowship and encouragement.

    The group is primarily comprised of retired and working professionals. Herb is a real estate investor, Greg Pai a retired economist, Frances Wong a retired hotel executive, Beatrice Ku an architect, Ken Okuno a retired IT professional, Joan Shigemoto a retired speech pathologist, Flora Ling a retired financial writer and me, a financial professional.

    Most in the group started drawing as they approached their senior years. Herb was inspired by the book Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain by Betty Edwards and happily discovered that he could draw. Greg is now a highly regarded professional artist who exhibits at Manoa Gallery and Nohea Gallery. Everyone’s sketches vary wildly, but each of us appreciates the deep satisfaction of drawing and how it can be a lifelong endeavor.

    Check out your island’s local community bulletins, community colleges, or www.meetup.com. O‘ahu also has these life drawing open studios:

    Honolulu Museum of Art — Linekona Art Center:
    Monday evenings — contact Jared Wickware, jwickware@icloud.com

    UH Manoa:
    Sunday mornings — contact Scott Goto, gotoart@hawaiiantel.com

    It’s refreshing to explore new creative outlets or reconnect to youthful talents. In the deep focus of drawing and the stillness of the studio environment you might even discover a new you.

    Drawing the human form has been done since early man lived in caves. Today, artists still use bits of charcoal to make marks on a page that transform into a likeness of a person.

  • Lāna‘i: The Little Island With a Big Heart

    The opening lines of an ancient mele (chant) describes Lāna‘i with the following line — “Hanohano Lāna‘i i ke kauna‘oa, koku kapa ‘ahu‘ula kau po‘ohiwi…” Lāna‘i is distinguished by the lei of kauna‘oa (Cuscuta sandwichiana), which looks like a feather cloak set upon its shoulders.

    The island of Lāna‘i is sixth in size of the major islands in the archipelago, and in many ways, it is a reminder of earlier times in Hawai‘i. Prior to western contact, it was home to some 6,000 native residents. Today it is host to around 3,200 residents. The honua ola (bio-cultural landscape) of Lāna‘i is richly storied, largely untouched, and little known.

    Guests from near and far explore island history at Lāna‘i Culture and Heritage Center. (Images courtesy of LCHC)
    Guests from near and far explore island history at Lāna‘i Culture and Heritage Center. (Images courtesy of LCHC)

    The Lāna‘i Culture & Heritage Center (Lāna‘i CHC) is a community-based charitable organization that strives to provide opportunities for students, community members and visitors to learn more about the island’s unique history. We have been privileged to partner with many organizations on both the local and national level and been the recipient of several significant grants.

    Since opening in 2007, Lāna‘i CHC has served nearly 100,000 guests and residents through programs which include visiting a small museum and outdoor experiences. Among the notable programs for residents are the curation of indigenous artifacts, plantation era records and memorabilia representative of the cultural groups who have made Lāna‘i home. The collection includes thousands of records, artifacts, photos, oral history interviews, maps and more — many of which cannot be found in other collections.

    Lāna‘i Culture and Heritage Center. (Images courtesy of LCHC)
    The Lāna‘i Culture and Heritage Center. (Images courtesy of LCHC)

    While artifacts and the material culture of place are fragile and in need of protection, even more fragile facets of history are the knowledge and recollections of elder kama‘āina (people of the land). Since starting Lāna‘i CHC, we have conducted nearly 150 oral history interviews with elder kama‘āina of Lāna‘i, aged 60s to 102. Many have since passed away. The interviews have been recorded in both audio and video format, include multicultural backgrounds, and share the experiences of life that have made the community what it is today.

    The 100 years of life on Lāna‘i, described by those who lived through and made the history of the island make the story of Lāna‘i more than just items displayed in glass cases. The voices and faces of the interviewees ground us in our community legacy, remind us of long-held values and inspire us.

    Lāna‘i High & Elementary School students at Kaunolū, with the famed Pali o Kāholo in the background.
    Lāna‘i High & Elementary School students at Kaunolū, with the famed Pali o Kāholo in the background.

    We’ve also developed curricula and engaged Lāna‘i students in cultural literacy/place-based education programs and partnered with the majority landowner, Pūlama Lāna‘i, in access and protection of sites across the island. The access is more than a just “go see.” Through field programs, we engage residents, students (on island, from across the state and from abroad) in stewardship programs from the mountains to the reefs to build a new generation of resource managers and interpreters to lead the future in care for the honua ola.

    One of the tools available to residents and visitor alike is the Lāna‘i Guide, a GPS web-enabled app (free at Google Play or the Apple store) that was designed as an interactive tool to engage users in the spirit and history of place. Because the information can also be accessed remotely from anywhere on earth (www.lanaiguideapp.org), visitors, students and researchers may also plan ahead for their time on Lāna‘i. The live GPS-enabled app directs the traveler (be it by vehicle, foot or bike) on the ground in real time. Travelers will find locations on the map and have access to various levels of information depending on their own interests. The content also includes links to other resource sites, photos and maps, audio files with narrations, songs or chants of old, and interesting video clips.


    LĀNA‘I CULTURE & HERITAGE CENTER
    730 Lanai Ave., Lanai City HI 96763
    808-565-7177 | info@lanaichc.org
    www.lanaichc.org

    The opening lines of an ancient mele (chant) describes Lāna‘i with the following line — “Hanohano Lāna‘i i ke kauna‘oa, koku kapa ‘ahu‘ula kau po‘ohiwi…” Lāna‘i is distinguished by the lei of kauna‘oa (Cuscuta sandwichiana), which looks like a feather cloak set upon its shoulders. The island of Lāna‘i is sixth in size of the…

  • Exercise – a Panacea. Part 1: Arthritis

    A healthy joint is like two smooth pieces of paper sliding against each other. Arthritis, joint damage, is like adding crinkles to the papers, with the friction causing pain and problems. However, in severe cases, and even with bone-on-bone degeneration, having no pain with “activities of daily living” is easily obtainable with a lot of hard work and the right treatments. If exercising on your own, consistency and diligence are the most important factors, so do something fun, like group classes/events, dancing, or play dates with grandchildren.

    The key is dynamic muscle protection

    Muscles are about 80 percent of the body’s support and protection; bones, ligaments, and padding are only about 20 percent.

    It is very common to have strong and healthy muscles that lack the coordination to protect joints.

    Certain exercises astronomically increase muscle protection.

    Any exercise helps build some protection, but most have minuscule levels of protection, necessitating high volume to feel any benefit. An optimized exercise should allow for significant and immediate improvements.

    Consider working with a physical therapist to create an optimized exercise plan that brings about those improvements.


    PRIME PHYSICAL THERAPY
    600 Queen St., C-2, Honolulu HI 96813
    808-286-0194 | www.primepthawaii.com

    A healthy joint is like two smooth pieces of paper sliding against each other. Arthritis, joint damage, is like adding crinkles to the papers, with the friction causing pain and problems. However, in severe cases, and even with bone-on-bone degeneration, having no pain with “activities of daily living” is easily obtainable with a lot of…

  • Benefits of Diaphragmatic Breathing

    Our fast-paced lifestyles have caused many of us to lose the ability to use our main respiratory muscle, the large dome-shaped diaphragm, to breathe. Instead, we use our shoulders, upper chest, neck and back muscles, causing rapid, shallow breaths.

    Diaphragmatic breathing is beneficial for your physical and mental health as it reduces stress, lowers heart rate and blood pressure. For those with pulmonary disease, such as COPD, the diaphragm often becomes weakened causing it to work less efficiently. A physical therapist experienced in pulmonary rehab can teach proper breathing to reduce anxiety, slow breathing rate, increase full oxygen exchange, and improve physical activity. Because part of the core is the diaphragm, in physical therapy, breathing is also essential to proper posture and core stability.

    Diaphragmatic breathing is one of simplest things you can do to improve your overall health and well-being.

    • Lie or sit, place one hand on the upper chest and the other below the rib cage.
    • Breathe in slowly through the nose so the stomach moves out against your hand. The hand on your chest should remain still.
    • Breathe out through pursed lips as you relax the diaphragm, letting it fall inward.
    • Inhale for 4 seconds; exhale for 6; 10 times.

    MOON PHYSICAL THERAPY, LLC
    320 Ward Ave., Ste. 107, Honolulu HI 96814
    95-1057 Ainamakua Dr., F-11, Mililani HI 96789
    808-597-1005 | www.moonpt.com

    Diaphragmatic breathing is beneficial for your physical and mental health as it reduces stress, lowers heart rate and blood pressure. For those with pulmonary disease, such as COPD, the diaphragm often becomes weakened causing it to work less efficiently. A physical therapist experienced in pulmonary rehab can teach proper breathing to reduce anxiety, slow breathing…

  • Senior Day Care Offers Valuable Benefits

    As our parents or loved one get older, they may need help or supervision during the day while caregivers are at work, school or other activities. Sending seniors for care during the day may be a difficult decision due to the cost and concern that they may not have “fun” or may be neglected.

    A senior day care center is an ideal solution because it helps keep seniors healthy to live at home for as long as possible. Participants feel welcomed by senior day care staff, who provide individualized care. Each participant engages in enjoyable but therapeutic activities to foster greater functional independence.

    Games and other activities such as tai chi, field trips, crafts and entertainment sharpen their minds. Exercise keeps them flexible and strong to prevent falls. Participants find they have a better appetite, especially if they are enjoying good food in the company of new friends. These activities can also help slow the progress of Alzheimer’s and other related dementias and may result in better sleep.

    Family caregivers also sleep better. They have peace of mind, are less stressed, and have more time for respite or other responsibilities, knowing their parents or loved one are in good hands.


    PALOLO CHINESE HOME
    2459 10th Avenue, Honolulu HI 96816
    808-748-4904 | dnakayama@palolohome.org
    www.palolohome.org

    As our parents or loved one get older, they may need help or supervision during the day while caregivers are at work, school or other activities. Sending seniors for care during the day may be a difficult decision due to the cost and concern that they may not have “fun” or may be neglected.

  • Support and Resources for Family Caregivers

    Because of the often debilitating nature of heart disease or stroke, the effects of those diseases often impact not just the patient, but family members who are placed in the role as caregivers.

    In addition to their new family role and the hours required to perform support functions, costs of caregiving can also mount. In an analysis released in 2018, the American Heart Association (AHA) projected that the cost of informal caregiving for Americans with heart disease and stroke will more than double from $61 billion in 2015 to $128 billion by 2035. The AHA defines informal caregiving as the home care provided by family members or friends for loved ones with no compensation.

    The vital role of informal caregivers

    “Informal caregivers are indispensable assets to our health care system and often play a significant role in the recovery and well-being of heart disease and stroke survivors,” said American Heart Association CEO Nancy Brown. “By 2035, the number of Americans living with heart disease and stroke will rise to 131.2 million — 45 percent of the total U.S. population. Understanding the escalating burden this will place on the family members and friends who care for these individuals is essential if we are to address this looming crisis.”

    The lead author of a research study published by the AHA, Sandra Dunbar, RN, PhD, FAHA, of Emory University School of Nursing, concurs: “The dramatic rise in the prevalence of cardiovascular disease in the next two decades will place an intense strain on caregivers, putting their own health at risk from the ongoing distress, physical demands and costs. Our nation will ultimately bear the financial impact of this situation, especially as the caregiver pool shrinks.”

    Where to find support and guidance

    To address demands on caregivers, the AHA offers tips to family members that can help to ease or handle the burden. Its web page helps caregivers and patients connect through support groups and offers tips and resources to caregivers to help them take care of themselves as well as their loved one.

    The resources include guidance on how to stay healthy and active yourself, healthy eating recipes and tips, ideas on how to effectively communicate with your family member, and how to deal with the emotional upheaval that can come with being thrust into a caregiver role.

    The site also offers Answers by Heart, a series of downloadable patient information sheets presented in a Q&A format that’s brief, easy to follow and easy to read. They also provide room for you to write down questions to ask your doctor. Whether you or a loved one just had an acute event or procedure, have been diagnosed with cardiovascular disease or have had an event before or are at high risk for cardiovascular disease, the sheets will help you start to reduce your risk.

    The main thing is to remember you’re not alone. Others have been down this same path — and many are willing to share their experience and insights with you.


    AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION HAWAII DIVISION
    677 Ala Moana Blvd, Suite 600, Honolulu HI 96813
    808-377-6630 | www.heart.org/Hawaii

    Caregiver resources:
    www.heart.org/en/health-topics/caregiver-support
    Facebook & Instagram: HeartHawaii

    Because of the often debilitating nature of heart disease or stroke, the effects of those diseases often impact not just the patient, but family members who are placed in the role as caregivers.