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Contents 4
Letter from the Editor
5
Meet the Doc
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Give Stress the Boot!
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Bonsai through the Decades:
An interview with Masaki Teshima
20 Community Resources 21 Crossword Puzzle 22 Ask the Nurse Health Literacy Series 23 Confessions of a Caregiver 24 Directory of Advertisers
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Senior Softball
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Big Band Music
The Starlighters
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Kupuna Wellness
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Sock Hop 16 Gindai, the yellow-barred snapper
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Cover: The talented Sadie Doi roller skating and serving up food at the drive-in! Sadie and over 200 members of the Kauai County Senior Clubs gathered at the War Memorial Convention Hall in Lihue to celebrate their annual Valentine’s Day Dance. More photos on page 16. Photo by Kenneth Uchibori
Elder Resource Magazine
Editor & Publisher Artistic Consultant: Judith Lee Christine Bothmer, RN Contributing Writers: Graphics & Design Pam Woolway, Rose Murtagh, MPH; Julie Bothmer-Yost Winifred Tamura-Lis, PhD, Rosalie Meuleman, D.C.
Printed in Hawaii Contact Elder Resource Mail: P.O. Box 1257 Koloa, HI 96756 Email: info@elder-resource.org Phone: (808) 212-2760
The material in this magazine is for educational purposes only and not intended to replace the advice of your healthcare provider. Talk to your healthcare provider before changing your healthcare regimen.All rights reserved. Permission granted to reproduce portions of this magazine for educational, non-commercial purposes only; please credit Elder Resource Magazine including date of issue, website url or mailing address. Advertisement in Elder Resource does not imply endorsement of products or services. We have no political or religious affiliation. www.elder-resource.org 3
Letter from the Editor “Time flies like an arrow, and fruit flies like a banana”
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his silly sentence from the 1960’s, used to illustrate how computers might misinterpret language, sums up a few thoughts floating around in my head.
First, “Time flies like an arrow, ”--quickly! This issue of Elder Resource Magazine wraps up our second year of publishing. I had to do a double-take when the file titled “issue 12 draft” arrived in my email from Julie, in our graphics department. Yes, time flies like an arrow… when you’re having fun, of course. I remember after the second issue, back in 2013, somebody mentioned they were going to make a directory of articles. I had a hard time seeing a need for such a directory--back then the magazine was pretty lean. Forgive my lack of foresight, but I sure could use that directory right about now! Second, “Fruit flies like a banana,” is silly, and the feeling of silliness seems to sprout like Jack’s beanstalk with the advent of Spring. April Fool’s Day is the traditional first silliness of Spring. My sister reminded me when we were kids, we fell for it when a neighbor exclaimed, “Alexander had puppies!” We ran over, eager to see the cute little basset hounds, only to be reminded that Alexander was a boy. Oh the disappointment! I can appreciate the joke now, decades later. Good humored silliness is also exemplified on our cover, with Sadie Doi posing in the photo booth during the Kauai County Department of Parks & Recreation Senior Clubs’ annual Valentine’s Day Dance. Last year’s theme was Mardi Gras, and this year they celebrated with a 1950’s era sock hop. What will it be next year? Join a club and join the fun. photo: Kenneth Uchibori
Mahalos: To Sadie Doi and Kenneth Uchibori, who have volunteered to distribute Elder Resource Magazine to the Westside. It’s a lot of work and I truly appreciate your help! You’re doing a great job. Kenneth also regularly sends in club photos, many from the sock hop which appear in this issue, including the cover. To Aiko Oda, Itsue Okada, and Hisako Nakamura for your generous contributions.
Above: Sadie Doi is president of the Hanapepe Senior Club. She is pictured here with her good friend Kay Nakata. Sadie is wearing a beautiful pink carnation lei, made by Janet Takeya with carnations from her garden. 4
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Mahalo nui loa.
-Chris Bothmer
Meet the Doc Christine Bothmer, RN
Kalaheo Wellness Center welcomes Dr. Rosalie “Rosie” Meuleman to their Kapaa location. Born and raised in Southern California in the 1950’s, Dr. Rosie remembers when the area was brimming with grape vines and small town charm. When she moved to Kauai over a decade ago, those memories came rushing back as island-life here reminds her of the time before the Inland Empire became so densely populated. “The people here are so friendly and the weather is perfect,” says Dr. Rosie. On Kauai, Dr. Rosie worked a variety of jobs to meet people and learn different industries. “I met Dr. Zachary Young and he was looking for a chiropractor to associate with his practice. Thus began my Hawaii licensing adventure and retirement was over.” Dr. Rosie dusted off her Doctorate of Chiropractic earned in 1985 and resurrected her career. “I use a diversified technique allowing me to treat
all patients. I can apply a quick thrust with my hands on the spine, or use an impulse machine which delivers a mild tapping to the vertebrae. I use blocks to address lumbar and sacral fixations.” The Kapaa branch of Kalaheo Wellness Center is located in the Old Wailua Clubhouse, 4-976 Kuhio Highway. “Repurposing the building was a brilliant idea of the owner. Many clients recapture the fond memories of its former use at the Wailua Golf Course. I love the wide lanai. Even if I didn’t operate out of this office I would come sit on the lanai and relax. Contact Dr. Rosie at (808) 822-0711
Chiropractic Care Benefits Seniors By Dr. Rosalie Meuleman, D.C.
Many seniors are unaware of the outstanding health benefits possible with chiropractic care. Pain relief. Chiropractic is effective and safe for treating pain due to spine related conditions. Increased range of motion. People often say, “Wow! I can turn my head to look over my shoulder now.” Improved balance & coordination. Chiropractic care can help restore balance and coordination by stimulating nerves in joints between neck vertebrae. Decreased joint degeneration and other arthritic changes by correcting spinal alignment and reducing spinal stress. These are just a few of the benefits of chiropractic care. Check out chiropractic today! Kalaheo Wellness Center, Kalaheo (808) 332-5580 & Kapaa (808) 822-0711 www.elder-resource.org
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Give Stress the Boot! Christine Bothmer, RN
5 things you can do to combat stress
W
e hear quite often that humor, meditation, having friends--all the “feel-good” stuff is good for physical health, but how can feel-good stuff affect physical health?
To sum it up, we evolved to handle relatively short bursts of stress using the “fight-or-flight” response. When our brains perceive a stressor, the body responds by releasing certain hormones to help us survive. For example, when our prehistoric ancestors were faced with a threat, like an animal attack, they had to decide instantly, “Should I fight or run away?” Stress hormones released more sugar into the bloodstream, raised blood pressure, focused attention, and diverted blood flow from digestion to muscles for fighting and running. Surviving the encounter, the stress response diminished and the flood of hormones subsided, replaced by hormones for healing, repairing, digesting, and attending to everyday life. Modern stressors, such as work, bills, too many responsibilities, these cause stress in modern society. In addition, the stress is often chronic, leading to long term physical problems like elevated blood pressure, slower healing, decreased ability to fight infections, decreased sex drive, elevated blood sugar, digestive problems.
Five ideas for managing stress and improving health White Noise. Dogs barking all night, keeping you awake? Ear plugs are a good start, but if you’ve tried them you know they are only partially effective. Try this: play a nature recording on a CD or MP3 player near the head of your bed, set to auto-replay. The up-close white noise combined with earplugs is quite effective in eliminating noise. Recommended recordings: rain, ocean waves on the shore, wind in the trees. Purchase or record them yourself. Music. For many caregivers of people with dementia, bathing is a stressful time with the person becoming agitated and sometimes yelling and trying to hit their caregiver. Music can transform the bathing 6
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experience. A person with dementia often responds this way when they feel threatened. They may feel threatened by being moved from a comfortable area to the hard, cold surfaces in bathrooms; having clothing removed (interpreted as a sexual assault); a stranger’s presence (either a new caregiver or their own reflection--some people with dementia don’t recognize themselves in a mirror); frustration caused by loss of independence. An article in the Journal of Gerontological Nursing (Music-Assisted Bathing: Making Shower Time Easier for People with Dementia, February, 2014), the authors stress the importance of using a customized playlist based on music the person enjoys. Develop a playlist by asking what music he enjoyed as a young adult, or ask his peers. Start the music before starting the bathing routine and draw attention to the music, helping him enjoy and reminisce. The hope is the music distracts him from being anxious and helps him enjoy the bathing experience. Stay calm and avoid rushing. Tell him what you will do before each step. “I’m going to shampoo your hair,” is more calming than being touched without warning. Proceed through the bathing routine when he is agreeable, otherwise draw his attention to the music again. If it isn’t helping, try a different song. Some people don’t like music. Try bird songs and take turns identifying the birds. Continued on page 17
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Bonsai through the Decades an interview with Masaki Teshima Christine Bothmer
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he Kauai Bonsai Club recently displayed some of their works during a Children’s Day celebration, where I was introduced to Masaki Teshima. A quiet and introspective man, he first started practicing the art of bonsai in 1960. When asked how he became interested in bonsai, he considered for a moment and said, “Because what was I going to do when I got old?” He wanted a hobby that he could maintain into very old age, so he learned from his father and cultivated his talents. Born at Lawai Beach in 1923 (“now they call it Lawai Kai”) he used to skin dive in the Lawai - Eleele area. “I liked to go for the red fish--kumu, menpachi.”
Masaki Teshima with his 25 year old bougainvillia raised from a seedling and never grafted.
Bobby Girald, here with his Texas Jasmine bonsai, “got the bug” in 8th grade from an old Japanese man who lived nearby, growing bonsai in 1-gallon cans.
Steve Fujii with his Texas Ebony given to him by Mr. Teshima 12 years ago. 8
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Masaki Teshima collected trees in the wild, saying, “Grafting gave me the advantage of having a big plant.” All things being relative, a “big” bonsai is one that has developed some character to the trunk-root complex. Teshima explained that in bonsai, branches are often grafted into place as needed for aesthetic appeal. He Learned to graft from the fruit farmers prevalent at the time. His favorite trees for bonsai are junipers. He has over 300 bonsai trees at his home in Eleele. “The oldest is from the plantation. They planted ironwood but for some reason the plants didn’t grow well. They became stunted so it made a nice bonsai.” Back then Teshima worked at the McBride Plantation, running the sugar mill. Masaki Teshima: “It’s a good way to get away from the fast life. I think it’s a very peaceful hobby. Like anything, you get what you put into it. You have to take care of it--you can get into trouble if you’re not paying attention. Water everyday depending on the humidity. Take care of the soil. All you need is one pair of snips and something to work the soil. You can get as cheap or as expensive as you want. The main thing about bonsai, people turn to it because there’s something interesting. The trick is to make it look old. If you’re going to turn to bonsai you need to know it needs attention every day. You can’t just let it go--let your grandson take care of it (laughs).” The Kauai Bonsai Club meets Wednesdays at the Lihue Neighborhood Center at 8:30 am to work on plants.
Far Infrared Therapy What does the Research Say?
In a research article published this year in the journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine (Feb 2015), the authors cite recent studies showing far infrared therapy can improve circulation, improve the expected course of cardiovascular diseases, improve flow and patency of arteriovenous fistulas in people on dialysis, and increase the rate of healing damaged peripheral nerves. Photonics & Lasers in Medicine (Nov 2012): Far infrared wavelengths are not visible; however, “the body experiences its energy as a gentle radiant heat which can penetrate up to 1.5 inches (almost 4 cm) beneath the skin.� The journals Photonics & Lasers in Medicine and Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine are included in the National Library of Medicine’s database, meeting rigorous standards for publishing objective, peer-reviewed research.
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Kauai Senior Softball Season is in Full Swing
Come out and enjoy the games
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his year, 2015 marks the 47th year of our Kauai Senior Softball League. It began with 3 teams and has grown to twelve teams. Games are held on Saturdays at two parks, one on the Westside and one on the Eastside. This year, the Annual State Tournament will be hosted by The Big Island of Hawaii in Kona, August 4, 5, & 6, 2015. All twelve teams from Kauai will be participating. For more information on Kauai Senior Softball visit our website at kauaiseniorsoftball.org. --Pat Baniaga, League Coordinator
Photos: Christine Bothmer
Above: Steve Hulst at bat
Lambert Alapai racing to first base.
Pat Cassier rounding 3rd base, headed for home. 10 www.elder-resource.org
Russell McCluskey puts on the brakes with coaching from teammate Grady Cabral. Third baseman: Scotty Vidinha
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Danny Hamada and
The Starlighters
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anny Hamada & The Starlighters blow the roof off the house with classic jazz & swing music of the Big Band era rooted in the 1920’s - 1940’s. Founded in 1956 by Danny’s brother Richard “Dickie” Hamada Jr., the band practices diligently and it shows. “I take my hat off to these guys,” says Danny, remarking on their commitment to weekly practice sessions on the Westside.
Above: Danny Hamada performing a solo of Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, during last year’s December performance.
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“If we make one person tear up, we’ve done our job. Anybody can blow, but it’s how we make them feel that counts,” --Danny Hamada
Drawing a large crowd, The Starlighters play every third Friday of the month at Kukui Grove starting at 7pm with a mix of upbeat tunes and nostalgic ones, such as Take the A Train, All of Me, and Moon River.
Photos: Christine Bothmer
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Kupuna Wellness Ageless Beauty Fitness Program
Christine Bothmer
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strong advocate for Kauai’s senior population, Rose T. Warken Ceballos brings enthusiasm and a positive attitude to every fitness class she teaches. With an eclectic music selection playing in the background, Rose leads by example and adapts her standing exercises to chair exercises so everybody gets a workout. With frequent reminders for maintaining proper body mechanics to avoid injury, she also reminds attendees to drink water and take breaks. Rose has been offering these classes for 13 years and is grateful for the support of Kauai County Department of Parks & Recreation. Free for seniors, a doctor’s clearance is required. Contact Rose by phone 652-8985 or email KupunaWellness@gmail.com Mondays Hanapepe Neighborhood Center (NC), 8-9:30 am Total Body Conditioning; Koloa NC 10:30-11:30 am Chair Aerobic & Stretch: strength & coordination Wednesdays Kalaheo NC, 8-9:30 am Body & Mind Clarity: Yoga, Tai Chi & Qigong for strength, balance, Inner-peace & stress management Fridays Kalaheo NC, 8-9:30 am Total Body Conditioning: aerobic, strength, balance, flexibilty & coordination 14
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Giving Back to the Community
Last year, Elder Resource Magazine was delivered with over 1000 home delivered meals with Meals on Wheels to homebound seniors through Kauai Economic Opportunity
100s more to non-profit & government agencies dedicated to the wellbeing of older adults.
Let’s keep it going in 2015.
Our advertisers make it possible.
Mahalo Nui Loa www.elder-resource.org
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Sock Hop
Let’s Go to the Hop!
Poodle skirts, ice cream floats & ‘50s music transformed the Kauai Convention Center into a 1950s era drive-in for the Kauai County Senior Clubs’ annual Valentine’s Day dance. Join a club and join the fun! For more info, call your local neighborhood center listed on page 20. For a link to their calendar of events, visit our homepage.
Photo: Kenneth Uchibori
Fun in the photo booth: Pat Tanimoto
Photo: Christine Bothmer
Photo: Christine Bothmer
Vernie Sakaguchi gets a spin, dancing to Rock Around the Clock. 16
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Photo: Kenneth Uchibori
Ladies from the Hanapepe Senior Club in the 50’s diner booth, waiting for those yummy ice cream floats.
Continued from page 6 Culture: A woman was transformed in a hospital room. Blind, hard of hearing, unable to walk by herself and without a family member present, the very old woman was inconsolable. She was restless and trying to get out of bed, saying the same word over and over. She had no teeth and was difficult to understand. Was it “bible?” On the lower shelf of the bedside table was her treasure in a velvet pouch. It was her ipu, her Hawaiian musical instrument. She clutched the gourd and the calming effect was instantaneous. She was brought to the nurses’ station to alleviate her isolation. The charge nurse, a Hawaiian woman, came over and spoke with her. She gently took the ipu from the woman’s hands, played the ipu and chanted in her strong, confident voice. A broad smile came to the old woman’s face as her head bobbed gently, her hands tapping to the beat on the armrests of her wheelchair.
The power of culture to reduce stress in one person ended up reducing the stress of everybody working that shift. Are you a caregiver? Don’t let a person’s cultural heritage drift away. The benefits of culture are beyond measure. Nature Judy spends time in nature to relieve stress. After Thanksgiving, she bought a Christmas tree but didn’t decorate it--something she usually enjoys. She describes feeling anxious but also irritated because there was no reason for her anxiety. “I went for a walk along the shoreline and over to a beautiful, old tree. It was only for an hour or so, and when I got home, it was the first time I felt like decorating the Christmas tree. I think it was a direct result of going on a nature walk. It was just amazing.” Look for stress-relieving activities in the community. Meditation, art expression and exercise are all natural ways to combat stress and its effects on our bodies. Take time everyday to find a moment of peace for your health. www.elder-resource.org
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Steamed Gindai Christine Bothmer
I
was lucky to run into Mike who gave me tips on how to prepare this 2 ½ pound snapper. “Steam it for 15 minutes,” he said and admonished me for wanting to pour hot coconut oil over it. “You’ve got to use peanut oil!” Luckily I took his advice. The high smoking point of peanut oil allows you to heat it high enough to truly infuse the fish with the accompanying aromatics.
*Hot oil can spatter; wear deep mittens while pouring oil over fish.
Ingredients:
• 2 ½ pound snapper, scaled & cleaned • Salt & pepper • 2” ginger root, sliced • 1 clove garlic, chopped • ½ cup peanut oil • 1 scallion, julienned • 12 cilantro sprigs For sauce, whisk together: • ¼ cup soy sauce • 1 tbsp sake • 1 tsp sugar or honey • ⅛ tsp sesame oil • ⅛ tsp chili pepper flakes • 1 tbsp water
Rub the fish with salt & pepper, place ½ of ginger inside fish cavity. Heat peanut oil in a small pot and saute garlic until browned. Remove garlic and set aside; with caution continue heating oil until hot but not smoking (for peanut oil, about 400°F). A digital meat thermometer is useful for monitoring the oil temperature. Place fish in steamer, add water and steam for about 15 minutes. Remove fish and place in a large pan. Scatter browned garlic on top of fish along with the remaining ginger, scallion & cilantro. Prepare to be amazed! Invite other diners to watch as you carefully pour the hot peanut oil over the fish. The mouth-watering sizzle and smell is sure to make tummies growl. Finally, pour sauce over fish. Serve with jasmine rice and steamed bok choy. 18 www.elder-resource.org
Aboard the Mokunani II, Derek Lopes reeled in this papio. Angling method- jigging; vessel captain- Darrell Horner; marina- Nawiliwili Small Boat Harbor People who have a hard time getting out appreciate these shared photos. Share your fish photo by emailing info@elder-resource.org. Include your name, type of fish, fishing method, etc. Elder Resource is delivered with Meals on Wheels to homebound seniors on Kauai.
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Community Resources
Food Security
Need Help With Food Stamps? Call Child & Family Service Dory: Hale Hoomalu 821-2520 Momi at Nana’s House 338-0252 Hawaii Foodbank Kauai Branch Helping to feed Kauai’s hungry To find a food pantry near you call (808) 482-2224 or visit www.HawaiiFoodbank.org Kauai Independent Foodbank Kupaa Kokua Kupuna: a monthly service offering a variety of foods For seniors 60 years and older. Call 246-3809
Government Agencies
VA Rural Health Program Mon 10-2, Kilauea Christ Mem. Church Wed 930-130, Hanapepe U. Church of Christ Thur 930-130, Hanalei Hale Halawai; Fri 930-130 Kekaha Westside Christian Ctr; 246-0497 Support Groups Alzheimer’s Assn caregiver support groups, training, counseling. Call Humberto Blanco at 245-3200 Humberto.Blanco@alz.org
Caregiver Support Group Feeling overwhelmed as a caregiver? Group meets 2nd & 4th Thursdays 5:30-7pm at Kauai Hospice Call 245-7277 for info
Agency on Elderly Affairs Information on senior resources Linkages to appropriate agencies Community outreach (808) 241-4470
Parkinson’s Support Group Talk story & share ideas Last Tuesday of each month Regency at Puakea 5-630 pm Susan Storm 212-1250
DHS Adult Protective Services Information-Report on Adult Abuse/Neglect call 241-3337 humanservices.hawaii.gov
Think B.I.G. For persons with acquired brain & spinal cord injuries, family, caregivers 2nd Wednesdays, 430-630pm Kapaa Neighborhood Center
Volunteer Opportunities Habitat for Humanity Build homes, community & hope Volunteers of all abilities needed Call Jess at 335-0296 ext. 152 Foster Grandparent Program Help children learn in school Provide one-on-one tutoring 241-3355 Share the Care We help organize family, friends & resources into caring teams. Deborah Duda 332-7668
Elder Resource Magazine Activities
Long Term Care Ombudsman Protects the human & civil rights of long term care residents Executive Office on Aging 274-3141 ext. 60100
Legal Aid Free legal assistance for seniors Elder law, wills, power of attorney Call 808-245-4728
County Senior Centers Kilauea 828-1421; Kapaa 822-1931; Lihue 241-6858; Koloa 7421313; Kalaheo 332-9770; Hanapepe 335-3731; Kaumakani 335-5770; Waimea 338-1122; Kekaha 337-1671
US Dept of Agriculture Home repair grants for income qualified homeowners ages 62+ contact the USDA to see if you qualify (808) 245-9014
Seniors Law Program Educational seminars for your club or group by James Michael Ratcliffe Attorney at Law 246-8868
Kupuna Party 2nd Tuesday of each month 10:45-12 noon themed parties with bingo & healthy snacks call 826-6687 Princeville Community Center
Legal
Medeiros Family Reunion at Salt Pond Big Pavillion, 10 am. Date moved to Sept. 26, 2015. For more info contact Shirley Simbre-Medeiros 645-0668 Community Resources is a benefit for the Kauai community. If you would like to list your agency’s free senior service, contact cbothmer@elder-resource.org. Entries may be rotated for space. 20
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Ask the Nurse Christine Bothmer, RN
A Hand with Numbers Question: Are there some good resources for folks like me who need help with bank statements and helping add things up each month for tax prep? I have a brain injury and really need that type of help on a regular basis. I am physically able to do a lot of things but what gets me is this darn brain injury. There is so much business of life to attend to despite all of this. --Joan
Answer: Dear Joan, Needing the help of others with financial matters puts you and your money in a vulnerable position, so you should carefully consider who to ask for help. There are many “senior specialist” financial advisors, and while some are valid, others use the lofty title as a fancy marketing tool, according to an article in Consumer Reports (Watch Out for ‘Senior Specialist’ Financial Advisors, January, 2013). Do some research to see if the credentialing agency is valid and see if the financial planner has any complaints filed against them. The Hawaii State Office of Consumer Protection is one source to research businesses and see if there are any complaints filed against them. Visit their website at cca.hawaii.gov. Another resource is an attorney, preferably one specializing in Elder Care. They can provide you with a variety of options designed to protect your money. If you have a question for Ask the Nurse email it to info@elder-resource.org 22
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The Right Remedy Health Literacy Series
By Rose Murtagh, MPH & Winifred Tamura-Lis, PhD Do you remember the last time you had a pain or illness your friends or family told you how to treat? The medicines, supplements or herbs they told you to take? Were those safe to take with your other medications? Pua had a sore shoulder. Her sister told her it would be better in the morning. Her friend told her to use heat because that worked for her shoulder. Her son told her to exercise it out. She heard a friend had surgery for the same thing and was better. “Do nothing, use heat, do exercise and have surgery. And everyone had a sore shoulder? What should I do?” Pua asked. So Pua went to her doctor. She found out her diagnosis. She learned why it happened. Her doctor referred her to physical therapy. There she learned what to do and what to avoid to help her shoulder. She used a cold pack and learned exercises and stretches. She worked on her posture.
She felt better.
She did not need surgery and her pain was soon gone. Relieve the stress of not knowing, worrying and possibly causing another problem.
Go to your doctor. Ask questions.
Be sure you understand your condition and how to care for yourself. Crossword Solution
Confessions of a Caregiver
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By Pam Woolway
y mom has often cautioned me, “alone in your head is a dangerous neighborhood.” She was referring to destructive self-talk. As her caregiver today, I recognize when my internal dialogue turns toxic.
Here’s a three-minute centering tool I use to still those tyrannical voices. Rhymed memorization tools work because they stick like glue in my brain. What makes this one effective is it joins the mind to a physical sensation in the body. Follow the instructions for each number with three breaths. It’s only 27 breaths long, which is approximately three minutes. This exercise can be done sitting or standing. Begin with feet flat on the ground and hip-width apart. Your arms can be at your sides or resting on your lap. 1-Fun. Place the tip of your tongue behind the front teeth on the roof of the mouth to create a tiny smile. Inhale, imagine lifting this smile one-eighth an inch off your face, then exhaling as it floats down the front of the body, right through the foot into the earth. 2-Shoe. Open the pads of your feet to the ground. One way to relax and open the feet is to lift and spread your toes, then return them lightly to the floor . Silently repeat “2-shoe” with each breath. 3-Tree. From your grounded feet, sprout roots that nudge deep into the earth. With each of the three breaths, send another root penetrating downward. 4-Core. Two inches below the bellybutton is the body’s energetic center. Place your hands, one over the other, just below your bellybutton and imagine a balloon filling under your hands with each breath. Inhale and exhale two more breaths, drawing the
energy up through your roots. 5-Alive. The energy stored in your core is now invited to spread throughout the rest of the body. Say silently, “5 alive” with each of the three breaths as you refresh the body. 6-Thick. Imagine the air all around your body as viscous. Let it hold you us as though you are standing neck deep in a pool of warm water. Feel the air’s embrace. 7-Heaven. Press the crown of the head skyward to lengthen the neck. Remember to inhale and exhale for each extension upward. 8-Gate. The opening in your crown is now a pathway into the body. Breath the heavenly energy down through this gate on the crown of your head. 9-Shine. Saturated with energy rising through your feet and down through the crown, shine it out through every pore. Use as a whole or in parts. Sometimes I only practice two at a time; opening my feet to the earth and the crown of my head to the sky in order to bring myself out of my head and back into the present moment with my body. Visit ohanahomehealth.com for more positive resources to give you a lift, like a list of affirmations in our Resource Playground. Pam Woolway is Community Development Coordinator for `Ohana Home Health in Kalaheo. www.elder-resource.org
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