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Contents
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Improve Your Balance With: Are You Ready For Hurricane Golden 8 Qi Gong Season?
6 9 Questions About Scoliosis Answered
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Senior Softball
8 Get Ready to Vote! 9 West Kauai Enterprise Center Open House
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Lei Pūpū ‘O Ni‘ihau
10 Kaumakani 18 Resources
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22 Ask the Nurse 23 Lei Day Also - Sudoku, Word Search & Crossword Puzzles Cover photo: Annie Kanahele and her granddaughter Hiipoi Kanahele Vakameilau, Niihauans who continue the traditional art of weaving shell lei, wear finely crafted lei pupu O Niihau, or Niihau shell lei. Story, page 17
Prince Kuhio Day at Anahola 21 Correction: In the April/May 2014 issue Susan & Jerry’s last name was misspelled on pages 3 and 5. The correct spelling is Storm.
Elder Resource Magazine Editor & Publisher Christine Bothmer, RN
Artistic Consultant Judith Lee
Printed in Hawaii
Contact Elder Resource Mail: P.O. Box 1257, Koloa, HI 96756 Email: cbothmer@elder-resource.org Phone: (808) 212-2760
Graphics & Design Julie Bothmer-Yost The material contained in this magazine is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician’s assistant. Talk to your healthcare provider before making any changes to your healthcare regimen. All rights reserved. Permission is granted to reproduce portions of this magazine for educational, non-commercial purposes only; please give credit to Elder Resource including date of issue, website url or mailing address. All photos by Christine Bothmer unless otherwise credited. Advertisement in Elder Resource does not necessarily imply an endorsement of products or services. We respectfully decline advertisements whose purpose is to influence public opinion on controversial issues or the outcome of elections or ballot measures.
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Hurricane Readiness
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Be Prepared! Hurricane Season is June 1st thru November 30th
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OAA’s Climate Prediction Center is reporting an increased risk of an El Niño weather pattern developing this summer. This would cause the waters around Hawaii to be warmer than usual, increasing the number of hurricanes expected to form in the Pacific. Hurricanes Iniki (1992), Iwa (1982) and Dot (1959) hit during El Niño years, while Hurricane Hiki (1950) did not. Emergency Kit: Keep a list of items to include that you use regularly and are not in the kit (medications, eyeglasses, medical equipment, cell phone & charging cord, important papers, etc). Keep the list on top of your kit.
NASA
Take steps to be prepared: • Remove clutter from your yard and carport. • Keep your car gas tank filled and your cell phone charged. • Know how to turn off utilities if advised to do so; have the proper tools on hand. • Plan ahead of time where you will stay if your home is not safe from potential storm damage or flooding.
New emergency radios often have builtin flashlights and cell phone charging ports. They take batteries or can be charged with a hand crank. Some even have a small solar panel for charging! Look for one where radios are sold. Shelters accepting pets have different requirements; check with the facility to see what they require. At a minimum, pets need to be in a carrier and you’ll need to supply food and water. The steps you take for safety today could save you a lot of stress and anxiety later. Be prepared! -ERM
For more information visit our website at www.elder-resource.org for links to the Kauai County Civil Defense website and a list of storm shelters. Contact Civil Defense directly at (808) 241-1800
Have these items in a kit & ready to go: • 3 - 7 day supply of food & water, utensils, cup, bowl, can & bottle opener • Pillow & blanket • Personal care items: toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant • Extra clothes • All-purpose soap and a bowl for washing things • Flashlight • Radio, small & portable
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Extra batteries Whistle to signal for help Paper towels, toilet paper, moist towelettes Several plastic bags (gallon size and garbage bags); sturdy tape; scissors and/or pocket knife • First Aid kit (such as bandages, antibiotic ointment, wound cleaning solution, tweezers, Q Tips, gauze) • List of important phone numbers in case your cell phone battery runs out
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9 Questions about Scoliosis: Answered!
By Christine Bothmer
June is National Scoliosis Awareness Month
What is scoliosis? With the condition of scoliosis, the spine develops one or more lateral (left to right) curves. While the spine naturally has curves that are visible when viewed from the side, it should be straight when viewed from behind. What causes it? In children the cause of scoliosis is often unknown, but the condition usually develops during a growth spurt. If it’s a childhood disease, why talk about it in a senior magazine? As the population of older adults continues to grow, an increase in adult-onset scoliosis has been noticed by healthcare professionals. The cause is often attributed to wear-andtear on the spine, slipped vertebrae, or small fractures in the spine that result from osteoporosis (brittle bones). In addition, childhood scoliosis can go unnoticed, leading to the diagnosis being made later in life if problems develop. How is it diagnosed? The shoulders may become uneven due to the curved spine, or a person might develop a limp as the hips are shifted. One shoulder blade may look bigger than the other. An x-ray is used to confirm scoliosis and help doctors determine the severity of the curve. They measure the curve and can use this as a comparison to future x-rays to see if the curve is stable or getting worse. Children are often screened at school for this condition by the school nurse. It is a
simple procedure that takes only a minute. An x-ray is used to confirm scoliosis and measure the degree of curvature. So what if the spine is a little crooked? Sometimes the curve is small, stable and doesn’t interfere with daily life. For others the curve continues to grow over time and can cause pain, or interfere with vital organs such as the heart and lungs. If it’s hard to imagine how scoliosis could interfere with vital organs, try this experiment: stand straight with your arms at your side. Take a deep breath and notice how much your lungs fill with air. Now exhale and bend to the side as far as possible while facing forward and sliding your hand down the side of your leg. Take a deep breath. You should notice you can’t breathe as deeply--your lung capacity is limited because of the sideways bend. Is scoliosis preventable? Because the cause of scoliosis in children is often unknown it is hard to prevent. For older adults, preventing osteoporosis and maintaining strong, healthy bones helps prevent scoliosis caused by compression fractures of the spine. Check out our recipes section on page 13 for great ideas on how to increase your calcium intake--an important step in preventing osteoporosis. How is it treated? If the condition is mild there is often no need for treatment because no complications arise. Physical therapy to stabilize the spine may be recommended. Sometimes adults need a special back brace
Continued on page 16
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West Kauai Enterprise Center
Hosted by the West Kauai Hawaiian Homestead Association, people gathered at the center for an open house, blessing & fellowship. The center is ready to promote economic and educational opportunities for Hawaiian Home Land and West Kauai residents.
Hokuao Kaohelaulii, Hiipoilani Vakameilau
Robin Puanani Danner, Annie Kelley Kanahele, Leah Hookano Pereira, Helen Cox
Edward Punua and Ambrose Smith playing.
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Kaumakani
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circa 1940s - 1950s Leisure Time
This is the 3rd article in a series in which Basilio Fuertes, Jr., reflects on growing up in Kaumakani on the Olokele Plantation. Edited By Christine Bothmer
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remember Labor Day was a big day for the plantation workers. We would go to Lihue and every plantation used to build a float. I used to ride on the float because my dad was the unit chairman [ILWU local 142 unit 76]. We used to ride the float to go to Lihue. That was a big thing, you know. He gotta see through a small window. “Hey look get car on the side,” more or less his wing man would help with the traffic. Beautiful floats! We had a parade; they fed us. The Filipino League would celebrate Rizal Day. The thing I remember the most was the tug-of-war. The older people would say, “Hey all you young boys! Come on, challenge us.” They had a big 2 or 3 inch rope that extended about a hundred feet. The younger guys, maybe 25 or 30 boys, “Oh we have more kids, we’re gonna beat the old men!” But the old people always beat us because they had a way to pull in unison. Us guys, everybody yanking at the rope at different times--there’s no power with everybody yanking. The old guys just grab ahold of the rope, they all lean forward, “Okay, one!” they pull back and they’re dragging us all over the place. They said “Next year you guys come back again.” When we had parties the Filipinos used to go to a hall and serve many different kind of ethnic Filipino food. They had programs; people used to sing and dance, stuff like that. We had a lot of people in the community who were good entertainers. They could play the instruments, the drums, guitar, mandolin... the mandolin was very popular in those days. My father liked to be the emcee--he would call people up and they would entertain and dance the Lahuta,
which is a Filipino dance. My dad used to enjoy dancing and I used to watch him dance the tango. I don’t know where did he learn how to do that; then that thing kind of died off and later on you see different dances and now you see people dance the tango now. Did you know Kaumakani had a tornado? Yeah! The twister started from below the village and went right through the village up to the plantation manager’s house. They had some damage, not big damage though. George Benson was a camp police; the right hand man for Carter. We were afraid of him cause we used to climb trees and do things and he used to scold us, “Hey! Get down from the tree!” he give you dirty scolding until you come down. George Benson. He was always the Santa Claus! You could tell he was the Santa Clause because when you shake his hand, he had a kind of little bit deformed hand, “Hey! Mr. Benson! That’s you in there!” But he was very stingy at trick-or-treat. We used to go to the Lunas’ house, everybody used to give us candies and stuff… George Benson: “What are you guys doing here?” He always wanted to give us the image that he was the police, so
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“Hey you young kids, get away from here.” The neighbors were real close-knitted. In the camp, everybody was close. In those days, when your parents spank you, that was they way they kept us in good discipline. They keep us in the straight and narrow way. Their style was, the old plantation style was, “Don’t make the family name shame. Don’t make humbug because it falls back to the family.” So you had to keep the morals and values of your family. My kindergarten teacher was Hatsuko Kawahara. We used to get what’s called a rhythm band. She plays on the piano, and there’s sticks and there’s triangles and drums, and everybody keeping time with the rhythm. I always wanted to play the drums. Of course I was a little bit troublesome, so she never did want me to play drums. She took the drum away from me, “Hey Basilio, this is your instrument, the sticks.” So I getta keeping time while she plays the piano. Later on she became a principal; then she became Dr. Kawahara; then the Board of Education. I was teaching in Kahuku one time and my wife was going to BYU. She came to the school and I says “Dr. Kawahara!” She looked at me… “Eh… you Basilio!” She recognized my… “You look exactly like your father!” she told me. The thing is, it’s amazing her memory, you know. She was my kindergarten teacher. Editor’s note: Millie, Basilio’s wife and lifelong companion, passed away on April 10, 2014. She was a vibrant lady; a retired Waimea High School teacher and tireless volunteer. She will be missed, and all of us at Elder Resource wish to express our sincere condolences to the family.
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Golden 8 Qi Gong
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By Christine Bothmer
ooking for an activity to improve your balance, strength, and stamina? Join Peter and Jan Sterne at the Lihue Neighborhood Center every Thursday from 1 to 2pm. Students of Grandmaster Hong, they have been teaching the Golden 8 form of Qi Gong for 7 years. “Pain is not our goal here,” says Peter, “It’s for health and longevity.” He’s right. According to the Hawaii Fall Prevention Consortium, on average over 8000 seniors visit Hawaii emergency departments every year because of falls. An excellent way to help prevent falls is to stay physically active. The movements of Golden 8 Qi Gong develop balance and strength, helping you prevent a fall. This is just one of the many benefits. You’ll feel better and sleep better, too! No cost to attend.
Jacquelyn Ramos
Dora Hong, Janet Fuji
Jan & Peter Sterne
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Pork Laulau in a Crock Pot Luau (taro) leaves are a source of calcium, an important mineral for maintaining bone health. ½ cup of cooked luau leaves has about 65 mg of calcium. prep time: 20 minutes
cooking time: 8 hours
yield: 8 servings
2.5 lb boneless pork butt, trimmed of excess fat (yields 2 pounds) 2 teaspoons Hawaiian alaea salt, medium grind Luau leaves (8 - 16 leaves, depending on the size), rinsed; stem removed Ti leaves, enough to line the crock, rinsed Set a pot of water, about 4 quarts, on the stove to boil. Place a steaming rack in the crock pot so the laulau will steam properly. Place ti leaves on steamer, shiny side up. Line crock pot with additional ti leaves. Cut pork into 1.5-inch cubes, add salt and toss; place pork in the crock. When the water comes to a boil, add several luau leaves at a time and parboil about 30 seconds. Use tongs to transfer the leaves, dripping wet, onto the pork. Use how ever many leaves you like, usually 2 small leaves or 1 big leaf per ¼ pound of pork. Cover with additional ti leaves. Cook on high for about 1 hour to get the crock pot going, then turn to low for the remaining 7 hours. Discard ti leaves, serve laulau with poi. Calcium snacks: edamame, boiled peanuts, dried figs, sunflower seeds, almonds Dairy products are loaded with calcium. If you don’t eat dairy, here are some other sources: ½ cup cooked black eyed peas 100 mg
1 3 1 ½
cup Almond Milk: oz canned salmon cup cooked pak choi cup tofu:
450 240 150 400
mg mg mg mg
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Senior Softball
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The Kauai Senior Softball League was founded back in 1968 with 4 teams. Their ranks have swelled to 11 teams, and throughout the summer on Saturdays you’ll find them on the diamond of a county park near you. Family and friends pitch canopies, picnic and root for their teams. 4 games are played each Saturday and the League playoff is set for July 26th. Visit our home page at www. elder-resource.org for a link to the schedule.
Sherwood Iida
Dana Palama
Good sportsmanship never goes out of style
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Rodney Munar
Ricky Baptiste
Larry Ephan takes an easy jog around the bases after hitting the ball out of the park. “Way out of the park!”
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Continued from page 6
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for pain relief; a back brace can be used in children to help prevent some curves from worsening. If the curves begin to interfere with daily life and especially vital organs, surgery may be recommended. All treatments should be discussed with your healthcare provider. What about alternative therapies? Exercise is important for maintaining strength, endurance and balance. Massage, yoga or acupuncture can be useful for pain management, relaxing stiff or tight muscles, improving circulation and reducing anxiety. Beware of claims of people being able to cure scoliosis. Where can I go to learn more about scoliosis? Your healthcare provider and these websites: Scoliosis Research Society: www.srs.org Click the Patient & Family tab for an excellent educational section. National Scoliosis Foundation: www.scoliosis.org Interesting forum of people with scoliosis on this site. International Osteoporosis Foundation: www.iofbonehealth.org Information on osteoporosis and calcium-rich recipes from around the world.
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Lei Pūpū ‘O Ni‘ihau
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By Christine Bothmer
n an ongoing series by the Kauai Historical Society, Linda Paik Moriarty presented a talk and slide show about Niihau shell lei, from its history, to the collecting of shells, to the skill of the Niihauan artists who craft lei in a wide variety of styles. According to Moriarty, who has written two books on the subject, the shells are collected from certain beaches on Niihau, and an average day nets about 1/2 pint of unsorted shells. From this point, only about one in three shells is free of blemishes and has the right luster to find its way into a Niihau shell lei. There are over 30 names for the shells, describing the color intensity, pattern and variety of shell. For people who own lei or are planning on buying one, Linda emphasized the importance of learning the name of the artist who crafted the lei. Left: Linda Moriarty emphasizing a point to a woman who brought her lei for identification. Linda has good advice on how the lei should be cared for, including keeping the lei wrapped in cloth or tissue and stored in a box, not plastic. Other tips: use a soft damp cloth and gently wipe clean; put lei on after you apply hairspray or perfume to avoid getting these products on the lei.
Above: Kanani Beniamina identifying the shell and weave style used to craft a lei brought by a resident.
Left: Long time friends Annie Kelley Kanahele and Linda Summers share a quiet moment after the talk. Linda Summers’ Niihau shell lei collection was on display during the event.
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Community Resources
Kapi’olani Community College’s Kupuna Education Center “Kupuna Connections” TV series
• Family caregiver training & tips • Professional & para-professional training www.KupunaEducation.com
Share The Care Kaua’i We help organize family, friends & resources into caring teams. Contact Deborah Duda 332-7668 deborahduda@yahoo.com
Call Jess at 335-0296 ext. 152
Parkinson’s Support Group Talk story and share ideas. People with Parkinson’s or any progressive disease and their caregivers meet at the Regency at Puakea the last Tuesday of every month, 5:00pm - 6:30pm. Call Susan Storm at 212-1250
NEED HELP WITH FOOD STAMPS? S.N.A.P. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Assistance by Child & Family Service To schedule an appointment call: Dory at Hale Ho’omalu (821-2520) or Momi at Nana’s House (338-0252)
Think B.I.G. Advocacy & support for persons with acquired brain & spinal cord injuries, their families & caregivers; info sharing and community outreach. Monthly meetings 2nd Wednesday 4:30pm - 6:30pm Kapaa Neighborhood Ctr.
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Community Resources
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Prince Kuhio Day
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Celebration in Anahola
Entertainment, ono grinds, dignitaries, crafters and entertainers all came together to celebrate Prince Kuhio Day. A “Community Happenings� tent provided plenty of shade and seating; friendly people with great info on a variety of organizations lined the perimeter of the tent. While rainstorms were a threat, the sky was clear until a great clap of thunder drew attention to clouds building from the North.
Beverly Kauanui & Halau O Kehaulani
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Ask the Nurse
By Christine Bothmer
Question:
My doctor said I’m vitamin B12 deficient. How can that be? I take a B12 supplement.
Answer:
Several things can interfere with the body’s ability to absorb B12. Stomach acid is needed to properly break B12 away from many foods. If you don’t have enough stomach acid, either because of the aging process or because of regular use of some medications, including those to control stomach acid, the result is the same; not enough acid to release B12 from many foods. Supplements are usually not affected by low acid. Another cause is if the stomach doesn’t produce enough of a protein that attaches to B12 to help transport it into the bloodstream. This could be caused by age-related changes, autoimmune disease or some abdominal surgeries. It’s great your doctor caught the deficiency; it’s one that can sneak up on people. It can lead to dementia-like symptoms, a painful tongue, anemia, weakness, tingling or numbness in the arms and legs. Symptoms often go away once B12 is restored, but a deficiency can eventually lead to permanent damage and death. For people who can’t get vitamin B12 through digestion, a doctor can prescribe an alternative, like an injection. Dietary sources for B12 include most animal products (chicken, beef, pork, fish, shellfish, dairy products), nutritional yeast, and fortified cereals.
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“May Day is Lei Day”
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Happy’s Lei Stand, situated near the entrance of the Kauai Museum.
Detail of Happy demonstrating the wili style of weaving flower lei. Happy and Kats Tamanaha. Happy has been weaving lei since she was a little girl. She graduated from Kapaa High & UH Manoa, and taught fine art at Central Intermediate School on Oahu. Originally from Hilo, her family moved to Kauai when she was a baby.
Detail of Jean’s kupee
Jean Matsuda, left, taught Home Economics across the hall from Happy, who taught her to weave lei. Originally from Hanapepe, here she presents a Lei Day attendee with a kupee, a lei worn on the wrist.
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