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Contents 4
Letter from the Editor
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Home Safety
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Cold Laser Therapy
9 Choosing the Right Wheelchair
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Lihue Senior
Club Anniversary
5 Kauai Community
Seed Bank
10 Filipino Fiesta at
Kauai
Museum
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11 Diabetes Tips,
Typhoon Prep in the Marianas Islands
Mahi Mahi with Tropical Salsa
14 Vaccines for Adults 16 Tai Chi For Arthritis 17 Bon Dance Schedule 20 Resources 21 Puzzle 23 Ask the Nurse | Puzzle Solution
Elder Resource Magazine
Editor & Publisher Artistic Consultant: Judith Lee Christine Bothmer, RN Contributing Writers: Graphics & Design Paul Gammie; Westside Pharmacy Julie Bothmer-Yost Staff; Rosalie Meuleman, DC
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18 Garden Island Orchid Society
22 Cover: Arlene Tacub & Steven “Iban” Domingo perform a Filipino dance reflecting the influence of Spanish colonists on Filipino culture. The event was held during the Kauai Museum’s recent Ohana Day Celebration. More photos on pages 12 & 13.
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. 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. Subscriptions $24 per year (6 issues) Follow the Subscribe tab on our home page or mail check to address. Include the name & address of the person receiving the subscription.
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Letter from the Editor
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yphoon Dolphin blew through the Marianas Islands recently, transporting me back to 1976 when I was 12 years old and growing up on Guam. Typhoon Pamela hit just weeks before the end of the school year, and the damage was so extensive, school was cancelled. One can only guess how grades were assigned. We were out of power and water for so long it became routine. I remember neighbors would gather at night with lawn chairs, in a circle surrounding the impromptu fire pit in our gravel driveway. As a kid I was horsing around with all the others, but now--how interesting to think what the grown-ups were talking about.
Cold showers, having to wash my own jeans by hand, standing in line for water--those are some of my post-Pamela memories. During the storm it sounded like a freight train running past the house as typhoon-force winds sat on us for 18 hours, dumping over 33 inches of rain and destroying over 3000 homes, according to Wikipedia. Our home of cinder blocks and concrete roof withstood the forces, but the wooden jalousies were no match for the driving rain. Even a few inches of water makes a home unlivable, so during the eye we hot-footed it to the school library and hunkered down for the second half of the storm. This hurricane season, get your emergency supplies in order and be on the alert for Civil Defense updates on shelter locations. Let’s hope for good weather and with it, more opportunities to enjoy life. We hope you enjoy this issue of Elder Resource, packed with information on home safety and multigenerational living, hurricane preparedness, ideas for staying active in the community and even a simple fruit salsa recipe for a quick and special touch to your next dinner. If you’d like your club or event featured in Elder Resource, we’d love to hear from you. Our contact info is on page 3. Stay in touch!
-Chris Bothmer
During the Lihue Senior Club’s 47th anniversary event, club nonagenarians posed for a portrait. Seated from left: Helen Okamoto, Casey Suero, Jiro Yukimura, Jennie Yukimura, Seichi Tamashiro, Dorothy Higuchi, Natsuko Daida, Betty Doi. Standing from left: Jacquelyn Ramos, Paz Valdez, Toni Souza, Shizuko Shiramizu, Kathryn Sato, Akiye Matsuyama, Mitsue Sasaki, Helen Miyake, Bessie Maeda, Crispina Almarza. 4
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Lihue Senior Club By Christine Bothmer
Happy 47th Anniversary!
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Above: Sue, left, and Danelle, right, on the Taiko drums performing Tokyo Ondo with the Lihue Ukulele group. elebrating with music, performances, socializing & food--what better way to mark the day? “In my 20 years as President, I have never seen such a turnout,” exclaimed Marilyn Matsumoto as she looked out over the crowd of over 100, adding, “To all our club members, thank you for all you do to make everything happen!”
Above: Members of the Filipino Dance Club performing Pandanggo sa Ilaw, a folk dance portraying the practice of women using lanterns or candles to show their fishermen the way to shore.
Allan Hom demonstrating the Yang style of Tai Chi to the tune of Kumu Hula Beverley Muraoka on her ukulele. (Right)
Marilyn Matsumoto blows the harmonica, accompanied by the Lihue Senior Ukulele Band. www.elder-resource.org 5
Home Safety & Multi-Generational Living By Christine Bothmer, RN
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Safety starts with mindful awareness. une is National Safety Month! Take the opportunity to look around your area with an eye for safety. We’ve included a checklist of the more common recommendations for preventing falls around the home, and a perspective on multi-generational living and keeping it safe.
The Multi-Gen Home The number of people living in multigenerational households jumped during the Great Recession of 2007-2009, according to the Pew Research Center. Families pooled resources to fend off poverty as necessity trumped privacy, and the trend continues not only for financial reasons but also because of the growing immigrant population who typically includes more multi-gen households. Hawaii has the greatest percentage of multi-gen households in the nation, at around 11% of households according to a recent US Census Bureau report. Culturally, that’s something Hawaii can celebrate! The dynamic in multigenerational families forges their legacy. For people who grew up in households with only siblings and parents, it can be challenging to bring three generations together under one roof. Privacy, division of labor, and finances are some of the biggest challenges. Having regularly scheduled family meetings before the decision is even made to combine households allows the family to address concerns before stress builds up. Without them tempers can boil over as people struggle with supposedly conflicting values of love of family and need for privacy and self-determination. The public library carries books on multigen living that are a great resource if you’d like more information. Here’s another reason to get a handle on the stress of multi-gen living: reducing stress may ultimately help prevent falls. Excessive amounts of stress can lead to depression, and a recent meta-analysis published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society states, “depressive symptoms were found to be consistently associated with falls in older people,” (May, 2013). While some forms of depression are genetic or related to changes in brain chemistry and are best treated with professional help, persistent everyday stress can be managed with patience, mindfulness and open communication. The multi-gen meeting al6
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lows people to address privacy needs, noise control, variable sleep-wake cycles and adequate space for hobbies. Family meetings on a regular basis keeps the dialog going. Multigenerational living is an opportunity to strengthen relationships between family members and build a strong family legacy. With foresight and patience obstacles can be overcome. Be creative, flexible, and keep your sense of humor!
HOME SAFETY CHECKLIST ☐ Slippery throw rugs removed ☐ Rug edges taped down ☐ Chairs easy to sit & stand from ☐ Minimize glare from windows ☐ Items within reach ☐ Floor level changes well marked ☐ Uncluttered pathways ☐ Nightlights, good lighting ☐ Handrails along hallways ☐ Extension cords not across path ☐ Flush thresholds ☐ GFI plugs near water sources Bathroom ☐ Grab bars for toilet & bathing ☐ Raised toilet seat ☐ Shower seat ☐ Handheld shower ☐ Non-skid mat Bedroom ☐ Bed of proper height ☐ Bedside lamp Entry ☐ Non-skid steps ☐ Sturdy handrail ☐ Ramp
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Cold Laser Therapy
By Dr. Rosalie Meuleman, D.C. What is it? Also known as low-level laser therapy, it harnesses energy from the invisible spectrum of light and delivers it to cells up to 2 inches below the skin’s surface. It is painless, and for most people repair and healing occurs faster with cold laser therapy. Is it Safe? Yes! Low-level-laser therapy has been in use for over 20 years around the world. Hundreds of clinical studies and scientific papers have documented the safety and effectiveness of this therapy. What Conditions are Treated? Many conditions are successfully treated including pain, wounds, sinusitis, plantar fasciitis, tendinitis TMJ, fibromyalgia, arthritis, tennis elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome & bursitis. Dr. Rosalie Meuleman is a chiropractor with the Kalaheo Wellness Center. Kapaa: 808-822-0711; Kalaheo: 808-332-5580 8
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HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT WHEELCHAIR By: Paul Gammie of Gammie HomeCare
The wheelchair.....a hated necessity or a beloved and useful tool?
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o one WANTS to end up needing a wheelchair on a regular basis, but thank goodness someone invented them. They allow for safe mobility and transport for a person who might otherwise have NO mobility at all. They come in different models for different purposes, and today I’ll discuss the types of power wheelchair options in today’s marketplace. Power Mobility Devices (PMD) come in two broad categories: scooters and wheelchairs. The power scooters, with either 3 or 4 wheels, are generally used by a person who can manage short distances on their own but have a problem with longer distances. On the other hand, power wheelchairs are appropriate for a person with more advanced mobility challenges who needs assistance both inside and outside their residence. Scooters can sometimes be broken down into various parts for vehicle transport, then reassembled later. Power wheelchairs generally cannot be broken down like a scooter. Either PMD is very difficult to get paid for through medical insurance--regardless of what the TV ads say! It’s very important to match the product with the intended use, so seek the advice of an experienced representative. There are smaller, lighter versions and more heavy duty versions. Each has advantages. Although the PMD’s of today can go quite far on a single battery charge, it’s not recommended to travel more than a mile or two from home. Carry a cell phone to call for help if a problem develops. Safety is the first consideration but so is having fun and a good quality of life. Don’t let a mobility deficit slow you down! Various models of PMD’s are available in Lihue at Gammie HomeCare. 3206 Akahi St., Lihue. Their phone number is 632-2333. www.Gammie.com
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By Christine Bothmer he Kauai Community Seed Bank, tucked away in a quiet neighborhood just North of Moloaa Stream, is busy continuing a farming legacy as old as agriculture itself, saving seeds. “Our mission is to support the conservation, cultivation, and distribution of plant diversity through seed banking and community stewardship,” says Paul Massey, founder of this non-profit organization. Day-to-day, the work consists of collecting, drying and storing seeds. The Kauai Seed Bank also hosts a seed and plant exchange twice a year. For more information, see their contact info on page 20 under Volunteer Opportunities.
Erin, volunteer at the Seed Bank, consults with Paul about the particulars of labelling seed vials. Above: Connie Clune volunteers with the Seed Bank from her home, sprouting seeds to check viability and participating in the “decentralized botanical garden” concept envisioned by Paul. Contributed Photo.
Right: Erin carefully measures dried beans during the packaging process. The triple-beam balance scale is used for the tiniest seeds due to it’s higher degree of accuracy Robin, right, stopped by with mature cilantro over the digiplants from her garden. Paul releases the seeds tal scale. from their casings in preparation for drying.
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Typhoon Prep in the Marianas Islands
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By Christine Bothmer
yphoon Dolphin recently swept by Guam, and the event triggered a conversation with my mother, Judith Lee. She lived on Guam for over 40 years and is a typhoon prep aficionado. “I was really a tiger about it,” she said, reflecting on the many times she prepared for typhoons raging in Guam’s neighborhood. The first thing she would do, days before suspected landfall, was to freeze water in ½ gallon milk cartons and baggies to help extend the life of food when the power was inevitably knocked out. Checking the battery supply was next, followed by catching up on laundry and cleaning, trying to do as much as possible before the power and water went out. She stocked up on powdered milk, canned tuna & chicken, ramen and eggs. She remembers stores would set a pallet of Spam in the middle of the aisle, not bothering to unpack it because the cans were so quickly snapped up. She used a 30 gallon clean trash can for water catchment off the lanai, and food grade 5 gallon buckets and gallon containers for Typhoon Dolphin, 2015. Photo: NASA drinking water. “You can always use it for watering plants” she says, if Goddard MODIS Rapid Response Team the typhoon veered away. As the typhoon neared she filled the washing machine and bathtub with water for laundry, bathing and flushing. “When the power goes out, leave the freezer closed for as long as possible, and when things start thawing out you better start cooking.” For an in-depth Safety & Readiness Guide for Kauai Seniors, follow the link on our homepage. www.elder-resource.org
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Filipino Fiesta at the Kauai Museum
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he Bailes de Jose Troupe performed recently during the Kauai Museum’s Ohana Day Filipino Fiesta. Jose Bulatao Jr., choreographer of the troupe, started the multi-cultural dance troupe in 1967. Ranging in age from 15-70 years, it’s multi-generational as well. For more information on the troupe, email mrb@hawaiilink.net.
By Christine Bothmer Above: The ever popular Tinikling starts out convivial but becomes more intense as the tempo gradually increases.
Jose Bulatao Jr., known affectionately as Mr. B, is Troupe choreographer & today’s emcee.
The Muslim princess approaches the boat.
Performers: Steven Kline, Steven Domingo, Mildred Curtis, Rhoda Libre, Donna McCalla, Arlene Tacub, Gloria Acain, Kristal Daligcon, Celia Wood, Priscilla Badua, June Akuna. 12 www.elder-resource.org
In the folk dance Binasuan, glasses of wine are balanced on the hands and head of dancers. Not a drop hit the ground in this performance.
A dramatic scene inspired by the Ifugao people of Northern Luzon.
“Mystical and aloof . . . the sense of detachment of royalty,” is how Jose describes the dancers’ expressions in these images. A Muslim entourage prepares for a journey presenting a princess (left) to her suitor on the island of Mindinao.
The entourage heads out across the water. www.elder-resource.org
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Adult Vaccines By Westside Pharmacy Staff
ost of us older adults don’t think about our booster vaccines. As children we all got our “shots” from the doctor, nurse or school. As adults we may have been asked about our last tetanus shot, but few other vaccines are ever mentioned. Immunizations or vaccines are as important for adults as they are for children for several reasons: for the vaccinated person’s health and to prevent the recurrence of previously eradicated diseases in the population. You may have heard about the measles outbreak in California at Disneyland. Could this outbreak have been prevented and the spread of measles kept to a minimum? Yes. Because of vaccinations, measles has been a virtually eradicated disease. It’s true vaccinated people were infected with measles in this case but very few because many more were immunized against it. There are rumors that vaccines contain dangerous amounts of thimerosal, a mercury compound used in very small amounts to preserve vaccines. It is found in many drugs, foods and everyday items. There is more mercury compound in one serving of many seafoods than in vaccines; in fact an average serving of ahi poke contains much more mercury than an average adult vaccine. Autism has also been rumored to be linked to vaccines. This has been proven to be false. Vaccines have been proven to have no relation to the triggers for autism. Extensive research has been done on both autism and vaccines, and they are not related. Vaccines are necessary for the protection of the very young and very old. While the diseases vaccines prevent can be deadly to any age group, the most vulnerable are babies, children, elderly, and those with compromised immune systems. By vaccinating everybody we minimize the chances that someone at high risk will contract a preventable disease. Adult immunizations are often overlooked by healthcare providers because people usually see their doctor for other reasons like a cold or infection. Many doctors or nurses assume adults have been previously vaccinated, so many adults fall through the cracks. Ask yourself: are your vaccines up to date? A pharmacist or your healthcare provider can vaccinate you after asking a few questions to determine the right vaccines. These health professionals can answer your questions and make sure you are safe from preventable diseases. So please, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider if you need vaccinations according to the new CDC (Center for Disease Control) guidelines. We want to catch all adults falling through the cracks. We want to see happy, healthy and properly vaccinated adults.
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Tai Chi
for Arthritis & Fall Prevention
Deborah Burnham & her students in Kapaa taking a break from the routine for a group photo. Photo by Marta Hulsman.
By Christine Bothmer he Hawaii State Department of Health sponsored a workshop certifying instructors in the exercise routine Tai Chi for Arthritis, developed by the Tai Chi for Health Institute, a nonprofit organization spearheaded by Dr. Paul Lam and based in Australia. On Kauai, several instructors are certified and offer free sessions on a regular basis. During a recent practice session at the movin’ on 2 wellness studio, Rose Murtagh and Deborah Burnham demonstrated the routine. “Sessions start with a balance assessment and after 12 sessions, we re-assess,” explains Rose. She notes multiple improvements in her students, including improved balance and pain relief. Deborah: “He’s made tai chi accessible,” describing Dr. Lam’s personable demeanor and his modifications to the Sun style of Tai Chi. For more information, including dates & times, contact the location of your choice. See their ad on page 21.
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Rose Murtagh, left, & Deborah Burnham, right, demonstrate Tai Chi for Arthritis. 16 www.elder-resource.org
2015 Kauai Bon Dance Schedule By Kauai Buddhist Council
June 5 & 6 Waimea Shingon Mission June 12 & 13 Kapaa Jodo Mission June 19 & 20 WKH Waimea Temple June 26 & 27 Kapaa Hongwanji Mission July 3 & 4 No Bon Dance July 10 & 11 Waimea Higashi Hongwanji July 17 & 18 Kaua’i Soto Zen Temple July 24 & 25 Koloa Jodo Mission July 31 & Aug 1 WKH Hanapepe Temple August 7 & 8 Lihue Hongwanji Mission
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
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Celebrate Summer with
Mahi Mahi & Fresh Tropical Fruit Salsa
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By Christine Bothmer
resh mahi mahi has a flavor and delicacy that needs no enhancing, but every now and then it’s nice to add a tropical salsa. There are many variations and it’s easy to throw together at a moment’s notice. • ½ cup mango, chopped • ½ cup red bell pepper, chopped • ½ cup pineapple, chopped • 1 jalapeno, diced • 1 green onion, chopped
• Juice of half a lime • Cilantro to taste, about 1 tbsp • Dash of salt • Ground black pepper
Produce should be ripe and firm. Combine gently, serve immediately or refrigerate. Be creative and try using other fruits & vegetables. Consider a variety of flavors, textures & colors when selecting from available ingredients. Some great alternatives are papaya, avocado and tomato. Welcome the summer season with this flavor-packed & healthy salsa! 18
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David Bynum displays a 17 pound mahi mahi caught trolling aboard the vessel Lahela out of Nawiliwili Small Boat Harbor. Captain Scott at the helm.
Sweet Lychee www.elder-resource.org
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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
Legal
Volunteer Opportunities
Kaua`i Community Seed Bank Help us to discover, grow, store and distribute valuable seed crops for Kaua`i’s present and future generations! Call Paul 652-4118 Habitat for Humanity Build homes, community & hope Volunteers of all abilities needed Call Christina 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
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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Garden Island Orchid Society By Christine Bothmer
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ix times each year, more frequently if you count the amazing orchid shows, the Garden Island Orchid Society meets in Hanapepe. Established in 1970, the club has quite a following. Meetings typically start with a Learning Center where people are invited to ask questions about orchid care, followed by Society business, refreshments, and a featured speaker or activity. Club members reflect a wide range of orchid-growing abilities, and at every meeting members are given a door prize orchid plant to take home and nurture. Interested in attending a meeting or joining? More information can be found on their website. Follow the link from the Elder Resource homepage or visit GardenIslandOrchidSociety.org. Location: United Church of Christ recreation hall in Hanapepe Time & Dates: 6:30 pm; second Fridays in February, April, June, August and October. The December meeting is on the first Saturday. Al Sugano gives a lesson during a recent club meeting. Photo by Ryan Metzger.
Dennis Olivas, originally from Waimea, comes back to Kauai regularly. Here he gives a lesson on growing orchids during the club’s 2014 Spring Fantasy Orchid Show. 22
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Ask the Nurse Christine Bothmer, RN
The Care of Blisters Question: Is it okay to pop a blister?
Answer: Ideally blisters should not be popped because the skin helps keep the wound clean and protected. Many times blisters pop on their own, it which case it should be kept clean and covered. See your healthcare provider if any of the following are present: blister on the foot or leg of a person with diabetes, poor circulation, or sedentary lifestyle; skin surrounding blister becomes red and tender; fluid in the blister changes color; blister is large and/or painful; blister doesn’t heal or it’s condition worsens; questions about how to care for the blister. If you have a question for Ask the Nurse email it to info@elder-resource.org Crossword Solution
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