November Expert Columns

Naturally Hawaiian

VISA, MasterCard, Cash, ‘Fish & Poi’ Are Good as Gold

Lon Kamanu walked past the famous Palomino horse fronting Naturally Hawaiian Gallery in Waimanalo. He had a smile on his face, some gifts in his hands and a tee-shirt on his back bearing the phrase: “Naturally Hawaiian Gallery & Gifts - We accept VISA, MasterCard, Cash, Fish and Poi.”

Patrick Ching, owner of Naturally Hawaiian and a friend of Lon Kamanu, really does accept fish and poi in exchange for merchandise.

“But it’s gotta be real fresh fish or real sour poi” he laughingly says.

Ching is known not only in Waimanalo, but also internationally as an accomplished nature artist and author. His original art pieces have sold for more than $50,000. Most of his artwork in the Waimanalo Gallery are fine reproductions selling for $15 to $1,500.

On Sat., Dec. 3, a tradition continues as Naturally Hawaiian Celebrates its annual Christmas Party/Sale. Bring the family down to enjoy great savings on ‘erytin’ such as autographed books by Patrick Ching. Ching’s best sellers include “Sea Turtles of Hawaii,” “The Tale of Rabbit Island,” and a comical cartoon surfing manual entitled “How fo’ Surf.”

There will be live music by some of Hawaii’s favorite local stars. You would not believe who shows up to play at Naturally Hawaiian Christmas parties. Big names like Jake, Makana, Jerry Mihana, Teresa and even Domonic have starred here.

Norma Ching will be on hand for a special debut book signing of “From the Masters Heart,” a collection of poems that were given to her by the Holy Spirit, illustrated with art from her son, Patrick Ching.

So grab the kids and your Christmas shopping list and come out to Naturally Hawaiian’s famous Christmas Party and Sale, December 3 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Oh yeah, don’t forget that Santa will be there, too. How do we know? ‘Cause he still owes us twenty bucks!

No worry, Santa: We accept VISA, MasterCard, Cash Fish and Poi!

Naturally Hawaiian Gallery & Gifts is located next to Mel’s Market in the Heart of Waimanalo at 41-1025 Kalanianaole Hwy. Tel: 259-5354. On the Web at www.naturallyhawaiian.com.

 

Chiropractic Tips

Back Safe Golf is Possible

By Chip Abbadessa, D.C. -- BACK CLINIC NOV.  8 -- READ ON...

One of my favorite pastimes is golf. If I’m not playing golf I’m watching the golf channel or at the driving range! It’s also one of the most popular sports in the world. It can be played by almost anyone regardless skill level or age. Golf may also place more stress on the back than any other sport known. Because of this fact I would like to outline some simple steps to keep your game “back safe”.

1. Warm up first

    This is true for most sporting activities but is even more important for golfing. A good warm up can be as simple as swinging a couple of clubs several times to loosen up the joints and muscles. Jumping jacks, deep knee bends or running in place also work well.

2. Proper set-up is critical

    One of the biggest mistakes I see in golfers is failure to set up to the ball properly. Ideally a golfer should align the club to the target first then set the body comfortably around the club in the most natural way possible. Far too often a golfer will set up to the ball improperly only to have to alter his/her swing plane to keep the ball on target. Also, observe good posture. This is vital to the proper set-up because the spine is at its strongest when properly aligned. Everyone should have their spines checked and maintained by a correction-based chiropractor.

3. Don’t over-swing

    Another very common mistake that will wreck your spine quickly. If you swing hard enough to come out of your shoes, you need to back it off a notch! A nice, fluid swing that allows a comfortable follow-through is best. Remember the 80% rule: Swing at 80% of your max, hit the ball 100% of the time!

4. Be very careful bending over

    A golfer might bend over 100 times in a game: every time he places the ball on a tee, each time to pick up the ball from the cup, to clean the ball on the green, etc. Bend at the knees, not at the waist.

5. Keep your stomach and hip muscles strong

    A powerful, effortless swing originates in the lower body, not the arms. Exercise your “butt & gut” for best results.

6. Use swing training aides and lessons for best swing plane
and tempo

    A hinged club like the “Medicus”, a weighted training club or an “inside approach” trainer all helps to keep your swing smooth and accurate. Lessons by a pro or video taping your swing can add years of golf to your life as well.

For more information please attend my free “Back Safe Golf” lecture on Tuesday, Nov. 8th, at 6:15 p.m. at the Castle Professional Center in Kaneohe. Call 234-5535 to reserve your seat.

Chip Abbadessa, D.C. has been a chiropractor since 1988 and practices out of the Castle Professional Center in Kaneohe. Call 234-5535 or visit www.docchip.com.

 

Life Extension Tips

Is Youth Wasted on the Young?

 By Teresa Denney,  D.O.

Youth is wasted on the young. If this is true, why should it follow that experience and financial security are ‘wasted on the old’ because they have lost the energy and enthusiasm to enjoy the ‘golden years?’

This does not have to be the case. For we have come to learn that old age is simply a state of hormonal deficiency, a state of lacking the previously bountiful hormones of youth. Then it follows that these symptoms of ‘old age’ are actually symptoms that can be reversed.

Leading the list of the age-depleted hormones that can be replaced and provide for longer, healthier and more productive lives is the human growth hormone (HGH). One of the most incredible points to make about HGH is that it is not really incredible. Growth hormone is natural; it is plentiful in the human body during youth. In fact, it is a substance that actually retains the properties of youth, but lessened with age.

Growth hormone is essential to growth. It is a supplement given to children who suffer with abnormally slow bone growth to enable them to grow taller. But HGH levels fall steadily in everyone once they reach adulthood. Since we now realize that HGH is indispensable throughout life, it must be considered a vital hormone for maintenance of the adult body. Studies of its amazing effects in the elderly population support its primary role in improved longevity and the betterment of the quality of one’s life.

Positive Effects of HGH Replacement:

1. Get Lean: Loss of fat and increase in muscle mass combine for up to 20-pound shift in body composition. This equates to a general feeling of physical well-being, a stronger libido, and improved self image.

2. Get Energetic: Without a need for the afternoon food cravings of sweets, caffeine, stimulants or nicotine, HGH patients have more energy. This improves both their self-control image and their general health state (because they exercise).

3. Get Smart: An interesting yet unproved side effect of HGH has been the return of mental acuity and a “sharp” memory. Such HGH improves the vascular and intracellular nutrient support for cells; it is not surprising that many individuals have reported this.

For a clinical evaluation of your candidacy for HGH replacement therapy, request an appointment with the Aloha Medical Center in Waikiki.

Dr. Teresa Denney, an osteopathic physician, has studied nutrition for over 30 years. She is the medical director for Aloha Medical Center in Waikiki. Visit her web-site at www.hghpharm.com. Call 732-0888 now for a consultation.

 

Stress Relief, Natural Cures, Longevity, Dispute Resolution

 ASK JUDGE LEE

 STRESSED OUT? 

Judge Lee: I heard that stress is the major cause of sickness and disease? How can I relieve stress? Signed, “Long Life Seeker”

Dear Long Life Seeker: Kevin Trudeau, in his best selling book “Natural Cures They Don’t Want You to Know About” lists four major reasons people get sick and diseases: (1) putting drugs and food full of chemicals into your body, (2) the body retaining toxins, (3) the presence of electromagnetic chaos, and (4) stress; and hypothesizes that stress is more than the sum of the other three for the causes of sickness and
diseases. He further lists 111 items to follow to get rid of all four sources of sickness and diseases after which one can live a long and healthy life.

The practice of Tai Chi and Qigong slow exercise and relaxation techniques is a major way to relieve stress. Tai chi is known as the moving meditation that improves muscular coordination and balance while freeing your mind to relax and focus on the movements. Qigong, which can be practiced simultaneously, is the movement of Qi or life energy through deep diaphragm breathing, focused mind intent, and exercise techniques to promote self healing of the organs by removing Qi energy flow blockages in the body and allow the universal Qi energy to flow freely. I practice both daily and in several months lost 50 pounds (over 30 percent of my body weight), been cured of gout, knee problems, insomnia, and severe back pains, while attaining the best flexibility and health in my life.

You should also address all your sources of worry and deal with it, whether it is financial, job, relationships or family. Excess worry and depression is stressful and will lead to sickness and disease. Good Luck.

Stress Relief Tip of the Month: Explore your feelings and emotions. Anger, depression, worry, vengeance are all negative emotions and will drain your Qi energy. Deal with it. Get third-party intervention, take action and do something about it, make changes, and clear your mind. Practice relaxation techniques.

Dispute Resolution Tip of the Month: Put yourself in the place of the other person. Explore his or her feelings. Understand the other point of view.

Richard Lee is a former Hawaii Judge and CPA. He holds a degree in economics from Stanford University and a Juris Doctorate from Hastings Law School. Richard Lee Consulting focuses on relieving stress for clients with real estate, business and legal problems. Mr. Lee teaches Tai Chi Qigong, provides free mediation for divorcing couples and is the founder of Perfect Mate Internat’l. He can be reached at 957-0000 or at rlee@richardleeconsulting.com.

Hearing Care

Gift Giving: Is It That Time Of ‘Ear Already?

By Don "Kona Smith"

It’s time to think about gifts for all those special people in your life. You probably wouldn’t think of hearing care for your holiday shopping. You’re probably thinking: “Why would that be of interest to me?” Here are some suggestions from the staff at Ohana Hearing Care that might change your mind, or at least your hearing.

How about a comfortable custom-fitted “ear bud” for cell phones, I-Pod, or Walkman users? Ohana receptionist Tirrell, a musician, suggests Musician Ear Guards for hearing protection from that amp’ed-up ukulele next door. Bang! Bang! Shooter Savers can save the hearing of hunters and marksmen. Blub. Blub. Hearing instrument specialist Richard Kirkham recommends custom-made swim plugs for swimmers and surfers-great for keiki or adults to prevent swimmers‘ ear. Are we getting close to home yet?

Manager Paulo Pagaduan says, “TV Ears were designed to help the hearing impaired and they work great! Families have found that TV Ears are perfect when one person wants to watch TV and others want to read or sleep. The volume can be set so only the TV Ears user hears any sound. It is a real marriage saver.”

Ohana has a special holiday discount gift certificate program. Mention this column and you can save 10 percent on all gift certificates purchased before Dec. 22, 2005. Certificates are available from $20 up. Perfect hearing is a perfect gift.

Drop by and check out Ohana’s great stocking stuffers for under $10. Are you in a hui? Then pool resources to get a hearing aid for tutu. You won’t have to shout anymore.

These great gift ideas can make your shopping easier. Ohana Hearing Care wishes you and yours a very happy holiday season. Happy Thanksgiving!

Don “Kona” Smith founded Ohana Hearing Care in 1966 and has re­ceived numerous national awards for helping people overcome hear­ing loss over the past 40 years. His staff has a combined experience of 123 years in this business. Located at 1296 Beretania St. (at Times Supermarket), the phone number is 593-2137. Visit them on the web at www.ohanahearingcare.com.

 

 Waimanalo Health News

Smokers More Likely to Develop Diabetes;
Women Living Alone Also at Increased Risk

People who smoke are nearly three times as likely to develop diabetes as those who have never smoked, according to a study being published in the October issue of Diabetes Care. While previous studies have shown that smoking and diabetes can often lead to serious consequences, such as fatal heart attacks, this study investigated whether smoking can actually lead to diabetes.

A separate study in the October issue found that women who lived alone and smoked more were less likely to drink alcohol, ate less nutritional meals and were two times more likely to develop diabetes compared to those who lived with others.

“We can’t say it often enough: Lifestyle factors are the key to reducing your chances of developing diabetes,” said Mayer B. Davidson, MD, editor of Diabetes Care and past president, American Diabetes Association. “Study after study shows us, the way to prevent this disease is to eat nutritious and well balanced meals, lose weight if you are overweight or obese, exercise and for goodness sake, quit smoking!”

“We’ve known for years that smoking causes lung cancer and seriously raises the risk for heart disease,” said lead author Dr. Capri Foy, of Wake Forest University School of Medicine’s Department of Public Health Sciences. “These findings suggest another poor health outcome associated with smoking. If that’s not reason enough to quit, I don’t know what is.”

The Wake Forest study found that 25 percent of current smokers developed diabetes after five years, compared to just 14 percent of people who had never smoked.

Type 2 diabetes is a lifestyle disease. Controlling our lifestyles can help control diabetes. Our nutritionist, Malia Sommers, conducts monthly “Houpo pono” diabetes support group meetings here at the health center. Learn how to better manage your Type 2 diabetes by attending these group meetings.

Waimanalo Health Center provides ready access to primary and preventive holistic health services. You may schedule an appointment with our doctors in Pediatric, Women’s Health, Adult Health and Counseling. HMSA, Quest, Medicaid and most private health insurance are accepted. The health center is located across the Waimanalo Elementary and Intermediate School at 41-1347 Kalanianaole Hwy in Waimanalo. For more information or to schedule an appointment please call 259-7948.

 

Gem News

By Brenda Reichel, GIA

Men and jewelry usually go together like football and tea, which is why most jewelry stores have an abundance of jewelry for mom. But what about dad?

Men like gold and silver jewelry when it relates to things they are interested in—sports, cars, trucks and knives. If golf is his favorite sport, a golf ball marker in sterling silver engraved with his initials might do the trick. Or if he were a fisherman, a custom designed pendant of his favorite sport fish would be a wonderful accent on a chain.

A Hawaiian ring in silver or gold engraved with his name would be great, or a link neck chain or bracelet.

Dads also deserve diamonds and gems. A diamond ring with his initials might be appropriate.

We can teach you all about buying dad a diamond or colored stone. If you can’t find dad the jewelry he deserves, we can help you custom design it.

Brenda Reichel, owner of Carats & Karats Fine Jewelry, is a graduate gemologist, member of the International Society of Appraisers, and proprietor of an AGA-certified Gem Laboratory. She can be reached at 593-8122. Visit Brenda’s website at: www.caratsandkarats.com.