Facilities Scheduling at the VJCC
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 Mr. Jim Akioka |
By Alexa Giffen | |
| Considering the dozens of clubs, activities, and meetings that occur on a daily basis at the Center, it’s a wonder that everything runs with few, if any, complications. However, this flawless scheduling isn’t based on luck, but rather the hard work of Mr. Jim Akioka. |
After taking over the management duties from Mr. Shig Gamachi in 1976, with the exception of the two years that he served as President of the Community Center, Mr. Akioka has worked tirelessly to manage the Center’s schedule and upkeep. Anyone planning to hold any kind of event or meeting at the Center must contact him in order to make sure that these plans go through. While planning the schedule for one event is hard work, Mr. Akioka also works to make sure that the 120 events that happen every year at the Center run smoothly. Without his efforts, accidentally sharing a room with a different club would likely be more common than not. Luckily for today’s members, the Center still thrives thanks to the hard work of Mr. Akioka. When asked about his duties, Mr. Akioka responded happily that he finds the work satisfying and expressed gratitude towards those who work with him to help keep everything running. So the next time you find yourself meeting at the Center, thank not only your friends for meeting you there, but Mr. Jim Akioka as well for making it possible for you to do so. |
 1989 Shinnen Enkai: Jim receiving a plaque congratulating him on his "retirement" as Facilities Manager...retirement lasted for about 2 years. |
 1997 Bonenkai: Jim with wife, June. |
 2006 Sinnen Enkai; Ken Sogabe, Jim and Kuni Nishiya enjoying a chuckle. |
Senior Moments - Diabetes in Older Adults
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By Aileen Hongo (Source: National Institute on Aging and American Diabetes Association) Diabetes is a disease where the body cannot produce or does not properly use insulin, thereby raising blood sugar levels. Our bodies convert the food we eat into glucose. Insulin helps to change glucose that fuels the cells for energy. Left untreated, diabetes can result in a multitude of health problems including heart attack, stroke, gum disease, circulatory problems and/or kidney failure. |
There are two kinds of diabetes. In type 1 diabetes, the body does not produce insulin and develops most often in children or young adults but can happen at any age. The more common type 2 diabetes is sometimes called adult-onset diabetes. In type 2 diabetes, the body produces insulin but doesn’t properly utilize it and can also be deficient. Chances of type 2 diabetes are higher with obesity, lack of exercise and family history of diabetes.
More than half of the 16 trillion Americans that are estimated to have diabetes are over age 60. People with type 2 diabetes may not even know they have it. Symptoms include lethargy, excessive thirst, weight loss or frequent urination. Check with your doctor if you experience these symptoms. Blood tests can confirm your glucose levels and if necessary, a treatment program. Managing diabetes may include a program of tracking glucose levels, insulin therapy, healthy food choices and getting enough physical activity.
The incidence of diabetes tends to increase progressively with age as physical activity decreases along with the tendency to gain weight. Coexisting conditions, such as hypertension, increase the challenge of treating diabetes in older people. Economic barriers, lack of transportation and isolation can also hinder older adults from seeking treatment. Complications can result in untreated diabetes, such as vision problems, gum disease, and circulatory issues with limbs. If one is caring for an elderly parent/grandparent, it can be difficult to get them to adhere to strict dietary and exercise guidelines. Getting family and friends involved or joining a support group may help the individual stay on track.
Medicare has programs to assist with diabetes tests, foot exams, eye test and meal planning. For more information on Medicare coverage, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or visit their website at www.medicare.gov/Health/Diabetes.asp.
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) will be hosting a “Diabetes EXPO” tradeshow, providing an array of diabetes-related products, services and information. It will be held at the Long Beach Convention Center, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., on Saturday, April 25. For more information, visit the ADA website at http://www.diabetes.org or call (323)966-2890 ext 7503.
The information provided on this column is intended to provide helpful health and wellness information to the general public. The information is not rendered as a medical, health, psychological or other professional diagnosis, treatment or cure and should not be used in place of a call or visit to a medical professional, who should be consulted before adopting any suggestions in this column or drawing inferences from it