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Health

Molokai Fitness: Why Are We Getting Overweight?

Wednesday, November 12th, 2014

Community Contributed

By Ayda Ersoy

Do we get fat because we overeat? Or do we overeat because our fat tissue and our genetics effect our body and cause it to accumulate excess fat? Actually both are true to some extent.  Remember that anything that you eat that’s beyond your immediate need for energy creates new body fat.

A study by Colorado University showed that one third of all women and one quarter of all men in the U.S. are on a diet right now! I could tell you endless reasons why we struggle with our weight, and why being overweight is connected with so many other health problems, but here are a few of them: Increased portion size of restaurant food and grocery products; Mislabeling on the packaged food; Artificial sweeteners; Soft drinks; Consuming many more calories than we need; Sedentary lifestyle; Increased intake of processed food; Increased sugar intake; Using food for our emotional needs, or giving it as a “gift” to our kids; We are not paying attention to our bodies actual need for food.…

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Continuing Quest in Sexual Violence Prevention

Wednesday, November 12th, 2014

Consuelo Foundation, Molokai News Release

The Consuelo Team of Molokai continues to do primary education on the prevention of sexual violence with an emphasis on prevention of child sexual abuse.  In September, we had a two-day training session with the Sexual Abuse Treatment Center facilitated by the Education Coordinator HaeOk Miller.  In lieu of our training, women from different on-island agencies were invited to have lunch on Sept. 5 with HaeOk.  The discussion included on how we all can collaborate as a community to protect our children against this prevalent but quiet issue.

On Oct. 16, Dr. Barry Coyne, state prison psychologist, had an opportunity to meet with both on-island agencies and community members discussing what happens to “sex offenders” and how they are rehabilitated back into the community. …

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Molokai Fitness: Behavior Change

Wednesday, October 29th, 2014

Community Contributed

By Ayda Ersoy

Why do we create habits? If something feels good, then most likely we will do it again and again, even if it is not really doing us good. But our body starts automatically doing it, without thinking about it. Our body takes control over our mind.

And why then is it so hard when we try to break our habits? Because a change, or a new habit, feels uncomfortable, unfamiliar. We are trying to change ourselves without changing the way we think. We can’t change the way we feel, or what we do, if we don’t first change the way we think.…

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Child & Family Service Celebrates New Office

Wednesday, October 29th, 2014

Child & Family Service Celebrates New Office

When Child & Family Service (CFS) first arrived on Molokai in 2008, staff members worked with families in a one-room building in Kualapu`u, according to Nicole Hokoana, CFS’s Director of Maui County Programs. Six years later, CFS has a new, seven-room office on Kaunakakai’s main street, a fresh location for Hawaii’s oldest human service nonprofit.

“We’re all here because we have one thing in common: we love our children,” said Kahu Jimmy Duvauchelle, who came to help bless the new location last Friday. “We wanna give them nothing but the best.”

CFS, which helps families through serious issues that include domestic violence and sexual assault, went from the small building in Kualapu`u to a location next to Hometown Goods on Kaunakakai’s main street.…

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Medical Directives and Financial Powers of Attorney: Why Do I Need These?

Thursday, October 23rd, 2014

Community Contributed

By Maria Sullivan, Attorney

Many of us have an aunty who suffered a stroke, then spent months in the hospital before she passed away.  Not only was it difficult for Aunty, but also for her family.  One of the many decisions that had to be made was about Aunty’s health care, because she couldn’t communicate who she wanted to carry out her medical wishes. Doctors spoke to the family and asked them to consider filing a Guardianship Court case, and the Court would determine who would make decisions for Aunty.  But if Aunty had signed an Advance Health Care Directive and Medical Power of Attorney (generally referred to as a Medical Directive), the decision making and entire medical process would have been easier for Aunty and for the family.…

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Flushing Cesspools Down the Toilet

Wednesday, October 22nd, 2014

Hawaii relies on its cesspools more than any state in the nation, according to the Department of Health (DOH), and officials want to change that. The DOH is proposing revised rules that would prevent new cesspools from being built and require switching to septic tanks if owners sell property with a cesspool on it. Before installing septic systems, they must make sure that the professional they hired is knowledgeable of details like a Septic Tank Bacteria.

The DOH feels that “Hawaii has fallen behind all other states in eliminating cesspool pollution,” according to an informational handout that Sina Pruder, an official from the DOH’s Wastewater Branch, reviewed in a public hearing on Molokai on Oct.…

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Waving a Message

Wednesday, October 8th, 2014

Waving a Message

Youth got together to share a message promoting healthy lifestyles last week. A sign waving in conjunction with National Recovery Month helped educate the Molokai community about mental or substance abuse disorders and the treatments available.

Hosted by Alu Like’s Hoala Hou program and the Ho`i Ho`i Leadership Group, the annual sign waving was held this year on Sept. 26. Ho`i Ho`i Leadership Group is comprised of eight middle and high school students who participate in weekly lessons, activities and service projects through Alu Like, according to Jana Sasada, program supervisor.

“Our Ho’i Ho’i Leadership Group plays a big role in organizing, planning and preparing all of our community activities and service projects,” said Sasada.  …

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Changes to Cesspools and Wastewater Systems

Wednesday, October 8th, 2014

 

There are changes to rules about cesspools and wastewater systems taking place, and the Hawaii State Department of Health (DOH) is soliciting public comments and holding meetings around the state, including Molokai.

Proposed changes include prohibiting the installation of new cesspools and requiring connections or upgrades of existing cesspools to septic systems within 180 days after sale of property. This is a great reminder that homeowners with septic tanks should schedule a septic tank pumping service every three years or so. The septic tank pumping maintenance will help the overall health of your septic system and prevent costly repairs. Those who have their homes connected to the municipal sewer system are also encouraged to have their sewer lines checked and repaired with the help of a sewer line repair contractor.…

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DOH Director Vows Continued Support for Kalaupapa

Wednesday, October 8th, 2014

State Department of Health (DOH) Director Dr. Linda Rosen has a soft spot for Kaluapapa, but her term is nearing its end, and she visited the settlement last week to speak with residents there personally.

“I just want to let you know what a privilege it has been to be the director of the Department of Health and to have the privilege to be involved with Kalaupapa,” Rosen said.

Rosen, a political appointee, was appointed by Gov. Neil Abercrombie in February to fill a vacancy created by the death of former director Loretta Fuddy. With a new governor being elected in November, there will be a change in all of the appointed directors.…

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Molokai Fitness: Motivate Yourself

Wednesday, October 1st, 2014

Community Contributed

By Ayda Ersoy

What is your motivation? What keeps you going and working towards your work, life, or health goals? What do you enjoy doing?

Your motivation comes from understanding the big “why” you are doing what you do. When you understand the reason why, you will get much more energized.

If you really want to achieve your goals, but you are lacking motivation, then take a moment and do this exercise. Close your eyes and just imagine that you have already reached your goal. Imagine how that feels. Imagine looking in the mirror and telling yourself “I did it!”…

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