Health

Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s

Thursday, August 1st, 2013

Community Contributed
By Jon Mikami, RPh, and Kelly Go, RPh, Molokai Drugs, Inc.

In about 40 years, the number of older Americans with Alzheimer’s disease—a form of dementia—is likely to triple to nearly 14 million people. That’s why the U.S. government is funding extensive trials to try to get a handle on the disease—especially at its earlier stages.

In the meantime, spotting the signs of Alzheimer’s in a loved one can help you get a handle on what to do next. It isn’t always easy to know the difference between a simple memory lapse and something more serious. After all, everyone has those tip-of-the-tongue experiences once in a while.…

Special Needs Conference

Thursday, August 1st, 2013

LDAH News Release

“What do I do when my child doesn’t fit?” Join us at Kulana `Oiwi Halau on Wed. Aug. 7 from 2 to 6 p.m. to find out. This traveling mini-conference held by Learning Disabilities Association of Hawaii (LDAH) will cover health and early identifications agencies, parent to parent networking, activities and play ideas for parents, a free hearing and vision screening for keiki ages 2 to 5, and more.

Everyone from parents and professionals to community and family members experiencing special health care needs are welcome to attend. The conference will also include a look at early intervention laws, transitions from Department of Health to Department of Education services, school readiness and tips for success for your child.…

The Amazing Local Pumpkin

Thursday, August 1st, 2013

Community Contributed

By Joe Kennedy

The Filipino/Hawaiian pumpkin is totally a winner for you folks who are growers, gardeners and farmers. It’s easy to grow (just keep watering it) and it’s resistant to insects and drought — even if it gets powdery mildew, it keeps producing. To plant it, dump half a wheel barrow full of manure or, if you don’t have manure, you can use dirt from under the kiawe or koa tree. Spread it around to about three to four inches. After watering it until the ground is soaked, spread newspaper over this area two or three sheets thick.…

Don’t Know Beans?

Thursday, August 1st, 2013

Community Contributed

By Glenn I. Teves, UH County Extension Agent

Legumes or beans are high in protein, and called the meat substitute of the plant family, but what makes them unique from meat is their high water and fiber content that fills us up, and we don’t get enough fiber in our diets. The recommended weekly dietary intake of beans was recently increased three-fold to three cups a week! Of 100 foods measured for their antioxidant capacity, three beans made the top four: azuki, kidney and pinto beans.

Native to the tropics and members of the Leguminosae family, types of beans are endless including limas, wing beans, soybeans, snap or green beans, and even peas.…

Relay for Life 2013

Wednesday, July 24th, 2013

Relay for Life Molokai News Release

On Aug. 9 and 10, the American Cancer Society will be holding its seventh annual Relay for Life of Molokai. The effort began in 1985, when one man, Dr. Gordy Klatt, walked, jogged and ran around a track for 24 hours raising money for his local American Cancer Society unit. Today, it’s a worldwide movement to eliminate cancer that now takes place in more than 5,100 communities in the U.S.  and in 20 other countries around the world.

Nearly 4 million people participate in the life-changing event, which raised a total of more than $4 billion to fund the American Cancer Society’s mission.…

Breaking the Silence

Monday, July 22nd, 2013

Breaking the Silence

Vigil Remembers Malia and Kaimana Kahalewai

“I want to be the last mother standing here,” said Mary Jane Kahalewai, as she stood before community members — each holding a lit candle — remembering the lives of her children Malia and Kaimana.

A vigil gathering was held last week in their honor and other victims of domestic violence.

“God can take what is deadly… what is wrong… and something good can come out of it,” said Pastor Robert Sahagun on the Molokai Public Library lawn at dusk last Wednesday. “And that is why we’re here.”

“For us, it’s about awareness, giving aloha to the family and [letting people know] we’re available if anyone needs help,” said Wanette Lee, Program Director of Hale Ho`omalu Women’s Shelter and the Alternatives to Violence Program.…

Rooted in Wellness

Sunday, July 7th, 2013

Rooted in Wellness

Molokai returned to its roots July 5 as moms and their supporters empowered the community to live healthy lifestyles. Keiki made recycled art while moms prepared local organic food. Performers sung along to the spirit of the evening as families and organizers shared how they love the land. Besides being a night of fun and aloha, the Grassroots Benefit Concert aimed to provide a path for youth to one day be restorers of health.

“The spirit behind [the event] is to promote an awareness of health and wellness on the island and be able to offer the upcoming generation support,” said Ehulani Kane, a member of the Mom Hui, the group that organized the event.…

Weathering the Storms

Tuesday, June 18th, 2013

 

A look at disaster planning on Molokai

Hurricanes, tsunamis, flooding – catastrophes like these can quickly go from bad to worse in a place as isolated as Molokai. In the midst of disaster, the island will rely first on its own – a small team of dedicated responders who are doing their best at planning for the worst.

When a tsunami hit Hawaii three years ago, 25 out of the 29 damage cases in Maui County were from Molokai, according to the Red Cross. Though these cases didn’t qualify as a disaster, the aftermath brings with it fear of what will carry Molokai through a time of need.…

Priceless Healthcare

Wednesday, June 12th, 2013

Priceless Healthcare

Four-year-old Zooey Akutagawa stepped up to the scale to be weighed and measured. Around her were Molokai residents of all ages and backgrounds, receiving healthcare from military medical personnel. It was all part of program called Tropic Care, which brought free medical services to Maui County as part of a rapid deployment exercise.

“They have this down to a tee,” said Maui County Mayor Alan Arakawa, who was at Kaunakakai Elementary School on June 7 for the opening of the four-day operation on Molokai. Residents were lined up outside the door to receive free health, dental and vision aid. As of Saturday, the health professionals had already provided 280 individual services on Molokai.…

Island Legend: Paramedic Mel Paoa

Friday, June 7th, 2013

Island Legend: Paramedic Mel Paoa

He has helped to save countless Molokai lives. He is the longest serving, active paramedic in Maui County. He is Melvin “Mel” Paoa, Jr., the island’s first certified paramedic to serve on Molokai. And on May 30, he retired after 35 years of service.

“This is not a job, this is a love for the community and the people,” said Paoa. “I have mixed emotions on retirement. I’m not ready to divorce myself from the people.”

Paoa’s career in medical services began in 1975 as a lifeguard for the County of Maui’s Cooke Memorial Pool. While there, a county official asked if he would like to take a first aid class, which he did.…