Health

Living Well

Wednesday, May 2nd, 2012

Living WellMolokai programs that promote a healthy lifestyle

Adults on Molokai currently have the highest rate of smoking, binge drinking and obesity when compared to others in Maui County, according to the latest Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) –the largest continuously conducted telephone health survey in the world. For many residents, those habits can mean shorter lifespans, restricted activity and less fulfilling lives. But there are many programs on the island that can assist those looking to make a change and help improve those statistics.

Last week, the Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) hosted a town hall meeting at Kulana `Oiwi Halau to discuss ways to reduce tobacco use, eat healthier, stay physically active and manage or prevent chronic diseases.…

Talking Mandarin

Thursday, April 26th, 2012

Community Contributed

By Glenn I. Teves, County Extension Agent, UH CTAHR CES

A cold, sweet, juicy mandarin is just the fruit for a hot day, and is high in Vitamin C. But what exactly is a mandarin? Mandarins are a group of closely related citrus, including tangerines, tangors, tangelos, and tantangelos. Tangelos are created by crossing a grapefruit or pomelo with a tangerine, while a tangor is a cross between a tangerine and an orange. A tantangelo is a tangerine crossed with a tangelo or between two tangelos. A mandarin crossed with a lemon is a lemandarin. After that, the rest are called citrus hybrids.…

Kudos for Kumu Farms

Wednesday, April 25th, 2012

Kudos for Kumu Farms

Molokai farm commended for business and service.

As one of Molokai’s longest-standing and most successful farms, Kumu Farms knew they were headed in the right direction. Over the past 30 years, they have become the largest exporter of organic papaya to the U.S. mainland, according to owner Grant Schule. About four years ago, they expanded their market to serve the local community, offering residents and visitors of Molokai a variety of organic produce fresh from the fields of the 120 acre-farm in Ho`olehua.

Their efforts were confirmed last month, when Kumu Farm’s commitment to agriculture and the community won them two awards — Edible Hawaiian Islands Magazine’s Local Heroes farm category, and the County of Maui’s Exceptional Small Business Award.…

Drug Disposal Day

Sunday, April 22nd, 2012

Molokai Drugs News Release

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has scheduled another National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day which will take place on Molokai at Molokai Drugs on May 2 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. This is a great opportunity for those who missed the previous events or who have accumulated unwanted, unused prescription drugs, to safely dispose of those medications.

“This is a nation-wide effort to dispose of medications correctly so it protects our oceans and water systems and keeps drugs from getting into the hands of people it doesn’t belong to,” said Molokai Drugs Pharmacist Kelly Go. “It gives Molokai residents the opportunity to hand over their unused or expired medications correctly.”…

Redeeming Lives

Sunday, April 22nd, 2012

Redeeming Lives

Drug court judge retires after helping hundreds.

Imagine being a young parent in an unhappy, abusive relationship. Feeling hopeless, you turn to drugs and before you know it, you’re facing jail time for crimes you committed under the influence. But thanks to Second Circuit Court Judge Shackley Raffetto, who believes that for many, staying out of prison and getting some help can mean all the difference – you could trade the cell for a classroom.

Raffetto is responsible for bringing a drug court and treatment program to Molokai, and held his last graduation ceremony on the island last week before he retires.…

Looking for Nutrition

Wednesday, April 18th, 2012

Looking for Nutrition

Community Contributed

By Glenn I. Teves, County Extension Agent, UH CTAHR

One of man’s greatest achievements was the domestication of plants for food, but in the words of Jacob Bronowski, “Humans domesticated crops, then crops domesticated humans.” Many of us think we eat a balanced diet, but interestingly enough, we all lack some basic nutrients. Our domesticated crops supply some of our most important nutrients and other health enhancing compounds. A good example is Vitamin C, only found in fruits and vegetables.

At least half of the U.S. population is deficient in Vitamins A, C, K, and probably E, in addition to Calcium, Magnesium, and fiber.…

5K Team Kualapu`u

Wednesday, April 18th, 2012

5K Team Kualapu`u

Community Contributed

By Sue Forbes

The final tryout race for Kualapu`u School’s 5K Running Team was held on Saturday, April 14 on the Coffee’s of Hawaii plantation course. Thirty runners completed the course, with the top six runners in each division receiving awards. After the awards, the Kualapu`u School team that will compete in the Honolulu 5K for Kids on April 29 was announced. Team members include Kaina Adolpho, Ikua Deponte, Nainoa Kahale, Rafael Adolpho, Ikena Deponte, and CJ Adolpho for the boys. For the girls, Keaheakekehau Ross, Ayla-Rose Naehu-Ramos, Genevieve Kikukawa, and Noelani Helm were selected. Race organizers would like to thank the Molokai community and all visiting runners who have participated and supported their series of races over the past year.…

Letters: Losing Big

Wednesday, April 18th, 2012

Letters: Losing Big

Congratulations to all the men and women who have worked so hard over the last three months in the weight loss challenge. If you’re willing to change, we are willing to help, building a better life for your ohana one day at a time. We would also like to thank all of you who have given us the chance to get to know you and your ohana. Without all of you, none of this would be possible.

Kaunakakai
1, Kehau Puaa 19.2 lbs = 11.085 % of body weight
2. Andrew Arce 23.4 lbs = 9.353 %
3. Kuulei Arce 11.4 lbs = 6.182 %

Maunaloa
1.…

Honolulu 5K Tryout Results

Wednesday, April 11th, 2012

Honolulu 5K Tryout Results

Community Contributed

By Sue Forbes-Kikukawa

The first tryout race for Kualapu`u School’s 5K Running Team was held on Saturday, March 31 on the Coffees of Hawaii plantation course. A special thank you goes out to the following volunteers who helped make this event happen: Kiku Donnelly, Katina Soares, Ian Haskins, Joyce Haase, Nohea Deponte, and Jesse Ford.

The second and final tryout for the 5K team that will compete on Oahu will be held on Saturday, April 14. Registration will begin at 7:30 a.m. at Coffees. Adult registration fee is $10. Youth race for free. Start time is 8 a.m.

Results from Saturday’s 5K:

Boys
1.…

Disability Fair 2012

Wednesday, April 11th, 2012

HCIL News Release

Hawaii Centers for Independent Living (HCIL) will host the second annual Disability Fair at Kulana `Oiwi Complex on Wednesday, April 25 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Kaunakakai HCIL hosts this event to bring awareness to services and resources available for persons with permanent disabilities. The theme will be “Walk in my shoes and see the world through my eyes.”

Legendary Hawaiian comedian Frank DeLima will MC this year’s event. It is anticipated to be much larger than last year’s event with over 30 vendors, crafters, as well as hourly presentations at the QLCC conference room.

HCIL is a non-profit agency dedicated to ensuring the rights of people with disabilities to live fully integrated in the community with equal opportunities and choices for life.…